When I ran across Jesika Jack’s shop, I was so impressed with the focus behind the idea. Her pieces are beautiful. I couldn’t help but write a quick post on her jewelry line.

Leo Constellation Necklace by Jesika Jack on Etsy

Virgo Constellation Necklace by Jesika Jack on Etsy

The necklaces are quite a statement piece. If they’re too much for you, take a look at some of her more compact necklaces or even her earrings:

Southern Cross Constellation Necklace Spiral Motif by Jesika Jack on Etsy

Southern Cross Constellation Disc Earrings by Jesika Jack on Etsy

Makes you want to wear your stars, huh?

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#12 - March Destashing Done!

Firstly, you should think about what that person’s personal jewelry preferences might be. Take a look at the style of items which they might usually wear on a regular basis. Do they prefer long, detailed earrings or plain, simple studs? Do they tend to wear gold or silver? Although you might be looking to get them something special, it can be a good idea to sneak a peek at their everyday items, in order to get a good idea of what their preferences might be. It is worth bearing in mind that A Pretty Rock can offer custom orders, which can save a significant amount of time searching for the perfect piece.

You will also want to think about the style of jewelry which you want to purchase. Costume jewelry designs can often be unusual and will stand out from the crowd, despite the fact that this can often be the less expensive option. More classic pieces, such as diamond rings or heavily jewelled bracelets will usually have higher costs, although they are often more versatile. Again, it can be a good idea to consider which style of jewelry tends to be favored by the person whom you are buying for.

You may also think about adding a personal touch to the jewelry which you choose to give as a gift. Perhaps you know what the birthstone is of the person you are buying for? Some designs are also thought to have a certain spiritual significance, which you may feel would be relevant to the person for whom you are buying.

I’m sure you have good ideas on how to choose a perfect gift. What is your best tip?

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Black Friday Sale!Mixed Plate Holiday Gift Guide 2008!Bring in Fall with Pumpkin Earrings

Lately, I’ve found myself browsing again. The same things I loved before are still calling my attention… colors, striking combinations and all things floral. I know that’s why I immediately found myself loving the work of Maria at Little Blue Studio. Just look at these beautiful necklaces:

fabric flower necklace - violet shantung garland with black lustre beaded center

fabric flower necklace - garland in champagne satin with freshwater pearls

fabric flower asymmetrical necklace in black matte satin

Just imagine these worn with a collared v-neck or with a strapless dress. So lovely.

If a necklace isn’t your style, take a look at her brooches:

fabric flower brooch - fall corsage pin in taupe shantung single bloom with peacock pearls

fabric flower brooch - Made To Order - large dusty pink corsage bloom with glass lustre center

black fabric flower corsage brooch with deep ivory pearls

I would probably even pin one of these to a headband for a second way to wear it. Such a feminine and flirty look either way. How about you…which one do you like best?

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Seek Indie Contest!Overcoming ObstaclesToday I closed shop on Etsy

The party was this past Sunday and suffice to say it was more for the adults than the babies. Between the lack of scheduling, mass of people and crazy kids running around on pool highs, our cranky, sleep-deprived babies were nowhere near ready to try their first bites of sugary fluffy frosting cake goodness. So much so, when we sat the three down to eat cake, it turned into a chain reaction of crying. It was truly funny stuff.

For the record, this was the “scary” cake:

Publix Puppy Cake

As far as the rest of the week, it’s been great. Aside from missing my husband terribly, I’ve been grateful to have this time to spend with my mom and see her play and bond with Fiona. I only wish it was time for her to retire so she could come live with us and enjoy her granddaughter all the time.

And I have to say I’m so excited to be picking up my brother from the airport tonigh. He had some training in San Fran this week and was planning on visiting mom this week, so I couldn’t have timed it better. I’m even leaving Florida before Hurricane Irene hits land on Thursday morning. All is good with the world…except for this mad longing to create.

My aunt is a master seamstress. I’ve sat here and watched her create dress after dress for Fiona. Effortlessly sewing pieces together and adding decorative borders…simple skill and muscle memory as if she’s done this tons of times…and she has!

So when we took a quick trip to JoAnn’s to pick up matching thread for a few final pieces, I couldn’t help but browse the magazine racks in search of, you guessed it, wire magazines. You know, of course, this piece just caught my eye:

Step by Step Wire Jewelry, August/September 2011

I love, love, LOVE the floral design. Hats off to the artist. We have to go back to the store tomorrow and I am about *this* close to purchasing the issue so I can make it myself. Just don’t know where I would wear it or how long it would last since Fi is all about pinching and grabbing anything around my neck.

