Frequent cleaning is recommended to maintain your jewelry’s true beauty.
Sterling Silver
* Note: There are many suggestions online to use toothpaste - it is recommended that you DO NOT do this, and use the baking soda and water method instead (unless you are certain that your toothpaste is a non-whitening, non-gel based paste, as these include many other active ingredients that may damage your silver or stones).
Gold-plated and 14K gold-filled
Brass
Many brass pieces are sealed to avoid tarnish and discolouration, and some brass jewelry is intended to have an oxidized, darker look. Be sure that the piece you are about to clean is intended to be bright and shiny, before proceeding. If your brass is not sealed, it may still tarnish from oxidation, in which case, using one of these methods will bring back that brassy shine.Copper
Copper jewelry WILL oxidize and change colors over time. Some pieces are sealed, which will slow the process, but others are not - as some people feel that there are medicinal benefits to having copper touch their skin. Choose what is best for you and your body, knowing that occasionally, copper jewelry will turn some skin green. This is a natural occurence and not harmful, washing off easily with soap and water.
* A note about Commercial Silver or Gold Cleaners:
Always be sure to read the label, and if in doubt, do not use a chemical cleaner. These can be very abrasive. Some gemstones are too soft & porous and cannot be placed in commercial cleaners without adverse effects. These stones include; opals, coral, lapis lazuli, malachite, pearls and turquoise among others.One would never want your precious piece to compete with the style of neckline you're wearing - after all, that necklace you so thoughtfully picked out should be seen, not hidden underneath or covered up by your outfit!
Let's have a look at the different necklace names and lengths that are available;
Choker/Collar - these 2 are very similar in length, the choker may sit slightly higher on the neck, while the collar would rest lower on the collarbone. This style works well with open necklines such as;
Princess - this length is the most common and works well with;
Matinee - a great length for both business and casual wear. This style works well with;
Opera - an elegant length for evening wear, this works well with;
Rope - these are sometimes seen as more formal, or statement necklaces. This style works well with;
Lariat - great for elegant business, or evening wear, or wrapped around more choker style for a trendy look. This style works well with;
More helpful hints;
For square necklines - look for pendants with an angular finish to harmonize with the angular neckline - like the moon phases necklace
For asymmetric necklines – look for necklaces that are also not symmetrical, try for a necklace that has it’s own asymmetry, different sized or shaped beads to off set the design - like the dreaming of the sea necklace
Halter necks – since these create a narrow V neck, try something with a narrow pendant with a sharper end - like the to the point necklace
V neck – look for smaller pendants or a necklace that mimics the V shape - like the mystic triangle choker necklace
Collared shirt (button down) – since there isn't a lot of room between the collars, look for either a choker necklace or a dainty/slimmer style pendant that sits above the last open button - like the free bird necklace
Boat neck – look for a long necklace or layered strings which would look ideal with this neckline - like the focus feather pendant necklace
Cowl neck – this neckline already has a lot going on, so look for a choker or shorter style necklace - like the radiant sun choker necklace (or opt for a pair of longer statment earrings instead of a necklace - like the eclipse earrings )
As each person is unique and has their own preferences, body type and chest size which will affect how a necklace drapes and hangs on the body, it would be a good idea to try various lengths to see which size and style you like best. If heading to a jewelry store or handmade market is not accessible - using a piece of string can make a great stand in to help you find the perfect length(s) for you. Alternatively, if you already have a favourite in your jewelry collection - simple take a measurement of it's size to know what to look for the next time you are out and about!
]]>And just as quickly, those resolutions fade. You had all good intentions of hitting the gym, spending less or eating better, but realistically, it just didn't last.
Why not then this year, instead of setting resolutions - consider setting a single intention. A simple, meaningful word by which you base all decisions from throughout the year.
]]>And just as quickly, those resolutions fade. You had all good intentions of hitting the gym, spending less or eating better, but realistically, it just didn't last.
Why not then this year, instead of setting resolutions - consider setting a single intention. A simple, meaningful word by which you base all decisions from throughout the year. Maybe you want to Focus more on certain friend / relationships, or on specific work projects. Maybe you want to be more Present and fully in the moment, to Enjoy more of what is around you. Maybe you want to become more Inspired, or feel a sense of Calm in your day. Any one of these words would make for a great intention to set for the coming year.
As you go along, question each of your actions or decisions against your intention word to see if it aligns. If your word is Balance, perhaps finding the right mix between work, home & play is what is needed and leaving work behind on the weekend, making efforts to visit with friends, and also allowing a few moments to quietly sit back and read/sip coffee/journal/ or just relax are in order.
With a simple word, the expectations aren't as high, and it is much easier to focus on one theme, without pressure, to guide you all year long.
The result will be a sense of accomplishment, rather than feeling deflated because of unattained (and sometimes unreasonable) resolutions.
If you need a gentle reminder, you could also take it a step further, and wear your intention on your wrist as a reminder to yourself of what you are working towards, while looking stylish at the same time. Made with various natural gemstone beads, the soul-full stones collection has a variety of styles and colours to choose from - each having their own unique properties.
If you are looking for some ideas for intention words & pieces that can help inspire them, we have a few suggestions;
align - black sandalwood and crystal rhinestone sphere mala bead bracelet
balance - black & white lava bead wrist mala bracelet
calm - blonde silkwood turquoise and czech glass mala bead bracelet
clarity - white jade & plated gold hematite mala bead bracelet
grounded - men's lava and natural brass bead mala bracelet
harmony - turquoise, pink jade or obsidian bead mala bracelet
patience - howlite and picasso jasper mala bead bracelet
power - men's onyx, hematite and lava bead mala bracelet
serenity - fossil jasper with hibiscus flower bead mala bracelet
soothe - amazonite and copper mala bead bracelet
stability - men's brown line agate and natural brass bead bracelet
strength - men's tiger's eye and lava bead mala bracelet
tranquility - black sandalwood and czech glass bracelet with moon & stars bead
✨ Wishing you all a new year full of compassion, kindness, gratitude, love, joy and fun! ✨
]]>This time around, we are featuring handmade gifts for even more specific people on your list; like the coffee lover, homebody, the world traveler, the adventure seeker and also some great gift ideas for the guys!
