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

FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL AWARDS GALA

One of the interesting things about being in the fashion business is attending the parties!
Ok, so San Diego is not one of the fashion trend-setting cities, but honey, when we dress up...WE DRESS UP! Well, maybe not the guy on the right but, guess what, he designed all the "goth" jewelry the others in this picture are wearing. I loved it! Some of the trends that were WOW:

• Lots of flower jewelry
• Pastels and black together
• High, high and I mean high heels
• Full short skirts with lotsa toile!

It was not just a young crowd; the women pictured here were beautifully embelished in feathers and bling and looked like a million bucks and what fun they were having strutting their stuff!







This women was so exotic and of course she loved our jewelry. The piece she is wearing in the picture looked like it was made for her. Everyone stopped to admire her. Check out the details of this gold mother of pearl and gold pearl necklace on our website. ($300)

This is Alexandra Rosa, Executive Producer and co-host of Art Rocks! Talk Show, "Where art, fashion & lifestyles collide." She interviewed me for her show, I'll let you know when it airs...

Don't forget, we add new pieces to the website daily and if you order something and decide it's not what you wanted, we'll take it back, no questions asked.

http://www.dforsythepearls.com/

or call us toll free 877-435-6444

or come visit us at the shop:

1136 Loma Ave. Suite 203

Coronado, CA 92118

My New York Times Debut in the Retirement Section!

It's sometimes hard to believe I am retirement age! I know all of us baby boomers who are in our sixties struggle with the whole concept of aging. I still think of myself as just another woman who finished menopause and had a little face work but still certainly not old!

So, when I was asked to be in an article about my local gym for the NY Times I, of course, thought it would be in the Health & Fitness section, at the least, but NOOO...not the Fashion or Style section, either, but the RETIREMENT section! And certainly not wearing some cute outfit and the cool jewelry from my shop but ,of all things, my gym clothes!

Ok, another wake up call!

If you're interested in reading the article here's the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/business/retirementspecial/04GYM.html

If you're not interested in reading the article, check out my website to see some really cool jewelry instead!
http://www.dforsythepearls.com/

And so it goes,
Dolores

The Betsy Girls shop till they drop at d Forsythe Pearls!

Wow, what a night! These amazing executive women in the cable industry dropped by our shop last week and it turned into a magical party of soul sisters.

Grace (back row, far right) was the first to find us and brought all her "sisters" by later. We now have Grace's quote on our quote board - "If you can't hide it...decorate it!"  And boy, did they!

Thank you, new friends, for sharing your laughter, warmth and money with us!  And come back soon - we'll feed you better next time - promise. Wine and nuts for dinner isn't quite good enough for our special guests.

By the way, just to let the rest of our clients know, we're always ready for a jewelry party, just let us know in advance and we'll have plenty of drinks, snacks and "consideration trays" for all of you!

Lily,(third from the left) just to remind you of the pieces you left on your tray, here's the necklace no one could believe you left behind... it still has your name on it. Hurry and call us now 'cause everyone has seen it!

                              Golden Jade ring $95

                                                              Carved Jade necklace $175

And just a reminder, we can be reached at:
http://www.dforsythepearls.com/
619-435-9211
our shop address is
1136 Loma Ave. ste 203
Coronado, Ca. 92118
                                                 Come see us ya'll!
                                        Dolores