Rita Tesolin Jewellery holiday sample sale

What?


Rita Tesolin Jewellery holiday sample sale

Canadian jewellery designer Rita Tesolin is having a holiday sample sale with up to 90% off her regular prices and below cost. You’ll find a mix of goodies including array of one-of-a-kind belts, costume, sterling silver and semi-precious jewellery. New items added daily.

Where?
63 Wingold Ave., Suite 103 (map)
Toronto

When?
Friday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cash only!

Bargainista interviews Patricia Pinkney from Pangea Collection

Patricia Pinkney introduced herself to me on Twitter last winter. We got to know each other on Twitter a bit and I invited her for a Bargainista interview to learn more about Patricia and the work she’s doing with the Pangea Collection – her fair trade jewellery business.

What can you tell us in a nutshell about your different collections?
The name Pangea Collection comes from the name of the continent “Pangea” (or “Pangaea”) which was the name of the super continent that existed before the break up of the continents as we know them today. The idea is Pangea-Collection.com brings the world back together again so you can find all the beautiful fair trade and artisan jewellery from around the world in one easy place, at a click of a mouse.

Each jewellery collection reflects the culture from which it originates. Pangea Collection has jewellery from Asia, Africa, North and South America and Europe. Some of these jewellery crafting techniques date back centuries. Purchasing a piece of jewellery from these fair trade and independent artisans not only helps the artisan achieve the art of self reliance but also helps to preserve traditional techniques which might otherwise be lost if a market couldn't be found for their jewellery artwork.

Pangea Collection jewellery is fashionable AND socially conscious. That's what our customers love about Pangea Collection jewellery. They feel like they have a little piece of culture adorning them and they feel good about supporting the artisan.

Our most popular collections include the Handmade Silver Jewelry from Mexico, the Bali Jewelry (Harmony Balls in particular) and the Fair Trade Indian Jewelry.

What type of customer do you have in mind when choosing pieces for your collection?
Pangea Collection customers look for pieces that reflect their personality. Jewellery that they won't find at mass stores or shopping malls. They like to travel and explore different cultures and usually shop when travelling. I look for jewellery that reflects the cultural origins and when our customers wear them they will get that "that's beautiful, where did you get that?" question. They can then tell the story of the jewellery, it's origin and artisan who handcrafted it. Our customers love that.

Where can Bargainista readers buy items from Pangea Collection?
www.Pangea-Collection.com – everything is available online, starting at just $20 including free shipping! That's a bargain, for a bargainista!

What inspires you?
Travel and the discovery of how much beautiful creative work there is in the world. I am also inspired by women entrepreneurs, especially women in developing markets who start businesses even under very challenging market conditions and through pure persistence make a viable business to support their families.

I‘m also a huge fan of micro financing and organisations like Opportunity International. For as little as a $50 loan, a women in a developing market can use that loan to start a business.

What would you like people to know about your approach to jewellery?
That I seek the world to find the most beautiful jewellery pieces that are handcrafted by fair trade and independent jewellery artisans so that every woman can feel beautiful. The woman who wears it and the women (and sometimes men) who handcraft it.

I am aware of trends and always keep them in mind but that is not what drives my buying. I look for jewellery that I would feel great wearing today and in 20 years. Sometimes a piece that Pangea Collection has had in stock already becomes “trendy” the next season.

Why Twitter? Is it helping you build your business? How do you know? Are you using other social media tools? Which ones and why?
Twitter (@pangeacollecton – no “i” in collection) and other social media are fascinating. I use both, Facebook more than Twitter but I really need to find more time to use Twitter. These social media tools aren’t really driving sales for Pangea Collection but they really do help me from other business perspectives such as finding new artisans understanding who is talking about issues that are important to us and connecting with media, etc.

How do I know if social media is successful? I measure everything I do. I use the available free tools to measure success of any initiative that Pangea Collection uses.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Bargainista interviews Marta Nowinska from SwapSity
  
• baby bargainista interviews Belinda from the MOM Sale
• Bargainista interviews Matt Kantor from Little Kitchen
  

Rita Tesolin Spring Inventory Sale - more dates added

What?
Rita Tesolin Spring Inventory Sale

Celebrated Canadian jewelry designer Rita Tesolin is having an inventory clearance sale. Items include costume, Sterling Silver and semi-precious jewellery collections and a wide array of one-of-a-kind belts. Prices starting as low as $5.00. Different items will be continually added. A great opportunity to buy designer accessories at bargain prices.

