Your Daily Jewels

Your Daily Jewels Commitment to Creating Earth-Friendly Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:51:00 +0000

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

The Latest From Tumblr

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 12:52:00 +0000

Your Daily Jewels via Tumblr

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

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 13:01:00 +0000

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.

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.

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

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:26:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 14:22:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Absolutely beautiful, I love it.

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

on Apr 16, 2016

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Fri, 06 May 2016 12:13:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 12:08:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:01:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:52:00 +0000

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

Diamonds: The April Birthstone - How Did They Become "Forever"?

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:13:00 +0000

Diamonds are Forever (and they're April's Birthstone)

The first "A Diamond Is Forever" Ad from 1947

Copywriter Frances Gerety wrote "A Diamond Is Forever" for an advertising campaign for De Beers in 1947, and continued to write all of the company's ads for 25 years.

During a post-depression generation, when most viewed diamond engagement rings as a luxury for the ultra wealthy, women would rather see men use their money toward a washing machine than an engagement ring. Miss Gerety's ad agency, N.W. Ayer of Philadelphia, set an ambitious goal:

“to create a situation where almost every person pledging marriage feels compelled to acquire a diamond engagement ring.”

Today, even after a decade and a half of bad press about blood diamonds and inhumane working conditions in the mines, 75 percent of brides in the United States wear one, according to Kenneth Gassman, president of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute.

“A Diamond Is Forever,” has appeared in every De Beers engagement ring ad since 1948. In 1999, two weeks before Ms. Gerety died at the age of 83, Advertising Age named it the slogan of the century.
source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/05

The slogan, "A Diamond is Forever" has been used in every De Beers ad for diamond jewelry since 1947. In short, Ms. Gerety sold us on diamond engagement rings and we bought in hook line and sinker. Now, how did it become April's birthstone?
Ok, back to the internet.

Conflict free and eco-friendly diamonds and diamond-alternative gift ideas for April birthday lucky-ladies.

Herkimer Diamond Crystal Ring in Rose Gold by LexLuxe on Etsy.com

Your Daily Jewels - Sort-Of Orb with Crystal Cubic Zirconium


White Gold Rough Diamond Engagement Ring by PointNoPointStudio on Etsy.com

Conflict Free, 14K Gold, Tiny Diamond Ring by LiliEmme on Etsy.com

Molten Lava Rough Diamond Ring in Sterling Silver - by artifactum on Etsy.com

Thank you for visiting and reading!

How to Catch Spring Fever When the Snow Won't Stop Falling

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:29:00 +0000

Waiting for April showers to bring some May Flowers!

March 26th, officially Spring, 38 degrees. It is really hard to get into the frisky mood of Spring. Spring fever hasn't even teased its way into the breeze yet. The lawn is still covered in taunting brown blotches of snow and it was sleeting yesterday. How is your Spring so far?

In lieu of my own extended case of S.A.D. which has hung in through Daylight savings this year, I am looking for ways to force Spring fever into my soul.

I've chosen fun Springy goodies to show you. If you are suffering through an extended Winter, maybe these will help you too!

Pastels

Soft, pastel colors always remind me of Easter. The first official Spring dress-up day. It is time to put these on, now. Switch your clothes to trick your brain.

Earth Energy Weddings - Pastel Sapphire Chakra Dangle Earrings

I am going to buy a gorgeous Spring dress. and try something really new with my hair. (But both must be worn with a smile or it does not work- attn: miss model )

Found on Pinterest.

If you're not the dressy-dress type, go for a new Spring separates outfit that you can mix and match. Pastels make you feel extra feminine which helps usher in that lovely Spring feeling. They also are the polar opposite of the dark colors you have been wearing all Winter. Its time to change your clothes to help inspire your brain.

Just Cavalli - Gorgeous for Spring

Following the pastels of early Spring are the flowery and fruity Spring and Summer colors. Everything goes, except the classic jewel-tones which bode best in Autumn and Winter.

Don't forget to change your makeup and get freshly colored manicures and pedicures.

Found on Pinterest

Bee Stickers by Kate Broughton on Etsy

Get a jump on Spring with these incredible Easter, art-cookies from Rolling Pin Productions, strait outta Brooklyn. Hand crafted by master baker - Susanna Caliendo. Send them to friends or family, or even better, treat yourself.

Customized Easter Cookies from Rolling Pin Productions - Order Yours for Any Occasion

Order via email: order@rollingpinproductions.com

Susanna Caliendo can make ANYTHING Deliciously Edible!

Look up the top songs from your high school graduation year, when Spring meant Summer, and Summer meant freedom. Especially in senior year, when Spring meant the beginning of the rest of your life.

Mine was "Call Me" by Blondie. It still gives me a knot in my stomach when I hear it; bringing me back to sitting in a circle with my girlfriends on the lawn of my high school, eating lunch on a gorgeous breezy Spring day, waiting for the rest of our lives.

(Now I am on a quest for an authentic vintage tee on Ebay.)

I presented part of my Spring line of jewelry and this always gives me a Spring fever-ey feeling. I think its time to roll-out Summer, just to really give Spring a kick in the butt.

Beach Wedding Time?

