It’s hard to feel content this month with blistering storms blowing through nearly every time we turn around and frigid temperatures turning our lips purple! It may seem ironic then to note that not only does this month’s birthstone match the color of our lips lately, but it is also the stone of serenity and contentment. Amethyst, a lovely deep purple gemstone, is said to balance the mind, body and spirit – a must for anyone seeking to achieve peace and harmony in their daily lives. Who couldn’t use a bit of that nowadays?

Check out this month’s featured gift ideas:

Most Versatile: Amethyst 60” Rope Necklace with 18K vermeil detail and Swarovski crystal-set ball twist clasp, $595.

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Favorite Matching Set: Triple-strand, cuff style Amethyst bracelet with 18K vermeil detail pairs beautifully with our single-strand faceted Amethyst rondelle 17” necklace, $395 & $325.

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Simply Elegant: Rose Amethyst Teardrop Pendant Necklace with an 18K vermeil daisy chain, $495.

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Shop these styles and more at our NYC boutique in Chelsea or online at www.pattytobin.com/shop

Co-anchor of the CBS Early Show, Erica Hill, seen above wearing her new Patty Tobin tourmaline necklace on air today. This 36″ multicolor tourmaline wire-wrap chain with 18K vermeil discs ($295) is available through special order, call 1.877.772.8891 today and speak with a member of our customer service team to order yours today!

It wasn’t until her late-50s that Patty Tobin decided to wave goodbye to her life-long career as a business strategy consultant and embrace a new life and a new business as a jewelry designer. Despite the tough economic times, Tobin opened her Chelsea boutique in September 2009. “I was nervous knowing what I was up against,” Tobin said. “Branding a business in a good economy is challenging, and a bad economy is worse. As a consultant, I knew all of it.” While support from family and friends was critical, there were still some who doubted her venture, says Tobin. “I had some people saying it’s going to be over before it starts.” Despite the naysayers, however, Tobin has seen so much success in the first two-years of her business that she plans to open a second boutique in the next year. When looking to make a major career change, Tobin says, “”Know there will be defeats and challenges along the way,” she said. “But if you’re passionate, it will give you the strength to forge ahead.”

This article appeared online at CNN.com as part of their New Career Landscape coverage. Read the full article, “From lawyer to comedian? Making a mid-life career change,” by Stephanie Chen.