Modern Classics - timeless pieces for a timeless beauty

Our Modern Classic Collection includes endearing pieces for a timeless, classic style. Every woman needs a timeless classic in her jewelry box, to cherish for years to come.

Artfully crafted with distinctive, unique gemstones, this collection features limited edition jewelry that are exclusive to Wishgiving.

Not only can you wear these pieces on the much awaited anniversary dinner, you can also wear these with your favorite jeans or sundress. There is no better way to welcome the upcoming new year.

Aquamarine Teardrops Silver Necklace

Blue Chalcedony Silver Bracelet

Keishi Pearls Necklace

Thoughtful & Eco Friendly E-Cards

We've recently developed a line of free e-cards with thoughtful, warm messages for everyday and holiday use. We hope to encourage e-cards because it reduces impact and conserves paper that we use in sending numerous holiday cards.

Please feel free to use our e-cards whenever possible, and brighten someone's day with a few clicks of your mouse. (Note: all of our e-cards include music, so please remember to turn on your speakers.)

View our E-Cards >>

Yoga Inspired Jewelry for the Modern Yogi

The beautiful yoga lifestyle is so welcome in our fast-paced, stressful lives. I wanted jewelry that can express this, but have been disappointed because yoga jewelry is usually so literal or esoteric, incapable of combining the two worlds. I love pieces I can wear to express my spirituality, but won't compromise my style. Our designs are designed with the stylish, modern yogi in mind -- beautiful jewelry pieces that help balance chakras and aid in your yoga practice. You can wear these pieces with jeans, at a business meeting, or on a night out.

Crown Chakra Amethyst Hoop Earrings

Apatite Qing Coin Necklace

Heart Chakra Pearl Cluster Earrings

View the entire Yoga Collection >>

Citrine - November's Birthstone

One of my favorite gemstones, Citrine, is the perfect stone for this month, as cold, dreary weather takes us by surprise in Southern California. With its refreshing golden yellow tone, with just the right amount of clarity, citrine exemplifies joy and luxury.

A symbol of wealth, and interestingly, also a symbol of health.
Citrine is known as the rarest member of the quartz family. Unsurprisingly, it also became a symbol of wealth in Europe. Historically, Europeans associated citrine with wealth, as only the rich could afford this beautiful gemstone. During the time of The Plague, it was believed to ward off disease, as the wealthy were less susceptible to sickness.

Meaning, and its Benefits
Citrine symbolizes peace, wisdom and joy. Many believe that it motivates writers and enhances creativity. It is said to treat depression and eliminate self-destructive tendencies.

In Chinese traditions, this favorite gem is believed to bring prosperity. Citrine also aids in fine-tuning your intuition, ideas and solutions.

Read more here >

Citrine Jewelry

Citrine Nuggets Bracelet

Citrine Nuggets & Silver Necklace

Solar Plexus Chakra Citrine Hoop Earrings

Citrine Gold Ring

October Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline

Jewelry created with October's birthstones, Opal and Tourmaline, make for perfect fall pieces, as these gemstones combine the warm tones of the earth.

OPAL - OCTOBER'S BIRTHSTONE
Opal has been valued throughout history for its beauty. Many cultures believe in the magical qualities of Opal. It is considered to be a sacred stone of the Cherokees, and Ancient Greeks have celebrated this beautiful stone.

This harmonizing stone is believed to help one realize good changes and find happy dreams. It is a particularly good stone for helping one soothe nerves, and become more relaxed and spontaneous. Further, it is believed to aid in business dealings as well as enhance creativity.

Opal Copper Bracelet

Pink Opal Leather Necklace

More Opal Birthstone Jewelry >>

TOURMALINE - OCTOBER'S BIRTHSTONE
Tourmaline is a beautiful stone that comes in a rainbow of colors from black to pink to green. It was a favorite gemstone of the Empress Dowager Tsu Hsi of China, and it is said that the Empress was laid to rest on a pillow made of tourmaline.

Black tourmaline is considered to be a stone of very powerful luck, and encouraged to use when most luck is needed. It is also considered to be a protection stone, and shields one from negativity.

Black Tourmaline Silver Key Chain

Tourmaline and Crystals Silver Necklace

More Tourmaline Birthstone Jewelry >>

Long Necklaces Aren't Just A Trend

Long necklaces are in right now, draped over sleek tops, layered with other pieces. This fall, I look forward to wearing some of my favorite long necklaces over turtle-neck sweaters, or over black and neutral-colored shift dresses. The metals and shiny gemstones contrast beautifully against fall colors.

