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Also known as drusy, druze or druse, druzy rocks are the result of tiny crystals forming on a stone’s surface. This natural process occurs when water washes over a rock, bringing with it an abundance of minerals which, once the water evaporates and cools, form the crystals seen today. Who knew science could be so pretty!?
Typically, druzy crystals collect along riverbeds and shorelines, with many coastal locations offering the perfect raw source for extraction. Luckily for those of us infatuated with sparkle, druzy is one of the easiest rocks to sculpt and cut into shape, making it a popular choice for jewelry design. But although these glittery gems look delicate, druzy is seriously durable.
Not content with simply being an exquisite trinket to wear, druzy is also said to hold powerful metaphysical and healing properties. Bringing joy and light to any environment, psychics believe the stone can amplify the body’s natural healing powers, open up your energy flow and strengthen the spirit. In other words, if you’re feeling a little unhinged, looking to realign your inner psyche or simply wishing to create inner harmony… a druzy crystal could be the genie in a bottle you were hoping for! They’re also believed to offer balance to those susceptible to anxiety or negative feeling. If you’re a sensitive soul battling with a spectrum of emotion, it might be time to head to the jewelry store instead of the doctor’s office - it’s called retail “therapy” for a reason!
It’s also worth touching on the subject of fake druzy versus authentic druzy. Unfortunately, it’s very common for fakes to be sold under false pretence, but it’s also fairly easy to spot if you know what to look for! Any stone with a jagged surface can be made to look like the real deal with a little colored paint, but it’s the way it settles into the grooves and evens out the surface of the druzy that gives the game away. As a result, the crystalline structure loses its definition and appears far less sparkly. Another way to spot a dupe is to examine the side of the rock. If the edges are straight and gray along the side, hold onto your purse and look elsewhere! It’s better to buy druzy from a trusted brand, where you’re guaranteed to secure a genuine gem.
At this stage, investing in a druzy crystal doesn’t sound like a totally bad idea… The best part is, we’re completely spoilt for choice when it comes to browsing what’s available. Depending on the mineral, druzy gems form into almost any shade. Our own assortment of fuchsia, blue, gold, purple, silver and turquoise gems (to name a seriously select few), are enough to leave us weak at the knees! And for those who simply can’t decide which color to pick, our variety of rainbow druzy jewelry can settle that dilemma.
If you’re after a true touch of magic, a druzy stone looks exquisite in the form of a statement pendant. For those only looking to inject subtle detail into their style, you can opt for a more refined choice, such as a cuff bracelet or a pair of teardrop earrings. All of which are available to order immediately on site! We know you’re tempted…
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I've been selling on Handmade at Amazon since launch (October 2015) and what a whirlwind my life has become since then! I'm sure you have read all the horror story articles about why selling on Handmade at Amazon isn't a good idea as an artisan, but I'm here to give you the real deal.
Amazon Handmade is now available in the US, in Canada and in Europe.
It's true, Handmade at Amazon isn't for everyone. It isn't for every artist and it isn't for every small business but most importantly, it CAN be. So let's dive right into the details on why I say that:
My business began in 2007 on Etsy, after that I eventually opened up a website through Shopify or Squarespace or Wix or Weebly (honestly I think I've used them all at one time or another) and while I was making consistent sales it wasn't enough to quit my day job and pay all the bills. Fast forward to the summer of 2015, I had read about Handmade at Amazon opening and applied on a whim. I didn't really have any expectations and thought I had nothing to lose so why not give it a shot? I spent the next couple months setting up shop and adding listings for when it launched to the public. I was contacted by the Handmade at Amazon team prior to launch to have a couple of my items included in their holiday gift guides, which was exciting and peaked my hopes up a little bit.
Handmade at Amazon launched at 3am my time on October 8th 2015, and I amazingly woke up to over 50 sales that morning! I was completely blown away. I knew Amazon had the customers and the traffic, but I never in my wildest dreams expected this.
After a whirlwind of a holiday season, I quit my day job. I could not handle doing both at the same time anymore so I took a leap of faith and left my job to do what I love.
Amazon has been great for me, beyond the holiday gift guide features, I was also interviewed for their Amazon Transformation stories in February 2016 and had an Amazon team come to my home studio and select me as a Featured Artisan in July 2016! My sales have continued to not disappoint me and I'm now a 6-figure handmade business. I am living my dream and it's all thanks to Amazon! If I can do it, you can too! Amazon just takes a different mindset and figuring out how you can make it work for you, too.
