JYL WALKER JEWELRY DESIGNS

LOST & FOUND ~ JEWELRY & MEANING

2011-03-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I lost my wedding ring. The house was searched several times over, memory jogging exercises revealed nothing. Yesterday, my dear husband found it! He cried. I cried. My grandaughter asked why I was crying. This ring is a symbol, it has great meaning.

Over to the right, you will see 3 pictures... A Mother, giving her daughter a beautiful necklace that will add meaning to her wedding day. A Pearl necklace, someone purchased, having not purchased a nice piece of jewelry in years, gave herself a gift. And, the third, A group of friends who share something special, giving themselves the gift of sharing a necklace! MEANING

Recently, I designed a special pair of earrings for a bride for her wedding day. Last week, she brought her daughter back to choose jewelry for HER wedding day. MEANING

A mother, brings her daughter to me to give her a jewelry gift for her birthday, that she can wear for her wedding, and after. MEANING

Jewelry is meant to be an emotional purchase, one that connects you to a part of yourself that you hold dear. Or one that is a gift you give to someone, because you want them to feel the beauty of your love. It can be simple, or elaborate... doesn't matter... still MEANING.

Often, I re-visit the "why" of creating my jewelry... and it all comes down to: connecting at my deepest level, to a gift given to me, and my desire to share that gift with others. So that, in the end... what I leave others with is, the gift of MEANING. Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs~Give Meaning to the Jewelry You Wear! CALL NOW 865.360.3007

FINDING INSPIRATION...

2011-02-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

Sometimes as an artist, I find inspiration to be elusive... sometimes it becomes just a matter of being still and listening for a while, and reminding myself, that I don't always have to create. Working in mixed metals is a very different process for me... a longer process with many intricate details to attend to before the finished piece is ready for viewing. I remind myself to be "in" the process and to enjoy the ride, and I would offer that it makes a big difference in the quality, look and feel of the finished piece. The "piece" I create, whatever it is... is given much attention... the same attention to detail that you enjoy in my beaded work. I hope you will continue to follow, and to feel inspired by what you see.

My work can be found at Liz-Beth Gallery, 9211 Park West Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, or you can visit with me in my studio to create something special & unique just for you or your loved one. Call now! 865.360.3007.

Earthy Treasures

2010-11-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

In order to create natural, earthy treasures, one must only look outside these days to find inspiration. And so it is with my work... a few moments watching the soft yellows/browns/oranges/reds & greens sway softly in the wind, and kissed by the sun, and I find myself eager to begin the process of creating once again!

I have spent a few days in this state, sawing, hammering, soldering, cleaning & polishing... and the results are spectacular...if I do say so myself!

I've given a few sneak previews, but there is NOTHING like seeing my new line of mixed metal earrings in person! Now... if you know me, you know all pieces are originals. Some of these earrings will be available for reproducing so that you can order them for Christmas!

Come visit with me at Liz Beth Gallery, this Friday night, for their 20th Anniversary Party! So much to feast your eyes and heart on... from many artists who are inspired, and capture the beauty that surrounds us in so many ways! Park West Boulevard, Knoxville, TN from 5-9pm. As always, I am available for consultations. http://www.jylwalker.com/

Fall Back Into Fashion & Make Them Look Twice!

2010-11-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh, Fall... the changing colors of the season are abundant! One only has to open their front or back door to view the beautiful yellow/golds, orange/rusts, reds & browns... with still a smidgen of greens! At Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs there is an abundance of these beautiful fall colors to enhance, soften, enliven, your fall/winter wardrobe! From Carnelian''s beautiful orange, to the rich blues of Blue Tiger's Eye, to the deep reds of Ruby, to the depth of beautiful Amber & warmth of green Tourmaline. Add to that, the richness of mixed metals of Sterling, Copper, & Vermeil, finely hand crafted into earrings, bracelets, rings & necklaces. Always original, always fashion forward, always affordable!