Beach Wedding Beauties - from Your Daily Jewels

YourDailyJewels

BLOOMING SILVER Earrings - Contact YourDailyJewels.etsy.com

Rainbow Beach Glass

I know it will be here before we know it, but it does seem like everyone has been saying , wait until next week.... for a lot of weeks. I am not waiting any more and am going to 'act as if" and hope my nervous and endocrine systems follow, with those little jolts of the zeal of new beginnings, motivation, and feelings of invincibility that come with Spring.

Thank you for reading

Wax Seal Talisman Pendants for Men

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 13:04:00 +0000

Meaningful Personalized Talisman

Mind you, these are just a small fraction of the new line I am bringing out this Spring, just in time for Fathers day. Antique wax seal pendants to suit men of every style. Even men who have never worn jewelry love my rustic, historic, heraldic pendants.

The talisman, many with ancient Latin mottoes, are crafted from wax seals made between 1800- 1870, and their sayings still ring true today. Even without mottoes, the pendants are brimming with meaning drawn from Heraldry.

The elephant often appears in Heraldic crests and with accepted symbolism of great strength, wit, longevity, happiness, royalty, good luck, and ambition.

The elephant pendant above has a motto that reads "Tenax en Fide" which means "'Steadfast in Faith'. To me, this means one who has strength in their convictions.

See the elephant trucks below!

Print made by Barthel Beham Formerly attributed to Sebald Beham Coat-of-arms of Melchior Pfinzing; roundel with an escutcheon with two donkeys; surmounted by two helms with an ass in the left crest and two elephant trunks in the right. c.1530 via Pinterest

Beneath the elephant pendant is another pendant with a Latin motto, featuring a sword and a crescent moon in the "horn" position. The crescent in this position, (depending on your source,) has been said to mean,
"One who has been honored by the sovereign; and hope of greater glory, (horns to the chief.)

The sword is traditionally believed to mean " justice and military honor." I love this pendant because at first glance it looks like an anchor, (which has an accepted heraldic meaning of salvation, hope, and steadfastness).

The Latin reads "Per Ardua Ad Alta" and is best translated to:

"Through toil - to great heights" which I construe to mean "hard work pays off".

I have many more pendants coming out. I will keep you posted with a big announcement when I am ready tointroduce the whole line.

Thank you so much for stopping by and following.

Golden Gemstone Jewelry at Your Daily Jewels - It's not all #WaxSealJewelry!

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 19:01:00 +0000

There's Much More than #WaxSealJewelry at Your Daily Jewels on Etsy!

Aside from popular #waxsealjewelry, you will also find lots of affordable golden, gemstone jewelry and my every-growing Men's Jewelry line.

Take a peek! Be back with more Wax seal jewelry blogs and a new Spring blog coming on the "Language of Flowers."

Antique Wax Seal Stamps { and Gorgeous Wax Seal Jewelry } PART 1.

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 20:52:00 +0000

Wax Seal Stamps

A collection of wax seal initials made from antique wax seal stamps in my collection, dated:1750 - 1974

Personal Wax Seal Stamps from 3500BC to Today

If I could get back the hours I have spent scouring the earth for #antiquewaxseal stamps... well, I wouldn't really want them. I love the thrill of the chase, the hunt, and especially the catch.

Lost at Sea Compass - Wax Sea pendant - Your Daily Jewels

To say I revere antique wax seals and other tiny tidbits of history is putting it mildly. OK, I hoard them. Not just because I can make silver wax seal jewelry using them, but because I lose myself in the history behind them and all the stories they have to tell.

The history of the wax seal is long and romantic. They have served many purposes over centuries. They have been used to identify a sender, authenticate documents, and to insure privacy. Seals of one form or another were used by royalty, government officials, religious entities and military officers.

From my Personal Collection - I Have Drawers and Drawers of These!

As a pre-teen and teenager in the seventies, we were not quite as genteel as the Aristocracy. We bought our wax seal stamps in the “head shop” and used them as signs of the sheer grooviness of the times. Peace signs, zodiac signs, dragons, unicorns, the moon and stars and the like. No proper letter to a best friend at camp was sent without one... or six.

PEACE! ....dude. circa 1974

Seals have served as a stamp of indisputable authenticity throughout history, just as a signature is accepted in the world today. Seals can be traced back to the Old Testament, wherein it is written that Jezebel used Ahab’s seal to counterfeit important documents.

(From my collection) Ancient Turquoise - Turkish Carving Used as a Wax Seal

The use of seals can be traced all the way back to the world’s first civilizations, and have been found in Mesopotamia; believed to hail from 3500BC. They were made with clay that was impressed with engraved cylinders or rings.

In the Middle ages, when illiteracy was rife, wax seals were used to keep a letter closed, ensure it hadn’t been tampered with; and confirm it was indeed written by the supposed sender. However, widespread use of the seal did not really take off until the post-medieval period.

In these years, they were used in place of a signature to authenticate agreements, contracts, wills, letters or any act executed in someone’s name.

The seal itself often bears a distinctive emblem or symbol specific to the sender. Because these seals were symbols of power and used to authenticate a person’s wishes, they were typically destroyed after the owner died to prevent posthumous forgeries. This is one reason why they are so rare today and so precious to collectors.