]]>This time around, we are featuring handmade gifts for even more specific people on your list; like the coffee lover, homebody, the world traveler, the adventure seeker and also some great gift ideas for the guys!
All of these items (and more!) are hand created by small local businesses and can be found in Nikita's Collections on Etsy They are also linked below.
So if you're looking for something for your best friend or your co-worker, your Mom or your Dad, your sister or your brother, your in-laws, your babysitter, your teacher, or even the person who has everything, you'll be sure to find items here that will please all! And they are budget-friendly, too - with most items coming in at under $50!
Explore our holiday gift guides to find gifts for everyone on your list!
First up - for the coffee lover & staying cozy at home! The complete guide can be found at the Gifts for Staying Cozy at Home collection on Etsy.
How about something for the adventurous one on your list? Check out the ideas below, and to see more - visit Gifts for the Adventurous Soul & Traveller
How about some great gift ideas for those on your list who prefer to spend time in nature? Visit the Gifts for Outdoorsy Friends collection for even more suggestions!
And lastly, one for the guys! More ideas can be found in the Gifts for Him collection on Etsy!
Hopefully this will make things a little easier and you can find the perfect gift to please everyone on your list!
For more ideas, be sure to visit Etsy's Holiday Shop!
* I am a member of Etsy’s Affiliate Program and the above links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on any of my links.
]]>All of these items (and more!) can be found on Etsy and are linked below. Not only are these items expertly crafted by hand, they are from various small local businesses that you'd be supporting, and are budget-friendly, too - with most items coming in at under $50!
]]>The holidays are fast approaching and gift giving season will be here before we know it! Finding the perfect present isn't always easy, so we've rounded up a few of our favourites and created some budget-friendly Handmade Holiday Gift Guides to help give you a head start!
All of these items (and more!) can be found in Nikita's Collections on Etsy and are linked below. Not only are these items expertly crafted by hand, they are from various small local businesses that you'd be supporting, and are budget-friendly, too - with most items coming in at under $50!
Explore our holiday gift guides to find items everyone will love!
Trying to pinpoint the perfect gift for your favourite bookworm? Here are a few ideas below ... and more can be found in this Bookish Gift Ideas Collection on Etsy
How about something for your bestie? Check out the ideas below, and to see more - visit the Bestie Gifts Collection on Etsy
Looking for something magickal for your witchy friend? See these spellbinding finds & more at the Witchy Gift Ideas Collection on Etsy
Hopefully this will make things a little easier and you can find the perfect gift to please everyone on your list!
For more ideas, be sure to visit Etsy's Holiday Shop!
* I am a member of Etsy’s Affiliate Program and the above links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on any of my links.
]]>wandering orbit - shooting stars // natural brass dangle earrings
model: @sunvalley_betty ⠀⠀⠀⠀
styling & photo: @wildandbarefootphotography⠀
"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen. The moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween."
]]>
☾⋅⋙ ⋙· ⋗ · • ● • · ⋖ ·⋘ ⋘⋅☽
The results are beautiful, organic and unique to each piece. No two pieces will ever be identical even if created under the exact same conditions at the same time.
You can find a number of Peacock & Lime pieces that feature electroforming - like these necklaces ⋙ · ⋙
* step-by-step guide info graphic courtesy of Altarbeast Alchemy
☾⋅⋙ ⋙· ⋗ · • ● • · ⋖ ·⋘ ⋘⋅☽
]]>"Between the pages of a book is a lovely place to be." ~ anonymous
Summers are made for reading! Unlock worlds unknown, escape to magical far away lands, or travel in time - books have a way of creating adventure without ever having to leave where we are. With longer summer days ahead, and an array of amazing books to read - how does one ever choose what to discover next? We've narrowed down some suggestions with two great summer reading lists from Nikita Eleniak and Marina Black! |
In this fantasy heist novel, a group of six teenagers living in the slums of Ketterdam band together to pull off the ultimate heist… with the promise of a payoff beyond their wildest dreams. But what really sets this book apart is the intricate details of each character, and how they weave together to create a found family. Now a Netflix series!
Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia - Psychological Thriller | MysteryWhen “good girl” Hattie Hoffman is found stabbed to death, her small town is shocked. Told in alternating perspectives between the present day and Hattie’s flashbacks of the previous year, it appears that there was more to the real Hattie than meets the eye. The suspenseful mystery reveals a bigger question - can the wrong kind of love lead to death?
Leave No Trace by Mindy Mejia - Psychological Thriller | MysteryTen years ago a father and son visited the Boundary Waters, and never returned. Now, a decade later, the son has reappeared - violent and unpredictable. He is sent to a psychiatric facility where he meets therapist Maya Stark. No matter how hard she tries, he won’t open up about his father, or what occurred over the past ten years. But Maya has her own secrets and finds herself drawn to him - and realizes how much she’s willing to risk to save this man lost to the woods.
