Archive for February 8th, 2006
Fleur-de-lis helps jewelry store thrive
OLD NEW ORLEANS SYMBOL IS NOW `BADGE OF COURAGE’
By Rukmini Callimachi
Associated Press
San Jose Mercury News
NEW ORLEANS - Every New Orleans lady, or so it’s said, owns at least one piece of Mignon Faget jewelry — adornment as central to a lady’s wardrobe in this city as a piece from Tiffany in New York.
But after Hurricane Katrina made landfall Aug. 29, destroying huge swaths of the city and dispersing her clientele, Faget (pronounced fah-ZHAY) was forced to lay off 72 of her 80 employees. She assumed her business would fold.
Instead, she’s thrived, almost entirely because her signature motif on necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets is the fleur-de-lis — a stylized lily with three petals drawn together at its base. The symbol of New Orleans adorns everything from the mayor’s business card to city trash cans, to the football uniforms of the New Orleans Saints.
“People want to wear it as a badge of courage,” said Faget, whose family settled in the city in the 1700s. “It has never been more meaningful to us.”
Faget fled the city one day before the storm, barely taking time to board up her three stores and lock the jewelry in a vault at the company’s business offices, a former bank building.
Though looters made off with cheaper pieces left in the downtown store, they never broke into the vault, where Faget’s treasures survived the storm unscathed.
Using a laptop bought at a store along her evacuation route, the company’s vice president, Virginia Saussy Bairnsfather, 39, began fashioning an amateur advertisement for the local newspaper, announcing the reopening of the flagship store on fashionable Magazine Street on Oct. 12.
As a show of support, Bairnsfather’s mother came to buy a ring on reopening day — and found a line, each customer hungry for the fleur-de-lis. By the time the second of the three stores opened Oct. 28, the line at that store in a suburban mall was so long it wound around the shop and customers were asked to take a number.
The third shop has yet to reopen, but even with just two in circulation, Mignon Faget sold more than 20,000 fleur-de-lis pieces in 2005, five times the number she sold the year before.
Faget has been able to hire back all but a handful of employees, one fleur-de-lis at a time. And the company donated 10 percent of all fleur-de-lis product sales through the end of 2005 to the city’s reconstruction effort.
“People seem to want to hug New Orleans right now, and this is one way they can do it. It’s almost like a patriotism toward the city,” said Arthur Hardy, 59, an expert on the city’s culture.
The demand for fleur-de-lis jewelry is spilling over to other jewelers in the city, many of whom say they can’t keep up with demand.
“It’s been an explosion. We’ve tripled our sales of the fleur-de-lis,” said Brandy Whisnant, who with her husband owns Wellington & Co. in the French Quarter, which sells its own fleur-de-lis bracelet, pendant and cuff-link designs.
Symmetry, a high-end jeweler that has made fleur-de-lis cuff links for Saints players in the past, had its best Christmas ever, all due to the fleur-de-lis, said owner Richard Mathis.
For the 72-year-old Faget, the flower, which she’s used as a motif since the 1970s, has taken on new significance.
“We read on the Internet that the fleur-de-lis was born from the tears of Eve when she was driven from the Garden of Eden,” she said. “We decided this city is our own personal Garden of Eden.”
February 8th, 2006
Jeanne Nicole McCollister finds success with her jewelry designs
By Lunzeta Chretien
lchretien@thenewsstar.com
News-Star
Give Jeanne Nicole McCollister ordinary gold and semi-precious stones, and she’ll turn it into something extraordinary.
“I like to really challenge myself to design what is unique,” the 26-year-old designer said. “I love finding rare and exotic pieces and incorporating them into unique designs.”
The Baton Rouge resident, who challenges herself daily to think outside of the box, has been running her own distinctive jewelry and accessory Web site for three years.
Some of her jewelry can be found at Signatures by Linda Reeves in Monroe. Reeves carries a red coral necklace on a leather strap, gold and black carved bone earrings, and leather and gold linear citrine earrings. The pieces in the store range from $70 to $106. Reeves called the prices reasonable and competitive, considering the details and stones used. The pieces in the store are from McCollister’s fall line.
“It’s unusual jewelry with an ethnic flair,” Reeves said. “She has some really beautiful pieces that are non-seasonal and can be worn all year.”
