The Best in Birmingham!

Birmingham Patch is a website devoted to, you guessed it, all things Birmingham. Community news, events, and happenings can all be found in one place. The Patch is taking votes for the Best Jewelry Store in Birmingham. Now through July 9 you can place your vote (for us, please!) by leaving a it in the comments section.

Check out Birmingham Patch, and all its local knowledge and don't forget to vote for us here!

The Ruth Ellis Center

Gary & Jody attended a fundraiser for the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park.  The event took place at the David Whitney Building downtown (isn't it gorgeous?). Chefs from around the city served an amazing dinner with wine matching while funds were raised for this much-needed organization.

The Ruth Ellis Center provides long and short-term safe space and support services for runaway, homeless, and at-risk LGBTQ youth in Detroit and surrounding southeastern Michigan. 

Laura Hughes (center) is the executive director of the Ruth Ellis Center. 

According to the Ruth Ellis Center website, up to an estimated 800 homeless LGBT youth are on the streets every day, in Detroit alone. Visit the website to read more about this incredible organization and find out how you can get involved. Also, visit their Facebook page.

A little thank you

GIVEAWAY TIME

As promised, here is the gorgeous bracelet we're giving away this month! It's a sterling silver cuff with an intricate pattern, and as you know, diamonds throughout.  Maybe you've seen it on the site? Year round gorgeousness that will look good with everything. Wear it alone or stack it with other wrist bits and pieces. And for the gentlemen: what special someone wouldn't love being gifted this? 

All you have to do is:

Like us on Facebook 

-- You'll gain access to an exclusive coupon code just for liking us. Go to the "Your Gift" tab under our cover photo.

Join our mailing list (we promise, no spam!) 

-- You'll know of sales events and exclusive deals before everyone else. In addition, you'll receive a $25 gift card to Astrein's towards a purchase of $250, just for signing up.

Leave a comment

-- Leave a comment under this post and let us know what you think of the giveaway!

(If you've already liked us or joined our mailing list, just skip that step!)

That's it! One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Sunday, July 1st!

*no purchase necessary*

FREE STUFF!!

Who says you don't get somethin' for nothin'?

Join our mailing list and get a free $25 gift card just for signing up. No, you read that right. In addition to getting said $25 off, you'll be amongst the first to know about exclusive deals, and store sales events!

And don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook for access to coupon codes, industry news, community happenings, and fun giveaways. 

Not your grandmother's pearls

Warm weather means espadrilles, cute shorts, and (these days) cropped tops. It also means in with the fun, lightweight summertime jewelry!

This month's A-list Must Have of the Month is the adorable Pearls by the Yard necklace. A sterling silver cable link chain with 27 tiny white pearls. 16″-18″ length.

Pearls are no longer for tea time and bouffants - grandma's favorite accessory has gotten a major update! Wear a single strand for a delicate, ladylike look, a 'la Angelina Jolie, or layer tens of strands for a night out - think, "What Would Madonna Do?"

Long or short, delicate or chunky, and running the gamut of colors, pearls are back in a big way. And no matter how they're worn, they ooze elegance, romance, and an all-around, pulled togetherness. Let's face it; some days we need all the help we can get. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, slip on a strand, and feel just a little bit classier. And with the Pearls by the Yard A-list price of $49, you don't have to have to break the bank to do so.

Necklaces not your thing? Check out the gorgeous pearl earrings and bracelets in stock.

And the winner is...

As you know, we're been one of the proud members of the Birmingham Jewelers Association and have been participating in the Annual High School Jewelry Competition that began in April. The awards ceremony was held on Monday at the Birmingham Community House. You voted for your favorite pieces and the results are in!

Congratulations, Ellie!

Ellie won first place for her gorgeous piece entitled, "Upside Down Becomes Right Side Up" 

Here are some photos from the night's events

 Some of our fellow Jewelers of Birmingham members

 Some of the talented high school students

 Photos courtesy of the Jewelers of Birmingham

Congratulations to all the students - We look forward to this competition every year, and the entries were truly inspiring.

The High School Jewelry Competition entries are now on display!

Stop by the Jewelers of Birmingham stores to see the local high school student jewelry pieces now on display! As we mentioned, we are a member of the Jewelers of Birmingham and have been participating in this event since 2006. It is a great way to showcase local student talent and support area high schools.

Local high school juniors and seniors submit their original jewelry pieces for a chance to win $500, $250, and $100 prizes. Pieces are displayed in Birmingham jewelry stores from April 18 - May 2, with the awards ceremony on May 7 at the Birmingham Community House.

Come by and see some of the amazing pieces designed and created by talented local students, support the arts, and vote for your favorite!

Here are the 4 pieces on display at Astrein's

Amazing, right?

 "Ring" by Alex Eaton

 "Carribean Conch" by Tara Van Cleave

 Honorable Mention "Flower Bouquet" by Mollie Hansen

"Necklace" by Stefan Withrow