My Favorite Women in Prague, Today Anyway!

Today we visited the castles and cathedral of Prague. The stories are more than I could ever record here. Over 1,000 years of history is preserved and displayed in this most beautiful setting. One huge castle was for thirty single noble women who had fallen on hard times. Pictured is one of them. Looks like a really tough life, of course this was painted before she lost her throne and money! But still isn't she stunning? Every portrait of a woman guess what they were always wearing?... Pearls, pearls and more pearls! Of course so were the guys! A real fashion statement then and now.

Did I mention there was lots of music in Prague? Everywhere we went we saw evidence of some musical performance. This young lady was typical of what we saw on the public transportation as we went to our second concert. We heard Pacobel, Bach, Vivaldi and some composers I'd never heard of. You could attend some musical performance every afternoon and evening here for a very reasonable price, say $30 for the back seats on benches!

More treasures from the European spring buying trip!

Call the shop today for details and prices.

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. suite 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

619-435-9211 or toll free 877-435-6444

My Favorite Men in Prague, today anyway!

Sometimes, I forget to thank my dear life partner, Allan for his good heart and patience as I search the world for jewelry. He is my guardian angle, as pictured here with a sculpture of  whale bones from the Pacific ocean. And the glow above his head is not his aura, though it looks like it! This was an unusually warm, sunny Sunday in Prague! We spent the day strolling in neighborhoods and parks, discovering its treasures.

We found this scrap metal sculpture on a small back street, just standing there rusting! Such a cocky guy, literally! Though he had a smug demeanor, he had a candle in a glass box in his tummy, maybe to warm his heart? And don't you just love the dog face? It so fits him!

This was a very touching monument. I'm not sure the effect is as strong in this picture, I tried capturing it from all angles. It is six 7 foot bronze nude men.The closest is in tact yet it seems to be sleepwalking, and progressively up the stairs each depiction of the same man begins to crack and disappear, until the last sculpture at the top of the stairs is just a few bronze sticks. Below explains it's message better than I could.

On a Happier Note, how 'bout these new pieces of jewelry!

These Turkish Pieces are arriving daily at our shop in Coronado!

Call Sue to receive a more complete description, believe they are very special and once they're gone, they're gone!

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. ste 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

619-435-9211 or toll free 877-435-6444

Favorites from Prague, with Dolores

Yes, I had to buy a new camera on this trip, but I can assure you this is as beautiful as the original scene was. Prague is awesome! I had no idea it would be such a sophisticated well preserved city. After a day with our tour guide I learned Prague was one of the few major European cities not destroyed during WW2, therefore the buildings are very old. The architecture is some of the most ornate, detailed I've ever seen. Every building is covered with carvings! I won't bore you with the hundreds of pictures I've already taken of buildings. The St. Charles bridge, pictured here is one of the three oldest and best preserved in Europe. It's closed to motor traffic so it's great for a moonlight stroll. Did I say how romantic this city is?

So far, I haven't really found any great jewelry! I'm sorry to report, just tons of ugly garnet and amber pieces, I just can't get into. But, there are such fun things here, like the cute puppets pictured here. I was so tempted to buy one, the cleaning lady in the beads, (4th in on the left) was my favorite. I still may go back for her! The other great thing here is the music, there are concerts everywhere of all sorts. It seems there were some great composers here, and they love music!

Favorite buys this week!  Since I haven't found anything to buy in Prague yet, I thought I'd show you a few more of my favorites from Istanbul. This gold plated and oxidized silver pendant is unique in all the world, in fact it looks like an old world piece. Enhanced with faceted crystals, rubies & emeralds make this one-of-a-kind piece a real find.I just loved the design.. It's about 1 1/2 inches long and comes with a gold plated 18 inch chain. $95 (matching earrings are also available)

Have you ever known me not to find pearls where ever I go? I'm going to start a new line of jewelry called "Not your mother's pearls" and this piece will be included. It's a real show stopper, pearls, emeralds, and rubies set in 22k gold plating and of course we must have our silk tassels! (sorry I don't remember the price, call Sue at the shop she'll know)

I waited two weeks to buy these fun bracelets! Each one is unique but all are hand sewn on a silk or tapestry background. I bought 10 pieces so call if you want to see the selection. They are too much fun and a great price! $55

If you're interested in more information on any of the pieces shown, please call Sue at the shop and she'll give you a complete description. I hope you know we guarantee everything, therefore if you order something and it doesn't meet your expectation, we'll be happy to take it back for 30days after receipt! NO worries. No hassels.

