Initial Bracelets & Mother's Day

These cute little bracelets are proving to be quite popular and from them I was inspired to create a new take on an old concept.  The mother's bracelet.  Or, in this case, the grandmother's bracelet.

Since I began my business 3 years ago, I've received a multitude of orders for Mother's Bracelets.  You've seen them, I'm sure.  Some are very blingy with crystals, some with gemstones, some in sterling silver.  I made myeself one for my 4 kiddies in sterling silver and gold fill. Whatever the overall look is, they all have the block letter beads in common.

 They look great but since the price of precious metals has increased over the past couple of years, so has the cost to make them and they have become an investment piece, costing upwards of a couple hundred dollars depending on how many names are included and materials used.  Over the past year I've noticed a dramatic decrease in requests for such pieces.  The concept is still a popular one though--moms and grandmoms alike, wish to represent their favorite little people in shiny, happy bling.  And so I've found a way to do so in a more affordable way.

Each child is represented by a sterling silver initial stamped tag and birth month crystal charm.  Prices vary depending on the number of charms.  A single tag and charm bracelet starts at $20.  Up to 8 tag/charm combinations can fit on a 7" bracelet which would cost $64--a far cry from hundreds of dollars.  Another great quality about this style of mother's bracelet is that it can easily be added upon for a growing family.

All of the metal used is sterling silver so it will last the test of time.  I punch the tags myself out of sterling silver sheet metal.  I stamp each 1/2" round tag and add the hole for hanging.  The chain is sterling silver cable chain that is 2.4mm thick.  All the findings are sterling silver.  I hand wrap each 4mm bicone Swarovski crystal in sterling silver wire.  I will make the bracelet to 7" but upon request I can make it smaller or larger to fit individual needs at no additional cost.  Should you like to inquire about how you can order a bracelet for yourself or someone special, just send a line or two to:

hillcrestjewelrydesign@comcast.net

and I'll get back to you.  All US orders enjoy free shipping.  International orders are welcome--please e-mail me for shipping rates.  Your HJD purchase will arrive in a ribbon tied, cotton filled gift box ready for gift giving.  Please allow at least 2 weeks for production and shipping (International orders may take longer).

 I'm going to give this bracelet to my mom for her birthday.  She hasn't seen it yet so you're getting a sneak peak at it.  Shhh, don't tell her, it's a surprise.  I'm also going to make one for myself for mother's day.  By the way, wouldn't this be the perfect gift for a mom or grandmom for Mother's Day on May 9th??

A Tribute to the Day of Green

Happy St. Patty's Day!

My Appologies

I just removed the popout player located at the bottom of my blog page.  I really enjoyed the music that I had on there until I heard a disturbing sound bite that I assure you I did not intend to be part of the musical repertoire.  I have listened to this popout player countless times and have never heard this before today nor do I know where it originated from.  I just wanted to appologize to my readers for any offense that this might have caused.

Sincerely,
Heather

March Giveaway

Hi All!

One of my fellow Busy Moms of Etsy is having a March Giveaway on her blog.  She's got some great supplies in her etsy shop and is giving away glass crackle beads this month.  Hop on over to check out her blog and see the beads.   http://evelynstreasures.blogspot.com/

Hope you're having a great springlike weekend where you are.  ~Heather

New Bling Update

Just a quick peek at the new collection.  I'm at a loss for a name for the collection though so I could really use your help.  I only have these 3 made so far but plan to make more of this style with various stones.

Feel free to send me your thoughts by clicking comments below.  I'd love to hear your ideas.

In the meantime I'm up to my eyeballs with custom orders, office duties and preparing for an in-home jewelry show this weekend.  ---and of course the kiddies keep things busy too.  Hope you're all doing well and surviving what feels like the never ending winter (at least here in PA).

~Heather

Sterling Wrapped Gemstone Necklaces

Another new collection to show you this Monday. I love the rustic beauty of combining fringed edged, up-cycled corduroy ribbon with sterling silver wrapped gemstones. Each of these three pieces contain a Chinese Picture Jasper stone and as you can see in the pictures, each stone has different hues and patterns. All are stunning, if you ask me, but I am a bit biased. I'll admit that.

The other thing that I love about this particular stone is that each stone has a variety of colors that will easily fit in with a broad array of wardrobes.

These particular necklaces hang at approximately 21 1/2" and are secured with a hook clasp. All metal is sterling silver and hand forged/hand wrapped. The pendants are approximately 37mm wide by 30mm high. I have yet to post these on etsy as I'd like to debut them officially at my Valentine's Jewelry Party this Saturday. I plan to make more of this type of necklace with various other gemstones so if you like this style keep your eyes peeled for the Sterling Wrapped Gemstone Collection. I want to make matching bracelets as well but have yet to actually do so.

If you absolutely love these pieces and can't wait for the party or me posting them on etsy, send me an e-mail and we'll get you hooked up. Reference item #HJD1934 $44 each. PA sales tax where applicable.

Did You Know??

• Picture jasper is named so because the patterns in the stone resemble a small landscape?
• This stone can also be found in Angola, Algeria, Asia, Germany, Peru, Idaho and Oregon?
• It is thought that picture jasper helps promote global awareness by bringing the wearer closer to nature?

Lesson over.  Have a great Monday! ~Heather