Your Daily Jewels Commitment to Creating Earth-Friendly Jewelry

 Your Daily Jewels Commitment to Creating Earth-Friendly Jewelry

~The Source Matters~

I make all of my jewelry using recycled sterling silver. The use of reclaimed metals nullifies the negative impact on the environment during mining, and the potential for human rights abuse. Poor or dangerous working conditions are eliminated as well.

                              

I buy American-mined, gemstones and beads ethically sourced in the United States by companies who pledge to help sustain the planet and provide spectacular, high-quality gems while providing a clear, documentable path from the mine to my shop. I am confident that my vendor's purchasing conditions meet all standards for worker safety, environmental protection and responsible production.

 

Arkansas Opal

 

 

 

 

Wyoming Ruby

 

 

 Wyoming Pink Sapphire

It wasn’t always easy to purchase ethically sourced gems in the US. Each year since I have been in the jewelry business, more and more cuts and colors of stones have become available as new mines open and long- established mines change the way they see the world and alter the way they do business

Today, I can buy Opals from Oregon; Quartz from Arkansas; pink Ruby from Wyoming’s Rocky Mountains; several different shades of American Mined turquoise and many more. 

 

Being an informed consumer is important in every aspect of our lives today.  When I first started out making jewelry, people were not yet thinking about #EthicalJewelry, i.e. where their jewelry, metals or gemstones came from. 

Today, consumers have much more awareness of how these decisions are as important as those we make about the foods we eat. Everything affects the future of our shared world.

Thank you for stopping by my blog for these few minutes today,

Norah

                          Montana Sapphire

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Not Just a Hallmark-Holiday - Mother's Day is Around the Corner: May 14!

May 14th

will be here before you know it.

Send her a card

Make your brunch reservations
Don't Forget to Call

Purchase her Gift 

Antique Wax Seal Pendant for Mom.

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans honoring their Goddesses. 

Up until the late 1800's,  the Christian festival of “Mothering Sunday” was a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. Originally, it was a day for the faithful to return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service. 

Over time, the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would honor their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.

Early Origins of Present day Mother's Day

A mother's power has been harnessed to do good for centuries.

In West Virginia during the years before the Civil War (1861-65), Ann Reeves Jarvis helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. 

The clubs became a unifying force when much of the country was still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” on which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from the abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe who, in the late 1800's, wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace. 

Today, Mother’s Day has also been a date for launching political or feminist causes. In 1968 Coretta Scott King used Mother’s Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children.

 

 

Today's Mother’s Day

The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s.  Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring and celebrating the sacrifices mothers made for their children. After promoting her first National Mother's Day successfully,  Jarvis—(who never actually became a mother), resolved to see her holiday added to the national calendar with the argument that American holidays were biased toward male achievements.

 By 1912 her efforts resulted in many states, towns, and churches adopting Mother’s Day as an annual holiday, and Jarvis had established the Mother’s Day International Association to help promote her cause. 

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

By 1920, Jarvis had become disgusted with how the holiday had been commercialized. She  denounced the change and urged people to stop buying Mother’s Day flowers, cards and candies. 

By the time of her death in 1948 Jarvis had disowned the holiday altogether, and even actively lobbied the government to see it removed from the American calendar.

 

A Mother's Love Talisman - made to order

 

In heraldry, Pelicans represents a self-sacrificing mother’s love. Ancient legend has it that when food is unavailable for long periods, the momma Pelican makes the ultimate sacrifice and pierces her breast, offering her own blood as nourishment for her babies, risking her own life.

This piece is made to order. I work in recycled sterling and use an 1830’s salvaged wax seal image. 

 

Thank you for reading.

Norah

Wax Seal Necklaces for the Beach - Summer Jewelry for All Year 'Round

It's me, Norah. Ok, I'm on vacation, my shop is closed for, well at least two more weeks.
I have this huge, Joker from Batman smile on my face. It won't leave my face.
I'm so relaxed.

But, this is when my best jewelry designs come! So, I have the dilemma of needing to bring my sketchbook, a small mobile jewelry studio (gigantic suitcase of supplies), and my camera. I love the biking, the farmers markets, yard sales, evening beach walks, and barbecues. But I can't sit in the hot sun all day. Voilà, the perfect daytime activity; the same thing I do all day when I'm not on vacation.

