Thursday, January 27, 2011

Valentine's Day is Coming! Lovely, non-edible, Sweets for your Sweetheart!

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With Valentine's Day coming up quickly I have added some loving gift items to my shop. There will be something there for everyone's sweetheart, (or yourself)!

(Read the section on STYLE, below, if you are unsure of hers).

For those that don't know their love's size necklaces and earrings are a good option, as one size fits all. If you can match their taste then all will be well in the land of romance! Here are a few of my favorite "one size fits all" gifts for Valentine's Day:

These are sterling silver and enamel post earrings, handmade with wonderful little hearts, shaped out of rope patterned wire. I call them "Heartstrings".





Next up is a copper pendant that has the words: "MY LOVE IS UNBREAKABLE" stamped around it and a heart stamped in the center, (from a stamp that I also made).

Unique, fun, colorful and great token of affection, this piece is sure to make your Love say, "wow!", (and maybe even tear up... tears not included). :)








If your special someone likes the basics then these hand formed and hand crafted, forged, sterling silver hearts with hoops may be just the ticket!

Lightweight, fun, yet simple, they will go well with any outfit and are feminine without being overly "girly".








What if your spouse, lover or "soul mate", (or all of the above), likes jewelry but is not the "heart / mushy" type?

No worries! These simple, elegant and classic post earrings have been a best seller of mine for years! I can make then in golden yellow, as shown, fuschia pink or robin's egg blue...

I have more colors, also, but those are the best sellers. I call them "Mini Vessels" and, with an inner diameter of 3mm, they are amazingly complex and the perfect pair for every day wear!





And now onto the RINGS!

So, you know that your special lady, or gent, likes rings but you aren't sure of what size? Well, there are a few ways of ascertaining this info.:

1) Ask. If you are good at being coy you could casually mention ring size, and try to place it into conversation without arising suspicion. You could say something like, "I heard on the radio today that the average ring size for women is now a size 10!", (it's not). Most ladies would say, "What?! That can't be right, I am average sized and I only wear a 6" etc..

2) You could sneak a ring of hers, that you know fits, and take it to a jeweler to be sized or measure the inside diameter of the ring or

3) you could slide it onto something solid that is tapered and shaped like a finger, (tapered dowel, candle stick etc.). Wrap a piece of string around the area that the ring fit and measure the length. Divide that number by 3.14 and use this chart to find her size.

If your wife is 5' 2" and 100lbs she is probably going to wear between a 4.5 and a 7 on her ring finger, (most probably a 5 or 6). If your number is way off try again. Sturdier / BBW ladies may take up to a 10 or 11.


So, now you have her size... but what's her STYLE? Look at her jewelry and pick out the items that *she chose for herself*. Don't bother looking at gifts, unless she has mentioned to you in private that she loves the ring your mother bought her etc.. Try to notice if she likes stones, enamel or just plain metal. Does she like shiny metal or satin finish? Does she like symbols, like stars, moons, hearts etc.? Does she like cabochons, (smooth topped stones), or faceted jewels? Is there a certain color that she seems drawn to?

Try to write this all down and keep the paper near you when you shop. Keep it hidden, in your wallet or somewhere safe, most women like surprises! Happy Shopping!

Here are a few rings that would make wonderful Valentine's Day Gifts!


The Classic Sterling Silver Band
... originally designed by my Father, for my Mother, I have re-tooled this classic to have a more contemporary, artisan, styling!

Solitaire Stacker-Look Ring in sterling silver and Cubic Zirconia. Looks like a stacking ring but is soldered into one band with a brilliant, 5mm, cubic zirconia in it's center!

Robin's Egg enamel stacking ring in sterling silver and enamel. One of my best selling rings, colorful and fun without being gaudy or tacky!

"Double knot" ring
, in sterling silver. This is a twist on a classic of mine. It has twice the wires of the original, giving it more texture and depth, while still being comfortable and low-lying... a great ring for folks that use their hands a lot, or that don't like bulky jewelry.

To see all of my jewelry please visit my Artfire Shop or my website, CheDesigns.Com

Happy Valentine's Day and remember, "If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy!". -Red Green (or romantic, like someone that finds handmade jewelry with her taste in mind).

Amethyst Cabochon Ring in Sterling Silver, Size 9



Click here to see this Amethyst Ring in my Artfire Shop.

This is a ring I made with a gorgeous, deep purple, oval; amethyst cabochon! The band has a lovely, floral motif and the setting is handmade with detailed silver "beading" around the stone.

