Heart's Desire Jewelry

Bead Soup Blog Party - the reveal!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:15:00 +0000

Here it is folks... the necklace that I made with the bead soup sent to me by Cristi Clothier.

I added in some freshwater pearls, vintage sugar beads, czech glass pendants and lucite rounds in the same color as the crystals. I had these other beads all set aside because I thought they would work well together, but never had the inspiration to make anything with them...until the bead soup arrived!

First I made a single strand necklace, but it felt a bit lacking to me, so I took advantage of the big holes in the fluted silver beads that Cristi sent me and the czech glass pendants by weaving another strand along side the first. So...what do you think?

If you would like to see the other bead soup creations by the rest of the participants, you can check them out here -

1. Lori, Pretty Things
2. Mallory, For the Love of Beads
3. Terri, Blooming Ideas
4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio
5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
6. Kerry, Kabs Creative Concepts
7. Erin, Treasures Found
8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry
9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs
10. Nan, Spirit Rattles
11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique
12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart
13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings
14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle
15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks
16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
17. Lisa, Lo and Behold
18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas
19. Judith, Judith B.
20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium
21. Maria, Garden Path Beads
22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design
23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life
24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things
25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa
26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea
27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design
28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals
29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction
30. Leslie, Bei Mondi
31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta
32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry
33. Kathie, The Bead Cult
34. Patty, Plays With Fire
35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef
36. Anne Marie, You're already here :)
37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry
38. Jayne, Mama's Got to Doodle
39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio
40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini
41. Marcie, La Bella Joya
42. Suzann, Beadphoria
43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks
44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass
45. Janiece, J Birds Garden
46. Kate, Organic Odysseys
47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale
48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure
49. Sue, Sue Beads
50. Janeen, Janeen 365
51. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse
52. Kristie, Artisan Clay
53. Regina, Regina's Writings
54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble
55. Lyn, Lyn Foley
56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz
57. Cathryn, Chile Cats
58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook
59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter
60. Juli, Jul's Beads
61. Julie, RockerJewlz
62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too
63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
64. Katie, My Life and My Beads
65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay
66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth
67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design
68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio
69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery
70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs
71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights
72. Chas, One Woman's Haven
73. Chas, One Woman's Haven
74. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry
75. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky
76. Maire, Maire Dodd
77. Janet, Singing Woods
78. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads
79. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels
80. Joann, Jo's Jewels
81. Patti, PJ Clark Designs
82. Mel, Kookie Designs
83. Erin, Every Heart Crafts
84. Dale, Flights of Fancy
85. Dee, Runako Designs

Bead Soup!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:02:00 +0000

My bead soup package arrived from Christi who writes the blog - 2 if By Sea . I love the color mix of ruby crystals, silver fluted rounds, silver pearls and fossil jasper focal bead.

Check back on Feb. 10, when I will reveal the finished project using this beautiful collection.

Chocolate Kiss Necklaces

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:10:00 +0000

Looking for a sweet treat for your valentine? A gift that melts her heart, but not in her hand? How about a gem chocolate kiss necklace?

Available in smoky quartz on a sterling silver chain (small and large) or whisky quartz on a 14k gold-fill chain.
Click here to view

I was honored to see that that Erika at MyShoppingConnection.com likes these necklaces enough to feature them in her Gifts She'll Love article. Thanks, Erika!

If you would like any help in selecting a jewelry gift for your valentine, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to offer you advice - info@heartsdesirejewelry.com

Happy New Year & Bead Soup party

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:46:00 +0000

Happy 2010 everyone! I'm excited for all the possibilities this new decade opens up and looking forward to all the new experiences it will bring.

One of the new experiences I will be trying out right away is a Bead Soup Party being hosted by my talented jewelry making friend, Lori Anderson on her blog Pretty Things.

By participating, I will exchange a "party pack" (set of supplies to make a necklace) with another jewelry artist. I'll make up a design using the elements in my party pack and post a picture of the results here.

I love the idea of this challenge becuase one of of my new year's resolutions is to explore my creativity more and this sounds like a fun way to accomplish that. Check back on Feb. 1 to see what I have made :)

Holiday Orders

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:36:00 +0000

PLUS Model Magazine

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:25:00 +0000

I have been honored this month in the December issue of PLUS Model Magazine. Stylist Reah Norman interviewed me and posed my jewelry in a gorgeous photo shoot on the lovely Silvia Rho. Other very creative talents involved in the spread were make-up artist Artemis and photographer Kevin Bailey.