Here is what mode I am in, pairing a few nautical themed pieces of my wax seal jewelry line with luscious gemstones in beachy blues and greens. All worn long and layered,

The "lost at Sea" compass, handmade from recycled sterling, is the most popular item in my #Etsyshop, both for men and women. It is a #celebrityjewelry piece, and lots of eco-conscious actors and actresses including Leonardo DiCaprio, Courteney Cox, Sheryl Crow, Pink, Sting, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Cameron Diaz, Hayden Panettiere, Barbra Streisand, Alicia Silverstone, Natalie Portman, Woody Harrelson, Edward Norton, and Daryl Hannah all have one!

Lost at Sea - with Chrysoprase and Green Amethyst

Wax Seal Necklace - 'Lost at Sea" Compass with Faceted Quartz and Deep Blue Geode

Sterling Replica Spanish Coin~ Moss Aquamarine + Moss Amethyst

Heraldic Wax Seal Star or 'Estoile" from 1850's with London Blue Topaz + Peacock Pearl

I will get these all in the shop in August. Fee free to email me if you see one you love and can't wait.  They range from  $105.00- $160.
If you envision different gemstones, let me know. You can always add gemstones to my pieces. I can make seasonal dangles for you to easily change throughout the year.

Personally, I think rustic stones similar to what you see above, play nicely with the character of wax seal jewelry.

Thank you for visiting and reading!

Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest! I show all my new goodies on Instagram first. Plus, I offer promo codes both at places all the time!  Additionally, I'll be announcing a big sample sale on both places.
https://www.instagram.com/yourdailyjewels/  
https://www.pinterest.com/yourdailyjewels/

My Wax Seal Jewelry Customer's Reviews I'd Pay Good Money For! From Your Daily Jewels on Etsy.

Recent Reviews and Feedback

So Great - You Will Think I Bribe My Customers!

Read hundreds more here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/YourDailyJewels/reviews

I really do have the greatest customers. They make going to work fantastic fun, everyday.

Thank you to all!

  on Jun 1, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

I don't normally buy jewelry online without seeing it in person, but this looked so nice I had to try it, and I'm thrilled I did. Was exactly as pictured and described. Norah gave customer service that you just don't find anymore. Before sending, she even suggest a longer chain, at no charge, and I was so happy she did. These items are all unique, and personally made by her, to your specs, and it's quite obvious that she takes pride in all her work, and what she creates. Three days now wearing it, and I have received numerous comments how nice, and unique it is. Will definitely keep this shop in "my book" for future gifts. It would be a hard task, finding this quality, this uniqueness of a gift, for this price point. Love this place!

SPANISH COIN, Cob, Mens Silver Jewelry Pendant, MENS Jewelry, Pirates Booty Sterling Replica,

  on May 20, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

This is a gift for a young PhD graduate ... I absolutely LOVE this necklace -- the little details ... and handmade touches .. the beauty is understated yet unique. Thank you Norah for another beautiful handmade necklace. I love giving your jewelry as gifts ... (and of course ..now I want one of these for myself !!) Love love love it !! 

ACCOMPLISHMENT: Graduation--Laurel Wreath Wax Seal Necklace Achievement Symbol, Talisman GRADUATION GIFT

  on May 20, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME - wonderful/creative/cool/thoughtful/like opening a birthday gift from a friend....love it!!!! Thank you!!!!!

Don't Forget to BREATHE Inspirational Word, Sapphire Necklace . Recycled STERLING . Motto . Hand Stamped . Yoga Jewelry . Talisman

on May 20, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

A lovey necklace with a sapphire instead of a ruby. Thanks so much for working with me!

Ruby Gemstone and Silver Wax Seal Fleur de Lis Necklace ~ Wax Seal Jewelry . July Birthstone Gift

  on May 11, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

Perfection!! I adore this necklace! The beautiful craftsmanship, the silver and gold contrast and the beautiful sparkling crystal. A unique, gorgeous piece.

Mixed Metal Gold Wire Wrapped AAA Quartz Sterling Necklace . Oxidized Sterling Silver Satellite Necklace .

 on May 6, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

norah s work is great ; and she is a wonderful vendor

COMPASS Handmade Silver Wax Seal Jewelry, Mens Pendant, CELEBRITY Jewelry. True NORTH, Travelers Talisman

on Apr 26, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely beautiful, I love it.