Several of My Beautiful Wax Seal Wheels from the Early 1800's

When utilized in an official capacity, seals were sometimes placed directly on an official document but were often attached in the “pendent style" so not to become lost. The seal was applied to a cord, ribbon, or strip of parchment and hung loose after being threaded through a hole or slot at the lower edge of the document.

asteriamusica.org

(above) When the Swiss decided they were going to war, they removed its wax seal from this Treaty for Peace that they had signed with Burgundy in 1467. Look closely, you can see the two holes left by the absence of the Swiss seal.

Wax Seals in Private Correspondence

Seals were eventually used by families and individuals to seal handwritten letters. For a great part of our history, this was the only form of correspondence available to express ones deepest feelings and thoughts. I am sure many a Victorian-Era parent intercepted and cracked the waxseal of a letter from a suitor to an anxiously awaiting daughter.

"Am I Welcome"? 1790 Wax Seal - from my personal collection

Wax seals take me away. I feel like an Austen heroine or a Dickens character. I can't help but envision a young, proper Victorian lady seated at her vanity, opening a letter from her beau with a wax seal that reads "Am I Welcome"? hinting that he soon shall be in her area of the country, and would love to stop in and see her. The wax seals pictured above are all from my collection. See the loops? They were often worn as necklaces, on charm bracelets or as watch-fob adornments so they were always handy.

Wax Seal "Etui" (container for double sided seals) from my collection - early 1800's

The Disappearance of the Wax Seal

As travel, emigration, and colonization increased, wax seals were not simply applied to keep communication confidential, but as a practical necessity. Before the British and American postal reforms of the mid-19^th century, sending a letter was quite expensive; it cost 25 cents in the US to send a letter over 450 miles – quite a lot in those days.

Furthermore, postage was based on distance and number of sheets.
An envelope would have counted as an additional sheet – and was considered a frivolous luxury

Letters were written on a folio of paper (a double-wide piece of paper folded down the center). The contents of the letter were written on the front side (recto) of the first leaf.

Three Antique Wax Seals from my collection, primarily used to create Sterling Wax Seal Jewelry

The second leaf of the folio wrapped around the first leaf, forming a protective enclosure, which could then be sealed with sealing wax and addressed to the recipient, thereby avoiding additional expense of an envelope.

The use of wax seals largely disappeared long before the popularity of handwritten correspondence did. The disappearance corresponds with the invention of the sticky envelope in the latter half of the 19^th Century, when automatic envelope folding machines, and more importantly, pre-gummed envelopes were developed.

After postal reforms, the use of the wax seal slowly diminished. The cost of postage was significantly reduced and reforms changed its basis from the number of sheets, to overall weight. Waxseals only added more weight, and thus, added more cost. Letter writing became much more accessible to the masses and the sheer volume of letters being mailed increased fivefold, but sadly, not the use of the faithful wax seal.

The Wax Seal Meets Sterling Silver:

<<Check back for my next installment wherein I will be covering the making of wax seal jewelry from these historic relics >>

Your Daily Jewels has the largest collection of Wax Seal Stamp Initials and Monograms on Etsy

Erin Go Bragh! Four Leaf Clover Wax Seal Necklace ~ From Your Daily Jewels

Custom, contemporary, reversible Family Coat of Arms from Your Daily Jewels:


Modern Wax Seal Jewelry with an Olde Soul

Thank you for visiting and reading!

<<< And, If you’re interested in creating wax seals as in days of olde, check back for Part 3 when I will post a photo tutorial how to create a wax seal >>>

More Sources on the topic:

1. The University of Notre Dame has a large website showing Medieval Seals from their collection of facsimiles of the originals.
2. Durham University Library displays a collection of Medieval Seals 3. The History Box web site, presented by a former head of seal conservation at the National Archives, displays a range of seal facsimiles.

If you prefer a book, try:

1. A Guide to British Medieval Seals London: British Library and Public Record Office. A number of black and white drawings of seals in this section have been derived from Bloom, J.H. 1906
2. English Seals London: Methuen and Boutell, C. 1899 English Heraldry London: Gibbings and Co.

The complete catalogues of seals in the British Library, or the British Museum as it was when these antique tomes were produced, can be found on the Internet Archive.

For a slightly different perspective, The Weekend Wanderers Metal Detecting Club shows an assortment of seal dies and matrixes that people have lost in the fields of old England over the centuries.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme records small archaeological finds, which include numbers of medieval seal dies and matrices.

If you are interested in the heraldic aspect (like me,) or want a seal identified, try the College of Arms or The Heraldry Society.

March -Madness: Mad About Aquamarine, The March Birthstone

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 14:22:00 +0000

I wish I could change my birthday to March just to have Aquamarine as my birthstone.

Here are just a few March birthstone, #handmadejewelry gift ideas that I found on #Etsy.com.

Want to see these and more? Visit the artisans shops on Etsy:

Rough or smooth, it is gorgeous in every shade and grade:

The gemstone has so many personalities. My personal favorite is not shown in the above chart because it would be considered 'too low grade" . It is 'moss-aquamarine" which is full of 'inclusions" (or gunk). 'Mossy" gemstones are so popular these days because of their earthy splendor.