Many thanks to editor Maddy Figueroa-Jones for including me and my jewelry in this stunning issue!

You can click here to view the rest of the photos in the article titled "Beauty For The Holidays"

You can click here to read the interview in the article titled "
Jewelry with Passion... An Interview With the Creative Forces Behind Heart's Desire"

The jewelry is all available for sale at heartsdesirejewelry.com

Gemini Magazine Luxe Issue Article

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:04:00 +0000

I was surprised and honored today by the talented and very supportive Gemini Magazine editor, Sommer Johnson.

She published a beautiful spread in the magazine's Luxe issue featuring my jewelry. Thank you, Sommer!

Have a look here ... Gemini Magazine Luxe Issue

Pink Magazine's Fall Empowerment Series

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:40:00 +0000

I've signed up to be a vendor at PINK magazine's Fall Empowerment lecture series on October 28. It looks like a great line up of wisdom and advice from

some special women...

Leslie Blodgett - CEO, Bare Escentuals

Donnalee DeMaio - President, MetLife Bank

Luanne Tierney - Vice President,
Worldwide Channels Marketing, Cisco Systems

PINK magazine celebrates a global mission of equity and opportunity-a movement acknowledging all that women are today and will be tomorrow, each deserving the chance to realize her fullest human potential;

to have a beautiful career, a beautiful life.

They sent me a discount code to pass on to anyone who would like to register and sign up for the event. The women at Pink promise that it will be an amazing networking event and wonderful education and learning development opportunity!

Registration Page - click to sign up here

Discount Code - DISC130 - (ticket price $130) - $50 off the purchase price

Come by to see me at Open Studios...

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Now you can find HDJ at ...

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Two new locations!

My jewelry can now be found at Gallery 34 in downtown Tiburon and Handworks in downtown Danville. If you are in either of those areas, please stop in and check them out.

Gallery 34
34 Main Street
Tiburon, CA 94920

Hand Works
155A Railroad Ave.
Danville, CA 94526

And the Winner Is....

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Congratulations to Manuela Collado for winning

the $100 Heart's Desire Jewelry Gift Certificate!

Many thanks to everyone who entered and sent in so many flattering words to describe how you all feel about my jewelry. I'm amazed at how few of the words were duplicated - you're all a really creative bunch!

I'm reviewing the list and will select the four words to splash on

the HDJ.com home page very soon.

Win a $100 HDJ.com gift certificate!!!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:08:00 +0000

Heartsdesirejewelry.com
is celebrating its one year anniversary!

We are going to update our look and would like your help.
Last year, we selected the words that splash across our home page

dramatic - treasures - romantic - desirable

because we think they describe the look and feel of our designs.

This year, we want to know what adjectives you think

best describe our jewelry

and we will award one lucky contestant

a gift certificate to HDJ.com for $100.

The pictures above may be some of the images used on our home page,

so you get an idea of what our new images will look like.

You can also view our jewelry by clicking on this link and visiting our website

Heart's Desire Jewelry

To enter, simply sign up for our e-mail list and reply to the confirmation e-mail

with the four words that you think best describe our jewelry

or the feeling you get when wearing it and you will be entered in the contest.

I will choose the winner via a random draw and select the four words

for our home page splash from among all the entries.

In order to qualify, everyone who would like to enter needs to

Join Our Email List

Deadline to submit your entry is September 28.

Winner will be contacted September 29 via e-mail and must respond to the announcement within 48 hours or another winner will be selected.

Good luck!

Happy Birthday September Babies!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:03:00 +0000

The gem variety of the mineral corundum, the Sapphire, is the modern and traditional September birthstone.

Sapphires occur in all colors of the rainbow although the correct name for a red Sapphire is the Ruby. These gems originally started out as pure aluminum oxide before being crystallized by intense pressure and heat many centuries ago. Variations in the amounts of iron oxide and titanium in the stone is what causes the variety of colors with the most well-known being a rich and clear, deep blue. The most exotic color is a rare variety of orangish-pink sapphire called Padparadsha, found in Sri Lanka. The name is derived from the Singhalese word for "lotus flower." This is the only Sapphire (besides the Ruby) to be given its own name.

