The Lady Loves Scarves

Colorful, bold and bright silk scarves have taken over this season in more ways than one.

Off the coast of Croatia, in a tiny village by the same name (Selo is Croatian for village) on a tiny but long island also by the same name (Dugi otok is Croatian for long island) - after all, why not call a spade a spade - this is what you could see:




A darling local church decorated with dozens of women's scarves to celebrate the Assumption Day. Scarves of all kinds of colors and patterns were hung on a rope together with green-leaf braches to make a super long bunting, decorating the stone church.

The wind ruffled and waved the festive banner, like it probably had on this Dalmatian speck in the Adriatic Sea for hundreds of years during its rich Mediterranean history when the local fishermen's wives and daughters brought their precious fabrics to Our Lady on her big day.

Location:Dugi otok, Croatia

May Birthstone: EMERALD

A stone of true mystic beauty, the emerald is one of the most coveted gems ever. I almost do not know a woman who doesn't simply adore the rich green of this magnificent mineral.



Handmade sterling silver and emerald earrings

 Emerald is one of the earliest minerals known to man. The name emerald is thought to be of the Ancient Greek word smaragdos meaning green stone.

It has been assigned a very large number of properties over the last 6000 years. Some beliefs are that emerald is a symbol of immortality, and that wearing emerald jewelry is good for the eyes and eyesight, that it prevents epilepsy, promotes cleverness, courage, eloquence, honesty, prosperity and much more. In general it can be said that emerald is believed to protect against illnesses, physical danger and evil and that it can improve your mind and character.


A tall order, but whether all of that is true or not, the fact remains that true emeralds are stunning in their beauty, so don't be surprised if you find yourself gazing at one for significant stretches of time. Ideally it should be at the mirror reflection of yourself wearing one!

Single chunk of emerald on a sterling silver hoop

The astrological signs of emerald are Taurus, Gemini and Aries.

Light coming through genuine emerald beads on multi-strand pearl bracelet

Kiss Me, Kate!

The happy day seems too much for the little girl in the front!

Mango Versus Goliath

Mark my words: This spring will be all about scarves. Rolled up around your neck, worn as a belt, wrinkled up, in your hair, with the triangle draped over your shoulders, attached to your handbag, long, square, cotton, silk, you name it! There is only one rule. Prints!

On one of my recent shopping expeditions I wandered into a Mango store and was super excited to discover their large silk scarves with amazing bold prints. For 35 EUR a piece. Now, Mango has great style, but for me their flaw is that the materials they use in their designs are often synthetic, which can affect their quality. But these scarves simply enchanted me - they are 100% silk, original and affordable.



Pile of Mango Scarves for 35 EUR each



One shopping stop later I find myself at the most luxurious department store in Berlin - the world famous KaDeWe. It's Germany's Harrods or Galleries Lafayettes. There you will find anythng, including fantastic silk scarves from various high fashion labels, such as Etro, Versace, Kenzo, all with a long tradition of vibrant prints and silk shawls. Only issue: you'd have to tuck them into very deep pockets, as the prices start from 200 EUR! Great if you can afford it, otherwise there is a Mango store right down the street...

Gorgeous paisley print silk scarf
by Etro,
around 200 EUR

Signature bold print silk scarf
by Versace,
around 240 EUR

How about this one, an exotic fruit or a high-powered designer?

March Birthstone: AQUAMARINE, Promise of a Seaside Vacation

When you look at these gentle, dreamy stones, you can't help yourself but drift away to that summer beach day. March is the time when we really just want winter to go away finally. We look forward to spring, not so much for the blossoms that start to wake, but for the promise it brings of the summer that follows.

Silver Earrings with Aquamarine Drops at www.anakit.etsy.com

Aquamarine (from Latin: aqua marina, "water of the sea") is a pale blue variety of beryl (same gemstone family as emeralds). Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. As beryl, aquamarine is mentioned in the Bible. Aquamarine jewelry is associated with beauty, honesty, loyalty, and happiness.


A gift of Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships. Some people even say that the aquamarine reawakens love and brings back the spark in a relationship.

Sea Foam, Genuine Aquamarine Pendant at www.anakit.etsy.com

This pale blue gem does indeed resemble the color of seawater. The ancient Romans believed that the stone was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat. Aquamarines were also used to reverse poisoning and to aid in fortune telling.

Berlin in My Soul

It's been almost six months since my last extended stay in the wonderful capital of Germany. During those two months of soaking in the language and culture a lot of my jewelry pieces were inspired by the rich history and abundant museum collections. Here are some of the images that have left their mark:

Here are some of the pieces that translate that Berlin feeling:

Queen of Prussia Earrings

Porcelain Earrings

You're A Star Porcelain Pendant

Black Gold Etruscan Choker

Etruscan Choker