tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38989508914299850312024-03-12T20:54:44.376-07:00Love Life JewelryAll about life, love, jewellery, fashion, colors and gems.Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-14856074674565581992012-06-10T13:28:00.002-07:002012-06-10T13:28:17.520-07:00Present in PresentationIn my family I have always been in charge of decorations. I am the one to set the celebratory table, put up the Christmas tree, paint the Easter eggs and cut out the occasional Halloween pumpkin. It was my mother who taught me that presentation matters. She encouraged me to use the right table cloth, matching dishes and would usually provide the finishing touch with freshly picked flowers from her own garden. As I was younger she guided my choices, but as years went by her instructions were taken more as suggestions and I insisted on my own signature style.<br />
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When I create jewelry I do it to create luxury in life. And luxury comes well wrapped. So the process is not finished when a piece is made. It waits for an owner and gets ready for the journey. Gently wrapped in colorful silk paper or tucked safely in a small box, the jewelry is set to find its way home. An art postcard is carefully selected from a collection hand-picked from the world's leading museums to accompany it on its way and to bring cheer to the person unwrapping the package in anticipation. If a glance is cast and a smile is formed, the aim has been fulfilled.<br />
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Often people express their appreciation for detail with words. Sometimes I receive pictures from far away places. Just like this one - a pair of Anakit earrings unwrapped in Singapore:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2KmDVL8sYWf_Oqwxv30z9ZAWfTS_TuzWYqISFA10ZBTE2fXYdUxxogoWDA0BF4qfPTTR4mSrIRm5lgZIS8tdrgF_I8h8bmgqYwn80UK23lOpZ8GQMCIG77r5PKhYsw2LJLRtiuAUA88/s1600/singapur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2KmDVL8sYWf_Oqwxv30z9ZAWfTS_TuzWYqISFA10ZBTE2fXYdUxxogoWDA0BF4qfPTTR4mSrIRm5lgZIS8tdrgF_I8h8bmgqYwn80UK23lOpZ8GQMCIG77r5PKhYsw2LJLRtiuAUA88/s320/singapur.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-81854966570405272642012-05-17T03:40:00.001-07:002012-05-17T03:41:51.826-07:00Good Things Come in Small PackagesThese fashion times bid anything big, bright and bold. Jewelry is becoming huge and outrageous. And fun. However even in this inflating universe there is a consistent underlying micro trend that simply never goes out of fashion. <i>Micro</i> being the key word.<br />
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Poison comes in small bottles. They don't make diamonds the size of bricks. Less is more.
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Tiny, delicate jewelry is a style of the sophisticated, ever-elegant woman. She is striking, so she does not need striking jewelry. A tiny gem around the neck or slight shimmer of metal on her earlobes will suffice. She stays young and fresh like the girl she was when she first wore a light silver chain with a precious minute pendant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3jNeeT0PqQzc9o-QIFRjb9hdjIfA2HEgtsvcu39utaHXyzkJrk6dDjdKdFf9HeFX9i-TicOnrg2wcvh_BHl-1ExXkyMTsCDvfA8pRixjxGMcds6kWRRL3dcVrXXojpIIxuHcxTU9sz4/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3jNeeT0PqQzc9o-QIFRjb9hdjIfA2HEgtsvcu39utaHXyzkJrk6dDjdKdFf9HeFX9i-TicOnrg2wcvh_BHl-1ExXkyMTsCDvfA8pRixjxGMcds6kWRRL3dcVrXXojpIIxuHcxTU9sz4/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anakit.artfire.com/">Anakit</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-58073699519116500002011-08-16T01:14:00.001-07:002011-08-16T01:14:56.366-07:00The Lady Loves Scarves<br /><br />Colorful, bold and bright silk scarves have taken over this season in more ways than one. <br /><br />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:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/16/225.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/16/s_225.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/16/226.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/16/s_226.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Dugi%20otok,%20Croatia%4043.917365%2C15.147083&z=10'>Dugi otok, Croatia</a></p>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-23111792634639601492011-05-19T08:53:00.000-07:002011-05-19T08:53:18.721-07:00May Birthstone: EMERALDA 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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.245089673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" j8="true" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.245089673.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74340371/sterling-silver-tree-branch-earrings">Handmade sterling silver and emerald earrings</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> 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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.245055874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.245055874.jpg" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74339857/romancing-the-stone-genuine-green?ref=v1_other_2">Single chunk of emerald on a sterling silver hoop</a></td></tr>