The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab - Fantasy | Mystery200 years ago, three sisters accused of witchcraft were drowned in the town of Sparrow. Now each summer, they return to lure and drown boys in the harbor. Known as the Swan Season, the town has become a morbid tourist attraction. When Bo Carter unknowingly arrives in town just in time for the season, local Penny Talbot can’t sit idly by and watch him become another victim. But Penny has a dangerous secret… and will have to choose whether to save Bo or herself.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff - FantasyWinner of the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel, Nevernight is the story of an orphaned girl, seeking revenge against the men who brought down her family. Bent on revenge, Mia Corvere is rescued from the streets by a retired assassin and is raised with the intent on apprenticing for the Red Church - the deadliest assassins on the continent. Follow Mia on her journey through the ranks of the Red Church and discover all the secrets hidden behind the Church’s walls.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen - Fantasy | RomanceLana grew up knowing two things. 1. The Bridge Kingdom is evil. 2. She will be it’s downfall. After being raised as a warrior in isolation, Lana is wedded to Aren, the king for the Bridge Kingdom in an arranged marriage, with orders to bring the kingdom to it’s knees from the inside. But the longer she stays and the more she learns about Aren and his kingdom, she learns that what she was raised to believe might not be the whole truth. Now, she is faced with a choice between continuing her father’s nefarious plans and following her heart.
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk - Fiction | Satirical NovelThe first rule of fight club is… you don’t talk about fight club. But it’s difficult not to talk about this novel. Our narrator lives a boring, mundane, cookie-cutter, IKEA life. But that all changes when he meets the mysterious Tyler Durden. The inspiration behind the 1999 cult classic film, Fight Club is a must read.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins - Psychological Thriller | MysteryFrom the author of The Girl on the Train comes a new eerie thriller. 15 year old Lena lost her best friend to the river early in the summer, and now the river has claimed her mother too. And they weren’t the first women to have lost their lives to the river. Left in the charge of her aunt who vowed never to return to their town, Lena is desperate to find out what really happened to her family.
“No matter how desperate or dire, never pray to the gods that answer after dark”. In 1714 France, a young woman makes a desperate bargain to live forever. The catch? She will be forgotten by everyone she meets as soon as she leaves. Cursed to roam the world as a shadow, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue travels across centuries as Addie tries to leave her mark on a world who won’t remember her.
Nikita Eleniak is an avid reader and has more books than she has shelf space! She is recommending some of her top picks for Summer 2021 here, and can also be found showcasing her favourite reads on Instagram and TikTok |
Brave New World (1932) by Aldous Huxley
Science Fiction | Classics
Brave New World depicts a dystopian world where humans are genetically modified through reproductive technology and your social status is based on intelligence. Written 90 years ago, Aldous Huxley will blow you away with his ability to predict elements of the future and remain contemporary. Once I started Brave New World, I could not put it down – it is a timeless classic not to be missed!
I Am the Central Park Jogger (2002) by Trisha Meili
Non-Fiction | Autobiography | True Crime
On the night of April 19, 1989, Trisha Meili was brutally assaulted and raped while jogging in New York City’s Central Park, becoming known as the Central Park Jogger while she lay comatose in the hospital for nearly two weeks. In her book, Trisha recounts the mesmerizing, inspiring, and gut-wrenching story of human strength and transcendent recovery. Trisha’s story is not always easy to digest, yet her story is remarkable, and her eloquent writing makes you want to keep turning the page.
A Gentleman in Moscow (2016) by Amor Towles
Historical Fiction | Book Club
After being deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal in 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Count Rostov must live in the hotel’s attic while critical years in Russia’s history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. This is a great book to recommend to your book club!
Tuesdays with Morrie (1997) by Mitch Albom
Nonfiction | Memoir | Philosophy
No matter what stage of life you are in, you’ve had or will find someone older and wiser that serves as a mentor or role model. Mitch Albom describes his college professor, Morrie Schwartz as his mentor when he was young and searching for advice in his young adulthood. After losing touch for nearly 20 years, Mitch rediscovers Morrie during the last few months of the older man’s life and rekindles their relationship by learning the last few lessons of life. Tuesdays with Morrie will provoke you to think about life and show the beauty of friendships across all ages.
The Painted Girls (2012) by Cathie Marie Buchanan
Historical Fiction | Canadian
In 1878 Paris, Marie and Antoinette van Goethem face the troubles of losing their father, a drunken mother, and extreme poverty. As the sisters must work to pay for their lodgings, Marie throws herself into dancing and later modelling while Antoinette must choose between honest labour and more profitable means of “work” for a young woman. Weaving between the sisters’ stories, The Painted Girls addresses the darker side of “civilized society.”
Read Along with Me
The Vanishing Half (2020) by Brit Bennett Historical Fiction | Race |
Anna Karenina (1877) by Leo Tolstoy Classics | Historical Fiction | Romance |
||
Catch 22 (1961) by Joseph Heller Classics | Historical Fiction | War |
Nala’s World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride around the Globe (2020) by Dean Nicholson Nonfiction | Travel | Animals |
A Promised Land (2020) by Barack Obama Nonfiction | Autobiography | Politics |
Marina Black is an aspiring writer and photographer from Ontario, Canada. Check out her website and blog for more of her work! |
For many, wearing jewelry has become common in our daily routine, and some of us never take our jewels off. Yet in all the chaos of getting dressed in the morning and the exhaustion when getting undressed at night, we rarely stop to question what our jewelry says about us.
Jewelry often carries personal or sentimental value which can signify commitment, love, or appreciation. We often recognize the purpose of our jewelry when it has personal significance, yet our choices of jewelry can be overlooked when we wear it for the sake of wearing it.
Our apparel in general often speaks about our personality within a certain environment. While wearing a suit is customary in a professional environment, the style of the suit and its accessorizing is how we add our own flair.
Wearing big hoop earrings and bold sparkly necklaces can allude to an extravagant lifestyle or desire to be a trendsetter. Matching necklace and earring sets may indicate someone is more organized and structured. Or wearing hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry may show you are down to earth and appreciate the jewelry craft.
We convey our personalities through jewelry because it can represent our status in society. Owning and wearing jewelry made of precious gems and metals may suggest someone of higher social status and wealth. However, using jewelry as a status symbol is not a new concept.
