Happy Stories From our customers

When we talk jewelry, we think of adornment only. Most of us forget that throughout history, jewelry has been used for a wide variety of purposes, from plain old functionality (think cuff links) to protection from evil spirits.

According to a recent piece in the New York Times, a  jewelry exhibition in Italy has one goal in mind: to change the way you look at jewelry.

“You’ll start thinking about what jewelry means to you. And your idea about jewelry will be different after you visit.” promised Alba Cappellieri, director of the Museo del Gioiello.

The museum, which opened in December 2014, features nine rooms focused on different concepts. For example, the “jewelry as function” room has buttons, cufflinks, cloak clasps, tiny bottles meant to hold perfume and little coin pouches, all decorative items with workaday roles. “We have examples from all over the world, from Africa, China, India, America,” said Ms. Cappellieri, professor of jewelry design at Milan Polytechnic, pointing out an Italian Renaissance belt woven of gold.

But not to worry: there’s a section dedicated to jewelry that’s simply about design (pictured below).

A necklace in an 18th century style with a cut-glass pendant designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel’s fall 1983 couture and manufactured by Ugo Correani of Milan. It is a reproduction of a necklace owned by Coco Chanel.

Did you ever notice how amazing you look after a good vacation? Or even after a good nap? When we take that time to break away from our lives and recharge, the effects are not only mental but physical.

Here are 3 easy techniques to employ to naturally hit the reset button.

1. Remember, there’s always a place to hide. Let’s say you’re at a party. The music is too loud, the people are annoying and the chips are stale. You feel your energy being drained. How will you make it through? Find a secret place and retreat. Maybe there’s a porch where you can breathe and gather yourself for a little. Just enough to recharge and deal again. Sometimes we need a safe space in our own home. Where is yours? If you don’t have one, can you create one? (Just remember to turn off the phone and officially disconnect for the full effect.)

2. Take five. (Here comes the dreaded “m” word!) Meditation is a scary prospect for many of us. We all think there is some magic formula that only white bearded yogis and Sting truly understand. But there’s nothing to it. Literally, nothing. It’s just stilling your mind and bringing yourself into the moment. Be. Here. Now. If you take five minutes in the morning then you start your day with a fresh mind and a clean, unfettered spirit—one that’s better prepared to deal with life’s many stressors.

3. Retreat royally. We all need to recharge, especially in today’s challenging times. Give yourself permission to hide out and treat yourself well while doing so. Call it a Self Party. Find your favorite movie, make popcorn, grab your favorite blanket and go inward in style, baby! If you haven’t taken a vacation in a while, make time for it. Nothing cleanses the soul and mind like travel.

We are sensitive people and often forget the very real need to withdraw, process, rest, daydream, escape. In a fast-paced world, it’s almost a must in order to stay healthy and look good. Treat your retreat well. You deserve it!

Hi Beth!! Just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how much I’m still head over heels for my ring! I catch myself multiple times per day staring at it and thinking, gah that’s one gorgeous ring!! Thank you again 

Emily

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Hi Margie!

The next time you find yourself complaining about the “way things are made nowadays”, refer to to this article from in Blouin Art Info. It’s a gentle reminder of the immense detail that used to go into hand-crafted jewelry. Check out this interesting collection of drawings, created during a time when everything was hand-painted, then fabricated by true artisans.

Sotheby’s in London is to put on show hundreds of vintage-jewelry drawings that have never been seen in public before.

The “Masters of Design” display will feature preparatory sketches before items were hand-made by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and famous “maisons.” The exquisite artwork charts almost a century of design, up to the 1960s. The auction house says the sketches are works of art in themselves and come from a large private collection of 3,000 jewelry documents.

(Remember, we create custom design jewelry using 3 generations of jewelry craftsmanship so we get the importance of detail and artistry!)

Designs for Cartier brooch. Sotheby’s

Designs for brooches attributed to Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1935 Sotheby’s

Design for Cartier Collier de Chien, 1900s Sotheby’s