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The astrological signs of emerald are Taurus, Gemini and Aries.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.171429146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" j8="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.171429146.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55417259/emerald-and-pearl-sterling-silver">Light coming through genuine emerald beads on multi-strand pearl bracelet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-74757618338341120222011-04-29T11:06:00.000-07:002011-04-29T11:06:34.144-07:00Kiss Me, Kate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXmo85HZjNSCcI9qWDQ14JRdFsloopAeZmuZ3-p5__FgW_qdFi7mh0g_Jc8Kw-B6-Zae4eTKPoJK5_pc-7VmMajkcJ-c94UgKp-7aRi9Y9uDDS8a_tI8NFFLwDvHvwDmiaaR93WC56Vw/s1600/kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXmo85HZjNSCcI9qWDQ14JRdFsloopAeZmuZ3-p5__FgW_qdFi7mh0g_Jc8Kw-B6-Zae4eTKPoJK5_pc-7VmMajkcJ-c94UgKp-7aRi9Y9uDDS8a_tI8NFFLwDvHvwDmiaaR93WC56Vw/s1600/kiss.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The happy day seems too much for the little girl in the front!Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-9455085956327087882011-03-27T08:40:00.000-07:002011-03-27T08:47:44.839-07:00Mango Versus Goliath<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">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.</div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpNQf07BKNNHY6DDfvobWoijElBCqGjR2cYcdjfpt8mvfygmL3jbmPIc8BuiMz3m1s3QRFk-OwlRpHBi7B4fS6gZM-FZqxA6dZl4fbKQ52nU0wdBrSgRO8Agnr2U4kRJgBqKlwLXMSW4/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpNQf07BKNNHY6DDfvobWoijElBCqGjR2cYcdjfpt8mvfygmL3jbmPIc8BuiMz3m1s3QRFk-OwlRpHBi7B4fS6gZM-FZqxA6dZl4fbKQ52nU0wdBrSgRO8Agnr2U4kRJgBqKlwLXMSW4/s200/IMG_0051.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pile of Mango Scarves for 35 EUR each</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw7BA9bjebhdb3VW73nrfVN8STH6c9W04oBLy3CK6BZF8tt3XETkPSyKD947P3cQCAl11W_DjOCK1JKvrRbGl5ai276_jcFX3796gJ-aLfeHwqYuN8JAJv0_iavtZF80fK-t11crS_bI/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw7BA9bjebhdb3VW73nrfVN8STH6c9W04oBLy3CK6BZF8tt3XETkPSyKD947P3cQCAl11W_DjOCK1JKvrRbGl5ai276_jcFX3796gJ-aLfeHwqYuN8JAJv0_iavtZF80fK-t11crS_bI/s200/IMG_0057.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous paisley print silk scarf <br />
by Etro, <br />
around 200 EUR</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn1aSNgZWv97I3k5HHCZsbM1CPimB0wa_FTE2ooVOZoGyPRz4rW46tvc_61KSH3Ag_5MqmCE1XB0jwVo6F8-93tle__PUIVyPaBTPRKTyW0Izi-YSkyoMGRrjWQtTpTeRBE9uyV0gsVU/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn1aSNgZWv97I3k5HHCZsbM1CPimB0wa_FTE2ooVOZoGyPRz4rW46tvc_61KSH3Ag_5MqmCE1XB0jwVo6F8-93tle__PUIVyPaBTPRKTyW0Izi-YSkyoMGRrjWQtTpTeRBE9uyV0gsVU/s200/IMG_0060.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signature bold print silk scarf <br />
by Versace,<br />
around 240 EUR</td></tr>
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How about this one, an exotic fruit or a high-powered designer? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27QmNDfhWSxXbjahPbXQtEx9ZLWUTGmPVKWdijSUZTzSonq4n0TpKenMI_hB_DEFlvd_7PhrJmjc4nYSItk-1ajvOMyZmNYO5DXgfJvE_kwtH0ZlVWFCyTcjz-EODkEq1GAYYXKP-l0o/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27QmNDfhWSxXbjahPbXQtEx9ZLWUTGmPVKWdijSUZTzSonq4n0TpKenMI_hB_DEFlvd_7PhrJmjc4nYSItk-1ajvOMyZmNYO5DXgfJvE_kwtH0ZlVWFCyTcjz-EODkEq1GAYYXKP-l0o/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-72490800797969913152011-03-12T04:05:00.000-08:002011-03-12T04:05:22.034-08:00March Birthstone: AQUAMARINE, Promise of a Seaside VacationWhen 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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.205535760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" q6="true" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.205535760.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57354137/sterling-silver-aquamarine-drops">Silver Earrings with Aquamarine Drops at www.anakit.etsy.com</a></td></tr>