Trend or not, we believe that classic pieces are always here to stay. That's why we always look to the future to create timeless pieces that won't be subjected to the short-lived fashion trends.

My mother always taught me to collect quality, timeless pieces for my wardrobe. I found that this attitude towards shopping made me feel less guilty, and more like I'm collecting pieces I'll be able to wear all my life (or, at least pass onto my daughter if my metabolism slows when I'm older).

These long necklaces would be quality additions to your jewelry box.

Long Necklace: Golden Quartz Gold Necklace
Beautiful, shimmering, and very unique golden quartz stone hangs stylishly long on this luxurious and modern long necklace. 14k goldfill chain and clasp. Length: 32"

Long Necklace: Tourmalated Quartz Necklace
Classy, elegant tourmalated quartz (30 x 40 mm) is wrapped in sterling silver wire, and hung stylishly long on sterling silver chain. This necklace gives an abstract and modern beauty.

Sharing: Kahlil Gibran

"Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips."
- Kahlil Gibran

(canyon picture via morguefile)

Chakras, Gemstones, and Chakra Jewelry--That's great, but what's a Chakra?

With yoga becoming more widespread, the general public has become more familiar with the term "chakra". But what is a "chakra"? This is an attempt to give a simple introduction to chakras (although the concept of chakras is a vast and intricate field) and why many, including those who have a yoga practice, people who believe in Chinese qi (c'hi) gong, find chakra jewelry useful in their everyday lives, and how you may find this knowledge beneficial to the quality of your life.

beautiful lotus flower (via morguefile)

The concept of chakras comes from ancient oriental and Hindu studies in energy centers along the spine. The word itself, "Chakra", comes from the Sanskrit word for wheel. Those who seriously study and practice chakras see the chakras as colorful wheels. The idea is that the balance of all seven chakras will translate to good health and well-being emotionally, physically and spiritually. The imbalance of chakras will impede the flow of energy, slowing one's life force. This results in depression, disease and negative attitudes.

The chakras are aligned along the spine, and all vibrate at different speeds. The Piezoelectric effect explains why gemstones are powerful tools in the balance of chakras. Gemstones respond to and affect the energy that courses through our bodies and its vibrations help balance and harmonize various chakras.

Citrine Nuggets Gold Bracelet
(Citrine aids in opening the sacral chakra, and solar plexus chakra)

A more in-depth explanation with charts, chakra-related gemstones and more information about chakras, including chakra imbalance indicators, can be found here. (http://wishgiving.com/gems/chakra-jewelry.html)

You're welcome to link to the page given above, or this blog post with the necessary credits:

Chakra Jewelry Information, Copyright © 2007 Wishgiving, all rights reserved.

Sharing: J. Krishnamurti Inspiring Quote

"If you hold firmly to some set of beliefs or other, you look at everything through that particular prejudice or tradition; you don't have any contact with reality. "
- J. Krishnamurti

August & September Birthstone: Peridot

Peridot, a beautiful, vividly green gemstone with golden hues, has long, celebrated history. Named, the "Emerald of the Evening" by the Romans, and valued by ancient Egyptian royalty, peridot continues to exude luxury today. Large, transparent, peridot stones in intense green shades are rare in nature and thus expensive when found.

PERIDOT PIECES FROM OUR COLLECTION:

Peridot Gold Necklace

In this piece, the designer sought to draw attention to the golden hues within the gorgeous peridot stone with 14k goldfill wire and 14k gold chain. The vividly green gemstone alone exudes class and luxury. To set a balance that lacks pretension and doesn't undermine the gracefulness in this piece, the designer chose peridot gemstones in organic irregular shapes, and set it on a delicate 14k yellow gold chain.

Peridot & Crystal Quartz Gold Tassels Earrings

This delicate yet eye-catching shoulder duster (earrings that are long enough to brush your shoulders) is determined to sparkle and catches light wherever you go.

PERIDOT MEANING & ITS PROPERTIES:
In Christian history, peridot is mentioned in the Bible and considered a sacred gemstone.

Peridot is a perfect stone for the spiritual to benefit from its soothing effects. A peridot necklace is often used as a protector against negative emotions.

