Ready for fall

Fall is nearing!  Check out the new jewels created this week CuteJewels

Bella Earrings - new spin on my silver ball collection

New stone on the market!  Mystic Pearl Chalcedony!

AAA top quality Moss Aquamarine



Silver Quartz - lovely new stone!



Vessonite - new stone..with supposed healing properties :)



Busy bee...which is slacking off :)

I wish the day had 34 hours instead of 24.  I'll be liberal and throw in that I'd sleep for 6 and the rest would be all productive time, haha!  This weekend, some fabulous gemstones arrived (did you see my Facebook post?)  I ordered a total of 432 carats, of some seriously gorgeous gemstones, natural stones, stunning beads.  I can't wait to get cranking in the studio this week... after slacking off over the weekend. 

But slacking is good and sometimes needed.  My hubby and I spent yesterday on boulder rocks off of Lake Michigan.  They are huge enough that 2 people can lay on one rock.  I remember studying in college, that they were there to hold the shore in place and to prevent it eroding away.  I also remember coming to the very same spot with my parents & grandma to spend Sunday's basking in the sun (think mid 1980s!), climbing the rocks and hoping I don't fall between the cracks.

What is also awesome, is that the rocks are near Northwestern University, and many students paint them with creating thoughts, slogans, or marriage proposals.  I love walking and reading each one.  Some go as far back as 1960's.

Custom beauties

Weddings are gorgeous, weddings are fun, weddings are beautifully coordinated bundles of stress!  I remember stressing over every little detail before my wedding, trying to prevent anything from going wrong.  Heck, I had rain forecasted for the whole day!  My husband and I drove to seriously every big box store to find huge umbrella's for the bridal party, to find an indoor place for pictures.  Boy was that some un-needed stress!  It ended up being a fabulously sunny, very hot day.  I guess we didn't prepare enough, we didnt have personal fans for everyone to cool off with, lol.  It was a blast!

Since I design jewelry, I totally stressed over what bridesmaid gifts to give to the upmost important ladies in my life.  It had to be jewelry, it just had to.  But what kind?  I wanted something they could wear after the wedding, and think back to that day with a smile.

Here's a recent bridesmaid order, for a sweet customer.  She picked the Dandelion earrings for herself and her special ladies.  They are modern and fun, and lightweight.  They dangle beautifully in the wind.  I'm sure they will love them and think positively of the wedding day. 

I love custom orders, and having the ability to personalize your special day, and de-stress about one more item on the list, is just the better!

Fall is in the Air :(

While fall is my *favorite* season, I'm going to miss the summer.  The hot super bright sunny days, the beach on Lake Michigan, the day being so long it's still light out at 8pm.  All good stuff.  But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

After a long day, I like to sit on my balcony, watch the sunset, sip on a pomegranate liquor and read my kindle.  Recently while doing this somewhat "ritual after a hard day", the breeze that came in had a smell of sorts.  It was the smell of fall.  A slightly cool (and welcomed cool!) breeze, that didn't have the aroma of summer anymore.  I love fall and look forward to it immensely, but I guess the more seasons that pass, I realize how fast time flies. 

Time flies...I just realized I've had my Etsy shop for going on 4 years.  Counting my brief stint on eBay, it's over 5 years of jewelry design.  I can still remember the first pair of earrings I made.  I was determined to make myself a pair, something unique, different composition than what the internet had to offer.  I got my supplies, sat down and thought "this could turn into something big".  And it has. 

I'm blessed to have a husband who supports my Etsy addiction, my addiction to colors, beads, metals and all that jazz.  I'm blessed to have a wonderful fan base on Facebook.  I'm thrilled, excited and thankful for the over 1600 orders I've filled for wonderful customers.  I'm touched by all the positive feedback I've received over the years.  Who knew, me sitting making that first pair of earrings would have eventually affected, touched, made smile, so many people!  Thank you, seriously thank you!

My designing never stops.  Believe it or not, if I can't fall asleep, I stir up creations in my head of new designs, or pair up different stones to see how they will look.  The next day I put the creations to work.  Here's a recent bunch of new items in my CuteJewels Shop. 

Peridot Gemstone - Sterling silver oxidized black - August Birthstone

Orange Red Chalcedony, ala black effect :)

Mutli stone mix - chalcedony, quartz, mystic quartz

Blush pink chalcedony - ala oxidized black

More Peridot - sterling silver bubbles

Fantastic "soap bubble" effect - with a stark contrast of black

And last but not least, my fav.  Phlox purple quartz, oxidized black.

till next time...

Beautiful places... Tahiti

It's hot here in Chi-town, its 99 degrees at 7pm!  With all this hot weather, I'm thinking "ahhh, I need a vacation!"  I think my favorite vacation spot it Tahiti.  Tahiti?!  Yes, despite never being there, lol, its my favorite.  I think the below few pictures will make it hop on your favorite list too.  One day I will make it to Tahiti, one day (right after I figure out how to endure a 26 hour flight!)

So welcome to Tahiti....

Gorgeous views, so relaxing!

So here's the reason for the Tahitian topic... Tahitian South Sea Pearls have just arrived!  Fabulous colors, shimmer and natural luster!  A variety is now available in my shop section "Pearl Earrings"

P.s.  CuteJewels is having a semi-annual sale!  Christmas in July!

New Designs

The summer has been an inspiration.  The sun shining gives me energy and fresh thoughts.  I like to keep my jewelry design fresh and offer a variety of jewels.  From all sterling silver pieces, with sleek lines and a modern organic feel, to gemstones full of color, Swarovski crystals full of sparkle and glam.

Here are a few of the recent additions to my Etsy shop.  CuteJewels

Modern sterling silver bracelet

Sterling silver bracelet available in a few varieties

Precious gold filled pearl earrings - love the dainty feel to the pair!

The *absolute* best quality champagne freshwater pearls, ala antique heirloom look

Teal blue faceted gemstone quartz - rough organic look

AAA rated Tourmalinated Quartz with 14kt gold fill wire wrap

Top quality champagne freshwater pearl on unique curly earwires - all sterling

My fav!  Marquise sterling silver bracelet - custom lengths available

Swarvski crystal - sparkle with darkness

Swarovski Wild Heart Necklace

Organic, natural moss amethyst stone



Happy 4th of July!

I think the US has the least amount of National Holidays. In Europe, most countries have about 2-3 times as many holidays where everything simply shuts down. Everyone loves these holidays even more so, as they are a day off from the everyday grind, time to rest & relax, time to grill, time to spend with family & friends. This aspect as one of my facebooker's noted "Everyone is in such a positive mood" is so true.

So let's celebrate, let's fire up the grill, throw on the burgers & steaks, butter up the corn and enjoy!

Here's the beautiful Chicago skyline tonight & tomorrow

One of my favorite spots in downtown Chicago is Buckingham fountain!  Did you know its one of the largest water fountains in the world?  Nearly 90 years old, and just as beautiful as the day it first shot up its first stream.

Stay safe!

Live, love laugh :)