The Sacred Spiral Jewelry collection is one of the first designs I created all those years ago. I wanted a design that embodies the sentiment. “Because Kindness Matters”. Using a spiral was the perfect way to portray this. Here’s the story.

The Spiral is an ancient symbol representing growth and evolution. It starts as a smaller, tight circle and expands quickly all the way to infinity,  Just like the spiral, each of our actions; a quick smile to a stranger or a kind word to a friend; seem like a small gesture but the ripples of joy created is infinite!

“No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” Aesop

This particular earring features a copper main component with sterling silver ‘dust’ and a sterling spiral fused into it. The dangles are sterling silver and the spiral ear wire is a custom design exclusive to my earrings. It is available now in my online shop.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector

Provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts

SHOP Alene’s Adornments NOW

The post New! From My Sacred Spiral Collection appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Most of the time when I am at the jewelry bench it is with a plan in mind. Either I am creating components for my wholesale line or pondering over what to design with new gems I have purchased.

However, once in awhile I have a day that is just plain fun. There is no plan in mind. I just pull out some random metals and gems and play! This week I had one of these days. Want to see what I created?

Here’s the components I start with today. Most are random pieces of metal that began as something else and were scrapped because I just wasn’t feeling the vibe. Everything I create needs to feel right to me? Does that make sense? It has to gel, to come from deep within me. I want to feel the energy of the design and know that the person who ultimately owns and wears this piece feels it too.

The re-creation and fun begins. Here are the results. And a little help from my Kitty Button. Her feedback is so important

Shop for my one of a kind designs today

The post A Play Day at the Jewelry Bench appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Ever since I got my ears pierced (many eons ago) I have been obsessed with wearing earrings.  At first it was just the tiny button versions, but in no time flat I graduated to dangling styles. I adore feeling the tiny movements as I turn my head. Honestly it makes me feel so feminine!

[tweet_box design=”box_01″ float=”none”]”You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.” Audrey Hepburn[/tweet_box]

What is this back story and history for punching holes in our ears and wearing adornments? As long ago as 7000 years, earrings were worn by men. In fact, Egyptian men wore them to let others know they were part of a higher class.
Shakespeare was said to wear an earring. this image of him shows him sporting one. There is some question as to whether this photo is an accurate one. However, earrings were a common fashion during the English renaissance period. Sir Walter Raleigh and Francis Drake apparently wore them too. Wearing it highlighted their  adventurous and unconventional spirit.

Pirates wore earrings for a variety of reasons.

• some believed pierced ears and an earring would prevent seasickness. (Yeah, I bet that worked)

• others sported them to commemorate a successful voyage

• and still others wore them as a protective talisman.. to prevent them from drowning.

Today, earrings are a popular adornment for many. I have so much fun thinking of new earring designs to create and wear. After all I DO need to test them ALL, right?  Most of my designs incorporate Sterling silver, copper and gemstones.  As you can imagine, the possibilities are endless.  

Here are two of my favorites.

I invite you to look at my collection online.

The post In Praise of Earrings appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Gold jewelry has always been coveted. Even though gold prices have come down over the last 2 years, they are still over
double the price of 10 years ago.[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]

Today, gold is $1267 an ounce.  Compare this with Silver at $17.75 an ounce!

I really feel that wearing beautiful baubles enhances our self image. In the past I eagerly wore gold designs. Now that I create my own pieces, I gravitate to silver and copper.

in 2007, when I first began designing, I took multiple classes to improve my skills. My instructors had us experiment with copper metal before creating the finished design in silver.

And guess what happened!  I fell in love with copper!  Copper’s rich color is enhanced  when you add heat or other elements. The resulting colors can range anywhere from bright copper to deep red, teal blue, vibrant purple and more.

I love adding in Fine Silver or Sterling silver . What’s the difference?  Fine silver is 99% silver. When working with lighter weight designs, the pure silver is too soft. Thicker alternatives (like ring shanks) work the best. 

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (needed to strengthen this softer metal).[/tweet_box]

The combination of the two colors is explosive.  In fact I decided to copyright the name I use for this process.  Sprinkled Silver is fun to create. Every single design is different depending upon how the metals combine.

A bit of history:

[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]Silver was used in coinage beginning around 550 BC. IT was also popular for use in photosensitive materials used in photography. .. before the digital age! And of course silver has been used in jewelry over the ages.

Copper was probably the first  metal to be used by humans and is considered sacred to many cultures. Copper has a natural ability to conduct electricity so, when worn, is said to harmonize the body’s energies, clearing any blockages or imbalances.

There will always be a place for gold in our bauble wardrobe of course… But consider copper or silver for your next purchase. I think you will be surprised and delighted by your selection!

The post Is Silver the New Gold? Is Copper the new Silver? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.