I had a small percent of my total IRA account invested in oil (decline to say exactly here) which has of course doubled over the past year (maybe not even that long). My conservative advisor, who fits me to a 'T', sold it with my blessing yesterday so I capture a very tidy profit before things get too wild.

He says, "You can be a bear, you can be a bull, but don't be a hog." And I agree.

I would love to invest in gold but it is still high. It's come down some, but still going up and down. Sterling is going up.

WELL....stopped by the bead/jewelry supply store on my lunch break. WHAT WAS I THINKING?? I couldn't pass the 25% off gold-filled wire and sterling silver wire. This shop's prices are always a bit high, so with the sale their prices come down to what is available more typically to me with a little work (ie using a Joann coupon for sterling wire, although there is no choice in wire weight at JoAnns, or going to a different shop which sometimes but not always has the right weight).

Goldfilled and sterling work are never terribly inexpensive and 25% off doesn't come around too often.

These will be such a pleasure to work with! I made two pairs of chandelier earrings last night using sterling wire/silver plated chandelier frames and semi-precious stone briolettes.

no pic -- you'll have to wait! They will be priced somewhere in the $10-15 range.