This season McCollister’s collection is dainty and feminine, featuring pieces such as medallions, pendants and semiprecious stones.
Her unique designs have been featured in many major publications including InStyle, Teen People, and Elle Girl.com just to name a few.
This month, she’s featured on page 115 of Lucky magazine. The “Deluxe” necklace (available in aqua or blueberry quartz, brown leather, beads and 14-karat gold-filled chains) featured in the magazine will be a part of her spring collection. It is now available online.
“I was thrilled to get into Lucky because it’s really hard,” she said. “There is so much competition with an accessories magazine.”
Her jewelry will also be featured on page 360 of Bridal Guide magazine this month. McCollister’s one-of-a kind bridal pieces are a big hit with brides looking for something unique.
The brides share their ideas and likes with McCollister, who in turn designs the perfect piece of jewelry.
The Olsen twins even own some of her jewelry from last year’s fall collection. She believes one of the twins fits her earthy and edgy style, and the other fits her elegant and classic style.
Dayna Devon, the co-host of the entertainment news show “Extra,” has worn McCollister’s smoky quartz earrings and Jennifer Schefft, of the ABC reality television series the “Bachelorette 3″ owns McCollister’s jewelry as well. Many of the celebrities who own her jewelry have been appreciative and have sent compliments, she said.
Someday she’d like to see her designs worn by even more celebrities, such as Cameron Diaz, Mischa Barton and Sarah Jessica Parker, all of whom McCollister considers to be fashion icons. McCollister says she’s always paid close attention to celebrities’ styles to discover what was missing in the fashion industry.
She challenges herself to create fresh jewelry that can be appreciated from every angle.
McCollister enjoys working with 14-karat gold-filled chains and semi-precious stones. Last year, she was even daring enough to have her entire spring collection all gold. Gold was a big hit that year, making McCollister one step ahead of the game.
“I have always loved to do things differently and be different than the rest,” she said. “I have used that characteristic of mine in my work.”
Each of her carefully handcrafted designs come in a drawstring organza pouch. Inside the pouch customers not only find their jewelry, but a beauty tip card.
Her Web site offers an array of purses and belts made by other designers.
McCollister, who graduated from the University of Mississippi in journalism, enjoys writing stories, poetry and letters. Creatively, she expresses herself through interior decorating, drawing and painting.
Her journalism skills come into play when writing details about her pieces and handling her company’s public relations.
Before starting her own Web site, McCollister began selling jewelry out of a boutique where she worked part-time. When sales picked up, she decided to turn her business into a full-time job.
Now, she’s living her dream by doing what she loves.
“I still remember coming back from Europe right after graduation and I was sketching for fun in the airport. I was sketching apparel designs. And a little girl came up to me and said, ‘Are you a designer?’ And I responded, ‘Maybe one day.’ I knew then a feeling was inside of me and that question, ‘Why wouldn’t you be? You love this!’ I decided then that I was going to make it work somehow.”
And today, her passion for design is working for her.
February 8th, 2006
East Queen Fine Jewelry… Created Just for You!
WBBM
East Queen Fine Jewelry is Chicago Suburb’s number one referral choice for fine quality diamonds and gemstone jewelry. Since 1976, East Queen clients continue to find the best value prices for fine quality jewelry.
East Queen Fine Jewelry’s selection is unique. Owner Cathy Wang designs her own brand jewelry. East Queen Fine Jewelry carries fine quality diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and bridal gifts. Your personal designer , Cathy Wang, will create a piece of jewelry with the artistry only Cathy Wang can deliver. Come sample the East Queen Fine Jewelry selection of sapphire, ruby, emerald, pearl, jade and more.
February 8th, 2006
Medical ID Jewelry Critical for Seven Million Americans Living With a Heart Condition
RedNova
HOUSTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Medical ID jewelry plays a vital role in the fight to reduce the number of deaths resulting from heart disease and heart-related emergencies. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death; however, recent medical advancements have enabled more than seven million Americans to survive heart disease and live with few complications. Yet, medical research indicates that heart conditions or a family history of heart disease can put individuals at risk for future heart attacks or stroke. Because they accurately, quickly communicate crucial medical information to emergency workers and hospital personnel, medical IDs help ensure proper treatment in emergencies — especially when patients are unable to communicate themselves.
