love, life and the pursuit of jewelry

Télépopmusik - Breathe

2012-01-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

Spring and Summer 2012

2012-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

With Spring comes the promise of warmer weather, vibrant blooms and hopefully a beach getaway on the horizon. I've been obessesing over:

1. Cancun
2. Cayman Islands
3. Cabo
4. Paris
5. Dominican Republic

With so much "resort" on the brain, it's no wonder that this our Spring and Summer line up has Summer hues written all over it. Casual, easy wearing, go-with-everything pieces. Enjoy! Available for purchase 2.1.12
www.wabisabijewelry.com or www.shopwabisabijewelry.com

Moscow City, Russia

2011-12-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

Someone must love our blog...we keep getting views from Moscow City-is there buzz that I should know about?

simplicity

2011-12-08T21:45:00.001-08:00

"in character
in manner
in style
in all things
the supreme excellence is simplicity."
-henry wadsworth longfellow

Where am I?

2011-10-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Rock Sugar in Century City-beautiful decor that pulls you out of the city for a moment and feels like you are anywhere but Los Angeles.

2011-10-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

Spent an inspiring few days in Oahu....nothing like some solitude to inspire the soul!

Louis Vuitton, Spring/Summer 2012, Paris Fashion Week

2011-10-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Motels - Only The Lonely

2011-05-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

FALL TREND 2011-Amethyst

2011-05-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

This Fall will be about large, bold royal colors. Also some punk rock influences (studs, black and gunmetal )to geometric patterns. The chaotic look of multi-chain and textures of this season will continue to reign.

My bet is on Amethyst and the color purple.

reminds me of: another place, another time

2011-04-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

Inspired by...[part two]

2011-04-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

It's no secret I love Anjelica Huston. These older photos of her are so amazing....

Inspired by...

2011-04-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

George Michael - Freedom! '90

2011-03-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over (2010 Version)

2011-02-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

Follow, like or befriend us for all the fun stuff we have in store for March-9yr anniverary!

2011-02-15T17:24:00.001-08:00

painted sky

2011-02-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

The sky last evening was amazing. Surrounded by what seemed to be water color painted sky...

Bon Bon necklaces for Billion Dollar Babes

2011-02-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

BonBons ready to go!

perfect moments...

2011-02-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

I took this last night before dinner in Old Torrance....

February Pick of the Month!

2011-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Spring weddings-white on white. Moonstones, pearls on delicate gold links.

http://www.wabisabijewelry.com/
click shop, then pick of the month.

25% off for the month of February!

beauty of necklaces in mass.....an order getting ready to depart.

2011-02-03T23:44:00.000-08:00

Special event-Billion Dollar Babes Sale, dates revised!

2011-01-19T22:00:00.000-08:00

Join us at Billion Dollar Babes for a fabulous sale just for their members.

February 1st-3rd. 2 days only!

http://www.bdbshop.com/

Check it out!

Echo & The Bunnymen - Bring On The Dancing Horses

2011-01-19T21:48:00.000-08:00

January Pick of the Month

2011-01-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

Our Leticia earrings are 25% off this month-perfect danglers for Spring and Summer in choice of 6 colors!

http://www.shopwabisabijewelry.com/

Happy Holidays...

2010-12-22T20:16:00.001-08:00

The Ultimate Gift

2010-12-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

What if you could give the Gift of Luxury and choice? We've figured it out....

The Luxe Gift Certificate......

Monthly jewelry treats combined with personal service. Every month the gift recipient will be able to choose a new piece of jewelry with our personal assistance.
Then the jewelry will makes it way to them wrapped with a large bow.

Who's the Hero now?

http://www.wabisabijewelry.com/, click Shop, click Gift Certificates

Gold

2010-11-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

The price of gold hit a new all time high, at $1400 and some change. This makes our production of jewelry in gold extremely difficult. I've decided that our Spring line up will be in mostly, sterling silver. Gold will be available upon request. Even gold plated metals are skyrocketing-

The 3/50 Project:

2010-11-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

London, England

2010-10-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

I also heart London....

New York, New York

2010-10-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

I heart New York City. I'm overdue for a trip....probably in the Summer for market week.

another Fave..the Delano, South Beach, Miami

2010-10-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Clift, San Francisco

2010-10-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to stay while in San Francisco...I would love to take a snap on that huge chair...

"A little light looks through, her bedroom window.

2010-10-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

She dances and I dream, she's not so far as she seems,

Of brighter meadows, melting sunsets,

Her hair blowing in the breeze.

And she can't see me watching.

