
Gifts for Someone Down on His or Her Luck
A few days ago, I talked with a family friend who recently learned that his huge manufacturing company was closing his plant. He is actually more fortunat than most of his co-workers. He very recently reached the magic age at which he qualifies for early retirement, so he will continue to have a steady income. Those who did not reach that milestone of the specified number of years with the company will get a small severance package and be left to search for a job in that difficult market. That got me thinking about giving gifts for special occasions to those people who are finding themselves in tough situations. I came up with a few ideas that make more sense than a piece of home decor or a new tie. Here are some of them:
A gourmet fruit basket is healthy, beautiful, delicious and always enjoyed. If you live near your gift recipient, you can find a lovely basket or other attractive container and fill it with fruit that is in season in your region of the country, obtained at a farmers market, and fill it out with a few exotic fruits picked up at your local super market. If your loved one is farther away, you can arrange for any of a large range of beautiful fruit gift baskets to be delivered to the recipient's home. It will help them to reduce their grocery bill on their next trip to the super market.
A unique meal is another way to remember a special occasion. One alternative might be to take the friend to a special restaurant. If price is no object to you, be sure to suggest some of the pricier entrees on the menu, so that your guests know that they should not worry about ordering whatever they prefer. For example, you could say something like, "The crab legs are perfect here, but, if you don't like seafood, try the filet mignon." If they live too far away for that, you can actually find delicious, gourmet, chef-prepared meals online that arrive frozen and can be heated in almost no time. (I actually keep my freezer stocked with these.) Or you might send a gift certificate to a special place in their town.
A final recommendation is a scrumptious dessert. Now, lets face it, nobody should indluge in too many desserts, but on a birthday, anniversary or holiday, everyone deserves a chance to feel a little pampered. Bake cookies, if that is a skill of yours, and hand deliver or have them delivered. For something a little more special consider giving them a delicious pie or a New York style cheesecake. Whether you make it yourself or have others do the work for you doesn't matter. It will be appreciated and definitely enjoyed either way.
You'll notice a common feature in these suggestions. They all involve food. Someone who is going through a difficult time may not want to accept charity, but nobody can reject a genuinely special gift. If it reduces the grocery bill by a bit, so much the better.
Eating: A piece of Hard candy
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Cuisinart MCP-12 MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set $199.99 The kitchens of France were the inspiration behind the elegant Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Cookware collection. Cuisinart has included everything you need in this spectacular 12-piece set to perfectly perform all the basic cooking tasks, large or small. From reheating a single portion of soup to preparing appetizers, entre?es and side dishes for the entire family, you?ll find every tool you ... |
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Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker Now you can enjoy the finest homemade frozen treats at home! The fully automatic Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker lets you make your favorites in 20 minutes or less, with no fuss and no mess. Just add ingredients to the bowl, press ON and the machine does the rest!... |
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Circulon Contempo Skillets Professional heavy guage hard anodized construction provides fast, even heating and exceptional durability. TOTAL NONSTICK system features High-Low wave technology coupled with the most advanced nonstick surface to offer extraordinary food relase and lifelong durability. Advanced nonstick inside and out ensures clean-up is quick and easy. Contemporary, stylish double riveted stainless steel wit... |
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Avenged Sevenfold [Explicit] $9.90 ... |
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Piece Of Mind $7.99 ... |
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Piece of Mind $9.82 Enhanced CD-Rom version of the original. Includes full-length videos, band biographies, photo galleries, and internet links, all encased in a slip-sleeve. - 1998... |
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Silverhill 20 Piece Tool Kit for Apple Products $9.99 New from Silverhill Tools is a useful kit that helps with doing many of the routine tasks associated with Mac ownership, including accessing memory slots or opening housings. Includes 5 screwdrivers: Pentalobe size 1, Pentalobe size 5, flat, phillips, and Triwing. Includes 9 L keys: 3 hex keys and 6 star keys. 2 Spudgers. Sim adapter kit for reducing your SIM to a microsim, including SIM ejec... |
