Written by Vicki Anzmann

Jewelry has long been a staple of gift giving. Objects designed purely for the adornment of the body date back to prehistoric times. For the present holiday season’s gift giving, here is a sampling of some of the local offerings, from fabulous to downright decadent. With Carroll County’s wide range of jewelers and vibrant community of artists, saying it with “bling” could not be easier. Here are just a sampling of the treasures to be found. And many local merchants have extended hours for the holiday, so check websites or call. Happy holiday shopping!

A Striking Pair
Keep time in fashion with a Baume & Mercier two-tone stainless steel and 18K gold watch. The lady’s quartz watch has a mother of pearl dial set with eleven diamonds. The man’s automatic watch has a sun satin dŽcor silvered dial, and displays the date. Man’s watch, $3,695, lady’s watch, $2,995.
Davids Jewelers, 15 South Cranberry Road, Westminster, 21157, 410-848-8167, www.diamondsbydavids.com.

Each Piece an Original
A colorful handmade glass pendant is suspended from an antiqued gold chain with smoky blue and rose colored beads. $82.50, $90 with matching earrings. Each piece of jewelry is handcrafted, unique and maintenance-free. Enchanted Jewelers, jewelry available at
Dutterer’s Florist, 114 Pennsylvania Avenue, Westminster, 410-848-9350 or 410-848-4421. Beginning December 1, an upstairs room will be devoted solely to jewelry for holiday shopping.

Spectacular Sparkles
Sure to enchant any December bride, this exquisite platinum wedding set has an Ideal cut, 1.65 carat center diamond (certified by the Gemological Institute of America as of top color and clarity) that alone costs $24,975. The wedding band itself is priced at $3,800. The total is $28,775 unless you choose a different center stone in the same setting.
Glyndon Jewelry 4880 Butler Road, Glyndon 21071, 410-526-4112, www.glyndonjewelry.com.

Prize-winning
Made of hand-coiled sterling silver with handmade findings and glass beads, each bracelet created by local artist Debbie Hanessian is unique. Winner of an artistic excellence award from the Carroll County Arts Council for one of her necklaces, Ms. Hanessian’s jewelry is available at the
Carroll Arts Center. $42, Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main Street, Westminster, 410-848-7272, www.carr.org/arts.

Pure Elegance
A stunning cuff with hand-engraved detail is solid 18K white gold with 503 round diamonds totaling 6.62 carats. Chad Allison design, $20,700.
Reminiscent of an earlier era, this captivating Chad Allison pendant will turn heads. Made of solid 18K white gold with diamonds totaling 1.63 carats, the pendant can also be worn with other necklaces. (Chad Allison pendants have enhancer bails to allow usage with other necklaces), $4,850.
Pomeroy Jewelers, 41 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157, 410-848-2299, pomeroyjewelers@yahoo.com. All Chad Allison jewelry is available in 18K white, pink or yellow gold or platinum, and all carry a limited lifetime warranty.