Plain slip-on gold bangles are timeless choices, adding an upscale touch that’s never stuffy. The width of these bracelets makes a bit of a difference in their appearance, with narrow versions appearing light and airy and wider designs providing a look that’s bold and eye-catching.

At approximately 1/3 inch wide, the 8mm 14K Gold Flat Bangle Bracelet is the perfect size for everyday wear and, since it’s designed to a last a lifetime, you really can let it perk up your look day after day and year after year. This bracelet is made to order with the upmost of care, hand-crafted from solid 14K yellow gold to make it a piece that’s truly precious and truly one of a kind. While this piece is already heavier than the average mass-produced bangle, you can customize it so that it’s even more substantial.

If your taste tends toward one-of-a-kind statement pieces, don’t miss the Butterfly Bangle Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold! This piece provides the perfect balance between daring and delicate: while the size of this piece is bold, the design that adorns it is distinctly feminine and airy. Three butterflies seem to hover weightlessly above this gleaming yellow gold piece, filled with filigree-like designs that add a big dose of elegance and just the right touch of whimsy.

Layering is trendy right now, not only for your clothing, but also for your jewelry. Bangles, especially thin styles, are popular layering pieces, and Apples of Gold’s Set of 3 Tri-Color Gold Intertwining Bangle Bracelets provides a layered look with the convenience of one easy, slip-on piece. Three slender intertwining bangles, one of cool white gold, one of sunny yellow gold and one of warm rose gold, complement one another and work together to create a piece that would partner well with jewelry of any color.

Hinged bangle bracelets provide all of the sophistication of traditional bangles, while giving them an ease of wear that allows you to slip them on at a moment’s notice. The Swirl Hinged Bangle Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold is a versatile example of this easy-on, easy-off quality. This classy piece adorns a gleaming bangle with a swirling texture that’s just as versatile as its more traditional counterpart. This motif provides a sense of movement that makes it a lively—and lovely—accent. At a quarter inch wide, there’s no place that this bracelet can’t go.

Of all gold bracelets, bangles often provide the greatest stylistic impact. The flawless styling, top-quality precious metals and timeless appeal of the bangles in Apples of Gold’s collection make these pieces true investments for your jewelry collection, and accents that you’ll want to wear over and over.

Emerald is making waves in the words of fashion, beauty and interior design, and it all started with a gemstone that’s been loved for thousands of years. A Pantone press release describes this gem: “Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life … It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity—no other color conveys regeneration more than green.”

The vibrant sparkle of emerald enables it to give a fresh look to styles from the past, while its timeless beauty allows it to honor the past with an allure that never goes out of style. For instance, the Enchanted Emerald Ring in 14K White Gold surrounds a brilliant emerald with a Victorian design that’s rich with swirls and tiny cutouts. It’s a design that’s full of feminine charm and contagious life.

If you’d prefer a clean, classic look consider a solitaire or a three-stone style such as the Three Stone Emerald Ring in 14K White Gold.  A 4mm round emerald is hugged by two slightly smaller stones, creating a look that’s unfussy and timelessly beautiful.

Emerald pendants are another lovely way to enjoy the rich color and sparkle of emerald, and Apples of Gold carries a range of styles that will instantly perk up your look. For instance, the Emerald and Diamond Flower Pendant in 10K White Gold creates a glimmering flower from five marquis-cut emeralds, and accents it with a diamond-embellished swirl. It’s a lighthearted nod to the life-filled sparkle of emerald.

Emerald earrings can add an extra touch of this vibrant color that lights up your face and adds sparkle to your eyes, whether you choose a pair that combines diamonds and emeralds or one that features the green gems on their own. Simple stud styles such as the Emerald Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold coordinate readily with any emerald jewelry or are lovely on by themselves. This pair is available with your choice of 4mm, 5mm or 6mm stones, as well as push back or screw back closures.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, confirms that “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate.” There’s no denying the allure of this green gemstone, and there’s no better time than the present to accessorize with jewelry that features its vibrant glimmer.

These rings originate in a simpler time—a time before cell phones, the internet and instant everything, when life moved at a markedly slower pace. By slipping one of them on your finger, you bring to mind a less complicated era when beauty and romance were celebrated and savored.

