A collection is defined as a group of similar things that you have deliberately acquired, usually over a period of time.

My jewelry designs for the most part are grouped into collections. When I first began designing, I played around with anything and everything. Then I began to notice patterns in what resonated with me.   Sometimes this is as simple as absolutely loving a particular stone or design and creating a collection around that.  Other times it is about a story or event in my life that affected me personally. I want to recreate the feelings in my work. Either way, a collection is the way I express myself through jewelry.

If you are already a fan you  know that these collections tend to evolve with time. What seemed so important to me a year ago, now tends to land in the background. I am already on to some new idea for a collection.  Isn’t it Fun to be a designer?

Inside the Mind of a Jewelry Designer …  (my book about my journey into creativity) goes into more detail on many of my collections… highlighting processes used and photos.

[tweet_box design=”box_02″ float=”none”]”Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” Henry Ward Beecher[/tweet_box]

 Two of my favorite, and enduring collections are the Dare to Dream designs and the Sacred Spiral designs

Dare to Dream is the collection that embodies our desire to dream. Our wish is to allow our dreams to permeate our existence, grow, expand, morph into even bigger dreams and become reality. Every design is a limited Edition of ONE.  The fusing process is like our dreams. It starts with a concept (in this case my idea for the piece) and then it takes its own leap into the final design; one that I could not have imagined or predicted. Dream Big and Take the Leap forward!

Sacred Spiral  Collection: The Spiral is an ancient symbol representing growth and evolution. It has been found in cave carvings, shells and even in the milky way. A spiral 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, holding the door for someone, a kind word to a friend. These seem like a small gesture but the ripples of joy created is infinite.

[tweet_box design=”box_02″ float=”none”]”A Small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  Margaret Mead[/tweet_box]

As you probably have guessed, I am designing a brand new collection as we speak. I am excited about the designs. Check the web site or Facebook page for more updates.

Enter to win this Pendant: Now through August 16.  Good Luck!

The post Evolution of a Jewelry Collection appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]Throughout recorded history, Jade has been the most highly esteemed stone in China.

It is valued for it’s beauty, strength and powers of healing.

First of all there are two different minerals that we call jade. One is Jadeite. It is found mainly in Burma. It is more rare than it’s counterpart, Nephrite. Imperial Jade is a translucent emerald green version of jadeite. It is rare and the most valuable of all these gems.  It is considered to be so precious in China –  evidenced by this saying. “Gold is valuable; Jade is Priceless”

Both are extremely dense and tough. For this reason, many cultures used jade to create knives and weapons. Jade carvings are also prevalent.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]In ancient China jade was called ‘yu’, meaning ‘heavenly stone’ It was believed to embody ‘yang’ or cosmic energy.[/tweet_box]

Young men in China would present a bride-to-be with a jade butterfly as a symbol of faithful and eternal love. Taoists believe that is guaranteed immortality.

Mayans and Aztecs believed that jade could cure pains in the side of the body. In fact, the name originated from this myth. Early Spanish explorers named it ‘piedra de ijada’ meaning ‘stone for the pain in the side.

This gem is said to stimulate the flow of energy through the body. This releases negative thoughts, soothes the mind and makes tasks seem less complex.

Now on to my favorite part of this topic.. Jewelry!  

Jade is the birthstone for August.  You LUCKY  August babies!

Since this gem is so tough, it is used in rings as well as pendants and earrings. Rings tend to get scuffed (no matter how hard we try to prevent this). It is especially relevant that harder stones will take the beating.

This ring is one of the current designs available at Alene’s Adornments. Gorgeous jade gem is the focal point on this signature Snake Designer Sterling silver.

In conclusion, I encourage you to add jade to your jewelry collection.

Craving more Gemstone myths? Check out this blog on Peruvian Opal

The post Jade: A treasure through the Ages appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Tiger Eye (also called Tiger’s Eye) is a semi-precious gemstone from the quartz family. It is easily spotted by it’s luminescent band that resembles a cat’s eye  (or tiger in this case!!)

Mostly you see these in brown tones, but they can also be seen in red tones or yellow tones… all with the tell-tale band.

I love working with this gem. The brilliant ‘band’ seems to move about as you gaze at the gem. Since there are so many brown and gold tones in tiger’s eye, it blends so well with silver metals and sparkly champagne colored CZ’s.  This ring I wear shows you what I mean!

The Tiger Eye was traditionally carried as a talisman to ward against ill wishes and curses. It is considered a balancing stone, reeling us in when we want to go to extremes.  This stone has high energy so wear it when you want to increase your vitality and strength.

Legend says that tiger’s eye helps us be more creative. (cool!)

The Solar Plexus is the corresponding Chakra for Tiger’s Eye.

Check out my web site for Tiger’s Eye and other gemstone designs.  

If you liked this post you may like Amethyst Gemstone

The post Tiger’s Eye Gemstone: Legends and Facts appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.