Closed - Jewelry Giveaway! Genuine Amethyst Sterling Silver Heart Necklace

Purple Amethyst Silver Heart Necklace by York Avenue Studio

Why does anyone buy colored gemstone jewelry?  Why not just buy gold and diamonds?  I'm curious why customers buy colored gems.  I know why I love colorful jewelry, but want to know what a person thinks that gets them online to search out a great gemstone ring, for example.  Is it an upcoming birthday for a daughter or a neice, Mother's Day, an engagement or anniversary?

Is the specific color gem they choose based on the birthstone for the one receiving the gift or is it the perceived value of the classic three precious gems Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire?

I'd love to hear how people select their gems.  If you leave a comment below with your preference on selecting gemstone jewelry, maybe a true story of a past purchase, or even just describe your favorite gemstone, etc. you will be entered into the Free Giveaway for the Purple Amethyst Silver Heart Necklace! 

I'll announce the winner April 9th along with my reasons why I love colored gemstone jewelry and why I started my collection and my shop.

Purple Amethyst Silver Heart Necklace by York Avenue Studio

This solid .925 Sterling Silver Heart pendant is both semi-textured and shiny.  The classic symbol of love and devotion.  The genuine Amethyst gemstone is 5mm round and .40cts with light purple color and super clarity!  I will include an 18" sterling silver chain.  Amethyst is the birthstone for February.  Retail value is $130.00.

Other ways to enter:

If you Follow my blog, you'll also be entered automatically for the Giveaway!

If you'd rather send me an email with your comments on gemstone jewelry, you will also be entered to win!

Share this link and tell your friends and family to visit and enter, too!  Fellow jewelry makers are welcome to enter as well as anyone, ANYONE, who enjoys genuine gems!  My only limitation is that I will only ship the item to an address within the US or Canada.  I'm sorry that I can't ship international on this item.

Good Luck and I can't wait to read your comments!

Kathy

3rd Place Winner! Metal Clay Heads: March Challenge - The Elements

Earth Goddess Amulet by York Avenue Studio

The voting is Closed - My Earth Goddess was voted ito 3rd Place!

The Etsy team Metal Clay Heads has a Challenge every other month with a selected theme and technique for members to create beautiful metal clay designs and the submissions are posted on our blog for everyone to vote!

Metal Clay Heads: March Challenge - The Elements: "Our theme this time is The Elements - Water, Fire, Wind and Earth. The required technique is using syringe or snakes when creating the desig..."

Here is how I created my entry into this Challenge:

Sketch up of idea as the design hit me initially

Maybe it was the oncoming of the full moon, but this idea just "hit" me and I grabbed a pen and the first paper I could find, which was the back of an envelope on the counter!  I wanted to create a special pendant for myself to wear daily, something sturdy and smooth, something that wouldn't jab my son when he jumped up on my lap and hugged me!

I recently lost my dad, less than two weeks ago.  He was in hospice in MI with just days to enjoy and I'm in NJ and didn't get there in time.....big misfortune and lost opportunity.

I also recently lost my doggy, about a week prior, and missing her hour by hour, still "hearing" her in the background only to re-realize she's not here.

Trying to stay positive has been tough lately, and these last events plus more....well, I decided to focus on what I have that is good and appreciate it.

This amulet represents the Earth Goddess, which to me means Motherhood.  I have 5 amazing children and I am surrounded by their love, which IS my life!  The swirls on this pendant would represent them.  In my final design, I used 5 spirals in her hair and on the back, I enscribed each child's Zodiac symbol for the month they were born.

The Blue Sapphire in the round moon being held high represents focus, protection, devotion and awareness:
"When misfortune is anow, wear the Blue Star on thy brow"

I made her face joyous, with eyes closed because that is how I laugh when I am with my kids, sometimes laugh so hard I'm in tears!

Earth Goddess Amulet with Blue Sapphire by York Avenue Studio

I used a rainbow patina on this pure silver pendant, but kept some areas shiny silver.  On the moon, there is a waxing crescent moon on the left highlighted in silver and also a waning moon on the right. 

The Earth Goddess Amulet Pure Silver by York Avenue Studio

I designed the pendant to hang so that the arms would stretch above the cord and hold the moon and star high.

I love my new necklace and haven't taken it off since I made it!

I hope you enjoyed this post and I'm so glad to share this story behind the scenes!
Kathy

Model Jerry Hall Poses with World’s Largest Vivid Yellow Diamond

I think Jerry Hall is one of the Top most beautiful models that was ever photographed and here she is with the world's largest Yellow Diamonds!  Check out the link below for more on this story:

IDEX Online News - World’s Largest Vivid Yellow Diamond Makes Museum Debut

Do It Yourself Tutorial for Feather Hair Extensions

Super hot fashion trend!  Feather Hair Extensions add color and pizzazz to any hair type or style!  The link below will take you to the tutorial on how to get this look yourself, the materials needed, and where to shop! 

What amazes me is that you can add these gorgeous feathers to your hair, then wash and style your hair and keep the feathers looking fresh!


She’s Crafty: Feather Hair Extensions

Zebra Cube Charm Necklace by York Avenue Studio

Zebra Cube Charm Necklace by York Avenue Studio

My recent post for the Free Tutorial for Zebra Stripe Cane in Polymer Clay has been getting some nice traffic!  Hope everyone is enjoying their Zebra designs and I would love to see some photos!

I used one of my Zebra beads to make a necklace with tiny gray pearl flowers.  I used Liver of Sulphur Patina Gel from Cooltools.com to give the silver a nice antique/rainbow finish.  I still can't get over how smooth and shiny polymer is after sanding and polishing!  Feels great!

Zebra Cube Charm Necklace by York Avenue Studio - Back

Kathy

P.S.  Welcome to Missy Polyclay!

Happy Mardi Gras 2011

Mardi Gras Mask by York Avenue Studio

Hope you enjoy today and have some Fat Tuesday treats!
Kathy

For Maxine "Max-Max", We Will Miss You

Our doggy has passed on.  Really tough, more than I thought.  This post is in her memory.....

Kathy