Kalinkamalinka

All the Way from the Roman Empire …

This is another neat one. The stone is called Dacite, a volcanic, igneous stone originally identified near Dacia, the former Roman province that lay between the Danube and the Carpathian mountains (leading someone around here to refer to this pendant as “Dracula stone).

It is a quite dramatic pendant, with two sold Sterling bezels hinged in the middle, showcasing the unique striations and “crackling” that gives this variety the name “Banded Dacite.”

Another neat feature of this pendant is the “hook bale” behind the piece, which allows you to hang it on a chain or ribbon, choker, or even on something like a string of pearls for versatile (and dramatic) effect.

Whether you’re of volcanic (but now cooled) temperament, are drawn to the dark mystery of the Carpathians, or just think this is a cool looking piece of jewelry, it can be yours at a temporarily discounted price!

Taken for Granite

This one’s a bit of an oddity. Once in a while we’ll come across a piece of jewelry that we have to add to our collection (at least temporarily) because it’s just so interesting, or beautiful, or just plain cool. Sometimes, it’s stuff that we wouldn’t ordinarily carry … like something we can’t get 100% stone identification on.

We’re pretty sure this is gemstone-quality granite (it exists!). Granite is really only just a mixture of four types of minerals: quartz (a big gemstone family, including topaz, amethyst, citrine, etc.!), feldspar (moonstones, labradorite), mica and “horneblende” which is really more of a mix of minerals.

Even if our guess is correct, it’s an unusual example because it appears to be so “flowy.” Whatever it is, if you’re partial to earthtones or bigger, more organic pieces, this is one you’ll want to have a look at.

Sterling silver bezel and bale, granite (?) pendant measures 2.25″ x 1.75″. Ordinarily a piece this large would be a bit more expensive, but since we can’t ID the stone without doubt, we’re offering it at a substantial discount.

Timeless & Modern Celtic Design

Celtic knot-work motifs are among the oldest ornamental themes in the art and adornment of Western Europe, originating in the late Roman empire where examples of it can be found in tile and mosaic work around the Roman world.

It may even be older still—striking similarities are found in interlaced “woven” ornamental patterns from Medieval Russia to Coptic and Eastern African art.

Whatever their ultimate origins, the spiraling interlocked patterns have come to be associated most strongly with the Celts, and this design is as classic and timeless as it is clean and modern.

1.75″ solid sterling pendant hangs from a beautiful 18″ sterling chain.

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Reveal your inner Juliet

Renaissance-inspired trellis patterned earrings are both structured and airy, with a little vine-shaded balcony thing going on as well. Romantic, elegant, and a little mysterious.

A 1” stylized leaf shape dangle with repeating diamond-shaped pattern hangs suspended from marcasite-dotted posts. Total length of earring 1.5”, sterling silver and marcasite composition.

Serious sweetness!

Classic etched puffy hearts … think dark chocolate and candle light, or a sweet old-fashioned valentine.

Timeless without being stodgy, these can also provide just the right hint of femininity to work and play clothes.

Design etched on both sides of the 5/8th” hearts, full length with hook 1.5”. Solid sterling silver.

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Tropical Heat

These Indonesian-style sterling filigree earrings look almost hand-carved, with a carnelian flame at the center of each that evokes a candle-lit tropical night, a cooling breeze through a hand-carved sandalwood screen, and perhaps distant gamelan music.

Also they are just plain pretty.

The stones are well-matched and without noticeable inclusion, and as always the earrings and earring hooks are hypoallergenic sterling silver.

Just the thing if you’re looking to add a touch of the exotic to your routine.

Classic Bali Silverwork

I really dig these earrings.

When I first saw these, they reminded me of those little candies you aren’t supposed to eat that go on a cake. I always thought that was a strange and kind of cruel thing to invent, but I digress.

These have a distinct southeast Asian influence (the detailed and precise “granulation” effect has been done by hand for centuries in Bali, and if often referred to as “Bali-balls” or “Bali-work”).

Like many classic designs, you can perceive echos of other designs—for me, these are a little evocative of East African art and even a little Art Deco. Funny how one thing can make you think of so many other things.

The sterling disc-and-spheres earring is 3/4″ long, making the complete earring about 1.5″ total length.

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Light as a feather, cool as all that

I have wimpy earlobes (both thin and small) and I am loathe to wear heavy earrings which cause much tugging and sagging. My love of intricate, complex jewelry designs runs directly against my anatomical shortcomings, most of the time.

Sometimes, you get lucky.

These earrings love my ears for who they are, without any sacrifice of style or beauty. Feather-light handmade sterling filigree with light-catching sterling dangles. An ages-old traditional technique and design updated a bit for comfort and economy. Earring, complete with charming little dangles, hangs about 2″ total length.