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Cookie Cutter?
Maybe in cookies...but never in jewelry.
 It's always fun to put my cookie cutter collection to good use this time of year. As much fun as I have with them, it seems I really only use them when doing my holiday baking. While I so enjoy fiddling with the exactness of the cutters, interestingly, I always decorate each cookie individually. I work really hard at giving each cookie its very own personality. Guess that spills over into how I feel about the jewelry designs I create. Yes, I do have a few signature looks - for example, three-strand bracelets and five-strand necklaces; but they always vary in style and do look very different from one another; and, I don't make more than a few of each design. Given that I have customers both here in the United States and internationally, there's a pretty good chance you won't see someone else on the train or at the office wearing your bracelet. Gasp! One exception - you might see another bridesmaid in the same wedding party wearing a similar design. Yes, similar, because in most wedding-related situations instead of making identical pieces for each girl, I suggest using the same components but mixing up the look a bit. So those final pieces are sisters, just not identical twins!
 When I design my jewelry pieces I am always thinking about ways you can mix it up. It's not rocket science, thank goodness, and it is always fun to see just what looks you can achieve with multiple pieces. It's always a surprise, some days you might just want a simple single bracelet look (really?) and other days you'll want to pile them on. (Much better - but really I'm not judging! Okay, maybe just a little bit). To highlight some of the combos I've come up with, I have added the Get the Look gallery to my site. Many of you have been asking for styling suggestions, so The Look galleries might be just the catalyst to ignite your creativity and send you into styling hyperspace.
You might also want to follow my blog -- I usual post new pieces there and also share glances of my life. Don't forget, I will be in Tucson the end of the month and into February and I do my best to upload pix as each day goes by. Seeing it all still makes my head spin -- but in a good way. And, I love to share it with all of you. I may even try short videos this year. Oh, will the excitement ever stop? |
Kazuri Spearmint and Gold Bead, Prehnite, Freshwater Pearl and Czech Glass 3-Strand Bracelet
 The softness of this Kazuri bead captured me when I first saw it. And, I must say, it is just as lovely as I thought it would be in the finished bracelet. Mixed with the glow of freshwater pearls, the crisp sparkle of the finest-quality faceted fire-polished Czech glass beads and natural prehnite polished gemstone nuggets, it makes a quiet but bold statement. While there is a soft gold on the Kazuri bead, I thought it would be pretty mixed with the silver-plate link chain and large C-ring clasp. A subtle blending of gold and silver. And, it looks like my thinking was spot on -- at least this time around! Measures 7 ½" with a one-inch extender. From the TRL Jewelry Kazuri Collection.
Kazuri Spearmint and Gold Bead, Prehnite, Freshwater Pearl and Czech Glass 3-Strand Bracelet (#0376) $50.00
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Patterned Agate, Onyx, Crystal Quartz and Gold Vermeil Five-Strand Necklace
 What a beauty. Large slabs of agate mix it up with five-strands of onyx, crystal quartz, Czech glass and gold vermeil. I must say a very sophisticated look for these gemstones. Flashes of swirly patterned gold vermeil beads add to the spark of it all. This necklace could say "boardroom" when worn with a jacket or it could say "downtown chic" if worn with a cashmere turtleneck and jeans. Remember, there are no styling rules...that means you can style it any which way you choose. Seeing you become a stylist extraordinaire makes me very happy. Measures 19" in length. From the TRL Jewelry Trunk Show Collection.
Patterned Agate, Onyx, Crystal Quartz and Gold Vermeil Five-Strand Necklace
(#0377) $195.00
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Red Aventurine, Czech Glass and Copper 3-Strand Bracelet
 I don't know about the healing properties of copper; but I do know that when I look at this bracelet I feel happy! Not sure if it is the soft color and luster of the natural red aventurine beads or the beautifully detailed copper beads; I just know that mixed with the textured copper round link chain it all comes together and makes a happy statement. Large twisted oval gemstones measure 7/8" by 1/2" and the copper triangular beads are 3/8" long and have significant presence to them. Closes with a lobster clasp and is 8 1/4" in length, but fits like a 7 1/2". Believe it or not, I think of this bracelet as a neutral and will go with most colors in your wardrobe. OK, so maybe not purple. From the TRL Jewelry Trunk Show Collection. Red Aventurine, Czech Glass and Copper 3-Strand Bracelet
(#0273) $65.00
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 Patterned Agate, Onyx, Czech Glass Three-Strand Bracelet
What a beauty. Large slabs of agate mix it up with three-strands of matte onyx and Czech glass in this stunner. I must say a very sophisticated look for these gemstones. Bold enough to wear alone or layer it with gold bangles or chain jewelry from your own collection. Measures 7 ½" with a 1 ¼" extender and is a good fit for a smaller wrist. The stones are very bold, so the overall design needs more length to accommodate their size. It's some mathematical deal - please don't ask me to explain...because I can't. I just know that when the stones are bold you need a longer overall length of the piece in order to get the right fit. See this is why I design jewelry and don't work for NASA! Although, I did date someone who worked for NASA -- but, I don't think that counts. From the TRL Jewelry Trunk Show Collection.
Patterned Agate, Onyx, Czech Glass Three-Strand Bracelet
(#0378) $50.00
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Czech Fire-Polish Glass Bead Crocheted Rope & Sterling Silver Bracelet
 Love, love, love the look of this big crocheted rope bracelets. Its chunky 1/2" diameter stands off your wrist like an oversized soft bangle. Jablonex (the best in Czech glass) faceted glass beads in opaque turquoise and black -- a bit of art deco meets the 50s. This style makes for a perfect layering piece when you really want to make a statement. Closes with 10mm sterling beads, a sterling silver hook and one inch of hammered sterling silver chain -- giving you the fit you want. Beaded portion measures about 7 1/4" -- with hook and chain extended to longest length the bracelet is about 9". From the TRL Jewelry Trunk Show Collection.
Czech Fire-Polish Glass Bead Crocheted Rope & Sterling Silver Bracelet(#0203) $95.00
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I wonder what it is that makes me cringe when I see a bunch of the same items lined up on a rack. As you can imagine, the shopping experience for me is not such a great one. I spend most of my time thinking about ways in which I can style a piece to make it look unique.  As you are packing away your cookie cutters, why not pack away any "cookie cutter" thinking you may have right along with them? While yes, it is fun to look through mags and see what others are wearing - how about making this the year you decide to break out, get your own style and just say "this is my look and it is unique and stunning just like me!" (Me, as in "you"...not "me.")That's sure to get you noticed - in a really great way. Just a reminder -- I will be leaving for Tucson later this month to scour the Gem Shows for new rocks, bits and baubles. That means I won't be processing your purchases between January 25 and February 16. I promise though, that all items sold during that time will be mailed on February 16th and after that I'll be back to my "all purchases mailed within 24-hours" schedule. Oh, I just can't wait to see what I find - and I bet you can't wait to add some new pieces to your very own collection. But, don't feel as if you have to wait for me to get back - currently, there are oodles of non-cookie-cutter-looking goodies on my site just waiting to bring joy into the lives of long-time and new friends. Joyful, healthy, peaceful and loving 2010! TRL
Tanya Lochridge Jewelry
You can always reach me by e-mail if you have questions about any of my designs, As always, I love to hear from you. tanya@tanyalochridge.com |
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