Don’t miss a chance to buy original pieces featured in such magazines as Elle Canada, Flare, Fashion, Chatelaine, Zoomer and many more at up to 90% off.

Cash only!

Where?
63 Wingold Ave., Suite 103 (map)
Toronto

When?
Sat., May 1 - Sun., May 2, 2010
10 a.m.-6 p.m.

UPDATE – more dates and times:
Wed., May 5 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thurs, May 6 - 10 a.m.- 7p.m.
Fri., May 7, 10 a.m.-6p.m.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Bargainista interviews Rita Tesolin
  
• Bargainista interviews Edmoure Ralph
• Lida Baday Sample Sale - May 8
  

Rita Tesolin's Holiday Sample Sale - Extended

What?
Rita Tesolin Jewellery Design inventory sale

Canadian jewellery designer Rita Tesolin is having an inventory sale with up to 80% off her regular prices and items starting as low as $5. You’ll find a mix of stuff including costume, sterling silver and semi-precious jewellery collections and a wide array of one-of-a-kind belts. Different items will be throughout the weekend. Now is the time to buy designer accessories at bargain prices.

Cash only!

Where?
63 Wingold Ave., Suite 103 (map)
Toronto

When? - New dates
Saturday, Nov 28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday, Nov 20, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov 21, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 22, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Cash only!

Loving Aritzia

No, it’s not cheap but I’ve always had a thing for Aritzia from the time they opened their very first store in Toronto. Until the other day, I only looked. I bought an awesome black, silk cashmere, shrug-meets-boyfriend-cardigan sweater by Wilfred. At $95 and the amount of wear I’ll be getting from this baby, it’s worth every penny.

At the cash, I noticed my earring was gone. Oh, no, it was remodeled from some of my late grandmother’s jewelry. The sentimental value was huge, the monetary value no so much but it wasn’t costume. After taking a quick look around without success, (I hadn’t put anything over my head while trying the sweater on) I assumed it fell off the office and left.

Back at the office and a mere 15 minutes since I left the store, the phone rang. It was someone from Artizia letting me know they had found my earring and it would be waiting for me to pick up after work. I told her I’d be right there since I worked practically across the street.

When I got there, two sales associates recognized me at the cash and gave me my earring (I showed them the mate still on my left ear.) Another customer piped up and told me she had found the earring. We chatted for a minute and I thanked her profusely. She expected nothing but the knowledge that she was paying it forward.

I was particularly impressed by how quickly the lovely ladies at Artizia called me (I’m also impressed by their blog but that’s worthy of another post one day). I wanted to do something nice in return. The next day, I brought them a box of chocolates as a small token of my appreciation.

Sometimes we praise sales associates for excellent service but more often we’re quick to chastise them. Very rarely do we thank them for going above and beyond. Perhaps it’s time we should.

Are you a fan of Artizia? Check out Aritzia’s Facebook fan page and follow @ArtiziaLoves on Twitter.

When was the last time you experienced a sales associate going that extra mile? How did you show her your appreciation?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Trip to The Clothing Show
  

Bargainista interviews MeghanT

I’ve never met MeghanT in person. I follow her on Twitter and I’ve been impressed by her jewellery design and the way her love of life comes through in her both her craft and her tweets. I wanted to learn more and thought you might too, so I asked her a little about her business. Handmade artisan jewellery creations for the discriminating collector.

As a special gift to you...
MeghanT is offering you a 10% discount until the end of August. All you need to do go to www.MeghanT.etsy.com and click on ”contact” and send her a note quoting the “Barganista” code and the item you’d like to buy. Meghan will adjust the price on her site and create a reserved listing for you so you can make your purchase.

What inspires you?
Designs [are] inspired by the Caribbean and my inner musings, Featuring gold, silver, gemstones, crystals and original organic material found in my travels around the globe.

