Custom Jewelry Orders

Have you ever needed jewelry to match a particular outfit and spent hours going from store to store looking for the right color, style or price? Next time consider having jewelry custom made by the designers at Charming Life Designs. It is often more affordable than what's available in major department stores and you get exactly what you want.
We will work with you to select the style, stones and color and email a photograph of the design for your approval. Upon approval, the jewelry is usually ready within a few days. It will save you time and provide you with a quality, handmade piece of jewelry that will last for years.

Lynn

The Perfect Pearl Necklace

I've always loved long strands of pearls, even the one's Grandma use to wear. And, I have always found myself wanting to have the option to wear those long necklaces as 2 necklaces (doubled-up) or even as a multi-strand bracelet. Sounds so simple, doesn't it? For some reason, those necklaces wear never quite the right length to suit my needs.

So, as the saying goes,"necessity is the mother of invention", I decided to design my own line of versatile jewelry. This pearl necklace was our first design. It hangs beautifully as a long strand of pearls, sterling silver beads, and clear rock crystal gemstones. It can be easily converted into a 2-layer necklace. If you prefer, it can wrap around your wrist to make an impressive pearl bracelet. Several links and a lobster clasps allows you to adjust the sizing to best fit your needs.

This necklace has become one of my personal favorites, and it truly is the perfect pearl necklace.

Barb

Jade

Jade has been used in jewelry for thousands of years all over the world and has come to be known for many different things. In China, it is believed to increase energy and symbolizes the five virtues of humanity: wisdom, compassion, justice, modesty, and courage. For believers in the metaphysical, jade is considered to have many different properties, from healing to emotional balance and stability, from strength to attracting and enhancing love. It’s also known as a stone of generosity. Jade comes in many different colors as well, such as green, lilac, white, pink, brown, red, blue, black, orange, yellow, and imperial, which is a deep emerald green. With such an assortment of colors, it’ll be easy to find the perfect color of jade to go with any outfit.

Andrea

The Queen of Gems

An unknown author once wrote, “The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens”.

Women have enjoyed pearls for centuries around the world. In America, the Native Americans were the first to collect and use freshwater pearls from the Mississippi River Basin. Interestingly, both males and females wore pearls as decoration. Many Native American tribes prized pearls. It is said that Pocahontas’ father amassed a large collection of pearls over his lifetime.

Women continue to wear and enjoy pearl jewelry today. With the introduction of cultured pearls, they have become more available and affordable. Cultured pearls are still considered real pearls as they are grown organically inside an oyster with the help of man to get the process started. Natural pearls are often found in estate sales where they are a part of an older jewelry collection. Because their formation is left to chance, they are more rare and more expensive. In 2007, a double strand of 68 perfect natural pearls was auctioned at Christie’s for $7 million.

Thank goodness for the introduction of the cultured pearl so the rest of us can enjoy our own strand of “perfect” pearls.

Lynn

Jumbo Swarovski Pearl Earring

This classic pearl earring can be worn all-day and into the night. The large, Swarvoski crystal pearl (12mm) hangs from a sturdy sterling silver leverback earring. Additional colors available.

Don't Leave Your House Naked!

I'm not sure about all the other women out there...but if I leave the house without my earrings I feel totally naked! I have even been known to duck into a discount store to grab a pair of cheap earrings before a meeting just so that I don't have to face the world without my baubles. It's amazing how two little seemingly innocuous pieces of jewelry can make or break your day! Now is the time to ramp up your current inventory to match the new Fall trends. Purples, greens and browns are big for the season. Charming Life carries so many beautiful choices made from semi-precious stones. We offer gorgeous earrings made of amethyst, smoky quartz, turquoise, amazonite, kyanite, and so many others. Most are offered in a choice of either 14kt. gold-filled or sterling silver. Don't hit the Fall season unprepared...treat yourself to a new pair of earrings and enjoy the cool weather while showing off your HOT new jewelry!

-Kris

The Denver Gem Show Day Three

Exhausted and shopped-out, we make our way back to the Denver Airport. As in years past, it is always a challenge to forecast sales and to predict hot-sellers and trends. Certainly last year was more challenging than most, when we experienced a drastic slow down in sales in October and then limped along through the end of the year. And, we were the lucky ones! Our year-over-year sales were good and we survived the economic tsunami.

Now we find ourselves in the same place, one year later. However, the atmosphere feels quite different. Vendors are wiser and buyers are buying, albeit cautiously. We head into the last quarter with sales already heating up. Our best sellers, such as our pearl earrings, charm necklaces, and art glass bracelets as really starting to move very quickly. The million dollar question that looms over my head is, "How much DO we buy for the end of the year?" I'm feeling optimistic and taking a leap of faith, proclaiming, "Yes, this is going to be a good holiday season. Buy now or forever hold your peace."

