I’m pretty sure most women will agree: Jewelry is ALWAYS a welcomed gift. Especially if it has sentimental value, as when the jewelry piece is composed of gemstones which each (could, but don’t have to!) represent a special family member.
Erin Gallagher’s Gem Bar can help us create such customized jewelry designs quite easily. Her company offers a great choice of “Design Your Own” jewelry pieces, whether it be necklaces, earrings or bracelets. For Mother’s Day, I really like the idea of a pendant necklace where each gemstone would represent the birthstone of a child, and heck, why not, even that [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
I love the idea of creating something beautiful. And when someone compliments me on it I can then say ‘thank you, I made it!’  Sadly, I am not that creative, but there is hope for me yet with For the Makers. This crafty do-it-yourself monthly subscription company was created by Katie Covington and Janet Crowther, who met over ribbons, sequins and beads when they were both designing jewelry for New York fashion houses. They felt that, given the right guidance and material, anyone can learn how to create something beautiful and inspire others to do [...]

Gina Balourdas, the artist behind the Lizzy B vintage jewelry line, has been hooked on flea markets and estate sales every since she was a little girl and her parents brought her along on their vintage treasure hunt expeditions.
Today, Gina still gets inspired by found vintage and antique silver. Her canvass for this particular medium is jewelry. She re-purposes vintage silver into one-of-a- kind pieces. Take her silver tray pieces. Each silver tray has its own special characteristics that ‘speak’ and help determine whether the final piece will be a pendant, earrings or beautiful cuff. Her favorite trays include those [...]

 
Last but most certainly not least is our final Gift Guide for the season: The Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide. For many, stockings are the best part of Christmas. Don’t you love finding those little gems for each member of your family, especially those that do not cost a fortune?
Here are some great finds to fill everyone’s stockings:

 
FOR HER

 
Hopscotch Necklace – Do not let the price fool you. This chunky geometric wooden bead necklace would be a stylish complement to a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Buy from Fleet Collection. $16.00

 
Password Book – If she is anything like me, I [...]

It is that time of year when we bring you our annual Holiday Gift Guide Series to help you uncover unique, meaningful and simply succulent finds for your gift recipients. Predictably, we will commence with the Gift Guide For Her (one of our favorites) and continue with nine more specialty gift guides this season.
Our theme for this Gift Guide covers both sides of the coin: the party side and the downtime side. Clearly this girl wants to have fun! This has been a tumultuous year filled economic stress, insecurities and the constant calling of all the everyday responsibilities that she [...]

That’s what I said! When I met Jacque Egnatic, the inventor of Jeweler in the Dishwasher, at a recent trade show, I’m sure that I had this dumb, questioning look on my face. What? Clean my fine jewels in the… dishwasher? With my…dirty dishes? Well, Jacque was quick to present enough evidence to have me wipe that look off my face in just a few moments.
Turns out that Jacque is a second generation jeweler with 37 years of experience making, repairing and designing fine jewelry. She KNOWS jewelry and all the tricks to maintain it. Cleaning is one of them. [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
I recently wrote an article about the in-fashion of cuffs for women. Let’s not leave the men out. No matter what their age this one single piece shows that he has style and is not afraid to show it.  They are perfect for both the young and, shall we say, seasoned, men in your life. With both Father’s Day and graduations just around the corner, these may just be the gift you are looking for.
Here are a few of my favorites that would suit both the Grad and the Dad:

Leather Bracelet Cuff: The wrap cuff [...]

How do you thank a mother for all that she does for you throughout the year? Whether your children make something at school for you (which mine do) or spend time with you (which I am thankful my teenage son does, at least one day a year), these gift ideas would show any mother just how much they are loved and appreciated.

Customized Bracelet for Mom – Lizzy B Vintage will customize a bracelet for your mom by using five words you choose to describe how much your mom means to you. The words are taken from vintage dictionaries [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
Here is a way to help other moms for Mother’s Days and for you – or someone you love – to have a lovely piece of inspirational jewelry. PRAOLS Story Bracelets and More is a California based company founded by Rosario Venegas and Palmyra Zurita. They hire financially-challenged single moms and stay-at-home moms to create beautiful handmade jewelry that shares a positive message. This is a way for these moms to supplement their income and to save on daycare costs by working from home.
The handcrafted bracelets and necklaces all include a story card printed on [...]

WE HAVE OUR OUR WINNER! CONGRATULATIONS AMY!
You have won the very wonderful Lil’s Masterpiece pendant!
The winner was selected at random using the Random Integer Generator ( chronological order). This giveaway CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED but do subscribe via RSS or email to get updates on new giveaways as they get posted. Thank you all for playing!
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We just wrote about Sarah Elbert’s Lil’ Masterpiece necklaces and after reading the article, Sarah offered one lucky reader their very own Lil’ Masterpiece!

To enter, please subscribe to our blog (see the subscribe options in the right column) and then simply head over to S.W.A.K.  [...]