knot... so good

I am trying to add some longer necklaces into my jewelry arsenal. I love the idea of taking multiple strands of chains and knotting them together at intervals (similar to the necklace above, by Ralph Lauren, although I envision the chains being much daintier). And of course this design is just calling out to be oxidized! I also love the idea of making shoulder skimming earrings to go with the necklace.

JKarma's blog

J Karma Boutique has a blog... J Karma Connection! Just discovered it the other day and of course I was flattered to find a piece of mine featured in their Hot Finds June post. And in other news, Villette Jewelry now has a Facebook page... so type in Villette Jewelry into the search field in Facebook and press that Like button!

dream a little dream

Just for fun, here are some of my favorite finds online for diamond Art Deco jewelry. (A girl can dream can't she?!)Love, love, love this piece with it's geometric shapes and that beautiful pear-shaped drop!

Another classic example of geometric pattern with the traditional diamond and sapphire combination.

Once upon a time, this was, in my mind, meant to be my engagement ring... until I realized it held almost a 2-carat center diamond (and never, in reality, would I want something that large). I fell in love with it for the design though... I love the tiny hidden emeralds!

As relatively easy as it is to find original 1920s diamond engagement rings, it does not mean it is equally as easy to find original 1920s diamond wedding bands. I searched high and low for one myself and settled for a different decade. This beauty would definitely be worth the investment. (If any of you know a secret source for original diamond antique wedding bands, let me know!)

A great out-on-the-town ring. The design which spans from knuckle to knuckle makes this a showstopper! I love this classic shape from the era.

Thank you early 20th century for making the cushion cut diamond popular (and while we are at it, the asscher cut, too)! I love that the sapphires really accentuate the unique cut of the center diamond.

Nothing is a greater find than a prime-condition antique watch!

warm weather scarves

Who said scarves are just for winter?! As a lover of scarves, as soon as the temperature dips below 75 degrees, I start pulling out the winter scarves. So it's not a surprise that I am loving the trend and availability of warm weather scarves lately. This scarf from Anthropologie is on my must-have list for the season. With it's bright pop of summery color and it's thin open knit, this seems perfect to carry me through a season of chilly air-conditioning.

print happy

Today I am obsessing over interior design. I am daydreaming about everything I want in my future home. For someone who is comfortable with mostly solid colors, and relies very little on print in my wardrobe, surprisingly I love the idea of print in my home. My current passion... damask wallpaper. I really want to sneak this in somewhere even if it is just an accent wall. Love, love, love it!

i "heart" inspiration board

(from left to right, top to bottom)
FILIGREE- I love the delicate intricacy and lace-like quality of filigree. I usually can't resist a filigree piece of jewelry in an antique store!
SKELETON KEYS- I love the old craftsmanship. I like to daydream about the history behind each particular key.
JANE AUSTEN-ERA HAIRSTYLES- Pretty much any Jane Austen movie is my go-to source for inspiration on updos! And I love researching historical hairstyles. If only the importance of eloquent hairstyles weren't just reserved for special occasions now a days.
WOODEN VASES- My grandfather loved to woodwork and I have a collection of his wooden vases. They are probably one of my most treasured possessions.
MEHNDI- Like with filigree, I love the intricate designs of henna.
SALON STYLE WALL DECOR- This is probably one of my favorite ways to display wall decor. And I love expanding the grouping as time goes on.
TOURMALINE- I love the rich color variations of this stone! Such a beautiful color palette.
TORTOISE SHELL HAIR COMBS- Just like filigree jewelry, I pretty much cannot resist these beauties in antique stores. They go wonderfully with my Jane Austen-era hairstyles, too!

DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRES- Such a classic combination! There is just something about this pairing that makes any piece of jewelry feel so old-world and sophisticated.

great lengths

Even though it may feel like I have been at my work bench for decades preparing for the craft fair, I was excited to get back to work... especially since it has been a very long time since I have been able to make jewelry for myself! I have been obsessing over maxi-dresses lately and pulled one out of storage from when maxi-dresses were trendy last time, and I needed some statement jewelry to counter-act the simplicity of the long black dress. So I made this 24" geode necklace, paired it with big silver hoops, and stacked the silver bangles high! I am loving the idea of layering this sleak piece with other necklaces, too.

a great day

May Fair was so much fun! Despite the threatening forecast of thunderstorms, the weather was beautiful. I was really happy with my display set-up and how much I accomplished. Thanks to all that attended. And look out for new product on etsy soon! I have some great pieces left over and some new designs on the way.