On the BENCH

With the recent drop in silver prices (yea!) I've begun creating a few new wide cuff-style bracelets. They have always been a big hit! However, this time I decided to work in FINE silver rather than Argentium or sterling silver. What's the difference, you ask?

Well, before I began working in precious and semi-precious metals, I thought the term "fine" was simply a word to describe the metal's aesthetics..like fine art. The term "fine silver" actually refers to the purity of the metal. Fine silver is .999 (99.9%) pure silver. In contrast, sterling silver is .925 (92.5%) pure silver which is alloyed with (typically) copper. Argentium sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver, 6.5% copper and 1% germanium. Although, different alloy recipes for Argentium exist.

The main disadvantage of traditional sterling silver is it quickly tarnishes. And, if you're like me, I dislike polishing my jewelry...I just want to put it on and look fabulous! There are some methods to slow the tarnishing (oxidizing) process, like storing silver jewelry in individual zip-top plastic bags or using anti-tarnishing strips in your jewelry box. Of course, some wearers like the look of aged or antiqued silver...so tarnish isn't really an issue. :)

This leads to the next issue: what are the causes of tarnish? It's the copper in the silver alloy which oxidizes in the air which causes the tarnish. Some areas of the US are especially harsh on jewelry (as I discovered while vacationing in Florida). Florida has a lot of sulfur in the environment and quickly turns silver black! (Tarnish is really silver sulfide) Other tarnish causing agents include eggs, onions, chlorine bleach, and latex.

What does that have to do with fine silver? Well, fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and, lacking copper, will stay bright and beautiful for a very long time! It's a win-win situation. Your jewelry stays bright and beautiful and you have an heirloom quality piece of pure silver adornment!

My new wide cuff bracelets are made from 1" wide fine silver and will feature a hammered texture with subtle cut-outs for interest and a slightly modern edge.

ETSY Front Page Treasury!

As luck would have it, I missed seeing the Front Page action. But CONGRATS to the sellers who made my Treasury Front Page worthy! Without your beautiful photographs and exquisite handcrafted items....well, you get the idea. :)

However, I must say I have been very fortunate to have had a small handful of Treasuries make the coveted Front Page over the past two years. I always get a little giddy when I see my Treasury or one of my jewelry pieces gracing the Front Page. It never gets old! :)

So, here is the list of sellers (starting top left):

f2images

JennyBlasenPottery

JudyB

MeganAuman

EmilyFrances

SandFibers

Zygopsyche

Xenotees

LingGlass

Shauno

ModRocks

Kimonomomo

More REBRANDING

While my talented and uber-awesome DH works on my website and Blog, my job and focus has been on the aesthetics and eco-friendliness of the 'new' Elements by Dawn. Like I have mentioned before, the color scheme will remain mostly intact and my logo will not change. (After all, when was the last time Coca-Cola changed their logo and colors?!)

In addition to an updated website and new Blog, my packaging will also change. I currently use white paper boxes, which while very nice looking and gender neutral, are not as environmentally friendly as I would like. As most folks know, in order for paper to become white it is traditionally bleached. The bleaching process releases all sorts of nasty chemicals into the environment. I say, "no thank you!" I will be phasing in non-bleached paper boxes which also happen to be made from 100% recycled boxboard! I've also sourced new ribbon. The new ribbon is made from 70% post consumer waste and 30% post industrial scrap and uses water-based inks. How cool is that?!

My shipping boxes are currently recyclable and contain 30% post consumer waste. I'm satisfied with my shipping box supplier, though if I find a higher percentage of recycled material content with a different supplier, I may switch too.

I'm a little on the fence when it comes to packing peanuts. Yes, I know there are peanuts made from biodegradable cornstarch. I'm not 100% sold on that idea...yet. I have had some experience with the cornstarch peanuts and I'm afraid if one of my packages gets left in the rain or otherwise becomes damp, the recipient will have a gooey mess in their box. That's not the impression I want to make.

I currently use Styrofoam peanuts. I like them because I (and my customers) can reuse them over and over again. I have yet to purchase packing peanuts in the many years I have been in business. I like that! When I receive some peanuts in a box, I save them and reuse them. Sure, I have just about every color and shape of peanut imaginable, but they protect the merchandise just fine. :) What is YOUR take on the Styrofoam vs. cornstarch peanut? Or should I use some other material for padding and protection?

2008 Fall Fashion Trends

Yep. I said it. Fashion trends!

Minimalism is IN this season. From Kenneth Cole to Valentino, the runway is filled with stark fashion. No prints, buttons, feathers, rhinestones, or even hints of contrasting stitches or embroidery is to be found. The lines are clean. Simple. Tailored. Perhaps I'm a little partial since I do consider my jewelry lines to fall into this category. But, hey, I have always been an admirer of simple lines and form.

However, bold prints, flowers, botanicals and flowing gowns are seen on other runways this season. Leaf prints and muted colors are taking center stage as well. Fendi and Ralph Lauren are embracing mother nature! Soft greens and Earthy browns are paired to really complete the theme.

Plaids and tweeds have also been on the fashion radar! Oh, and ladies...hips are in too! Show off your womanly curves with confidence (finally!).

Ha! Do you spy a 'trend' here? One of my favorite things about fashion trends are well....there always seems to be something for everyone. While I'm not much a fan of plaid and tweed and I prefer my hips to be underwraps, I do adore botanicals and minimalism. But the best advice I know of is "where what makes you feel good." Because when you feel good, you look good. You're confident, and that in its self is sexy and cool. Spend your money on great, well constructed basics and change up your accessories to keep up with the trends. After all, an awesome pair of jeans looks great with a plaid jacket, ruffled blouse, or even a silver sequined bustier!!