1. Hexagon Rainbow Moonstone Ring
4. Hammered Birthstone Bangle Cuff
Photographer: Elizabeth
Model: Kaela
]]>The graphic below identifies 10 pieces that allow you to qualify for the $75 credit!
HOW TO PLAY:
WHAT QUALIFIES:
I can't wait see all your photos! Email them to rachael@simplychicjewelry.me for your special discount code!
]]>I cannot believe we're in 2020 already, I know everyone is saying that but it's true! Thank you to everyone who supported my dream in 2019, it was rocky emotionally but I'm hoping for a much better 2020.
January is usually a time for new chapters/beginnings and there couldn't be a more perfect gemstone for it than Garnet.
From Gem-A.com, Garnet has an extensive history and rich ancient folklore and can be known as the "gem of faith." It has powers of good health, prosperity and peace and those that wear it and do good, are further rewarded with good will. The bright and vibrant nature of garnet is thought to be fitting to the spirited personalities of those born in the month of January. It is thought that individuals who wear this stone can enter the New Year with a sense of renewed purpose, hope and lasting happiness.
Garnet can come in green, purple, red, orangey reds and sometimes even yellow. The natural garnet gemstone ring in features deep red gemstone that is untreated and from Madagascar.
Select the picture to check out the ring, but we also have other designs for birthstones.
]]>Turquoise looks great in any metal. If you want it to be vibrant, I would opt for silver. If you'd like to be a little bit more demure and regal, I'd go for gold or rose gold. You really cannot go wrong when choosing your metal here.
According to Charms of Light, turquoise is a purification stone. It dispels negative energy and can be worn to protect against outside influences or pollutants in the atmosphere. Turquoise balances and aligns all the chakras, stabilizing mood swings and instilling inner calm. It is excellent for depression and exhaustion, it also has the power to prevent panic attacks. Turquoise promotes self-realization and assists creative problem solving. It is a symbol of friendship, and stimulates romantic love.
Our favorite Turquoise items are:
What's your favorite metal to pair with Turquoise? Let us know below!
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Who is the alternative bride? Well, she's one who bucks societal tradition and does things her own way. The new Alternative Bridal collection brings an array of gorgeous gemstone and rose cut diamond rings set in sterling silver or recycled 14K yellow and rose gold materials. It's for the woman who chooses not to follow the norm and still wants meaningful, high quality wedding jewelry. Be beautifully distinctive with our new collection.
A few of our favorites are below (click the picture to go to the listing):
Blue Rose Cut Diamond
Pear Moonstone & Shadow Band Set
Opal Three Stone Ring
Rose Cut Labradorite Ring
What one is your favorite?
]]>Small Rectangle Bar Studs - $24
Hammered Vertical Bar Earrings - $26
Geometric Circle Ring - $29
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But until then, we celebrate the Citrine! Citrine is an alternative birthstone for the month of November for those who don't like traditional topaz.
Citrine is a joyful stone with bright energy which lights up many aspects of lives of those who work with it. It has energies of good fortune and good luck, though these may appear in unexpected ways. Citrine is a fabulous stone to use to combat negative energy of any kind by breaking them up and dissipating them. It is helpful to clear unwanted energies from the environment, whether it be home, office, car, or other space indoors or out. Family issues caused by negative energies can also be cleared for resolution. Since it eliminates negative energies, it is good for protection in general and helps bring stability energetically.
I don't know about you, but I could sure use citrine in my life!
You can get Citrine in our Birthstone Designs. I think it looks best paired with Silver, but also looks great with Rose Gold.
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How can I tell my skin tone?
The easiest method to checking out your skin tone revolves around the veins in your wrist. If your veins are blue/purple, you have a cool skin tone. If green, you're warm toned. If it's hard to tell, you probably lean neutral.
People with cool skin tones have blue, red or pink undertones and tend to burn pretty easily. They look best wearing jewel toned colors of blue, purple and emerald greens as well as burgundy, magenta and blush pinks. I'm cool skin toned, and I look like a lobster if I even try to tan.
People with warm skin tones usually have gold, olive or yellow undertones and tan very easily. They look great in more earthy colors, warmer red, orange, yellow and olive green.