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Gerber 31-000699 Bear Grylls Survival Series Fire Starter $9.87 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Survival Series Fire Starter is a must-have for scouting, camping, and hiking expeditions. Small and compact, this fire starter offers years of use. Watertight construction keeps tinder safe and dry, so when you need it, you can trust that it's ready to use.Survival Series Fire StarterAt a Glance:Compact fire starter ... |
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SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F01T Tactical Tomahawk, Black $62.00 The original Vietnam Tomahawk, SOG's F01T-N Tactical Tomahawk is the latest incarnation of one of history's most unusual weapons. This versatile piece of equipment handles a number of tasks including excavation, operations breaching, obstacle removal, and extraction, which makes the F01T-N an ideal tool for military and service personnel..caption {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif... |
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Qi Gong For Beginners $6.99 QI GONG FOR BEGINNERS/ is the perfect way to explore and experience the numerous benefits of Qi Gong. Used for thousands of years in China to build energy, improve & maintain health and cultivate peace of mind, these easy to learn practices are designed to enhance you vitality and well being. This DVD contains 8 customized routines to increase your physical and mental energy, reduce stress, improv... |
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Hard Goal Lacrosse Mesh Piece $9.99 Hard Goal Lacrosse Mesh Piece |
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Hard Attack/Middie Lacrosse Mesh Piece $8.99 Hard Attack/Middie Lacrosse Mesh Piece |
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2 Piece Hard Top Black $2599.99 2 Piece Hardtop Black 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited * Discounts and Promotions DO NOT APPLY to these Hard Tops * |
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Hard Candy 1000 Piece Puzzle $14.99 This Hard Candy puzzle will have your mouth watering in no time. Satisfy your craving for candy with jelly beans, red hots, gummy worms, candy corn and more all surrounding a colorful sucker. This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle measures 19 5/8" x 29 1/2" when complete and is intended for ages 12 and up. |
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Basic Essentials 17 Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set $49.99 Basic Essentials 17 Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set |
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Circulon Contempo Hard Anodized 10 Piece Cookware Set $199.99 Circulon Contempo Hard Anodized 10 Piece Cookware Set |
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One Piece Pattern Hard Protective Back Case for iPod Touch 4 $2.59 - Hard protective backside cover, guard against shock, dirt and scratch - Compatibility for iPod touch 4- Easy to use and fit perfectly - One Piece pattern |
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One Piece Luffy Hard Protective Back Case for iPod Touch 4 $2.59 - Hard protective backside cover, guard against shock, dirt and scratch - Compatibility for iPod touch 4- Easy to use and fit perfectly - One Piece pattern |
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Hard Protective Back Case for iPod Touch 4-One Piece $2.59 - Hard protective backside cover, guard against shock, dirt and scratch - Compatibility for iPod touch 4- Easy to use and fit perfectly - One Piece pattern |
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Hard Plastic Protective Case for iPod Touch 4-One Piece $2.59 - Made of high quality hard plastic- Protect your iPod touch4 from any scratch and dirt- Easy to install and remove, no any tool needed- One Piece Theme |
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One Piece Theme Protective Hard Case for Apple iPad $13.4 - Popular One Piece theme- Durable hard case ensures the long life of your iPad- Protect your iPad from scratches, dust, shocks etc - Perfect fits Apple iPad |
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Bruce Willis - Die Hard - Framed 8x10 Photograph with Piece of Hollywood Sign $197.99 Own a piece of Hollywood with this limited edition collectible.This framed item features an 8x10 photo from "Die Hard"- an 8x10 photo and history of the Hollywood sign- also includes an actual piece of the sign (approximately 1�x1�). Each piece of the sign is licensed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in limited editions of 2500. Comes with an individually numbered; tamper evident hologram from Mounted Memories. Measures 17 ½� x 29" x 1". |
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Smittybilt 1 Piece Hard Top w/o Upper Doors, Black $1598.99 Smittybilt 1 Piece Hard Top w/o Upper Doors, Black 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ Manufactured from honey comb hand-laid fiberglass for extra strength and rigidity Contoured DOT approved safety glass - 31% Tint Military Spec mildew free carpeted headliner Thickest UV stable gel coat available - Black Textured grain finish complimenting the looks of today's Wranglers OE Style front latching mechanism New and Improved aerodynamic shape De-Tuned air vent Rack ready mounting system Available in One-Piece or Two Piece design With out upper doors |
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A Piece of Me $14.99 "This book, A Piece of Me, is just that, a piece of me. Growing up in two different households, trying to live what I learned from both, and not understanding the realities of this thing called LIFE. Some lessons were hard and some were easy, but, there was always a lesson. In retrospect, I can now look on pieces of my life in humor, or appreciation of the moment, and continually see how God moves. This may sound like a clich but "Our God IS an AWESOME God."" |
