Mon Petit Blog

In the world of jewelry crafting, there's a certain allure to breathing new life into old treasures. Vintage beads, with their timeless charm and unique character, offer a perfect avenue for creating jewelry pieces that are both environmentally conscious and utterly captivating. The journey begins with the hunt for vintage beads. Thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces are goldmines for discovering these hidden gems. Each bead tells a story of its own, carrying with it the echoes of eras gone by. From delicate glass beads of the Art Deco period to the vibrant hues of 1960s plastic beads, the possibilities are as endless as they are enchanting. Recycling vintage beads isn't just about creating beautiful accessories; it's also a sustainable practice that minimizes waste and celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship from the past. By repurposing these beads, we contribute to reducing the demand for newly manufactured materials, lessening our environmental footprint. ...

 In a world of mass production and uniformity, it's good to know that the world of artisan jewelry making is alive and well. Every piece tells a story, not just of its materials, but of the hands that shaped it, the passion that fueled it, and the artistry that defines it. Artisan jewelry is more than just adornment; it's a reflection of individuality and creativity. Each piece is meticulously crafted by artisans who pour their heart and soul into every detail. Unlike mass-produced jewelry, artisan pieces possess a unique charm, with imperfections that only add to their allure. In an era of heightened environmental awareness, many artisans are turning to sustainable practices. This includes sourcing ethically mined gemstones, using recycled metals, and minimizing waste in the production process. Artisan jewelry not only tells a story of craftsmanship but also of a commitment to environmental stewardship. One of the most enchanting aspects of artisan jewelry is the personal conn...

Have you ever thought of how your pearl necklace came to be? Today's blog will be about how Natural, Cultured, Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearls are created.   Pearls are actually made because the oyster is protecting itself from an irritant. A broken piece of shell, any foreign material, a parasite for a natural pearl invades the oyster or a bead is placed inside the oyster for cultured pearls. The irritant gets between the oyster's shell and body and starts the process. The oyster secretes layers of the same materials that make up it's shell. It creates a material called nacre, which surrounds the irritant and protects the oyster from damage.  Let's discuss different types of pearls and how they are created.  Natural Pearls A natural pearl is formed as it suggests, in nature, without human interference. A foreign material "invades" the oyster. It secretes a protective substance called nacre, a combination of crystalline and organic substances that build...

In а World where mаss-рroԁuсeԁ items ԁominаte the mаrket, аrtisаn mаԁe jewelry is а testimony to сreаtivity аnԁ inԁiviԁuаlity. Eасh рieсe tells а story, made by hаnԁ аnԁ infuseԁ with the раssion аnԁ vision of the artisan. Artisan made jewelry is a labor of love. Unlike mass-produced pieces made by machines, artisan jewelry is filled with the unique touch of the artisan. Each piece of jewelry was carefully thought out and created by hand. More often than not, by trial and error before the finished piece is done.  One of the most appealing aspects of artisan made jewelry is its uniqueness. Each piece of hand made jewelry is truly one of a kind. No two are exactly the same. The owner wears it with the knowledge that their piece of jewelry is a special, unique, one of a kind piece that no one else has one.  Handmade jewelry represents more than just an accessory; it's a symbol of craftsmanship, creativity, and individuality. With its unique designs, artisan made jewelry will conti...

Fashion or Costume Jewelry , as it is sometimes called, is jewelry that is made of base metals, such as copper, brass or other alloys and are can be plated with precious metals such as gold or sterling silver and may or may not have synthetic stones. These pieces are less expensive since they are not made with precious metals or natural gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, amethyst, etc. Since fashion jewelry is more affordable, you can have a matching set for each outfit. Choose rings, earrings, necklaces, anklets, even brooches to compliment your outfit. Have fun and enjoy different looks. Why not choose a look you wouldn't normally go with. Have fun with it! To keep your fashion jewelry looking its best, there are a few simple rules that you should follow: 1. Never get them wet (chlorinated swimming pools are a big no no). Take them off to do dishes, bathe, wash hands, etc. 2. Put on your fashion jewelry after you put on your lotion and perfume. You should do this with your f...

Birthstones are very popular gifts. Giving someone a piece of jewelry with their birthstone makes it all the more personal and sentimental.  In the modern tradition, each month is represented by 1 to 3 gemstones. Today we will learn about the 12 most commonly known stones. Every gem has its own interesting history behind it. Birthstones are set on all types of jewelry. Whether the stone is set in a ring, a pair of earrings, a bracelet or a necklace, it allows the wearer to celebrate their special day every day of the year.  The official birthstone chart was created by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912. JANUARY  The official birthstone for January is the Garnet. The color of a Garnet is deep red. The name originated from a 14th-century middle-English word meaning dark red. What Do Garnets Represent? Garnets are said to bring peace and prosperity to a community and good health to a home. They are stones are said to bring positive energy to those who wear them. ...

 HOW ARE THESE TWO STONES CREATED: Moissanite stones are created under extreme pressure in a lab. While a natural diamond is created by extreme pressure and temperatures over billions of years, deep in the Earth. Thus the difference in price. The definition of brilliance is: the degree of "brightness" of a gemstone, resulting from light reflected from and refracted off the crown and pavilion facets.  Moissanite disperses light very well and has a higher light refraction than diamonds, so it has more brilliance. THE COST OF MOISSANITES AS OPPOSED TO DIAMONDS: The price of a Diamond is based on cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Moissanite stones are priced according to the size and shape of the stone. They do not fluctuate in price and sell for a fraction of the cost of Diamonds, unlike natural diamonds.   CHARACTERISTICS OF MOISSANITES & DIAMONDS:  Moissanites and Diamonds have a lot of the same visual characteristics. Both are clear and are two of the ha...