a bit of protection

Gemstones are known to have specific healing properties, with pyrite being a stone of “protection”.  The resemblance of pyrite to gold has also made it a traditional symbol for money and good luck. It’s sunny golden color associates it with the sun, and with fortification and strengthening of the mind. The name comes from the Greek word meaning “a stone which strikes fire”.  To lend protection along with a few other helpful healing properties, we’ve hand wrapped pyrite briolettes on gold vermeil wire and strung them on delicate chains along with other gemstones that have significant meanings.  We’ve got stones like chalcedony (for compassion), aquamarine (for courage), amethyst (for contentment), sapphire (for wisdom), coral (for creativity), and ruby (for passion) — in total, around 50 different semi-precious gems and pearls to choose from to customize your own necklace.  They start at $23 to custom make your own, and we’ve got a few great combinations made here in the store – a perfect handmade gift!

a spot of color for the first day of summer…

It’s officially Summer! Even though here in SF “Summer” is a tough thing to define (we’ve all heard the quote about ‘the coldest winter,’ right?), it is June 21st, so let all things popsicle, bonfire, and s’mores commence!  We just finished making a ton of these gorgeous teardrop necklaces – super saturated gemstones set in silver and gold that dangle from delicate chains.  We made them in lengths so that they are perfect for layering, and they make easy (and pretty!) gifts.

the best kind of bar

We are HUGE fans of happy hour over here, and, of course, we love heading out to a local wine bar to enjoy a libation or two with each other after work.  But the best kind of bar, in our humble opinions, is our necklace bar – a station near the back of the store (where all the jewel making happens!) where you can pick out an initial charm (in brushed gold, shiny gold, or silver), a gemstone briolette, small accent bead, and charm.  Every necklace is unique and handmade, and they make perfect gifts (or a fun little splurge for yourself!).  With a charm, bead, briolette, charm, and 16″ handmade gold-fill chain these custom made necklaces start at just $44.00.

I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond. ~Mae West

We all know diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but I’d say that rubies are a close second!!! These gorgeous briolettes just arrived from our supplier, and we’ve been super busy stringing them onto gold chains to make dainty necklaces (check them out at our necklace bar) and dangling them chandelier style from earrings.  We make all of our Bella line of jewelry right here in the store (come on in any day and you’ll see Christine tinkering away right by the register, pliers in hand!), and we can make any of our signature pieces custom – you pick the gemstone, chain length, and metal (sterling or gold fill).  We LOVE making new stuff and dreaming up new ideas…..come pull up a seat and help us dream up something gorgeous for ya!

the neon choice

Decisions, decisions….what shall we make today?!  I just dragged out one of our zillions of boxes of gorgeous gemstones and am working on designing some new necklaces for the Summer season.  Pretty blues and greens are a must…..but today I’m tempted to play around with some neon colored chalk turquoise briolettes that just arrived in the mail.  Stop on in to see what kind of goodies we’re dreaming up!

we’re knee deep in rings…

 

We just got in a new shipment of colorful gemstones and have been hand-hammering rings in sterling silver and gold fill all morning long!  The labradorite set in gold is one of our favorites – it goes with almost anything.  We can customize rings for you in any size and with any gemstone.