To celebrate this special day I found the String-Ring™. This clever ring is not only a beautiful piece of jewelry, it’s also a constant visual reminder. The ring is designed to be threaded with a colored string, each of which is coded to remind you of a particular act of kindness. For example, blue represents tranquility and reminds you to be patient. Orange represents energy and enthusiasm and reminds you to laugh as often as possible. And silver represents wisdom and reminds you to forgive!

Each String-Ring is crafted from the highest quality silver and comes with 20 replaceable colored strings, a jute bag, and polishing cloth, as well as a list of color meanings. The String-Ring is available in sizes 4 -10 and will adjust up or down to ensure the perfect fit. Retail: $28.95

The String-Ring is the brainchild of artist Tina Mansfield who in 1996 set about to create a kindness program in her son’s classroom. It seemed to Tina that everywhere she looked she came across rude behavior. She decided to find a way to teach the children to be kind and compassionate when aggressive behavior is exhibited everywhere you look. Since tying a string around your finger is an age old visual cue, the symbolism resonated with Tina and the String-Ring concept began to take shape.

So celebrate Global Forgiveness Day in style. You can easily order online for a very thoughtful gift, but you’ll be tempted to keep if for yourself (I’ll forgive you if you do!).

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Now you can win your very own pair of sterling silver Elizabeth earrings and two matching beads from Eastern Trading. The Elizabeth earrings are casual enough to be worn with jeans and fancy enough to be worn with a LBD for a night out on the town! And of course you can change the beads for a new look every day!

This prize package of a pair of Elizabeth earrings and two Murano glass beads by Eastern Trading is valued at $150, so enter today!

5 easy ways to win:

1. Leave a comment with this post, 1 entry

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM, 1 entry (please leave a comment to let us know)

3. “Like” Style on a WHIM, 1 entry (please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow Style on a WHIM on Twitter, 1 entry (please leave a comment to let us know)

5. Click on and read another Style on a WHIM post, 1X (please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow.

Contest is open until midnight on June 30 and the winner will be notified July 1!

-Keri

Photo courtesy of WHIMSY Worldwide.

UPDATE 7-1-2010: Katie is the winner of the earrings by WHIMSY and Murano glass beads from Eastern Trading Company. Congratulations!

American Estate Jewelry was founded by Carolyn O’Keefe and was created in honor of Carolyn’s mother Sally, who wore one special heirloom sterling cuff every day. After seeking something similar to leave to her own two daughters, Carolyn realized that many American traditions in silver making were being lost forever!

In her research Carolyn also discovered the American silver company Galmer Silversmiths and its founder, renowned silver master Michael Galmer. Michael is perhaps best known for his dedication to preserving the tradition of the repousse craft and is one of the only artisans who still employs those techniques today. In addition to his new designs for American Estate Jewelry, Michael’s well known work for Tiffany & Co. and private collectors is nothing short of spectacular.

Galmer’s trademark, repousse, is a detailed and difficult process which has endured over centuries because of its magnificent results. This is a metal working technique in which a malleable metal is first formed with a specially created three-dimensional mold and then ornamented by precise hammering from the reverse side, “pushed from the back.” Metal is worked on the front to refine and define repousse images, with groves, indentation and channeling.

American Estate Jewelry’s debut collection of sterling cuffs utilizes the repousee technique and includes a series of seven distinctive sterling silver cuffs, each lined in gold. Hand-chased from the finest sterling silver in lavish sculptural detail, these are truly cuffs of distinction. Prices range from $550-$695.

The cuffs are available in fine jewelers and boutiques and is also available directly from American Estate Jewelry.

The hardest part is choosing a favorite. The Magnolia? No, the Peony? Maybe the Sunflower… oh dear, I love them all!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait!and Susan Said What?!

Pieces by WHIMSY provide an exciting new way to showcase the year’s hottest jewelry trend – striking, collectible Murano glass beads. Their interchangeability allows the wearer to express their individuality and easily change beads to match an outfit, complementary jewelry — even a mood.

WHIMSY jewelry is compatible with beads made by the majority of major bead manufacturers including Trollbeads, Pandora™ and Chamilia™. The full line now includes a full range of pendants, earrings, and necklaces, in addition to the original line of rings.

Pictured here, celebrities like Kris Jenner and Miss America Katie Stam scored beautiful, interchangeable WHIMSY bead rings, as well as Demi Lovato, Julianne Hough, Kelly Clarkson, and Mary Alice from The Food Network’s Ace of Cakes.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Three of my favorite pieces are pictured. First is the Haiku Necklace, from the Pebble Collection. Crafted of sterling silver, the necklace is 17″ long and is set with a pearl. There’s a lovely Haiku poem inscribed on back, a secret message of sorts. As shown with silver chain, the necklace is $110.00, or try a hip, ultra-suede thong with a silver clasp for only $83.00.

From the Water & Stars Collection, I adore the Water and Star Earrings. Because my hair is long, I tend to gravitate toward larger earrings and these make a great statement! Meticulous attention to detail is evident in these lovely earrings and they are a real steal at only $27.00.