When did you start designing jewellery?
I experimented with jewellery design when I was a little girl, but I was more into drawing and painting growing up. Everyone thought for sure that I’d be going to college to study the arts and were shocked when I did an about face and pursued a career in Psychology. I didn’t start designing jewellery until a few years after I graduated from university with a B.A. I felt like I had neglected a very important part of myself during my studies, and was yearning for a creative outlet once again. I started by training at a school in Toronto for makeup artistry. I got certified, but it wasn’t the right niche for me. It opened up my eyes to the world of photography and fashion though, so I was grateful for the experience. Shortly afterwards I began sketching jewellery designs. As I learned new techniques I was able to tackle more complicated projects and my passion and enthusiasm for design just grew and grew.

Tell us about your experience on Etsy.
Etsy gave me a chance to show my creativity to the world for the first time ever. I have always supported handmade artists and was looking for a way to make online purchases and not wait for the yearly art shows I was so fond off. Initially I was content to purchase other artists work in lieu of going to the mall, but slowly I began working on my own shop, and listing some of my favorite creations to get feedback from the public. Etsy gave me a way of showing my work to people all over the world – an audience I would not have had initially were I to try this all on my own.

What inspires you?
All my creations are motivated by something powerful moving through me. I am a lover of life and I’m constantly compelled by the things I see and feel on a daily basis. I spent many years of my life as a teen on the island of Grenada and go back yearly for extended vacations. The island is chocked full of bright, vibrant, compelling imagery and instead of painting what I see – I create jewellery. It’s hard not to develop an eye for rich bold color after living in the Caribbean.

What would you like people to know about your approach?
I look at my handmade jewellery designs as opportunities to create wearable art. My canvas is the human body and I am creating “paintings” to adorn it. I believe that there is a certain energy that goes into handmade work and it calls to one specific person for whom that item was intended. When my creation meets with a person who is in sync with my artistic vision, magic happens. A lot of my jewellery designs have individual stories paired with them because I want people to know what I was thinking and feeling during the items conception. I think this really helps customers with their selection process.

Art really is what sustains me and feeds my soul. If I don’t get the opportunity to create for several days I can feel a nervous sort of energy build. When I work in my studio I am motivated by a certain theme, feeling, or image held in my minds eye. I have my gems, crystals, and metals sorted out by color, so I am able to work just as if I were working off a palette on an oil painting. Sometimes I start off with a quick sketch, and then I begin experimenting by bringing certain colors, forms, and materials together. Often times, I get saturated by ideas and it’s hard to reign in my enthusiasm and not have several different projects going at once. I pour a lot of myself into whatever I am making, and when the fervor to create is over, I know that the jewellery design is perfect.

Why Twitter? Blog?
In this day and age taking advantage of social media is very important. It helps you connect with a targeted audience, meet other people in your industry, and forge new friendships. I love that I am able to chat with my customers online and I thoroughly enjoy connecting with other creative souls who offer ideas, feedback, and educated opinions.

Check out MeghanT’s Facebook fan page and her new shop on ArtFire.

Trashman: garbage never smelled so sweet

Innovation seems to be at its height during tough times. It didn’t take long after the city workers went on strike for some innovative Torontonians to come up with solutions to a potentially stinky problem.

Bill Hennessey took an entrepreneurial approach. But what Ryan Taylor is doing is an inspiration to us all. Ryan developed a plan to pick up people’s garbage with help from his partner Asaka Yamashita and friend Michael Penny. The cool thing is all money collected will go to War Child Canada, a charity helping children in war torn countries.

Ryan Taylor isn’t a guy with extra time on his hands. He devised this plan while working on his new business venture, Fair Trade Jewellery Co. (The FTJCo) set to launch in mid-July. (Stay tuned, it warrants a post of its own.)

I recently interviewed Ryan for Bargainista:

B: Where did you get the idea to pick up garbage during the garbage strike?
RT: I’ve read and heard a lot of negative feedback regarding the labour dispute, a lot of anger but nothing constructive. I think people are upset with changes to their routine and illegal dumping is always unacceptable for locals, who take pride in their neighborhoods.

While the city and union work out their differences, I thought a simple solution to ease tensions would be to offer a small scale pick-up and drop off service especially for families, seniors and those physically unable to get their garbage to an official drop site. By offering this service for a fee we achieve two things: people are more considerate of what is essential to dispose of and with all the proceeds we support a worthy cause in War Child Canada.

B: How can Bargainista readers arrange to have their garbage picked up and where does it go?
RT: We’ve tried to make it as simple as possible visiting my “trashman” blog and use the form on the site to enter your pick-up details, if your readers are paying by credit card they can do so direct to War Child. It’s an honour system so just make a note that payment was made using that method on our form.