February, National Heart Month, reminds people with a heart condition — and anyone with a medical condition or allergy — to make sure their significant medical information is readily available to all medical personnel. “If a person goes in to cardiac arrest, it is important for them to wear a medical ID. This way doctors can quickly treat them,” said Dr. Atasu Nayak, MD, Cardiologist at Kelsey Seybold Clinic in Houston. “Wearing the ID keeps us from having to waste time calling around to find out who the doctor is and finding out what’s wrong.”
Medical IDs should be personalized with chronic medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes; food, drug or insect allergies; key prescription medications; even emergency contact and physician information. “If a patient is on a blood thinner or is using an implanted device, we want to know that too,” Nayak added.
Many national health awareness organizations, including the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Mended Hearts strongly suggest medical IDs.
Medical ID jewelry is available in a variety of styles — from inexpensive, non-personalized tags to fashionable, gold or sterling silver bracelets and necklaces. “Producing quality products that fit an individual’s unique medical needs and personal style is critical to the success of a medical ID program,” said Rick Russell, founder and CEO of American Medical ID, a company that provides medical ID jewelry. “For a medical ID to be effective, it must be worn at all times. The best way to ensure that is to offer medical IDs people will want to wear all the time,” Russell said. American Medical ID produces bracelets and necklaces that range from sporty to luxury, depending on the wearer’s preference.
About American Medical ID
American Medical ID was founded in 1994 to meet the need for attractive, durable and affordable medical ID jewelry. Based in Houston, home to one of the world’s most advanced medical centers, American Medical ID creates and markets a range of medical IDs, presented on various styles of bracelets and necklaces, in gold, sterling silver, stainless steel and nylon. Starting at $21.95, each ID is personalized with free engraving. Customers are encouraged to engrave whatever medical information they’d want known in an emergency; typically, this includes medical conditions, prescription medicines, food and drug allergies, and physician and emergency contact information.
In an emergency, when important decisions are made hurriedly, American Medical ID may be a patient’s only voice to share lifesaving information with medical professionals. For more information, visit http://www.identifyyourself.com/ .
American Medical ID
February 8th, 2006
Some ways to locate reputable jewelry store
By Dennis Rockstroh
San Jose Mercury News
With Valentine’s Day just eight days away, many of us are thinking about buying jewelry for our sweethearts — and maybe even our spouses.
It is better to know what you are doing when making such expensive purchases.
So the Better Business Bureau has issued a checklist to help you avoid the pitfalls of jewelry buying.
Here are some ways to locate a reputable jewelry store, the bureau says:
• Check the store’s reputation by consulting with friends, relatives or co-workers who have shopped there.
• Be sure the store has a longstanding, solid reputation in the community and in the industry.
• Get a report on the business from the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
This will give you better insight into the company’s history.
Even one unanswered complaint can earn a business an “unsatisfactory” rating.
Avoid businesses that earn this rating.
• Find out what organizations the jeweler belongs to and their membership requirements. Many trade organizations require strict adherence to good business practices before accepting a store for membership.
• Ask about the gemological and appraisal education of the store’s salespeople.
Before you make a jewelry purchase, here are some more suggestions from the bureau:
• Educate yourself about the special features of the particular jewelry (pearls, gemstones, gold, platinum, etc.) you are considering. The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) offers an online booklet on buying jewelry, as does the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
• Shop around. Compare quality, price and service.
• Ask about the store’s refund and return policy. Carefully read all warranties and guarantees and ask questions if the terms are unclear.
• Make sure the jeweler writes on the sales receipt any information you relied on when making your purchase, such as the gem’s weight or size. Some jewelers will supply a grading report from a gemological laboratory.
If you are shopping for jewelry online, the bureau suggests:
• Shop with companies you trust. If a store is unfamiliar, check with the bureau for a report. Stores that meet standards for ethical online business practices are authorized to display a BBBOnLine Reliability seal on their Web site.
• Get product details as well as the merchant’s refund and return policies.
• Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a problem or need assistance.
• Print a copy of the receipt for your records.
And if all this is too complicated, think chocolate.
Here is how to reach Action Line:
• Mail: San Jose Mercury News, 750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95190
• E-mail (most efficient): action line@mercurynews.com
• www.mercurynews.com. Click Columnists, then Action Line.
