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2021 Colors of the Year

1/5/2021

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Pantone’s Colors of the Year are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating a bright yellow. These two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to support one another.
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According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”
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This year look for jewelry featuring:

Golden Metals, from karat gold to brass or bronze, will bring warmth to your look. Gold is said to amplify happy and positive feelings. Brass is thought to bring out natural good and inner truth. Bronze is believed to boost self-confidence and give one courage.
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Pearls in shades of gray provide a timeless look to any outfit. Pearls symbolize generosity, loyalty, and wisdom.
Amber is a gold-colored gem made of fossilized tree resin. It symbolizes courage and is thought to bring one success.

Citrine is the golden variety of transparent quartz. It is believed to open the mind to new thoughts and increase self-esteem.
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Hematite is a steely gray-black gemstone that almost looks like metal. It is believed to ground your life helping you feel calmer and more centered.
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In addition to gemstones, crystal, glass, and cubic zirconia beads will abound in these two colors.
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Regardless of your budget, you’ll be able to find just the right piece of jewelry in the 2021Colors of the Year – Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.
The Pantone Color Institute, often referred to as simply Pantone, is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. These standards allow the exact same color to be used across a variety of products as diverse as home furnishings, paint, cosmetics, clothing, and linens.
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New Holiday Traditions

12/1/2020

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​This year, like no other, marks a time when we must find new ways to celebrate old holiday traditions. As I write this, the coronavirus pandemic is raging. Getting together to celebrate the holidays is something many health experts suggest we forgo this year to limit the risk to ourselves and those we love. So as resourceful Americans, we are finding ways of making new holiday traditions.
I usually hold a holiday get together for friends and neighbors. But since we’re all of a certain age and don’t want to risk getting or passing the coronavirus, I plan to meet with them individually outside, socially distant and masked. We can share a cup of cheer on each other’s patios or porches. Even though we won’t be together as a group, we’ll still have time with each other.
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I will decorate my house. I love the holiday lights, the tree, wreaths, and garland. Just looking at all of them makes me smile! I’ll share pictures on Facebook and Instagram so everyone can enjoy my decorations even if they don’t visit my house.
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I won’t be traveling to Denver to be with my family. It’s just too risky for my nephew who is a transplant recipient and highly susceptible to infection. But we can still unwrap gifts together via video phone calls.

I do plan on baking cookies as well as my infamous rum-soaked fruitcake. I’ll spread holiday cheer by leaving them on friends’ doorsteps and mailing them to my family. As my nephew in St. Louis said, “by the time the cookies arrive any virus will be dead.”
And this year, I’ve promised myself that I’ll spend time playing Christmas carols on my piano. I’m sure my dogs and cats will be an attentive audience!
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The holidays are a time of hope, laughter, and good will to all. We can still share these things with family and friends via Zoom or FaceTime or Skype. Who knows what new and wonderful traditions we’ll create this year.
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Wishing you a healthy, safe, and joyous holiday season!
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Support Local Artists & Crafters

11/2/2020

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The coronavirus has made 2020 a difficult year for most of us. Artists and crafters have been particularly hard hit. Many craft shows have been cancelled and galleries were closed for months resulting in a loss of income.

​As you know, I think handcrafted items make perfect gifts whether you choose a painting, jewelry, or crocheted potholders. The creativity and love that went into producing the item make it special. Here are ways you can find the perfect gift and support local artists and crafters.
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Artist Websites - many local artists have their own websites or Etsy stores where you can view and purchase an array of items. You may even have the item shipped directly to the recipient; particularly helpful if you're unable to travel to be with them.

Local Artists - if you've purchased from local artists in the past and have their contact information, call or email them. Many may be willing to have you visit their studio or direct your to places displaying their art.

Local Galleries - many are open, some with reduced hours and many requiring face masks and physical distancing. Buying from a local gallery supports both the artists and the gallery owner. You're sure to find work by wonderful local artists. Check local directories to find a gallery in your area.