As few as ten years ago, or so, these beauties would have been tossed because they were considered "low grade" due to their inclusions (which is actually mineralization). Just take a look at delezhen's ring and venusvelvet's earrings to get an idea of moss-aquamarine's splendor.

Wanna get some....!

This is my favorite place to buy the best Moss Aquamarine - TheBusyLittleBeads - on Etsy

"Aquamarine" comes from the Latin “aqua” = water and “mare” = sea. Its sea-blue color has lead to its being called “The Sailor’s Stone.” Legend has cast it as a sacred gem of Poseidon ~ God of the sea, and a magical treasure found in the lair of mermaids.

The breezy, watery blue gemstone is believed by some to have a gentling effect, to protect voyagers from tempests; to pacify the mind; to give ease and fluency of speech; promote compassion and trust, and lastly, to bring good health.

Pretty AND smart. I'll take two!

Thank you for visiting!

Norah

A Birthstone Gift is always a Great Gift Idea - All Year Around

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 17:38:00 +0000

Happy Birthday March Ladies!

Moss Aquamarine Line Necklace - Your Daily Jewels

Do you know that #birthstones actually have a long history? They are just not made-up like a Hallmark holiday, (as I mistakenly thought). And throughout history, many have believed birthstones to be imbued with specific healing and protective qualities.

According to the book of Exodus in the Bible, Aaron, a Hebrew high priest was ordered by God to create a breastplate with twelve gemstones. One stone for each of the names of the sons of Israel, and each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
These twelve gemstones have been linked to today's modern birthstones.

Last Month's birthstone - February - Amethyst - from Urban Pearl Studio on Etsy

Purple Amethyst Druzy & Black Pearl Necklace - Urban Pearl Studio

During the eighth and ninth centuries, Christians assigned stones to represent the twelve apostles. And it is believed that the astrological birthstone that we are familiar with today was Tibetan in origin.

Gorgeous - Garnet - Lucky January Birthday Gals Birthstone from Earth Energy Gemstones on Etsy.

Red Garnet Chakra Bracelet - Earth Energy Gemstones

In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers standardized the list, and in 1952 this was updated by the Jewelry Industry Council of America.

Among the changes were the addition of alexandrite to the month of June- woohoo!, citrine to November, pink tourmaline for October (my birthstone - yay - pink is key), lapis <as an alternate> was replaced with zircon for December, and March’s primary and alternate gemstones of aquamarine and bloodstone were switched (another change to be thankful for). In 2002, tanzanite was added as a December stone.

Following is the commonly referred to list today:

January - garnet
February - amethyst
March - aquamarine
April - diamond
May - emerald
June - pearl
July - ruby
August - peridot
September - sapphire
October - opal
November - yellow topaz
December - blue topaz

Find Birthstone Jewelry at Your Daily Jewels

Every April birthday girl I know claims Diamond as her birthstone. Some charts show diamond and some show CZ. Actually, Crystal quartz is a pretty and affordable alternative for April's birthstone, whichever one you go with. My sister's birthstone:

My mom's birthstone: Emerald Green for May - This stone is affordable Chrysoprase:

Mystic Chrysoprase Pendant - Your Daily Jewels

Thanks for stopping by!
Norah

An Honor for the Mens Jewelry line from Your Daily Jewels

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:27:00 +0000

One of my most popular items from my mens line of jewelry has been featured in a blog post by Karus Chains, a very hip, jewelry shop-to-the-celebs, in NYC. . You can read all about it here:

http://karuschains.com/blogs/news/18707751-from-gold-chains-for-men-to-rosary-necklaces-and-everything-in-between-karus-chains-2015-ultimate-guide-to-men-s-neck-jewelry#crosses

3mm Oxidized Sterling Ball Chain for Men

And find it, and more mens jewelry at at Your Daily jewels.

Thanks for visiting!

Norah

Indie Artist Interview: Norah Downey of Your Daily Jewels – Miss Malaprop

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Indie Artist Interview: Norah Downey of Your Daily Jewels – Miss Malaprop

reprint

Bronze Jewelry Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 10:34:00 +0000

Take a peek at the beauty of #bronze #waxsealjewelry. It has such unique
characteristics: from earthy and rustic to sunny and golden.
(Click RIGHT arrow to start slideshow; click UPPER RIGHT cross to go full screen)

PhotoSnack | My slideshows

#yourdailyjewels. #waxsealjewelry, bronzejewelry, ecofriendly gift, ecofriendly jewelry, gift for men, etsy handmade, mens jewelry,

Vacation Brain

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:56:00 +0000

I haven't been back in a while. After vacation it was exceptionally difficult to get back in the swing of things this year. Slowly, I am back to crafting more wax seal jewelry, collecting antique wax seals and creating lots of pretty, Summery gemstone jewelry.

I have five posts in different stages, but today, some Summery pieces to share:

Italian Sun, August Birthstone - Peridot Necklace

Summer Gemstone Earrings

Delicious Sea Glass - Beach Glass Necklace

Thanks for hanging in there with me.
Norah

4 BIG Benefits of Being an Etsy Mentor

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 16:43:00 +0000

Share Your Strengths

The Benefits Of Mentoring Someone on Etsy

I can already hear the balking. “ Mentor? I can’t even mentor myself”; “I don’t know enough to mentor someone else”; “I don’t have enough sales to be respected as a mentor”, etc.