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.224567774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" q6="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.224567774.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69420914/sea-foam-huge-genuine-aquamarine-pendant">Sea Foam, Genuine Aquamarine Pendant at www.anakit.etsy.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>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. <br />
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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.Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-90442043628313512482011-03-07T03:16:00.000-08:002011-03-07T03:16:09.991-08:00Berlin in My Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WuMl0cRemiw49BfayIPw3a2T9rn5xf_w_fRY3DdXwxf_DgQlXad8_EvUXQDENc3NLQDTuIa92v_K0ybvwKAkrBA3m23pOev1qGVmBGuJF06-AB7w_65-T3SZirpbL_OagQeJSQqBW8o/s1600/DSC00542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WuMl0cRemiw49BfayIPw3a2T9rn5xf_w_fRY3DdXwxf_DgQlXad8_EvUXQDENc3NLQDTuIa92v_K0ybvwKAkrBA3m23pOev1qGVmBGuJF06-AB7w_65-T3SZirpbL_OagQeJSQqBW8o/s320/DSC00542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>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:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ufPr97DuYc-mPQMyZgQ1JWXKHDUJkOmQ8PDLECfHeO8g27wgBaxmEHRTK7nND6AHMWDYZbngSuwbsDUbDd4i9e1JLzkEkhyjNzRiBZHztlFbuH-vmg_Ff0luCJfaZq-YdMdK0M7ni5E/s1600/DSC00582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ufPr97DuYc-mPQMyZgQ1JWXKHDUJkOmQ8PDLECfHeO8g27wgBaxmEHRTK7nND6AHMWDYZbngSuwbsDUbDd4i9e1JLzkEkhyjNzRiBZHztlFbuH-vmg_Ff0luCJfaZq-YdMdK0M7ni5E/s320/DSC00582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW1-OlnCHhGcHlzI3cQu9g4cIy7Dsb9HpAqwN7NQlydN6QQ9755l6ZdOdRkVOljLQq_0chL_g4dNFWNF7AEX0E2azVBHINcwRl7ThqGmymiep7S0V_7CKzk2aLCUDXq8hyEkMOayVBnQ/s1600/DSC00598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW1-OlnCHhGcHlzI3cQu9g4cIy7Dsb9HpAqwN7NQlydN6QQ9755l6ZdOdRkVOljLQq_0chL_g4dNFWNF7AEX0E2azVBHINcwRl7ThqGmymiep7S0V_7CKzk2aLCUDXq8hyEkMOayVBnQ/s320/DSC00598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkRjnfffZaPTrVYVTiahh3O43Cqvjpg-SOrxgekmQNFjDWA67T5mx1b5LXryWETHDU2EbG22Oh6L6rQZx6PDvv_XVGsVyqwifuDE0trD9WzlDeliSconChyZsRODo8Vncsw4wJPH1P_k/s1600/DSC00616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkRjnfffZaPTrVYVTiahh3O43Cqvjpg-SOrxgekmQNFjDWA67T5mx1b5LXryWETHDU2EbG22Oh6L6rQZx6PDvv_XVGsVyqwifuDE0trD9WzlDeliSconChyZsRODo8Vncsw4wJPH1P_k/s320/DSC00616.JPG" width="221" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGorjwIYvd8aPmzNIVHeEFcF2Wj7WM8HGPhd4SQrmAJQReYGWeweJ0-CoKXtSjE9zzLAO_rSSDQL9be3_3YWvrLuE3TEmMrOdtsDdPRSJNubPSxHpWH_iOSCyLluxBy_DlKe_RQcyPOTQ/s1600/DSC00719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGorjwIYvd8aPmzNIVHeEFcF2Wj7WM8HGPhd4SQrmAJQReYGWeweJ0-CoKXtSjE9zzLAO_rSSDQL9be3_3YWvrLuE3TEmMrOdtsDdPRSJNubPSxHpWH_iOSCyLluxBy_DlKe_RQcyPOTQ/s320/DSC00719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P6E_3y_kO3pqGP0ur4I6U3r1PLQqf8w0V7d9_XTbLtRrgJqUrZy3MVjuWIsyjmM80urrE3dqP9ivlBXeJpLRQ5Xy9aUJIpqOgcENqy6vukrISAqgov9Cvqh6XIjFt-vlBJF3cmEJLvw/s1600/DSC00739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P6E_3y_kO3pqGP0ur4I6U3r1PLQqf8w0V7d9_XTbLtRrgJqUrZy3MVjuWIsyjmM80urrE3dqP9ivlBXeJpLRQ5Xy9aUJIpqOgcENqy6vukrISAqgov9Cvqh6XIjFt-vlBJF3cmEJLvw/s320/DSC00739.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Here are some of the pieces that translate that Berlin feeling:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.182155716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" q6="true" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.182155716.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58621233/queen-of-prussia-earrings-purple-dangle">Queen of Prussia Earrings</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.190476773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" q6="true" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.190476773.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61101576/gorgeous-porcelain-earrings">Porcelain Earrings</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.178132774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.178132774.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57418998/youre-a-star-porcelain-china-pendant">You're A Star Porcelain Pendant</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212922628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212922628.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54675220/black-gold-etruscan-bib-collar-choker?ref=v1_other_1">Black Gold Etruscan Choker</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212810274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212810274.