Natural Jewelry Care: How to Clean Your Jewelry Using Soap and Water

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are overlooked.  When it comes to cleaning jewelry, I always like to start simple with a focus on quick, easy, and environmentally friendly.  Using soap and water is one way to do just that. How To Clean Your Jewelry Using Soap and Water: Gather the following supplies: bowl, natural dish soap, soft bristled brush, natural paper towels or cloth, your jewelry to be cleaned Fill a bowl with warm water Add a drop or two of natural dish detergent (the specific amount will depend on the size of the bowl, but it should be minimal) Gently stir the water to mix the soap with the water Add your jewelry to the soapy water Gently “stir” your jewelry in the water, and if necessary, use a soft bristled brush to really clean your jewelry and get in the hard-to-reach spaces Remove, rinse well under running water, then … [Continue reading]

Gemstone Feature- Sapphire (September’s Birthstone)

Gorgeous deep blue Sapphires are the birthstone for September.  A symbol of truth, sincerity, and faithfulness, sapphire is said to help with mental clarity.  Sapphire is considered a precious stone. Color:  Can range in hues, from colorless to blue, grey, black, yellow, pink, purple, orange, brown, and green variations. Blue sapphire with distinctly violet undertones is especially valued.  There’s also a rare variety of sapphire that changes colors altogether according to the light. Source:   Madagascar is the primary source of sapphires. But it can also be found in India, Australia, Thailand, Pakistan, Kenya, China, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the US. Age:  It became known as a gemstone around Roman times. Family:  Corundum Hardness:  9 on the Mohs scale Gemstone Properties/Healing Properties:   Associated with faithfulness and sincerity, sapphires are said to induce mental clarity and perception. It also helps one get rid of negative thinking patterns. Health-wise, it’s also helpful with sore throats and diseases of … [Continue reading]

Inspired by Apples- Etsy Treasury of the Week

Apples are now in season!  Feeling inspired by apples I created a treasury with beautiful items with the color Apple Red.  I hope you enjoy this weeks treasury! Click on the image to to be taken to the treasury on Etsy. Visit us at www.ambertortoise.com

The Beautiful Turtle- Etsy Treasury of the Week

This week, I am feeling inspired by the Ambertortoise logo so I have created a treasury of creative and beautiful handmade Turtle items. I hope you enjoy this weeks treasury!   Click on the image to be taken to the treasury on Etsy.

Thanks For Helping Us Grow Teacher Gifts- Etsy Treasury of the Week

Looking for something small but meaningful to gift to your child’s teacher this Fall as they head back to school? Check out these wonderful handmade creations by Etsy artists that teachers are sure to love. I hope you enjoy this week’s treasury! Click on the image to be taken to the treasury on Etsy. www.ambertortoise.com

Summer Class: Learn How to Make a Pair of Beaded Earrings

Please join me this Friday, 08/17, from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Silver Circle Studio in Putnam, CT to learn how to make beautiful beaded earrings. Details are below.  You can register online here. Wine Down: Make a Pair of Beaded Earrings: Start your weeked with some creative fun!  Bring friends, wine for sharing, and relax with a creative project and light refreshments. Learn how to make beautiful beaded dangle earrings with jewelry designer Crista Grasso. Choose from copper or silver and a variety of gemstones and crystals to select from. Perfect for beginners or those who have experience but want to perfect making wrapped loops. Day/Time: Friday 8/17, 6:30-8:30pm. Cost: $40 www.ambertortoise.com

Back To School- Etsy Treasury of the Week

School will soon be back in session; so I went on a hunt for some great handmade items that will get the school year started off right.  These items will make a child’s upcoming school year fun and help keep parents organized. I hope you enjoy this week’s treasury! Click on the image to be taken to the treasury on Etsy.

Black & White- Etsy Treasury of the Week

This week, I am feeling inspired by black and white, my Mom’s all-time favorite!  Check out these great handmade items on Etsy that do a great job combining black and white with a bright pop of color.  I hope you enjoy this week’s treasury. Click the image to be taken to the treasury on Etsy. Visit our online jewelry boutique at www.ambertortoise.com.

Inspired by Butterflies- Etsy Treasury of the Week

This week, I am feeling inspired by butterflies, so I went on the hunt for some great handmade butterfly-themed items on Etsy and this is what I found.  I hope you enjoy this week’s treasury! Click the image to be taken to the treasury on Etsy.

2012 Fall Fashion and Jewelry Trends

Last year I showcased some of the hottest fashion trends of the 2011 Fall season, and the perfect jewelry to accompany them. In 2011 fashion was all about bold colors, and bright, bold statement jewelry. This year fashion has taken a swing – toward classic styles, raw edges and natural materials. Fashionistas are becoming more eco-conscious, and this is translating into shopping habits. Fashion is no longer just about the clothes you wear, but an awareness of where they came from and the material they’re made out of. The “buy handmade” mantra is becoming mainstream. Here are some of the emerging fashion and jewelry trends for Fall 2012. Unsheathed It seems Kate Middleton has brought the sheath dress back into the limelight, and fashionistas are flocking to the classic silhouette. Understated and sexy, this year sheath dresses are getting a makeover with many being embellished with fur and leather details, … [Continue reading]

Visit our online jewelry boutique at www.ambertortoise.com.