The Amethyst cabochon measure 16x12mm and has a rich, violet color.

This ring is in stock. Please contact me with any questions.

Thank you!



Materials Used: sterling silver, (.925, ss), fine silver, (fs, .999), oval amethyst cabochon

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Handmade, Sterling Silver Wide Band Ring... engagement, wedding or any-wear!



This is a ring that I handmade, loosely based on a ring that my Father made my Mother years ago. I have grown up admiring that ring's simplicity and classic styling.

This ring has a slightly more handmade look than my Mother's. I have hand planished, (hammered / pounded), the surface, giving it a wonderful texture. I left the hammer marks intact and then buffed the surface.

This is the perfect ring for someone that doesn't like a bulky ring... it has a very low profile and nothing to catch on items or clothing. The surface and decorative holes make this jewelry design anything BUT boring, however!



CLICK HERE TO SEE THIS RING'S ORDERING PAGE
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Friday, January 21, 2011

Robins Egg Blue Enamel Post Earrings in Sterling Silver

I have started a line of simple, classic, pieces of jewelry that I call "Elemental". These are the first enamel earrings in this list! They are colorful and fun, with a gorgeous Robin's Egg / Turquoise Blue glass enamel on their faces.

8mm in diameter and all sterling silver, handmade, base. These are sure to become a fast favorite for those that non functional, yet fashionable, jewelry!



Artisan, unique styling with classic design, this style is for sale in my Artfire Jewelry Shop. I can do other colors of enamel, also, please visit the link above to see the other options!

Bring a little Spring into your chilly Winter!

Che', of CheDesigns.Com

New Enamel Ring in Peachy Coral Red

Some may call the color "iced mango", others, "peachy coral"... some may just call it red, (or orange, depending on the mood). Whatever one might call it, I call it colorful!

I have taken one of my best selling stacking ring designs and added my "red" enamel to it... I have paired it with one of my beaded stackers in Robin's Egg Blue for the photos! The colors look quite striking together.

This item is made to order, handmade out of sterling silver and glass enamel, custom made in your size!



Thank you for supporting handmade art and for stopping by my blog... where everything is You-Nique!

Che', of CheDesigns.Com

Friday, January 14, 2011

New Artfire Shops and New Year BLOWOUT Sale!

Happy New Year!

Just a note to let folks know that I have opened 2 new Artfire Shops! Che' Designs / Jewelry and Gypsy~Rose's / Horns.

I am having a BIG SALE, in fact, this is the BIGGEST sale I have ever done!!!
====> 20% off of *US $20.00 or more in my new Fine Jewelry Shop! Just use code: 20off20 to get your discount! AND
====> 30% off orders of *US $30.00 or more with coupon code 30off30 in my Artfire Jewelry Shop!

* (totals do not include s/h). SALE ENDS 1/16/2011 Happy Shopping!


Here are some examples of my recent work, (some aren't listed yet but will be, if you're interested in one please just drop me a line), thank you!



(from top left to bottom right... in order: 1) sterling silver and green glass teardrop beaded funky dangle wire earrings, handmade and pounded/planished with a hammer, 2) simple and elegant, 1" planished, (pounded), hoops in sterling silver, 100% handmade, 3) funky / mod enamel earrings in sterling silver and burnt orange/umber enamel, 4) "burn all the letters" ring x 2, handmade knot ring in sterling silver... inspired by an Indigo Girls song about secret love,

5) unique "splatter" earrings in sterling silver and burnt turquoise enamel, ooak, 6) abstract modern pendant and necklace in copper, turquoise / aqua blue and golden yellow enamel, 7) sterling silver, antique brass and green glass teardrop beaded "saddle / horse shoe" dangle wire earrings, handmade and pounded/planished with a hammer,

8) filagree, handmade sterling silver wire ring... intricate swirls and curves of sterling with an oval, faceted, iolite gem in the center, 9) dimple post sterling silver earrings, handmade with ice / frost blue enamel, colorful and simple, 10) romance post sterling silver earrings, handmade with salmon / peach / red enamel with a tiny heart stamp underneath, a perfect Valentine's Day gift!, 11) dimple stacking rings in multiple colors of enamel, sterling silver, set or single rings that stack,

12) Unchain my Heart, handmade copper pendant with red and wine enamel and a swirly, filagree pattern, a perfect Valentine's Day gift! and 13) a pair of sterling silver, hand made, rings with large, oval, dark purple amethyst cabochons, (size 9 and size 11.5)... plus size rings, lovely colors!)


Thank you!
Shannon, aka Gypsy~Rose

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