Neutral skin toned folks can wear all the colors and still look amazing.
Which metal works best for my skin tone?
Cool tones look best in silver, platinum or white gold.
Warm tones look best in yellow or rose gold.
Neutral can wear them all.
What gemstones should I choose?
Cool: Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Ruby, Rose Quartz, Garnet, Emerald, Sapphire, Aquamarine, Aqua Chalcedony, Labradorite
Warm: Turquoise, Peridot, Citrine, Chrysoprase
Goes with either: Quartz, Herkimer Diamond, Moonstone, Opal
]]>Peridot is a stone of protection and cleansing. Its meaning is focused on helping you stay clear of people with a bad influence on you or to minimize their influence. The reason being that peridot increased your assertiveness and independence, making it easier to realize your dreams by following your own path. Which rings true for Leos, as we're sometimes impatient, passionate and, yet loyal trailblazers
This lime green stone can be found in our signature 4mm ring style as well as necklaces, studs, and cuffs!
]]>My two favorite gemstones to not only wear, but also design with, are rainbow moonstones and herkimer diamonds. This classic pairing will help you purify your chakras, open them and allow spiritual energy to flow all while calming your emotional state and overreactions to stress and stimulation.
I also love mixing these two together when it comes to designs. There are so many options available to create your perfect look. They’re neutral and will match everything in your wardrobe!
See one of my favorite combos below:
Moonstone studs - herkimer bar necklace - herkimer stacking set
You can either dress them up or down, they’re so versatile! But I loved them paired with a simple cute dress in a neutral color.
How do you wear your moonstone and herkimer combination?
]]>The Ruby stone is well known as a deep red gemstone and crystal. It is an excellent stone for recharging your energy levels, and it may stimulate your mind to be more positive and self-assured.
It has a vibration that radiates with an intensity that projects energy and enthusiasm for life. It encourages leadership and increased concentration, with sharpness of intellect. This beautiful red gemstone allows you to see your own strength, and your creative potential from a heart based perspective.
We offer two types of rubies in the shop: lab created and natural free form rose cut (below). Rubies are one of the most expensive gemstones available today and we try to keep our designs in line with the economical, simple versatility that we're known for.
Check out some Ruby beauties in the shop today!
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The Emerald is deemed as the "stone of successful love", meaning it opens and nurtures the heart and Heart Chakra. Its soothing energy provides healing to all levels of the being, bringing freshness and vitality to the spirit.
A stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love. Emerald promotes friendship, balance between partners, and is particularly known for providing domestic bliss, contentment and loyalty. It was dedicated in the ancient world to the goddess Venus for its ability to insure security in love.
Emerald assists in inspiring activity and focus in ones actions. It strengthens memory and imparts clarity of thought. It inspires a deep inner knowing, promoting truth and discernment. It can also activate artistic creativity and bring focus to one's lifework.
I don't know about you, but I can definitely use some Emerald in my life!
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The Herkimer Diamond is not a real diamond per se, it is a double terminated quartz that is found in the dolostone mine in Herkimer, NY. Herkimer diamonds are wondrous specimens, they are double terminated because they have very little contact with their host rock. Herkimers can be eye clear, have water bubbles (enhydro) trapped, or little black carbon deposits. They range in size and no two are ever going to be the same.
In the crystal healing world, Herkimer Diamonds are high energy seekers. They manifest pure, solid light and are powerful amplifiers of spiritual energy. It has been said to clear the charkra and open channels for spiritual energy to flow (www.crystalvaults.com).
In the book, "Love Is in the Earth", author Melody (1995) describes that Herkimers carry an energy of delicate harmony and an understanding of the essential being within the self. They encourage the concept of beginning again in this life time, clearing the body-mind system of unconscious fears and repressions, while allowing for total relaxation and expansion of the Life energy. (p 319).
In the month of April, save 10% on all Herkimer Jewelry!
SHOP NOW (USE CODE HERKIMER to save)
Footnote:
Herkimer Diamond Meanings and Uses. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2019, from https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/herkimer-diamond
Melody. (1995) Love is in the Earth. Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House.
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When I started creating my rings, I never really had the bride in mind. Every once in a while I would receive a message regarding a proposal and it just warmed my heart to know my designs were taking part in such a wonderful occasion.
