Jewelry Store

Anne Dale
By WGSO
Wednesday, May 07 2008

Rating 5.0/5

A real Southern lady, jewelry designer Anne Dale can be heard Saturday mornings on WGSO’s The Anne Dale Show. Anne is the daughter of famed New Orleans Jazz drummer Paul Ferrara playing with Al Hirt over 25 years and Louie Prima for 2 years. Anne has a rhythm all her own; besides owning Anne Dale Jeweller in Mandeville she has developed a line of jewelry to help people in need – Jeweler for a Cause.

The Anne Dale Jeweler for a Cause Collection rose out of the flood waters of hurricane Katrina with her I Love New Orleans jewelry designs. This expanding collection includes jewelry items for many causes raising money and awareness for people in need. The Anne Dale Jeweler for a Cause Collection is available to over 40,000 jewelry outlets nationwide, Made in Louisiana and has raised nearly $200,000.00 proceeds to help people in need.

Listen in Saturday Mornings to learn more about jewelry design, diamonds/gemstones romance/relationships as Anne offers interesting conversation and interviews with local and national movers and shakers.

Anne Dale is owner of Anne Dale Jeweller in Mandeville, former director of Gem-A USA (the U.S. branch of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain), a well respected gemologist within the jewelry industry, a public speaker on diamonds/gemstones and expert witness for the Internal Revenue Service.

Anne is a past recipient of The Diamond in the Rough by the Association of Women Gemologist, elected to the Republican State Central Committee District 74B, Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women of Saint Tammany, and voted Best Jewelry Store on the North Shore in 2007.

Source: WGSO Website

By Chad Ruiz
St. Tammany News

Patriotic.

That’s how best to describe Mandeville jeweler Anne Dale.

While sitting in one of the plush chairs in her jewelry shop, she cradles a sterling silver star pendant close to her heart as she professes her dedication to the service personnel who have and are serving in the U.S. military.

Tears collect in her eyes when she defines our role as Americans.

“If the decision is made to go to war, as Americans, we are obligated to support our soldiers who are fighting for our freedom,” she said.

To honor military personnel, her latest addition to her Anne Dale’s Jeweler for a Cause Collection is the Silver Star of Hope.

She said the collection contains about 10 handcrafted jewelry pins or pendants that promote different themes, including several New Orleans pieces, a self-esteem pendant and now the newest member, the Silver Star of Hope.

The collection is for a cause, because a percentage of the proceeds from each piece is gathered and donated to various nonprofit organizations.

She handed over the silver pendant while explaining the meaning behind the solid sterling silver star brandishing a bow attached to its middle.

She said the star represents the Silver Star which is the third highest award given for valor to a member of any branch of the armed forces. The bow symbolizes the yellow ribbon which, when displayed, is a sign of loyalty for loved ones participating in the military.

“Some have cried,” she said, recalling some of the emotions expressed when people saw her pendant for the first time after it reached the shelf earlier this year.

She extracted a small slip of paper from the nearby case of the pendant.

“Each star comes with this,” she said, describing a poem titled “The Soldier” written by Father Dennis Edward O’Brien.

“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

Made in the U.S.A., the can be purchased in Dale’s store, online at www.annedale.com or at one of more than 40,000 retail jewelers nationwide as a pendant, to wear as a necklace or bracelet or as a pin.

A portion of the proceeds from each star gets deposited into Dale’s fund until enough is collected to distribute to an organization devoted to helping soldiers or veterans.

Dale said their most recent donations using monies earned included giving to the nonprofit organizations Support Our War Heroes and Soldiers’ Angels.

Since the star was created, Dale has received an autographed picture and thank you letter from First Lady Laura Bush.

Dale said they have sold nearly 300 stars to date and average five to 10 purchases per day.

Source:

Saint Tammany New 4/30/08

Know About Diamonds

Diamonds are one of the most coveted and popular gemstones in the world. They are not only prized for their beauty but also their durability and rarity. However, with so many conflicting opinions and misleading information surrounding diamonds, it can be overwhelming and challenging to make an informed purchase. In this blog post, we will break down everything you need to know about diamonds, from their classification, to their value, to their grading, and much more.