In its ancient culture, jewelry was worn by pharaohs, kings, emperors, and rulers to signify their royalty and beliefs. Jewelry was originally crafted with more modest materials like shells, animal skins, feathers, bones, and natural semi-precious materials. Early societies believed that wearing these materials as jewelry would unleash magical properties of nature that could bring health, luck, fertility, wealth, or love.
Even today, we wear pendants with crystals not only for their beauty but for their spiritual qualities that serve as a reminder to nurture ourselves and parts of our lives. The spiritual significance of jewelry is not forgotten yet can be lost in its beauty.
Beauty is crucial in jewelry design and adornment because it ultimately voices what an individual finds beautiful. To further connect with our jewelry and fashion, we can ask ourselves what our pieces mean to us.
Understanding how jewelry is made and how our pieces resonate with us can open doors for further appreciation and admiration of our jewelry and ourselves. Perhaps your favourite necklace is your favourite simply because of its beauty, yet it tells you what you find beautiful in this world.
]]>
A lot of jewelry pieces are one-size-fits-all.
Necklaces slip easily around most necks, and earrings are pretty universal in size, so selecting either for the perfect fit isn’t usually too difficult to do.
Bracelets can be a bit trickier, as wrist widths can vary slightly (although not enough to require a wide range of sizes as do rings).
Bracelet fit is important for comfort and style, and a well sized bracelet should fit just loose enough so that it has a bit of movement, but not so loose that it easily slides off! Luckily we have an easy way to determine a perfect fit by measuring your wrist size.
Generally speaking - your bracelet size is your actual wrist size plus 1/2" (1.27 cm) added for comfort.
Or, to make things easier, we also have a wide variety of adjustable bracelets, suitable for almost all sizes - no measurements needed!
]]>
Colors surround us everywhere we go. We choose certain colors to wear or paint our walls. We even have color preferences for cars, flowers, and jewelry. But is there any meaning behind them?
Naturally, we can’t help what we’re drawn to though some colors do speak volumes about the way we are without uttering a single sound. Color psychology is something that marketing reps use to motivate us to buy a brand. However on a personal level, you may be selecting your favorite color because it is the very definition of who you are.
Take a look below to see what your favorite color has to say about your personality.
Those that choose red are very bold in character. You want to leave a lasting impression on those in your life. You’re extroverted, confident, and a bit sexually charged.
Sure, we can joke about orange jumpsuits and prisons, but for those that choose orange as their favorite, they tend to be friendly and easy-going. You’ve got a flamboyant nature which may send some running but those worth having in your life will stick around.
Ah, yellow, like the sunshine. You’re happy and idealistic. Your optimism is one of your best traits. Some may see you as a bit weird, but you can chalk it up to their own inherent moodiness or jealousy for your way to view the world is with a positive outlook.
Green seems like it’s harmonized with nature, however if you really love green, you secretly harbor the need for security. That’s for financial matters as well as relationships. People that choose green want to be seen as important, successful, and wealthy. You likely have excellent social skills as well to back this all up.
Calm and cool like the waters of the ocean, if you love blue best you are excellent at finding peace and serenity even in the chaos of a storm. People that love blue are easy-going, reliable, and extremely loveable.
Ah, you purple-lover, you! You are very utopian and mystical rather than rooted in reality. A bit on the hippie side, some may shy away from your patchouli vibes, but those who matter will appreciate your special rose-colored view of the world.
You don’t wait for Wednesdays to wear pink. And unlike The Plastics of Mean Girls fame, it doesn’t make you more popular. Those that favor pink are a bit naïve and delicate. You prefer to look the other way in the face of reality, opting to embrace your childlike ways that keep you young.
Do you have trouble committing to anything? Then grey might be your color. According to color psychology, those that choose grey tend to be detached, emotionless, and indecisive. You have a very take-it-or-leave-it personality and never get up in arms about anything.
Who doesn’t love wearing black for a sophisticated look? It goes with everything! But when it comes to color personality, it can reflect that you’re a realist that loves to be in control while maintaining a minimalistic look.
And perhaps most fascinating of all, white, which has been known to symbolize innocence has a far deeper meaning. When you choose white, you want to convince yourself and others that you’re pure and meticulous.
Introducing our new surprise feature ...
* usd / shipping not included
These will be limited time specials - a $5 Friday deal will only be available for the weekend the featured item is announced (Friday - Sunday), or while supplies last! Once they're gone - they'll be gone for good!
Treat yourself to something pretty with a new offering introduced every few weeks!
This week's special features ...
With so many amazing different gemstones and properties - which are you most attracted to? Let your intuition be your guide, and choose the one(s) that speak to you!
Picking and pressing flowers is a long-held tradition passed through the generations. Those choosing to stop and smell the proverbial roses might also wish to capture the mood of the moment by picking said flowers and pressing them between the pages of a book to dry and preserve them forever.
1. With the Boho Bouquet Glass Orb Pressed Flower Necklace, anyone can enjoy sentimental pressed flowers wherever they go, all year long.
10. "Just like the lotus we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into the world.” ~ Unknown
The Little Lotus flower pendant necklace is a lovely little reminder!
When you think of karma, you probably think of the whole “what goes around, comes around” part, don’t you? However, the power of karma is much more detailed than that. It goes beyond simply putting good or bad vibes out into the universe.
In Eastern-based religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, there are different beliefs about karma, but it all circles back to the same point. As such, there are 12 laws to uphold to create good karma that will carry you through this life and all future ones. Here they are along with the deeper meaning behind them.
- Cause and effect
This one is easy to uphold because whatever you give, you in turn will receive. Be it positive or negative, the universe is watching and will send back the same message. Use it wisely.
- Creation
Nothing will come to you if you take no action. Every journey has its hardships, but just as in math, if you multiple anything by zero, it’s still zero. One must actively participate; go out and make things happen.
- Humility
Holding a mirror up to ourselves is one of the hardest tasks, but it gives us a reflection that lets us see where we need to improve. Make the shift and karma will shift in your favor.