Craft Shows - there may be a few shows before the holidays. If you go to any, please wear a face mask, try to stay physically distant, and use hand sanitizer. Doing so not only protects you but also the artists and crafters. Craft shows usually provide a wide range of items and prices.
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This year, more than ever, I encourage you to look locally for unique and interesting items for those on your list and for yourself. You'll contribute to a happy holiday for the artists while keeping the money in your community.

​Make handcrafted gifts a part of your holiday tradition!
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Hurray for Autumn!

10/1/2020

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The nip in the air and nature's rich, warm colors make autumn my favorite season. Rust, ocher, orange, red and brown are fall colors that influence the stones and metals I choose as I create jewelry. Here are a few of my favorites.
Chocolate Jasper - deep browns with just  hint of ocher make this a very versatile stone. It's perfect for the chocoholic - no calories!

Copper, Brass and Bronze - either in their shiny state or oxidized to give them a deeper tone. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets have a warm glow to accent any fall wardrobe.
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Chocolate Jasper Pendant
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Fired Agate Necklace
Fire Jasper - rich rusty reds with a swish of gray. A stone you won't find everywhere which definitely says "autumn".

Fired Agate - shades of orange from pale to deep make this an ideal stone for fall. Its crackled pattern is the result of heating the stone.
Smoky Quartz - soft, translucent brown makes this stone the perfect accent for other fall-toned stones. It's equally lovely on its own with a touch of copper or bronze.

​Tiger Eye - the shift from deep to golden brown can be mesmerizing, like a tiger's eye seen through jungle foliage.
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Smoky Quartz Necklace
I enjoy sorting through all my treasures to find just the right combination of metals, gemstones and beads to create a unique piece of jewelry. And at this time of year, I go absolutely wild for all the deep, rich autumn colors.

Have a wonderful Autumn!
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Make Your Jewelry Shine

9/9/2020

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It's simple to keep your jewelry looking its best.
  • Start with a soft toothbrush (battery-powered ones are great) and plain dish detergent (like original blue Dawn).
  • For very dirty or tarnished pieces, I use Jewel Brite Jewelry Cleaner or Tarnish Remover. Both are biodegradable and safe for most metals, gems and gemstones including pearls.

​For gemstone, glass and crystal bead jewelry simply wipe with a damp cloth. If the piece is very dirty, wet a soft cloth, add a tiny bit of Jewelry Cleaner or detergent, wipe the piece, and rinse by wiping again with a cloth dampened with water.
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For gems set in prongs, as in rings, pendants or bracelets, use a toothbrush and either dish detergent or Jewelry Cleaner. Wet the toothbrush, add a tiny bit of detergent or Jewelry Cleaner, and gently scrub your jewelry. Work the brush between the setting and the gems. Rinse with warm water, dry with a soft cloth, and see your gems sparkle.
Pearls require special care to keep their luster. They should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Avoid getting make-up, perfume or hairspray on your pearls. After taking them off, wipe them with a soft cloth to remove skin oils, cosmetics and dust. If they look dull, wipe gently with a damp cloth. Never use detergents, toothbrushes, scouring pads or steam or ultrasonic cleaners.

For gemstone, glass and crystal bead jewelry simply wipe with a damp cloth. If the piece is very dirty, wet a soft cloth, add a tiny bit of Jewelry Cleaner or detergent, wipe the piece, and rinse by wiping again with a cloth dampened with water.
​For sterling silver, copper, brass, bronze or gold, swish your jewelry in Jewelry Cleaner, let it sit a bit, rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth. For really tarnished pieces, wet a toothbrush, pick up a bit of Tarnish Remover, scrub gently, rinse with warm water, dry with a soft cloth, and your metals will gleam. I use Renaissance Wax to provide a barrier between the metal and skin as well as to retard oxidation (a.k.a. tarnish). You can get similar results using a light coating of paste wax.

