Baubles that Mean the World to Mom

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Stephanie

Hey, all you mothers, sons and daughters—that means everyone. Think about it. You know what’s coming soon? In fact, it’s just around the corner—Mother’s Day!!

Here’s your chance to show the mother in your life just how special she is.

You know the song, “M is for the many things she gave me. O means only she is growing old…”

Okay, let’s stop right there before we get in trouble. The song was written in 1915 when anyone over 30 was getting old. Whew—we wriggled out of that one.

Aquamarine and Amethyst Cuff

Sunset Cuff

Let’s try the song with a slightly different twist:

“M is for the many precious minerals you can give her.
O is for the opals that shimmer lustrous pink and blue.
T is for turquoise and tourmaline, special beauties, too.
H is for jewels in hues and colors to adorn her.
E is for the ecstasy these jewels can bring.
R is for rubies, riches fit for royalty…
Put them all together. They spell the perfect gift for Mother
and what she means to thee.”

Gem Earrings

Breeze Earrings

Posted in Cuff, Inspiration, Jewelry, Necklace | Leave a comment

Merry Month of May

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Stephanie

“The month of May, the merry month of May, So frolic, so gay, and so green, so green, so green!” –Thomas Dekker

I’ve always thought May birthdays are the best! Spring has sprung. The weather is milder,  gorgeous flowers, wild and tame, are in bloom, and the hills are so green, emerald green, in fact.

Is it any wonder that the lustrous, lush green emerald is May’s birthstone? I even love the word “emerald.” It rolls off my tongue, rich and velvety…

Emerald Pendant on Silver

Emerald City Pendant

From my research—such a student! —I know emeralds belong to the beryl family of minerals and are formed from green crystals that grow slowly within metamorphic rock—rock that has changed form due to pressure, heat or other causes. Because these gems are restricted in size by the rock, large emeralds are rare and costly.

Who needs large anyway? What is it they say about good things coming in small packages? One cautionary note: Although emeralds are pretty durable and hard, they often have tiny fractures or inclusions, so don’t pound the ground with them.

And, of course, the emerald, like our other precious gems, has been thought to possess all sorts of magical powers and mythic qualities. The Egyptians engraved these gems with the symbol of foliage, representing eternal youth, and buried them  with their dead.  The ancient Romans associated the emerald with fertility and rebirth, dedicating it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

So gods and goddesses, if you know someone special who was born in the merry month of May, adorn them with emeralds!

Emerald Rectangular Earrings

Emerald City Earrings

Posted in Birthstones, Earrings, Jewelry, Necklace | Leave a comment

Easter Baskets

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Stephanie

Have you ever wondered how Easter baskets, bunnies and eggs found their way into the celebration of Easter? Bless Google!

Since its beginning as a holy celebration in the second century, Easter has had its non-religious side. In fact, it was originally a Saxon pagan festival celebrating the return of spring and commemorating Eastre. the goddess of offspring and springtime.  Historically eggs were a symbol of fertility and new life, and, according to some, the Easter bunny, a prolific egg-laying hare, arrived in the United States in the 1700s with German immigrants. Children would prepare nests in baskets for the creature’s colored eggs.

Eventually, the bunny’s deliveries expanded to include chocolate and other candy and gifts. Growing up, this meant that my father would hide all of our treat infused Easter baskets during the night, and my four siblings and I would have to tear the house apart of find them. I still remember when he hid Laurie’s inside the piano.

And, in keeping with the tradition, I propose further expansion. This Easter, give that special lady an extra treat in her Easter Basket. Instead of just colored eggs and candy—I don’t care how beautiful or delicious—tuck in a gorgeous stone or two: a sapphire, ruby, emerald, opal, amethyst, coral, jade, quartz, pearl other wonder on a necklace, bracelet or earrings.  Imagine her opening that silly plastic egg, expecting to find five jelly beans, and there are a pair of pearl earrings. She’ll love you and the Easter Bunny!!

Everlasting Shell

Everlasting Shell Earrings

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Stephanie

“…square cut or pear shape these rocks don’t lose their shape. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”*

What is it about diamonds that makes them so special—their sparkle, brilliance, strength, durability? No, it’s something more: a certain glamour, mystery, allure.

Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe - Show me the Diamonds

It’s no accident that the Marilyn Monroe character, who sang “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friends” in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” was a seductive chorus girl named Lorelei Lee. According to legend, Lorelei was nymph of the Rhine who lured sailors to shipwreck on her rock with her song. Wow—what power, what allure! And what does this modern Lorelei desire: diamonds, that’s what.

Diamonds symbolize everlasting love, so what better gift for the special person born in April? What’s that? This month’s budget doesn’t allow for buying diamonds? Take heart. Clear quartz, which sparkles with its own brilliance, is a stunning alternative to symbolize your enduring adoration.

