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

Drops and Dangles in the Summer Sun

Longer days, bright full moons, the summer breeze blows and we look forward to spending evenings on patios with friends, laying out on the beach, going to music festivals, farmers markets,  and art fairs.  While we are out doing these fun summer activities it gets hotter outside and the jewelry we wear gets lighter.  Here is a playful assortment of earrings I have designed and created to enhance your summer wardrobe.   

Sterling silver & Tourmaline A simple pop of color is all you need. 

Sterling Silver Textured Earrings.  Sleek and full of attitude. 

Sterling Silver Hammers. They swing, they shine, and they will get you noticed!

Sterling Silver  drops with faceted sapphires and kyanite drops.  Dazzle your sundress.  

Hand cut vines perfect for a summer wine tasting. 

These pieces and many more will be available in my online shop. You can also enjoy saving 20% this 4th of July by using the code FIREWORKS at check out.  Sale expires July 8th 

The Journey, the Path and Passion that is Aprilierre.

At a young age I began expressing myself in drawing which evolved into painting, and then I became active in the local community theatre often acting side by side with one of my parents. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of MN Duluth and then began dabbling in some creative writing, and eventually my artistic expression evolved into its true form: jewelry design.

I love my art, and I get incredibly excited when other people do too. A few days ago as I exited the classic St. Paul establishment Cafe Latte, a woman stopped me on her way in and said, "Those are fabulous earrings! Who designed them?"

An energizing charge of honor and pride for my work filled me and my smile widened. The earrings she had noticed were a brand new design and I felt flattered that they were bold and unique enough to stop a woman on the street. A business card transaction took place, and I hope she will be a new client.  I have been complimented on my jewelry many times, but when someone specifically recognizes and sees that there is a designer aesthetic I feel humbled and honored.

The truth is it took me some time to truly believe that I can flourish with my chosen artistic path as a career. For years I battled the inner dialogue that "you aren't a real jeweler,” and "you're just learning." That line of thinking has never lent itself to the progression of my business; simply because I didn't allow myself to dream a bigger dream, the dream of sustaining a lifestyle based on creating my art. I see more clearly than ever before; this is the work I enjoy, I love making a connection with people, I love creating something that is a meaningful and emotional link to people's lives. I am a "real designer;” I seek to make Aprilierre a jewelry collection that people love, trust and come back for more.

  I wouldn't have a business or this opportunity for growth if it wasn't for you my loyal customers and clients. I am deeply grateful for the support I have had over the years and I am looking to continue growing my business with the support of my longtime, and many new clients. I am excited for the future of my business. I am having new packaging designed, my business will be featured in the Twin Cities Local Scout Guide Vol. 2, and I am working on launching my new collection this fall. What amazes me the most is that I have done all this myself. I am eager for the future, to turn over some of the reigns in my business (such as website development), but until then I am proud of what I built with my own two hands. My friends, my jewelry and my business, that is my passion. That is the story behind Aprilierre.

                                     

Jewelry in the "keys of life"

“Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.” –Steve Wonder

  I have such a fond memory of my mother playing piano when I was little. I would gaze at her fingers moving effortlessly over the black and white keys, amazed that the pages speckled with black notes before her translated into cascading chords of music.

 One of the first melodies I remember truly gravitating towards was “Music Box Dancer” by Frank Mills. It was such a playful little song and I would take such delight when it would come on the radio. I remember begging my mother to learn that song for me and she obliged and I would laugh and dance in circles around the living room in whenever she played the tune.

Recently a long time friend of mine reached out to me with a unique jewelry challenge. Her mother had passed away a couple year earlier. She had inherited a gorgeous antique piano that had been in her family for generations. Built in 1910, this piano arrived by train to the far north of Minnesota and made its way to her grandmother’s home. It would be passed down two generations.

By the time it came into her possession it was old and in need of repairs. All the keys needed to be replaced. They discovered the keys are real ivory before it was banned for sale and use in the United States in the 1940s. She asked if I could create three pairs of earrings from some of the ivory keys. I was immediately excited to accept the challenge.

Spreading out the pieces and drawing out ideas I set to work on some prototypes. I knew my friend enjoys wearing larger earrings and that she wanted me to use the larger keys that had been graced by her mother’s fingers and where her prints may still remain. We agreed on a design and what followed were many patient hours of sawing, torching, texturing, and setting.  

I love it when I have the opportunity to create a piece of jewelry that will hold a deep signifigance to the wearer. It’s an honor to be able to capture a small essense of a memory into a tangible piece of jewelry, in this case the memory of one’s mother playing the music she loved, much like my own.