A Yen for Mother's Day jewelry

Icky little heart necklace with diamond chips? Nope. "Mother" ring with a different gemstone for each child she bore? Nope. Cheesy locket with your baby picture in it? Nope. Give Mom jewelry that she'll actually wear and will stun her. The cascading chains, liberal use of colored gemstones and finely wrapped gold of Yen Jewelry will give the impression that she's dripping in gold—but in a refined and delicate way.

Seattle jewelry designer Nicole Cruz has a gorgeous new collection of spring/summer jewelry. Cruz is a fan of old Bollywood movies, and some of her pieces are inspired by this opulent, exotic style, but in a more sedate, wearable way. Cruz uses gemstones such as citrine, rich shades of garnet, green amethyst and London blue topaz in her earrings and necklaces. Some designs feature hand-coiled 14k gold fill wire that adds richness and detail.

Prices range from $100-$325 for earrings and $112-$215 for necklaces, but the pieces look much more expensive. My picks for Mother's Day: the goes-with-anything rock crystal pendant with cascading chains ($112) and the simple but elegant horseshoe earrings with citrine drops ($65). For mothers who want more bling, opt for the Lindsay earrings with crisscrossing drippy chains and London blue topaz ($140) or the doorknocker necklace with gracefully looping chains and citrine drop ($120).

Now aren't these much better choices than an image of Tinkerbell in a heart? (Yes, I really did see that on a website.)

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