My Charmed Life: Rocky Romances, Precious Family Connections and Searching For a Band of Gold

by Beth Bernstein

Overview

When Beth Bernstein’s mother unexpectedly passed away, Beth’s life was forever changed, as she knew that she’d lost not only her best friend, but also a big part of herself. In this heartwarming and moving memoir, Beth learns how to link together the platinum memories of the jewelry handed down to her by the woman who taught her how to love, overcome obstacles, and (most important) accessorize.

As a young girl, Beth learned that not all engagements came with a ring. The unconventional engagement watch Beth’s father gave her mother, her mom’s postdivorce transformation from wearing Jackie O pearls to donning love beads—each piece of jewelry represents an intimate memory, a reminder to rise above life’s challenges and enjoy its triumphs. And there are also Beth’s own experiences with rocky romances, of the too many engagement rings she fell in love with and the too few men who could commit. She tells the story of these relationships with sparkles of hilarity and glimmers of hope, conjuring up lost keepsakes and fiery moments—until she realizes that the brightest gems are the ones you give yourself, and finds freedom she never thought possible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780451236937
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	07/03/2012
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.55(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Beth Bernstein has written about dating, relationships and family for women’s and lifestyle magazines, and has worked in the jewelry industry for twenty years. She runs her own consulting company, where she works with leading jewelry designers and retailers.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Missing Pieces 1

1 Hoop Earrings 7

2 Going Steady Ring 23

3 Engagement Watch 33

4 Love Beads 43

5 The Single Solitaire 59

6 Claddagh Ring 79

7 Pearls of Wisdom 99

8 Career Jewelry 115

9 The Ring That Got Away 127

10 Talisman Jewelry 143

11 Cartier Tank Watch 161

12 Princess Sparkle 169

13 The Brooch 179

14 Self-Purchase 191

15 Cuff Links 201

16 Chakra Stones 217

17 To Catch a Thief Jewels 233

18 Vintage Gems 243

19 The Pendant 259

20 Pike Gold Rolex 271

21 Buccellati Ring 287

Acknowledgments 301

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This memoir is filled with honesty, clarity and wit. Bernstein's writing is the most beautiful gem of all."—Abby Sher, author of Amen, Amen, Amen

“This tender, funny, beautifully written memoir cleverly connects relationships both familial and romantic to the special gifts that found their way into Beth Bernstein’s jewelry box and heart. As a nice Jewish girl with a severe jewelry jones myself, I empathized with every word of My Charmed Life—and envied Beth’s collection and recollections. Safe to say this book is a gem.”—Wendy Shanker, author of Are You My Guru?

"My Charmed Life is the Love, Loss and What I Wore for jewelry. This witty, romantic romp chronicles all the relationships in the author's life through the gems she was given from age five to fifty. Every page is frank, funny, and completely relatable. A debut as dazzling as the vintage necklaces, bracelets and earrings Beth so vividly describes.”—Susan Shapiro, author of Five Men Who Broke My Heart

“Clever, funny and at times heartbreaking, My Charmed Life sparkles. Bernstein writes from the soul with insight and no holds barred honesty.”—Valerie Frankel, author of Four of a Kind

“Beth Bernstein understands the complicated value of shiny, sparkly things. This book is about all they represent: our histories, loves and losses.”—Giulia Melucci, author of I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti

Editorial Reviews

"This memoir is filled with honesty, clarity and wit. Bernstein's writing is the most beautiful gem of all."—Abby Sher, author of Amen, Amen, Amen

“This tender, funny, beautifully written memoir cleverly connects relationships both familial and romantic to the special gifts that found their way into Beth Bernstein’s jewelry box and heart. As a nice Jewish girl with a severe jewelry jones myself, I empathized with every word of My Charmed Life—and envied Beth’s collection and recollections. Safe to say this book is a gem.”—Wendy Shanker, author of Are You My Guru?

"My Charmed Life is the Love, Loss and What I Wore for jewelry. This witty, romantic romp chronicles all the relationships in the author's life through the gems she was given from age five to fifty. Every page is frank, funny, and completely relatable. A debut as dazzling as the vintage necklaces, bracelets and earrings Beth so vividly describes.”—Susan Shapiro, author of Five Men Who Broke My Heart

“Clever, funny and at times heartbreaking, My Charmed Life sparkles. Bernstein writes from the soul with insight and no holds barred honesty.”—Valerie Frankel, author of Four of a Kind

“Beth Bernstein understands the complicated value of shiny, sparkly things. This book is about all they represent: our histories, loves and losses.”—Giulia Melucci, author of I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti  

From the Publisher