FAMILY: NEW TIES? NEW STUFF!

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By Newsweek Editors

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There are more than 22 million stepfamilies in the United States, and about 1,300 new ones form each day. These "blended families" regularly include kids (and even pets) from previous marriages or relationships. So when Susan Fox's friend was marrying a man who had a daughter, Fox wanted to give a gift symbolizing "love and unity" for the new family. A fashion and jewelry designer, Fox designed the Family Ties Collection for blended families. The medallion collection, made of sterling silver or gold vermeil, can be worn as necklaces, bracelets, cuff links or key rings. "I hope this will bring families closer," says Fox.

Other wedding retailers, on the Internet and in stores, are also beginning to target blended families. The Knot, a popular wedding Web site, offers a gold-plated pewter family medallion; Tiffany & Co. and Cartier offer jewelry designed with various forms of circles signifying unity for new families. "People are trying to show these marriages are the real deal," says Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot. "The jewelry can be a key symbol."

And if you're wondering: yes, there's a medallion designed for the family pet, too.

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