As we enter a new year, I look back and reflect on our business in 2011.
The past couple years we were very concerned about the economy, especially being in a luxury business, but we have been pleased. Every year we grow, as you appreciate our unique gemstone jewelry. More people are finding our website, especially our Michigan Stone Jewelry.
I recently cut a large Greenstone in half. This beauty with Thomsonite flowers was the result.
Michigan greenstone pendants and cabochons are our bestselling jewelry, followed closely by our Lake Superior agate jewelry. Where else can you find so many Lake Superior Agate pendants, beautifully wire wrapped? Our state stone is the Petoskey Stone, and I am constantly developing artistic ways to feature them. I seem to have more ideas than time to complete them.
It has been fun to make those custom pieces for people. I get those “can you make this?” calls. I love figuring out how to complete some of these wild requests, and will continue to accept these challenges. We have also custom made jewelry from gems our customers have. Sometimes these “gems” are only gems to the owners, but hold sentimental value for them. I receive stones from customers that want my opinion as to if they could make good jewelry. My policy is always been based on integrity and honesty, and I always give my honest opinion. I would rather not make any money than make them something I personally feel is second rate.
Here is the second half of the aforementioned Greenstone. This on has a surprising and rare clear quartz matrix with Thomsonite and Chlorastrolite floating within.
In 2012 we expect to return to most of our summer art shows. Keep checking the Show Schedule on the home page. We enjoy seeing our return customers wearing our jewelry! We are also in the process of updating and improving our website as well as adding more products. Perhaps you have noticed the new buttons on the home page and the larger product photos in our catalog. Expect improvements in our shopping cart in the near future.
My blog continues to be very popular with rockhounds and jewelry lovers, and I will be blogging daily again this year from the Tucson rock and mineral shows. I will continue to show you what is on my workbench and what is on my mind.
My first pendant in 2012.
Here is my first major piece of jewelry of 2012. This Victoria Stone Pendant came to me in a dream. I wanted an extremely fancy elegant look with Victorian (get the pun?) design. I wanted a piece that a bride might appreciate, or anyone who loves complements. I have decided to produce more of these multi-stone pendants using facetted gemstones. This one features Peridot, Swiss Blue Topaz, and Dark Pink Topaz.
I am currently working on several other pieces in rapid succession, so stand by.
Some of my blog pieces are in the on-line catalog. If you click on the photo and it links to the catalog (be sure to see all the categories on the left) it is available on line. If there is not that piece listed, I may or may not have it in my art show inventory. You may contact me via E-mail or call me about these or similar pieces.