This fall is a good time to freshen up your wardrobe, and for that, you'll want to call on the one place you can have your jewelry exactly the way you want it! Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs! 865.360.3007... call for an appointment today!

"I love Jyl's elegant and easily wearable jewelry creations. Each piece is made with love, real gems, fine metals, and brilliant artistry. Thank you for sharing your talents." Barbara ~ Knoxville, TN.

"...She was wearing the MOST BEAUTIFULLY AMAZING necklace and earring set made by you!! I had a hard time looking anywhere except her necklace! "
Monica ~ Knoxville, TN.

Some Things You May Not Know About Nickel & Precious Metals

2010-10-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

There have been many recalls of Fashion Jewelry made in foreign countries due to the high lead content. These days, it is also important to look at the Cadmium content, another inexpensive metal used to replace lead, yet just as dangerous, especially to children!

At Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs, I strive to use only the best materials from the most reputable sources. I work with precious metals and some copper, taking care in my designs, so that only the precious metals touch your skin.

Below are some common terms and definitions for purchasing jewelry. I hope you find them helpful for purchasing purposes. Please visit my previous blog post for more information, and if you ever have any questions, please, don't hesitate to contact me at Jyl@JylWalker.com.

The term precious metals usually means platinum, gold or silver. Sterling silver, stamped .925, is an alloy of at least 92.5% silver, and (usually) copper.

Fine silver, stamped .999, is at least 99.9% pure silver.

Karat (kt) gold: Pure gold is 24kt, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. 24kt is too soft to be functional, so it is alloyed with other metals for durability, cost and color.

14kt is 14 parts gold out of 24. The remaining 10 parts are other metals (which can be yellow, rose, green or white), the other parts may be copper, silver, nickel, zinc, tin, palladium and/or manganese. *People with nickel allergies should be aware that white gold contains nickel.

Gold fill (also called gold overlay) is made by using heat and pressure to apply a layer of karat gold to a base of less costly metal. This produces a surface with karat gold. The minimum layer of karat gold must equal at least 1/20 of the total weight of the item. The surface layer of karat gold on gold-filled items is usually 10kt, 12kt or 14kt. To know the thickness of the layer, look for a fraction, such as 1/10 or 1/20. It will be 1/20 unless otherwise stamped.

Vermeil, pronounced "vehr-MAY," is a plating of karat gold over sterling silver.

What are Platings?
A plating is a thin deposit of metal that is electrochemically or otherwise appplied to the surface of a different metal base. White is the silver color that you most often see on costume jewelry and base-metal findings. White-plated components are generally a bit grayer, but also more durable, than silver-plated components.

Silver plate is a thin surface layer of silver color or actual silver.
Gold plate is a very thin deposit of gold color, or actual gold (about 1/1,000 - 1/1,000,000 of an inch). The color matches 14kt gold.
Copper plate is a bright, shiny copper plating.

Antiqued pewter (AP), Antiqued silver (AS), Antiqued gold (AG), Antiqued brass (AB), Antiqued copper (AC) has a plating that has been darkened to provide a "distressed" (oxidized) appearance.

Gunmetal plating varies in color from gun blue to matte dark gray to shiny black metal. It often consists of black nickel plated over brass.

Gilt is a very thin finish of gold color (not actual gold).

Vermeil, pronounced "vehr-MAY," is a plating of karat gold over sterling silver.

What's the Difference between Gold Plate and Gold Fill?

Gold fill is 50 to 100,000 times thicker than gold plating, and about 17 to 25,000 times thicker than heavy gold electroplate.

I hope this has been helpful. It is important to trust the source of your jewelry!

A Little Education About Base Metals

2010-10-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

Base Metals: Copper, zinc, tin, boron, lithium, germanium, platinum, indium and to a much lesser extent these days, nickel.
In general, Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver, and 7.5% of "something else". The vast majority of the time that "something else" is copper. Copper is nickel free and has the right balance of color, durability and cost to make it the number one choice by raw sterling manufacturers.  The formula for Sterling is always being refined to give it better properties.

