Here is jewelry that makes a statement without being gaudy. Designed by Nina Steenwyk, NinaCristinaJewelry offers trendy handmade bracelets. Earrings and necklaces will also be available soon.

Ring-to-Wrist with Turquoise Spike Detail by NinaCristinaJewelry.

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I took a dream vacation last month. Not to some tropical hideaway surrounded by crystal clear waters. Not to a romantic European capital overflowing with crumbling palaces and fine wine. No, I went on a shopping vacation. To Korea.

Shopping in Myeongdong, an old part of town revitalized with everything from nouveau Korean street food (french fry-covered corndog and french fries on a stick, anyone?) to cutting edge indie boutiques to Seoul's flagship Uniqlo store. Photo from flickriver.com.

For me, Seoul is the place to go to shop. Tokyo – too expensive. Singapore – too western. Hong Kong – too inconsistent. While Seoul may not be the bargain it used to be, the quality of goods and quantity of goods make it a shopper’s dream. So when my husband told me he was going on a once-in-a-lifetime Pebble Beach weekend with the boys, I took that as my cue to plan a once-in-a-lifetime-solely-to-shop-without-the-hubby trip with my mom.

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Do you like to make a statement or do you like to keep it subtle? Either way, there’s something for you in this week’s TGIFree Friday giveaway, featuring stellar jewelry designer Jenny Dayco.

Giveaway 1: Light Blue Round Swarovski Crystal Earrings.

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I think earrings are the ultimate accessories. Dress up or dress down, with long hair or short, they make any face look just a little bit better. The right pair of earrings are not always easy to find. If you get one that’s too big, it might make you look a little big. Sometimes, ones that are too small can seem too casual or prim and proper. But these dagger drops in black garnet have just the right touch of class and sass. Drop earrings are great because they slim your face down and black matches…everything. Plus they look a little vintage. And we all know vintage is so now.

Every woman deserves to spoil herself every once and a while. The “Florette” diamond earrings by Johanna Torell are most definitely worth the splurge.

This knockout pair of earrings is 18 karat yellow gold florette studs, set with 2 brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.04 carats total. They’re cute and casual, but have a hint of sophistication that’s sure to look good on any woman.

I rarely ever buy earrings unless they’re a pair with a great, one-of-a-kind design. John S. Brana’s “Barnacle” earrings are just that.

These earrings were created by meticulously wrapping sterling silver wire. They can complement just about any outfit you can think of whether it be casual or dressy.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of earrings made to look like barnacles, which is exactly why I want these! Who wants earrings that every other girl and her mom has? Not me!

These Sterling Silver Fleur-de-lis Earrings with Amethyst by John S. Brana has 13 carats of faceted amethyst , the birth stone for the month of February. The perfect gift for yourself if you were born in that month.

Not born in February? That’s okay. We’re not exclusively offering these for February babies. The iridescent purple in these stones will for sure make them baby browns pop with a little more color, so spoil yourself a little.

Buji New York "Cloud Nine" earrings.

May Chen always makes great jewelry pieces with lots of heft and shine for her jewelry line Buji New York. This one is no exception.

A bold “bald” wing, one-and-a-half inches long. Sculpted, aerodynamic, almost architectural. A little bit ’80s, a little bit Star Trek futuristic. Perfect for Balenciaga, but it’ll also add a double-take-worthy something to a long skinny skirt and tank.

Fantasy Jewelry Box 2-carat canary yellow stud earrings.

I have to say, perusing through Fantasy Jewelry Box‘s online boutique is addicting. I mean, they don’t call it Fantasy for nothing. A two-carat canary yellow pear-cut CZ studs for less than $25? An exact replica of those ginormous emerald earrings Angelina Jolie wore on the red carpet last year? A stunning sterling silver butterfly ring that looks more like brilliant little stars hovering over your ring finger?

Lily's sterling silver cubic zirconia butterfly ring.

Like I said, it makes the mind swirl with possibilities.

And just to give you a taste, we have three aqua blue enamel flower earrings from Fantasy Jewelry Box to give away to our loyal readers. Called Caylee’s Blue Flower, the silver earrings feature an organically shaped flower filled with enamel that perfectly captures the colors of the Caribbean. A dollop of a cubic zirconia finishes off each 1.25 inch by 1 inch flower. It goes for $22.95 at fantasyjewelrybox.com, but you can win a pair for free.

Fantasy Jewelry Box "Caylee's Blue Flower" earrings.

Fantasy Jewelry Box "Caylee's Blue Flower" earrings.

Just comment below by Wednesday, May 26, 11:59 pm! And remember, all winners must have a U.S. mailing address.

Good luck!

Ija Designs "Anchor" earrings in gold.

With the imminent onset of summer, I’m seriously feeling some of the lazy-hazy associated therewith. I picture a blindingly blue sky, an equally rich sapphire sea, a gleaming white catamaran. We’re just off the coast of Cannes, gently bobbing in the waves.

Right. Back to reality.

But I can still hold on to my seafaring fantasy. I may be wearing my most professional, respect-worthy work clothes, but just knowing I have a cheeky little hand-forged anchor dangling from each earlobe makes me smile.

Sure, I’ll finish that memo by noon. But my heart is in the Mediterranean.