Yay! Summer is officially here! Nights become longer, days become shorter, music gets louder, sun gets brighter, life gets better. These types of posts are my absolute favorite because I get to talk about everything that is going on in general, give you a run-down on my current obsessions and catch you up on all things Gem Gossip. So let’s get right into it!
1 — Charm collecting is on overdrive: this summer I’ve been collecting more and more charms, as you can easily see from the photo above. This is my collection in its entirety and when you get to this point in a collection, you can start to form mini collections or groupings, as there are usually some patterns that happen without even knowing. I unintentionally started to form an Egyptian themed collection, lots of hearts, gemstone-centered charms, and some Native American and tribal pieces.
2 — Gem Shows: get out your summer calendar and look up your local convention center or fairgrounds for any gem or jewelry shows that might be coming to your town this summer! I like to look up everything happening in Middle Tennessee, Atlanta and Birmingham. Summer is all about making that trip, even if it means driving 3-4 hours for a good show. There’s a few that I’m excited about and the above photo is from the Galactic Expo which took place last month at the Nashville fairgrounds. Lots of rock and mineral dealers were there as well as healers, reiki, tarot card readers, psychics and aura photography.
3 — Hone in on a theme in your jewelry collection and expand on it: By now we’ve all realized we are jewelry obsessed (why are you reading this right now? you’re probably jewelry obsessed). So we all are collectors–but I want you to hone in on a certain theme you have going on in your jewelry collection right now…if you are not sure what some of the themes are, take out all your jewelry and lay it out on a large tabletop. You’ll be able to find pieces that go together for one reason or another (might be as simple as “sentimental charms” or “I love emeralds” or “baby rings”) these are usually groupings that hold a special place in your heart and pieces that easily make you happy. Start expanding on these!
4 — Two is better than one? I almost felt guilty buying a second peg doll charm after how much attention the first one got me! I’m still counting the number of DMs I have that simply say “I want one of your peg doll charms PLEASE” You can truly see how much I enjoy the “hunt” and this is a testament to the saying “You never know what you’re going to find!” Just for those new to my site or haven’t seen these yet — they are peg doll charms from the 1940s and they are pretty rare. The first one I got at Sarah’s Antique & Estate Jewelry in Buffalo, NY and the second one is from Alice Kwartler Antiques in NYC.
5 — Figa Frenzy: My figa collection is now up to 16 and counting…plus the mini-figa charm. My most recent acquisition was a tiger’s eye figa from Chrono Envy and I bought maybe four in Vegas at the antique show. Love this little collection of mine and it brings me so much joy to find new ones to add. CharmCo continues to have an amazing collection for sale, so if you’re looking for some yourself, follow this link.
6 — Heart-obsessed: I really don’t know what it is about hearts, but I love them! When I was in high school, I had my own mini Christmas tree in my bedroom and it was entirely decorated in heart ornaments, so I’ve had this infatuation for a long time. Current collection includes a large double-faceted amethyst, lapis, onyx and a mini double-faceted blue topaz (which I have a bunch for sale, so contact me if interested).
7 — Find a nail artist that you’re obsessed with: when I found @gelhiigh I was hooked! It helped that she is not only extremely talented, but she is so sweet and fun to talk to. She free hands all her art and she is SO QUICK — these Picasso-inspired nails were drawn within seconds, using a tiny thin brush. Every time she posts new nail art for clients, I instantly add it to the queue of what I want to get next time.
8 — Learn about your obsessions: I’m continually drawn to Nefertiti in jewelry and I’ve set out to learn all I can about this Egyptian Queen. The famous bust is currently held at Berlin’s Neues Museum and it has become a popular and iconic image.
9 — Polished gems and mineral collection: I recently separated all my polished/tumbled gems and minerals from my crystals and rough. It was a powerful move which I didn’t intend for it to be so cathartic. My polished stones now live in this malachite bowl and I have a “grab and go” situation happening with them, where I take whichever stone I feel I gravitate toward that day and put it in my pocket. I have used certain stones for longer periods if I know their healing properties and feel like I need a certain one — like clarity, protection, or strength.
10 — Gems can be powerful: these special gemstone charms bring me so much happiness. I like to see what stones, colors and shapes I am drawn to and will continue to add to my collection. My latest find is this triple citrine pendant from DC Pawn. What gemstones are you obsessed with?
11 — I had an awesome brunch meet-up with House Holbrook who is now based in Knoxville, TN. It is always fun to meet people I’ve been following for years in real life! Her inventory is currently drool-worthy to say the least! I couldn’t stop staring and had to get a photo of them ALL on my hand. You can follow her on Instagram here.
12 — This photo is the best because we had no idea it was being taken and found it on the US Antique Shows’ website. This is Katie (@VadaJewelry) and I in our element, lost in a world of antique jewelry, slightly hungover, thoroughly overstimulated and happy. We have a good poker face too!
13 — Search out a new vintage or antique jewelry box: these antique ring trays are getting harder and harder to find! Luckily I spotted this one from Shop Caldwells on Instagram and swiped it! Blue is one of my favorite colors so it immediately grabbed my attention. I think my ring collection looks good in this box!
14 — Find your summer stack: with the weather getting warmer and warmer, here in Tennessee things start to get sweaty and sticky! My rings sometimes don’t fit me because of the heat from swelling (especially my engagement ring) so I like to find an ideal necklace stack (because necklaces ALWAYS fit) and stick to it! This is my current go-to!
15 — Organize your gems: I’ve had so many loose gemstones floating around between my office, my desk drawers, my jewelry box and repair envelopes. I decided one day just to huddle them all up and put them into this plastic zip lock pouch. I didn’t realize how much I actually had and bringing them all together like that actually sparked some design ideas!