Peridot is believed to slow aging processes, both mentally and physically. Some use it to improve speech, and help find lost or misplaced things. Moreover, it is said to increase confidence, assertiveness and patience. Physically, it is said to heal the heart and lungs.

Grand Reopening Sale Ends Friday, August 31

Our huge Grand Reopening Sale ends Friday, August 31!

Enjoy this rare offer of saving up to 50% off of gemstone rings, eyewear necklaces, bangles and more.

Grand Reopening

We are very excited to announce that our new site is finished and open for business! Apart from convenient user-friendly options such as our new VIP program (which allows customers exclusive discounts and better shopping experience), advanced search options, tell-a-friend messages, we also have new designs that we have been eager to showcase.

Take a look, enjoy, and stay a while.

Let's Create Beauty & Blessings,
The Wishgiving Team

July's Birthstones: Carnelian & Onyx [+ a small shop announcement]

SHOP ANNOUNCEMENT
We are still currently under construction, and we are very sorry for any inconveniences. But we don't want to open to the public until the site is in tip-top shape.

As soon as everything is in order, we'll be introducing the new collections that we've been working on in our sunny Southern Californian studio.

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JULY'S BIRTHSTONES: CARNELIAN & ONYX

CARNELIAN:
In history, it was a favorite gemstone among ancient Egyptian royalty. A carnelian amulet was used by Egyptian goddess Isis to protect the dead.

A passionate stone, it It is thought to enhance sexuality, activating energy, motivation and creativity. Some recognize that its ability to balance causes it to be good for family areas of the home. Other uses are for protection against injury, prosperity, courage, mental focus and strength.

Here are some carnelian pieces from our online shop:

Large African Carnelian Copper Chain

This necklace includes rare African carnelian that we still haven't been able to find again. African carnelian is very different from other varieties. This carnelian is beautifully bold and raw in its cut as if it's uneasily civilized, unlike its more known counterpart, red carnelian, which is slightly more delicate, but bold in its own way (shown below).

Carnelian Gold Ring

As the African carnelian shows the rawness of the African country, this red carnelian shows why it was a favorite amongst Chinese royalty. Its smooth and vibrant color exudes luxury and bolder elegance.

ONYX:
Onyx, a timely gemstone, was popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans.

It is said to eliminate negative thinking, stress, neurological disorders apathy, stress, neurological disorders, and sharpening concentration levels of the wearer. It is used to change habits, and is often worn for public speaking as it is believed to make the wearer more eloquent.

Onyx pieces from the studio include:

Charming Black Onyx Silver Necklace

Black onyx always seemed more capable of the classy, avant-garde look than any other stone. But somehow, black onyx in this nugget cut makes the piece seem a bit charming. Black doesn't always have to be so severe, you know.

Black Onyx Linear Necklace

Here we are on the other end of the spectrum. This linear effect of this matte black onyx stone creates a very "mod" look.

Site Construction

We are currently working on slight changes to our site as well as organizing new collections and cleaning up older pieces. We have the site set to login before viewing so you can still view the site during its edits and purchase pieces. Don't worry, the checkout system is still perfectly safe and secure.

Please be patient with us, and we apologize for any inconveniences!

I'll leave you on a brighter note, with the Amethyst & Silver Necklace, one of the pieces designed for the beauty of the stone.

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I used to have a slight apprehension towards amethyst because some variations of amethyst lend to tacky. I'm talking about amethyst of lesser quality, which are consequently dyed horrendous shades of purple. After finding this high-quality, hand-cut amethyst, all my apprehensions flew out the door.

Lovely.

Favorites of Mine

There are a few pieces in the studio that cause my heart to beat just a bit faster each time I look at them. Among them are:

Leopard Skin Jasper Silver Tassel Earrings

It is sometimes difficult to remember why we spend so much effort and time searching high and low for unique gemstones. All of that traveling, meticulous inspection of gemstones, dealing with vendors (who aren't always honest) is tedious to say the least.

Each time we find new reasons why we shouldn't spend so much time searching for new materials, and the only motivation that keeps us traveling and searching is finding stones such as this leopard skin jasper that's completely natural and untreated except for the cut. I remember seeing these stones for the first time; the texture and colors of this leopard skin jasper were so inspiring that we felt an immediate connection with this stone.