Finally, from the Twig Collection, Jivita has created a collection of Twig Rings. These are set with chrysoprase, carnelian or pearl and are adjustable, from sizes 6 through 8. With so many choices, it’s hard to pick just one. And, at only $75.00, who wants to?!

Recently, Jivita was gracious enough to take a few moments and answer some questions for me about her inspiration and what the future might hold. The interview follows. To see more of her work, visit http://www.harriscasey.com or simply watch your favorite television shows – I bet you’ll be able to pick out more than a few of her beautiful designs!

I read that as a child you regularly visited the desert and mountains and have always been inspired by the beauty of nature. Are you originally from California?

I was born in The Netherlands, but my father is American and we moved back to his native southern California when I was six. We grew up in Huntington Beach, at that time a lazy little surf town. California is such an amazing place that the oceans, mountains, deserts are all so easily accessible.

You say that you had a metals class in college. Was college the first time you actually designed jewelry? Or were you making pieces before that, which led to your choice of college/major?

I was an art major in college and a friend actually suggested I try out a metals class. I had done plenty of bead stringing as a kid, but never really thought of it as something to do “professionally”. After one metals class, I was hooked and changed my major from general art to 3-D media with metal emphasis. Weird title for a major, but it was basically a degree in metal work. We weren’t allowed to use beads, so it took some time after school to translate art jewelry into more of the wearable work that I am making now.

Who would you say are your biggest design influences? And, has that changed over time?

When I was in school I really loved Albert Paley, William Harper and Mary Lee Hu. They are jewelry artists from the late sixties thru mid seventies who really changed where jewelry was going. They focused on sculptural and ancient techniques to create narrative pieces. Really free form, large and very expressive, indicative of the expressionist and pop art movements of the time but also referencing tribal jewelry from around the world. As a student, this freeness and ability to capture a certain sensitivity was very important to me. I was always trying to capture an over all “feeling.” I still use these elements to create my jewelry, however now I try to reduce things so they are more accessible and easy to wear.

What inspires or moves you?

 Again, it’s about trying to create the overall feeling that being in or observing nature gives you. When I go into the desert or watch the waves, or stand in an ancient forest, there is a moment, sometimes very brief but sometimes it lasts a while, of complete awe and peace, of feeling one with the universe and it’s very rejuvenating. Many writers and philosophers have worded it much better than me. I often search out their words to describe a collection and then use the symbols of those words as jumping off points. The Water & Stars Collection is a good example.

What types of materials do you favor? Do you have a favorite material/gemstone?

Everything I make is sterling silver with an antique finish. I do work with gold, but prefer to use it to enhance the dark silver. I love unusual stones, especially those with a scenic quality like Australian boulder opals or jaspers. I can’t seem to get enough of blue and green gemstones too, like turquoise, lapis, chrysoprase, and chrysocolla.

Your designs are in fine boutiques and stores nationwide. How long have you been in business?

Mostly I promote my own work with cold calls to boutiques that I discover by word of mouth or cute places I have stumbled into and of course trade shows and art fairs. I have been doing this for 10 years, part time, while raising a family. I love the flexibility and being able to control my own growth.

I learned that you recently sold pieces which will be featured on some popular television shows like the Mentalist, Bones, House, Lie to Me and more. How did that come about? Do you have celebrity fans?

I am working with a woman who sells jewelry to the costumers of these shows. Jewelry is a great way to help describe a character. It’s always exciting when she calls to tell me that another show has picked up a few pieces, unfortunately she doesn’t always know which character the pieces are purchased for!

What advice would you have for a budding designer?

Getting an art degree was great, but working in a jewelry store and apprenticing for different designers was invaluable. There is no better way to learn the business and work on your skills!

What’s next?

I would like to get bigger, accounts with mass retailers would be great for a separate line. Right now I personally make all my designs so that is part of what makes the pieces attractive to my cliental. It is hand crafted and unusual.  On the other hand it could be pretty fun to translate some ideas into large production. I am always open to new ideas!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Who wouldn’t like a kiss that lasts forever? This Valentine’s Day your sweetheart can give you one heck of a kiss — a lovely Hershey’s Kiss

This gorgeous bracelet is part of the Hershey’s Kiss jewelry line which was introduced at the JCK Las Vegas show just this past June. The Hershey’s Kiss line, which includes bracelets, pendants and earrings, is fast becoming a symbol of love and a replacement for tired, traditional heart motifs.  

The bracelet is crafted in sterling silver with Rhodium plating for extra shine and includes a 7.5 inch Rolo link chain with a toggle closure, also plated in Rhodium. The Kiss itself measures 10mm by height and 9mm at the base. Just the right size for my wrist and at only $99.99, just right for the wallet, too!

In addition to trendy sterling, there are also Hershey’s products in gold, gold and diamond, and silver and diamond. And a little birdie told me that soon to arrive in the Hershey’s family of products are even more affordable options like silver with Cubic Zirconia and base metal jewelry items. These variations ensure that there are Hershey products to satisfy every consumer!

