Friday, February 19, 2016

Gem of the Month Amethyst



Amethyst is the gemstone associated with the month of February.  

Amethyst is a variety of Quartz best known for it's vivid purple hue which can range from a deep violet to a light lavender hue.  The greek meaning is "with out drunkenness" and is  believed to protect one from poisoning.  It was well known in the ancient times as a sobriety stone and has been used for millennia to prevent drunkenness and help with addictions. 

Known in crystal lore to be a meditative and calming stone amethyst is used to to provide balance, patience and peace.  It can enhance your intuition and spirituality and is excellent for meditation.  It has also been worn to ward off thieves and protect travelers.  

Emotionally if used in crystal healing amethyst can help heal personal losses and grief. Amethyst is said  to have a sedative energy that can also add stability and strength thus promoting happiness and contentment.  

Amethyst is typically mined in southern Brazil and Uruguay a third major exporter is Madagascar.  But this gemstone can be found all over the world.  Specimens have been found in Aztec graves.  There is a place named Amethyst harbor on the Canadian side of Lake Superior in North America. 

 I love creating jewelry using Amethyst because I am drawn to is luscious purple color. I also like the versatility in texture using some in it's more raw geode form as shown below  Amethyst has and will continue to show up in many of my one of a kind works of art in the Aprilierre collection.  





  



Wednesday, February 3, 2016

For the dudes...a Valentines Hint made simple

I have the guys in mind for this blog post regarding Valentines day which is right around the corner. I know many of you gentlemen find this day of hearts, flowers, and chocolate a bit intimidating if not flat out annoying and we all have our various feelings about the holiday itself.

 I know men can feel some pressure when it comes to Valentines Day.   What to get that special someone?  Jewelry is often a treasured item and here are some favorites from the Aprilierre collection to consider.

Tell her how much you are grateful....

This sterling silver "Gift of Gratitude" Necklace is the perfect sentimental piece that she will love.  Why?   Because it can easily be worn alone or stacked with her other jewelry.  It is handmade with the word gratitude stamped on the inside of the band.




  
For that "One of a kind Gal"  
If your special Valentine loves to be the attention getter, show stopper or trend setter she may like some of  these one of a kind pieces in the collection.  











Earrings are always a great gift to give.  Find these and more treasures at my online shop. 





Perhaps you gave jewelry last year and need some other ideas for this year.  Please  consider some of my favorite local MN makers.

For the girl who loves her baths:   Bodylish  (Instagram bodylish)

Offering 100% natural organic handmade body products.  I personally am a big fan of the bath bombs, can't live with out the fresh face cream and your girl will quickly love Bodylish's exquisite lotion bars.




For the lover of lipsticks!!  Stormsisters Spatique  (instagram stormsister)

Lips accessorized!!! Featuring ethically sourced vegan, gluten free lipstick manufactured in Minnesota!  I am simply addicted to these wonderful smooth and soothing lip colors.  Named after women who in some way has helped empower, influence and shape the brand.  (Maybe there is a shade named after your special someone??)  Definitely worth checking out.





For those "intimate" occasions.   Urban Undercover  (Instagram urbanundercover)

Hands down the best underwear ever made!  Designed to travel discreetly with you with it's patented little pocket that they fold into.  The material is soft silky and luxurious and the lace adds a nice feminine touch.  Available in black or white your special lady will love you for these! 



For the lover of winter  Wool and Whiskey  (Instagram woolandwhiskey_)

Let's face it winter is a long ways from over in Minnesota so what better gift then the gift of "Handmade warmth".   I fell in love with my handmade Jameson scarf and it certainly has proved well in the elements with it's soft wool,  its warmth and durability are reliable during those sub zero Minnesota winter temps.   



Now shopping made simple and easy for you guys out there struggling to find the right gift for your special Valentine this February. 

 Ladies feel free to share this post to drop your own little hints their way.  

Sincerely, 

Aprilierre (instagram aprilierre)