- Growth
Tying in with humility, in order to grow, you must focus on your own metamorphosis for positive change. Take ownership for what happens in your life.
- Responsibility
We copy what surrounds us, and what surrounds us copies us. It’s easy to make excuses so reflect on yourself to go full-circle into a better karmic state.
- Connection
It helps to remember that for karma, everything in the universe is connected from past to present to future. You can shake bad karma or energy from your past by righting any wrongs.
- Focus
The secret to success is focus. Therefore, harboring resentments and anger will only bring down your karmic status. Focus on the positive to get the results you seek.
- Giving
Kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness are all positive traits. Living by them helps you achieve good karma.
- Living in the moment (Here and Now)
Be present for the present. Reflection is only beneficial when you seek to improve yourself. Enjoy your current moments because dwelling on the past only puts negativity into your circle.
- Change
History always runs on repeat, and with the laws of karma, it will continue until you’ve learned that lesson. Mistakes are human, but what you learn from them and how you move forward dictates the forces of karma.
- Patience and reward
The rule of karma that reminds us all that we must see things through with dedication and persistence. We can’t expect instant results.
- Significance and inspiration
The final law that shows us each action, intention and thought has an impact, no matter how big or small it is. Our unique gifts are meant to be shared and may even inspire others.
And should all this be too much to remember, cause and effect is the central rule. To achieve good karma, you must bring good actions and intentions. Think with positive thoughts as you go through life and it will help you to create good karma. Positive energy always wins over negativity.
Bad karma is the opposite of good and comes from negative energy. You don’t even need to be negative to someone else…if you think negatively, you’ll bring this bad karma into your life.
Remind yourself of positive vibes and bring in good karma everywhere you go. A handmade karma circle wish bracelet may just be the thing to help you stay positive no matter what challenges come your way.
Remember to keep your circle postive.
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Hooray for the weekend! It looks like it's going to be a nice one!
And, it's Daylight Savings time ~ that must mean that spring is on the way! 🌸 🌷
Don't forget to set your clocks ahead 🕛
model: @sunvalley_betty ⠀
necklace & bracelets: @peacockandlime
The wordpress blog is moving! Won’t you join us here ?!
We are in the process of transferring over the old blog and all of the existing content to our new blog home where we will continue to post the latest news, tips, tricks & information from Peacock & Lime
We hope you will join us at the new site and invite you to subscribe to our news feed to stay up to date on the latest happenings.
See you there!
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Find it at: Anthropologie
The film by writer/director Matthew Bissonnette is …
“inspired by the work of Leonard Cohen, and set to some of his most beloved music, Death of a Ladies’ Man tells the funny, magical and emotional journey of Samuel O’Shea (GABRIEL BYRNE), a womanizing poetry professor whose second or third mid-life crisis takes a fantastical, grave and then sublime turn when he returns to his family cottage in Ireland and meets the woman of his dreams who is full of unexpected surprises.” ~ official press release
… and was introduced at Cannes earlier this year, and was recently screened at the Calgary and Edmonton International Film Festivals.
Can you … our Synergy // pewter bar and leather cuff bracelet on actor Gabriel Byrne!?
So far, it is garnering good reviews – I can’t wait to be able to see it
“Tourmaline is the technicolored dream coat of gems, there isn’t another stone with a greater range of colors found in nature. Because no two tourmaline’s look alike, they were mistaken for other gems until the 1800’s when they were reclassified as a distinct mineral species. Before that tourmaline’s had been confused for sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other gems. In fact, the rubies in both the Russian and British crown jewels are now believed to be red tourmaline’s also known as rubellite.
Opals, like tourmaline, can exhibit a wide variety of colors. The difference, an opal diffracts light and can display all the colors of the rainbow simultaneously. For this reason, it has been considered great luck throughout history as it was thought to possess all the value of each gemstone in the opals color spectrum. However, after the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein, people in the 1800s began to associate opals with bad luck and even death.
Citrine is one of the rarest varieties of Quartz found in nature. Natural citrine has only been found in Spain, France, Hungary, and Arran (a small island off of Scotland). Despite this it has become the second most popular variety of Quartz in jewelry (after amethysts). Jewelers had even been heat treating some lower quality amethysts and smoky Quartz gems to change the color to a shade of yellow or reddish yellow to more closely resemble citrines to keep up with a growing demand.
This popularity was due to the lack of affordable gold gems on the market. Gold gems are attractive because they channel the power of the sun and all of the positivity associated with it. Citrines are believed to improve your mood and appreciate your surroundings. Giving a citrine as a gift is a great way to tell someone that they radiate joy and make you experience their joy.
These opaque blue-green gems have been highly valued for thousands of years by many cultures that each had their own names for them. Turquoise comes from an Old French word for Turkish because it was introduced to the French via Venetian traders who had purchased the stones in modern day Iran (then a part of Turkey). Turquoise was widely traded because deposits are so rare. The only major turquoise deposits currently known are found in Iran, Egypt, the Southwestern United States, and China. Turquoise also has the unique distinction of having a color named after it and not vice-versa.
In Turkish tradition, the gift of a turquoise was supposed to give you the ability to make friends very, very easily. The only catch was that in order to acquire this super power, you needed to already have a friend who would give you a turquoise. This sounds a bit like a catch-22, if you ask me. Turquoise’s association with friendship is appropriate because it requires copper and aluminum compounds to work together and form a new mineral, just like a friendship.”
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“Rubies are a special form of the mineral corundum that would be considered a sapphire if it weren’t for their characteristic dark red color. This red color comes from the chromium present in the ruby. Rubies with an insufficient amount of chromium are labelled ‘pink sapphires’ and aren’t allowed to play in any of the gemstone games when they’re growing up in volcanic rock formations.
