Tear

from Dileisha

from Buy2Flaunt

I don't know what it is about me and tear shapes.  Maybe it has something to do with the tear shaped peace sign pendent my grandpa gave me.  I found an old picture of him wearing it during the 70's somewhere.  I was about ten years old when it was trusted into my care.  To this day, I get many complements on its unique shape. 

Some years ago, I saw a tear shaped moonstone ring in a little tibetan shop.  It was gorgeous and expensive.  I found myself instantly enamoured with the stone's bright moon-like appearance, but there was a record shop down the street.  "Music, or more jewelry than I really need?" I thought to myself.  I chose music :(  I chose good music, but I still see that ring in my daydreams.

These jewels are all from Etsy.  Translation, a bad, bad place for me.

Jewels

These hands belong to Disarming Darling.  She works for Unearthen.  Sick! (so jealous...)

Oh So Precious Metal

jewelry by Sunburn

Without a Thing to Wear

Without a Thing to Wear could be my new favorite blog.  Not only does she have excellent taste in jewelry, she is a jeweler!  The rings in the last image (above) are her own designs.  Take a look at her Etsy store.  I also enjoy the delicious dessert posts on her site <3<3

Jewels

source unknown



Spell

Spell's jewelry, light-as-air singlets, and adventure shoes are perfect for following the call of the wild.  Nothing contrived; just free and easy pieces with a tangible hand made charm.  Even in this dead of Winter, those fringy moccasin sandals may have me spellbound.

For more of the lovely sister's creations visit:

http://www.spelldesigns.com/

http://www.spellsjewellery.blogspot.com/



all images from Spell blog

The Simpler Life

image from Free People's blog

For years now, I've been wanting a simpler approach to clothing (not accumulating massive amounts to the point where I only wear some things once in a whole year.)  And I believe I've found it.  For the first time since I was a child, I felt the actual need to buy clothing.  My t-shirts had gotten so ratty (or grossly stained) that I decided to just cut the sleeves off of them, making them tank tops, resign some to pajama status, or throw some of them out.  Then it hit me, "I only have 5 t-shirts!  What will I do when it gets cold outside?" 

Earlier this year, a love for jewelry developed.  For me personally, the idea of wearing simple, yet stylish clothing and mixing it up with interesting jewelry is more satisfying to my conscience.  There's just something about wearing things that I've made myself, or have been made for me by friends, that makes the act of wearing special.  Thus, I began making lots of pieces.  I will be selling some on http://www.realprettyinblackmarket.blogspot.com/.  Below is one piece to come:

I have made several pairs of these earrings and dearly love them.  I crafted them out of a necklace my mother bought from an African jeweler when she was in highschool.  Each pair differs a bit from the others as far as length, but the style and sophistication of each pair is equal.  I will update when I start putting things up for sale. 

Keep your eyes on the blog and spead the word!  Credit for the image goes to me :)

Pretty In Black

Grand Re-entrace

Dear readers,

I am back!  It's been a long, long, busy time for me (shifts in focus, new interests, rekindling my old loves.)  Focusing on some new studies has been challenging, and, ultimately, rewarding.  I'm very excited about it all.  In my down time, I've started making jewelry.  Here is just a little taste of what I'll be selling.  When I get it all together, I'll let you know. 

Expect regulary posts back here again.  I've become a jewelry fiend, so my new posts will probably feature more of that than ever.

Hope your all having a great summer! 

Pretty In Black

my jewelry

(fuschia suede-an artifact from childhood-and a had-me-down silver bead; black pearl necklace from ice.com; turquiose cross, gift from my mom; silver spike necklace, H&M; japanese coin on a braided piece of fabric from one of my dad's old shirts; coin necklace and bracelet set, thrifted; Indian pendent, Mango (not the chain, a boutique); my favorite silver chain, thrifted) Click to see images larger

I finally found a way to organize all of my jewelry. I'm the type of person who (unfortunately) uses any available surface for 'storage' to the point where everything's a mess. Inside my Ikea unit I housed all of my necklaces and bracelets in tangled pile. Now, I can see what I have which will help stave off consumer temptation.

(rosary, thrifted; green beaded necklace, thrifted; silver leaf necklace, H&M; clock key, antique; Native American medicine pouch, an artifact from childhood; tear drop peace sign, my grandpa's; silver fan necklace, vintage (it was my mom's); turquoise necklace, thrifted, vintage black beaded necklace, consignment; owl necklace, vintage)

(on right: rainbow jewel box necklace, consingnment; onyx pendent, gift from my parents; bullet necklace, gift from my brother; gold star, thrifted)

(on the far right next to the gold star is a necklace made by the Sue indian tribe)

This is my necklace collection. I've got quite a few rings and bracelets that I'll post about sometime too.

Black Ice

The lovely Nadia from Ice.com sent me an amazing pearl necklace set. These iridescent black freshwater pearl necklace and bracelet are beautiful. Another item I fell in love with was the 100 inch black pearl necklace but it was sold out. Still, I am very happy with my choice. I didn't quite know what to expect with iridescent black pearls but I'm delighted with the surprise. The muted green and purple tones are certainly not black but they make me feel like I truly have a treasure from the sea. I might use the teal velvet pouch to house a rock collection (yes, I'm a dork) or dried flower petals. A dreamer like me couldn't ask for more.