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52464970/gold-etruscan-choker-necklace-with-blue">Etruscan Choker</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-30975456857499881052010-12-28T04:05:00.001-08:002010-12-28T04:14:54.531-08:00Here's to January!A sneak preview of the January pendants in the making from the beautiful collection of Limoges china plates. The January calendar scene from The Very Rich Hours of Duke of Berry shows a festive atmosphere at the table of the good duke himself.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/28/641.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/12/28/s_641.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />The limited edition of finished pendants will be available for purchase in the first days of January at <a href="www.anakit.etsy.com" target="_blank">www.anakit.etsy.com</a> and <a href="www.artfire.com/users/anakit" target="_blank">www.artfire.com/users/anakit</a><br />Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-84685251368144468732010-12-28T03:51:00.001-08:002010-12-28T03:51:43.620-08:00As the Curtain Falls on 2010<br />The year is soon wrapping up. Time for a balance sheet. It seems that 2010 was a tumultuous year for many. For me it started off not so great, missing a career opportunity and breaking up a relationship, but then as the sun started to warm up, things turned for the better and opportunities started to pile up. <br />I ran my first 20k race and finished in very decent time of 2 hours and a few seconds. I started making my own jewelry. I spent two months in Berlin learning German. I took up learning Croatian. I had the good fortune of visiting the Big Apple for the very first time. All the while being surrounded by wonderful people who really care. <br />Looking back, the grievances and disappointment from the start of the year seem so far away. I am ready for the new year and new challenges. I don't expect them to be easy, but I will enjoy the ride. <br /><br /><br />Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-81850549276205013732010-10-19T16:11:00.000-07:002010-10-19T16:11:32.000-07:00There Is No Such Thing As Everyday JewelryHear, hear! <a href="http://www.jewelryobserver.com/2010/10/01/there-is-no-such-thing-as-everyday-jewelry/">There Is No Such Thing As Everyday Jewelry</a>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-66646057064545584282010-10-17T15:19:00.000-07:002010-10-17T15:19:32.849-07:00The Very Rich Hours of Duke of Berry or the Middle Ages on a PlateWhen I studied French at the University, we had a very good literature professor. He managed to make medieval lit not only interesting, but exciting as well. I remember devouring the Arthurian legends by Cretien de Troyes and laughing to the simple-minded Maitre Pathelin. Turns out, the Dark Ages weren't so dark after all, in fact they were full of color and gold. Of course religion still played a pivotal role in everyday life, but people still knew how to go about their daily business of life, love and lust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.celesta-fineart.com/UserFiles/Magi_Besancon%20M_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://www.celesta-fineart.com/UserFiles/Magi_Besancon%20M_.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>Books, whether lithurgical or the newly invented novels, offered just about the only escape from the daily chores. They were little treasures that those fortunate enough to possess, cherished. No wonder they were in the habit of carefully decorating the texts with beautiful images, called illuminations. <br />
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The mother of all illuminated books is definitely the national treasure of France - the Duke of Berry's book of hours.<br />
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The Very Rich Hours of Duke of Berry (Les Tres Riches Heures de Duc de Berry) is nowadays kept at the Conde Museum in Chantilly, France. It was made for the Duke of Berry, a patron of arts, and contains prayers and texts for every hour of the day (hence the name). As a book of hours of an important nobleman - brother to the King of France - the manuscript was richly adorned with images and illuminations. The most famous part of the manuscript is a beautifully painted calendar, depicting scenes from everyday life in the Middle Ages throughout the year. The months were painted by the two talented Limbourg brothers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fr.academic.ru/pictures/frwiki/76/Les_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry_Janvier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://fr.academic.ru/pictures/frwiki/76/Les_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry_Janvier.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January<br />
