Earthy. Natural. One of a kind!

Amber and Turquoise Tree of Life Necklace

I am very excited to introduce my newest handmade necklace! It brings together the cool look and feel of turquoise with the warmth of natural Baltic amber. If you've ever felt genuine amber, you know that it literally feels warm to the touch. These two gems look fantastic when paired with the golden tones of bronze and brass!

Bronze, which is an alloy containing copper and tin, is quickly replacing gold in today's jewelry designs because of it's beauty and affordability.

This organic feeling necklace features a rustic fine Italian bronze Tree of Life pendant. The solid brass swirl hook clasp and accent beads help to dress it up a bit. I used 210 natural turquoise beads and two amber beads to make this 18.25 inch long necklace.

Trees are very symbolic and can have different meanings to different people. Personally, I love trees because they were the first thing I noticed after I had my eye surgery and I had never seen the details of the leaves so clearly before! Here is a link to some detailed information on the different interpretations on the symbolism of the tree.

Here are some notes about these gems from the Encyclobeadia:

"Turquoise is said to attract prosperity and success, to have the power to influence creative powers, and to enhance the ability to communicate. The stone has long been prized as a powerful talisman with healing properties. It is said that turquoise can help balance the throat chakra (the blue chakra), increasing resistance to viruses and helping to relieve sore throats, lung infections and the affects of allergies."

“Amber is thought to help absorb negative energy and to release bright, soothing energy, helping to calm nerves and enliven disposition. Amber has also been used, historically, as a talisman for courage and self-confidence, and was thought to bring good luck to warriors in battle. In some cultures, amber symbolizes the renewal of marriage vows and is used to assure promises.”
There are many types of imitation amber on the market these days but only genuine amber will actually float in salt water. My amber has passed the float test!

I created this Amber and Turquoise Tree of Life Necklace in my California home studio with mindfullness and attention to detail. I have a short strand of the turquoise beads left over but not enough to make another identical necklace. This is truly a unique one of a kind piece of jewelry that brings with it a feeling of balance, nature and spirit!

Let them Soar! Unique Graduation Gift

High school and college graduation is a special time in life to step away from the familiar and begin anew by spreading our wings to fly! Mark this special occasion by giving your graduate a crystal wing charm to hang from the mirror in their car. The wing can be seen as a symbol of your support and encouragement for them to go forth in the world and soar, as well as a symbol of an angel wing to protect them in their journey. This year, go beyond the traditional gift card or monogrammed this-or-that and give something that will be seen daily as a reminder of how much you love them! If you would like to order a custom wing charm to include a birthstone or other special symbol, please contact me here.

Love at First Sight

I spend a lot of time blogging about how much time and love I put into making my jewelry, but what happens after you purchase a quality item from Shining Light Jewelry? I do my best to ship your item as soon as possible; sometimes even the same day you make your purchase. When I get your order ready for shipping, I don't just throw it in a package and send it on its way. And just like the one of a kind items I make, no two shipments are the same!

I start by inspecting and polishing your jewelry and placing it in an air tight plastic bag to help delay the natural tarnishing process that occurs with sterling silver. Next, I place your jewelry in a handmade envelope that I have made from the pages of a fashion catalogue. I personally cut and fold each one, then I recycle what's left of the catalogue. I always include a handwritten "Thank You" with my orders to express my gratitude for your business. To keep shipping costs down for you, and to reduce the waste in our landfills, I reuse gently used shipping envelopes and bubble wrap when they are available. My goal is that each time you receive an order from Shining Light Jewelry you will love it at first sight!

From this:

To this:

And finally, this:

Enjoy!

I'm excited to introduce my new line of spirit inspired necklaces! I love using natural gemstones in my jewelry, but making an entire necklace out of them can be pricey. I came up with a way to use a few stones and keep the focus on the important part by creating a focal section and leaving the rest of the beading wire exposed. The beads have a bit of wiggle room to give it an easygoing, unstructured feel. Every necklace is made to ensure the sterling silver clasp stays in the back where it belongs. Each piece is one of a kind and features one or more sterling silver charms with special significance. More details about each necklace can be found in the listings in my Etsy shop. The available necklaces in this line include the Quartz Crystal Evil Eye, Turquoise Hamsa and Evil Eye, Amethyst Ganesh and Garnet Lotus with more coming soon!

Hope in a New Light

It started out as a conversation on Etsy. He liked my "hope" charm and wanted it made into something for his lady friend; preferably a bracelet. I remember thinking that there are two charms in my shop that say "hope", and both of them are probably too big for a bracelet. I really wanted to help this customer though, so I did a little more thinking and came up with a possible way to turn one of the charms into a bracelet. This charm is really made for hanging on a necklace, but I figured out a way to turn it sideways and even used the existing ring as part of the design. I looked at the "hope" charm in a new light :) He also had some other requests: he liked the love kanji charm, an angel, and a key charm, and also wanted the bracelet to be easy to put on. After a rough draft and a few adjustments, this is the result!

We incorporated all the elements he requested into a stretch bracelet made with clear Czech glass beads and blue and green aquamarine gemstone beads. It is surprisingly lightweight and the colors are neutral enough that it can be worn often.

I'm so excited about this design that I'm looking into possibly making another one to put on my website. I have other word charms that would work: love, faith, joy, and namaste; and I can't wait to get started!

Heads up: The Price of Silver is Going UP!

I just got an email from my supplier, informing me that they will be raising prices on many of the silver charms I use in my jewelry. This is sad news, but unfortunately it's part of business. I will be keeping my prices the same as long as I can pull from my current stock, but once my current items are sold, my prices will also follow the increase. If there's anything in my shop you've had your eye on, you might want to go ahead and get it now.

Bridal Photo Bracelet

I was recently contacted by a bride-to-be with a special request. A special family member had passed away and she wanted a way to keep him close to her on her wedding day. She saw a photo frame bracelet that was listed on my website and had a few ideas to customize it. After a few brainstorming sessions we came up with something she was very excited about, and so was I! I put the photo in the bracelet and shipped it off to its new home.

It turned out she was so happy with the bracelet she posted photos and links on her theknot.com page! Other brides in similar situations were able to see the bracelet and began to contact me in a steady stream! Each order was a little bit different, silver frame or gold frame, white or cream pearls, even an order for two frames on one bracelet. I love to do custom orders so I am very pleased with all the requests!

Many of the stories have brought tears to my eyes. Mothers, brothers, uncles, and many more who have passed on can still be close to the bride on her special day. I'm honored to play a small part in that!

You can see more details for the Bridal Photo Frame Bracelet on my website. Please contact me with any questions. We can also make a more casual version so you can keep that special someone close to you on days when you don't happen to be getting married!