There is something special about rubies that have made them absolutely fascinating to humans for millennia. No small part of the ruby’s appeal is the red luminescence that results from absorbing natural light and re-emitting it later. The most valuable rubies in the world are called pigeon-blood, after the dark-red with blue undertones that makes them look eerily like blood. This similarity to the color of blood has caused an association with vitality and physical strength. Since we toast each other’s health, it made sense to set rubies into drinking vessels since ancient times. Today, a ruby makes a great gift for someone who could use a reminder that they are full of energy and life and have a lot to offer the world around them.
Peridot is the term used to differentiate gem-quality olivine from lesser specimens. Peridot is always a yellow green and the darker a specimen, the more valuable it is. The darkness of the stone is dictated by the amount of iron present. Ancient records indicate that the Egyptians mined peridot on an island in the Red Sea, but the location was lost until it was relocated in 1900. Since then, new deposits of ultra-high quality stones that are larger, more opaque, and darker colored than previously discovered deposits.
One of the distinctive characteristics of peridot (and a chief distinction from other similarly colored gems, such as emeralds) is that their color is the same in both natural and artificial light. This ability to give off the same green glow at night led to their association with great beauty, especially in Egyptian culture. Unlike the beauty of those wearing these stones, peridot is susceptible to breaking easily and require a lot of preventive care to continue looking its best. Today, the gift of a peridot can tell the recipient that they light up a room regardless of the circumstances they are in.
There is evidence that lapis lazuli has been mined since 4,000 BC in Afghanistan and had been a hot trade commodity with other developing civilizations like the Egyptians. Lapis is a soft gemstone which made it easier to work with by hand. Unlike many gems, the color blue that is characteristic of lapis lazuli is pretty uniform across most specimens. The chief difference in appearance is the concentration and arrangement of pyrite crystals that dot the exterior of lapis specimens.
After Alexander the Great conquered Egypt and parts of Persia, he began importing lapis along with many other gems to his home in Macedonia and eventually the rest of Europe. In Europe, lapis was ground up and used as a paint pigment called ultramarine. Ultramarine was unique among the other blue pigments available because it did not lose its color when exposed to direct sunlight. This made it very expensive. This true blue stone has since become associated with encouraging honesty in your relationships and making better decisions, making lapis lazuli the perfect gift for Frank Underwood or the other politicians in your life.”
]]>But some necklaces work better with certain outfits than others. And we want to make sure you get the most out of your Peacock and Lime pieces, to truly amp up your style!
So what necklace works best with your look? Sure, colour can play a factor in selecting your jewellery, but what you should really be focusing on is your neckline!
Are you going for a strapless look, or maybe off-the-shoulder? With that much exposed skin, you’ll want a necklace that will elongate your neck and show it off. For these outfits, a choker or collar length piece (around 16”) is your best bet!
Some Peacock and Lime pieces to make your collar-line POP:
From the simple v-neck top to the flouncy 50’s style sweetheart dress, a collar length or princess (18”) necklace will draw attention up to your neck and accentuate your outfit.
Some Peacock and Lime pieces for every occasion, from everyday to fab:
One of the most versatile lengths, a 20”-24” Matinee length necklace is the perfect fit for tops with collared, boatneck, scoop, and crew necklines. That’s right – this length will fit perfectly with your go-to tee! It’s a length that will carry you from the workplace, to lounging at home, to that fancy dinner party!
Some Peacock and Lime pieces to complete your everyday look:
Another versatile length, a 28” necklace works best with turtlenecks, boatneck, and scoop necklines. Or up the drama with a Lariat length. At approx 35” this length is sure to be a statement piece and will get you a few style points around the office! These long necklaces really just add that extra little *oompf* to your look!
Some Peacock and Lime pieces to complete your WOW-factor:
Do you have a fab outfit featuring a Peacock and Lime piece? We’d love to see it! Show us in the comments below!
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Summer is just around the corner, bringing a whole new batch of styles to keep up with… though luckily some old favourites are back on trend again!
That’s right, the knit polo is making a comeback. This classic top is no longer just for the golf course.
Adding a simple pair of dangle earrings can help polish off this look!
Best Peacock and Lime earrings to pair with this style:
A summery combination, pink and orange are a pairing that you can expect to see all over this year.
Summery bracelet stacks are the perfect accessory to this bright & bold colour combo.
Best Peacock & Lime pieces to pair with this look:
This look is back, and not just for festivals. Giving off 70’s vibes, the halter top is a cute way to stay cool this summer.
Long and simple necklaces are the way to go to complete this style.
Best Peacock and Lime pieces to pair with this look:
A shade that isn’t necessarily the most popular is making a comeback in the fashion world. This pale yellow shade is replacing mustard as the must-have summer colour.
A little pop of colour is your best bet with these sunny styles.
Best Peacock and Lime pieces to pair with this look:
You’ve always heard not to match a polka dot top with a striped bottom… but what if you have both patterns on one garment? Split prints make for a fun outfit that’s sure to turn heads. Just make sure to keep your jewellery choices simple when every other part of your outfit so busy and bold, for the perfect finishing touch!
Simplicity is key here.
Best Peacock and Lime pieces to pair with this look:
The 90’s grunge aesthetic never truly went away, but heavy boots with flirty dresses are back in style now more than ever!
Anything goes with this fun & flirty style.
Best Peacock and Lime pieces to pair with this look:
This romantic look can be traced back to the Victorian era… but that doesn’t mean it’s outdated!
Anything boho looks great with these dresses.
Best Peacock and Lime pieces to pair with this look:
Father’s Day is coming up quick – on June 21st – but there’s still time to find the perfect gift for Dad! Sometimes it can be a little difficult to figure out just what exactly to get (that maybe isn’t a tie!) … so we’re here to help with our Top 10 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for 2020!