Apples of Gold’s collection of vintage gemstone rings features a range of stone, from jewelry classics like emerald and amethyst to unique gems such as pink topaz. Each one gives these time-honored styles a new personality, providing a number of modern interpretations for today’s women.

The Vintage Emerald-Cut Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold places a stunning emerald-cut amethyst, 10mm high, on display like a piece of fine art in an exquisite frame. However, unlike the pieces that line museum walls, this piece showcases its beauty wherever you go. A sizeable, glimmering violet stone gives a regal personality to this ring; however, that’ not all there is to admire about this piece. An elegant filigree setting surrounds this Victorian-style ring, making clear the level of craftsmanship that was poured into creating it.

Fans of 1920s-inspired style also have a number of head-turning bridal pieces to choose from. For example, the Vintage Floral Aquamarine Ring in 14K White Gold places a cool, glimmering aquamarine, over a half carat in weight, in the spotlight. A lavishly carved floral motif adorns the band, giving this piece a look that’s extraordinarily beautiful.

In addition to their ability to make statement of style and good taste, vintage gemstone rings can also communicate lasting love. Gemstone engagement rings inspired by the past readily serve as symbols of love that stands the test of time. Celebrities including Carrie Underwood and Emily Blunt wear vintage styles on their left hands, demonstrating that these rings can serve as incredibly glamorous symbols of lasting affection.

For example, the Enchanted Garnet Ring in 14K White Gold seems to have been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. A round garnet adds a burst of rich crimson glimmer, and gives this ring a timeless appeal. Victorian-inspired filigree creates an airy yet substantial setting that’s rich with lively swirls. While this ring is a striking fashion statement on its own, it also readily symbolizes love when it takes on the role of a unique engagement ring. Or, if you’d prefer a perfectly coordinated wedding jewelry set, this ring is also available as part of the Garnet Bridal Wedding Ring Set in 14K White Gold.

Whether you’re looking for a ring that’s on trend for your right hand or a unique engagement ring, vintage gemstone rings deliver. Each of these pieces provides a touch of the past that’s welcome in the present.

Heart pendants that represent the connection between two people are a lovely way to communicate your affection, and several of the pieces in Apples of Gold’s collection use interlocking hearts to create a picture of that bond. For instance, the Double Heart Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold links two hearts, a larger one glittering with diamonds (a symbol of the lasting nature of true love) and smaller one of solid 14k yellow gold. These two hearts, though different, work in perfect harmony to create a stylish pendant that’s a picture of the way that two people in a loving relationship complement one another.

Hearts showed up in a number of pieces inspired by the past, including the Vintage Filigree Garnet Heart Ring in 14K White Gold. This piece is clearly inspired by the Victorian Era, but it’s also a fitting symbol of love for the present. A sizeable heart of garnet is embraced by a lavishly-adorned setting of white gold. Lively but delicate filigree forms a pattern of swirls that surrounds this gem, while meticulously-carved flowers and ribbons give the band a big dose of feminine charm.

There are few places more fitting for hearts than wedding jewelry, and heart motifs have made their mark on both engagement rings and wedding bands. For those seeking a modern adaptation of a time-honored symbol, the Irish Celtic Heart Love Knot Wedding Band could be the perfect fit. A heart-shaped Celtic knot (a motif which many have used as a symbol of eternity) is etched in green in a seamless circle around this flat, contemporary band. Crafted from sleek, incredibly strong titanium, this ring is a picture of the fortitude of love and of its endless nature.

Jewelry that utilizes hearts and crosses combines two meaningful symbols, creating pictures of Christ’s ultimate demonstration of love. For instance, the Cross and Heart Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold uses these two emblems to form a graceful and meaningful pendant. A simple, shining 14K white gold cross is surrounded by a sweeping heart like a warm embrace. Eight round channel-set diamonds accent this heart, adding sparkle that’s sure to draw eyes to this beautiful statement of Christ’s everlasting love—the love demonstrated when He gave His life for all people on the cross.

Whether you’re looking for a tender expression of affection, a sparkling declaration of faith or a symbol of the strength of your love, there’s a piece of heart jewelry that’s a perfect fit. And, since expressing love never goes out of fashion, these pieces will always be in good taste.