Sapphires are one of the precious gemstones along with ruby, diamond and emerald. They have excellent hardness, second only to the diamond. These blue gems are commonly heated to permanently improve their color and reduce cloudiness caused by rutile inclusions, which is usually considered a negative quality.

In the case of rare Star Sapphires, it is these rutile inclusions that make the gems valuable. Rutile is a mineral composed of mostly titanium dioxide that creates the six pointed star effect called asterism. You can see this effect in a cabochon, or half dome cut gem, as the light crosses the surface when the gem is being moved.

The name corundum comes from the ancient Sanskrit "kuruvindam", while the name Sapphire is derived from the Persian word "safir", meaning "beloved of Saturn" or possibly from the Greek word "sapphirus", meaning blue. There were a few myths from ancient cultures that are associated with the Sapphire. The ancient Persians thought that the sky was a vast sapphire and the Earth was imbedded in it. As a result, its reflection colored the sky a beautiful blue. Another is a belief that Sapphires were derived from the gods and swallowed by the sea. Biblical legends point to the blue gem as the most sacred of gemstones by claiming that Moses was given the Ten Commandments on tablets of Sapphire.

Sapphire is associated with physical and emotional balance. It is said to calm feelings of hate and anger and allow clarity of thought, bringing peace to anyone who wears it. Sapphires were prized among priests and kings, who considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. Because it is thought to enhance the influence of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, Sapphire is a symbol of long term relationships. It is thought to enhance the qualities required in a healthy relationship...like loyalty, faithfulness, truth and reliability. A gift of Sapphire represents sincerity and faithfulness.

The jewelry items pictured here can be purchased on www.heartsdesirejewelry.com . Click on the picture for more information.

Count Me In!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:25:00 +0000

During the month of September 2009, SheFinds.com is running a promotion with Count Me In , a support group for women entrepreneurs to raise money for the organization and help boutique designers get the word out about their designs. As a designer, my task was to create an original piece that incorporates either the motto "Believe In You", the Count Me In logo, and/or the official Count Me In colors into the design and donate a portion of the proceeds to Count Me In.

I chose to use the colors and came up with these two necklace designs...

Independence Necklace Count Me In Necklace

I am donating 25% of the proceeds from the sale of these necklaces.

To see more of the designs click here -

New Spaces

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:03:00 +0000

I apologize for being a bit quiet recently, but I have good reasons. I've been putting all my energy into designing new jewelry pieces and exploring new ways to get my pieces seen. One of those places is the City Art Gallery in San Francisco. The gallery is an artist co-op located at 828 Valencia St in the Mission District of SF.

I've really enjoyed getting to know a lot of the amazing and talented artists who belong. There are 200 or so members, so I have only met a handful so far. I have also enjoyed meeting the customers who visit us from all across the globe.

My first sale was to a beautiful family from the Boston area and my second sale today was to a woman from Amsterdam.

I have my first exhibit up this month, featuring lampwork or artisan glass. If you get a chance to drop in, please have a look. All of my designs are in the left hand side of the display case as soon as you walk in the front door.

If you see my name on the sandwich sign out on the sidewalk in front of the gallery, pop in and say hello.

End of Season Sale!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:56:00 +0000

All items at www.heartsdesirejewelry.com
are an economy stimulating 50% off
now through Sept. 6

Enter promo code EOS50 at checkout
to receive the discount.

News this special is too good to keep to yourself, so tell all your friends!

Due to the deep discounts, all sales are final, but our
quality guarantee will still apply.

Happy Birthday August Babies!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 02:33:00 +0000

Peridot is the modern birthstone for the month of August. This yellowish-green jewel is actually the transparent, gem quality version of the mineral Olivine.

Olivine is an abundant mineral, but in comparison,

gem quality Peridot is relatively rare.

Geologists believe that Peridot is formed on rocks floating in the earth's mantle approximately 20 to 55 miles below the surface. They need an extremely high temperature to crystallize, which happens as the gems are brought to the surface of the earth during a volcanic eruption.

The intensity and tint of the green in each gem depends on how much iron it contains. The lower the iron contents of the Peridot, the more beautiful the color. The most valuable color is considered to be a dark-olive green. Any brown in the color or visible inclusion in the stone lessens its value.