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. ste 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

619-435-9211 or toll free 877-435-6444

http://www.dforsythepearls.com/

I'm BACK...in the Grand Bazaar shopping!

It's difficult convincing people buying jewelry in the Grand Bazaar is really hard work. Especially when I send pictures to over 2,000 of our customers of me clowning around with cute guys like this one! No, I didn't buy this costume but, I did buy other fun things for our Turkish Nights party in early June (date to follow). For you not living nearby, try to make an excuse to fly into Coronado for the party. It's going to be such fun, Turkish food, music, costumes and prizes to celebrate lots of news I'll share with you all later!!!

I can't begin to tell you how delicious the Turkish food is! It's not just the kabobs but eggplant, lamb, homemade yogurt, and melons to die for. This wonderful woman and her family have owned a tiny 5 table cafe in the Bazaar for generations. Each day she serves fresh gourmet food for less than $6 per plate. And she has espresso. That may not seem like a big deal, but have you ever had dirt in your coffee? That's what Turkish coffee tastes like to me, yuck! So finding a good cup of java isn't easy! (pictured is her homemade chocolate cheesecake with sour cherry sauce)

TODAY'S FAVORITE BUYS!

I bought similar Turkish bracelets during my last visit and sold out of them so of course I found even better ones this trip. They are all 22k gold plated silver with all sorts of gemstones, pearls, druzes and the last bracelet on the right is a cameo mother of pearl with chalcedony. They have double strand leather claps. $65ea.

This is truly a stunning ring. I wanted to keep it for myself, but I have already bought myself a few too many "little souvenirs" this trip. Sooo here it is a huge green cabochon tourmaline set between two smaller garnets bezel set in gold. The silver band is a smooth beautiful oval shape. Size 7 $125

Are these not the most elegant earrings you've ever seen? They are brushed 22k gold plated over silver surrounded by oxidized silver handset with sparkly crystals. They are about one and a half inches long. $75

So you know the drill, if you want any of these picks, call Sue at the shop right away. It seems you have been calling, because many of the items featured on previous blogs have already been sold!

We're off to cold rainy Prague tomorrow, to buy czech crystal jewelry... so check my blog tomorrow for first finds!

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. ste 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

619-435-9211 or toll free 877-435-6444

LAST DAY'S FAVORITES IN ANATALY, TURKEY!

I never thought I was much of a textile person until I saw these beautiful handmade ancient pieces. I'm not sure you can tell by the picture but, it's covered in silver charms, each one hand sown. The background fabric is strips of different colored velvet. Further embellishments are white shells, glass seed beads and silk tassels. It's actually a child's garment worn during special ceremonies. It's about 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. I bought two. The second is equally amazing yet completely different. They are $200 each. I'm not sure what one would do with it, but it is so wonderful just to look at, even the underside... so much work!

After settling into a city for five days one begins to see the fine details more clearly, thus the intricate work of the local pottery. I just love the bright colors, from this orange, I'd never seen elsewhere to the traditional cobalt blue. Each piece is hand decorated and they are so inexpensive...trouble is, getting them back home without breaking, last year I took 6 home, bubble wrapped . Three broke, it seems the terracotta clay is more fragile than it looks.

My favorite purchase is this amethyst pendant. I love how the setting so matches the texture of the gemstone. There is a small gold leaf on the left side and the oxidized silver blends perfectly. It's about 1 1/2 inches long. $150

I'm not sure you'll be able to see what this ring actually looks like. It is so organic and has such beautiful thick silver curves. It's the most comfortable ring I've ever tried on. There is only one piece and it's size 7. $85

This classic set stole the day.

 This picture hardly captures the clear sparkle of these handset faceted crystals. Each is individually set in silver prongs. It's a stunning set but may be purchased separately. Pendant $95 earrings $125.

This group left with a shipment today from Antayla, due to arrive in about 7 days.

As always if you're interested in previewing any item before it's in the showroom please contact Sue today to hold it for you.