​Most importantly, 
do not use toothpaste to clean your jewelry. It contains abrasives and may leave scratches.
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May your jewelry always shine!
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Bright & Beautiful

8/3/2020

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Don't be dazed by the dog days of August. Energize your wardrobe and yourself with jewelry in bright, fun colors. Pick jewelry in a color you never considered wearing - hot pink? bright orange? fuchsia? lime green? fiery red? A new pair of earrings or a simple necklace won't break the bank. Look for jewelry that incorporates any (or all) of the following.
Beads & Crystals Their colors are almost endless. Maybe earrings with turquoise and lime green beads? How about a necklace with a single sparkling crystal in a color you don't normally wear? Perhaps a bracelet with small beads in all the colors of the rainbow? Just looking through my beads inspires me to create wildly colorful jewelry.
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Colored Wire Color-coated copper wire is my base for a myriad of light-weight designs. I combine colors like seafoam green and peacock blue or fuchsia and hot pink to make fun little rings and earrings. I use heavy-weight wire to make pendants that look a bit like a rose or peony in bloom. They're so light weight you hardly know you have them on.
Gemstones While Mother Nature produces gemstones in an array of colors, man often enhances the drabber natural stones by dying them gorgeous colors. I like to feature a couple of gemstone beads on a simple necklace. I accent larger gemstones with wire to create pendants which make a statement without being heavy.
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Resin I'm just starting to explore all the fun ways resin can be used in jewelry. I've tinted it by adding dust from chalk pastels to create any color I can dream of and then creating colorful bubbles by framing the resin with wire. I've also used clear resin to bring out the bright colors in snippets from greeting cards by my sister-in-law, Susan Schmitt. I turn the resin-coated snippets into birds, butterflies, leaves and bubbles.
Go a little wild with your jewelry and jazz up your summer look!
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Summer Jewelry Suggestions

7/1/2020

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Warm summer days and nights call for light and bright jewelry; pieces that don't weigh you down and colors that reflect summer's beautiful flowers and birds. Jazz up neutral outfits with sunny yellows, radiant reds, cool blues and greens, and outrageous oranges. Offset brightly colored clothes with black, white and metallics.

Here are some summer jewelry ideas.
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Bracelets A thin bangle or narrow cuff in silver, copper or bronze adds a metallic glow without a lot of weight. If you want a more striking look, stack several.

Earrings Add a pop of bright color - maybe one you've never tried before. If you wear your hair up or pulled back, try a sleek drop earring in a vibrant hue - hot pink, lime green, aqua. Look for classic shapes such as diamonds and squares in vivid colors. For a more traditional look, select slender earrings in hammered silver, copper or bronze.
Necklaces For a minimalist look, try a gemstone hanging from a simple chain. Add a little sparkle with a single crystal cube on an almost invisible necklace. Fine changes interspersed with gemstones or crystals provide a delicate, timeless look.
Pendants A single wire-wrapped gemstone on a chain or cord can make a statement without a lot of weight. Jade, rose quartz, or rock crystal quartz qill add a touch of coolness to your outfit.

Rings For a cool look, consider a simple hammered sterling silver ring. Look for bright colors and fun shapes like my Just for Fun Swirly Wire Rings which come in a variety of summery colors.
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Use jewelry to lighten and brighten your summer wardrobe. You can experiment with bold colors and unusual designs without a large investment. 

I've updated my collections to include jewelry in bright colors, classic neutrals and traditional metals just right for summer wear.
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Amazing Quartz

6/2/2020

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Quartz is a huge family of minerals with the same chemical composition and similar properties. It makes up 12% of the earth's crust.
There are two major branches of the quartz family:
  1. Macro-crystalline - crystals visible to the naked eye. This branch includes amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz and rutilated quartz.
  2. Micro- or crypto-crystalline - crystals too small to be seen without magnification. This branch is more commonly known as chalcedony (kal-SEH-doh-nee) and includes agate, jasper, carnelian, chrysoprase, onyx and petrified wood.
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Amethyst Cross Pendant
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Fired Jasper Necklace
In broad terms, chalcedony can be semi-transparent, translucent, solid, or patterned. The most common forms of chalcedony are agate and jasper.
  • Jasper tends to be opaque with irregular and less defined markings. It is composed of microscopic grains of crystalline quartz.
  • Agate is usually translucent and has clearly defined bands. It is composed of microscopic fibers of crystalline quartz.
However, in the gem and jewelry trade when someone refers to chalcedony, they are usually talking about a semi-transparent or translucent stone with a solid color (most often soft blue) with a waxy luster. This type of chalcedony can also be white, purple, pink, yellow or red but not orange-red which is referred to as carnelian.
I enjoy making jewelry with all types of quartz from clear rock crystal quartz to the astonishingly colored and patterned jaspers and agates. A few of my current favorites are:
Rock Crystal Quartz - the crystal-clear variety of macro-crystalline quartz. It is considered the ideal of macro-crystalline quartz.

