New for 2013:


Amethyst, gray freshwater pearls, and Czech glass beads.  The necklace is approximately 20" long with 2" extender.   Earrings are included with the set.    I have paired this will a lovely, yet unconventional choice of an art deco pendant in green corundum (sapphire) and white topaz.  Chain and setting are sterling silver.

This is a beautiful girlie girl set.  There are two rose quartz and Czech glass necklaces with the bottom necklace also having rhinestone beads.  Bringing the two pieces together is a fabulous, estate rhinestone floral brooch.  There are also matching earrings and stretch bracelets added to the set.

A nod to Native American design, this set is composed of (1)  36" necklace made from coral, black onyx, turquoise, and sterling silver beads, and the bottom necklace is sponge coral, branch coral, and turquoise slabs.  A lovely interpretation of Americana.

I love this grouping.  All of you followers know how I feel about greens and blues!  The first necklace (from top) is a unusual barrel shaped, faceted green howlite inter spaced with green chalcedony rondelles.  The second necklace is a high-low design featuring the real gemstone of turquoise, but mixed with large ivory glass pearls, and rhinestone beads.  There are matching earrings available to this as well.  The bottom pendant is from my cutlery collection.  It is from a large silver plated serving spoon.  The design on it is floral, and lovely.  It is approximately 3" inches long.

If you see anything that you like in the designs or on the other pictures listed, please contact me via my e-mail account.  I will be adding new pieces upon their completion.   Please like my No Shrinking Violets Facebook page which will also keep you up to date with the line.  Shalom friends.

2013: The Year of the Snake

        

     Every year brings a new animal in the 12 year Chinese Zodiac Cycle.  This year has brought the snake slithering back to its iconic position.  Many people list snakes in their top ten personal fears.   However, the snake has often times been symbolized as clever and resilient.  In England, Queen Victoria, used to send snake rings to her allies as a symbol of trust and fidelity.  In Asian culture, snakes are revered and seen as good luck for the house that possessed them.  Specifically, it meant that your family would not go hungry and you would maintain your wealth.

     Snake years in the zodiac cycle include:  1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and upcoming 2025.  People born under this sign are intuitive, introspective, and refined.  They are physically attractive people who do not become flustered easily.  They are graceful people, exciting, but can be dark in temperament at the same time.

     In the Chinese Zodiac, a sign is tempered by one of the five elements overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12 year cycle.  The elements are:  Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.  This is the example of the above by year and classification:

Metal Snake- 1941 and 2001

Water Snake- 1953 and 2013

Wood Snake- 1905 and 1965

Fire Snake- 1917 and 1977

Earth Snake-1929 and 1989

Since this is the year of the water snake, here is a brief description of their specialized qualities.  Water snakes are influential and insightful.  They manage others well and tend to be good for organizations to utilize as staff and officers.  They are motivated and intellectual.  They are affectionate to friends and family but keep this side of their personalities private.
     Snakes are  compatible with the Ox, Rooster, and Dragon.  They should stay away from the Pig, Monkey, and Tiger.  Some famous celebrity snakes include:  Bob Dylan, Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Dean Martin, Simon and Garfunkel, and Oprah Winfrey.
     The year of the snake is also significant to me as a jewelry designer.  Snakes are a well balanced, asymmetrical form.  They are sexy and edgy.  They are also a directional form, leading the eye to where the wearer wants it to go.  When set with gemstones or rhinestones, the snake becomes a directional spotlight.  This year the hot trend of "critter" jewelry is still smokin'.  I am planning a few snake pieces for No Shrinking Violets.  I cannot wait to see what other designers find intoxicating and undeniable about this form.  Stay tuned snake lovers:)