Classification of Diamonds

Diamonds are classified based on their physical properties and chemical makeup. The four Cs, which are carat weight, cut, color, and clarity, are the factors used to determine a diamond’s value and quality. The carat weight refers to the size of the diamond, while the cut refers to the way the diamond has been shaped and polished to bring out its full potential. The color of the diamond can range from completely white to a yellowish tint, and the clarity refers to how many inclusions or imperfections are visible in the diamond.

Value of Diamonds

The value of diamonds is determined by many factors, including their rarity, size, color, clarity, and shape. Natural diamonds are formed under immense pressure and heat deep inside the earth’s mantle, making them incredibly rare. The larger and rarer the diamond, the more valuable it is. The current market also affects diamond prices, with supply and demand influencing costs.

Grading of Diamonds

Diamond grading is a complex process that involves analyzing the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the diamond to determine its value. Experts use various tools such as microscopes and grading equipment to identify and evaluate a diamond’s imperfections and attributes. The most recognized grading system is the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grading system, considered the gold standard in the industry.

How to Choose a Diamond

Choosing the perfect diamond depends on personal preference and budget. Consumers should do their research and be aware of the four Cs to make an informed purchase. If you’re looking for a diamond engagement ring or other jewelry, it’s essential to choose a reliable jeweler who can provide quality, conflict-free diamonds that have been ethically sourced.

Diamonds are an investment that should be researched and evaluated before purchasing. Understanding the classification, value, grading, and how to choose a diamond can help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing diamond jewelry. The key to choosing the perfect diamond is to know the wearer’s personal preference, budget, and how the diamond will be used. By keeping these essential points in mind, you can invest in a beautiful and rare gemstone that will stand the test of time and hold its value for generations.

Vascular Birthmark Foundation

New Orleans jewelry designer Anne Dale donates $5000.00 to the Vascular Birthmark Foundation at the November 2007 Annual VBF Conference held in Newport Beach, California.
The Self-esteem pendant (pictured below) is one of the Anne Dale Jeweler for a Cause designs that raises money and awareness for non-profit worthy causes.

The Vascular Birthmark Foundation (based in New York) organization networks families affected by birthmarks, vascular tumors, and syndromes to the appropriate medical professionals and programs that promote the acceptance of people living with birthmarks. Anne Dale Jeweler for a Cause is growing and pieces are being added to the collection constantly. Anne has over a half dozen designs in the works and is currently working with several other non-profit groups both on a state and national level partnering with these groups to raise money and awareness.

Self-Esteem
The “I Believe” self-esteem pendant simply put:
“You are beautiful just the way you are.” Every young lady should have this pendant around her neck a little message that says, “I am loved”. Today’s pop culture and mass media promote a narrow view of beauty, defining beauty in a distorted, sexual stereo-type manner. Expectations put on children, in particular teenage girls are unrealistic and unhealthy, often resulting in low self-esteem and depression as these girls are developing their self-image. This original design is part of the Anne Dale Jeweler for a Cause Campaign.
A portion of the proceeds will go to non-profit groups helping children with self-esteem issues such as the Vascular Birthmark Foundation.“I Believe” the self-esteem pendant is Made in the U.S.A. and available nationwide.

Jeweler for a Cause
Anne Dale jewelry designer from New Orleans finds inspiration in worthy causes. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated her hometown, she designed a pin she calls the “I Know What It Means to Love New Orleans Badge”. Her simple idea was to create a gift for first responders in appreciation for their heroic efforts. Anne’s noble idea created a storm in itself making her design the symbol of the city’s recovery and a badge of courage for everyone that endured the aftermath of Katrina. Anne’s New Orleans Collection jewelry designs have raised over $175,000.00 in hurricane relieve money.

The Anne Dale Jeweler for a Cause Fund has been established, in this fund goes a portion of the proceeds from sales. Anne Dale’s goal is to raise money, awareness and the spirits for non-profit groups throughout the United States and aboard.

Spring of 2008 Anne Dale will launch:

Source – Vascular Birthmark Foundation