Jwelary Land

2008-12-20T20:24:00.000-08:00

Probably one of the most useful inventions of all-time, cutlery has been adorning tables since as far back as the Greeks. The spoon and the knife came first, followed by the fork. But, back then, forks typically had only two tines.

From the 7th-11th Centuries, forks were frequently used at mealtimes by diners in the Middle East, but there must have been a fork in the road… because it took much longer (nearly 5 more centuries!) for forks to be adopted into common use in 16th Century Italy.

Since I take forks for granted, I was also surprised to learn that during the 16th-17th Centuries, forks were used in France, England and Germany--but only by the wealthy, who considered this piece of metal frou-frou to be a fashionable fad.

It really wasn't until the early 19th Century that the four-tined forks that we know and use today were adopted for regular mealtime use in England and Germany. And after that, they were slowly forked out to tables here in America. And, that's The History of the Fork.

Well, here in 2008, forks are more fashionable that ever. But, in the world of the crafty and creative, they aren't just being used for table dressings. They are also being repurposed for fashionable jewelry. So, today on Friday Findings, I'm inviting you to sit down at my virtual table to check out these fabulous pieces of forked finery...created by a group of talented jewelry sellers at the online marketplace, Etsy.

First Love Fork Bracelet
contrary.etsy.com

This one of a kind fork bracelet was created with an antique silver-plated Rogers Brothers fork by designer Mary Andrews in Brooklyn, NY. Her First Love Bracelet fits any wrist and features a fanciful floral handle that's engraved on the inside with the phrase "First Love." Available from contrary.etsy.com.

Broken China Fork Pendant
doctorgus.etsy.com

This stunning Broken China Fork Pendant is the handiwork of designer Doctor Gus in Henryville, PA and takes tableware to a new level! It incorporates an old silver-plated fork that's been bent and wrapped to grasp a broken piece of china in its tines. Available from doctorgus.etsy.com.

Fork Pendant with Teal Glass
LTCreatesJewelry.etsy.com

This funky and fashionable Fork Pendant features a flat glass marble in teal...entwined in vintage fork tines. It comes on a steel and nickel beaded chain and is the creation of designer Linda Taylor in Stuart, FL. Available from LTCreatesJewelry.etsy.com.

A Fork on the Hand
esteinert.etsy.com

This one of a kind Fork Ring is created with a reclaimed sterling silver pickle fork. It a size 7 and features an etheral octopus shape accented with a single moonstone that's been set in a sterling silver bezel. It was created by designer Elissa Steinert in Dorchester, MA. Available from esteinert.etsy.com.

Ibis Fork Pendant
VerbenaVox.etsy.com

I love the graceful and modern look of this Ibis Fork Pendant. A regular table fork has been manipulated to resemble the long, down-curved bill of our feathered friend, the Ibis. It was created by the designer and owner of the VerbenaVox.etsy.com shop in Austin, TX.

Believez
SpoonerZ.etsy.com

This gorgeous holiday-inspired silver fork pendant was handcrafted by designer Rachelle in Temecula, CA. Rachelle adorned this fork like a sparkling Christmas tree and loaded with Swarovski pearls, Swarovski crystal, and shining bits of vintage glass accents. It comes on a 22" sterling silver snake chain. Available from SpoonerZ.etsy.com.

Well Posh Mamas, its time for me to stick a fork in it--because this post is done! But, before you go, please congratulate the last week's Friday Findings giveaway winner--Posh Mama Christine Spencer! Christine has won the Silicon Gallies for Him cufflinks from last week's Friday Findings giveaway courtesy of my shop, capitolagirl.etsy.com.

Stay tuned next week for a special Christmas Day post. Friday Findings will be back for the new year with some new jewelry and new giveaways in January 2009. In the meantime… may your holidays be safe and happy!

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).

2008-12-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

Who Sparkled this Saturday?

This Bunch of Etsians and their Beautiful New Year's Bling!

Since I'm smack in the middle of all the going-ons of the holiday-season, I decided to mix things up a bit here on Saturday Sparkle over the next two weeks. I'll resume with my usual Saturday Sparkle interview-format on January 3, but for the next two week's...I'll be writing some special showcase treats.

With all the New Year's Eve parties and revelry coming up...its probably time to start thinking about what to wear. So, to help you get some great jewelry ideas...I'm showcasing a sparkling collection to get you revved up for celebrating a stylish New Year's Eve. So, why not help me ring in the new year with some new jewelry from these jewelry artists on Etsy?

Black Tie Earrings from SydneyAustinDesigns.etsy.com
~~~

Black and White from NinaReneeDesigns.etsy.com
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Sterling Silver Wrapped Earrings from KirasCreations.etsy.com
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Little Black Earrings from jcnstudios.etsy.com
~~~

Jet Black Baroque Chainmaille Necklace
from blackbirdmaille.etsy.com
~~~

Before I close, just wanted to say a word of thanks to all the showcased artists today for uploading their beautiful jewelry photos to the Handmade Jewelry Saturday Sparkle group on Flickr. You make beautiful pieces!

Happy Saturday and Keep Sparkling!

Jwelery

2008-12-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

Since 1997, the entire jewelry industry has seen a 9.8% drop in the number of jewelry-only stores, according to Jewelers Board of Trade statistics. JBT president Dione Kenyon says there has been a 10% drop since 1993, when "roughly 27,600 jewelers were in business."
Contributing to
Ads by Google Retail Stores DesignTobii - Eye Tracking solutions for shelf & packaging testingwww.Tobii.com Real Silver JewelryWomens and Mens Crosses on Sale. Palm Trees,Hearts,Stars,and Peace.stores.ebay.com/Real-Silver-Jewelry How to Succeed in RetailSuccess guides full of insights Tools & tactics for Retail Success.www.DMSRetail.comthe decline is the impact of new and more powerful channels of distribution, such as TV-based home shopping networks, and large retailers such as Wal-Mart who are "just more efficient at buying."
But there is a place for independent retailers. Shoppers who want a more intimate buying experience or high-end designer merchandise still look to independent or guild stores. "Stores in the middle might have the hardest time [operating] because they're not small enough to be intimate and not big enough to buy efficiently," explains Kenyon.
An even more alarming statistic is the rate of new business formation, which has dropped 50% in the past 10 years. This means store owners are only half as likely as they were 10 years ago to open a new jewelry store. "I don't see what's going to change [that trend] in the future," says Kenyon. "It's difficult to distinguish yourself as a new, independent jeweler. … Going into business fresh is tough, and there's a lot of risk."