Fired Agate - this agate, a micro-crystalline quartz, is heated to give it a crackled appearance.

Green Zebra Jasper - as its name implies this jasper, also a micro-crystalline quartz, is striped in green and white.

Rose Quartz - the soft pink variety of macro-crystalline quartz. It is one of the most desired varieties of macro-crystalline quartz.
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Rock Crystal Quartz & Onyx Pendant
Visit Jewelry Facets to learn more about all the branches of the quartz family as well as a wide variety of other gems and gemstones.
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Marvelous Moms

5/9/2020

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On one special day each year, children let their mothers know how much they're loved and appreciated. But did you ever wonder how that custom started? Read on for a little Mother's Day history.
The tradition started as a spring celebration in Greece honoring Rhea, the mother of all gods. In the 1600's, early English Christians designated a day to honor Mary, the mother of Christ. That religious holiday expanded to honor all mothers and became knowns as "Mothering Sunday." Unfortunately, that tradition faded away about the time the Pilgrims came to America.

​Then in 1870, Julia Ward Howe issued a peace proclamation urging women, especially mothers, to rise against war. It became known as the first Mother's Day proclamation. Her Mother's Peace Day was widely celebrated but she was unable to get it declared a national holiday.
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Almost 1 with my mom and her mom
When Anna Jarvis's mother died in 1905, Anna missed her greatly and realized children often neglected to appreciate their mothers while they were still alive. She started a national campaign to recognize mothers - living and dead. Anna's dream came true on May 9, 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May was to be observed as Mother's Day to honor all mothers.
While Mother's Day is celebrated in most parts of the world, it is not celebrated on the same day. For example, Mothering Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent in the UK and Mother's Day on May 10 in Mexico.
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40-something with my mom
There are as many ways to pay tribute to a mom as there are children. And this year as we shelter in place, many of us will be using Facetime, Skype and Zoom to say "I love you" to our moms and other special women in our lives. Now more than every, remember mom's admonition to "wash your hands."

​Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy and Happy Mother's Day.
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Gems Are Not Just for Jewelry

4/21/2020

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When I think of gems, I immediately think "jewelry." But gems are used in many other ways. In fact, the majority of gems that are mined are used in applications other than jewelry. Here are just a few.
Corundum is aluminum oxide. It is called ruby when red and sapphire when other colors. Regardless of color, corundum is used as an abrasive for grinding glass and polishing metal. It is made into sandpapers and grinding wheels.
Fluorite is calcium fluoride. It is used as flux in the manufacture of steel and as a catalyst in the manufacture of high-octane fuels. Fluorite plays a large part in the creation of glazed tiles and opalescent glass. It is a source of fluorine which is used for the fluoridation of water and in Teflon coatings.

​Hematite is an iron oxide and the most important iron ore as it is 70% iron. Powdered hematite is called red ocher and is used as a pigment. Purified, ground hematite is called rouge and is used to polish plate glass and jewelry.
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Fluorite
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Kyanite
Kyanite is the major raw material for the aluminum silicate mullite which is used in spark plugs and heat-resistant porcelains. The molds that are used for casting high-temperature metals are often made of kyanite.

​Lazurite is the main component of lapis lazuli and gives it its deep blue color. Powered lapis was used for hundreds of years to make the pigment ultramarine. And, it was probably one of the first eye shadows.
Malachite is green copper carbonate hydroxide. It was ground and used as eye paint in ancient time possibly to ward off the evil eye. It was also used as the green pigment in wall paintings dating back to the 15th century BC.

​Petalite, lithium aluminum silicate, is an important source of lithium. Its high chemical activity makes possible the tiny batteries used in pacemakers and other small devices.
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Petalite
Jewelry Facets provides more information about these and other gemstones.
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