• Phone recording: (888) 688-6400
• Fax: (408) 288-8060
Please include full name, address and phone number.
Because of the volume of requests, I cannot respond to everyone.
For tips, self-help, news and discussion, see the Consumer Action Line Web log at http://blogs.mercurynews.com.
February 8th, 2006
Saline Business: Baker bringing fine jewelry to Bryant
By Jillian McGehee
Courier Staff Benton Courier
Pat Baker has brought her jewelry expertise to Bryant.
Baker’s Fine Jewelry has been in operation since May. But Baker is no stranger to the practice, having operated the store for 24 years in Warren.
To expand her jewelry knowledge, she and co-worker Melody Brown recently attended a series of educational seminars, workshops and courses at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s buying conference in Boston.
Baker offers a variety of jewelry selections for women and men, including bridal sets; all types of stones set in rings, necklaces and earrings; bangle bracelets; watches; and the latest in trends such as the circle diamond necklace.
At the seminar, Baker and Brown had the opportunity to preview lines of more than 150 top manufacturers and jewelry designers, who exhibited their merchandise, some of which is exclusive to members of the jewelers organization. Baker’s Fine Jewelry is Bryant’s exclusive member.
While Baker acknowledges that more jewelry stores are bound for Bryant, she enjoys being the growing city’s first fine jeweler. At the conference, she and Baker “carefully selected many unique and exciting items for the fall season that are sure to delight customers.”
A certified jeweler who can make custom pieces is also part of Baker’s staff. She said he has been customizing selections for more than 20 years. Other services include wish lists that allow customers to mark items they would like to receive for holidays, birthdays or special occasions.
The store is located in Bryant Commons shopping center off Arkansas 5, a couple of doors down from Alisha’s Home Furnishings. Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. 5 p.m. each Saturday.
IJO is an international buying group and educational organization of independent retail jewelers with nearly 900 members globally, according to a news release. “Its group buying power enables members to offer customers the finest in high-quality jewelry and loose diamonds at tremendous savings while maintaining the reliability and integrity of an independent retail jeweler.”
February 8th, 2006
A New Editor for BellaOnline Jewelry Making
BellaOnline
The BellaOnline Jewelry Making site provides artisans and crafters with helpful information about the multi-faceted art of jewelry making. In 2006 the site will undergo a complete make-over, with new educational articles, a variety of fresh projects, and in-depth reviews of jewelry making periodicals, books, products, and techniques.
As the site’s new editor, I plan to explore a broad range of approaches to jewelry making - from beading to clays to metal fabrication. We’ll begin with some introductory articles and projects for new jewelry artisans. Experienced artisans may find these to be useful refreshers, and will be invited to share their tips and favorite techniques with “newbies” in the Jewelry Making forum. Later we’ll begin to take a much closer look at each of the many methods of jewelry making.
Through this journey, I encourage you to post your thoughts and suggestions for the site in the forum. Your feedback will help to shape the Jewelry Making site into the kind of resource you’re looking for.
In the meantime, here’s a little information about me:
I have been the editor of the BellaOnline Fashion Jewelry site since October 2003. For Fashion Jewelry, I focus primarily on style trends, jewelry materials, jewelry care and storage, and similar topics of general interest. However, many of the articles there may also be of interest to jewelry makers. (So be sure to visit from time to time!)
As a jewelry artisan, I like to experiment with metal sheet and wire. Most of my designs also feature lots of colorful glass or gemstone beads. To see a sample of my designs, visit my website Chetti Designs.* I also offer unique and unusual beading and mixed media components and supplies for sale on my website Chetti Beads.*
Over the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate several of my jewelry making projects on the show Jewelry Making on the DIY Channel, some of which will be included in an upcoming publication from Lark Books.
February 8th, 2006
Antique store hosts vintage-jewelry artist
Lincoln City News Guard
Oregon artist and vintage-jewelry designer Vonda Roloff will bring her line of original vintage-art jewelry to Sweet Bee Antiques, 6334 S.E. Highway 101, in the Street Car Village just south of Lincoln City, on Saturday Feb. 11, as a special guest to celebrate Antiques Week.
A reception for the artist will be held between noon and 5 p.m. with light refreshments served.
February 8th, 2006