Edwardian Silver Wax Seal Jewelry Initial Pendant . Mens Jewelry . Gothic. Olde English .

on Apr 16, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

I ordered a compass rose pendant/wax seal and silver chain for a wedding gift for my husband. I was under a time limit and the USPS lost my package! Norah was GREAT! She immediately shipped out a new one, FedEx, to make sure I would have it time! Beautiful piece of jewelry and absolutely excellent customer service! Thanks, Norah!!

COMPASS Handmade Silver Wax Seal Jewelry, Mens Pendant, CELEBRITY Jewelry. True NORTH, Travelers Talisman

on Mar 31, 2016

5 out of 5 stars

My girlfriend absolutely loved this. Such great quality. Thanks so much.

CUSTOM Wax Seal Silver Compass Gemstone Necklace . Choose Your Gemstones . Compass Rose

Thank you for visiting and reading!

Wax Seal Jewelry Necklaces and Talisman- All proceeds Donated To Lupus.org

MAY is Lupus Awareness Month

If you don't know what Lupus is, now is your chance to learn something new!

This image will take you right to Lupus.org where you can have your questions answered

And HERE, you can go to my personal  fundraising page if you would like to make a donation. Or, you can purchase my handmade jewelry and have 100% of the proceeds donated to my fundraising campaign!

These are the two #waxseal jewelry pieces that I donate ALL proceeds from to Lupus.org

Lupus means 'Wolf" in Latin.
In the 1850's Lupus was so-named after a patient developed such a severe facial rash that it resembled the bite of a wolf. 

In Heraldry,  the symbol of the wolf denotes someone courageous who perseveres despite difficulties and setbacks. The wolf is emblematic of valor and guardianship  and the wearer of the Crest thought to be noble with valor.

While I Live I'll Crow

" While I live I'll Crow" is a perfect motto for anyone with a chronic illness. Although you may not feel up to doing the things you did once upon time, this is a little reminder to make the most of the times you feel well!


From my collection, one of (way too many) antique wax seal stamps from the 19C. 
I have some relics from the 18C I will be showing you soon!

Antique Wax Seal Stamp Wheel - Circa 1840

For the month of May, if there is a different piece of jewelry in my shop that you prefer, I am happy to put the proceeds from it to your donation instead.  Mention this blog post in 'notes to seller' upon checkout

Thank you for visiting and reading and hopefully making a donation to Lupus.org

Norah

Wax Seal Jewelry: MENs Pendant Necklaces - Finally!

Wax Seal Jewelry: Handmade MEN's Talismen - Finally! I am so excited to share several pieces from my new #mensjewelry line.

Use COUPON code: Take15- for 15% off. Expires 10/30.

FIRST PEEK: My long-awaited MENs Wax Seal Jewelry Line is almost complete. The first pieces are available now at #YourDailyJewels on Etsy.

The pendants are personal, meaningful, masculine and fierce. 

I am humbled by two recent sales, both to men who had never wore jewelry before, but were drawn to my pendants!

I use antique wax seals and European livery buttons from the 1800's to craft this line from recycled sterling silver.  The original relics are beautifully aged and I carefully preserve all of the well-earned nooks and crannies of the original artefact in my finished pendants.

Each handmade pendant features a strong iconic image and many are adorned with strong Latin proverbs that still resonate today. 

You will not find these anywhere else but at Your Daily Jewels. Please come on in and see the others.  You may just  connect with a perfect talisman for you or your man. Use COUPON code: Take15- for 15% off. Expires 10/30.

Stay tuned for more from my new  #MENsJewelry line in the coming weeks. 

Happy Autumn - it is good to be back to my bench.

Thank you for reading,

Norah

Alzheimer's Disease: The Long Goodbye, A Mother's Day Tribute.

about 1951

 In memory of my mom

 I am re-running and re-working  this post I wrote a few years ago about my mother's journey through Alzheimer's disease and its effect on the final years of our relationship. I still think about her throughout everyday and miss her, endlessly. I still wish I could smell her soft hair. I still crack-up out loud, by myself, at memories of some of our antics. My mother had a fantastic sense of humor; she was famous for her one-line wisecracks; and she traversed this devastating disease with humor, love, trust, and grace.

