One FABULOUS Web Designer - Maria at Galleria di Luce

I wanted to take this opportunity to sing some praises for my absolutely FABULOUS web designer Maria from Galleria di Luce!! I sort of stumbled upon a web site that Maria designed almost a year ago and fell in love with her classy, chic, feminine designs! I contacted her at once! :) Once I began working with her, I quickly realized that she was one who had a keen ability to understand clients needs and always strives to make her designs uniquely reflect the individual that she is working with! Needless to say, she captured exactly what I was looking for in my website redesign!

Even after my website redesign was complete, I have continue to work with Maria to design custom photo collages displaying new jewelry designs as well as fabulous designer handwritten signature tags! Below is just a sampling of some of the fabulous designs that she has created for me! THANK YOU Maria!! You are WONDERFUL and AWESOME!!

If you want to take a look at some of Maria's other fabulous designs or contact her for you chic, classy new web site or site redesign, please visit http://www.galleriadiluce.com.

25% Off Earring Junkie Sale at Allura Marie Couture Jewelry

We are having a 25% Earring Junkie Sale at Allura Marie Couture Jewelry. Check out all of our new gorgeous at www.alluramarie.com.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/25--Off-Earring-Junkie-Sale.html?soid=1102789713906&aid=k1tkZAFLs4U

29 Years Young...

I just recently had my 29th Birthday on December 20th, 2010. I like to think of age as a state of mind. That being said, you are only as old as you feel...and I do not feel 29. Being a Christmas Baby (aka being born super close to Christmas), I tend to hold my Birthday to a higher standard than most and actually look forward to it coming instead of not wanting it to past by and be another year old. Birthdays should always be important to everyone, because your birthday is your own very special day. I like to think of birthdays as a rite of passage, another chapter in your life that has been written. The chapter may have mistakes that you don't want to relive or remember or once in a lifetime memories. So, next time your birthday comes around...how about looking forward to it and owning it. And be sure to get a birthday cake and blow out at least one candle after of course you make your yearly wish! Speaking of wishes, I did have one this year, but I can't share that with you, because then it might not come true would it...? :)

Allura Marie Couture Jewelry $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Allura Marie is going to start giving away a $25 Gift Certificate twice per week (drawing will be on Saturdays & Thursdays) until Christmas. In order to enter into the giveaway, all you have to do is visit our Couture Jewelry Online Store and comment back to the post on which item or items you would spend the $25 on!

Start your comments now! Our first $25 Gift Certificate Drawing will be tomorrow night!

www.alluramarie.com

A new pair of earrings fresh out of the Allura Marie Couture Jewelry Fall Collection. Inspiration for these earrings that I call "Beyond Brilliant" comes from those date nights out on the town in your perfect little black dress! With shimmering facets of jet black, smokey grey, and silver, these earrings are just enough sparkle to accent that little black dress!

Allura Marie Handmade Bracelet on the Cover of July 2009 Bead Trends Magazine

The Sugar Plum handmade bracelet from Allura Marie Jewelry made the cover of the July 2009 Bead Trends magazine! I am so excited about this feature. It is my first beading magazine feature and this wonderful bracelet made the cover!! Be sure to check out the magazine with lots of other great jewelry designs and ideas on your local magazine stand.

Just a Small Taste of Treats for Mother's Day

Happy Monday! That is if Monday can be happy day! :) To me everyday should be a happy day, even those dreadful Monday's that everyone so dreads on Sunday.

I was hard at work this weekend creating some new jewelry designs. Here are some of my picks for all of the wonderful mother's, mother's-to-be, and grandmothers. They all can be found along with many others at www.alluramarie.com.

Spring & Summer in NC

Happy Wednesday (Hump Day) to everyone! I am loving spring and summer in North Carolina! I don't know that I could ever live anywhere else. Not to mention that most of my family is from here and currently resides here in the Western part of NC! We have soft colorful mountain-scapes, many great areas for boating, tons of vacation spots, and very distinct 4 seasons a year! During this time is year is usually when my husband and I decide where we would like to go on vacation...either one large trip or a few small trips. In thinking about where to go this year, it has reminded me about last year's few vacation trips. Below is a picture of my younger brother, me, my husband at Myrtle Beach, SC. The other picture is of my husband holding our Yorkie, Maci! I think that she has his eyes! :)



If you have never been to NC, you should check out http://www.visitnc.com/ for some great details on places to visit. I definitely recommend visiting the Bilmore Estate in Ashville, NC and doing the winery tour! It is awesome and the Estate has a wonderful array of flowers in it's garden during the spring months and lots of beautiful Christmas decorations at Christmas time!