Travel Tips/Denver: The airport is quite a fair distance away from the city (10 miles or more). Plan accordingly. If you rent a car, it takes about 30 minutes to drop the car off, gather your luggage, and shuttle to the terminal. The terminal is huge, so time needs to be allotted for going through security and taking the train to your terminal. I was traveling on a very light travel day and it still took me a long time to navigate through the airport.

Barb

We're Evolving

Today, it hit home that the Christmas season is underway, when I ran up charges on the credit card at just one vendor that came to 5 figures. THAT is a first for us. Vendors seemed generally still hungry for sales and most were willing to make good deals since we were buying most things in bulk. We found some great new items that can't wait to get back and use in new designs. Some of the vendors I'll be seeing again next weekend when they come to the Salt Lake City area.

Found a great way to transport the stuff we are buying too. We went to Walmart and bought a Jeep brand backpack that has wheels and a handle. It is 100% better than the old jewelry tote that I was using. This has 3 pockets and is nice a roomy inside and the wheels are great. The handle is nice and long too. You can wear it as a backpack also, which is nice for events where they won't allow any strollers or luggage style totes. It was a great buy, now i think I want one for my own travels.

Holly Russell Godard

The Denver Gem Show Day Two

Today we made it to the International Gem Fair at the Denver Mart. This show is huge and we didn't even make it through the whole show. It is always fun to see our favorite suppliers and to see what's new. We hand picked our favorite pearls and gemstones and are geared up to start a new round of designs.

It's nearly midnight and our legs are jello from pounding the payment, but we feel very happy with all our new treasures.

Got to get back home and back to the design table.

Barb

The Denver Gem Show

Today was Day One of the Denver Gem Show. Actually, the Gemshow in Denver is not a singular event. It is a huge show with a multitude of mini shows. In fact, I would say that it is similar to Tucson, but smaller. Many of our favorite vendors are here as well as a large showing of unique and interesting companies. As the holiday season is fast approaching, we are frantically trying to keep up with demands by seeking out the best pearls and stones available.

This season we've seen a substantial increase in sales in everything bronze, taupe, and purple. I'm sure you'll be seeing these same trends in the stores this fall season. Charming Life Designs sells a great pair of bronze earrings for an outstanding price at Overstock.com. These simple earrings have proven to be a huge hit. Also, check out our gorgeous amethyst jewelry, which have also been snatched up quickly this September.

Need something special? Please feel free to contact us at info@charminglifedesigns.com.

Barb

Fall Trends 2009

As I was out shopping I noticed layered necklaces continue to be a popular look this season. Multiple chains, often strung with charms and beads, are one version of the style. Just as popular are multi-stranded necklaces made from beads of varying gemstones, shapes, sizes, and colors. The necklaces might be
ready-made for layering, but don't hesitate to mix and match your own jewelry. Raid your jewelry box and stack a few necklaces around your neck.
Want to wear something a little more simple yet bold try conversation starting chandelier earrings.
You will never hear the end of how great you look. Who doesn't love attention?

Britnee

Amethyst: Not Your Typical Gemstone!

Are you a believer? According to crystal healers and New Age believers, crystal and gem healing is a viable practice because of the power of the earth's energies that have been absorbed by these sacred objects. They believe that crystals have physical and spiritual properties that can treat, among other things, pain, stress and depression. With the jewel tone color palette hitting stores this Fall, what better gemstone accompaniment than amethyst? Amethyst is known as a power crystal with prolific healing powers which can be characterized as purifying, pacifying and transitional. Amethyst has the ability to transform lower energies into higher and acts as a healer at all levels of mind, body and spirit. It contains sobering and calming qualities, is associated with peace and is known to calm and protect the mind.

So, whether you believe in the healing powers of amethyst or simply want to be in on that latest fashion trend, one thing is certain...you can't go wrong with this amazing gemstone. Buy, wear, enjoy!

-Kris

What To Look For In Silver Jewelry

Charming Life Designs is in the business of designing and manufacturing handcrafted jewelry and specialty charms. All of the collections are created using only quality materials including genuine gemstones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and precious metals (sterling silver or 14K gold fill).

Many jewelry designers, including Charming Life Designs, use silver extensively in their collections due to its durability, beauty and its affordability.

When purchasing silver jewelry, what should the consumer look for? The standard for high quality silver jewelry is sterling silver. Since pure silver is very soft, it is combined with copper to create a metal that is both strong and durable. For centuries, sterling silver has been 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. Today, jewelry that is sterling silver must be stamped with 925 indicating that it has been made with 92.5 percent silver.

Sterling silver jewelry is beautiful, durable and affordable. One can be assured, when purchasing sterling silver jewelry from Charming Life Designs, the quality of workmanship is unsurpassed.

Enjoy,

Lynn

Interesting Links About Jewelry Trends

Some jewelry trends in color this year to look for include black and white, coral and yellow, amazonite greens and translucent turquoise according to Anne Rush, a jewelry designer.