Rhodium is sometimes used (a member of the platinum group) to plate sterling silver to give it the look of white gold. Unfortunately, rhodium does not stick easily to silver so another metal is often used to coat the silver and the rhodium is plated over that "glue" metal. What is a very popular metal for that "glue" process? You guessed it, nickel. The problem is that rhodium is fairly brittle and can form microscopic cracks. Now the underlying nickel can get moist from your skin and leech out nickel salts. All of a sudden you have an allergic reaction to sterling silver, which is really the underlying nickel causing the rash. It is also possible for the jewelry piece you have purchased, to be plated with nickel. Because Sterling silver tends to wear and tarnish over time some manufacturers plate their pieces with nickel to give it a long lasting shine.

Alpaca Silver, German Silver, Paktong and New Silver: These are actually different names for Nickel Silver, a silver type that, as the name suggests, will likely contain nickel. These types of silver should be avoided!   In addition, when shopping, try to avoid older pieces that may have been produced when nickel plating was a more common practice.

Since there seems to be no economic benefit to using nickel, and since regulation limiting the use of nickel is spreading, you really should put sterling silver on your list of safe to wear items. The good news is that it is very unusual for sterling silver to contain nickel anymore, but it doesn't hurt to ask!

My best advice... Always shop where your "satisfaction is guaranteed or your money back"!

3 TIPS TO AGING GRACEFULLY

2010-09-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

This week, the week of my birthday, has been one of reflection, respect and renewal. After spending the first part of the week reflecting, sharing with friends, and generally taking stock of the last 50+ years, It came to me, that there are 3 things that have been very important learnings.

(1) Take time to reflect: If there is one cell in your body that is brewing "CaCa", then use your best resources to clear yourself of them! Several of my friends have been sharing about self doubt and self sabotage this week. If you will rid yourself of the "brew", then you become more open, self-loving, self-respecting and confident. Is it easy? Well, at first ... no. But when you find a combination that works for you, go for it with gusto! Don't let anything hold you back from being all you want to be and all you already are!

(2) Share with friends who are willing to stand in with you and see the best in you. I have several friends who are wonderful at coaching and standing in with me as I take this journey... some just share a morning with me and tell me what they see and help me see the best in me.

And (3) Respect yourself, your place in life, your gifts. The more you are wiling to clear, the more open you are and the more of who you are is shared with the world. 10 years ago, if you had said I would be creating beautiful jewelry, I would have doubted you severely. Because I sought out support to change that negativity within myself, I am tapping in to my creativity in amazing ways! When others say what they see, I am grateful to the bones for being willing and able to listen and move into love, gratitude, and creativity.

I wish you well, and if you would like some suggestions for women who are wonderful at standing in with you to support you to do your work around this, email me at Jyl@JylWalker.com and I will share their names with you! All of them are coaches, but each has a special area of expertise!

Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs: PERIDOT IN THE LIMELIGHT AT JYL WALKER JEWELRY DESIGNS!

2010-08-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs: PERIDOT IN THE LIMELIGHT AT JYL WALKER JEWELRY DESIGNS!

COMPANY BUZZ!

2010-08-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

In the last several months, I have been busy traveling from Florida to California! Among my exciting adventures, I did some Sea Kayaking in Monterey California! While there, I was determined to find some SEA GLASS! After a wonderful and educational experience on the water, a lovely lunch, and seeing which of the samples of clam chowder was the best (all the restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf compete thinking they have the best), we took what was supposed to be a short walk on the beach nearby. I cannot begin to share my excitement as the first piece of SEA GLASS tumbled up toward my feet! Once I started, I couldn't seem to stop! After sending Mark back for the car, I spent 15 more blissful minutes, delighting in the SEA GLASS that was tumbling up just for me!

The present: Working in metals has been challenging and fun, and I am beginning to release new earrings, necklaces & bracelets in Copper, Sterling, GF, and Vermeil. In the coming months, I will be working on rings, as well as, using the new found SEA GLASS! As always, you can find beautiful gemstones & pearls in my collections! Visit with me anytime in my studio for some fun creating your special pieces, or choose from the wide variety available. 865.360.3007 jyl@jylwalker.com. Check out my new site at http://www.artid.com/ too!

As always, Liz Beth gallery also carries a wonderful selection!

Visit often, things are ever changing! Drop in anytime and leave a comment!

THE VIBRANCE OF SPRING!

2010-04-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I look, I am reminded how beautiful the vibrant colors of nature are! From my bright blooming azaela, to the tulips and other flowers that are popping out everywhere, to the vibrancy of Coral, Turquoise and Lapis I've been designing with! Just as nature provides us with quality rare earth finds, I continue to be inspired by nature, and continue to use only the best natural materials in my designs!

Time to spice up your wardrobe? Time for you to start looking the way you feel? Let the vibrancy in natural gems & stones accentuate! For a sampling of selection available, visit http://www.jylwalker.com/, go to "Contact Page" and click on ETSY button on left! There you can purchase directly!

It's THAT easy!

Or... call or email me and set up an appointment!

865.360.3007

jyl@jylwalker.com

P.S. Jewelry makes a wonderful gift for

brides, birthdays, anniversaries & holidays!!

See you soon!

Jyl
Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs

LOVE IS NOT A SECOND HAND EMOTION!

2010-02-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Remember the old song Tina Turner sang? What's Love Got To Do With It?
LOVE has EVERYTHING to do with "IT".   I was just reminded of that this morning, in every aspect of my life, it IS without a doubt, the most important. Beginning with me, encompassing my family, friends, others, this life, this world, past, present & future!

When signs come into our lives it simply means we've got to make sense of them as they apply to our life situations - there is a message, and it's always personal (and usually profound).   As I sat here this morning, I found myself doing research on O's & 0's. It took me to: what does it mean when there's a symbol inside a circle... and here's what I found: When any symbol is shown in a circle, it is an intuitive cue... the symbol beckons the viewer to be drawn in and included in the experience of whatever symbol or message the center may hold. For example, a cross in a circle... invites the observer to step inside the sacredness the cross represents, while at the same time, it holds in the holiness, like a capsule of honor.

A triangle, has long been used as a symbol of the Lord's love. Turn it upside down and it symbolizes the vessel in which love is poured or carried. Supposedly, the heart, is a graphic enhancement of the upside down triangle.

Symbols, circles, gems... alchemy. One of the very reasons, I believe, we are drawn to adorning ourselves, is that it is an outward sign of what we believe in. Think about it... when wearing a necklace, it hooks and you have.... a circle! If everything is energy, then....   each gem etc, represents something for us.  Valentines Day is almost here....   what's your "symbol" for love? I work with EVERY budget! Ask me how you can earn FREE jewelry!

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS...

2010-01-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

Celebrating togetherness by

giving a gift that is heartfelt

and personal, is an act that inspires both the giver and receiver.

Think back to the beginning, how you both felt when you were together. Every day seemed fresh and alive! The promise of love, tender moments, the exhiliarating energy, a heart fully open. The excitement of a new life together!

For Valentines Day, indulge her senses with a gift that lets her feel, well, much like those first years! Special, unique, honored... are a few of the words you might hear back from her, when you choose a gift that will put a sparkle in her eyes, and on her neck. Inspire Romance! Visit http://www.jylwalker.com/ (Purchase through ETSY on Contact Page). Can't find the time? Email me at Jyl@JylWalker.com and I will come to you with a lovely selection to choose from! Also available at LizBeth Gallery, Park West Boulevard. CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE with SOMETHING UNIQUE and PERSONAL THIS YEAR!

FLOWERS? CANDY? OR ... SIZZLE!

2010-01-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

FREE BRIDAL EVENT AT CLUB LECONTE!