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The images are famous for their incredible blue color, made from crushed lapis lazuli.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fr.academic.ru/pictures/frwiki/76/Les_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry_f%C3%A9vrier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://fr.academic.ru/pictures/frwiki/76/Les_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry_f%C3%A9vrier.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The richly painted scenes have inspired many artists since their creation around 1412-1416. In the 1980's the famous French china makers from Limoges decided to recreate the whole calendar as handpainted commemmorative plates. <br />
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By chance I came across a plate with the month of November. The Limbourg brothers had died too soon, so that particular month had been finished by Jean Colombe. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdbxDxwBKIxhQNzRPEFzOzuG3hVoFMPVmlqcdzomEbWLuTKgqXBL0sQMBdANyKGG8mdNpEoob1VMMaBY2n2Q5pf1O_Tz8H58hYBycmfMILKXw9dERObkmxhk6gmtpGpbOEoRYTl1z00I/s1600/DSC01338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdbxDxwBKIxhQNzRPEFzOzuG3hVoFMPVmlqcdzomEbWLuTKgqXBL0sQMBdANyKGG8mdNpEoob1VMMaBY2n2Q5pf1O_Tz8H58hYBycmfMILKXw9dERObkmxhk6gmtpGpbOEoRYTl1z00I/s320/DSC01338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYWa0C28X1HfpVQA_lFunC314ZTxh3dOzf9wCqVZCecGXCSfVYRkEKOF4puwHwoCUIedNveOHGmnHyjrlCKYlH9Je9zShJzz7rXhtnY38yBQUnqWdRQhpi1V0K_uRUxa4sQsRFMfi4bQ/s1600/DSC01343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYWa0C28X1HfpVQA_lFunC314ZTxh3dOzf9wCqVZCecGXCSfVYRkEKOF4puwHwoCUIedNveOHGmnHyjrlCKYlH9Je9zShJzz7rXhtnY38yBQUnqWdRQhpi1V0K_uRUxa4sQsRFMfi4bQ/s320/DSC01343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With my new-found passion for destroying collectable vintage china, I couldn't wait to cut into this one. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Althought beautifully executed, a plate like this would never find a place on my wall or table. But it could hang beautifully around someone's neck instead.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a long process of cutting, smoothing and drilling, the end result was three unusual and unique pendants, set in silver wire.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It took a bit of research, but I managed to procure copies of the whole calendar and to my delight I could place the pendants on top of the paper image like pieces in a puzzle.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.183279975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.183279975.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58956957/november-medieval-pendant-on-limoges">Double Pendant $54</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.184021356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.184021356.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59179022/autumn-porcelain-pendant-november">Autumn Porcelain Pendant $39</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.184022739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.184022739.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59179440/foliage-porcelain-pendant-for-november">Foliage Porcelain Pendant $39</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These pendants would make great gifts for those who either have a birthday or another important date in November.</div>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-19361542118460412782010-10-09T03:54:00.000-07:002010-10-09T03:54:51.741-07:00MISS CONGENIALITYPeople, that is friends, always ask me what I sell most of. That's not an easy question, because most of my jewelry are one of a kind pieces, so I can only sell one piece and that's it. Of course there are trends, people seem fond of my chunky copper gemstone necklaces, turquoise and silver also seem to be a winning combination. Still for me it's very easy to define what sells most. Exactly this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.181605917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.181605917.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58459050/fantastic-triple-row-large-gold-link">the quintessential golden bracelet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This favourite bracelet came into existence for one simple reason - vanity! Especially during the summer months I like the glow of gold jewelry. But I was lacking a nice statement bracelet to wear on my tanned wrist. I didn't want anything too chunky, because it makes my wrist looks thick, but I did want something larger than life. This was the result. As soon as a put one in my <a href="http://www.anakit.etsy.com/">shop</a>, I had to keep making more, because they were selling like hot cakes. One of my best friends recently panicked when she heard I had sold one again. She had had her eye on it for a while and wants me to make her a new one.<br />