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Lifted from Mold in Which it Was Made in One Piece, Plastic Shell Is as Hard as Metal $69.99 J. R. Eyerman Lifted from Mold in Which it Was Made in One Piece, Plastic Shell Is as Hard as Metal - Photographic Print |
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2 Piece Hardtop, Black $2399.99 2 Piece Hardtop Black 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler JK * Discounts and Promotions DO NOT APPLY to these Hard Tops * |
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Emerilware Hard-Anodized 10 Piece Cookware Set & Glass Lids $199.95 The Emerilware hard-anodized nonstick 10 piece cookware set has all of the pots and pans you need in an Emeril kitchen. From an 8 inch skillet to a 6 quart stock pot, you'll have all the basics for your meal preparation. Glass lids make it easy to see the progress of your meals.This Emerilware cookware set includes the following items8 inch fry pan10 inch fry pan2 quart sauce pan with lid3 quart sauce pan with lid3 quart saute pan with lid6 quart stock pot with lidLifetime warranty from Emerilware, with normal use and proper care Emerilware E920SA64 |
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Licorice Hard Candy: 15LBS $71.45 Licorice Hard Candy: 15LBS Black with white stripping licorice flavored candy balls. Each piece is individually wrapped. FLAVOR: Licorice |
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17 Piece Set $249 With the Cuisinart Nonstick Cookware Set Hard Anodized (17 Piece Chef's Classic) Model: 66-17 you'll never be caught empty-handed with this complete set of classic nonstick cookware. The Cuisinart Nonstick (Hard Anodized) 17 Piece Cookware Set is complete |
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Fishing Lure MINNOW 60MM 6G Hard Bait (5 Piece Pack) $6.99 Color: Blue,Green,Red,Pink,YellowMaterial: Hard PlasticFeatures:Hard crank fishing lure Environmental protection Good emulation Attractive bright color for fish Perfect imitation of live bait, great for fishingType: Artificial Bait Length:60mmWeight:3gAction:Suspension(Swimming in the lower layer)Depth:1m-2mHook:VMC(2 pieces 8# hook)5 pieces packed with a transparent plastic box |
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Calvin Johnson #81 Blue Reebok Detroit Lions Megatron Name & Number T-Shirt $29.99 "When you need a stylish way to boast about your Detroit Lions team spirit, look no further than this Calvin Johnson #81 Blue Reebok Detroit Lions ""Megatron"" Name & Number T-Shirt. Made from quality material, this piece of Lions apparel features vibrant screen print graphics to show everyone you are a die-hard fan. 100% cotton is easy to wear, easy to wash Officially licensed by the NFL" |
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Chicago Fire 14 Plush Mascot $24.99 "You are a die-hard Chicago Fire fan and why not own a piece of fun merchandise with the Chicago Fire 14"" Plush Mascot. Sparky has been the Fire's mascot ever since the team started playing in Major League Soccer, now you can play with Sparky anytime you want with this loveable plush toy. This is the perfect toy for your young fan both at home and at the game! Measures 14"" tall Makes a great gift Officially licensed" |
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Chicago Fire 8 Plush Mascot $16.99 "You are a die-hard Chicago Fire fan and why not own a piece of fun merchandise with the Chicago Fire 8"" Plush Mascot. Sparky has been the Fire's mascot ever since the team started playing in Major League Soccer, now you can play with Sparky anytime you want with this loveable plush toy. This is the perfect toy for your young fan both at home and at the game! Measures 8"" tall Makes a great gift Officially licensed" |
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Jimmie Johnson Bracelet: #48 Sterling Silver 5X Champion Pendant Bracelet $233.99 "We are the Champions! Jimmie Johnson continues to bring home NASCAR victories. Show your fan spirit with a beautiful Jimmie Johnson #48 Sterling Silver Bracelet. 7 1/2"" in size, this bracelet features a blue enameled charm pendant with the classic Jimmie Johnson signature and NASCAR Sprint Cup logo. This elegant piece will definitely add glitz and glamour to any jewelry box and to the die hard Jimmie Johnson fan's wrist. High quality sterling silver with rhodium plating for lasting shine Measures 7 1/2"" in length Lobster claw clasp for security Comes with velvet gift box Officially licensed by NASCAR" |
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Jimmie Johnson Pendant: #48 Enameled Sterling Silver 5X Champion 1/2 Pendant $49.99 "We are the Champions! Jimmie Johnson continues to bring home NASCAR victories. Show your fan spirit with a beautiful Jimmie Johnson #48 Enameled Sterling Silver Pendant. 1/2"" in size, this pedant features a blue enameled background with the classic Jimmie Johnson signature and NASCAR Sprint Cup logo above it. This elegant piece will definitely add glitz and glamour to any jewelry box and to the die hard Jimmie Johnson fan's neckline. High quality sterling silver Fits any chain up to 3mm Comes with velvet gift box Officially licensed by NASCAR" |