2010-01-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

KNOXVILLE BRIDES Mark Your Calendars!

FREE Bridal event at Club LeConte

Saturday ~ January 30th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm!

Get inspired! Jyl Walker Jewelry Designs BRIDAL & GIFTS will be on display!

Giveaways! Drawings!

Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails!

EVERYONE is welcome

RSVP: Alexandra Tucker

Private Events Director

Club LeConte

(865) 523-0405x234 FAX 523-0671

KNOW HOW TO TELL IF A PEARl IS REAL?

2010-01-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

Many times, I'm asked the question: "How can I tell if my pearls are real?"

Here's a little secret! The next time you want to know if a pearl is real or not, try this:

Rub it between your teeth!
If it feels rough and scratchy, it's REAL!
If it feels smoothe, it's FAKE!

There are many grades of pearls, many shapes and sizes, several varieties. The most affordable are Freshwater Pearls. Look for at least a B grade pearl, if not A grade. All pearls will have some marks, but A & B grade are the smoother ones, less lines, better shape, and affordable. Then again, some folks absolutely LOVE the ones with many lines saying it "adds character". Soon, I'll be releasing a "SPECIAL" for Valentines Day! Till then... mark your calendar to check back next week for pictures and prices! http://www.jylwalker.com/!

OUT WITH THE OLD - IN WITH THE NEW? I THINK NOT!

2010-01-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's a new year! What remains popular in jewelry for 2010?

Chain necklaces were incredibly popular in 2009. The most favored ones were, delicate and airy, adding a little glamour to every outfit. Necklaces using mixed metals of Gold/Silver & Copper complimented any outfit and were and are considered the most versatile. A chain necklace looks just as appropriate with a t-shirt as it does when you’re dressed for a night on the town. Hammered metals are especially beautiful, and I predict this trend will get even bigger this year!

Pearls - never go out of style - in any length!

Layering Multiple Necklaces - looks great on everyone, everywhere, all the time!

Think I missed one? Leave a comment below about a jewelry trend that you think should have made the list!

WISE TIPS FOR CHOOSING ARTISAN JEWELRY

2009-12-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

When you are considering the purchase of jewelry for your loved ones—or perhaps even yourself—by choosing the services of a jewelry designer you are making the gift especially unique! A custom piece is always appropriate as a gift!

AND ... there are some important things to look for:

Many designers incorporate unique items into their creations as a way to ensure their jewelry is completely original, such as multiple metals (sterling/Gold Filled/Vermiel), pearls, diamonds, found objects, or other fine gemstones that give pieces a more contemporary feel.

When choosing an artisan piece that is already made, don't just be wooed by the color or the look, inspect the piece for the finishing details! If a piece is made with gemstones, check to see that if the material it is strung on breaks, you won't lose all those delicate beauties!

If it's all metal, check for a 925, 99.9, GF or 14K stamp. If it's not, you could be purchasing a metal that could have lead or irritating composition.

How is the piece finished? Are rings and joints soldered to ensure that your piece is truly well made?

If the cost seems high, it might just be, that the Artisan has a special technique or it is more labor intensive... this is what sets them apart from the rest. Most artisans who create this way, do it because they believe that if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. And, it ensures that this designer cared enough to create a quality piece!

Most designers, already have an array of unique pieces to choose from, but if you want something especially unique, you can sit with the designer and discuss which stones and metals you and your loved one like, and how large or detailed you want the piece. You want the designer to create a beautiful piece of jewelry, and you want to make sure the piece is well made, and the look is classic enough to be worn for many years to come.

There are many designers to choose from these days. Every one of them has something unique to offer. Giving a gift handmade by an Artisan, says you or the one you love, are unique, original and beautiful, and that you took the "time" to choose this gift for yourself or the one you love. It doesn't get better than that!

WHAT DOES QUALITY REALLY MEAN THESE DAYS?

