Saturday, May 23, 2015

Graduation Jewelry: The Traditional

“Graduation is only a concept.  In real Life every day you graduate.  Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life.  If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference.”  Arie Pencovici

Graduation, whether it is from middle school to high school, from high school to college, or something like a left or right turn off your original path involves change.  Sometimes, the change is barely noticeable.  Maybe, all of your friends are taking the same journey with you so things are more exciting than scary.  Sometimes, our graduation is more of a life change, one that involves a monumental step, a step so forward you can’t go back, a life you can’t relive.  Throughout our lives, we will all do both – many, many times. 

We often want the jewelry we wear or gift to others to reflect that change.  Some people want their pieces to show the world who they are now and who they’ve been in obvious ways.  While others, choose a less obvious, abstract way to wear their story.  Still, others follow a family tradition that follows not just their own lives, but the parent’s and grandparent’s lives. 

 I decided to do a series of posts, reflecting the different ways my customer’s show the passing of time or place with a selection of jewelry they've chosen.  

The traditional:  A gemstone or birthstone ring or necklace, marking a graduation or special birthday, is very old tradition in many families, including my own.






Thursday, April 30, 2015

My Mother's New Taste In Jewelry

                                  

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, which made me think of all the gifts I’ve given my mother over the years.  When I was in elementary school, there was always a PTA flower sale.  Every child in my class ended up walking home with at least one small container of Marigolds.  There was a time when I gave my mother flowers from a neighbor’s garden.  From what I understand, money and apologies were offered the next day. 


Things are easier these days.  My mother likes more than flowers.  She loves jewelry, but her tastes have changed over the years.  The things she asks me to make for her continuously surprise me.  I’ve included a few of them here:


I've no idea why her taste has changed from a traditional strand of pearls to a handmade Celtic Cross Necklace or Wide Hammered Sterling Silver Band, but her taste has definitely gotten cooler!  Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  I love you!

You can find the jewelry above in my store on Etsy by clicking the link below: 

Celtic Cross Necklace :https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Celtic+Cross+Necklace&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Green Amethyst Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=green+amethyst+ring&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Circles Necklace: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Circle+Necklace&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Green Quartz Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Green+Quartz+Ring&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Wide Sterling Silver Band: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Wide+Sterling+Silver+Band&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Blue Sandstone Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Blue+Sandstone+Ring&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Monday, September 5, 2011

Infinity Jewelry: To Infinity and Beyond!


If you look up the word Infinity in the dictionary, this is what you will find:

in•fin•i•ty  Noun  /inˈfinitē/
1. The state or quality of being infinite.
2. An infinite or very great number or amount.

Okay, so what does infinite mean? Well, it means endless or limitless. What a perfect way to describe your feelings for the one you love. The recent popularity in Infinity Jewelry is quite obvious. Locally, I've received a number of orders to create Infinity Rings and Necklaces as well as a few Bracelets. I've also sold them online and have noted a definite spike in searches for them.

Here are two samples of my Infinity Jewelry, completely handcrafted by me in both Sterling Silver and Fine Silver.

  The Infinity Ring


The Infinity Necklace


              All the jewelry I have listed in my Artfire and Etsy stores are finished and ready to ship today!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Greatest Bumper Sticker Ever!



I saw this yesterday and had to take a picture of it to send to my family and friends. I think it's the best bumper stick I've ever seen! How about you?

Friday, December 3, 2010

My Life Necklace on Etsy


Another Asymmetrical Piece of Jewelry in the My Life Collection. This new necklace was made from hand cut copper sheet, Sterling and Fine Silver, and Turquoise. Because Life is not Symmetrical!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62871257/my-life-necklace-copper-turquoise-fine-n?ga_search_query=my%2Blife&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5257083