Look for more cloth beads, Indian art glass beads, more texture, matte beads, seed beads, chunky wooden beads, printed and painted shell, rose gold plating on metal parts and chains, and colorful, lightweight, chandelier earrings.

http://jewelry-business-blog.com/jewelry-making-tips/spring-2009-jewelry-trends-the-jewelry-designers-guide/

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At this link, you can find photos of current and upcoming jewelry and gemstone trends: http://www.annerush.com/savvy-gallery/

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At this link, you can find numerous articles written by author Lorraine Yapps Cohen of CUSTOM GEMSTONE DESIGNS, a jewelry designer who wholesales her jewelry to galleries across the country: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/547891/lorraine_yapps_cohen.html

Have fun exploring! Holly Russell Godard

Safety Pin Jewelry Trend

I saw Avril Levine on tv showing off her new line of kids fashions. One girl was wearing a heavy chain necklace, actually two strands of it, and the longer one had two giant safety pins holding the chain together. I wonder if giant safety pins are the new trend in jewelry? Keep your eyes open for what people are wearing these days. I'm curious what will be popular this year.
Always looking for what's next...Holly Russell Godard

Seasonal Help Needed

Looking for some extra cash and interested in working in a creative environment? We are gearing up for 4th Quarter and will need help in our packing and shipping department. Additionally, we will be looking for friendly and enthusiastic salespeople to help us with some up-coming Special Events Jewelry Shows. These roadshows will be in both Utah and Salt Lake County. For more information, please call Holly or Barbara at (801) 553-2524.

How Did I Get This Job?

Friends often ask me how I ended up doing the work I am doing.
I had a friend who was working for a similar jewelry business
years ago and she would tell me how much she liked it and all
about the nice folks she was working with. I watched her
making some jewelry one day and asked her to show me how
to do it. Thankfully, she was a great teacher and I picked it up
pretty quickly and started doing piecework, making mainly
earrings and bracelets. The business took off and became quite
busy so I started hanging around the office, usually, to prepare
an earring kit or wait for one and I got to know everyone there.

Next thing I knew, I'm ordering gemstones, pearls, chains,
findings, and all sorts of jewelry supplies. I started going to gem
shows to make purchases and to search for new and interesting
gemstones, and looking for new gem and jewlery vendors as well.
I also helped design new earrings, bracelets and necklaces or at
the least, had the chance to offer my opinion on new things being
designed. I also often found myself wrapping 30 pairs of earrings
at a time. During the holidays, business is quite hectic and a
couple of us would even stay up until the wee hours making
dozens of jewelry items to ship out the next day.

I had a little background in jewelry making because as a young
teen, I made some jewlery with my grandmother. Mostly it was
faux pearl and seed bead rings, bracelets and necklaces. Those
were popular in the early 70's. In college, I was the manager
of the jewelry department at Walmart in Stillwater, OK. I learned
a lotabout ordering supplies and inventory and up-selling in those
days. Also learned a lot about managing employees. The jewelry
department was actually owned by a different business than
Walmart. I was able to travel to meetings at other jewelry
business locations owned by K&M Industries back then, where
fine jewelry was sold along with fashion jewelry. This background
gave me a good sense of how colors change seasonally, not
just with fashion but in jewelry too. It also gave me a good idea
of how some pieces of jewelry are just classic and never go out
of style. I also developed an eye for what types of jewelry would
sell well.

After college, I didn't have many chances to be involved in the
making or selling of jewelry but I did spend a lot of time trying out
different types of art media, including the use of Fimo clay. I
think everyone who enjoys crafting and using their creative
skills has probably gone through a Fimo clay jewelry phase! I
probably still have a dozen Fimo bead necklaces and pendants
in the bottom of a dusty drawer somewhere! Even my younger
brother, who lived in Los Angeles at the time, made Fimo
clay bead jewelry and sold it at a flea market back in those days!

I was also very involved in learning to create Ukrainian eggs.
I loved all the symbolism involved and the fine and tiny details
of creating these eggs. Each Ukrainian egg is like opening up a
Christmas present, because they are made using layers of dye and
bees wax and when you are done, it looks like a blackish mess.
As you melt the wax off, a beautiful jewel toned design is
revealed and it always seemed to me like they should be worn
somehow as earrings and pendants and bracelets because they
are so beautiful and so detailed and colorful! At one point, I'd
made so many eggs and had so many broken ones, I was starting
to consider trying my hand at making jewelry out of them but I
started working here at Charming Life Designs and well, life has
been charming but in fast forward ever since!
Holly Russell Godard
Director of Operations

On-the-Run Postings

Our designers can now send their jewelry posts via their email. We are looking forward to getting fashion tips and great design ideas on-the-run.

Day One

Here we go. The creative team of jewelry designers at Charming Life Designs has decided to start a jewelry blog. Our goal is to share our years of jewelry design experience, business know-how (things to do and not to do when starting your own small business), fashion trends, tricks of the trade, and helpful information that we have gathered through the years. Day One was consumed with setting up the blogspot. Barbara thought it was be an easy task, but hours later she is finally ready to sign off.