Friday, October 17, 2008

Spectrum Supports The Pink Ribbon Campaign

by Nicole Wilkinson

As many of you may already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Wilmington hosts the annual Pink Ribbon Event each year and is on its 11th year of successful giving. Gallery owner, Star Sosa, made a conscious decision to support the campaign as a Retailer for the Ribbon.

A portion of all proceeds earned from the one-of-a-kind Akeso necklaces, designed at Spectrum, will be donated to the cause. Star, Nancy, Jane, Joyce, and Nicole, all welcomed the kickoff of the monthly event at a special breakfast that took place at the Holiday Inn Sunspree. We learned that since its inception in 1998, the Pink Ribbon event has raised more than $850,000 and provided over 4,000 "Comfort Bags" to area women as they undergo treatment for cancer. Distributed by the Zimmer Cancer Center, these bags are to bring comfort to women as they go throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment.

In addition to the Pink Ribbon Comfort Bags, the proceeds from Pink Ribbon events also provide funding for uninsured women receiving mammography through the Coastal Care Van- the region's only mobile cancer screening van. Last year, the Pink Ribbon funds provided over 400 women with mammography screenings and fourteen women with biopsies after a suspect screening mammography.

To support your local Pink Ribbon efforts, stop into Spectrum and purchase an Akeso necklace or bracelet. Named for Akeso, the Greek goddess of healing & curing, this gemstone talisman incorporated Rose Quartz for healing and self-love, Moonstone for understanding and pearls for wisdom. The dragonfly and butterfly charms remind us to take joy in the dance of life and the ever-constant process of change. Every Akeso is one-of-a-kind. Share the essence of healing.

Pearls & Politics

By Nicole Wilkinson

Why is it when I think of pearls and first ladies I immediately think of Barbara Bush? Political stylists have had a way of dressing political figure heads and spouses with dignity, grace, elegance and conservatism. This style is easily executed with a beautiful strand of pearls, or in Barbara's case, three strands. According to Peter Bazar of Imperial, Rhode Island, "If a woman is going to be taken seriously, she needs a strand of pearls...The more successful she is, the bigger the pearls."
Pearls are always in style and never out of season. Serving as a classic staple for the woman's wardrobe no matter what decade, pearls make a striking impact. Sarah Palin wore South Sea pearls for her convention night speech, "Michelle Obama's Jackie O-style strand, Cindy McCain's four-strand akoya, or Nancy Pelosi's multicolor South Seas, and all are the foundation of a well-dressed woman's jewelry wardrobe" according to Modern Jeweler. "That's the great thing about pearls, say Avi Raz of A&Z Pearls, Los Angeles. They cross party lines."
As we gear up for election day, Spectrum Art & Jewelry is excited to offer a wide variety of pearl selections to meet all of your jewelry wardrobe needs. We can accommodate all budgets and styles. Stop in today to look at our collection or have a custom designed piece! And don't forget to VOTE!

Purity Rings Popular in Teen Culture


by Nicole Wilkinson


This past week, I had a customer come into the store and ask if we sold "Purity Rings". With fascination behind the concept, I began to do some research. According to Modern Jeweler Magazine, "one of the hottest trends in the teen market today is rings that promise 'I don't' instead of 'I do'. Worn mostly by young people, the rings represent a vow to practice chastity and remain celibate until marriage."

Popular musicians, such as Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, sport such rings during concerts and public events. After being mocked by Russell Brand, a British comedian, former 2007 American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, jumped to the defense of the Jonas Brothers which caused a surge in purity ring purchases.

There is not one particular style of ring that all are wearing. Different companies and designers offer different styles, some with closed bud roses, or inscribed, Love is Patient and True Love Waits.

If you know a teen and would like to create a special gift for them for the holidays, graduation or a birthday, feel free to stop into Spectrum and meet with Star. She can design a ring for you, specific with your wants and needs which will fit your particular budget. All rings are made in-house by our master goldsmith, Michael Chapman.