B: Will you pick up garbage from businesses as well as households?
RT: Both absolutely.

B: What are the three most important things we need to do if we want to arrange to have our garbage picked up?
RT: Ask your neighbors if they’d like to take part, help those around you in need, and consolidate your trash.

B: What can we do to help?
RT: Blog about it, tweet about it, and better yet print off the 8.5 x 11 posters and show your support offline.

B: How big is your team?
RT: My incredible partner Asaka, my videographer, Michael and me.

B: How did you decide to donate all proceeds to charity, specifically War Child Canada?
RT: My relationship with War Child was really solidified after NetChange week. I really enjoyed working with James, the War Child team is incredible and of course the cause really needs our support.

B: What has the reaction been from Torontonians?
RT: Generally positive, I think these ‘spark’ programs are new and hard to grasp. People like long planning sessions, big brand sponsors and traditional media coverage to confirm legitimacy. Is it shameless promo or good community? I leave that for the public to decide, in the mean time I’m renting a truck, up at 3 a.m. hauling 50lb bags dirty diapers from around the city. ;)


B: What has surprised you most since you announced this initiative?
RT: I’m getting more attention speaking to people in the community using good old-fashioned DIY posters than Social Media. There’s something to be said about a smile and a handshake from a neighbor.

Where can you find Ryan when he’s designing treasures instead of collecting trash?
Ryan Taylor
Goldsmith, Adventurer
The Fair Trade Jewellery Co.

Atelier: 523 Parliament St. (map)
Toronto, Ontario M4X1P3

image credits
photo of Ryan Taylor from http://blog.ftjco.com/blog/
poster concept designed by Jason Murphy

Interview with Rita Tesolin

A couple weeks ago I got an email telling me about Rita Tesolin’s inventory sale. I had a look at her pieces and liked what I saw. I also like to highlight local designers and merchants, so, I asked if could interview her. Of course she obliged. You can find her designs on page 17 in throughout the April issue of Flare (she wanted me to tell you) and connect with Rita on Twitter. (It looks like she’s new so be patient.)

Who is Rita Tesolin?
An adventurer.

Why did you become a jewellery designer?
Jewellery has always been a passion of mine. It started as a hobby in my teens. In my twenties I went to law school, but after practicing for a few years I was, in a way, forced back onto the path of jewellery design when I re-evaluated my life. I looked at my goals and quality of life I wanted and realized that life is too short not to be happy and not to enjoy what you do. I’ve been back at jewellery design for almost six years now, and still happy!

Which materials are your favorite to work with and why?
Semi-precious stones, especially turquoise, are my favourite because I find them healing. I am open to the energy of the stones I work with. The stones choose me; I don’t choose them.

How do you gain inspiration for your collection?
I sometimes get my inspiration in dreams, but mostly it comes from nature and from the changes that I experience in life. For example, when I’m feeling on the weaker side I turn to the stone turquoise which symbolizes strength in the native culture. I get a deep satisfaction working with turquoise. It’s my favourite. I am also inspired by native North American art, culture and symbolism.

What type of customer do you have in mind when designing a new collection?
When I create my one-of-a-kind pieces, I think of someone who is confident and fashion conscious and who wants to purchase something that can be enjoyed forever because that's what I like in my jewellery. I want something that will last a long time. I think about how the jewellery will be enjoyed not only by the person who's wearing it, but the next generation. Often my customers are not only drawn by the beauty of the piece, but they are drawn towards the stones they require. For example, I notice that people with anxiety and sleeplessness are often drawn smoky quartz because quartz calms them down. They put it on and they feel calm right away.

Any hints as to what we can expect from your Spring/Summer 2009 collection?
It’s a fun, light collection I call “rock candy”. I thought about when I was younger, putting together sugar, water and food colouring to create candy – that’s where the name came from. You can see my work on Coco Rocha on the cover of March 2009 Elle Canada, and the March and April 2009 issues of Flare.

If a woman could only buy one accessory this spring, what should it be?
A bold necklace. A lot of people these days aren’t buying new clothing, but a rock candy necklace has a lot of versatility. It can be worn high on the neck or worn long by lengthening the ribbon. When you're wearing a big necklace you don't need to focus as much on earrings and bracelets.