A Shave Kit Subscription is a great gift for Dad that you can customize for him, based on how often he shaves, how he likes to shave, and more! Harry’s is different from other shave companies ~ their products are stylish, well made, reasonably priced and arrive right to your door.
Bonus: they donate 1% of their sales every year to charitable organizations that share their ambition/mission to bring quality mental health care to men everywhere.
Sometimes trying to flip your steaks on the barbecue with just normal tongs can be frustrating. Make Dad’s life just a little bit easier with specialized turner tongs, like the ones above from Williams Sonoma ($16.99).
Help Dad show off his style with this rugged Industrial Leather Bracelet from Peacock and Lime ($24)!
You could get Dad a regular old meat thermometer, or you could get him a wireless one like the Meater+ Wireless Meat Thermometer ($100.86). Not only is it digital and wireless, but it uses Bluetooth to connect to his phone and will tell him exactly how much longer to cook the meat to perfection – be it rare, medium, or well-done!
Make sure Dad stays hydrated on his fishing trips, football games, hikes, or whatever activity he enjoys! With a S’well bottle (starting at $25), he can keep his favourite drink cold for up to 54 HOURS!
So he’s got the water bottle to keep his drinks frosty, but what about his coffee? Keep Dad’s drink warm until the last sip with a YETI Rambler Tumbler ($34.99)!
Another great way to make sure Dad is looking stylish is with the Peacock and Lime Men’s Beaded Gemstone Bracelet ($18). This mala bracelet is made with black lava beads, which can be used as essential oil diffusers. Add a little spearmint oil to give Dad a clear head and help reduce his stress!
Why not take your Dad’s grilling game up a notch with homemade burgers? A Burger Press like this one from Amazon ($21.99) will guarantee a perfectly shaped patty every time!
A fan favourite across many review sites, the Secret Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce (starting at $5.99) is a versatile sauce that Dad can put on anything and everything!
Finally, one more piece to add to Dad’s sense of style – the Peacock and Lime Men’s Rugged Deerskin Leather & Sterling Silver Karma Circle Necklace ($31)!
An Extra Bonus: If you’re looking for a great card, why not try one from IMPAPER – where when you give a card, it gives back by donating to a special cause (meals for hunger relief, vaccines for diseases, tree planting & more!) They have a few Father’s Day cards to choose from, all handmade with love
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While being cooped up in our homes, a lot of us have turned to organization as an activity to pass the time – with the added bonus of decluttering and creating an aesthetically pleasing room.
One of the things we find most difficult to keep organized is our jewellery stash – especially when there’s a lot of it!
There are a few different organizational styles to consider when sorting your jewellery. Are you interested in exhibiting all of your pretty pieces, looking for a convenient place to store them, or finding a solution that allows you to easily sort out and de-clutter your treasures?
A cool shaped stand that will keep all your necklaces and earrings in order while giving off a funky vibe … like these below;
Your best places to look: Etsy, Pottery Barn or Urban Outfitters
A mirror with hidden storage will keep all of your jewellery pieces safe and tidy, as well as giving a clean look to your room. Plus, with mounted or over-the-door hanging options, these types of organizers will fit in any space, and provide a spot to admire yourself & your jewels.
Your best places to look: Etsy, Wayfair, Homesense, or Amazon
It’s time to turn that messy drawer from blah to ooh-la-la! Drawer separators are your best friend for this look.
A ring separator can be used for both rings and earrings, making it a must have for any drawer collection.
You could also use plastic IKEA cutlery drawer inserts to organize, but investing in some velvet jewellery liners will really make all the difference in keeping your pieces beautiful, organized and tangle free.
Your best places to look: Etsy or Ebay
If you are a little bit more crafty, this is where you can really shine and have some fun! Time to become besties with Pinterest.
Take an old picture frame, add a wire grid, and you can instantly have a chic earring display. Check out these instructions from Marty Walden: https://www.martysmusings.net/diy-framed-jewelry-earring-organizer/
A corkboard is another common item that can be easily transformed into a jewellery organizer just like *that*.
Or go big, with shelves turning your wall into a jewellery focal piece! All you’ll need for this simple DIY is a shelf or a few thin boards, paint and some screw hooks!
Check out the tutorial for this bold and creative hanging wall organizer by Megan Duesterhaus here: https://thehomesihavemade.com/2015/11/diy-jewelry-organizer/
Your best places to look: Pinterest or other DIY sites
Do you have a fun jewellery storage/organization solution?
Show us in the comments below!
“Quartz is the second most common family of gemstones on the planet and are found in a variety of colors due to impurities (similar to the Beryl family). Quartz’s natural color is clear. Quartz is found all over the world in every kind of rock formation. Frequently they can be found inside of geodes, hollow masses of mineral formed by Quartz filling in gas bubbles in cooling volcanic rock or the dissolution of sedimentary rock that is replaced with Quartz particles. Frequently Quartz gems have a twin crystal sharing a point of contact on their symmetrical crystal lattice, this phenomenon is known as twinning.
Quartz’s association with strength comes from its resistance to damage and scratches. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on the Mohs scale which is used to rate how resistant minerals are to scratches. The connection was strengthened by their appearance in geodes, something beautiful hiding inside something ordinary looking. Quartz crystals or a geode that’s been broken open make an excellent gift for a loved one who needs to be reminded that they are strong even if they don’t look like it on the outside.
Emeralds are unique among gemstones because their surfaces are very resistant to scratches but the crystal lattice that makes up the gem is susceptible to fracturing from impacts. For this reason, an emerald with no cracks visible to the naked eye is classified as flawless even if there are flaws that can be identified using magnification.
Emeralds are named after the Vulgar Latin words ‘esmaralda’ and ‘esmaraldus’ which translate roughly to a green gem. While that might be a little on the nose for some people, we think emerald is a great name for this gem because of its beautiful green color that inspires thoughts of springtime and renewal. This association makes emeralds a great gift for someone who needs a reminder that winter doesn’t last forever (even in the North!) or is starting a new chapter in their life.