New Jewelry Design - Tutti Fruity Bracelet & Earring Set

Hello Friends,

In celebration of the glorious spring weather and all of the wonderful array of colors that this time of year has to offer I have created a new bracelet and earring set that I call "Tutti Fruity". Both are made out of faceted chunks of Amethyst semi-precious gemstone linked to smooth Carnelian gemstone beads. The earrings have some added details where I have looped sterling silver wire over the front of the large Amethyst gemstone. The juicy color details of this set not only match perfectly but they are sure to make you mouth water! Enjoy!

Summer Eclipse...

"The moon will never touch the sun, the journey I am on, it's not begun, Summer eclipse, I can't forget the day when night and day had met..."

These are the lyrics for a song called Summer Eclipse by Gala. I call a pair of my newest earrings creations "Summer Eclipse" because these earrings are the point where night and day meet! :)

Hope that you enjoy!!

http://www.alluramarie.com/catalog.php?category=3&page=5

Allura Marie - Featured as a Designer on the Rise 2009

Good Monday to Everyone!


Today is a great day! :) Allura Marie Jewelry was currently chosen as a "Designer on the Rise" by StyleBakery.com for Spring & Summer 2009! I am incredibly honored to receive this distinction! In honor of this feature, I are offering a 15% Off Discount. Visit the below link to get the code that you enter during checkout to apply the 15% off.


http://www.stylebakery.com/designers_on_the_rise_spring/

As always, I are interested in receiving your feedback and comments! Please let me know your thoughts!


Always, Jodanna

New Allura Marie Jewelry Website

Hello All,

I have some wonderful news to share, Allura Marie Jewelry has a brand new face!! Our new website, alluramarie.com, is now up and running and we are looking for shops, blogs, etc interested in exchanging banners / web ads.

If you are interested please contact us at AlluraMarie@aol.com.

Thanks!

~Jodanna M. Cook (Owner, Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry)

Jodanna Cook of Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry is now Member# 2316 of SRAJD

Owner and designer of Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry, Jodanna Cook, is now member# 2316 of SRAJD!

Gemstone of the Day: Labradorite

One of my Labradorite designs, Smooth Operator, is shown above using a faceted pear shaped birolette. To view this item and other at my ETSY please click on the above picture.

Labradorite is the umbrella term for a sodium-rich variety of plagioclase feldspar found in igneous or metamorphic rocks. When light hits labradorite from a particular direction, it can display striking rainbow-colored reflections (violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red) known as labradorescence or schiller. Labradorite has been described as looking like gasoline lying on water or the delicate wings of a tropical butterfly. It is in the same family as moonstone. Stones with a light green-gray base and moderate schiller are known simply as labradorite.

Labradorite was officially discovered on St. Paul Island in Labrador, Canada, in 1770. However, pieces of the gemstone also have been found among Native American artifacts in Maine. During the 18th century, labradorite was frequently used in jewelry in France and England. Labradorite is said to detoxify the body and slow the aging process. It also is believed to elevate consciousness and protect a person's aura, helping to keep the aura clear, balanced, protected and free from energy leaks. Many say the stone heals mental confusion and indecision. Labradorite is found in Labrador (Canada), Madagascar, the Ukraine, Australia, Mexico, Norway and the U.S.A.

*Data in the above posting is cited from Rings-N-Things at www.rings-things.com*

Gemstone of the Day - Jasper

The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." This form of semiprecious chalcedony, or microcrystalline quartz, is usually red, brown or green. Its patterns are much less regular and defined than those of the other chalcedony variety, agate. Although the term jasper is often applied to unidentified stones, true jaspers are metamorphic rocks.Jasper derives its colorful patterns from other minerals present, and is often named according to its pattern. It has a dull luster but takes a fine polish, and its hardness and other physical properties are those of quartz. Jasper is often sealed with petroleum products. Its polish might wash away in water, so clean with a soft, dry cloth.

The gem was a favorite in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin. In the fourth century, it was called the great "rain-bringer," and it has been thought to strengthen the stomach and cure gynecological troubles. Some also use it to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. It supposedly gives you the courage to speak out and the bravery to achieve personal independence. Landscape jaspers are amongst the most popular varieties. