Maika & Raphael

Sale Today!

2008-02-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody!!!

It's my Birthday and I make a Big Sale: Today Only!

I give 20% OFF on ALL items in shop and FREE SHIPPING!!!

*(Except items in the sale section)

TAKE A LOOK AND SAVE!

http://www.magnoliajewelry.etsy.com/

*** THANKS! ***

Why Buy Handmade?

2008-01-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that canbe seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.

Take The Pledge!

What you Should Know about Pearls

2008-01-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

A Pearl is Born

Far below the surface of the sea, nearly half a world away, a miraculous event is taking place - the birth of a cultured pearl.

Born from the whomb of mother oysters, cultured pearls are truly a gift of nature. Unlike other precious gemstones wich are cut and polished to release their inner beauty, cultured pearls come into the world naturally radiant.

They emerge miraculously with the shimmering iridescence, luster and soft inner glow wich is unlike any other jewel on earth.

A natural pearl occurs when a foreign object, such as a parasite or bit of broken shell, accidentally lodges itself in the soft inner body of an oyster, where it cannot be expelled. The oyster attempts to project itself by secreting a smooth, hard crystalline substance around the irritant. This substance is often referred to as ''nacre''. For as long as the irritant remains, the oyster will continue to secrete layer upon layer of nacre around it. After a few years, the irritant has become totally encased. The result is a lovely and lustrous pearl.

Nacre is composed of microscopic crystals, aligned perfectly, so that light passing along the axis of one is reflected and refracted by another to produce a warm and inviting glow of light and subtle colour.

The nacre found in cultured pearls is formed by oysters in a nearly identical manner. The only difference is that man surgically implants the irritant - a small, round bead of polished shell, or in the case of a freshwater pearl, a small piece of body tissue from another mussel. Then it's up to the host oyster and Mother Nature to create their miracle.

Legendary Gems

Since the dawn of man, pearls, with their mysterious glow and shimmering iridescence, have been one of the most highly prized and sought ofter gems in the world. Once know as the gem of the moon due to its close ressemblance to the celestial body, pearls over the ages have come to symbolize the virtues of beauty, purity and love.

Long ago, before man unlocked the secret of coaxing pearls from oysters, pearls were considered such rare and valuable gems that they were reserved for only those of royal stature and vast wealth.

Since the advent of pearl culturing at the turn of the twentieth century, pearls are no longer just for the rich and famous. Cultured Pearls have become within the reach of all who seek to possess this gem of unique charm and unmatched beauty.

Quality Considerations

A reputable jeweller is your best source for cultured pearls. A knowledgeable jeweller can explain how to look for the best quality within your budget. Pearls should be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

Lustre - The combinaison of surface brillance and a deep, almost three-dimensional glow, the lustre of a good-quality pearl should be bright and not dull. You should be able to see your reflection on the surface of a pearl. Any pearl that appears too chalky or dull indicates low quality.

Surface - Cleanliness of the pearl's surface refers to the absence of organic spots, bumps or indentations. Try to avoid pearls with cracks or chips as they sill only get larger over time. Look for such damaging blemishes near the drill-hole of a pearl. A pearl that has a cleaner surface generally will be more valuable than a pearl with a more blemished surface.

Shape - Since cultured pearls are grown by oysters and subject to the whims of Mother Nature, it is rare to find a pearl that is perfectly round. While round pearls command the highest prices, asymmetrical, or baroque pearls have a unique charm at a more moderate price.

Colour - Cultured pearls occur in colours from white to black, and just about every colour between. Usually colour is not a true indicator of pearl quality, though some colours command premium prices. The choice of colour should be determined by the wearer's personal preference or individual taste.

Size - Generally the larger the pearl the more valuable it will be. Sizes of cultured pearls range from 1mm for a very tiny Keshi pearl to as large as 24mm for a baroqye South Sea cultured pearl. The average size pearl sold around the world is about 7mm.

Caring for your Cultured Pearls

More delicate than any other gemstone or precious metal, cultured pearls need special care to ensure that they will remain clean, bright and lustrous for generations to come.

Cosmetics, perfume and hairspray all contain chemicals that may dull the lustre of a pearl if subject to heavy and prolonged exposure.
Tips for wear and care:

Pearls should be put on after the application of makeup, perfume and hairspray. It is always preferable to wipe down your pearls every week with soft, moist cloth to remove any traces of these harmful elements.

Cultured Pearls should be kept away from hard or sharp jewellery that can scratch them. Pearls are best stored in a soft cloth pouch or a separately lined compartement of a jewellery box.

Body oils, cosmetics and daily wear can weaken the silk thread on wich your pearls are strung. If your pearls are worn often, it is best to have them re-strung at least once a year, making sure that there is an individual knot in between each pearl.

Birthstone

2008-01-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

January: Garnet

Garnets are found in nature in every color except blue. The most popular color is a beautiful, deep red. It was believed that the wearer of garnets was kept in good health and protected while traveling. Garnets are worn to signify truth and faith.

February: Amethyst

This member of the quartz family was prized by royalty in ancient times for its regal, purple color. The amethyst is said to bring good luck and to radiate love.

March: Aquamarine

Found in a range of blue shades from pale to dark, this gem embodies the beauty of the seas. It was thought to bring its wearers knowledge, foresight and inspiration.

April: Diamond

Diamonds are the most brilliant of gemstones and the hardest substance in the world. They have been cherished for more than 6,000 years. In ancient times, diamonds were thought to be pieces of stars that had fallen to Earth.

May: Emerald

Known as the queen of gems and treasured since ancient times, this vibrant green stone has long been regarded as a symbol of fertility, rebirth and springtime. Emeralds were believed to protect the wearer from the perils of long journeys.

June: Pearl

These jewels of the sea are indigenous to the waters surrounding Japan and China. In those warm, calm waters, the oyster produces pearls in a wide range of shades, from creamy white to black.

July: Ruby

A prized possession of kings and queens throughout the ages, the ruby has been known for centuries as a symbol of love and immortality. In some countries, engagement rings are set with rubies instead of diamonds.

August: Peridot

Mystics have claimed that this lustrous green stone drives away evil and has special healing properties. Peridots have been found in meteorites and volcanoes.

September: Sapphire

The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word for blue, "sapphirus." Ancient Persians believed the Earth rested on an enormous blue sapphire, and its reflection caused the blueness of the sky.

October: Opal

The opal's special characteristic is a rainbow-like play of color that changes with the angle of observation. Colors vary, but it's the iridescent property that creates the very special play of color called "fire."

November: Citrine

The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, "citron," which describes this stone's yellow hue. In ancient times, citrine was revered as a gift of the sun and believed to be a powerful antidote to a viper's venom.

December: Blue Topaz

Topaz comes in many colors, including light blue, pink, yellow, red and green. The most popular color is an enhanced blue. This gorgeous gemstone was said to act as a protector and make the wearer invisible in emergencies.

2008-01-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

About Me

I am a 26-year-old young lady, Mom of 2 lovely children and Passionated by all that I make! I studied has the ecole of jeweller's school of quebec and I worked during 10 years in a Jeweller's shop as jeweller. Made the repair of Jewels, Watch... but creation of jewelry is my real vocation.

I thus left this work to dedicate me entierement has my 2 real passions: the creation of Jewels and My cats breeding
I am Owner of a breeding of Siamese and oriental Cats. Kittens which run everywhere..... I ADOOORE! I always dream about it and this year, the occasion appeared, I seized it and It's exactly what I think about!

I was always enticed by the ARTS generally. Painting, Photography, Drawing, creation of Jewels, Do-it-yourself Stuffs, renovation, decoration..... I Am crazy about all Kinds of Crafts!

I like fashion, tendencies seasons by seasons and I have has heart satisfaction of peoples who wear my creations. I am going to make you a confidence: I often sells my pieces has against heart. yes yes! They are as my small babies...

Each of the pieces that I make is all handcrafted with Love and Passion! I do not hesitate to begin again a work which pleases me moin to redo it has perfection.
I Hope that you will have so much pleasure to wear one of my creations that I had to make it for you!

Any suggestion, comment, question, is welcome! I shall like hearing about you, write me!

Sincere thank you for the bottom of the heart has quite my customers. Thank you for the trust you grant me, I work hardly not to disappoint you and your satisfaction is my most beautiful reward!