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. ste 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

619-435-9211 or toll free 877-435-6444

Anatalya, Turkey Favorites

It seemed so strange to hear Turkish spoken by this little guy! It's such a difficult language, I can hardly say "thank you" and that's after two weeks of hearing it everywhere! Thank heavens most people speak some English. Everywhere we go people seem surprised we're from America.  They always ask us about Obama. The love him!  Mostly the tourist are German, Danish or English.

Even though some the buildings in the old city look like the one picturedon the right, many look like the one on the

left. Two years ago there was a law passed that didn't allow old buildings to be restored.

I'm sure it seemed like a good idea at the time, but unfortunately, they are beginning to crumble. Of course I loved seeing these 300 year old homes as they were. In addition to them falling apart they have become very valuable. The old one shown here is for sale for $300,000 US dollars!  Eat your heart out Donald Trump!

And now a preview of my purchases today!  

This is a RING! It's a style I've seen often in Turkey, but never in the US. The two pieces are not joined together, this make it a one-size-fits-all ring. A luscious green agate cabochon is matched with handset pronged crystals. It's set in 22k gold plate over sterling - $95

This pair of carnelian earrings are hand engraved. They are set in 22k gold plating over sterling. The actual stone size is about 1/2 inch. $95

This is my most favorite of the day. Of course, everyone loves moonstone and this is so beautifully set in heavy spun silver. The matched set was the first I've ever found. Ring:$250, pendant:$195, earrings:$95.

I'm sorry to say each piece shown is one-of-a-kind. I can't seem to buy in multiples very well, since I look for "unique jewelry from around the world"!!

All of these pieces are still with me and won't ship to my shop in Coronado until Thursday. But, you can call Sue now to reserve any pieces you'd like to preview before she puts it out.

Or visit our shop at:

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. suite 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

691-435-9211 or toll free 877-435-6444

More Favorites from Dolores in Turkey!

Don't get excited I haven't taken up smoking, though it looks very enticing here! Local people sit around on large comfortable pillows on the floor puffing on these water pipes drinking tea for hours. The aroma is delicious. Nargile, is the name of the "pipe" and there are over 50 flavors of tobacco; mint, orange, vanilla and lavender to name a few. I don't think they actually inhale the smoke, I think it's just for looks!

One of the most amazing things about Turkey is how artifacts from ancient times are just laying around everywhere! This piece of a column is from the 5th century and it was just there in an empty lot between buildings. So much history living side by side with shops selling chips and cola and kids play among them wearing t-shirts from their favorite soccer team.

 This is definitely a one-of-a-kind piece! the huge 13mm baroque pearls and gemstones make this a timeless piece that's sure to draw attention!

The background is antique silk and it was handmade by the women in Turkmenistan. They save every scrap of material to be remade into beautiful jewelry. I guess we haven't invented recycle as beautifully as they have. $195

Yes, it's big ring but certainly not as large as shown! The 22k etched gold plated dome is a classic design  surrounded by silver pronged crystals, that could easily be mistaken for diamonds. Sorry you can't see the back it's beautiful and rather heavy! I bought 2 - $250

This shipment had just arrived at the shop in Coronado so call Sue today to reserve these pieces for your review, or if you're near by drop by the shop

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. Suite 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

619-435-9211 or toll free 877-435-6444

Four More Favorites from Antalya, Turkey

So, what's not to love about Turkey! You may be wondering..."where's her husband, Allan." He's taking the picture, of course! Don't you agree he looks like a very young John Travolta? He was our adorable driver, not much English buy certainly better than my Turkish. Of course he was young enough to be my son but, he certainly could have a career as a "toy boy"!

This is by far my favorite store in this small harbor city of Kaleici, Antalya - A 200 year old CANDY STORE!

Pictured is the "sweet" owner and above his head on the wall is his father, who owned the shop for 50 years! And if you look very closely you'll see Allan reflected in a mirror on the same wall. This shop carries the very best Jordan almonds I've ever had. We sampled until we had sugar highs then bought bags to take home, including Allan's favorite, Halveh. This was certainly a treat!