This is one of the big reasons why I see other sellers shying away from giving Amazon a shot, but it shouldn't be. If you are pricing your work accordingly, Amazon fees are not that big of a deal, especially at the sales volume that can come from it.
Etsy fees usually equal out to about 8-10% when I account for listing fees, selling % fees and payment processing fees. Compare that to Amazon's 15% (plus $39.99 monthly fee that has been waived for ANOTHER year for Handmade sellers, until January 2018) and it's not bad at all.
Yes, if your business is more of a side hustle or hobby, Amazon likely isn't right for you. But if you want it to be more than that, then it definitely can!
Amazon payments are not available right away. New sellers will have a hold put on their account balance for a certain period of time to ensure there are no issues. Amazon covers themselves, as they should. As long as you are aware of this when starting it's not that bad. I am now paid out every 2 weeks and just need to budget bills and business expenses accordingly.
Fun Fact: When I woke up to those 50 orders the morning of launch, guess what? I had to pay shipping costs out of pocket for the first 2 weeks of orders. It wasn't easy because I wasn't prepared to do it and shipping from Canada to the US is VERY expensive, but thankfully, I had some capital funds put aside to invest in my business. I don't have access to shipping labels directly from Amazon (which would have helped, it would have came out of my shop fund balance) so it was tough.
Amazon has a rather generous return policy, which can sometimes hurt small handmade businesses but think of it this way - would you have as many sales as you have on Amazon if they didn't have such a generous return policy? It provides customers with some confidence when buying, which means more sales overall. It's actually a GOOD thing! Plus, Amazon does offer exemptions for customized or personalized items on handmade, too.
My return rate since starting on Amazon is right around 3% which overall for my type of product is not bad and absolutely acceptable.
Amazon has a lot of different policies in place which is why I always stress that Amazon needs to be for those who are really serious business owners. A few violations and you are out, Amazon isn't forgiving about policy violations so it's important to learn all you can prior to opening up shop and selling there. And this is not meant to scare you, it's meant to encourage you to take a serious look at your business, your business model and ensure that you research, research, research!
Applying to Handmade at Amazon is a juried process, which is one of the best things about it. I love that they limit categories (like jewelry is usually very over-saturated on most venues or markets), and their application process ensures that the items are handmade. While it's disheartening if you aren't accepted right away, it is generally a good thing, for both sellers and customers.
I've heard this argument a lot, especially when handmade first launched. Amazon's wording in their terms of service are:
License: You grant us a royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use, reproduce, perform, display, distribute, adapt, modify, re-format, create derivative works of, and otherwise commercially or non-commercially exploit in any manner, any and all of Your Materials, and to sublicense the foregoing rights to our Affiliates and operators of Amazon Associated Properties.
If you share work on Facebook or list on Etsy, you've likely already agreed to these exact same terms. It just means that Amazon can use your photos in banners or advertising as they see fit, or that they can translate your item descriptions to other languages, etc. Amazon has a line called Amazon Basics, beyond that they don't actually sell or manufacture anything.
What are your thoughts? Are you currently selling on Handmade at Amazon? If you are, how are you liking the platform? And if you're not, why not?
Want more info and to apply? Click the links below:
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These eye-catching 10 mm White Druzy Rose Gold Circle Earrings from Starletta Designs will delicately accentuate your lobes. When you pair them up with the White Druzy Rose Gold Circle Necklace, a classy rose gold accent on your overall look, you’ll get a sophisticated touch no modern bride would be able to resist.
If gold isn't the color you were envisioning for the look, give in to tradition, and go for teardrop earrings such as the White Druzy Teardrop Silver Earrings, which are made up of beautiful quartz beads. Looking for the perfect match? Try pairing it up with the White Druzy Silver Teardrop Necklace, that accentuates your neck, making it seem longer and more delicate.
When planning the wedding, the dress is obviously important, but adding just a few delicate colorful accents here and there is vital, such as the White Druzy Rose 14k Gold Teardrop Earrings and a White Druzy Rose 14k Gold Teardrop Necklace to keep the look cohesive.
The Rainbow Moonstone Cuff Bracelet made of copper is a stunning creation to add a little pizzazz if you don’t consider yourself a “traditional bride”. While it’s still a pretty demure choice, this unique piece can be adjusted slightly to fit any wrist size. It’ll make for an elegant touch as you’re holding a bouquet, walking the aisle to recite your vows.