Rita Tesolin Jewellery Design inventory sale

I get a lot of unsolicitied stuff in my inbox. Every once and a while, I come across something inspiring. That’s how I felt when I saw this photo from Rita Tesolin’s email about her sale this weekend. My original plan was to interview her and share it with you sooner but life got in the way. If she’s still willing, stay tuned because I’d still like to interview her one day soon. (Note: in all fairness to Rita and her staff, her email included an unsubscribe option.)

What?
Rita Tesolin Jewellery Design inventory sale

Canadian jewellery designer Rita Tesolin is having an inventory sale with up to 80% off her regular prices and items starting as low as $5. You’ll find a mix of stuff including costume, sterling silver and semi-precious jewellery collections and a wide array of one-of-a-kind belts. Different items will be throughout the weekend. Now is the time to buy designer accessories at bargain prices.

Cash only!

Where?
63 Wingold Ave., Suite 103 (map)
Toronto

When?
Saturday, Feb. 28 & Sunday, Mar. 1
10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Hand-crafted gold jewelry sale

What?
Hand-crafted gold jewelry by Israeli designer, Sholmit Lavi

When?
Sunday, Oct. 19
11:oo a.m.-5 p.m.

Where?
1075 Spadina Rd. (See map)
Toronto

Let us know what you get if you go.

An interview with Jessica Wilding, Lil Did Jewelry & Accessories

Recently, I interviewed Jessica Wilding of Lil Did Jewelry & Accessories. She sells her handcrafted jewelry designs on Etsy. It’s a wonderful online marketplace providing artists a hassle-free way to sell their crafts directly to consumers.

When did you start designing jewelry?

I began making jewelry for friends and family as Christmas gifts and really did enjoy the process of creating wearable art. Relatives started buying my jewelry to give as gifts. I decided to try opening a simple shop online to showcase and display my jewelry. I dedicate almost all my spare time to it, while still working full time.

I started out making earrings with silver plated components and glass beads, now I use semi-precious gemstones and sterling silver or gold filled components so that the pieces last longer, and are safe for those allergic to nickel.

Tell us about your experience on Etsy.

I’ve had 74 sales on my website since last Oct. and most of my clients are in the U.S., but I have had quite a few sales in Canada. I've also sold to a few people in the UK, Norway, and Germany as well.

What would you like people to know about your approach?

I do custom orders, and have worked closely with my clients to create pieces or recreate pieces they've lost, and all of those experiences have been wonderful.

I like to price my jewelry so that it is affordable, yet original and different. I don’t think you have to pay hundreds of dollars to own a unique piece. Jewelry should be fun and affordable. Keeping my price points low allows customers to pick up a few different pieces to go with many different outfits.

Weekly Wish – Nicole’s diamond necklace

Okay, so I’m a little freaky when it comes to diamonds. Yes, I know they are every girl’s best friend but only us girls with April birthdays can say diamonds are also their birthstone. Well, I’m one of those girls.

When it comes right down to it, I have pretty modest tastes and nowhere to wear all the incredible frocks and jewels bedazzling celebs at the Oscars – or anything remotely like them. ;) But that doesn’t mean I can’t drool over incredible diamond necklaces.

I barely watched this year’s Oscars but when Nicole Kidman walked across that stage, I couldn’t help but notice. She looked stunning in her lovely, long, black Balenciaga dress but it was that necklace that made my eyeballs pop out of my head. She wore a 1399-carat, rough and polished handmade diamond sautoir (with a mere 7,645 diamonds) designed by L’Wren Scott.

So, that’s it for my wish this week. I want one! A close knock-off will do.

Susie Love’s trunk sale at Y5

What?
Susie Love Trunk Sale
Lots of unique jewellery and more...

Where?
Y5
5 Yorkville Ave. (map)
Toronto, ON
416.920.9173

When?
Fri., Dec. 21: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

And, if you want a custom illustration like the one Danielle drew for Susie, you better place your order now. Danielle’s offer ends Dec. 31.

Tags: Susie Love, Y5

Weekly Wish - bangles and more pics from Holts

Two brochures arrived on my doorstep this week. Both filled with beautiful photographs of luxurious jewelry. What great escapism. As I flipped through each of them looking at the shiny and sparkling designs and soaring price tags, I fantasized about which ones I wanted. For five minutes, I could pretend I was a member of the rich and famous... price was no object.