The Hershey’s Kiss bracelet is available online at Overstock, Anything Goes, Days Jewelers, Diamonds International, Ephraim Doumato, Gary Jewelers, Generous Gems, Jewelbasket, Kranich’s Fine Jewelers, Neves, Jewelers, and Zales.

XOXOXO

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? None other than SpongeBob SquarePants, the hapless yellow sponge whose hilarious antics have been entertaining Nickelodeon viewers, young and old, for 10 years!

Earlier this month, to celebrate the show’s 10^th anniversary, the Simmons Jewelry Co. and Nickelodeon/Viacom Consumer Products announced the debut of the SpongeBob Fine Jewelry Collection – fashionable dog tags, rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets  – on Zales.com and at select Zales stores nationwide.

The SpongeBob Fine Jewelry Collection is crafted from sterling silver and Swarovski™ crystals and is absolutely adorable! And, with prices ranging from only $95-$350, they’re definitely in my holiday budget!

The SpongeBob Ice Square Pendant is one of my favorite pieces in the collection. This pendant had dozens of sparkling, hand set Swarovski™ crystals which are used to recreate SpongeBob’s infectious grin. The sterling silver pendant includes a trendy 22″ sterling bead chain with a spring-ring clasp. This is one of the more expensive pieces in the collection at $350, but guaranteed to make you smile!

A slightly more refined piece is the SpongeBob Seaflower Pendant, pictured. This 18-karat yellow gold plated sterling silver seaflower silhouette necklace is an iconic element in the world of Bikini Bottom, however, it is so stylized that you could wear it to the office, tongue planted firmly in cheek! This pendant includes an 18″ sterling silver chain with a claw clasp (my personal favorite, because they are so easy to use). Only $95.

Great companions to the Seaflower Pendant are the SpongeBob Seaflower Earrings. These 18-karat yellow gold plated sterling silver seaflower silhouettes are suspended by wire backs and are just $125.

But these are only a few of the great styles by Simmons Jewelry. Check out the entire line at Zales.com.

SpongeBob Jewelry? I’m ready…I’m ready…I’m ready….

A Miami native, Wendy is a self-taught jewelry designer and has spent the last eight years putting her training and experience to use, growing her own business. Wendy’s designs are sold in fine boutiques and exclusive galleries across the country, which is why I was so pleasantly surprised to find that her designs are not only beautiful, they are also extremely affordable!

Her trademark silver wire and stone rings start at only $55 for a single pearl and run up to $120 for an amazing ring embellished with an extra large crystal. Earrings are even more affordable, with a simple pearl dangle – perfect for every occasion – setting you back a mere $28. More complex chandelier earrings are slightly more expensive at $72 for the most intricate designs.

My favorite pieces, however, are the chunky bracelets and necklaces, which are right on trend for the holiday season. The chunky pearl bracelet, shown, is $85 and the lovely freshwater pearl necklace is only $210. (Both are on my personal Wish List!)

One of the best things about Wendy Mahr’s jewelry, though, is that these are not mass-produced (the kind of thing that I call “mall jewelry”). Designs each retain a little bit of the personality of the designer and the natural materials she utilizes make each piece unique. And the word is spreading! Wendy’s Mahr Jewelry has been featured in Family Circle Magazine, Glamour Magazine’s blog, The Miami Herald and more.

In additional to beautiful freshwater pearls in a rainbow of hues, other pieces contain crystal quartz, colorful amethyst and Chalcedony, faceted glass, coral and even shell. Wendy’s complete line of jewelry is also available online at Wendy Mahr Jewelry.

National Jeweler magazine just arrived on my doorstep and as always, it was filled with insightful predictions for the latest in jewelry trends. With gold prices skyrocketing on a daily basis, and the economy still in freefall, you might think that fine jewelry is out of reach for holiday gift giving. But  flipping through the pages of this and other trade journals, I see that many high end jewelers – from Tiffany’s on down – have embraced alternative materials like sterling silver, natural pieces like beautifully grained wood and even handcrafted glass to create unusual, beautiful and very affordable pieces worthy of a place on a Holiday Wish List.

My Top 3 Picks:

Sterling silver. Silver is a great way to incorporate more contemporary styles (key and knot pendants come immediately to mind) in a much more affordable way. I also really like how silver looks with the winter colors that are so popular right now, like retro 1980’s neon brights and of course, all things gray.

Wood. Pieces made of wood have a wonderful, warm quality to them. I also think that wood is very personal – each piece has a slightly different grain to it, so each piece is as unique as the wearer!

Glass. From wildly popular glass bead by Trollbeads, Pandora and Chamilia to large scale Murano pieces. I recently saw an entire kiosk dedicated to large glass pieces at our local mall. The incredible colors, patterns and shapes make these the top of my wish list – from pendants on silk cords, to enormous cocktail rings.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc.wordpress.com

WHIMSY™

More Carousel Beads and bracelets will be added to the WHIMSY™ online store so your bracelet can match your ring! Visit the WHIMSY™ online store now!