The stones can also be seen in the matching necklace for the earrings:

Leopard Skin Jasper Silver Links Necklace

Nowadays, so many stones are treated with chemicals to create an unnatural shine effect on gemstones, or factory-cut in such unbecoming and tacky forms. We knew that we came upon something special with this jasper. So gorgeously natural and unabashedly itself in its textures and colors.

(The toggle for this necklace is one handcrafted by silver artisans in pure fine silver.)

A Glimpse Inside the Wishgiving Studio: Amazonite Squares Silver Necklace

For our artists, the most enjoyable aspect of Wishgiving is the creativity in the design process. In a sense, our artists see the process as bringing life and attention to the gemstone. Recently, we changed our home page to a photographer by Romeo Koitmäe, a very talented photographer we admire. We were very flattered when he told us he loves most of our pieces, particularly the Amazonite Squares Silver Necklace.


The Amazonite Squares Silver Necklace is an elegantly modern piece. A lot of thought went into creating a clean, uncluttered and understated design. The geometric cut of the stones are balanced by the earth-tones of amazonite, and highlighted by pure fine silver details. The artist who designed this piece understood amazonite's characteristics--rich in history as evidenced by its earthy colors and being named after the Amazon river--and drew a careful balance between its obvious antiquity and quiet elegance.

She found pure fine silver details that suited the piece perfectly. Details were painstakingly hand-carved by silver artisans.


The entire piece is very reflective of Amazonite's metaphysical properties as a stone for finding personal truth, soothing energy, creativity, truth and luck.

New Site Navigation

Hello all,

I'm just checking in to let you know that the site navigation has been changed to a sleeker, cleaner design. So if you see a copper-red bar at the top, please refresh your browser to see the new navigation.

If that doesn't work, please clear your cookies.

The flash feature allows you to navigate to our Featured Products, Bridal Collection, Father's Day Collection, Promotions, Newsletter Subscription, Leather Collection and Copper Collection.

Squeezing for All It's Worth

We're starting a series of eco-friendly tips, because we realize that going green is as easy as making minor changes to your daily routine, and because we love innovative ideas that will also reduce waste and un-clutter the earth.

Tip: Use ALL of your toothpaste/shampoo/conditioner/liquid soap
Literally, squeeze for all it's worth. Leaving that behind leftover toothpaste (or shampoo, or conditioner, soap, etc.) is actually a lot more than just a bit. I'm sure you know this if you've shared my frustration in trying to get the last of the shampoo out--there's still so much in there, why won't it come out!

Since squeezing, in this case, won't do the trick, water will. So will storing the bottle upside down.

Why is it such a big deal?
Because the amount of plastic in our landfills is a big deal. 10% of the nation's toothpaste goes unused, can you imagine how much less plastic we can use by using all of our toothpaste?? Or shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. You get the idea.

After all, going green more about changing the small things in life, than simply thinking big and doing nothing at all.

Share your tips with us--leave comments or email us at info@wishgiving.com.

Sharing Our Thoughts With You: Copyright & Design

The issue of copyright is something that cannot be ignored in any creative line of business. As designers, we hope that others will follow the "designer's code of ethics" and develop their own original work and respect others', but we know this is wishful thinking.

As we've mentioned before, Wishgiving has a great deal of respect for art in all forms, and because of this, we work hard to develop original work as well as protect our artists. Our artists' work, including designs, names of designs, site design, site copy, graphics and photography, are all preserved under copyright and receive our firm protection.

I'm mentioning this not only because I've found Wishgiving's designs/designs' names being duplicated, but also to make a statement regarding respect for original art. Copyright protection for art is more than business legalities; it is to acknowledge the profound respect for an artist. It is often taken for granted, or forgotten, that an artist's work is not simply the result of the hours put into creating a specific design. Rather, we should acknowledge the artist's devotion in developing that artistic eye, creativity and skill during his or her lifetime. An artist is never developed overnight, and each piece created is a result of the artist's devotion to art.

By taking another's designs to sell as their own, one offends the very idea of art and original design, detracting from the artistry of a piece by turning it into a means of profit. The artist in me finds it demeaning.

Aside from taking time to create our own designs, we also enjoy showcasing other works of art on both our main site, and on our blogs. All work we showcase is duly credited to the original artist/designer. We also contact individual artists to acknowledge their work and our mentions of their work.

Please join us in preserving original work, and look forward to introductions of artists that have inspired us.