Sooner rather than later some of the vintage components in this piece will run out and that will be the end of this story. <br />
I wonder though what is it that makes this bracelet special that it's so popular despite the not-so-perfect photo. Perhaps its the soft glow of the gold color or the luxurious feeling of a draped chain on your wrist or is it something else? Something as simple as itself.Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-40786751524322782332010-10-03T04:01:00.000-07:002010-10-03T04:04:58.840-07:00There Is Nothing New Except What Has Been ForgottenMarie Antoinette. <br />
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I guess she wasn't as flaky as people think. For the Marie-Antoinette Etsy European Street Team challenge on<a href="http://loddelinadesigns.blogspot.com/2010/09/european-street-team-challenge.html"> Loddelina's blog</a> I took something that has been forgotten and made it anew.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179952640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" px="true" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179952640.jpg" width="320" /></a>I found a vintage Limoges plate depicting romantic courtship scenes by the famous Fragonard and I cut out its heart. It took a lot of work but by the end I had a beautiful round pendant with a picture of sweet 17th century lady in a luxurious dress, surrounded by flower blossoms.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I recently found some great cloisonne enamel beads in sweet blue and pink colors, which I incorporated in the design with some baroque shaped faux pearls.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179952650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179952650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The result is a sweet girly Marie-Antoinette necklace.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179952646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179952646.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Marie Antoinette Necklace at <a href="http://www.anakit.etsy.com/">http://www.anakit.etsy.com/</a><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-6143957677282397742010-09-22T06:30:00.000-07:002010-09-22T06:31:38.999-07:00Etsy Expats: Berlin via Brussels<a href="http://etsyexpats.blogspot.com/2010/09/berlin-via-brussels.html?spref=bl">Etsy Expats: Berlin via Brussels</a>: "by anakit <br />
I don’t usually condone my fellow expats in Brussels complaining about everything Belgian. Sure the weather is unstable, but hey..."Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-37569689456407391522010-09-22T04:50:00.000-07:002010-09-22T04:50:35.363-07:00Diamond Drills Are a Girl's Best FriendI had this insane idea of combining my love of jewelry with my passion for beautiful vintage china. I've been making the former with a passion for a while now and recently I have again started accumulating vast amounts of old porcelain and bone china, simply because I loved the desing and the intricate handpainted details.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SNG2GjGyqKRAGvix52HehoT3m-29PR26aJb6mlIspi6W7TWlhIWrXuR0__RAfJitS7C8nnjaLxLl1eZL0kGzuDscBom8Osu23IA7CMDpzZ1_XPHBGmTLoBipOLdQdtl5nH4SY4Wh48U/s1600/DSC01349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SNG2GjGyqKRAGvix52HehoT3m-29PR26aJb6mlIspi6W7TWlhIWrXuR0__RAfJitS7C8nnjaLxLl1eZL0kGzuDscBom8Osu23IA7CMDpzZ1_XPHBGmTLoBipOLdQdtl5nH4SY4Wh48U/s320/DSC01349.JPG" /></a></div>One thing led to another and I got myself a Dremel. A Dremel is a high-speed rotating tool used for carving, sanding or drilling. However porcelain and bone china are among the hardest materials around. So your regular drillbits simply won't do. You need diamond-clad bits, because diamonds are the hardest substence on Earth. So I got some. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MXxYAi2WKYSVBbHBXWc3qT7i_YmqUWSzJzZUidcwwUcSlbmOThbi_3RWsnoweD9JhE5Q20bmnSifEL4QLwXyXE2sv6285CsT-nMaVz2YPitTxdnN5giExghVSR6MoXKMsKeh_j7vaRw/s1600/DSC01348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MXxYAi2WKYSVBbHBXWc3qT7i_YmqUWSzJzZUidcwwUcSlbmOThbi_3RWsnoweD9JhE5Q20bmnSifEL4QLwXyXE2sv6285CsT-nMaVz2YPitTxdnN5giExghVSR6MoXKMsKeh_j7vaRw/s320/DSC01348.JPG" /></a></div>The first opportunity to try everything out came yesterday. I had recently bought a truly stunning Alka Bavaria collector's set of a teacup, saucer and sandwich plate. The shade of grey-blue was poetic and the intricate gold detail was handpainted with real gold. Unfortunately it arrived broken. The only surviving piece was the plate. The teacup lost a handle and the saucer was broken into several pieces. <br />