Has anyone tried making this piece? How did it go for you?

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A Last GoodbyeBirthday Cake SketchSleep Training Weekend - The Last Day

Caties Blue: Carolina Earrings

However, I have an online friend who *really* gets color. She gets color so well that she’s even created an e-class on becoming a Color Rockstar. If you don’t know who I’m talking about yet, let me introduce you to Brandi of Catie’s Blue.

Caties Blue: The Maria Necklace

I love visiting Brandi’s blog, because so many of her posts revolve around color inspiration, whether it’s her ideas or those of another artist.

Caties Blue: Minty Fresh Necklace

And if you like eye candy, it’s another good reason to add her blog to your RSS feed reader.

Caties Blue: Camilla Earrings

For me, she’s a treasure trove of inspiration. Which artist inspires you?

This post is part of the 52 Weeks of Blogging Your Passion {affiliate link} series by Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl. If you’re interested in participating in the group, pick up her e-book today! {affiliate link} You can start at any time.

your failures do not define you by unsoundtransient, on Flickr

However, that doesn’t stop me from keeping those tasks on my to-do list. I also don’t let my “failure” define me. You never know when you’ll be able to make the time for things. You never know when you’ll have the creative spark to fix a problem. You never know what can happen in any given week. You just never know.

And I’m making an active choice to focus on other priorities. Although in this case, I have a few other to-dos to complete first (creating new lightbox, picking new background) before I can even move forward with listing any new jewelry or supplies. And I do have new jewelry to list.

You? What weekly failure baggage are you carrying?

This post is part of the 52 Weeks of Blogging Your Passion {affiliate link} series by Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl. If you’re interested in participating in the group, pick up her e-book today! {affiliate link} You can start at any time.

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Where have I been?

Just to reminisce a little, here are links to a few of my favorite custom order posts:

Last Minute Mother's Day Present

Latest Custom Order

Alter Ego

How about you…do you have custom orders that you loved for any reason?

This post is part of the 52 Weeks of Blogging Your Passion series by Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl. If you’re interested in participating in the group, pick up her e-book today! You can start at any time.

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Custom Order: Charmed BraceletThe Day I Returned...Where have I been?

Word of mouth is amazing. I still consider it – hands down – the best method of marketing. I wouldn’t have a web development business if it wasn’t for word of mouth. The same goes for my jewelry business…

Recently, thanks to “word of mouth”, I was recommended by one of my friends to one of her soon-to-be-married friends to get custom necklaces created for the bridesmaid party. There’s something about making bridal jewelry that I find puts me in a good mood. I guess it’s the thought of the celebration. How can you not be happy when two people are committing themselves to true love?

Back to the jewelry…the bride requested I make illusion necklaces. I can’t remember the last time I made illusion necklaces…mainly because once I worked with wire, I never looked back. I still had tons of the illusion cord and other components. All I needed to purchase were the large quantity of crystals and pearls. After a quick trip to the local bead store (researching colors for future wholesale purchases is a must), I sat down to the task.

As I worked the individual pieces of this initial necklace, I was reminded how much fun they were to make. It also made me think that I would like to get back into pearl knotting. I enjoyed that a lot as well, but I think I’d like to take it into a different direction other than the traditional pearl knotting you think of when someone mentions Akoya pearls and the sorts.

Maybe I’ll sit down this weekend and create a new pearl knotted piece. Time to find my silk cards!

Browsing through the gallery, I thought I would recreate one of my favorite Valentine’s Day themed pieces with an additional flourish. I just finished and posted them on the site today, so here are a few pictures of the earrings in process:

My tools and the jewelry components needed to create the earrings.

Sometimes, stones look great until you get them under the light…that’s where you can really see the flaws and cracks which make some stones unusable. Most wire work starts with a base frame. Depending on how much tugging and pulling you may do to create the piece, some jewelry frames need a little hammering or chasing to give them additional strength.

The dowel helps me create the original circular frame and aids me in keeping the design’s shape as I guide and tug the wire. Other tools have their jobs, too.

Once I’m satisfied with a design, I’ll find a place out of the way to clip and secure my wire. Otherwise, I work the tails into the designs until they disappear.

These earrings are the final result. You can find them here.

So, did you like my additional flourish?

This post is part of the 52 Weeks of Blogging Your Passion series by Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl. If you’re interested in participating in the group, pick up her e-book today! You can start at any time.

