Around this time every year I really start to think about jewelry. I love jewelry. Really love it. Wear it all the time. Buy it pretty often…Anyway, I think the reason I really start to contemplate it in the autumn is because my birthday and Christmas are approaching, and not only do I add sparklers to my wish lists, but I dress up more during the holidays and like to complement my outfits with great accessories. For several years now I’ve been saying that I want to start building a collection of real gems. They don’t have to be extravagant; I just want to have a few genuine articles.

This isn’t to say I don’t love costume jewelry. I have some fabulous faux gems, and some are vintage pieces from my grandmother and great-grandmother. I buy most of my jewelry at Target, because it’s affordable, cool-looking, and I can wear it on a day-to-day basis without too much worry. I had a ring phase a few years ago, followed by a necklace phase, and this year I’m having a bracelet phase. I can’t seem to get enough of them, and I like to wear them all piled on, with lots of different styles and textures. So naturally, when I was browsing at target.com this week, I found these two pieces that are just fabulous:

The Baroque Hinged Cutout Bracelet, which is only $10.79!

The Burnished Goldtone Flex Bracelet, which is just $14.99!

As for my collection of real gemstones, it’s pretty small right now. I have my aquamarine and diamond wedding band, a diamond ring from my mom, a ruby ring from a friend, a garnet ring from my parents, and a set of pearls (necklace, bracelet and earrings) from my dad. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s a pretty good sized collection, but what can I say? I want more! I had a diamond necklace at one time, but the whereabouts of that particular bauble are currently under debate.

So, I decided to buy myself a present. I’ve been eyeing these peridot earrings for two years now, so I’m going to bite the bullet. I have to go to the jewelry store anyway this week, and if these are in stock, I’m bringing them home.

I also stumbled across these stunning ruby, mother-of-pearl, and diamond earrings. I can’t afford them right now, but they really aren’t that outrageously expensive, and they are just so gorgeous. They are definitely on my list of things to save up for…