1. Pink Topaz Rings

The brilliant color of pink topaz has won it many fans, and it’s clear that this stone isn’t content to sit in the background. Pink Topaz Rings offer an eye-catching combination of girlish charm and daring appeal. For instance, the Emerald Cut Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold puts a show-stopping 4.50 carat emerald-cut pink topaz on display, accented by 38 round diamonds that stud the band and form a frame around the center stone.

2. Vintage Jewelry

Vintage Rings have been popular picks for their time-honored style and irresistible feminine appeal. From bridal jewelry to gemstone rings for all occasions, the looks of the Victorian Era and the Art Deco Period continue to inspire many of most sought-after styles. For example, the Art Deco Diamond and Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold showcases a 7mm cushion-cut amethyst, 7mm square, in a unique 14K white gold setting that calls to mind the stunning style of the 1920s with a perfectly-carved pattern. Eight channel-set diamonds accent the band, completing a look that captures the best of the past.

3. Heart Jewelry

From glittering diamond pendants to gemstone rings to wedding bands, hearts have been popping up in jewelry of many kinds. Whether you gravitate toward traditional styles or contemporary looks, there’s a piece of heart jewelry to suit your taste. These pieces are popular gifts that communicate affection in a way that few others gifts can. For instance, the Double Heart Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold presents a sparkling picture of the way that two hearts intertwine. The larger of the 14K yellow gold hearts in this piece is accented with diamonds while the smaller shining heart interlocks with it in perfect harmony. This pendant seems to capture an embrace and preserve the moment as a continual reminder of the love you share with that special someone.

4. Gold Crosses

While both white and yellow gold crosses are particularly popular right now, the message they convey is far from a passing fad. From minimalistic, gleaming pendants to diamond-studded styles, cross jewelry demonstrates the importance of your faith. In addition to cross pendants of many varieties, cross rings have also been sought after, from wedding bands to pieces for your right hand. For instance, the Women’s Diamond Cross Ring has been peaking in popularity for its sparkling statement. Five diamonds accent a petite but powerful cross on this feminine ring, allowing any lady to keep of reminder of her savior close at hand.

We’ll be looking at several of these trends throughout the week, so stay tuned for more on the looks that we’re sure to see a lot in the year to come. Happy New Year from Apples of Gold!

Vintage wedding rings were much-loved picks over the past year. For instance, the Paisley Engraved Wedding Band in 14K White Gold is inspired by the feminine motifs of the Victorian Era. An expertly-carved paisley design wraps around this ring in lively fashion, bordered by fine lines of milgrain and smooth edges.

Hammered wedding rings allow sophistication and rugged good looks to meet, and when they do, the result is a simple but powerful picture of the resiliency of your love. Several of the most popular styles of 2012 were hammered pieces. For instance, the 14K White Gold Hammered Wedding Band Ring combines a brushed, pounded-finish center with smooth, polished edges. It’s a great pick for both men and women.

Many of the top wedding rings of the year contained extra touches of significance that make them even more meaningful. For instance, braided styles provide a picture of the way that two lives are woven into one. The 14K Tri-Color Gold Braided Wedding Band is a particularly stunning example, braiding strands of yellow, white and rose gold into an eye-catching motif that wraps the band as a symbol of your connection. Yellow gold borders pull the look together and add a big dose of class.

Several Christian wedding bands were also top picks in 2012, including the Song of Solomon Cross Wedding Band in White Gold. This simple style serves as a reminder of the faith that’s central to your relationship. A thin outline of a cross accents this flat, polished 14K white gold ring, but that’s not the only way that it communicates your dependence on God and your gratitude to Him for bringing the two of you together. The inside of this band is engraved with your choice of verses, allowing you to add a personalized message of faith. Choose one of several sample verses, such as “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,” or opt for any verse of your choice, up to 225 characters.

Titanium bands were another popular option for wedding bands, as were Celtic designs. The Titanium Celtic Wedding Band Ring exhibits both. This sleek style is wrapped with a modern version of the infinity knot, a Celtic motif that many have used to represent love without end. The titanium from which it’s crafted is incredibly strong, making it an ideal symbol of the fortitude of your relationship. This ring is available in a matte, satin or polished finish for a variety of contemporary looks.

These may have been some of the best wedding rings of 2012, but that doesn’t mean that they’re on the way out. Any would be a fitting symbol of love—for a 2013 wedding and for a lifetime.