Rene Lalique was born in the Marne region of France in 1860.  According to his biography, his mother guided him toward jewelry design since he showed great artistic promise.  Between 1876-1878, he became an apprentice with Louis Aucoc (who in his own right was a wonderful Parisian jeweler).  In the 1890′s, Lalique opened his own studio in Paris and became one of the most loved and admired jewelry artisan of his time. 

Rene Lalique

Pretty much throwing conventional jewelry design out the proverbial window, Lalique used unusual materials of that time.  He used semi-precious gemstones, ivory, horn, glass, and enamel.  His designs were mostly a natural theme, with some oddities (of that time I suppose) mixed in.  In the picture below is one of my absolute favorite pieces.  It portrays is female face in opalescent glass and surrounded by hair and a hood of poppies in a patinated silver.  Hanging below is a baroque pearl.

Female Face Pendant

Another masterpiece that was perhaps an oddity of his time was the dragonfly brooch with a woman emerging from its mouth.  In a sense, it’s a metamorphosis.  The piece is made up of gold, enamel, moonstones, and diamonds. 

Dragonfly by Lalique

Due to his experience in working with glass in his jewelry designs, he became the first to produce perfume bottles that were made for specific scents.  In 1909, Lalique opened a glass workshop and discontinued producing jewelry in 1914.  He concentrated on glass vases, perfume bottles, and many other fine works of art.

Freshwater Pearls and Sterling Silver

Pearls are fiercely popular again, both with traditionalists who prefer classic strands, and those who appreciate more of a modern design of pearls that can be combined with other materials.  Pearls are classy and timeless.  You can add them to just about any outfit, whether casual or dressy, to give you a polished look.  The prestige of pearls lies in their beauty, radiance, and glow.

Pearls are associated with the moon and are a symbol of purity, perfection and elegance.  That is why they are extremely popular for bridal jewelry, and as wedding gifts.  Many people still see the pearl as a symbol of high class, but this is changing due to contemporary artists who are using them with non traditional materials like sterling silver and gold. 

Swarovski Pearl and Hemalyke

Not exactly sure what style to look for?  Well, if you are a traditionalist, look for a strand of colored freshwater pearls with a sterling silver and mother of pearl pendant.  You pretty much have every color of the rainbow to choose from.  If you like style with an edge, why don’t you try a nice deep chocolate pearl with a chunky chain of rose gold or bronze?  Both metals look stunning with the chocolate color.  Want an elegant look?  What about looking for a pearl and diamond or a pearl and crystal bracelet?  You can find almost anything you want no matter what your style or budget is.  If you can’t find it, try looking for a designer that can do a custom piece for you.  Sometimes that can cost a little more, but it can be worth it since it will be a one of a kind.

Lune Papillon

 I have always loved butterflies and the symbolism that is associated with them.  Did you know that the butterfly is a symbol of transformation?  She beckons us to keep our faith during each transition in our lives.  In many cultures, the butterfly is associated with the soul.  In Ancient Greece, the butterflies were considered the souls of those who had passed away.  In the Japanese culture butterflies are thought to be representative of young maidens and marital bliss.  Many Japanese families use the butterfly in the family crest design.   I associated the Swarovski pearls as multiple moons for a whimsical and fantasy effect.  It reminds me of the butterfly transforming under the moons, spreading her wings for all to see.

The name jasper is of Greek origin meaning “spotted stone”.  There are more than fifty varieties of jasper with various colors and stripes but the most prized jasper gemstones have a combination of red and green patterns.

One of my designs. Zebra Jasper

Jasper is mentioned in the bible as one of the precious gemstones adorned to the breast plate of the high priest during the Exodus and it is also mentioned in other chapters of the bible.  In some ancient cultures, it was believed to protect its wearers from poisonous animal bites and was considered to have magical powers.  The gemstone was once considered a “Warrior Stone” so it knows of loyalty, inner strength, and standing up for what you believe in.  Jasper’s history as a safety and protection stone goes back to ancient Europe and Native American history. These stones were used for shaman or spiritual travel. European warriors carried them in battle for courage and protection.  It was widely known as a “nurturing” stone.

Leopard Jasper

The name opal actually means “to see a change in color.”   The White opal has a white body color with pastel glints of rainbow color. Black opal has a blue, gray or black body color. The black Boulder opal contains ironstone. Crystal or water opal is The transparent or colorless opal contains brilliant flashes of color within it. Fire opal is a transparent or a translucent opal with a yellow, orange or red body color that may also have a flash of color. 

White Opal

Here is an example of some of the properties with which the Opal is associated -  hope, innocence and purity.  Opal as a gift is said to mean faithfulness and confidence.  In ancient times, this gemstone had been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all the gem’s because of its’ ability to showcase a multitude of colors.  The ever changing colors of the opal are said to be connected with the emotions.

One Greek myth tells of a storm god throwing a bolt of lightning at the rainbow that ended his storm. The subsequent explosion of colors fell to the earth, embedding themselves in the rocks, creating the opal.  They also believed the opal had the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy to their owners.  Opal is said to instill a feeling of confidence which is one of the most compelling aspects of real beauty. 

In the 1300′s, it was the most popular gem used for jewelry in Europe.  Black and white opals are the most highly sought for jewelry.  Black Opal with red, violet and orange flashes is the most expensive to buy. Black and white opal can also have yellow, green and blue flashes.  Fire Opal is energizing and helps with emotional recovery after a disappointment in love or life. 

Fire Opal Swarovski Crystals

Example of Tourmalinated Quartz Earrings

Black Tourmaline is a protective stone against anything negative that will protect against harmful energies such as anger, envy, and greed. It has long been used by shaman in African, Native American and Aboriginal tribes. Native Americans used it as a protective stone against negative spells.

Clear Quartz is a high energy stone used to increase personal power. Some people also believe that Clear Quartz is an important tool in communicating with the spiritual world. Quartz, like Black Tourmaline, is also commonly used to dispel negativity and clear away negative energy. It was called krystallos by the Greeks who thought it was ice that was eternally frozen.  Quartz enhances energy by absorbing, storing, balancing, amplifying, focusing and transmitting the energy.

It’s interesting to think that Crystal Quartz and Black Tourmaline have many of the same unique myths and legends.  And that together they make a really powerful gemstone.

My first design. Aqua Flower

Here is the first design I made. I was inspired by a blooming sunflower.  I added my own twist and used an Aqua Czech glass stone and Czech glass beads.  I also love the fact that this necklace can be worn casually with jeans and a t-shirt, or all dressed up in a beautiful evening gown.  It’s a little bit whimsy and a little elegant at the same time. 

Along with blogging about my inspirations, I want to write about the latest fashion trends.