I'm thinking, looooove... looooove...looooove... looooove..."

-Big Head Todd and the Monsters....

Journey - Any Way You Want It

2010-10-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

One my funnier moments...I happen to love this song, but I was just commenting that I was sitting at the Burbank airport several years ago, telling the guy next to me he looked alot like Steven Perry...he politely told me HE was Steven Perry....

Trunk show at the Parrot Boutique across from the Mission Inn, Riverside.

2010-10-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

We'll be at the Parrott Boutique on Nov 26th from 3-8 for a trunk show. This day is also the lighting of the historic Mission Inn and it's supposed to be an amazing event. Lots of activities this day for everyone. Come and join us for some wine and light fare along with some great apparel designs as well as jewelry. Hope to see you there!

http://www.missioninn.com/

The Parrott is at: 3598 Main Street in Riverside. Their phone number is 951-686-6740 and they currently do not have a website.

To all my clients new, old and forthcoming:

2010-10-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

We are surprised that somehow we were removed by Google search. We don't know if this happened deliberately or accidentally. I've noticed that many of you "searching" for us are coming here. We are around and adding lots of new jewels for the Holidays. Our website link is to the right>>>>

Thanks for your patience while we work on this problem!
_______________________________________________________________________________

We're back on top as of Oct 4th....yay! You can now Google us and we come up in the search.

It's a Karmic world....

2010-09-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

The stone you cast in to the pond today may very well become the wave that engulfs you tomorrow. So cast your stones carefully...

somewhere, AZ

2010-09-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

It's hard to imagine that this was taken last year....it truly looks aged.

Kansha

2010-09-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

Inspired by prayer beads of various religions, Kansha is a special collection of one of kind gem necklaces adorned by rough, smooth and drusy nuggets.

just because they looked so good...........

2010-09-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

summer peaches...

from India, with love....

2010-09-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

one of my favorites: packages from India.............I order gems directly from India and they come wrapped in cloth and sealed with wax.

Max getting in the fun..............

Parrott Boutique

2010-09-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

A beautiful electic boutique in the heart of the Mission Inn shopping district in Riverside, California. Lots of fabulous apparel from Paris as well as the owners own designs that are fab! Boutique is right next to the Mission Inn on Main street. Ask for Wabi Sabi Jewelry....she carries it also.

2010-08-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

“There are things that we never want to let go of, people and places we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of what you know, it’s the beginning of a new journey of discovery – only new beginnings can be the door the opens to the possibility that we might just hit it this time.”

works in progress

2010-08-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

three sets of inspiration:

far off lands
romance
color

this falls under romance...soft hues

Julia Roberts Pictures - Gallery of Julia Roberts Pictures

2010-08-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

Julia Roberts Pictures - Gallery of Julia Roberts Pictures

something new

2010-08-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

I will be introducing a new line in January. Hoping to show it at tradeshows in Summer of 2011. Stay tuned.

love this

2010-08-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." ~Coco Chanel

musings this morning....

2010-08-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Vogue-Turkey, August 2010

Photo courtesy of Trendhunter.com

Vogue Russia August 2010

Photo courtesy of Trendhunter.com

California Gift Show/Beckmans West

2010-07-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

For those coming to the January 2011 show, please come by and visit with me. I will have alot of newness and would love to chat.....

This show is only for the wholesale trade...anyone interested in a retail Night of shopping invite, please email me at info@shopwabisabijewelry.com. We are working on possibly having a night out of shopping and cocktails for our retail customers and a preview of Spring and Summer 2011 for our wholesale customers.

xo

blooms at dusk

2010-07-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

...my house is full of rings and charms and pretty birds.....

2010-07-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

a day away.....

2010-07-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Website goes live tomorrow night....it's been a true work in progress! Phew!!

and then there's Max

2010-06-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

This crazy Lab is Max. My daytime companion...he cracks the whip in the studio.

China Town

2010-06-28T21:12:00.001-07:00

Maybe tomorrow.....

confessions

2010-06-28T21:09:00.001-07:00

Life is not a popularity contest.

The Temper Trap "Sweet Disposition"

2010-06-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

June gloom

2010-06-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a cool and foggy Spring...a few more days until July and maybe it will warm up.

Thoughts for the day....or not

2010-06-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

" Karma is lessons we need to learn. It is getting each life purified. It’s an absolute need to be more God-like within each of our souls." -The Hidden Veil

pretty deep; not sure if I'm in the mood for this. :-)

Victorian Romance

2010-06-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Victorian splendor; I often wonder what tales of love these bracelets tell? If they could only speak....

http://www.rubylane.com/item/386597-278/Love-Token-Antique-Victorian-Sterling

China town

2010-06-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

I had all the intent on heading to China Town today; but the last game of the Lakers vs. Celtics is today, and well, I was headed to the general vicinity of the Staples Center and decided, today was not good for that. I was headed for a day of looking, photography and maybe some Cantonese food. There's next week!

