I'm LynnZ and I Love Jewelry!
I buy it and make it and wear it all the time!
This blog is for all the other Jewelry Lovers
out there. In the future, I will discuss varied
aspects of jewelry, from diamonds and gold to
silver and gemstones plus costume jewelry.
How to buy, how to clean, and how to insure.
What I've found helpful and what's not. From
Tasteful Jewelry to Fun Jewelry, you'll find it here!
Right now I have a special interest in Celtic Jewelry and have dedicated a whole page to blog on it. I will be doing more research into Celtic jewelry, it's history and meaning.
May 24, 2008
Gemstone and Silver Jewelry!, see below
A new "Pet Peeves" blog, see below
February 2, 2008
Lampworking? Find out what it is, below!
A friend of mine in New Mexico has not only a store but also a jewelry website that I think everyone should know about. She is a Designer, a Jeweler and a Silversmith who has been making jewelry for over 20 years. You can find her designs at:
On her site, she sells primarily “ gemstone and silver jewelry ” that she makes herself.
Gemstones include the “favorites” – amethyst, topaz, jade, pearls, quartz, & crystals – but offers a lot of products using lesser-known gemstones such as rhodenite, labradorite, odalite and adventurine. There were even a couple of pieces with expensive aquamarine like this one.
On her site, I saw the standard but unique rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. But there were also headdresses, circlets, chokers, and what I call “ harem ” bracelets and anklets. I found a Celtic inspired item or two and even a handmade rosary. Most are one- of-a-kind items and her offerings change regularly, so check back often to see what’s new.
Example of how intricate the headdresses and circlets can get.
If I had to, I’d say her specialty is bridal jewelry. She does headdresses, circlets, tiaras and
more that are just as appropriate for Prom, Pageant, Renaissance, Medieval,
Victorian, Gothic and other types of events.
In addition to inventory, she
will also custom design pieces to your specifications. When in doubt, let her make suggestions that
will enhance your ideas. Just call or
email her your ideas and/or preferences to get a price quote.
Speaking of prices, you'll be surprised at how reasonable they are. Plus, shipping is free when you spend a certain amount at one time. Her guarantee policy is also very good.
Go see Ms. Dumas and tell her LynnZ sent you. You'll be glad you did!
March 3, 2008
Greetings Jewelry Lovers:
One of my pet peeves is jewelry snobbery. If you are lucky enough to be able to afford or own very expensive jewelry, that's great! Wear it in good taste. But don't lord it over those of us who either can't afford it or choose not to own it.
Some people consider jewelry as an investment and that is fine because it obviously is no matter the cost. Others think of it as a "status" symbol and it is to a degree. But I hope we are past the times of wearing as many diamonds, gemstones and gold at one time to show off how rich we are. I think it started off as a necessity. If you didn't wear it, it would be stolen as there were not many ways to secure things in centuries past. But aren't we above that now. In fact, some days I would rather wear the "fake" stuff or silver jewelry because if it was stolen, I wouldn't loose as much financially. Unfortunately, that wouldn't prevent the emotional loss.
I personally like to show off my jewelry, not from pride but because I love it and want to share it with others. It does not feed my ego because I consider it art. Art is to be appreciated for it's beauty. The kudos go to the designer whether that is man or nature. Even the jewelry I make, I appreciate the harmony and beauty of the piece. I feel fortunate that I had the talent to create it. Not, everyone look what I can do!
I see jewelry every day that I wish I had but cannot own. But I can rejoice in the beauty and be curious as to how to create it. I learned a long time ago, envy is basically a negative emotion. So, I may desire a piece but can be content that it is in the world for everyone to see. No, I am not perfect and not trying to put myself on a pedestal but I try to be realistic. I can't have everything. So don't be a snob just because you are more lucky than others.
So own it, wear it or create it for your own personal satisfaction. Jewelry should make you happy. Appreciate the fact that you are fortunate to have it. Enjoy your jewelry and let others enjoy it with you.
I love Jewelry!
LynnZ
February 2, 2008
Lampworking is glassworking using a torch to melt and
shape the glass, according to Wikipedia.
Never really thought about it until I came across a blog about it. A lady who is a lampworker hosts the
blog. Judy Richards not only makes and
sells her beads; she makes finished jewelry with them, too. And let me tell you, she does great
work. Beautiful stuff!
I found it to not only be beautiful, but also unique, imaginative and sometimes whimsical. Her use of color delights the senses. In addition to using colored glass, she often uses silver and luster glass as well as precious metals in the designs of her beads. The results are simply gorgeous. One bead that caught my eye was a purple one with detailed florals.
Of course, purple is my favorite color! Then there was the long bluish one with
silver. I could go on and on.
Judy’s jewelry covers the gamut from classic designs to the
unique and
unusual. She has a gorgeous,
whimsical heart necklace that would be a perfect one-of-a-kind Valentines Day
gift. And then there is the necklace
she calls “Hard into Software” that any Geek or wannabe would enjoy
having. She uses a hardware disk and
embellishes it with lampwork bead weaving.
It’s funky and edgy. It's in the picture to the right.
Lampworking about five years, Judy belongs to the Portland
Bead Society and the International Society of Glass Beadmakers. She sells her
beads online at Cats-Paw-Artifacts and on Dawanda
You can read her blog at http://www.catldy99.wordpress.com/
where you will find others who enjoy her craft.
I asked Judy what inspires and motivates her. This is her answer. “I love nature. It inspires me. Also, I respect the beauty of layers of
glass. I’m working more and more in that direction.
Glass is a wonderful medium – it has a watery aspect to it – and you use fire to play with it. Perfect for me!”
After seeing her work, I agree whole-heartedly! I will be following Judy’s work in the future with anticipation!
LynnZ
The charity run by a friend of mine is Vieke.com which is a free educational website out of India. Not only is the website free for all to use, books are also distributed to poor schools in the countryside. The people who run the website are not rich and sure could use every penny donated to the site. And U.S. dollars go a lot further in India than here. Help out, if you can.
