In case you didn’t already know, all of our jewelry comes packaged in recycled paper gift boxes…and it’s free of charge!
Each recycled paper gift box contains a paper insert bearing the NBJ logo and website. Many of our earrings also come with a free pair of rubber earring backs, so don’t miss them taped inside the box cover.
*If you would prefer not to receive a gift box, please make special note when placing your order.
Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.
The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.
Buying handmade is better for people.
The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.
Buying handmade is better for the environment.
The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.
“I pledge to buy handmade this holiday season and request that others do the same for me.”
If you want to support anything and everything handmade, go to www.buyhandmade.org to make your pledge. Then reply to this blog posting to let me know…it would be really cool if you did!
*Information courtesy of http://www.buyhandmade.org/why-buy-handmade
Browse a lovely assortment of amethyst, carnelian, turquoise, agate and many other designer pieces. All are handmade using sterling silver, gold filled and other fine materials.
View all of the 2008 fall designs by clicking here.
Natural Beauty Jewelry will be participating in the 2008 Fall St. Paul Art Crawl, an artist organized event in which art lovers can visit and view the many participating studios in the downtown area. For more information on the St. Paul Art Crawl and to view all participating artists/buildings, please visit www.stpaulartcrawl.org.
Event Dates/Hours:
Friday, October 10th: 6:00-10:00pm
Saturday, October 11th: 2:00-10:00pm
Sunday, October 12th: Noon-5:00pm
Booth Location:
Lowertown Loft Apartments (at Mears Park), 230 5th St. East, St. Paul MN
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Knowing what necklace length is right for you can be hard to determine. Depending on your size, different necklaces may fall in completely different locations on you than on other women.
I recommend measuring the distance around your neck to know what your minimum is and then trying on standard sizes from there to get an idea of what is comfortable for you.
If you need an uncommon necklace length, we are happy to custom size Natural Beauty Jewelry when possible to accomodate your needs. Depending on the extent to which you need a size altered from its original, additional fees may apply. Just email us at info@naturalbeautyjewelry.com to request custom sizing options and information.
Below is a visual aid of the common necklace lengths that are available in the marketplace and the general area where they typically lay.
I thought many of you would like to see where Natural Beauty Jewelry was born, so here are a few pictures of my work space.
All of my designs originate here at my desk in my loft. But don’t let the size of my work space fool you…there are many, many tiny things stuffed away in their own individual places. I keep an assortment of magazines, books and resources at hand in my bookshelf for inspiration and reference.
I have to admit that my desk is not always this clean. I never know when a wave of inspiration will take over, at which point tidiness is thrown out the window to make way for the completion of a new design.
And of course, there is the home office where I often work as well. I work in here when I am doing a lot of web work, administrative tasks, and printing, etc.
We’ll see how much longer I can be contained inside my current space. I hope to someday have a studio in which to display my work and welcome customers to stop by and say hello.
Do you have trouble getting your fingers to maneuver that tiny lobster clasp? Sick of asking another person to put on your necklace or bracelet for you? A magnetic clasp is just what you need!
If you would like to order your Natural Beauty Jewelry with a magnetic clasp instead of a lobster clasp please contact us before ordering and we will assist you in placing your order. Magnetic clasps are silver plated or gold plated only, additional charges may apply.
Pictured jewelry: Peach Moonstone, Coin Pearls and Turquoise Bracelet
Want to wear more jewelry? Don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips on how to get started. I have pulled together a list of pieces that should be included in every woman’s jewelry collection:
1) Pendant Necklace - A pendant necklace is versatile and can add a sturdy focal point to many ensembles.
2) Cuff Bracelets- These are easy to mix and match. Silver cuff bracelets accent your everyday jewelry magnificently!
3) Pearls - Available in many different lengths, pearls are the perfect touch of class and sophistication that is always in style.
4) Long/linear Earrings - The eye is naturally attracted to geometric lines and angles. Long earrings catch the eye and add an flattering element to any outfit.
5) Chunky Ring- Who doesn’t appreciate an over sized cocktail ring? Whether it is made of turquoise, black onyx or citrine, at least one is necessary.
6) Charm Bracelet - Charm bracelets add a little funk to your attire, whether it be full of your own hand picked charms or a fun thing to look at throughout the day.
7) Long Chain Necklace - Long chains can compliment the many outfits of your life and lengthen your overall appearance. Try mixing and matching silver and gold long chain necklaces for a new twist.
8) Diamond Studs - Classic, beautiful and forever a staple. Try wearing diamond studs with your more complicated jewelry pieces. They will make sure that you don’t look too “over-done”!
Is there a jewelry piece that is missing from this list? Just click on the above title of this blog posting to leave a comment.
Last weekend, I spent a mini-vacation in Duluth, MN for Grandma’s Marathon & Half Marathon. I ran my first half marathon and finished in approximately 2:16:00, just under my goal time of 2:30:00! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Duluth, it is located along the shore of Lake Superior lending a beautiful view for runners this time of year. The half marathon starts 13 miles north of Duluth and finishes in Canal Park which is packed with cheering spectators. It was an amazing experience, and although I can’t say whether I will do it again, it was a true test of endurance, comittment and determination.
In addition to running the race, I was able to spend some time along the shoreline searching for Lake Superior agates (the official MN state gemstone). Lake Superior agates vary in red, orange and yellow coloration often with banding caused by the oxidization of iron. It is amazing to think that a glacier deposited these agates and the many other stones found along the shore over a billion years ago! I wasn’t lucky enough to find an agate, so I purchased a few at a local shop to take home with me. Below is a picture of the shoreline and a picture of my Lake Superior agates.
From time to time, I am asked if I will do custom designed jewelry for customers. The answer is “yes”! I recently custom designed this bridal jewelry for a customer to give to her bridesmaids to wear on her wedding day. I provided a couple of options for her to pick from, all variations on the same design. The jewelry shown below is the design she chose for her bridesmaids.
I used purple freshwater pearls, amethyst and Swarovski crystals in this design and it turned out beautiful. Check it out for yourself!
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