2009-12-04T05:51:00.000-08:00

Quality is a word that is used a lot these days. Yet, my observation, my opinion, is that much of what is available in clothing, shoes, jewelry, other things.... are not the quality I remember before the days of, well, days past.

I get it, everyone's opinion is different. Mine, you may ask?

Quality means, it's made with natural materials, hand chosen from reputable dealers, some of those dealers are the ones my father, who was a Fine Jewler, used for over 40 years! I take great pride in my work, as he did in his.

You can SEE and FEEL the quality! Just ask anyone who owns a piece made by me...

COME SEE & FEEL THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOURSELF! VISIT WITH ME

at Liz-Beth and Co. on Park West Blvd, in Knoxville http://www.jylwalker.com/
ETSY under JylWalker1
865.693.1469 to schedule an appointment Now!

BUSY EXECUTIVE? HAVE JEWELRY ~ WILL TRAVEL!

2009-12-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

BUSY EXECUTIVE?

Call today for a visit from the traveling jewelry gift resource:

865.693.1469

615.594.0976

jyl@jylwalker.com

Send me a message on LinkedIn or Facebook!

Gifts range from $40.00 up!

Pretty packaging, ready for giving included!

Feel great about the way you look! Give a gift of Jewelry this Christmas! Not the store bought kind!

Local Artisan's Jewelry offers high quality, stunning looks at an affordable price!

Visit www.JylWalker.com

ETSY (JylWalker1)

Liz Beth Gallery on Park West Boulevard

Follow me on Facebook ~ Fanpage hosts great deals this holiday season!

SETTING ONESELF APART FROM THE REST...

2009-11-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

I've recently spent some time, looking through catalogs, and browsing on line and in stores, just to see what is available in the way of jewelry, and to see where I fit in to the bigger picture of the jewelry world.

What I find, more and more, is either costume jewelry, where the metals are "unknown" and the baubles are cheap, or the total opposite, top of the line and very expensive.

There IS another option!

The one area, where folks can look, but are often uneducated about, are local Artisans, creators of quality and affordable jewelry. Jewelry that most artisans take great pride in!

There ARE important things to look for when purchasing local Artisan Jewelry...

~Sterling Silver or Gold Filled findings (look for Stamp)

~Quality craftmanship/workmanship

*Look for beads that are not just strung loosely, as if the necklace were to break, beads will be lost. ***This is where my work is a stellar option as I hand-knot between each bead! And, if it's chain, it's soldered for a permanent quality piece!

~Purchase from a local artist who you know lives in your town, and be sure to get their card and complete contact information. (For more pieces or repair in future)

~Look for unique & original designs hand created by the Artisan (well labeled)

~Complete Care Instructions

~Pieces that are handcrafted by the artist vs "Made in.....other countries"

There are many ways in which we set ourselves apart, in our personal lives, as well as in our businesses. In sharing with the world, what our special gifts are, we have an opportunity to leave our "mark" on each other and our world. Allow me to leave my mark on your world!

Call now for your special Christmas purchases! Guaranteed a quality, affordable option to your jewelry needs!

Be sure you visit me on Facebook on my new Fan Page for dozens of pictures of designs from 2009! Visit often for updated pictures!

You can also purchase my work at Liz-Beth Gallery, or shop on line at ETSY under JylWalker1.

"THE PENDLETON SHOW"

2009-11-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

Liz-Beth Gallery was aglow last night! Not with candles, but with beautiful energy. The Pendleton Show was a huge success! I've never seen the gallery so full, and the food that normally lasts till the end, was nearly gone by 7pm! The gallery was very crowded, and a-buzz with activity and conversation! It was a great opportunity get to know new people, and it was a delight to be able to share my work with them.

My favorite part is when folks want to "play" and try on my pieces, and I feel much gratitude for not only seeing it on them, but joy & warmth at their reaction to how it feels and looks on them! There is much to be said, about how "genuine" stones, gems & pearls call forth something in us. Somehow, they become a touchstone. We are drawn to particular colors, but beyond that, we are drawn to particular gems, because we receive energy from them... it has been that way since the beginning of time!