Nickel and chromium are also found in this gem as trace elements, so if you have an allergy to nickel, be careful not to wear this gem against your skin. Because of its high mineral content, it is prone to inclusions and difficult to find larger clean Peridot gems. Larger sized stones will be higher priced as in other top quality colored gems.

The history of Peridot can be traced back four thousand years where it was written about in the Bible under the Hebrew name of 'pitdah'. Egyptians held it in high regard as a symbol of nature and strength, calling it the gem of the sun. When Hawaiian natives discovered Peridot crystals in the black sand, they called them tears of Pele, the volcano goddess.

Up until the 18th century, Peridot was known as topaz. It was then renamed by the French, derived from the word 'peritot', meaning unclear or possibly from the Arabic word 'faridat', which means gem.

Many believe that Peridot is a symbol of vitality from nature that signifies strength and that the wearer of Peridot will enjoy happiness in marriage and both emotional and physical confidence.

Sardonyx is the traditional August Birthstone. It is an opaque mineral from the very large quartz family and more specifically, it is an onyx. While black onyx has black bands that are often hard to detect because they are all black, the layered colored bands of Sardonyx are shades of white and red. The name Sardonyx comes from the Greek word Sard meaning reddish brown.

Even though Sardonyx is not an expensive gem, it has been popular through the ages. Egyptians wore it as an amulet to guard against illness and harm. The stone was found in an archaeological dig at Knossos, Crete among the artwork of the Minoan civilization. It has often been used by many cultures for carving cameos. The image of the person would be carved into a white band with a colored band as the background. Roman soldiers would carve images of their heroes and gods in the hopes that by wearing their likeness they would assume their qualities.

Sardonyx is considered to offer protection and strength to its wearer. A gift of this stone is symbolic of a committed and happy relationship.

The jewelry items pictured here can be purchased on www.heartsdesirejewelry.com . Click on the picture for more information.

Best of the East Bay Party!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:29:00 +0000

This year the East Bay Express will be celebrating its winners of the 2009 Best of the East Bay Issue by throwing the biggest visual and performing arts party the East Bay has ever seen featuring headlining bands, films, fashion, performing arts, live art, music and a kids Zone for younger party goers.

Style Lounge will join this event with the ultimate shopping experience and fashion show. Shop from independent designers and artists and find the latest wares in clothing, jewelry, accessories, art, home décor and indulge in free make-overs by the SF Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology.

D.A.I. (Designers, Artists, Innovators) mission is to support and promote designers, artists and those with innovation, vision and passion for their creations. D.A.I. is dedicated to showcasing emerging designers and artists through public events, exhibitions, fashion shows and shopping events. Since founded in 2006, D.A.I. has partnered with the community to raise awareness and over 100K in funds for pertinent issues and non-profit organizations.
For more details, please visit www.mystylelounge.com or www.daievents.com

Time: 5pm-12am Where: Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street at 10th near Lake Merritt Oakland, CA 94607

Lakefest '09

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Join Hearts Desire Jewelry

this weekend at

Lakefest '09

This weekend in Oakland-LAKEFEST '09 August 1st and 2nd, 10a-6p!

Look for us between the Peet's Coffee and Long's Drugstore.

Free, all-ages street festival featuring live musical performers covering a wide spectrum of genres from reggae to world beat to folk to rock to country-and just about everything in-between.

Lakeshore Ave will be turned into a pedestrian zone from Lake Park to Mandana to host this free community event with... artisans, gourmet food, merchant sidewalk sale, art installations, "green" businesses and non-profits, street performers and a children's fun zone.

SF Fashion Awards

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:39:00 +0000

How many hotels can claim that Keanu Reeves, Joan Jett,Vincent Gallo and Little Richard have graced their mattresses (no, silly, not all at the same time!)?

How many hotels are the crash pad and launching pad for world-renowned bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Psychedelic Furs and Pearl Jam;

and up-and-comers like The Killers, Bloc Party and The Shins?

With so much creative energy swirling around you never know who might be strumming a guitar, posing for a photo shoot

or just kicking back by the pool.

Enter - The Second Annual San Francisco Fashion Awards

at The Hotel Phoenix next week Sunday, July 26:

The most promising summer event and Awards Show in San Francisco,featuring 13 emerging local designers, 15 Fashion Vendors,

Rock and Roll Band,Beautiful People, Models and spirits.
Visit: http://www.sanfranciscofashionawards.com

Come and Join us for the Second Annual San Francisco Fashion Awards. The most fun Summer Fashion Event in San Francisco. Including Pool Party, BBQ, Runway Show with 13 Designers, plus a Trunk Sale. I will be there with a table full of goodies - some discounted by as much as 50% off!

ADVANCE TICKETS SOLD HERE: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/71881

Happy Birthday, July Babies!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:10:00 +0000

The luscious Ruby is the modern and traditional birthstone for the month of July. It is a fine and precious gemstone that has been celebrated as one of the most valuable of all gemstones for thousands of years. Rubies are members of the Corundum mineral family, along with Sapphires. In fact, Rubies are simply red Sapphires.

Corundum is naturally clear in its pure form, but they become Rubies when other minerals are introduced. They can vary in color from a pink, purple or brownish shade of red depending on how much chromium, titanium and iron are in the mix.
Rubies are the second hardest of gemstones - only Diamonds are harder. The transparency of the stone is not as important as the color, with the pure red to reddish blue being the most valuable. Like Emeralds, inclusions are acceptable in a Ruby because it is proof that the gem is natural and unique, the way a fingerprint is unique to each individual person. While the general rule is to look for stones that have no inclusions visible to the naked eye, a fine silken sheen throughout the stone, known as chatoyancy, can actually enhance their beauty.

The silken sheen on rubies is caused by titanium dioxide mineral deposits, or rutiles. Some rubies are known to display a six spoke star when the gem is cut into a cabochon form. This star is caused by light reflecting off very fine needles of rutile deposited within the gem in a star shape. This play of light is called asterism.

Rubies are often heat-treated to improve their color and clarity, a practice that has been around since 50 AD. That enhancement is safe and permanent. A more modern enhancement used on rubies is to fill fractures with dyed polymers and oils. Since Rubies are a very hard gem, they can withstand most cleaning methods, unless they have been filled. If you are unsure of your gemstone's pedigree, skip harsher cleaning methods and simply wipe them with a warm, sudsy cloth.

The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red and was called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus. It has been celebrated through history because its luscious color is a symbol of love and passion as well as fire and power. Rubies are the sacred stones of the Burmese, who compare it to a human soul about to enter the precincts of the Buddha. The red gem was often worn by royalty as a charm against evil.

Many cultures revere the Ruby as having magical powers. They were thought to forecast danger by turning darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past. It was even considered to be medicinal by some ancient cultures. Ground to a powder and placed on the tongue, the Ruby was used as a cure for indigestion and liver disorders. It was also thought to heal snake bites and bleeding.

The Ruby's lush red color has long been symbolic of unbridled, everlasting love. Ancient lore says that when it is worn on the left side of the body or on the left hand, the Ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer.

For more information or to purchase the jewelry showcased here, simply click on the picture.

Happy Birthday, June Babies!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:52:00 +0000

You have three choices for your birthstone if you were born in June. The traditional June birthstone is Alexandrite and the modern birthstones are Pearl and Moonstone.

Alexandrite is a color changing variety of the mineral Chrysoberyl. This coloration is due to the balanced situation of the trace element, chromium and the way different light waves reflect different colors. In incandescent light the gem appears red, mauve or brown while sunlight or fluorescent light gives it a green appearance.

High quality natural alexandrite gems are so rare that chances are if you find a large stone with no inclusions on the market today, it is most likely lab created or synthetic. It is therefore important to buy this gem only from a reputable dealer and to ask for GIA certification.

Alexandrite was named after Alexander the II of Russia when it was discovered there in the Ural Mountains in 1831. The gem is thought by Russians to bring good fortune. Some people also believe Alexandrite to help you experience joy and bolster your self esteem.

Pearls, have always been highly valued through history for their beauty and elegance. All pearls are formed inside the shells of a mollusk when its defense system coats an irritant, such as a particle of sand with layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin, forming the lustrous substance called nacre. Natural pearls, those formed without any human intervention, are rare. Cultured pearls that are created when an irritant is planted inside the mollusk are much more plentiful. Freshwater pearls are formed in lake, pond and river mussels while salt water pearls are from ocean and sea oysters.

When selecting pearl jewelry, the natural, larger, perfectly round pearls are usually the most expensive, but luster, size, how they were grown, color and type all play a part in the value of a pearl. Thick nacre and luster, an intense brightness that illuminates from within the pearl, are also important factors to consider.

