Gemstone Spotlight: About Topaz

"There is nothing prettier than the gilded waters of a topaz"
~Coco Chanel
Topaz is a very lovely stone indeed. Transparent with beautiful luster, a topaz's sparkle can light up the room. It can occur in a multitude of colors and is one of may favorite gemstones, especially the blue variety.

http://www.palagems.com/topaz_buyers_guide.htm

Raw, uncut topaz:
http://www.smartminerals.com/pakistan/articoli/bp_topaz.htm

a>http://www.chineseastrologer.org/lucky_chinese_horoscope_gem_stones.php

5 Fun Facts about Topaz:

1. Topaz is an ancient gemstone, and is named for the Sanskrit word "tapas", meaning fire.

2. The Egyptians believed that yellow topaz got its color from the golden glow of the sun god Ra. The Romans linked it to Jupiter, their sun god. It is easy to see this association today in yellow topaz, with its golden luster.

3. Topaz is an 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Though it is one of the hardest stones, it still pales in comparison to a diamond. Care must be taken so as not to fracture the stone, especially in rings and bracelets.

4. A topaz crystal found in Brazil is the largest known, weighing in at 600 pounds. It is now housed in the Museum of Natural History in New York.

5. Topaz is said to stimulate metabolism and digestion. It is also said to promote relaxation and ease tension. I, however, have experienced none of these fantastical side effects while wearing my topaz...so I'm not going to make any promises.


You can find many LUCIUS Jewelry pieces with blue topaz. Here is a sampling of the many wonderful pieces you can find!
http://www.luciusjewelry.com/product/aphrodite-mini-earrings-with-sky-blue-topaz

http://www.luciusjewelry.com/product/biergarten-earrings-with-blue-topaz

http://www.luciusjewelry.com/product/greek-isle-necklace-with-swiss-blue-topaz

Modern Vintage Show

We had a great time last weekend at the Modern Vintage Chicago Show. LUCIUS Jewelry was in the Indie Designer room, and we met so many fabulous fashionistas there!

Our inventory layed out the night before the show:



Some booth shots, everything looked great!



We met so many awesome designers. Here are a few of my favs:

Swaby Handbags.
http://shernettswaby.com/



Heron Adornment Jewelry.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/heronadornment


Rach B Jewelry.
http://www.shoprachb.com/home.php



LUCIUS Jewelry will be doing the May and June Indie Designer shows as well, stop by our booth and say hello!
http://www.indiedesignermarket.com/ PQMGCXWGNCAB

Quote of the Month

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
Martin Luther King, Jr.


When it comes to motivation, much of it is fleeting. Often, we get discouraged because we just cannot see how on earth we are going to get to the end result. Which is why I love this quote. It truly applies to anyone trying to accomplish something.


We don't always need to know what lies around the corner. In fact, we CAN'T know. So just get started, and have faith in what you can do. Just take the first step...


Beautiful photography by French artist Elisabeth Perotin
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Serpentine

Sweet Inspiration

I've always considered myself more of an eater, not a baker. Though recently I have managed to wow even myself with my sweet treats. So, I decided to archive my work here for anyone who didn't believe I could bake without burning the house down (myself included).



I mean, what could possibly be more fun than cupcakes? They are, in fact, the inspiration for my newest creation. Since I've recently been making a variety of cupcakes, I figured it would be fitting to try and make a necklace with the same beauty and whimsy as those little cakes do. The Sweet Cupcake Necklace is handmade by me here in my studio, and guaranteed to last longer than the real thing. :)

Retro Glam

Going through Stephen Webster's amazing website, I came across these advertisements featuring Christina Aguilera. I just love the glamorous 50's feel they have. Really makes me want to go platinum blond again.....!







Featuring: Christina Aguilera Styling: Victoria Adcock Photographer: Vincent Peters (2008)Creative Director: Stephen Webster
http://www.stephenwebster.com/default.aspx

Pretty, shiny things

I'm a big fan of rose gold, so naturally I was attracted to these amazing bangles by Ippolita. They are actually sterling silver mixed with a precious alloy of 18K gold and plated with 18K rose gold. Obviously they can be worn year round, but I think they are just perfect for spring...don't you?

http://www.ippolita.com/catalog/rose.php

Things I Love

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahseven?page=1

I just adore these dresses handmade by fellow etsy seller sarahseven. They look like something out of a fairytale! Maybe someday, sigh....