New Pieces! Meet Santa Rosa...

Head over to my Etsy shop to learn more about this new set!  Here are a few pictures:

Here on Etsy!

Here on Etsy!

Alexandros: Custom Piece for Gene

When Gene asked me to create a masculine bracelet with a rainbow colored beads, I knew the design process would be challenging and rewarding.  I've never made a man's bracelet before and I had to think of a rainbow-based design that wasn't evocative of Skittles--I needed to create an understated and handsome, pride bracelet.  So, I'm happy to present, Alexandros.

I had a lot of fun designing and making this bracelet.  The highlights of the bracelet are the leather cording and  handmade ceramic beads--both are made by Mykonos in Mykonos, Greece.  The company has long been known for the quality of its ceramic beads and leather products. 

The bracelet has earth-toned and bright toned beads in every color of the rainbow framed by five gunmetal black beads on each side.  The two beads near the clasp are special additions to the bracelet: one lovely brown reminds me of my client, Gene, (his hair and warm personality) and the other bead is deep brown, almost black, the color of rich soil that symbolizes the loyalty, respect, and nurturing we all need to get along in the world.  I know that may seem like a lot for one bead to symbolize, but I think it compliments the pride the rainbow beads convey.

The clasp is a bead I've had since my Albuquerque days.  It's a brass colored bead with some patina on it already.  I believe it is a metalized ceramic bead, and the design is reminiscent of Celtic, Turkish, or North African designs.  I only bought four of these beads, so it's a very special addition to this custom bracelet.

Thank you again for the challenge, Gene!

"Alexandros" is Greek in origin and means "defending men" or "defender of men."

First Three Pieces of the New Spring Collection Now Available!

Spring Flowers I and II and Wildflower I are here!  These necklaces have a classic amethyst and rose quartz pairing with additional accents that transform them into one-of-a-kind bohemian pieces!

Click on each necklace's name for more information and pricing.

 SPRING FLOWERS I

Detail of Spring Flowers I

Detail of the clasp I hand forged & hammered for Spring Flowers I

SPRING FLOWERS II (SOLD)

 

WILDFLOWER I

Wildflower I in low light.

Welcoming spring!

I'm back!

Dear friends and fans,

I've been away for far too long, but, alas, studying for and completing my PhD exams took precedence over making jewelry.  The good news is that I passed all eleven hours worth of my exams (the last exam was just this past Monday the 27th), and, to celebrate, I've made three new necklaces that are full of spring colors !

I'll post these lovelies within the next week and hopefully I'll have a couple of pairs of earrings to share as well.  For now, here are a few preview shots!  

Enjoy!

Jameela

These necklaces feature rose quartz, amethyst, turquoise, olivine jade, and much more!

A length for every occasion!


Etsy shop link!

Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling First Annual Benefit Celebration

Tomorrow, at the Carborro ArtsCenter, Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling will hold their First Annual Benefit Celebration.  Come out and learn about their amazing summer 2011 1,800 mile journey on the Underground Railroad!  Cyclists will discuss their adventures, show a preview of their documentary, and hold a silent auction featuring items from artisans around the Triangle.  I've donated a pair of limited edition earrings in support of this awesome cause. 

Read more about this event here:  http://snr.chcpact.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=7

And checkout their FB page here: http://www.facebook.com/SpokenRev

Généviève

Introducing Généviève...

the first Bohemian Earth piece of 2012

 When I completed this necklace, the name"Généviève" came to mind.  I think Généviève sounds elegant and graceful, which seems fitting for this multistrand statement piece.

The necklace features three strands of faceted deep red garnet.  On each strand of garnet, there is one beautifully detailed antiqued solid copper bead.  The deep red of the garnet complements the blue green turquoise rondelles that make make up the top half of the necklace.  These turquoise rondelles have a lovely earthy matrix and are accented further by eight rustic, faceted solid copper beads.  The necklace closes with a solid copper s-clasp.

This necklace will be an elegant birthday present for a Capricorn or a woman born in January.  The Copper plated pewter links, reminiscent of hearts, that connect the two parts of the necklace also make this one-of-a-kind necklace a lovely Valentine's Day gift that can be worn year round.



Garnet encourages good health, creativity, and devotion and commitment to oneself and others.  Turquoise is a powerful healing stone that can help wearers with meditation, balance, and communication. It is also a protective stone that enhances love, friendship, and loyalty.  Copper enhances non-verbal communication, gives energy for the tired and aids in grounding the restless.

The name Généviève is French with possible Germanic or Celtic origins and means "woman of the people."

You may purchase Généviève, 

a one-of-a-kind design, via my Etsy shop... 

It's been a great year!

"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do" 

- Rumi

 

Dear friends and fans,

2011 has been a wonderful year!  I am thankful to all of you for your support and encouragement.  I am so happy that I'm able to make pieces that you love to wear and wear in love.  It was around this time last year that I begin to think about making jewelry for myself more regularly and I toyed with the notion of making jewelry for others as well.  By January, I was determined to open a Etsy shop.  Opening the shop and having a line launch were months away, but I began building an inventory based around materials I thought were beautiful.

Rumi's words (see the epigraph above) resonate within me deeply.  Through my jewelry making, I seek to cultivate happiness, love, and beauty in my life and in the lives of others.  I may sound sentimental, but I truly enjoy it all... from a flawless execution of a design to restringing and adjusting a necklace two or three times.

As you may have noticed, I have taken a break from creating during this busy holiday season to focus on my family and to prepare for my comprehensive PhD exams, which will take place in February.  I look forward to making a few pieces in January and February and I should be back to a regular jewelry crafting routine by March.  

In the meantime, I'm planning many designs including multi-strand showstoppers, minimalist earrings, and color-filled necklaces.  You'll also see a Frida Kahlo necklace series, new materials including solid copper and brass and more sterling silver.  And, I'll begin making my own earwires and other metalwork designs as time and practice allow.  I have a lot planned for 2012, and I look forward to sharing my vision and designs with all of you.

Many thanks to you all and happy new year!

Jameela