Phooey, I say. You know more than you think you do. If you have figured out that selling on Etsy is not a straightforward endeavor, you officially know more than a new seller.

Allow me to compare apples to oranges for a minute to make a point. Selling on Ebay IS a straightforward endeavor that you can figure out as you go. No need to read a lengthy sellers manual. Ebay walks you through very simple steps.

You decide to sell an item, any item.
You take a photo or two or twelve. They can be really bad photos and nobody cares
You look around at other items like yours to research a price. Decide to auction or sell. Pricing is a cinch!
Choose a category and write a title stuffed with catchy keywords, willy-nilly. (No worries about # of characters for the pesky Google Bot
No matter how lame your description is, it sells. No one expects colorful language. You don’t count the characters or words to feed the Google Bot.
Your item goes live
You answer a bunch of email questions (maybe)
Your item sells. You get paid through Paypal, and you print a Paypal shipping label and ship.
You get feedback, with most transactions

If it is so straightforward, why don’t I just go and sell on Ebay, you wonder. Baaaa! Don’t get me started. I am simply illustrating that it is a different selling experience from Etsy. In many ways, (most not good). It is quite a different world. It is not a warm and welcoming community of crafters and artisans like you will find on Etsy.

So, if you have established your shop, been active in the Etsy community, (Teams, Forums, etc.); have kept up with the ever changing tips and rules for improving relevancy and being found in search, then, face it, you are a well -seasoned Etsy-er.

The numbers do not roll in over night in any new business, and the very competitive online handmade, vintage, and supplies (businesses) are no exception.

You do not need high sales to be able to share your strengths:

your empirical wisdom and experiential knowledge

You know what I think? Now, as I learn something new in business, I feel if I can’t share it, it is being wasted. I am not worried about giving the competition a leg-up. Once you become generous with your knowledge, it seeps into your core values and you find yourself feeling like a giving, better person every day,

inspiringmomentsblog.com

Give and You Shall Receive

4 Benefits of Being an Etsy Mentor

Learn new things!

Mentoring a younger person will undoubtedly earn you a hearty education in a technical area you may have previously been clueless about.

It’s inevitable that someone younger than you will know (a lot) more about a topic you’re less familiar with.

For example, if you have always wanted to ease your way into Instagram, perhaps a Generation Y mentee can help you learn it in a day.

Develop leadership and management skills.

Becoming a mentor can help you learn how to oversee and guide others. If you have never been in a professional setting as a mentor, a casual mentor/mentee relationship can help you discover skills such as coaching and feedback and tap into leadership abilities you never knew you had.

Professional Esteem

People who are seen as mentors are granted higher credibility and are seen as greater performers. You appear as more connected and will draw others to you for consult.

Impress Yourself:

You take for granted all that you have learned and the skills you have honed over time. When imparted onto someone new, this knowledge sounds vast and sage. It is great for an ego boost and a reminder of how far you have come.

Why would you pass up an opportunity to feel good about yourself?

You can truly open up someone’s world with a small time investment. Very simple words can give people new ideas and opens doors for them. It can truly change lives. You open their minds to possibilities, expecting nothing in return. This, in turn, gives you more meaning in your life

Following is a quote from Gloria Flynn of Earth Energy Gemstones on Etsy. I asked her to tell me about her experience with her mentor. They have been together more than a year:

EarthEnergyGemstones on Etsy

"My Etsy mentor is the lifeline for my jewelry business. From the very beginning she had my back and encouraged me to join her team called Jewelry on Etsy (JETs). From the moment I was welcomed into the team, she has been an active participant in my success.

She makes herself available for me and responds to questions in great detail, and with love; everything from what to include on my listing tags to how to make jewelry from recycled silver. When I'm not asking her questions, she's asking ME questions. For example: How often do you tweet? Do you have a Google+ account and are you using it? She explains how things work in social media, and tells me what to do--but in a good way, like how I could be using it better.

She builds me up when I'm down, and constantly encourages me to stretch my wings a little, like "You should be making (fill in the blank) because they are in the top searches and will bring more traffic to your shop”.

The Etsy jewelry world is HUGE, and it's easy to get lost--but not when you have a mentor who shows you the way. Mine has and I'm so grateful!"

Thank you for reading!

Norah Downey

YourDailyJewels on Etsy

Wax Seals: A History and How-To

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 14:20:00 +0000

A History of Wax Seals

My personal collection of wax seal stamped initials from 1750 - 1972

Personal Wax Seal Stamps from 3500BC to Today

If I could get back the hours I have spent scouring the earth for antique wax seal stamps I could have another college degree. I love and hoard wax seals. Not just because I make silver wax seal jewelry, but because of the history behind them and all the stories they must have to tell.

The use of wax seals largely disappeared long before the popularity of handwritten correspondence did. The disappearance most likely corresponds with the invention of the sticky envelope in the latter half of the 19^th Century when automatic envelope folding machines, and more importantly, pre-gummed envelopes, were developed.

The history of the wax seal is long and romantic. They have served many purposes over centuries. They have been used to identify a sender, authenticate documents, and to insure privacy. Seals of one form or another were used by royalty, government officials, religious entities and military officers.