Below are some of the gemstone designs we offer that have been used in proposals! They are unique and unexpected, just like you/your bride.
Herkimer Diamonds are a unique form of quartz that grows in the dolomite mines in Herkimer, NY. They are double terminated (come to apoint at each end) and each one has 18 facets which creates a beautiful luster and sparkle. Some herkimers have black carbon inclusions, while others are water clear.
2. Cushion Cut Rainbow Moonstone Ring
This cushion cut rainbow moonstone is tilted 45 degrees to offer a unique perspective on the traditional squared gem ring. It is set in our signature reinforced prong setting and is perfect to stack with other bands. Moonstone is said in crystal healing to help calm responses and stress, and avoid overreaction. It brings hope, enhances feminine energies, sensitivity, intuition, and psychic abilities. It is also said to bring strong energies of abundance to one's life.
3. Simulated Opal Stacking Ring
Our simulated opal is set in a bezel and accompanied by a matching stacking band. This set is perfect for both an engagement ring and a wedding band! Opal is a stone of inspiration which enhances imagination and creativity. It can bring inspiration to projects and to life and Spirit. Its own spirit is at times like that of a child spontaneously playing, dashing color where ever it pleases. Carrying this imaginative spontaneity into the realm of you life can bring strong creativity.
Not a fan of squares? That's ok, we have round rainbow moonstones as well. This particular rainbow moonstone is set in bezel for extra protection.
If you have used one of our rings in a proposal, or the recipient of one, please send us a photo! We would love to see them out in the world.
Until next time!
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We all know the value and rarity of solid gold items, but I’ve provided some tidbits about the composition of argentium sterling silver and filled materials below.
Argentium Sterling Silver is made of 93.5% pure silver and germanium. It is made from reclaimed silver and meets the legal standard to be considered Sterling Silver. It polishes a bright white color which is closer to fine silver than traditional sterling. Our Argentium Ster Silver is purchased from reputable sources.
Gold filled and Rose Gold filled wire is made by pressure bonding a layer of 14 karat gold/rose gold to a brass core. The 14k/20 represents the karat layer and that it represents 5% of the total weight of the wire. Gold filled and rose gold filled wire is hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant. Our gold filled wire is procured from reputable sources.
I do not use base metals in my designs so you can rest assured your skin will not turn green!
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I've always been a creative but I would start projects and never really finish. I used to draw, paint, sew, make beaded/wire wrapped jewelry. I had no idea how to harness any of it, I just saw it all as my "crafty hobby."
Well, starting in 2012, I opened DreamingLeo Designs creating necklaces with pre-made pendants and other items. I was never fulfilled, got a couple of sales on Etsy and then I shut down shop.
I had amassed thousands of dollars of supplies that sat in storage in my basement. I had an itch in January 2014 to open a shop called Simply Chic 86. It wouldn't leave me alone so I reserved the user name on Etsy. Then it evolved into Simply Chic Jewelry. I opened shop in October 2014 with wire wrapped designs using those supplies, I progressed to stamping pieces and then in summer of 2015, everything changed.
I felt like I was meant to do more than just wire wrap designs with base (ie tarnishing) metals. I wanted to create something that was mine, unique, minimalist but able to be made for everyday use. Here's where my light bulb went off: metalsmithing. I remember staying up all night just watching videos on YouTube of metalsmithing techniques and ring formation. That next week, I was creating basic stacking rings. It progressed to gemstone rings and then evolved into my entire current collection.
I like to create jewelry items that can be mixed and matched but seamlessly transition outfit changes. I am a no-fuss, no-frills jewelry gal and I know there are others like me out there. I wanted to bring high quality, affordable every day designs to the table.
I always say that I'm forever a student. I don't know everything and I know there's more knowledge to be gained, whether that's in personal life or my business life. I have since studied at Ashworth College to earn their Jewelry Design & Repair Program Certificate. I also studied and graduated from the Applied Jewelry Professional Program at the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) I wanted to know proper methods, terms and be able to discuss diamonds and gemstones in depth.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story! I'll share other bits and pieces as well as behind the scenes content on this blog.
Until next time,
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