Alexandrite is transparent yellow-green or greenish blue under ordinary conditions. However, under polarized light (like from the Sun), specimens explode into a variety of colors ranging from red to dark purple, or orange depending on the direction of the light as well as your viewing angle. This phenomenon is called pleochroism and is very useful for mineral identification.
There are a lot of gems in the world that are transparent yellow-green, but very few exhibit this range of color when exposed to light. We think this is a beautiful analog for love because it doesn’t come in only one color or form and when you have the real thing, you can always tell. The gift of an alexandrite stone is a wonderful way to express your love with all your loved ones because just like there is more than just yellow-green alexandrite, there is more to love than just romantic love.”
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“Red garnets were the most popular gemstone in the later years of the Roman Empire. The word ‘garnet’ comes from the Latin word for seedlike, ‘granatus.’ This was a reference to their similar appearance to pomegranate seeds. Another characteristic of garnets is their high refractive index which gives onlookers the impression that the gem is emitting light.
This phenomenon led explorers and travelers to carry garnets with them on their journeys to ward off evil and light up the night. This practice persisted through the Crusades. Interestingly, garnets’ association with protection was made in other ancient cultures as diverse as the Aztecs in Central America and some Eastern Asiatic tribes whose warriors would carry them into battle. Some of these tribes would even attempt to turn the tables on their enemies who were using garnets for protection by fashioning arrowheads (and eventually bullets during the late 1800s) out of garnets. While we don’t recommend that use for garnets, we do think the gift of a garnet is a great way to let a loved one know you want them to be safe on all of their future journeys.
Amethysts are a member of the Quartz family of gems and are highly valued for their deep violet color and twinned crystal structure. Amethysts have been engraved and set into jewelry since ancient Egypt and continue to be very popular today. The word ‘amethyst’ comes from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ which translates to ‘not drunken.’
According to a Greek legend, Dionysus (the god of wine and drunken revelry) had become enraged with all mortals after one insulted him by refusing Dionysus’ hospitality. He vowed to punish the next mortal he came across. The mortal happened to be a young woman named Amethystos who was on her way to pray to the goddess Artemis. When Amethystos realized she was in trouble, she cried out to Artemis who transformed her into a pure white statue and saved her life (though we would argue that Artemis didn’t dramatically improve Amethystos’ situation). Dionysus was moved by the statue’s innocence and in an act of contrition emptied his wine cup on top of it, dying it a deep purple.
This rare moment of sobriety for Dionysus forged an association with avoiding intoxication. To take advantage of the stone’s power, the Greeks would carry them on their person as well as cover their drinking vessels in amethysts. While we can’t promise that giving your friends an amethyst will result in a mythological alcohol tolerance, we do hope that it will inspire the wisdom not to overindulge.
Aquamarine is the blue member of the visually diverse Beryl family. Pure Beryl is usually clear and all of the colors associated with it are caused by impurities. The blue color in aquamarines is a result of iron being present in the deposits where it formed. Aquamarines are primarily found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and South-East Asia. While less famous than other gems, they are highly sought after for their beautiful color and flawless crystal structure. Stones with deeper blue hues are considered more valuable because they occur less frequently in nature. This has led to enterprising jewelers using heat treatments to darken the color of their aquamarines.
Regardless of the shade of blue, these gems have evoked images of sea water and endless skies for generations. Many sailors would bring aquamarines on their voyages for a variety of calming purposes like getting a good night sleep by keeping it under their pillow at night or warding off poisons and bad food by keeping one in their pocket while eating. Aquamarines are also said to inspire harmony in your marriage. These benefits combine to make an aquamarine a great gift for new brides, moms, and especially your “eccentric” friend who is planning to sail around the world.”
]]>Net proceeds from the sale of each piece will go directly to Aveda’s initiative.
Every drop of water counts.
Available now at AvenueSalons AvenueSalonsSherwood , on our website and in the Etsy shop
There are 4 styles of bracelets and 2 styles of necklaces available to choose from – each featuring blue lava bead elements representing water. They look great on their own, or stacked all together!
#1 – harmony bracelet/black ~ black lava beads, hematite and 5 blue lava beads – centered
#2 – harmony bracelet/white ~ white lava beads, hematite and 5 blue lava beads – centered
The intent is that each bead represents an energy … strength, balance, confidence, happiness and love
#3 – balance bracelet/black ~ black lava beads, hematite and 2 blue lava beads – opposite each other
#4- balance bracelet/white ~ white lava beads, hematite and 2 blue lava beads – opposite each other
“Just as every yin needs a yang, every positive needs a negative – likewise everything that is white needs a black to have a sense of dichotomy and to feel complete. While colours breathe life in our lives, black and white bring a sense of tranquility; it’s inanimate yet so full of life.
#1 – round/circle frame pendant ~ blue lava bead focal alongside tiny hematite faceted beads surrounded by a round open frame and strung from an antique silver plated chain measuring approx. 22″ in length
#2 – diamond frame pendant ~ blue lava bead focal alongside tiny hematite faceted beads surrounded by a diamond shaped open frame and strung from an antique silver plated chain measuring approx. 22″ in length
Lava beads are naturally porous and will absorb essential oils.⠀
To use as an essential oil diffuser necklace or bracelet …
• Place a few (1 – 3) drops of your favourite essential oil directly onto the bead, rub with your fingers and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the oils to fully absorb into the bead. Refresh as needed. ⠀
* please note – it is recommended to use clear oils with white lava stone beads as pigmented essential oils (such as those containing orange or blue) may temporarily stain the white stones. This will eventually fade, but a slight hint of colour may linger on.
For more information on Charity:Water, please visit their website at https://www.charitywater.org
and for more on Aveda’s initiative, please visit https://www.aveda.com/living-aveda/protect-clean-water