One of my go-to sites when buying a gift for someone who has everything is Novica.com. This site, in association with National Geographic, offers clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings created by artisans from all around the world. My husband does not have everything, but most of what is on his wishlists are tech and electronic items that cost hundreds of dollars. Even so, when he browses the Novica website, he always finds something with a high coolness factor that he would like to own (and most of the items do not cost hundreds of dollars to buy). In the past he has chosen things like a hand carved coconut shell. This time one of the stone spheres created by stone carver Cesar Gonzales of Peru caught his eye. The one he liked most was this Glitter Pyrite Sphere.
Like with many items sold on Novica.com, this one came with complimentary gift wrapping. All Novica products come with a postcard from the artisan's region and a little card telling the story of the product and the person who created it.
(Click any photo to enlarge)
Although the pyrite sphere only measures approximately 2.6" in diameter, it is very heavy. Sitting on the smooth calcite base, this sphere looks wonderful displayed on top of a desk and is quite a conversation piece. It would make a great gift for anyone who is fascinated by nature and geology.
In addition to mens accessories, such as cufflinks, walking-sticks, and men's scarves, Novica also offers fun things like hand carved chess sets, musical instruments, and accent furniture. Along with being handcrafted, the story behind each artist truly makes any of these items a special gift.
Thank you to Novica.com for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing a gift code for our contest prize.
What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a $50 gift code to shop at Novica.com.
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to WORLDWIDE entries. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
This giveaway is open to WORLDWIDE entries. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
How to Gain Entries:
Browse the selection of gifts for men offered by Novica.com. Then leave a comment telling me the name of one item you saw that you would love to give (or receive) as a gift. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.
Extra Entries:
1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.
2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.
2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.
3) For 10 extra entries, register on Novica.com to receive a $7 Welcome Credit. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.
4) For 1 extra entry, "Like" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here with the link to your Facebook profile.
5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Novica on Twitter and/or "Like" Novica on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.
6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.
7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.
8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Random Drawing:
Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Monday, August 15th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.
Good luck in the drawing!