The Rainbow Moonstone Rose Gold Bridal Necklace is an elegant choice for fun brides with a whimsical soul. With its Rondelle beads and 14k rose gold chain, this vibrant piece won't compete with the neckline of your dress. Just make sure that it meshes well with your other accessories, and most importantly, that beautiful dress you’re dying to try on, one more time.
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The Artisan Group is a wonderful group of artisans who support each other. I am thankful to have found this community and creative outlet in December 2013.
In fewer than four years, I have had my work on display at numerous on-site celebrity gifting events, selected by stylists to be worn onscreen for 12 television shows, and have received so many press mentions and publications that I can’t even count them all.
Generally, a television show opportunity will be posted with a description of what the stylist is looking for (certain styles, metals, and colors). If you feel that you have a piece that fits what the show is calling for, you sign up to send a piece in The Artisan Group’s collective swag bag to the stylist. If you don’t have something in your collection that immediately fits the call, you might consider creating something that you may not have come up with otherwise!
Once the stylist receives the swag bag, he/she chooses which pieces to pull from the bag and use on the show. You might get lucky and have one of your pieces snagged right away; other times, it can take persistence and a lot of patience to get a placement.
As of this blog date, Starletta Designs has had jewelry worn on these television shows:
The opportunities are endless! Throughout this process, The Artisan Group has provided me with endless support, confidence, encouragement, and business knowledge. My business would not be where it is today if I didn't find this group years ago.
If you are a handmade artisan and want to learn more, visit The Artisan Group’s website or send me your questions!
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Designers decided to step away from the pretty, delicate jewelry trends of Spring/Summer and up the ante by adorning their models’ outfits with cuffs, studs and spikes before they sent them down their Autumn/Winter 2017 runways. Thanks to fashion houses such as Alexander Wang, Gucci and Junya Watanabe - to name a few - jewelry just got fierce… And we kind of like it!
Put your own modern twist on this trend this season with our White Druzy Aluminum Cuff Bracelet. It features a 12mm white druzy gemstone that has been wrapped in sterling silver wire, and puts a serious stamp of attitude on any outfit.
Bigger is definitely better when it comes to this key Fall 2017 jewelry trend. Designers such as Marc Jacobs, Y/Project and Alexander Wang showcased edgy, wearable sculptures around their models’ necks, as well as unusual shapes and “out-there” motifs. This trend isn’t for the faint-hearted, so if you’re going to rock it, make sure you have the confidence to rock it with style.
You can create the “more is more” effect with our Long Black Onyx Beaded Layering Necklace which measures 32 inches in length. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also striking, feauturing black onyx faceted gemstone drop wire wrapped in 14 carat gold filled wire. It has the ability to dress up any outfit and is even more eye-catching when layered up with other necklaces.
Bling is officially back! Forget the understated, it’s all about the sparkle this A/W 17. Think: Studio 54 and 70s disco fever, and apply it to your jewelry looks, taking inspiration from Isabel Marant, Celine and Miu Miu. Simply add a glittery piece as a finishing touch to your party outfit this season and you'll stand out at any event, for all the right reasons.
Shine bright like a diamond with these stunning Rainbow Druzy Sterling Silver Circle Earrings. They feature genuine druzy quartz stones wrapped in sterling silver wire and hang from sterling hook ear wires. They are bling, without being too bling, and we think that’s just the perfect amount!
One of our favorite ever jewelry trends is back for A/W 2017! Bohemian chic reigned supreme on designer catwalks such as Gucci, Chanel and Mulberry for this upcoming season. It was all about showcasing unique gemstones and pretty beading through bracelets and rings, and stacking ‘em as high as possible, in order to make the maximum amount of impact!
We’re practically drooling over this Druzy Stone Metal Cuff Bracelet that has been stacked with several of its kind. The bangle has been manufactured in copper and highlights a 10mm druzy gemstone wrapped in 14 carat gold filled wire. Choose from white, fuchsia, dark gold, silver, rainbow and green hues for the gemstone - or simply buy them all and stack ‘em! Either way - it’s a win, win situation.
A touch of goth has been added to the proceedings with this fifth and final key Fall 2017 jewelry trend. Intriguing, mystical-looking emblems on necklaces and bracelets were showcased on A/W 17 designer catwalks such as Dior, Alberta Ferretii and Chanel. It was bold, it was daring, it was enchanting - and it looked like Halloween had come early!
Get the look with our Black Spinel Necklace, as worn by Phoebe Tonkin on the TV show “The Originals”. This piece has been handmade and features a uniquely cut black spinel gem with dark blue lapis lazuli stone accents, wrapped with 14 carat gold fill. We’re bedazzled, we’re in love - and we’re totally ready to embrace our inner Morticia Addams.