Clear Quartz Pendant

Clear Skies Pendant

Diamonds, after all, are simply crystallized carbon brought to the earth’s surface during volcanic activity. It all depends on your perspective. Plus, with an artisan piece of jewelry with clear quartz, perhaps you can also take her out to dance the night away.

*Lyrics from “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” Jule Styne and Leo Robin, 1949.

Posted in Birthstones, Necklace | Leave a comment

Highlight – Cavallo Point Lodge

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Stephanie

“What sets shops and galleries that carry your work apart from the rest?” Obviously, they are run by fabulous people that know great artistic talent!

Perhaps there’s more than stroking my ego. They each have qualities in common, but are also unique. They strive to create an environment that is individualistic, beautiful, and artistic. They pull independent artists into their folds, and encourage people to interact with the designs, and in many cases, with the artists themselves. You want one of everything!

Cavallo Point

The Mercantile at Cavallo Point Lodge

Case in point, The Mercantile & Art Gallery at Cavallo Point Lodge to be exact. This gorgeous shop and gallery brings to mind the California Arts and Crafts Movement. The internal architecture, the designs sold, and the work displayed combine harmony with nature, art, and design. Not only do I want one of everything in the shop, I also want to move into and be pampered at the equally stunning Lodge.

While I, unfortunately, can’t live at the resort, some of my designs are lucky enough to be staying until they find their next home. Thank you Leslie for introducing me to this spectacular, luxury resort! I always love to be introduced to new, great places and people.

“Stephanie’s jewelry is artistic and unique which is a perfect fit for The Mercantile & Art Gallery at Cavallo Point Lodge. We look forward to showcasing her beautiful art pieces at our October Artisan Day Event.” — Leigh Vogan, Retail Director

Cavallo Point Gallery

The Art Gallery at Cavallo Point Lodge

 

Posted in Shops and Galleries | Leave a comment

Aquamarine from the Sirens

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Stephanie

Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway last weekend, March 2, a balmy 60+ degree  day, my thoughts turned to spring.  Perhaps jumping the gun in other places, but seeing the Pacific dressed in gorgeous aquamarine silks instead of its wooly winter grays, I knew my spring had begun. No wonder aquamarine is the birthstone for March!  What a beautiful color, so light and vibrant, sunshine on the ocean.

The ancient Romans , who must have had some romance in their souls, thought these gems, the color of their Mediterranean sea,  had  tumbled out of the jewel boxes of the sirens and washed ashore. They believed the stones were sacred to Neptune, the sea god, and named them aqua and mare, Latin for water and sea.

Knit Aquamarine Pendant

Aquamarine Pendant

I don’t know about you, but that legend is enough to make me want to drape my body in aquamarine–sirens, allure, mystery, and gorgeous blue-green to light sky blue gems that are durable and flawless. Wow!

And if that’s not enough, you should know that the Romans attributed magical healing powers to these stones, and their sailors wore them, engraved with the image of Neptune, to protect them from the dangers of the sea. What more could we ask for?

Aquamarine, Apatite & Amethyst Necklace

Aquamarine, Apatite & Amethyst Necklace

Posted in Birthstones, Necklace, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Week Early is Better Than….

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Stephanie

I arrived (running in my high wedge boots) at exactly 10:30 in the lobby of the deYoung Museum, scanning, scanning for my friend Pamela. She was to be leading a tour for her docent final and invited me to watch her torture. Yes, she had made to through the grueling, long, horrifying, two year, training program. Well, almost. Today was the final.  But I couldn’t find her – finally I asked around and heard that there were some other docents hanging in the contemporary art area. Whew!

As there is no running in the galleries, I flew until I located her group. After listening to another docent talk about an exhibits, I inched over to her and whispered, “It started at 10:30, right?” “It’s next week,” she replied. Dumb, de dumb, dumb.

The good news is I LOVE the deYoung and can spend hours looking just at Ruth Asawa‘s sculptures and Dale Chilhuly‘s glass work.

Ruth Asawa, Untitled

Ruth Asawa

International sculpture artist and San Francisco Native, Ruth Asawa, is the inspiration behind my knitting with metal.

Dale Chihuly Glass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And glass blower Dale Chihuly‘s amazing color combinations continue to inspire me. It was when I was visiting his show, for the third time, that a very intelligent clerk in the museum’s gift shop said my designs should be in their jewelry cases. This was one of several proverbial straws that broke the back of my resistance to selling my hand-made wearable art.

After wandering about and soaking in more inspiration than I have time to work on, I enjoyed a lovely lunch and did a bunch of email work while gazing out at the amazing lawn art. Maybe I needed to be a week early?

Posted in Inspiration | Leave a comment

Be Bold!

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Stephanie

“Plunge boldly into the thick of life and seize it when you will; it is always interesting.” –Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe

Yes, it is the New Year! Time to be BOLD!! Wear bold things – do not be a shrinking violet in 2012. No, you will not be run over. You are YOU. And you know how to show it.

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman

Perhaps we shouldn’t all go around with gold plated corsets on a daily basis, but now cuffs – cuffs are audacious pieces that say to the world, “I’m no wimp. I am high-spirited and confident.”

Did you know cuffs have probably been around since the Middle Bronze Age in central Europe, circa 1400 B.C,? That’s what the Metropolitan Museum of Art, tells us, and I trust them more than The New York Times.

Originally inspired by Nordic ornaments, cuff bracelets were also all the rage in Egyptian, Mayan and Incan jewelry. Egyptian jewelry was not just for adornment, but for religious and magical purposes. Gold, the pharaoh’s favorite metal—no surprise–was believed to be the flesh of the sun god Ra, and eternal. Silver was considered a form of white gold from Isis, goddess of the moon. It was often studded with stones, such as lapis, turquoise, and carnelian.

Cuffs

Museum of Craft & Folk Art, model: Tracy Boyd, photographer: Moja Ma'at

And what will you do boldly in 2012? It’s a new year baby.

Posted in Bracelet, Cuff, Inspiration, Jewelry | Leave a comment

Gift Wrapping for Dummies

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Stephanie

Have you noticed the ever-expanding list of Books for Dummies?

Maybe you’ve even purchased a volume or two for yourself or a friend. After all, we can’t all be experts on everything. The Books for Dummies instruct us on everything from Fixing Everything for Dummies to Sex for Dummies and Chewing Gum for Dummies. I kid you not! (Well, a little on the last one.)

But where’s the book some of our spouses, significant others and family members need called Creative Holiday Wrapping for Dummies? Okay, maybe I’m being overly ambitious. How about just Present Wrapping for Dummies – never mind expecting creative? Here’s my start:

Do:

  • Use appropriate holiday paper, colorful tissue paper or gift bags to wrap your presents. Note to my hubby, the Target bag it came in is NOT wrapping.
  • Use transparent or holiday-decorated tape to secure your wrapping.
  • Attach gift labels or tags to each package to identify its recipient. It is embarrassing when Uncle Rob opens the sexy nightie, or depending on Uncle Rob, maybe it’s not.
  • Plan ahead, making sure you have enough wrapping, tape, gift cards, ribbons, bows and any other materials. And if not, 7-eleven is open late and you can find the nearest one here.
  • Pay to have gifts professionally wrapped if you’re all thumbs and liable to tape your fingers to each other. There are often non-profits at the mall that would happily help for a donation.
  • Order at my site – I will provide a card, gift bag and tissue, plus normal shipping is free.
Blue Earring Box

Stephanie Hamilton Designs' Earring Box

Don’t:

  • Dump the gloves for Aunt Gladys into a plain, brown paper bag left over from junior’s lunch.
  • Wrap that white silk scarf for your beloved in an old SF Chronicles sports section that will leave a headline or two on the once pristine silk. If you must use newspaper, use the Sunday comics to add some color.
  • Seal the package with duct or adhesive tape. They have their own uses but not for gifts!
  • Scribble names of gift recipients with crayon or laundry marker—even if they’re red and green, unless you are under 12.
  • Resort to using aluminum foil, saran wrap or the paper that held last night’s flounder.

And remember, above all else, it’s the spirit of the holidays and the thought that counts, Dummy!

Poorly wrapped gift

Please Don't Try This

Posted in Inspiration, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Tinsel Yourself

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Stephanie

Whether you’re a Martha Stewart devotee or a minimalist who craves clean lines and simplicity, you’re probably decorating your home for the holidays. If you have a get-to-it personality—also known as Type A—your living space is likely bedecked by now with wreath, tree, lights, ornaments and mistletoe, the works. If you have a more laid-back personality—also known as procrastinator—you’ll probably buy the last tree in the lot just before December 25 and get the decorations up just before Santa wriggles his chubby body down the chimney.

Either way, you’ll dress up your space, right? In our family, we get out the Christmas Moose. Yes, we have a stuffed moose collection with the moose dressed for the holidays. Truly.

Wait! You’re not through. While you “deck your halls with boughs of holly,” don’t forget to adorn yourself with sparkle and glitter, too. Gift yourself with a stunning piece of handcrafted jewelry that will radiate joy at any holiday celebration. I, personally, like to follow the buying pattern of one for you, one for me. This way, I actually get some things I really want.

Rose Quartz on Black

Midnight Rose Pendant

Imagine a shimmering pendant against that special black dress: Midnight Rose, a circular pendant of rose quartz, knit with black wire; Spindrift Pearl, lovely freshwater pearls knit in a circular pattern; or Sunset, stunning amethyst on silver.

Mixed Metal Cuff

Mixed Metal Cuff

Minimalists, I haven’t forgotten you! Wear a simple, yet smart-looking Mixed Metal Cuff of silver and black to add a bit of dash to your classic look.

So, this holiday season, as you decorate your tree, remember to add some “tinsel” of your own to your holiday attire.

 

Posted in Cuff, Inspiration, Jewelry, Necklace | Leave a comment