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Teaching my first class this Friday!Join the treasure hunt Saturday the 19th!Bump Update - Week 37

From today until Monday, December 21st, get 15% off all jewelry! Use code “LASTCHANCE” at checkout. Also, you get FREE SHIPPING for orders over $50!

If you let me know if you are a newsletter subscriber or a Facebook Page Fan and you’ll also get an additional free gift with your order! Who doesn’t love stocking stuffers…especially when they’re free! So shop now!

Don’t forget…cutoff dates for my holiday shipping deadlines are coming soon! These are the last purchase dates that I can guarantee arrival before Christmas within the U.S.:

First Class Mail – December 18th
Priority Mail – December 18th
Express Mail – December 22nd

Make sure to plan ahead and place your orders early! And if you miss these dates, there are always gift certificates.

Finally, the winner of this month’s gift certificate has been announced. Check to see if it was you!

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Christmas in Central ParkWhat Christmas Time Means To Me...After Christmas Sale Starts Today!

My customers tell me one of the hardest things to buy is jewelry. From trueness of color in photography to the assurance of getting the stone you thought you purchased, jewelry buying can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Feeling pressured? Easily understandable. So let me help you out with a few suggestions to select right piece:

• Who’s your audience?
  Make sure you study the personal style of your recipient. Can’t quite make it out? Check out their friends, too. Buying a dainty necklace for your friend who is into the grunge look is probably a mistake…and vice versa. You’ll get the fake smile and nobody wants that.
  
• What’s the occasion?
  Think about the occasion you are celebrating with the purchase. Valentine’s Day? Why not buy jewelry with hearts or something red. Is it their birthday? Buy jewelry with their birthstone. Buying a ring as a gift is also nice, but if it’s too fancy, they might get another idea…there are always casual & fun ring options as well.
  
• The “why” can go a long way!
  “It’s the thought that counts” is a good mantra to go by when you are purchasing jewelry; however, most of us really want to hit the mark. So, if there’s a reason behind your purchase or a story to share, take a moment to write it down on a gift card and give with the jewelry. The thoughtfulness will get you big points.
• Is it affordable?
  There is such a range of jewelry out there. From the $5 earrings at Walmart to the fashion couture pieces in the thousands of dollars…jewelry can really break your bank. Do your research and if you can’t find jewelry locally to fit your budget (or the “budget” that the recipient feels comfortable wearing), go online and search for jewelry. I keep several price range categories (Under $25 & $25 – $45) in my store for just that reason. The point is to find something that you and your recipient will feel comfortable with gifting and wearing.
• Check for a guarantee!
  Make sure you always buy jewelry from a shop that offers a reasonable guarantee. If there is no return policy for the jewelry, clearly you need to be positive beyond a doubt about your purchase. For example, in my shop, if you aren’t delighted with your purchase or your item arrives damaged, I accept all returns 14 days from the date of delivery. You should look for similar policies from any retailer you consider.

If you keep these tips in mind while shopping for jewelry, purchasing should be much less a nightmare and more like a breeze so that it’s easy to get to shopping.

Are there other tips you’d like to share?

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Cyber Monday SpecialEtsy Blogger's November Featured Blogger: StoryBeaderGet Ready for the "It's Fall Y'all" Georgia Etsy Street Team Sale!

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Labradorite, Peruvian Opal and Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Wrap Earrings…Flashy faceted labradorite teardrops are paired with smooth Peruvian opal and Swarovski crystals to create these eye-catching chandelier earrings. The silver has been oxidized for an antique finish.

The earrings are 2″ (5.08cm) long from the top of the earwire. The circle of the chandelier is 3/4″ (1.91cm) wide from one side to the other. All silver is sterling.

These are one-of-a-kind. Once they are sold, I cannot remake this pair of earrings!

$51.00 – $25.50

Sorry! The day has passed and this Holiday Deal is done. Go check out the latest Holiday Deal in the series!

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On the 10th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 2nd Day of Holiday Deals...On the 6th Day of Holiday Deals...

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Ice – Rock Quartz and Rutilated Quartz Bracelet…One of the better finds at the last gem show I attended last year was this spectacular strand of rock quartz shards. Their shape reminds me so much of biwa pearls. In this bracelet, I’ve paired them with black rutilated quartz coins with distinctive rutile markings, sprinkled with a few bali spacers.

With a larger easy closure clasp and a twisted and smooth handmade chain link, this bracelet will quickly become one of your favorites.

The bracelet fits from 7″ (17.78cm) to 9″ (22.86 cm). All metal is sterling silver.