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I picked out a few pieces that still had the beautiful pattern and similar shapes. I started drilling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM70TtVevnXnZ-9vy9X2lSCH4p_uezIhJ1Byit6qkfRZ2NlerV3thLs8jKRYut5CzkXzJYBeIekPfIE2KRwSsXyiSz9R4AOySsedZA0tSDIPx7G8tBWJTPU2ZCZlzGR_1Z-kn9q86qUAo/s1600/DSC01350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM70TtVevnXnZ-9vy9X2lSCH4p_uezIhJ1Byit6qkfRZ2NlerV3thLs8jKRYut5CzkXzJYBeIekPfIE2KRwSsXyiSz9R4AOySsedZA0tSDIPx7G8tBWJTPU2ZCZlzGR_1Z-kn9q86qUAo/s320/DSC01350.JPG" /></a></div>To drill porcelain is very tricky, because although very hard, it's also very fragile. It can easily break under too much pressure or if it gets too hot. The friction between the drillbit and the material causes heat. That's where lubrication steps in! I took a large baking pan, padded it with a thick cork mat, poured water over it, so the porcelain piece was submerged in it, as was the tip of the drill. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwh7rj4UiXWHHUO8aFG2pCJA1CbYr602kFlFEct-HhqIWbTc29VK8uopK4frFeORm7NHIQ4I6WbPvd_jJc-cQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPehR5sOp7SLGiTwgvdYr4P2-rerXS6n6f_veu4L8B4zZIs3vOBVFZcd3x-TShuBbz3nZ0QrwJHTFZT_EtsPvJnkdGrcvJo2Xylg024YVqghSAh0S0VH5ezEb795lWYODYpHmEPLJZYVM/s1600/DSC01353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPehR5sOp7SLGiTwgvdYr4P2-rerXS6n6f_veu4L8B4zZIs3vOBVFZcd3x-TShuBbz3nZ0QrwJHTFZT_EtsPvJnkdGrcvJo2Xylg024YVqghSAh0S0VH5ezEb795lWYODYpHmEPLJZYVM/s320/DSC01353.JPG" /></a></div>And then you start. It takes forever to drill a tiny tiny hole only a few milimetres deep. And that's not all, after you've finally pierced through all the holes you need, you still need to sand every piece. As china breaks, the edges are very sharp. You need to lovingly sand every edge so it's completely smooth. Again I did this using my new diamond drill. <br />
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Once you have what you need, you can incorporate it in the final jewelry piece.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNhckjRcvqkn98zUHb7xG-YP2JU29oVuP3g409HCIrE9HcYNIzlNeXIJJ_gAJ3iCOwmZV4C4UzTMckISAnRGzVkUmOQ7qlf9vyQ5Ljxtlowoj3Cqmyz2LsNnChlELujz5WTePoMIOxGI/s1600/DSC01282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNhckjRcvqkn98zUHb7xG-YP2JU29oVuP3g409HCIrE9HcYNIzlNeXIJJ_gAJ3iCOwmZV4C4UzTMckISAnRGzVkUmOQ7qlf9vyQ5Ljxtlowoj3Cqmyz2LsNnChlELujz5WTePoMIOxGI/s320/DSC01282.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56996527/broken-china-girl-necklace-blue-gold?ref=v1_other_1">Broken China Girl Necklace</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUgTKAC_fCjmY6Y9yu6VKBaLV8FTeJ9Oj9agRWE0A8W1GnctpWHx1zeEeYfI_lCAoaSQgNVVRjFQWh-mrFCdhsxpRR7iPq_dRMAjqddyloQ-brjZpu1F3TDk__izMAoXw6Asr6jAnm24/s1600/DSC01278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUgTKAC_fCjmY6Y9yu6VKBaLV8FTeJ9Oj9agRWE0A8W1GnctpWHx1zeEeYfI_lCAoaSQgNVVRjFQWh-mrFCdhsxpRR7iPq_dRMAjqddyloQ-brjZpu1F3TDk__izMAoXw6Asr6jAnm24/s320/DSC01278.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56995775/porcelain-china-earrings-blue-gold">One of a kind porcelain earrings</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-75106001749181322522010-08-05T04:50:00.000-07:002010-08-05T06:39:30.173-07:00Vintage or Modern?Real jewellery lasts for ever. The really beautiful pieces go beyond fashion. Don't you have a favourite that you wear time and time again? Or you let it rest for a few years and then rediscover it in your treasure chest? It happened to me recently when I pulled out a nice ivory cusp my dad brought back from India when I was 10! To be more specific (but not too specific!) that places it back to mid-eighties. A vintage piece so to speak and still looks great. The only difference is that back then I was able to spin it around my wrist despite its oval shape and now it just sits nice and snug on it.<br />
I have always had a love affair with jewellery. Already as a kid I would dream of being a queen clad in huge saphires or rubies. Through the years I have accumulated an impressive collection of everything. Still the fashion has never been so much to my taste as this year. Bold, fifities, seventies, eighties styles suit me well. Only a few years back I would look ridiculous, but now I can pull off a Cleopatra, a Tzarina or a Jackie O without batting an eyelid.<br />
