Minnstafashion Recap

Autumn has arrived along with the cooler temperatures.   I am a summer girl at heart so it is always difficult for me to bid farewell to the season of sunshine and 80 degree temps.  Yet I try to find solace in the excitement of fall fashion.   Speaking of fashion...

Recently Aprilierre was invited to participate in the Minnstafashion event at the W Hotel at the Foshay tower in downtown Minneapolis.  This was the kick off event for Minneapolis Fashion week and it was so much fun.   I really enjoyed meeting and talking with potential new clients.   It was also an opportunity for me to scale down my display size to accommodate the smaller space.

Gem(s) of the Month~Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone

It is not surprising that the month of June, associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini, has three beautiful gemstones to chose from.  The oldest gemstone would be the lustrous pearl.  They are unique because they are the only gem that is fostered from the sea.  They were a favorite adornment in the roman empire, Tudor England and the 1500s were also known as the pearl age.  The ancient greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy formed by the goddess Aphrodite.  

Alexandrite is the newest gem addition and is relatively modern in comparison.  It was discovered in 1831 and named after the Czar Alexander II.  It is an extremely rare form of chrysoberyl and has unique color changing qualities.  It can change from a rich lovely green in natural light to a purplish red color in incandescent light.  It is an extremely rare gem and is quite expensive so many jewelers stock up on synthetic gemstones (Which are the man made alternative to the natural material, still possessing the same physical , optical and chemical properties as the natural stone.)

Finally the moonstone, one of the most sacred gemstones in India.  The gem is believed to house a spirit that brings good fortune.  Moonstones can range in color from shimmering shades of peach, champagne, blue and green.  They often have a cats eye like sheen to them.  For healing qualities the moonstone is excellent to balance hormonal and digestive systems purging the body of toxins an has been beneficial for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

I love reading about the stories and healing properties associated with gemstones.  I am currently working on a collection that will feature raw gemstones.  It is fun to incorporate a little bit of history and mythology into my creations.  Here is a sneak peek of that collection. 

Gem of the Month --Emerald

The Birthstone for the month of May is  the emerald, a symbol of rebirth.  It is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth.  It is fitting to symbolize rebirth as spring continues to awaken in the month of May.

  The emerald is referred to as the “stone of successful love”  it is associated with the heart chakra promoting friendship and balance between partners.  It is also a stone of great vision, enhancing memory and increasing mental clarity.  It has been a source of fascination amongst many cultures. It was sold in ancient Babylon markets in 4000 BC, worshipped by the Incas, the mines in Egypt unearthed some of the oldest emeralds in the world and have adorned royal crowns for hundreds of years.  

My Gem of the Month

Embracing Motherhood

April 8th, 2016

The journey began.  This was the first glimpse of my baby boy.  

I had months to prepare for motherhood but it never really felt real until I heard the words "here is your son." 

Nicholas "Niko" Lennon Barnhart-Yung

7.7 lbs 20 1/4 inches

My sunshine and my shining "diamond"

It has been a whirl wind 5 weeks and I am just starting to play catch up with all things Aprilierre.  Somehow in between the feedings and the naps I am managing to get my studio prepped for Art-a-Whirl taking place next weekend, complete a couple custom orders and write a newsletter and blog post. 

Though the month of April has passed but I still want to write about the Gem of the Month and my own special “Diamond.”

Those who are fortunate to be born during the month of April have the birthstone of a diamond.  

Adopted from the Greek work adamas, meaning “invincible,” diamonds come in a wide range of colors such as black, blue, green, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow. The color is dependent upon the type of impurities that are present in the stone.  Diamonds are one of the hardest substance on Earth.  

They are thought to provide the wearer with better relationships and an increase in inner strength.  Wearing diamonds is purported to bring other benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance. It's also symbolic of eternal love, hence why it is commonly associated with the wedding ring.  

I may not be wearing any diamonds on my fingers or my neck but I couldn't feel a bigger sense of gratitude that little Nicholas has come into my life.   

He my little gem. 

Gem of the Month ~ Aquamarine

March’s lovely gemstone is the ever beautiful blue and tranquil aquamarine.  It is a semi-precious stone in the beryl family and is related to the emerald.  Aquamarine originally derived from the latin words “aqua marina” which means sea water which is fitting since the most common color is a natural blue but it can have variations in transparency and clarity and it’s color can be a slightly greenish blue.  

Along with it’s association with the ocean it is no surprise that legends say sailors used to wear these gems around their necks to protect them while at sea.  It is associated with the month of March and relates to the Zodiac sign Pieces.  The tradition of giving gemstones as birthstone gifts dates back many hundreds of years and aquamarine is also the wedding anniversary gemstone for the 19th year of marriage. 

The symbolism of Aquamarine is faithfulness, courage, and friendship.  In early times it is said to give the wearer a sense of foresight and happiness. It would increase intelligence and could make one feel youthful.  In gemstone healing it was used in the Middle Ages to reduce the effect of poisons and is said to help with treatment of anxiety. 

The biggest Aquamarine stone ever found was in Brazil in 1910 weighing at 243 pounds.  It was cut into smaller stones which yielded  over 200,000 carats. 

I am always drawn to aquamarine in my designs because of it’s cool and calming color.  It is often a favorite of my customers as well.    

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.  

  

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.

Gift of Gratitude Rings Bands   

  

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.  

Sterling Silver Branches Necklace

Sterling Silver Ruby Blossom 

Druzy Pendant Necklace

Asymmetrical Necklace 

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)

Gem of the Month Garnet

 Happy 2016!!!  I hope everyones new year is off to a great start.  

I have decided to approach this year's blog a little differently.  My goal will be to write twice a month and each month I will feature a gemstone of the month beginning with birthstones.  I  will discuss their properties, mythology and how I have used them in my designs.  

Garnet is the gem of this month and birthstone of January.  It is associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius and it has been worn for centuries as a protective talisman.  Garnet dates back to 3100 BC and was used in much of ancient Egypt's inlays and jewelry designs. 

 It signifies eternal friendship and trust thus making it a wonderful gift for someone special.  It is said that garnet has been used to reduce body toxins and purify vital organs.  It can balance energy.   Some sources say Garnet might prevent nightmares  if you slip one under your pillow at night.  It can provide directional guidance in darkness. Faith, love and constancy are its attributes.   It is considered a lucky stone, for love, success and business relationships.  It can help you let go of old behavior patterns and boosts self-confidence. 

Garnet is typically mined in India, Sri Lanka and Africa.  They are available in an array of color ranging from deep red, orange, and vibrant green.

I love using garnet in my designs because of it's rich red color (which also happens to be my favorite color).  Below are some of the designs that I have done using this lovely gem.  I have recently aquired more so there will be some fresh garnet designs coming out of my studio in the near future.  

                                     Sterling Silver Blossom Necklace featuring Garnet

Sterling silver "ExperiMetal" necklace

Sterling silver assymetrical ring

Gorgeous Hand cut Orange Garnet used in original assymetrical wedding band commission