The earrings are approximately 1 1/4” (3.18cm) long from the top of the earwire and 1/4” (0.64cm) wide. All metal is vermeil or 14kt gold-filled.

$79.00 – $39.50

Sorry! The day has passed and this Holiday Deal is done. Go check out the latest Holiday Deal in the series!

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On the 3rd Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 5th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 6th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Apatite, Shell and Crystal Chandelier Wrap Earrings…These eye-catching chandelier earrings are made with beautiful Israeli cut apatite, Swarovski crystals and teal-dyed mother-of-pearl rounds accented with Bali components. The silver has been oxidized for an antique finish.

The earrings are almost 2″ (5.08cm) long from the top of the earwire. The circle of the chandelier is a little over 3/4″ (1.91cm) wide from one side to the other. All silver is sterling.

These are one-of-a-kind. Once they are sold, I cannot remake this pair of earrings!

$59.00 – $29.50

Sorry! The day has passed and this Holiday Deal is done. Go check out the latest Holiday Deal in the series!

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On the 12th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 5th Day of Holiday Deals...On the 3rd Day of Holiday Deals...

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Bromeliad Cascades – Amethyst, Pink Pearl and Opal Chandelier Earrings…Reminiscent of beautiful bromeliad cascades, these absolutely gorgeous earrings remind of a flower garden in full bloom. With two jaw dropping onion brio focals totaling over 20 carats worth of flawless and beautifully faceted AAA Amethyst, these earrings are not for the faint of heart. Hovering below is a bed of faceted Amethyst rounds and pink dyed button pearls, with a beautiful pink Peruvian Opal faceted barrel bead. All of these beautiful components are securely handwired to a wire wrapped frame and hang from handshaped vermeil earwires.

Due to the size of the Amethysts, these earrings are more on the heavy side weighing in at approximately 1.25 ounces each.

This piece is part of my “Inspired” collection. Inspired by Jujem71′s photo Matchstick on Flickr.

The earrings are 2 5/8″ (6.67cm) long from the top of the earwire. All metal is 14kt gold-filled or vermiel.

These are one-of-a-kind. Once they are sold, I cannot remake this pair of earrings!

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On the 12th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 10th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 5th Day of Holiday Deals...

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Hint of Christmas Earrings…It’s the middle of the year, but the bright green of these little beauties remind me of Christmas! Made with bright green dyed chalcedony and vermeil components, they’re a great little pop of color.

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On the 3rd Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 7th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 4th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Peach Holiday Garland Earrings…Bursting with a cluster of peach keishe pearls and deep pink rhodolite garnets, these disco cut smoky quartz balls are just to die for. Topped by a smaller smoky quartz faceted round, these earrings are festive for any occasion.

The earrings hang approximately 1 1/2″ (3.81 cm) from the top of the ball post. All metal is 14kt gold-filled or vermeil (22kt gold heavily plated over a sterling silver core.)

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On the 4th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 3rd Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 12th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Beer Quartz Shield Earrings…Rich and intoxicating, I fell in love with these beer quartz shields as they laid on the gem vendors table. Paired with vermeil spacers, they are simply decadent and timeless.

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On the 3rd Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 4th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 7th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Rutilated Quartz Gold-filled Framed Circle Drop Necklace…A large and lustrous faceted rutilated quartz adorns the bottom of this hand wrapped wire circle. A beautiful statement piece.

The necklace is 22″ (58.88cm) in length. The pendant is 2 3/8″ (6.03cm) long. All metal is gold-filled or vermeil (22kt gold heavily plated over a sterling silver core.

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On the 2nd Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 11th Day of Holiday Deals 2009...On the 3rd Day of Holiday Deals 2009...

For the 12 Days of Holiday Deals, I’m offering one item on my site at a discount of 30% – 50% off the original price of the item. You only have until midnight EST to make your purchase on my limited edition pieces the day I post them on my blog. So if you want this item, don’t delay. Tomorrow, this deal will be gone!

And as a little extra to everyone who stops by during my 12 Days of Holiday Deals, for each item purchased or each comment left (1 each a day), you’ll get entered to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! That’s 24 chances to win over the course of 12 days!

The Green Holiday Garland Earrings…Bursting with a cluster of green keishe pearls and deep pink rhodolite garnets, these disco cut smoky quartz balls are just to die for. Topped by a smaller smoky quartz faceted round, these earrings are festive for any occasion.

The earrings hang approximately 1 1/2″ (3.81 cm) from the top of the ball post. All metal is 14kt gold-filled or vermeil (22kt gold heavily plated over a sterling silver core.)

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