My work offers a large variety of styles, prices and designs. Contact me now ~ 865.693.1469 ~ to make an appointment in studio, or visit LizBeth Gallery and see Ann!

2009-11-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

ARTIST RECEPTION

Friday, November 13, 2009

5:00pm - 9:00pm

Come join me for a "PRE-HOLIDAY" show

sure to engage your senses and give you some great choices for your holiday gift giving. There is nothing... nothing, like being on the receiving end of a unique and original piece of beautiful jewelry or other original art, especially from "local" artists! Through the Gallery, you are guaranteed quality!

This event features the “Sense Of Place”
exhibit of originals paintings from acclaimed regional artists.

Free to the public, all are welcome.
Location: Liz-Beth Gallery
Street: 9211 Park West Blvd
City/Town: Knoxville, TN

WHAT DOES SENTIMENT HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

2009-10-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

So much of how we see gemstones today, are based on the Zodiac Signs, and yet, there is an ancient history that is rich and varied. The one constant, is that there seems to always have been a sentiment attached to these natural beauties of the earth.

Sentiment, should not be neglected. Sentiment... true sentiment, is one of the best things in human nature. When life is darkened by fear... if illumined by hope, it gives to humanity a brighter forecast of the future. An optimism that helps people over difficult passages in their lives.

Giving a gift that is lovingly handcrafted by a local artist, illuminates our creativity, and sparks delight, and rich sentiment in the receiver.

This year, I hope you'll look to those of us who work with our hands, creating something from nothing, blending the beauty of the natural world in a way that speaks to the beauty of your life and your relationships. I can be found... in my studio, 865.693.1469, at Liz-Beth Gallery, White Orchid Bridal and through The Brides Lounge.

"A Night in Paradise" Event at The Bride's Lounge

2009-09-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

WOW! If you missed this one, you missed a lot of fun! Folks hung around for at least a half hour past the event's closing! The event was well thought out, planned and executed! One of my guests shared "The Owners really know how to put on an event here!" If you missed this one, no worry, there will be another one in January! There are some upcoming opportunities for networking I'll post as they come into view.

In the meantime, please spread the word about this wonderful new business! The Bride's Lounge is an unhurried place for Brides to come plan their wedding, without all the hassle. Great opportunity to plan the whole wedding in one place, all the way through the honeymoon!

Being a new vendor, I've some work ahead of me, but I am confident that Brenda and Rachel will provide quality service with wonderful energy and smiles! These two women, (Brenda pictured here) get MY vote for entrepeneurs of the year in Knoxville!

Not your typical Pearls

2009-09-12T07:46:00.001-07:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
jylwalker1.etsy.com

And the winner is....

2009-09-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

Every major showing I participate in, I host a drawing. Club LeConte's drawing, was for a white square Freshwater Pearl, Hematite & Sterling 18" adjustable necklace. Congratulations to Vicki Evans of Knoxville, TN! I also give those who host private showings a free gift! Gather your girlfriends and host a showing before the holidays! Email me at jyl@jylwalker.com!

Necklaces with Sapphire for September Birthdays!

2009-09-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

Several folks have asked to see some examples of necklaces for September Birthdays! Here are just a few examples of necklaces with Sapphire in them. This is only ONE style of necklace I create. It is a style that can easily be worn with business, formal attire or casual! What sets my work apart? Each gemstone/pearl, is hand knotted on silk. What does this mean? The best pearls are hand knotted on silk. It gives the piece a natural elegance. Hand knotting in between each bead protects from loss as well.

Club LeConte Event

2009-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Club LeConte "Romance in the City" Event Saturday evening was amazing! Each room was decorated with a theme. Well decorated and well put together! Great job Alex! The most memorable part of the evening was meeting prospective brides, their families and other LeConte members. Staff service and food was impeccible!