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Lyoto The Dragon Machida UFC 140 Walkout T-Shirt: Lyoto The Dragon Machida Affliction Signature Walkout T-Shirt $57.99 "When you need a stylish way to show off support for your favorite fighter, look no further than this Lyoto ""The Dragon"" Machida UFC 140 Walkout T-Shirt: Lyoto ""The Dragon"" Machida Affliction Signature Walkout T-Shirt. Made from quality material, this piece of Affliction apparel features vibrant screen print graphics to show everyone you are a die-hard fan. Lightweight rib knit t-shirt Screen print graphics 100% Cotton Officially licensed" |
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Walter Payton 16x20 Autographed Photo: Chicago Bears Framed and Matted Inscribed Sweetness and 75-87. $2399.99 "Walter Payton nicknamed ""Sweetness"" was a dynamic running back for the Chicago Bears. He played his entire career with the bears. While there he went to 9 Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XX. His #34 has been retired by the Bears. In 1993 he became a member of the Hall of Fame. This 16x20 Photograph is signed by Walter Payton and inscribed ""Sweetness"" and ""75-87"". This piece is framed. In 1999 Walter passed away, making this collectible hard to find and very rare. This item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and matching holograms from Athletic Promotional Events, Inc. This Certificate of Authenticity contains the date and location that this item was autographed.A Wonderful Autographed piece to add to any collection." |
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Walter Payton Autographed Chicago Bears Framed 16x20 Inscribed Sweetness and 16726 $2399.99 "Walter Payton nicknamed ""Sweetness"" was a dynamic running back for the Chicago Bears. He played his entire career with the bears. While there he went to 9 Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XX. His #34 has been retired by the Bears. In 1993 he became a member of the Hall of Fame. This 16x20 Photograph is signed by Walter Payton and inscribed ""Sweetness"" and ""16726"" for the amount of rushing yards he had in his career. This piece is framed. In 1999 Walter passed away, making this collectible hard to find and very rare. This item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and matching holograms from Athletic Promotional Events, Inc. This Certificate of Authenticity contains the date and location that this item was autographed.A Wonderful Autographed piece to add to any collection." |
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$20.35 shipped--Crystal Hard Case for New 15.4 Inches MacBook Pro $20.35 Crystal case. freshly designed for new 15.4??MacBook. Two piece snap-on protective hard shell provides much protection for your laptop. |
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$20.55 shipped--15.4 Inches MacBook Pro Crystal Hard Case for New Macbook pro(Pink) $20.55 Crystal case. freshly designed for new 15.4?? MacBook. Two piece snap-on protective hard shell provides much protection for your laptop. |
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'57, Chicago $0.99 In the tradition of James Ellroy and Elmore Leonard, a hard-boiled thrillerset in 1950s Chicago during the tense buildup to a high-stakes boxing match. Bobby the Lip, a scheming down-on-his-luck sports promoter, intends to score big by setting up—and fixing—a bout between Tomcat Gordon, the reigning heavyweight champion, and Junior, a young black contender. But everyone wants a piece of the action, and the Lip soon finds himself having to outsmart a hungry little crowd of crooks, bookies, detectives, and mob goons. To make matters worse, Junior captures the imagination of Chicago's sports fans, who root for this young upstart. High bets knock the odds in the air as both the police and the mob begin to close in on the Lip, smelling the fix and a profit. And just before the big night, a couple of dead bodies and a secret from Junior's past turn up. threatening to upset the big plan. Thick with period color and detail, this stunningly taut novel brings a city and its dark underside to thrilling life and winds a story as tight as a whiplash around the events and personalities of the era. '57, Chicago introduces readers to an exciting new storyteller. About the Author: Steve Monroe is a real estate broker and former newspaper reporter who works and lives in Chicago. This is his first novel; he is at work on his second, entitled '46, Chicago. Miramax is currently developing '57, Chicago into a |
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'Die Hard' Movie Memorabilia $43.19 LGT1177: 'Die Hard' is an intense movie that is action-packed and an American favorite. If you liked 'Die Hard', then you will love the 'Die Hard' Movie Memorabilia. This unique picture frame combines pictures and advertisements from 'Die Hard', with a tough-looking black frame to create a one-of-a-kind piece of wall art. It is only 11 x 14 and the perfect size for any game room, office or study. This is definitely a piece to die hard for. Features: -Color picture of Bruce Willis from the movie -Gold plaque with actor name and 'Die Hard' -Advertisement from the film's release -Placed on white background brown -Set in high-quality wooden black frame -Overall Dimensions: 11 x 14 |