I found these ancient Turkish Heybe bags in the old town market. They were used in the old days to carry gold coins. I just love that they are so elaborately decorated on both sides. I only found two so far.  They are approx. 9" long and 6" wide.$95ea




This is actually 3 rings that fit together

Each is oxidized silver with 22k gold plated prongs.The stones are pink sapphires and the center ring is crystals. I love that they can be worn as one ring or individually. I only bought one. $250

The ring has been shipped to the shop; the Heybe bags are still with me. If you're intereted in having Sue hold any of the items shown for  your review please call her today:

619-435-9211 toll free 877-435-6444

Or visit the shop:

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. suite 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

More Favorites from Istanbul

These are the women who make the Turkish pieces I just can't resist! This is a real behind the scenes look from the Bazaar. After spending almost seven hours with Sami, the shop owner I began asking about the designers. So it takes me down a dark alley, into an old run down stone building that looks 1,000 years old and there sit these young women with a jewelry designer's dream come true, every thing you could ever imagine to make beautiful jewelry! (Somehow though I kinda expected them to be a bit more hip!)

Talk about hip! These kind of outrageous shoes where in every shop, in fact I bought a pair of purple metallic colored soft soft soft leather boots, how could a girl resist. I know I'll never wear those high high heels again but, it's still fun to look and try them on. Turkish leather is some of the finest in the world. As you can see they can make anything, watch out Jimmy Choo!

One of my favorite buys were these beautiful bangles! Ok, someday you and I may have the real 22k ones with gemstones but for now, how 'bout 22k gold plated? Bulgari look a likes for sure. I only bought 12 so call Sue to hold your trio! Turquoise, garnet, coral & malachite.

This necklace is an example of the beautiful workmanship of the Turkmenistan people in eastern Turkey. They combine unusual gemstones and chunky gold plated pendants with silk, buttons and tiny golden charms and coins. The unique imagination of each one is of course one-of-a-kind. And believe it or not it really isn't that heavy! Lots going on here so no need for ruffles or fancy clothes!

Since yesterday's blog we've already sold the pieces shown, so I really mean it, if you want any pieces you see call Sue Anderson and ask her to hold it for your review!

Call toll free 877-435-6444 or 619-435-9211

or drop by the shop:

d Forsythe Pearls

1136 Loma Ave. ste 203

Coronado, Ca. 92118

http://www.dforsythepearls/.

And please send this blog along to all your girlfriends http://dforsythepearls.blogspot.com/

Turkish Delighs - My Favorite Things

During our adventures in Turkey and Prague I'll try to focus on 3 favorites things each day and share them on my blog. Your comments are welcome!

Today I had my first Turkish bath. It was truly an memorable experience! I've had tons of massages but this...whew. And to think Turkish massges can be traced back to the time of the pharaohs. The building (crystal chandelier is pictured) was built of gray marble in 1454. It felt warm and ancient like a tomb.... so here's what happened:  First the masseur splashed warm water on me.  I laid down on a hot marble platform to relax. Afterwards he scrubbed me really hard all over. Then he gave me a deep tissue massage with fragrant oil, finally he soaped me  in a bubble massage and rinsed me off with a water hose.  Again Ilaid  on the marble. By the way, "he" my masseuse, spoke only Turkish, he never spoke a word to me, nor I to him. It took almost three hours! Afterwards,I felt like a wet noodle.

This manicure is all the rage here. Not only does this young woman have an evil eye painted on each nail she also had red dye stained around the cuticles. It looked great on her. If I had time I'd do it, kinda made my blue polish seem out of date!

These are my two favorite picks for purchases in the Grand Bazaar today. The moonstone ring with pink sapphires is about the size shown. It's set in 22k gold plating and sterling.

This is  one of a kind Turkish style necklace. The center is an ancient piece of a famous tapestry embellished with crystals, coral and turquoise. The strand of interesting gemstones was designed to match the colors of the fabric. It's very flexible and easy to wear.

I've already sent two big UPS boxes to the shop from Turkey!

If you're interested in either of these pieces call Sue Anderson today and she'll hold it for your review.

Sue will be working as quickly as possible to upload the new merchandise onto the website.
So stay turned.

http://www.dforsythepearls.com/

Phone: 619-435-9211 or toll free 877-435-6444

Or drop by the shop at
d Forsythe Pearls
1136 Loma Ave. ste 203
Coronado, Ca. 92118