Tears for the day....

2010-06-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

Seriously one of the most heartfelt, and beautiful things I've seen in a long time.....

A woman's picture story of life with her two Labs; and a moving tribute to them.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/theanthropologist

Artfest-Malibu

2010-06-15T18:52:00.001-07:00

We've cancelled this event from our schedule-too much on the calendar. We are looking forward to scheduling Fall shows in Palm Springs.

Forks in the road, circles and triangles.

2010-06-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

Trying to get ready for my show coming up and undoubtedly, "things" come up. Several years ago, I was presented with a choice, turns out that the choice was the wrong one. Recently, presented with the same identical choice under the same identical circumstances, this time I chose differently. Not often, that you get have two chances to choose. For this, I am grateful.

Circles: Life does come around.

I'm working on our Spring 2011-filled with flowers, pearls and abstract themes. Really liking the way its coming together.

Photo shoot time: hate it! I have to take photos of myself for publicity look books, ugh.....

This weeks inspiration

2010-04-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

I love Anjelica Huston. I think she is such a natural, confident beauty. She is my inspiration for this week.

Photo courtesy of InStyle.

Artfest of Malibu-Fine Arts Festival

2010-04-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

If you live in Southern California-Please see us at the Artfest in Malibu on June 26th-27th from 10am-5pm.

See you there

Look for us at the California Gift Show/Beckmans West show

2010-04-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

We are showing at July 16-July 19th. Booth 120. (FOR WHOLESALE TRADE ONLY)

Please check out:www.californiagiftshow.com for more information.

See you there...

Recycling Metals

2010-01-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

I wanted to pass on some information regarding the recycling of precious metals. As we continue to see the prices of precious metals sky rocket, recycling seems to be more and more important. I've always recycled metals, but I've never done it with such fervor.

Some tips for recycling:

Designate bins for sterling silver, fine silver, gold fill, gold vermeil, gold plate, base metals. If you work with 14kt gold and above, each purity needs a separate bin.
Clean your workbench daily and sort through metals as you finish your projects. Tedious yes, but much easier and it saves a ton of time at the end.
Once you feel like you have enough scrap, ziploc each item and label it accordingly. I send my scrap to Rio Grande. They have an online FAQ on how to do it and what it pays or what kind of credit you will receive. They issue both checks and credit for future purchases.
Its all good. Good for the industry, you get some $$ back and you feel good having a clean work area.

For more information, visit the link below:

http://www.riogrande.com/landingpage.aspx?n=scrap

Relic II-Collection of new and old arranged in an unpredictable way

2009-12-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

More Relic II pieces will be available starting Jan 2010....very popular this Holiday season.

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/wabisabijewelry/item/F08-122111

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday. Things are getting busy around here and yes, it's late in the season, but I will take it!

In January 2010, we start opening the channels of distribution and it feels good!

have a Happy one!

Amulets and Talismans

2009-12-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

In researching for a jewelry project, I wanted to know the difference between an Amulet and a Talisman.
So what is the difference? Is there a difference?

An amulet is generally an item that is given for good luck and protection of the wearer. This can be anything from gems, coins, objects, rings or even words. The word is derived from the Latin word, Amuletum.

The word amulet is considered to be a cousin to the Talisman. Talisman originates from the Arabic word, tilasm and the ultimate translation in Greek which is telesma meaning "to initiate into the mysteries".

The belief of amulets and talismans dates back to the Middle Ages, when Jews, Christians and Muslims believed in the power of amulets. They believed in the curative, protective and mystical properties they offered. They were used in three different ways: worn on the body, hung over the bed of a sick person and used in a bath or even written words on foods to be consumed. All three ways were believed to bring the person protection or healing.

There are amulets and talismans in almost every culture and belief system and they are truly fascinating. We will be launching our own line of amulets in February.... :-)

December birthstone-Blue Topaz

2009-12-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

The clear vibrant stone with a stunning color is December's birthstone. The name Topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas", meaning fire. Topaz can be found in several colors, Blue being the most popular.
In ancient times, it was believed to cool boiling water by throwing it into a pot. It was also known for cooling hot tempers as well. It was also believed to have curative powers being able to cure insomnia, breathing disorders, week vision and even insanity.
The ancients believed that it also had magical powers. They believed that the gem would make a wearer invisible in life threatening situations.
The color of the gem is derived from being heat treated either naturally or by man. The gem comes in three colors of blue; Sky, London and Swiss. The London Blue Topaz is often substituted for Sapphire because the color is such a deep, gorgeous blue.
This gem is found in Brazil, China, Sri Lanka, Africa and the U.S. It symbolizes love and fidelity. What a great alternate choice for a wedding ring, don't you think?