Stories of the pearl's origin vary from different ancient civilizations. According to Arab legend, pearls were formed when drops from the moon were swallowed by oysters. The Greeks believed that when Aphrodite was born from the sea, she shed tears of joy, which hardened into pearls. The Chinese thought that pearls came from the brains of dragons. All through time and to this day, a gift of pearls is considered a symbol of love.

Moonstone, belongs to the large mineral family of feldspars, a variety known as adularia. It is an opalescent stone which can range from colorless to white, peach, pink, yellow, brown or gray with a luminous glow and silvery sheen. This distinctive shimmering effect is called adularescence which is due to the refraction of light rays within the gem. Rainbow moonstone is transparent to milky white with a bluish sheen from the mineral albite.

According to Roman legend, the moonstone was formed from the light of the moon.
There are many healing properties associated with moonstone, especially dealing with inner peace, femininity and the emotions. A gift of this stone is symbolic of health and longevity, and said to arouse passion when given as a gift between lovers.

All of these designs now available for viewing or for purchase on our site - just click on the pictures for more info.

Color Trend - Blue

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:46:00 +0000

Wrapping up my series on color trends for Spring / Summer 2009 is the blues.

Pantone, the color experts, really only name one shade of blue this season, Palace Blue, as a trend color, but I am also including Slate Gray in this post because of its blue undertones.

According to Pantone, "Palace Blue, a favorite among designers this season, takes a steadfast, classic, spring navy-like tone and makes it sparkle. Paired with just about any color in the report, it offers many intriguing spring combinations."

Blue looks stunning when worn with greys and black and very clean looking with white so try adding a bold blue accent, like a statement necklace, to brighten your neutral outfit.

Pantone's cool Slate Gray is a nuanced neutral that can be paired with any of the other nine colors in the report. Wearing it with a soft pink is subtle and very feminine, but contrasting it with one of the bright colors makes it edgy and bold.

I can picture this necklace worn with a white linen blouse and black pants for crisp, clean summer look. Think of it on a hot pink, bright yellow or orange top for a very modern statement. Keep it simple. Keep it updated. Keep it new!

Remember as the great Coco Chanel once said, "The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good, on you!" For more information on the Pantone color report, click here.

For more info or to purchase the jewelry shown here, you can click on the pictures or go to http://www.heartsdesirejewelry.com/ .

Happy Birthday, May Babies!

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Happy Birthday May Babies! Your traditional and modern birthstone is the precious and valuable emerald. This beautiful green gem is a variety of the mineral beryl ...the same family as morganite and aquamarine. Pure Beryl is clear white, but the chromium impurities in emeralds are what give the gem its green color.

The gem's value is graded on it's color and clarity. Because emeralds are naturally highly included, they are almost always treated with oil during the lapidary process. This oil helps improve the gem's clarity. Better quality stones are a bright, medium to dark green. Because of the oil treatment, emeralds should never be cleaned with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or washed with soap.

The word "emerald" originated from the Sanskrit word 'marakata' which evolved through many languages to the Old French 'esmeralde', meaning green gemstone.

The earliest emeralds were found in Egypt where the pharaohs exhausted the mines near the Red Sea known as the Cleopatra Mines between 3000 and 1500 B.C . Emeralds are now found in Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Besides being important as royal stones to many cultures, emeralds have also been important to many religions as well. The green gem is a holy stone for the Incas and Aztecs. In India, the holy scriptures, the Vedas, claim that emeralds bring good luck and enhance well being. The Roman goddess of love and beauty, Venus, used the emerald as a talisman to represent faith, fertility, goodness and kindness.

Some believe that these stones will improve memory, intelligence, patience and enhance clairvoyance. Gemstone lore hold that emeralds are worn to promote healing and enhance love and contentment.

All of these designs now available for viewing or for purchase on our site - just click on the pictures for more info.

Mother's Day is May 10

annmarie@heartsdesirejewelry.com (Heart's Desire Jewelry) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Mother's Day is May 10,
Send her a gift from the heart.

At Heart's Desire Jewelry, we have stylish gifts that are
as unique and beautiful as your mom.

As one of our special customers, enjoy a 20% discount off every item on our website
during our Mother's Day Sale.

Simply enter the promotional code "iheartmom"

during checkout through May10 at midnight.

Don't forget - we always ship & gift wrap for free. International shipping is available for an additional fee.

Shop now at http://heartsdesirejewelry.com