Man Up! And Wear Your Jewelry. Part I

Jewelry hasn't hurt Steven Tyler's Image

The earliest evidence of jewelry comes to us from Africa, where ancient adornments made of shells have been found.

This mollusk jewelry was discovered in a cave in Blombos, South Africa, and dates back to the Middle Stone Age, some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago.

Nassarius Shells:

http://frontiers-of-anthropology.blogspot.com

For we jewelry makers, it is interesting to note that beads  were the first material object not necessary for survival, and they have been considered an indicator of when early hominids, or bipedal primates, developed the ability to symbolize, thus becoming “modern man”.  Adornment was indicative of the beginning of symbolic, higher order thinking.

http://kristyhsu.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/prehistoric-jewelry/

Jewelry started out as a functional adornment used to fasten articles of clothing together, and was later adapted for use as an object for purely aesthetic ornamentation, or for use as a spiritual and religious symbol.

Early Europeans also prized jewelry made of stone and teeth. These pieces of jewelry were worn by both men and women, and had cultural, spiritual, or tribal significance. 

The Vikings are just one of countless historical cultures who loved bright ornamentation. Their metalworkers highly skilled at intricate decoration of jewelery. Both men and women wore brooches, pendants, bracelet cuffs and more.

www.disclose.tv

It was the ancient Egyptians who were  the first to craft fine jewelry out of gold combined with gemstones. They wore gold jewelry to showcase their wealth, and as talismen and amulets. Gold possessions always went with the owner to the grave. Egyptians paved the way for creative fine jewelry all around the world. As with all cultures previously, jewelry was worn by both men and women.

from the tomb of Tut-ankh-amun, http://archaeology.knoji.com

I am still researching how this puzzling changeover evolved.  In modern society, (the last two hundred years or so), men, at least in the West, have become confined to cufflinks, tiepins, and watches with all other jewelry being regarded as feminine or ostentatious. 

This pressure for men to  "de-adorn" prevails, regardless of  countless examples of iconic, non-feminine, hardly ostentatious men, proudly displaying their bodily adornments.

The greatest warriors in history never "went out without their jewelry".  Commanche warriors were close to changing our history to "How the West Was Lost." The annihilation of Western settlers by the fully adorned Commanche warriors was the single reason our US Marshal system was instituted.

Commanche Warriors, the baddest asses of the baddasses.

And the Marshals who took on the toughest weren't afraid to wear their own style of bling.

Commanche Warrior - The Fiercest of Native Americans  - in traditional tribal adornment

Another iconic warrior, fully jeweled and adorned, the Maasai

Killing a lion in Maasai culture is a test of manhood, still today.

And moving away from warriors, we have iconic men: men's men. Wearing jewelry, looking none the fem for it.

Paul Newman

Delicious Steve McQueen

I make jewelry for a living. I live with a man who is constantly telling me, "I love this, I wish I wore jewelry!".  I get no where with him, but if you have read this far, maybe I can make convert of you? 

Have you always wanted to give it a try?  Well, remember the power of jewelry–for better or worse it sends signals about who we are, our commitments, and our status in society.  


Women get to mix and match  their clothes and jewelry at will and men appear to be governed by a myriad of strict rules. Any women can squeeze into a pair of skinny jeans. But very few men should try to pull this off. (one woman's opinion - no men should). Women have a lot more fun but it does not have to be this way.

My next post is jammed packed with tips on how men can subtly get into jewelry. What to start with and how to do it totally right! Additionally,  lots of gorgeous examples to choose from.

Don't miss it!
 

Thanks for visiting and reading. Please leave me a note and tell me your thoughts on men and jewelry.

 

"Before written language, or the spoken word, there was jewelry."

A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Wish, S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting, 2014

Yep, its the New Year and we are all sworn to losing weight, drinking more water, less booze, or whatever is on our list of "resolutions". This year, why not look at "resolutions"  differently and see if we can do more than "resolve" to eat less sugar. 

What is missing in all of these "resolutions" ? A unit of measure and time frame to start. We tend to think of resolutions in the 'self-help' realm and "goal-setting" in our business lives. Well, lets leave resolutions behind and just  focus on good goal setting.

If you break down goal setting and you will see how it is a key component to success in every aspect of our lives, not just business.