And now, back to reality...
Okay, so even a bargainista is allowed to be out of the loop on occasion. Since when did Holts get into the luxury jewelry business? I hadn’t noticed they started carrying the real thing and not just the upscale costume stuff.

I wanted to share links with you from their website ’cause this week, I’m wishing for either any of the stunning diamond and Celtic noir cable bangles from Charriol or the Judith Ripka sterling silver ($1,550-$2,750) and 18-karat-gold chandelier earrings with diamonds and canary crystals ($1,095), both Holts exclusives. (Not only are diamonds a girl’s best friend, they’re also my birthstone!) Unfortunately, they aren’t on the website - you can only see them in stores. So, instead I’ve shared the only bangles pic I could find, the gold, onyx and diamond bangles ($630-$8,095). They are lovely just not what I’m really wishing for this week.

And if you think I’m wishing for just for the jewels, you’re only partly right. This week I’m also wishing stores would realize their websites were just as important as their bricks and mortar stores. Holts already spent a fortune on photos, ad copy and printing costs for the fancy brochure. Why couldn’t they leverage the photos and text by adding them to their website too?

What do you think? When you visit a store’s website, do you want to find an online catologue or are you satisfied with just a hint or a tease of their offerings?

Tags: diamonds, Holt Renfrew, Holts, Tiffany,

Michelle Yorke Jewellery Designs

I discovered Michelle Yorke’s jewellery during my trip to Halifax. While at Lady Luck, a wonderful accessories shop located at the Historic Properties, I found a display case of Michelle’s collection. It reminded me of the fabulous Anita Cuff. It was my first full day in town and I wasn’t ready to part with my money.

I learned Michelle was a regular at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. The market is a favourite brunch spot whenever I’m in town, this visit was no exception.

Thanks to my aunt’s pre-brunch scouting, I found Michelle’s table. I felt like a kid in a candy store – she had a ton of stuff – there was everything from bracelets, to rings, watches, hair accessories, necklaces and watches. Every piece is made by hand from beads (glass, semi-precious stones or wood) intricately woven together with nickel-free stainless steel. Best of all, she offers it at wholesale prices. I picked up a great watch and a barrette.

I saw other pieces of her collection in a couple other galleries at higher prices. She has made quite a name for herself throughout the province. She’s been a member of the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council since 2001, I can see why. I’ve had nothing but compliments on my watch. Best of all, it’s a one-of-kind piece of art from my hometown.

Technorati tags: Halifax Farmers’ Market, Historic Properties, Michelle York Jewellery Designs

Weekly wish - a personalized necklace from Citrus Silver Products

I woke up early this morning and had time to net surf before work. I checked out this week’s Sweetdeals on Sweetspot and learned about Citrus Silver Products.

The idea of having the names of my kids stamped on a piece of my jewellery is quite appealing. Until now, the items I’ve seen just haven’t been my style.

Enter Citrus, a Toronto-based jeweler who hand-stamps names and significant dates on hand-made sterling silver pendants in several awesome designs and a selection of chains to choose from. All merchandise is sold only on their website, it isn’t available in stores.

I’m wishing for my own personalized pendant (and chain) from Citrus so I can wear my boys’ names wherever I go. Not one for following routine, I decided to do something a bit different this week. Since I got a code from Sweetspot to save 25% off the chain, I was going to get my wish and order a “tart” or “zing” pendant with the “thin ball” chain. (FYI, the discount code is WOSL2 and the offer is valid through July 7.)

I went through the steps:
• set up an account
• chose a pendant
• typed in my boys names
• added any additional notes
• chose a chain (including length)
• chose another pendant as a gift
• went to the checkout
• checked my order
• typed in the discount code
• decided to change my order– whoops! – trouble begins

When I saw the total, I decided I would only get one pendant and chain. I went back to update my order but I couldn’t! I followed the instructions – they were pretty simple – just put a checkmark in the box beside the item I no longer wanted and click on “Update”. I tried several times but my order didn’t change. Oops! They lost me at the checkout.

I’m not giving up. I think this is a really great product, reasonably priced, locally designed and I want one! This week I’m still wishing for a personalized pendant from Citrus. So, I’m going to e-mail a copy of this post to the designer and see what happens. I’ll keep you posted. ; )

UPDATE: I’m now the proud owner wearer of a zing pendant with my both my boys’ names. It took a bit of perseverance but after a few tries and an IT fix on Citrus Silver’s end, I ordered my new necklace. I even ordered a pendant with my nephews’ names as a gift for my sister.