From my Personal Collection - I Have Drawers and Drawers of These!

As a pre-teen and teenager in the seventies, we were not quite as genteel as the Royals. We bought our wax seal stamps in the “head shop” and used them for sheer grooviness. Peace signs, zodiac signs, dragons, moon and stars and the like. But no letter to a friend at camp was sent without one... or six.

I still find them so appealing that I have begun adding them to my few and far between written correspondence. They add an element of distinction (and, perhaps for me, give subtle subliminal promotion of my wax seal jewelry business.)

Shameless Plug for my Aforementioned Wax Seal Jewelry at Your Daily Jewels
A Seal Emblem from Notre Dame de Paris, 1780, Can you see the "N" and "D"?

If you’ve ever been curious about wax seals, I will cover their history here, and my post next week will be a photo tutorial on how to make them yourself.

A Little History of Wax Seals

The use of seals can be traced all the way back to the world’s first civilizations, and have been found in Mesopotamia and are believed to hail from 3500BC. They were made with clay that was impressed with engraved cylinders or rings.

Ancient Turquoise Carving Used as a Wax Seal

Seals have served as a stamp of indisputable authenticity throughout history, just as a signature is accepted in the world today. The use of seals can be traced back to the Old Testament, wherein it is written that Jezebel used Ahab’s seal to counterfeit important documents.

www.miladisplays.com

Each stamped seal is unique. It allows the reader to instantly know whether a document has been tampered with. Some might say this was the wax seal’s original function. However, in a time when many were illiterate, they were used in place of a signature to authenticate agreements, contracts, wills, letters which conferred rights or privileges – any act executed in someone’s name.

The seal itself often bears a distinctive emblem or symbol specific to the sender. Because these seals were symbols of power and used to authenticate a person’s wishes, they were typically destroyed after the owner died to prevent posthumous forgeries.

My Wax Seal Wheels from the Early 1800's

The use of wax seals gradually spread to aristocrats, monasteries and guilds (for example, butchers would sign agreements with a seal bearing the image of a hog or cow), and eventually to ordinary freemen by the 13^th century.

Romano-British Gold Signet Ring Wax Seal Stamp, 4th C. AD. A cross on a circular bezel, within a dotted border. A very rare Roman, Christian ring during the occupation of Britain by the Romans.

Utilized in this official capacity, seals were sometimes placed directly on an official document but were most often attached in the “pendent style" so not to become lost. The seal was applied to a cord, ribbon, or strip of parchment and hung loose after being threaded through a hole or slot at the lower edge of the document.

asteriamusica.org

(above) When the Swiss decided they wanted to go to war with Charles, Berne removed its wax seal from this Treaty for Peace that they had signed with Burgundy in 1467. Look closely, you can see the two holes left by the absence of the Swiss seal.

Wax Seals in Private Correspondence
Seals were used to seal handwritten letters which were the only form of correspondence available to express one's deepest true feelings and thoughts for a great part of our history. I am sure many a Victorian-Era parent cracked the seal of a letter from a suitor to an anxiously awaiting daughter.

"Am I Welcome" Wax Seal, 1790

Wax seals take me away. I can't help but envision a young Victorian lady seated at her vanity opening a letter from her beau with a wax seal that reads "Am I Welcome", hinting that he soon shall be in her area of the country and would love to stop in and see her. The other wax seals are from my collection. See the loops? They were often worn as necklaces, on charm bracelets or as watch-fob adornments so they were always handy.

In the Middle ages, using a wax seal to keep a letter closed, ensure it hadn’t been tampered with, and confirm it was indeed written by the supposed sender was a practice used in this period, but the widespread use of the seal did not really take off until the post-medieval period.

As travel, emigration, and colonization increased, wax seals were not simply applied to keep communication confidential, but as a practical necessity.
Before the British and American postal reforms of the mid-19^th century, sending a letter was quite expensive; it cost 25 cents in the US to send a letter over 450 miles – quite a lot in those days.

Furthermore, postage was based on distance and number of sheets.
An envelope would have counted as an additional sheet – doubling the cost – so letter writers used a single folded piece of paper and then sealed it shut with wax to avoid the extra expense. Envelopes were considered a frivolous luxury.

Three Antique Wax Seals from my collection, primarily used to create Sterling Wax Seal Jewelry

During the Industrial Revolution a burgeoning pre-gummed envelope industry emerged. The use of the wax seal slowly diminished after postal reforms significantly reduced the cost of postage and changed its basis from the number of sheets to overall weight. The seals only added more weight, and thus, more cost to mailing.

Letter writing became much more accessible to the masses and the volume of letters mailed increased fivefold, but not the use of the faithful wax seal.

If you’re interested in creating wax seals as in days of olde, check back next week for part 2 when I will post a photo tutorial how to create a wax seal.

Thank you for visiting and reading!

More Sources on the topic:

1. The University of Notre Dame has a large website showing Medieval Seals from their collection of facsimiles of the originals.
2. Durham University Library displays a collection of Medieval Seals.

3. The History Box web site, presented by a former head of seal conservation at the National Archives, displays a range of seal facsimiles. You can buy one if you like.
4. Archim, the website of the French National Archives, has an exhibition of Seals from Burgundy.