In the last six months I have tapped into the world's richest resource - EBay. It's great for those unique vintage pieces that nobody has. You want a bib collar? Your wish be done. Just type in vintage bib collar, add color or metal of choice and happy shopping. You can get some really amazing bargains for nothing. I've bought chunky rings that everyone notices, even men! for less than 10 dollars. Things that used to belong to society ladies are now often up for grabs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_6TsTFUUqRK7BxO_Xdxc5eiSEfEJrp9wW0UEmB82PGxjgUqKPX6YJfXJmAVCbBna7XAW6oBLVeUno4DkYoWJy4vj488aNrLgZXyaKMmOeQFJyYsZa7hv-AvvT0X9pvVJua7zHOtQGgc/s1600/DSC00571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_6TsTFUUqRK7BxO_Xdxc5eiSEfEJrp9wW0UEmB82PGxjgUqKPX6YJfXJmAVCbBna7XAW6oBLVeUno4DkYoWJy4vj488aNrLgZXyaKMmOeQFJyYsZa7hv-AvvT0X9pvVJua7zHOtQGgc/s320/DSC00571.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiLXRxHgghWLPiJAYf-xMwUQ7vcgtXfERLw8IngMof2gY5gkJcovAxaeVivz4Kw0FE8ZXG63MEa_IA7i9mhjl0zeIX6b1HAx8dxu1QZeXzmSqsGCr0ZCTPcmJVZu0mci_sCQ4AHAyZNY/s1600/DSC00570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiLXRxHgghWLPiJAYf-xMwUQ7vcgtXfERLw8IngMof2gY5gkJcovAxaeVivz4Kw0FE8ZXG63MEa_IA7i9mhjl0zeIX6b1HAx8dxu1QZeXzmSqsGCr0ZCTPcmJVZu0mci_sCQ4AHAyZNY/s320/DSC00570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Another great forum and undiscovered source of great vintage jewellery is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">http://www.etsy.com/</a> It's not as popular as EBay yet, so the choice is smaller, but so are the prices. A great piece of vintage jewellery is unique, beautiful and well-made. Otherwise it's just old. The perfect fashion statement is when you wear a mix of vintage and modern, so as not to look like you've stepped out of a dusty magazine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzHZ7x6tq8cSl2URvQ6XMU77owo7fisuzZxfBUXSTALy002bQ4rmaYo29RrY_YEvK21Zb8rRoZfs88SWhCxTQpWI2K-Ogi4TiE_125CxYEMafKi0G0RrnHIabq6AyVo_JUet-WHUpF5A/s1600/DSC00568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzHZ7x6tq8cSl2URvQ6XMU77owo7fisuzZxfBUXSTALy002bQ4rmaYo29RrY_YEvK21Zb8rRoZfs88SWhCxTQpWI2K-Ogi4TiE_125CxYEMafKi0G0RrnHIabq6AyVo_JUet-WHUpF5A/s320/DSC00568.JPG" /></a></div>A great bib collar necklace will work best with sleek modern clothes. You can even wear it to spruce up a jeans and top outfit. You can choose between metals or plastic. Gold tones are especially cool this summer. The plastic of old used in vintage jewellery is lucite. It comes in different colors and shapes, it can simulate sparkly crystals or it can be found in popular ice-cream hues.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyB7Zd9W9NuegmSeg1otgJoyI9DVxC04LMNwc_dK5eT0ECAGcdemV0bjR9lOS4bm4GXG6K31VC9wAyRtwD7evMDZDPM7W2Mvhm8J1K-ElUpVgpn_sSOKfHD3H3eEUeE5auy7Nh8ALv9wQ/s1600/DSC00577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyB7Zd9W9NuegmSeg1otgJoyI9DVxC04LMNwc_dK5eT0ECAGcdemV0bjR9lOS4bm4GXG6K31VC9wAyRtwD7evMDZDPM7W2Mvhm8J1K-ElUpVgpn_sSOKfHD3H3eEUeE5auy7Nh8ALv9wQ/s320/DSC00577.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZeveZRIxZHLzWtcpb5s0B-7hoT6oM3xQ8V8BkUPY3tJBmFxH8RWA5TDyISH2wN2fbmrw53jHT5v42FKVMb2meHlWOLkEU6YMpeCoLyofPpT_M-IJm4wa_U5jcEX2wGBTN0_Awh0po9I/s1600/DSC00569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZeveZRIxZHLzWtcpb5s0B-7hoT6oM3xQ8V8BkUPY3tJBmFxH8RWA5TDyISH2wN2fbmrw53jHT5v42FKVMb2meHlWOLkEU6YMpeCoLyofPpT_M-IJm4wa_U5jcEX2wGBTN0_Awh0po9I/s320/DSC00569.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you like being expressive with you jewellery then vintage is the way to go. The best thing about it, you won't break the bank. Although some pieces can be collector's items and if you have the misfortune of having excellent taste, so you might find yourself bidding against other fashionistas or jewelry dealers. Still the choice is so vast, you'll be damned if you don't find a steal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anakit.etsy.com/">http://www.anakit.etsy.com/</a></div>Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898950891429985031.post-17440548420826192892010-08-05T01:51:00.000-07:002010-09-21T09:44:38.149-07:00In the Beginning Was the WordWell, well, well. Here we are. I never thought I would want to advertize things to the world, but there's a saying that every man in his lifetime should plant a tree, conceive a child and write a book. Well, I'm not a man, I haven't reproduced yet and all I've been planting is a few terrace pot plants. So that leaves me to write a book. Hmm. I love literature and I just love imagining myself typing away at some New England retreat, however I also like to stay down to Earth. A blog will do for now, and if it reaches many, that will be better than a book.<br />
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So what will you find here? Anything on life, love, fashion and jewellery. It's basically what we women revolve around. Good luck to us all!Anakithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12704754547785866978noreply@blogger.com0