It's a Spring Sale, but it's something more...

Currently, My Etsy Shop is having a "Spring Sale" -- boasting 25% off every item in the shop.  It's pretty exciting. 

I've locked my 'packaging' up in air tight containers -- in case any of my lovely customers have as much trouble with the heavy pollen years (like this year) as I do.  This was taken last year -- this year we are more heavily in bloom, thank you allergy medication for making life bearable to enjoy the season.

But there is a reason behind just Spring Time here -- hopefully we are moving to a larger studio space next month, and to do that,  I am discounting the shop so that I have an easier time of moving. 

Let's be honest -- I am a pretty prolific creator right now, there are literally hundreds of items in my shop.  Yes, each one is made by me, personally.  Which means in my now tiny studio, there is limited space for both the finished products and the "parts".

That is a super horrible photo of a fraction of my gemstones -- yes I do keep them color coded like that, and since that is a while ago I have about a half dozen more of those tiny little organization containers.  Now, however, I have them separated by gemstones, glass, crystal and pearls -- but all still color coded.

Another bad picture -- clearly I have to refinish my desk prior to the move (am hoping to convince hubby to get me a new "set up")  but those are a fraction of the strands I barely have the space to even get into.  Look at those Placid Blue pearls I can barely think of touching.  Sigh.

I know, I know it seems selfish -- I am putting all the items on sale so that I can work more items, lol.   But, I figured also (probably not the best business acumen here, but it is my shop after all) hey, it's almost mother's day -- and if I had the space, I could finally finish some of those personalized necklaces I have been jonesing to create.

Soon, I can only say soon. 

Happy Spring -- and happy shopping.

Why Silver and Gold

I have gotten a lot of questions as to why I only make sterling silver and 14k gold-filled jewelry. 

The first and most honest answer is this:  It's about allergies. A lot of people are allergic to metals, myself included. It's actually a funny story, because I didn't really find out about the allergies until I was an adult because I always preferred sterling silver to anything else.

But when I got married to my hubby (almost 14 years -- actually in a few days), I found out I was deeply, uncompromisingly allergic to gold.   Oh sure he tried, buying me wedding ring after wedding ring (I go for simplicity, so he didn't shell out a ton of money each time), and each time I had to take it off in less than a weak because my hand would break out.

The last wedding ring he got me, however, is a wonderful design, with a dolphin holding a heart between its tail and nose, that has a wonderfully brilliant diamond in the center of the heart.  For not liking diamonds, I sure do love that ring.

Only trouble is: it is 22k solid gold, so I get about two weeks out of it before I start getting a reaction and then I have to take it off and let my hand heal until I can wear it again.

So I chose to only make 14k gold filled and sterling silver jewels -- it makes sense from a hypoallergenic point of view.

The second answer is just a personal preference:  I like to feel like the piece I make is going to be an heirloom. Since we already know the pieces are going to last -- knowing that the design is simple and not trendy, but classic and always wearable...knowing that it is made from high end findings really means it will appraise much higher than I sell it for. 

I know this because several customers have gotten my pieces appraised, making me wish on a selfish level that I had charged more.   But, I don't charge more -- because I want everyone to be able to afford that little piece of luxury I offer.

I suppose it's mostly about bang for your buck -- I wouldn't want to pay too much for something, being the cheapskate I am, so why would I want my customers to?

I wouldn't.  I want you have have an item that will last forever, will never go out of style, and that you can hand down to your family members to continue wearing.  So, I use those high quality items, and simple, elegant designs.


Plus, as an added bonus, when only working with Silver and Gold, I get to hum one of my favorite U2 songs: Silver and Gold off  "Rattle and Hum."

Did I just show my age?  Darn...

~Maggie~