If you prefer a book, try:

1. Tommochy, A.B. 1952 Catalogue of British Seal-Dies in the British Museum London: British Museum or Harvey, P.D.A. and McGuinness, A. 1996
2. A Guide to British Medieval Seals London: British Library and Public Record Office. A number of black and white drawings of seals in this section have been derived from Bloom, J.H. 1906
3. English Seals London: Methuen and Boutell, C. 1899 English Heraldry London: Gibbings and Co.

The complete catalogues of seals in the British Library, or the British Museum as it was when these antique tomes were produced, can be found on the Internet Archive.

For a slightly different perspective, The Weekend Wanderers Metal Detecting Club shows an assortment of seal dies and matrixes that careless people have lost in the fields of old England over the centuries.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme records small archaeological finds, which include numbers of medieval seal dies and matrices.

If you are interested in the heraldic aspect (as I am,) or want a seal identified, try the College of Arms or The Heraldry Society.

Who's Your Daddy? Celebrating 7 Typical Types of Dads

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:46:00 +0000

Who's Your Daddy - Is He Here?

Your Dad - The Anchor of Your Family

F A T H E R S D A Y

is around the corner, (June 15 - for those wondering which corner.)

It's time to celebrate the man who brought you into this world, and all his lovable eccentricities. My dad wore black socks with sandals at the beach and this is a true story. He did not know how to dress casually. If he wasn't in a suit he looked like he may have been dumpster diving.

1. He was a "Type A" dad, but, back in the seventies, this kind of dad was a lot different than today's Type-A dad.

Similarities: workaholic, white collar, successful, driven. They are "doing it all for the family-dads", (although they were not around much.)

Differences between then and now: Type-A in the Seventies: 4 martini lunches;

Today: 4 Triathlons a year.

Sterling Wax Seal Monogram Key Chain - Father's Day Gift for the Guy Who Has Everything

2. "Hip-Pop or Pal-dad: He's "down" with your friends and wants to hang with you any chance he gets. Your friends love him and you do your best to make him feel included by sharing "just enough" information. He lives for his family.

Sterling Realistic Wolf's Claw Pendant for Dad!

3. The "Older" Dad: All of your friends had cool young dads who wore blue jeans on the weekends. This dad has never owned blue jeans. "Traditional" barely begins to describe this solid, wise, family man

Your Father Has Always Kept You on Course

4. The "Glory Days" Dad: He wears his original Grateful Dead tee-shirt any chance he gets and blasts the classic rock station while mowing the lawn. To your horror, you have seen him playing air guitar when he thought no one was looking. He's more than happy to recount again and again, stories of his mis-spent youth. He keeps a close eye on his kids because he knows what he was up to at their age. He would do anything for his family.


The "Perfect" Mens Chain - Sterling 3mm Oxidized Ball Chain

5. Hard-ass Dad: Maybe he’s a cop or ex-military, but you grew up knowing the boundaries (and how to sneak around them). Your friends are still scared of him even though you are all in your thirties now. You know that deep down he is a softy, who would probably kill or at least maim for his family.

Over-sized - 9-11 Never Forget Pendant - Father's Day Gift Idea

6. “The Renaissance Dad.” This Father is all about family togetherness, and makes a point of being home for dinner every night. When not with their families, he is usually out jogging. Weekends and vacations are spent as a family; camping, church activities, volunteering, or just being together somehow.

Moving away and having your own family is no excuse for not being all together on the holidays. This dad's motto is "family first, forever".

Hand-carved Eco-friendly Arrowhead Men's Pendant

7. The Bad-dad: This guy has to be mentioned. Even if you never met your dad, or if he hurt and/or abandoned you long ago, you feel his presence on Father's Day. If you bum-out every Father's Day, this year, try being thankful for him and letting go of some of your anger. Someone once said to me,

"Holding onto anger is like taking poison and hoping the other guy suffers"

It is pointless and hurtful only to you.

Without him, you would not be here, and who you are, and that is worth celebrating.

The Combo-Dad: No dad can fit perfectly into any of these categories, and I could come up with a lot more dad-stereotypes. Your dad probably has some characteristics of several of these dads, but one common thread runs through all the dads discussed here. They are all about their love for their family. That's worth celebrating on Father's Day.

Thanks for visiting and reading!

Men's Heraldic Shield Pendant - Your Daily Jewels on Etsy

Here's the Skinny Behind 11 Common Wedding Rituals

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Thu, 01 May 2014 18:15:00 +0000

KerriArt on Etsy

Its wedding season, here in the US, and as a handmade jeweler, I have been busy making lots of bridal necklaces and bridesmaids gifts. This is my favorite story I have to share: A lovely bride-customer of mine is getting married in her favorite whale-watching seaside town and ordered eight of my petite whale's tail pendants!

Handmade Recycled Sterling Whale's Tail Necklace

Rituals we take for granted are deeply rooted in centuries-old tradition

1. Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue

Everyone knows this common rhyme used when someone gets married, but what is the meaning behind it?

Wearing "something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's past, and "something new" symbolizes the couple's happy future. The bride is supposed to "borrow" something from a happily married woman in hopes that some of that person's good fortune-mojo rubs off on her; and "Something blue" denotes fidelity and love.

