Tuesday, December 4, 2007

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.)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

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.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

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



Tuesday, October 9, 2007

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.



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.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

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.

Monday, September 10, 2007

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)

Thursday, September 6, 2007

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.