The items came gift wrapped in a lime coloured gift box with a pretty fuchsia bow and a postcard with a handwritten note from Karen (the designer) on one side and “Citrus Silver Care” instructions on the other.

Technorati tags: Citrus Silver Products, Sweetspot

Stones 4 the Soul

Samantha Steen is a talented jewellery designer with an interesting concept: Stones 4 the Soul. Her 30” long necklaces are hand-made using semi-precious stones. Each design has individual healing powers.

Samantha has written a different poem for each design explaining their healing powers. Here’s what she wrote about the “Peace” necklace pictured:

Amethyst will bring mental peace and harmony to your core
Being over worked and over stressed will happen no more
By the calming mental affect that illuminates from this purple stone
Promoting unity and connection, so one does not feel so alone
It focuses on healing, moving away from physical and emotional pain
Feel compelled to wear an amethyst stone around a silver plated chain

Prices range from $40-$50. Currently, these special works of art aren’t available at any stores. They are sold through jewellery parties or you can contact Samantha directly if you like what you see. Learn more about her collection on her new website.

Have you ever been to a jewellery party? What did you buy? Leave a comment.

Disclosure: Samantha’s mother is my friend but I wouldn't write about her necklaces if I didn’t like them, promise.

Technorati tags: Samantha Steen, Stones 4 the Soul

Weekly wish - wedding ring redux

My love for fine jewellery is probably genetic. When he first came to Canada, my late grandfather became a jeweler. I learned to appreciate jewellery at a very young age.

I’ve always admired Anne Sportun’s gift for modern jewellery design. According to her website, her inspiration comes from the “...natural world around me.” I’m not sure how she makes the pieces in her collection, but they all look hand-made and have wonderful organic shapes. Each item is more beautiful than the next.

What I like most about her designs are their casual look and feel, while being very special at the same time. Casual elegance at it’s finest. Unfortunately, she opened her Experimetal Jewellery shop the year after our wedding.

So this week, I’m wishing for an engagement ring and wedding band makeover. I’m not sure exactly which of Anne’s designs I’d choose. I’ve included some of my favorites for you to ponder. Prices start around $1,400 and up. Which would you choose? Let me know. Leave a comment.

Well, great news. PR blogger extraordinaire, Ed Lee told me Experimetal is having a special sale. (Just in case you’re wondering, Experimetal isn’t one of his clients.) Thanks for sharing, Ed.

I’m not sure if I’ll remodel my rings, but I may be able to own a piece of wonderful jewellery at an affordable price.

What?
• 2nd Annual Sale: Anne Sportun • Experimetal Jewellery
• Necklaces starting at $20! Earrings from $5!
(Update: In Anne’s own words “Huge discounts on discontinued designs...”according to our e-mail conversation.)

Where?
The Smith Gallery/Café
107 Shaw St. (just north of Queen St., east of Ossington)
(map)

When?
Apr. 28: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Apr. 29: noon to 5:00 p.m.
May 5: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
May 6: noon to 5:00 p.m.

Note:
All sales are final. Absolutely no exchanges, alterations or refunds (Visa, MC, Debit and Cash accepted.)

Technorati tags: Anne Sportun Experimetal Jewellery, jewelry, jewellery, rings, sales, wedding bands

Gem of a sale

What?
Bijoux Fantasy 3-Day Jewelry and Accessory Sale

When?
Feb. 1 - Feb. 3

Hours:
Thursday 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.

Where?
The Bead Cafe
970 Eglinton Ave. W. (map)
Toronto

via: StyleDemocracy.com

Technorati tags: accessories, jewellery, sales, shopping

Diamonds are forever

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Birks' annual winter sale is on now through February 4. Prices are slashed by 20%-60%. Online they start at $24 and all they way up to $114k!

Check out the picture of yellow and white diamond earrings on the right. They'll set you back for a mere $83,400 (regularly $139,000) - what a bargain!

What do ya think, should I sell my house and buy a pair?

Note: You can shop online or in store and selections may vary.

Technorati tags: Birks, diamonds, jewellery, sales, shopping