May's Birthstone: Agate

AGATE: a background & history
Agate is by far one of the nature's most creative gemstone creations. It is formed by filling the cavities of host rocks, creating beautiful colored bands that resemble the rings of a tree trunk. I am constantly amazed at the different varieties of agate, and their colors are always sparking new inspirations in the studio.

In ancient times, agate was valued as a talisman or amulet--said to quench thirst, protect against fever, and divert storms. European royalty enthusiastically collected bowls carved of agate. They are currently found in museums (such as the Louvre) in Europe.

Agate is found in a variety of places, including Idar-Oberstein, Germany, India, China, Italy, Scotland, Uruguay, Brazil, Madagascar, to name a few.

Information from the International Colored Gemstone Association.

AGATE: metaphysical healing properties
Agates are known to attract strength, and are considered as the main protection gemstone. Used in jewelry since the Biblical times, agates were used to ward off nightmares, stress, and to bring the sleeper good dreams.

Nowadays, Agate is said to be ideal for emotional and physical balancing, building healthy energy patterns and self confidence, self-honesty, reducing stress, help with blood circulation, longevity and protection. Also, it is a good gemstone to help one with their emotions--allowing one to accept their emotions, giving one strength to carry on. It is said that agate should be worn to when one is in need of making important decisions. It is physically used to aid stomach upsets.

Where can I find Agate?
We're very proud of our collection of agate pieces, and have them all neatly sorted here. For the visual reader, here's a sampling of our agate pieces:

Linked Moss Agate Silver Necklace

Large Agate Leather Key Chain

What is the meaning behind birthstones?
For centuries, gemstones powers are believed to be enhanced at certain times of the year. Each birthstone has a period of time in which their healing powers are heightened.

Ideally, everyone would have a set of twelve birthstones to wear (one for each month), which is not a bad idea at all, considering the idea of empowering your accessories wardrobe--with style AND natural healing powers.

Birthstone gifts are awesome because they are both thoughtful to the recipient and easy for you. Of course, if you're having a hard time deciding which one to purchase, gift certificates are your best friend.

Wishgiving on Modish Gift Guide

Check out Wishgiving items on the Modish Summer Gift Guide. Find us under "Gifts for Dads" and "Gifts for Brides and Bridesmaids".

Featured items include:

Chic Elegance in Pearls Necklace

& Wishgiving's Men's Accessories

New!

We have too many beautiful stones around to put off creating rings. Some gemstones call for simple designs, because really, the stone says it all.

Some of my personal favorites:

Afghan Lapis Gold Ring

Pearl Silver Ring

Black Onyx Silver Ring

Chinese Turquoise Silver Ring

Remember, FREE SHIPPING still applies for Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Sale

Get mom something special. Check out our Mother's Day Sale!

Just for Mother's Day: Free shipping & up to 50% off select jewelry and accessories.

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I'm posting banner ad I created for Mother's Day because I'm super proud. My word, it's animated!! My world of graphics has certainly expanded.

The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer

I have a poster of Degas' The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer in my room. It is the first thing you see when you walk in. I like to think of the poster as a no-fail optimism-boost for whenever my spirit needs lifting.

The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer is very much a Degas piece (it is, after all, a sculpture of a ballerina), but to me, it somehow stands apart from his other works of art. There's something so sweet and pure about the sculpture; she stands so proudly, facing a world of possibilities, with feet poised to take her next sprightly step. Will her dreams of becoming a prima ballerina come true? Marry her true love? Get through 9th grade? :)

The Fourteen-Year-Old is my model of hopeful fancies and dreams of what is yet to come.

Speaking of what is yet to come, Wishgiving has a new site, with convenient, user-friendly functions, and hundreds (okay, maybe hundred) of new designs. This time around, we've done more experimentations with shapes and movements, as colors and textures of gemstones have always been our major inspirational force. There are so many new, exciting things happening with Wishgiving. We can't wait to show you!

I'll leave you with more pictures of one of my daily inspirations:





Stand tall.

Peace Pilgrim

In my mind, being an english major doesn't prepare me to write a profound book review, so I won't even try.

I'll just say this: Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words is something you must read. Her words drew such strong reactions from me; something within me shifted and fell into place.

Read it. You won't regret it.

Yoga Just Got THIS Much More Beautiful: Adida's Amriya

I just fell in love, again.

These shoes make me wish I didn't quit ballet classes in junior high, and make me want to sign up for yoga again!

The structure of the shoe makes techno/modern come together with delicate beauty.