What makes a goal useful?  Specifics:

www.thriftysocialworker.com

  
The following  visual helped me a lot. I never thought about goal setting in terms of my attitude, for example. But this is an area that needs work, so, this is an area where I can set goals. Take time and write down smart goals in each area below. Share some or all with friends, family or co-workers. This helps with accountability.  Someone may be keeping an eye out for whether or not you are working on yourself.

It is simple yet daunting at the same time, like many of the greatest things in life. So, take the extra time you "resolved" to spend on the treadmill today, and think about and write down your goals. 

If you really want to delve deeply, start a goal-based journal. You'll be amazed as you read back and see all you have achieved if you keep reading and reaching toward the goals on page one. Oh, on that note, page one is just a work in progress, you can always add to it, and cross goals off the list when they are achieved. "Crossing off" is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I would love to hear how you do! 
Thanks for visiting and reading!
Norah

My International Sales for 2013 - Thank You Etsy and The JETS

Your Daily Jewels is Worn Around the World!

http://mapfling.com/qex999k

Each day or two I make my way to the post office to ship my handmade jewelry and one or two days a week I have the dreaded International package to ship. It comes with so many worries: how should I ship it, is it packed well enough, will it get there in time, will it even make it there?  With each successful transaction (99.5% of the time!) I am surprised and relieved, but, I don't think I will ever get used to it and not be nervous.

When I first opened my jewelry shop on Etsy,  I did not ship internationally! I was so certain no one would even bother ordering from overseas and I had a lot of anxiety about losing packages. 

I recently took a look back over my orders and I can't believe I have shipped all over the world in less than two years.  I am honestly astonished that women (and some men) world-wide, are wearing small pieces that came from MY hands and heart. I am so thankful for Etsy, and especially for my JET teammates who told me I was crazy not to ship internationally a few years ago.

Thanks for visiting and reading.
Norah

One World, Cai Yuan, www.tagfinearts.com

UPDATE: The Jewelry on Etsy Team (JETS) FundRaising Efforts for Philippines Victims of Typhoon Haiyan

According to ABC news  the death toll from Typhoon Haiyan has risen to above 5,000 and is likely to climb further.

Typhoon Haiyan cut a path across eastern and central Philippines on Nov. 8, with some of fastest wind speeds on record. Five thousand people have been killed or left missing.  More than 4 million people are estimated to be displaced.

As you can see, the geography of the Philippines is mostly islands with only 115,600, square miles of land mass. This is about the area of  half of Texas, or the same size as Arizona or New Mexico.

A major international relief mission is underway to help the survivors, many of whom will be dependent on aid for months and probably years to come. 

As soon as the news broke, The Jewelry on Etsy Team stepped up to help and you can help us help the Philippines! Shop for a good cause.   Below are just a few of the items with proceeds going to relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Haiyan. 

A tally will be kept here and funds will be donated through the following organizations:

• World Vision
• Red Cross
• Doctors Without Border
• Lutheran World Relief: Home page has a link for Phlippines Disaster Relief
• Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board: Providing food, clean water, and building materials.

Even better then knowing you are shopping and doing good at the same time, is that many if the JET shops are having huge sales and/or free shipping  over the next few weeks.

Search " Jetteam Phiippines", "Jetteam Black Friday"  "Jetteam Cyber Monday"
(do not use quotation marks".)

Take a look at some of our fundraising items. We will be listing a lot more here so check back!


 This sold yesterday, resulting in my donation of $99.00 to Doctors Without Borders, specifically for the Philippines

Mens Silver Wax Seal Travelers Pendant

I am also donating all of the proceeds from this items:

Ruby Hamsa Pendant in Recycled Silver

 

From Sending Love Gallery

Silver Filigree Aqua Glass Earrings

The sister store to Sending Love Gallery has one of the greatest collections of vintage jewelry on Etsy! If you love vintage goodies, Loves Vintage Delight is a must-visit!

West German (1950's) Milk Glass Bracelet

Perfect for  your Tween or favorite pink-lover from Donna's Artisans Designs  (Oh, and Donna's Black Friday sale has started already!)

Pink Crystal and Pearl Earrings

This gorgeous necklace of Copper and Sterling has already sold once and a great donation was made!  Michelle of Eleven13 Jewelry will gladly take a custom order and make a new one just for you.

Mixed Metal Heart Necklace

Wanda, of Gemstones on my Mind is donating an all-inclusive gift item so you can check one woman right off your list. It is a gorgeous smooth black gemstone necklace and earrings set!