It has been seven years since Alzheimer's took its final ravage on on my mother's brain and body. I had spent eight years, (with lots of help from my three siblings and many caregivers), caring for my mom.

My mom on High School Graduation day

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease is just  like being back in school. Everyday you learn more, and try to remember what you have learned in order to apply it to the next lesson. You are constantly being challenged and tested by your loved one. Pop quizzes are numerous, and you are usually unprepared.

Nancy Reagan said, "When you have met one person with Alzheimer's disease, you have met one person with Alzheimer's disease". This is so true. Every patient has a slightly different presentation and every presentation changes by the day!  

My advice for those who are fumbling through the early stages of care,  and feeling like they cannot do anything right to protect their loved one is:

 "The only plan, is to plan for no plan to work as you planned".

It may sound odd, but the fondest memories of my mother are during the years she had Alzheimer's. She became a kinder, gentler mom; happy to be helped. Happy when I covered her limitations in conversation, or explained how I also forgot the same sort of things. Happy to laugh, and we did!  Happy to have her children there, and we were there, almost everyday.  

One funny memory is, in the early stage,  she developed a new-found, very enthusiastic love for shopping,  and urged me to take her clothes shopping everyday,  "like girls",  she would say.  At that point, she viewed herself as a young woman and I, her girlfriend.   Of course, she no longer carried a purse or money, so who wouldn't love shopping! I paid for all of her whimsical selections - happily. 

She had spent 30 years always providing for her children first, and during her illness a new pride in her appearance developed. She loved her weekly beauty parlor visits along with her "compulsive"  (and free) shopping jaunts.  She was so beautiful.  At 82 her skin was almost flawless.  Everywhere we went people would compliment her beauty and she would blush and beam. For the first half of the illness, she loved going out to restaurants and having cocktails - she would go everyday or evening if we were able to take her. And we usually did.  She was very persuasive.

She lived in the moment and enjoyed most of them.  Yes, she did have her battles, especially in the early stages when she had a good deal of self-awareness. I would crumple when she would ask me, "Why haven't I slipped away yet, why do I know this is happening?".

  

Because of Alzheimer's Disease

 

Because of Alzheimer's, my mom spent her last eight years surrounded by her children. Had she been healthy, we probably would have visited two or three times  a year. Instead, we moved her close to all of us, and few days went by when one of her children was not with her. Because of Alzheimer's', she saw her four adult children become bonded in the commitment to make her days happy and safe. A strong bond  we still have today.

We became close siblings because of Alzheimer's disease, we became more patient because of Alzheimer's disease, we learned how to selflessly give to others because of Alzheimer's disease, and we learned of the healing power of laughter when you just do not know what to do next.

During the long goodbye to our mom, we became better people in the world.  We graduated "Alzheimer's University" with honors. I am so proud of my entire family. I thank my mom for living through the long goodbye with graciousness, humor, and trust. I thank my siblings for loving so unconditionally. I thank God that we could all find the positive in a situation that many cannot bear. 

My mom had the brightest blue eyes you have ever seen. They shone bright and sparkled all throughout the disease while the light in the eyes of others fell dull. At the moment of her passing, after seeming to be asleep for over a day, she opened her sparkling eyes with her last breath and looked up toward Heaven. With her children around her; I believe her message was:  that her light shines on in all of us. This was my mom's final lesson to her children.

 My mom and her sisters

Thank you for reading,
Norah

Send In Your Smiles: - Wax Seal Initials and Jewelry - Customer Appreciation Days at Your Daily Jewels

New Spring Promotion for Your Daily Jewels' Wax Seal Jewelry Customers

For all of my customers, past and new: 

A 25% off coupon awaits you. 

How?

Please email me a smiling photo of you, or the recipient of your Your Daily Jewels'  wax seal initial or wax seal jewelry purchase. I may (or may not) use the photo in a collage on my website. No names will be attached. Upon receipt, I will email you your coupon.

Wax Seal Jewelry by Your Daily Jewels

Wax Seal Initials by Your Daily Jewels

Thank you for visiting and reading!

**send your photo(s) to me at www.yourdailyjewels.etsy.com or yourdailyjewels@gmail.com