Know what you are buying: Gold Vermeil, or gold plate/wash

2009-11-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

I often get questions by my clients about what the difference is between vermeil, and plating. I thought it would be a blog worthy entry as well as an exercise for me to explain it clearly. (Not always my forte)

Gold Vermeil: This process is when you adhere 100 millionths of an inch to a sterling silver base. This is what is defined as true Vermeil. It also is no less than 10kt in purity. The most common seen on the market is 14kt, 18 kt and 24kt.

Standard gold plating: This process is when 2 millionths of an inch to a BASE metal. This is often referred to as gold washed.

Gold vermeil is more costly because its core is sterling silver as well as having more gold content. I have found that Gold Vermeil is beautiful, will wear just like gold and can provide a lifetime of enjoyment if taken care of properly.

All Wabi Sabi Jewelry is made of Gold Vermeil and higher quality metals. We do not used gold plate on any of our designs because we want them to give you many years of enjoyment!

Something to think about....

2009-11-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.tooprecioustowear.org/

After reading this information, I'm going to have to take a second look at carrying Coral anymore.

November's birthstone...Citrine or Yellow Topaz?

2009-11-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

If you search for the birthstone for November, you will be given two bits of information. Some sites say its Citrine and some say Yellow Topaz. Citrine is more common and easy to find. It's from the Quartz family and comes in an array of colors from pale lemon yellow to the dark, amber Madeira Citrine. Yellow topaz also comes in a very similar range, from Champagne Topaz to the orange brown, Imperial Topaz. So which is it?

Let's start with Citrine. Citrine is a type of Quartz. Composition is a Silicon dioxide with a hardness of 7. The yellow coloring of Citrine comes from the presence of iron. The name Citrine is derived from the french word citrin; simply translated to citrus. Natural Citrine is found in a pale yellow color as is the most rare. What we find on the market today is heat treated amethyst. The best Citrine in the world is found in Brazil, Spain, Madagascar, and the former USSR.
Citrine has mystical properties as well. It is believed that the Romans were the first to wear the stone. They also believed the stone was sacred to their sun god, Jupiter. Citrine is believed to bring energy, prosperity and creativity to the wearer. Also believed that if worn around the throat that the wearer receives the gift of clear vision, ability to pierce through deception and the truth to light. It stimulates clarity of thought, inspires generosity, strength and inner confidence. That is one powerful stone!!

Now lets take a look at Yellow Topaz. Its composed of Aluminum fluorohydroxysilicate with a hardness of 8. The colors of Topaz vary. They occur in deep golden yellow, called sherry Topaz and pink Topaz. These both are the most valuable. The also occur in blue and green and these are the most popular. Natural pink stones are rare, the majority of pink Topaz is heat treated yellow material. Topaz is most commonly found in Brazil, US, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, the former USSR, Australia, Tasmania, Pakistan and Mexico. Brazil, Pakistan and Russia are sources of natural pink Topaz.
The Egyptians thought that Topaz were droplets of sunlight fallen to earth and considered sacred to the god, Ra. Interestingly, the 17th century Braganza diamond (1,640 carats) in the Portuguese crown was thought to be the largest diamond. As it turns out, its actually believed to have been a colorless Topaz. The name "topaz" is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit words tapas. Tapas means fire.

The wearing of birthstones dates from the 18th century and is believed started in Poland and moved into the rest of Europe. Yellow Topaz was the original birthstone for November and later Citrine was introduced due to its similarity in color and color range.

Something I'm excited about....

2009-11-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Finally, a source from foreign lands that can deliver yummy gems........................this is good, it's real good. Like all of my sources, I don't divulge. I get many emails from newbies trying to crack the sourcing code, and I nicely say, it's part of the job. It's a lesson in becoming imaginative, a sleuth and reSOURCEful. And a must for this business, especially if want to distribute wholesale.

Blogging-the second time around

2009-11-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

It seems like most things in my life are revisited. This is no exception. I started this as a way to share my "stuff" with the world, but it became more robotic after a while. Going forward, I'm hoping to share some personal stuff and some relevant stuff.

Join me, this second time around.

xo