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.86ct Oval Cut Amethyst & Diamond Swirl Pendant Set In 14K White Gold With 18 Inches Chain $250 Pendants with this much color and beauty are hard to come by. This piece features an oval cut amethyst weighing .80 carats. To the left and right of the amethyst are .06 carats of accent diamonds that make it sparkle on any neckline. The swirl designed setting is available in your choice of either 14k White Gold or 14k White Gold. This piece has a matching pair of swirl design amethyst and diamond earrings also available on sale here at Vishal Jewelry on Buy.com, so don't checkout without adding them to your cart to complete the package. |
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.86ct Oval Cut Amethyst & Diamond Swirl Pendant Set In 14K Yellow Gold With 18 Inches Chain $250 Pendants with this much color and beauty are hard to come by. This piece features an oval cut amethyst weighing .80 carats. To the left and right of the amethyst are .06 carats of accent diamonds that make it sparkle on any neckline. The swirl designed setting is available in your choice of either 14k Yellow Gold or 14k White Gold. This piece has a matching pair of swirl design amethyst and diamond earrings also available on sale here at Vishal Jewelry on Buy.com, so don't checkout without adding them to your cart to complete the package. |
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.86ct Oval Cut Citrine & Diamond Swirl Pendant Set In 14K White Gold With 18 Inches Chain $250 Pendants with this much color and beauty are hard to come by. This piece features an oval cut citrine weighing .80 carats. To the left and right of the citrine are .06 carats of accent diamonds that make it sparkle on any neckline. The swirl designed setting is available in your choice of either 14k White Gold or 14k White Gold. This piece has a matching pair of swirl design citrine and diamond earrings also available on sale here at Vishal Jewelry on Buy.com, so don't checkout without adding them to your cart to complete the package. |
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.86ct Oval Cut Citrine & Diamond Swirl Pendant Set In 14K Yellow Gold With 18 Inches Chain $250 Pendants with this much color and beauty are hard to come by. This piece features an oval cut citrine weighing .80 carats. To the left and right of the citrine are .06 carats of accent diamonds that make it sparkle on any neckline. The swirl designed setting is available in your choice of either 14k Yellow Gold or 14k White Gold. This piece has a matching pair of swirl design citrine and diamond earrings also available on sale here at Vishal Jewelry on Buy.com, so don't checkout without adding them to your cart to complete the package. |
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.96ct Oval Cut Peridot & Diamond Swirl Pendant Set In 14K White Gold With 18 Inches Chain $250 Pendants with this much color and beauty are hard to come by. This piece features an oval cut peridot weighing .90 carats. To the left and right of the peridot are .06 carats of accent diamonds that make it sparkle on any neckline. The swirl designed setting is available in your choice of either 14k White Gold or 14k White Gold. This piece has a matching pair of swirl design peridot and diamond earrings also available on sale here at Vishal Jewelry on Buy.com, so don't checkout without adding them to your cart to complete the package. |
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.96ct Oval Cut Peridot & Diamond Swirl Pendant Set In 14K Yellow Gold With 18 Inches Chain $250 Pendants with this much color and beauty are hard to come by. This piece features an oval cut peridot weighing .90 carats. To the left and right of the peridot are .06 carats of accent diamonds that make it sparkle on any neckline. The swirl designed setting is available in your choice of either 14k Yellow Gold or 14k White Gold. This piece has a matching pair of swirl design peridot and diamond earrings also available on sale here at Vishal Jewelry on Buy.com, so don't checkout without adding them to your cart to complete the package. |
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0.90ct Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Ring 1807-1D1095905 $2295 This simple, elegant and beautiful Cushion Cut Diamond engagement ring features a stunning half a carat Cushion Cut Diamond in the center certified at F-SI1 - Extra white and very brilliant! It has a gorgeous cut and sparkles from every angle! The sides feature a row of Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds in a micro pave setting. You will love the classic elegance of this piece. It is very hard to find Cushion Cut Diamonds in this carat weight range too! You can be sure you'll be getting compliments daily! Item Specifications Metal Type 14k White Gold Total Carat Weight Center Diamond Side Diamond 0.90 ct 0.55 ct 0.35 ct Cut Grade Very Good Cut Cushion Cut, Round Brilliant Cut Color Center Diamond Side Diamond F F Clarity Center Diamond Side Diamond SI1 VS2-SI1 Certificate Appraisal YES |
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000-15 Acoustic Guitar $949 Because the body of the 000-15 is made of genuine Mahogany, its tone is both brilliant and responsive. A solid piece of East Indian Rosewood sits on a select Mahogany neck that comes in the famous Martin Modified Low Oval shape for total comfort and playability. The gold and black herringbone rosette and tortoise color pickguard are a nice compliment to the dark, satin finished Mahogany body. Additional features include chrome tuners, solid East Indian Rosewood bridge and a compensated white Tusq saddle. Comes with deluxe hard-shell case. |