pronged; something new

Easiest marketing I've experienced is wearing my own things to places where money is exchanged for a good, thus the inevitable pause in conversation leading often, at least around these parts, to some kind of conversation, complement or statement pulled from visual cues. Since the exchange is hand-focused, I'm lucky enough to get to talk about the jewels on my hands a lot. And confess my favorite truth: I made this bitch.

Last week I got to work early and decided to splurge on a tasty americano from a place I had never been before on 9th & Alder. The girl behind the cash register was a cutie and liked the druzy quartz ring that lives on my left middle finger.

Right away she informed me that she's getting married and needs her something new! The next day I went back and picked up a piece of sea glass that she picked up near her Long Island home as a kid and I made it into a pendant that she plans to wear at her wedding later this month.

And, turns out, we have mutual friends. Portland, like any small city or town, continues to open up and shrink simultaneously..

It was a damn tasty americano. Happy Saturday!

20 minutes for yourself in the afternoon

It happened. We made it. I ordered my first iced americano of the season today. And took 20 minutes this afternoon in the sunshine in just a tank top to soak it up. The wind of course started up again soon after, but nobody could have blemished those few moments of glory. Nobody.

During that time, I got an email from Sadie Rose with a custom order. Nothin' I love more. Check out this labradorite pyramid that will soon be a ring on her finger. It's flippin gorgeous, as is she, and I can't wait to get to work on it.

Also, photos from a quick coastal jaunt yesterday. This is my favorite beach on all of the west coast. Agates and streams and birds and tide pools galore. This secret little pathway down to the shore makes me want to be a kid again just to see it through the lens of young eyes.

oh, and ROCKS!

So many in stock. Need some bling? Message me!

And, a sneak preview of what is to come....

The URBAN BOLO

leather WRAP CUFF galore

healthy distractions

New custom design makes for perfect female pairing. Adriel chose this jasper stone which now sits delicately on her left hand and accompanies her while GRE studying.

I love seeing photos of people sporting their new bling. Please send any and all to stoneandsmith@gmail.com.

gratitude

I've always been a gift giver. Before I understood money or had any of my own, I (surreptitiously), would take single socks and fill them with pennies from my parents' coin jar. Once they were complete with a red bow around the top, I would stack them under the tree and wait eagerly for Christmas. (Things I've learned since then: my notion that money can be gifted was spot on and how to better conceal a gift).

This year was a throwback to the year of sock change: I was entirely more excited to gift then to get. And that, my friends, is more than maturity (only took me until a quarter of a century to get back here): it's gratitude. Most of my sales the past few months were through custom orders and house parties, and I am so thankful for all the business. Moreover, I am grateful for the fact that most pieces were gifted within one degree of separation because it meant that I was able to hear the stories and see people wearing their new bling over the holidays!

I wanted to share a few of the pieces that had particularly heart-warming stories involved.

First boy ring designed for Paul North, a man fitting of both name and accessory. This baby made it to Texas on Christmas Eve upon Paul and Lynn's epic road trip arrival from Oregon.

A pelican pendant designed for Sandy Suarez, upon the request of Derek. Pelicans are a long time love of hers, as she would remark to Derek as a little boy: "they can fit more in their beaks than in their stomachs!" Derek was a grinning fool for days after this. He knew we nailed it. I attached it to a lovely brass chain, and saw her wearing it one evening in Atlanta.

mother and daughter

My roommate, Trevor, hosted his family at the house in August. His family lives on the campus of Millbrook School in upstate NY and are always a delight to share a meal with. His dad pulled me aside and ordered two custom bracelets for his wife, Cindy, and daughter Carly. He gave me artistic license, thus it took me awhile to get started. After all, fancy ladies need fancy bracelets. However, I was able to spend a lot of time with them while in town and gleaned their sense of style. I hope they like them, xoxox.

mother / daughter