Black Sardonyx Necklace and Earrings Set

If you have not fallen in love with Jasper yet, you will now. Jasper comes in every shape, pattern and color imaginable. This necklace created  by DesignedbyVal showcases some of the prettiest Jasper I have seen.

Ocean and Fancy Jasper, Gemstone Statement Necklace

I am sure you want to see more, and there is lots more jewelry to come! Right now we are at $517.00 reported donations. Please check back for our latest items being donated, an update on the tally, and what shops have started  having sales.

Thank you so much for visiting, participating, and caring!
On behalf of the JETs,
Sincerely,

Your Daily Jewels

Please visit our  JETs team Facebook page

and Pinterest Page too!

Shop Local This Holiday Season: #Bergen and #Rockland County, #NY, #NJ

My newest shop! SilverInitialJewelry on Etsy

This season, more than ever, there is a big push in the "shop local" movement. What better way to shop is there?  Local food growers, artisans and small shops are constantly battling  the big guys for the small piece of the pie they need to make a living at what they are truly passionate about.

Beads - good enough to eat!

And that's the biggest difference, passion. Small business men and women, whether they are farmers, jewelers, or artisan cheese makers, cannot do what they do without passion for their product. They live, breathe, sleep, their product; knowing their great fortune is having the opportunity to make a living at what they are passionate about. They yearn  for customer connection as much as their customers seek it out. This personal connection makes it impossible for them  to deliver an inferior product.

Big business lives for the bottom line. Period.

I connect with each of my customers on line. I send at least one email to them to thank them and inform them of shipping time. I have some customers whom I am always in constant contact with, whether or not they are shopping. Etsy's system keeps count of "back and forth's" in their "convo" or email system. It is not uncommon for me to have 50 or 60 convos for one custom order. By the end of this process, we are discussing children's runny noses, and recipes. It is a personal connection yearned for by both parties. As I tell all my customers. "feel free to ask a million questions".

When I stop to think about it, it is a little strange. All this takes place so personally, virtually. This has become what now feels like a connection to people. Granted, ordering from a large company gives you zero human "contact", but what about face to face, hand to hand contact?

I don't do shows, the street fair circuit or any type of market. But I am local to my neighbors. I do have a huge studio that customers can visit. So I am opening this up. This is new for me. I am encouraging my customers to "shop local".  Come to my dusty, basement jewelry studio. Lets meet and have coffee and look at gemstones and pick out typefaces for custom silver wax seal jewelry and initials. Lets have face to face and hand to hand contact.


Its not pretty, but a lot of pretty stuff comes out of it!

Everything is on wheels for functionality

Every day starts with a smudge of Sage

Aromatherapy while I use my Dremel

If you  are local in Bergen or Rockland counties, I am literally on the border,  and you would like a personal studio visit. Email me or "convo" me at Etsy and we can set this up.

Thank you for visiting and reading

25 Days until BLACK Friday, 50 DAYS Until CHRISTMAS, 22 days until CHANUKAH - What Are You Waiting For?

Time is flying! Whether you are buying or selling, scroll down for my post on  stress reducing  ideas for the holiday crush. I wrote it 25 days ago. It feels like I wrote it yesterday!

Spots and Snowflakes Curly Toe Stocking  by Festive Jester

Its here! Lets Get Shopping. 

 Some Helpful Hints:

• Stores are posting their Black Friday flyers NOW!  Just get it over with for more obvious reasons than I can list!  Google "early black Friday deals 2013" and you can sign up to have flyers delivered to your email as soon as they are out.

• Anything that needs to be ordered needs to be ordered NOW so you get your choice of stock and holiday delivery dates. The longer you wait, the more likely your beautiful holiday basket will be out of stock or will have to be delivered a week before Christmas when no family or friends have arrived yet.

• Anything that needs to be shipped internationally needs to be at the Post Office no later than December 1!

• Anything handmade needs to be ordered NOW because crafters get swamped, backed up, and often stop taking orders several weeks before holidays because they are overwhelmed with orders. The "perfect" gift you planned on giving may be unattainable no matter how much you beg the lone crafter, baker, or jewelry maker. 

Don't forget!

Shop locally. Whether online or in a shop - shop fair trade. And support handmade!
 (Artisans - feel free to use these images!)

Visit my handmade jewelry Shops!

Thank you for taking the time to visit and read ,