Mothers and Pearls

With Mother's Day fast approaching, I spent a good amount of time in the studio this weekend playing with new designs that I hoped would make pleasing gift ideas for moms and daughters alike.


Fittingly, I used lots of mother of pearl, such as in these 'ivory tower' earrings.



This 'mother of pearls' necklace pays homage with an old celluloid 'Mother' pin, an antique photo locket featuring a Victorian woman and Art Deco rhinestone bracelet links.





Next I thought I'd try my hand at some brooches and assembled this one by draping a sterling silver shield with shell cameo, old watch chain and mother of pearl rosary beads to a sterling marcasite bow.




A French-inspired sterling silver cuff bracelet with rosary crosses and agate.




These 'souvenir de bains' charms are so popular I keep getting requests for more. Don't worry... I have one more set that I can make another pair of earrings with! ;)



Brass crowns hang from chains and more mother of pearl.



Another brooch assembled from a 1920s goldtone rose pin, handmade Virgin Mary pendant, enamel cross and... you guessed it, mother of pearl rosary beads!




Finally, I just had to get this beautiful pink scapular from France as soon as I spied it! I've never seen another quite like it and its colour is so yummy.


I complemented it with vintage rhinestones, tarnished religious findings, and pink glass and brown wood rosary beads.




I'm happy to report that half of these items had already been spoken for by the time I was able to write this blog post, so thank you to all my loyal customers. Please keep checking back since I am always striving to come up with new treasures.


Enjoy the rest of your week! :)

With a Loving Heart

It's been a pretty consistent theme of mine that I never seem to have enough time to do everything I want to. I'm sure I'm not alone with this sentiment, as I know many of you also juggle careers, families and art, among other realities.


I often find myself wishing I was more efficient with my time, more prolific in my jewelry design.



I become easily overwhelmed by the pressures at work or too many social demands, and just want to come home to my cozy studio where I can create to my heart's content.


And I find that if I try to 'force' the designs, they usually don't please me.



It takes an uncluttered mind and a loving heart to come up with what I think is beautiful.


When I spend the time getting lost in the creative process and allow my imagination to run freely, then I feel I'm at my best.



Of course, having gorgeous materials to work with helps too! ;)



Perhaps I'll never be able to churn out massive quantities of jewelry, but when I make things that I love, with love, that is when the magic happens.


I hope all of you do something you love this weekend! <3

Crowning Glory

I've been playing with crowns and other regal images to tempt your inner heiness this week...


This Queen Victoria commemorative medal is topped by the colours of the British flag.




Little Damascene ships remind me of the royal Spanish vessel on which Christopher Columbus set sail to explore the Americas.




This next piece is a custom-order triple wrap for one of my favourite customers and fellow Downton Abbey fan! :) It includes rich pearls and rubies and a Victorian pinheel brooch from France.




Finally, a show-stopping statement bib featuring crystal bezels, yummy gemstones, a golden crown and vintage religious medals.





Please visit The French Circus and The Paris Carousel to find these and other jewels fit for a queen. :)