Something Blue Moonstone & Quartz Wire Wrapped Wedding Earrings

Well, that was easy, but what about some of the other wedding traditions and/or superstitions that have become solidly engrained in the special day?

2. Wearing a Veil

Ancient Greeks and Roman brides would wear a veil down the aisle to disguise themselves from the evil spirits who were jealous of their happiness.

3. Not Seeing Each Other Before The Wedding

This superstition dates back to the time of arranged marriages, when people believed that if the couple saw each other before the ceremony, it would give them a chance to run for the hills before their life long commitment began.

Today, we have generalized this to the potential onset of your basic "bad luck" if this meeting were to occur.

4. Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.

Earthy Aquamarine Bridal Harmony Necklace

5. Rain on Your Wedding Day

In some cultures, rain on your wedding day means good luck; in others, it symbolizes fertility and cleansing.
I think for most today, it means lousy photos.

6. Spiders are good luck? Find a spider inside your wedding gown before you walk down the aisle? eeeww. According to English legend, the creepy crawler is actually a " good luck omen." I'll take my chances, thank you.

Wax Seal Spider Pendant for the Goth Bride - Eco-friendly Recycled Sterling

7. Your choice of flowers (ignore shameless plug for my upcoming post the "Language of Flowers") Of course, roses symbolize love, but you may want to stop pining for peonies for your wedding bouquet: Apparently, they represent shame. But they smell so good.

8. Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold

This superstition began in Medieval times when many believed that a bride was extra vulnerable to evil spirits who entered through the soles of her feet. To avoid bringing in any evil spirits, the groom carried the bride into their new home. Women in India solve this problem by covering their hands and feet with elaborate Henna tattoos on their special day.

9. Using Your Married Name Before the Wedding

Some think it is tempting fate for the bride to write out her married name or monogram before she's actually married, and that the wedding will not occur if she does. If you're superstitious, hold off on your monogramming for your reception and registry items.

Antique Letterpress and Wax Seal Silver Monogram Pendants

10. Breaking Glass

In Italy, many newlyweds smash a vase or glass at their wedding, and they put a lot of muscle into it, too. The tradition says that however many pieces the glass breaks into will symbolize how many years they'll be happily married.

11. Crying on Your Wedding Day

It is supposed to be good luck for the bride to cry on her wedding day because it symbolizes that she has shed all her tears and will not have any to shed during her marriage. So go ahead let it rip, (a little) just be sure to wear waterproof mascara. And remember, you don't want blubbery red eyes in your photos!

One extra tidbit:

I love this, the Catholic tradition of "posting the banns" to announce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the bride and groom were not related. Wow, bring on the peonies!

Thank you for visiting!
Norah

All jewelry:
www.YourDailyJewels.etsy.com
www.WaxSealJewelrySource.com

Antique Wax Seal Rose Bridal Bracelet, circa 1842

sources:

www.marthastewartweddings.com
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-customs/articles/50-wedding-traditions-superstitions-facts-trivia.aspx

History of the Livery Button

noreply@blogger.com (YourDailyJewelsBLOG) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 13:33:00 +0000

A Short History of Livery Buttons and Preserving Them in Recycled Sterling Jewelry

Happy Bunny on Labradorite Chain - 1850's Your Daily Jewels

Invicta -" Undefeatable" - estim. 1790.

Sometime in the 13^th century the idea of a buttonhole and button was conceived.

In the 18^th century, buttons were truly tiny works of art. Button making became a profitable sideline for many of the starving artists of the day. Typically, the most exquisite of these buttons was about the size of a 50- cent piece.

A “livery” is an insignia, symbol, or uniform button worn by one who provided service to a noble or aristocrat to represent their relationship to their employer.

My passion, my quest, my contribution to history:

As a card-carrying member of the National Button Society, one of my favorite pastimes is scouring the earth for 18th and 19^th Century relics in order to preserve them. I cast from them, in order to create beautiful modern heirlooms for you, to be worn and passed on for centuries more.

Initial Pendants are Made from Wax Seal Stamps and Livery Buttons at Your Daily Jewels

The word itself comes from the French “livrée”, meaning delivered. Most often it would indicate that the wearer of the livery was a servant, depend-ent, follower, or friend of the owner of the “livery.” Like heraldic Crests, a livery button was a fast way to identify friend or foe in a time of war.

Notre Dame - Early 1800's - Made to Order at Your Daily Jewels

The fashion for livery buttons started among the upper classes in the mid-eighteenth century, and lasted as an accepted practice into the Edwardian era of the early twentieth century.

After the first World War, new income tax and changing social and economic conditions quietly put an end to the era of the livered servant among the wealthy upper class.

Scottish Livery, "I Ready Myself with Arms"

Beyond the prevalent use of Latin, there is a whole cryptic language and symbolism to livery buttons, heraldry, and crests & shields. I am having fun learning the meaning behind many of them.

For fascinating history you can read The Big Book of Buttons by Hughs & Lester, http://www.ukdfd.co.uk, and Fairbairns Book of Crests, London : T. C. & E. C. Jack. I will be more sharing as I learn.

Scottish, Cuff button

Thank you for reading,

Norah

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Spero Melior - Hope for Better Things - 1832

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