Everything from a winter sweater to a little black dress can shine with the help of a few select pieces. So what can we expect to see at holiday parties?

According to Ross-Simons Jewelers, long, layered necklaces that hit the waist are a must. Also big are those that can be wrapped around numerous times at varying lengths so that the same necklace can be used for different looks at different times of the day.

Gold is a precious metal. Historically, it has been used for stores of value (bars) for jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and as actual money (coinage). It is a yellow element found in nuggets that can actually be ruby or black when divided.

It is the most malleable metal known. When other elements are it forms alloys. This will increase the hardness and can create exotic colors. Adding copper gives a redder color, iron more blue, platinum white, aluminum creates purple.

Last year I decided to add these mementos in a special gift basket that I make for each of my children and my niece. I found lovely gold charms created by a craftsman who only sells them at fairs. He takes gold coins, actual coins from other countries, and cuts them into beautiful patterns. Since I appreciated his gold coins, as well as, the jewelry he made with diamonds, he spent some time talking to me describing his craft.