Wednesday 28 January 2015
Handmade One Of A Kind Necklaces
While vacationing in Palm Springs, I have been very fortunate in finding wonderful jewelry designers like Joyce Gruenberg. Joyce is formerly from New York and now resides in Rancho Mirage. Her art has been featured in Museum Stores and Boutiques throughout the United States. All her necklaces are one of a kind. She uses various stones and metals to make her pieces unique and collectible, a perfect fit for joantaras.com. Joyce is seen here amongst her many beautiful pieces. I find that in my 'encore' career I am meeting the most amazing people and having the time of my life. Retiring is all that it's cracked up to be, particularly if you get to start a new business in an industry that you love. People tell me I'm not really retired now that I've started selling jewelry online but to me this is just pure fun! Joyce also spent time with me to coach me on how she puts her jewelry together and where she finds her supplies. As I also make my own jewelry as well as bring in many designers from Canada, United States and Israel, I love being mentored by those who have had successful careers in this industry. A few other jewelry designers/artists have come my way while here in the desert and I hope you will keep following me to see their work on my site. I am really amazed by the creativity and entrepreneurship that I am seeing here.
Tuesday 20 January 2015
Amazing Amethyst - February's Semi-Precious Gemstone
What do I love about February’s Amethyst? Mostly that it was my mother’s birthstone and I always think of her when i see amethyst. My first experience with it was when I was perhaps 6 or 7 years old and decided to take my mother’s amethyst fashion jewelry to the white elephant sale at my elementary school, Seven Oaks in Winnipeg. Of course, my mother knew nothing of it. I vaguely remember her coming to the school to pick up the absconded jewels. I suppose I was turned in before the beautiful purple bracelet and earrings sold for a penny or two to someone else’s mother.
The beautiful amethyst brooch below is circa 1850 and available via 1st Dibs.
I also love this Calico Juno handmade amethyst necklace. I love the way it is delicately strung on a gold chain with an intricate clasp that you rarely see these days. Imagine it worn in royal courts or on the ladies of Downton Abbey. Luckily this kind of jewelry just doesn't go out of style and reinvents itself to be worn in 2015 with jeans, mini dresses, long dresses, pants or jumpsuits. Just about anything goes in 2015 and I love it!
Thursday 15 January 2015
"A woman's greatest accessory is her style, embrace your inner jewel." Mercedes Brunelli
When in Palm Desert, it is imperative to stroll along El Paseo and browse in the shops and art galleries. A favorite of mine is Imago Gallery, filled with beautiful artwork and my favorite, Chihuly glass. This day, at the front of the gallery was a display of jeweled, handmade clutches designed and made by Mercedes Brunelli. The image below is the one I excitedly bought, or should I say my husband bought for me because he was just as enamoured with it. As with all her clutches, tucked inside are optional chains so they can become shoulder bags or cross shoulder bags as well as clutches.
Well, one thing led to another and I’m happy to say that Mercedes Brunelli clutches are now carried by joantaras.com You can purchase any one of those shown at joantaras.com/accessories. (as of Monday, January 19, 2015) I love Mercedes story. I asked her what inspired her to make these fashion jewelry gems and this is what she said:”
“From a very young age I realized I had a passion for glitz and glam. Coming from a family with a strong appreciation for art, I was always encouraged to "create". My biggest inspiration came from my grandmother, where anything she put her hands to became beautiful and creative. My grandmother was diagnosed with multipule myeloma but battled it for 8 years, never hindering her creativity. Her passion and love to create inspired me, made me believe anything was possible. A little over a year ago I launched "The Jewel Collection" an evening handbag line. The entire collection is handmade and embellished with Swarovski crystals. Each bag has its own personality and inspirations. My signature slogan "A woman's greatest accessory is her style, embrace your inner jewel." Is just a reminder to pursue your passion. I am honored to say that a portion of the proceeds of each bag sold is donated to The Multipule Myeloma Research Foundation in memory of my grandmother. Her passion is a reminder to continue to create and believe”.
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