There’s certainly something for everyone when it comes to this year’s Fall jewelry trends. Whether you’re an avid trend follower keen to rock all of these looks, or you prefer to just dip in and out of trends and give a nod to them with key accents, don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unfamiliar this season. Everything’s bigger and bolder, which means you need to be braver, to not only be able to pull off the jewelry trends, but pull them off with style.
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If your skin is extremely sensitive to salt scrubs or you want to avoid using cancer-causing chemicals found in store-bought skincare products, then try sugar scrubs, which can remove dead skin cells without all that discomfort, and actually give your skin a nice afterfeel.
Not only do you get odor protection, but it can reduce body odor caused by sweat, and best of all, it reduces your risk of breast cancer, because, it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals.
If you want to freeze time on your face, (who doesn’t?) apply some miraculous olive cream. It's natural, and helps rehydrate with extra virgin olive oil and naturally healing organic honey, which is something we could all use, but without exposing ourselves to harsh additives. It’s hmm, hmm, good… but don’t eat it!
Moisturize the dryness of your lips away with a few swipes of 100% all-natural lip balms, and by all-natural, we mean it's going to taste great like flowers and fruits, instead of chemicals that feel like you made out with a car engine.
Dead Sea salt hits the brakes on overactive cellular growth, and is naturally anti-aging, smooths and softens dry skin, and gets rid of unsightly wrinkles. It can also improve blood flow to your skin and even treat things like psoriasis and eczema.
Exfoliation should be a top priority in your beauty regimen because it removes dirt, dead skin, improves your complexion, and evens your skin tone so you can reveal your true face to the world.
Bath Bombs come with two main ingredients, citric acid and baking soda, the latter being a natural mineral that is so good for your skin. Some bath bombs even come with essential oils designed to moisturize, and keep you looking young forever.
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Yellow gold filled jewelry is a good quality, more affordable alternative to solid gold. Also known as “rolled gold” or “gold overlay”, it’s easily confused with gold plating; however, the key difference is that it’s filled with solid gold, hence the name!
In terms of construction of gold filled jewelry, the layer of solid gold is bonded to a base metal (such as brass, rhodium, copper or sterling silver) using a specific amount of heat and pressure. The jewelry piece has to have solid gold content of at least 5% of its total weight, otherwise it’s not classed as gold filled.
“Yellow gold” refers to the specific coloring of the jewelry which, in this case, is widely recognized as the traditional gold hue. You can also get “white gold” (silver) filled jewelry, as well as “rose gold”.
Rose gold jewelry is becoming increasingly popular of late, and the “go-to” color of choice for the fashion-conscious, manufactured from a gold and copper alloy. The copper makes it pinkish-orange - but, when combined with solid gold fill, this turns the jewelry piece into its beautiful, distinctive rose gold hue.
You can get a lot of different variations of rose gold filled jewelry, based on the percentage of copper and solid gold used during construction. For example, 14K red, rose and pink gold have 58% gold fill – and 18K red, rose and pink gold have 75%! If you want your rose gold filled jewelry piece to be the prettiest pink possible, simply add more copper!
Solid gold jewelry is a substantial investment; but, simply put, buying gold filled jewelry over solid gold is definitely going to save you a few bucks! It’s also much more valuable than purchasing gold plating. Unlike gold plating, gold filled jewelry is tarnish resistant and won’t turn your skin green!
Furthermore, if you care for gold filled jewelry properly, it will last you a life time.
Caring for gold filled jewelry is not too much different from caring for other types of fine jewelry. Here are our top tips:
When it comes to fine jewelry, the choices are endless! But, like with anything, it’s best to have all of the information before you proceed with your decision. Whether you’re a gold filled jewelry convert or not, the most important thing is that you consider it as an option. Not only is it well-made, high quality, affordable and easy to care for – but it comes in a beautiful array of colors. We still can’t decide whether we prefer yellow gold fill or rose gold fill… Perhaps we’ll just have to get both!
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Here are just a few of my favorite looks from the shoot:
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Thank you The Artisan Group for this amazing opportunity!
We had 2 truly beautiful actresses try on one of our display pieces (Citrine and Hot Pink Gemstone Necklace) - Alicia Witt from Justified & The Mentalist, and Selenis Leyva from Orange is the New Black!
The necklace they are wearing is available for purchase here!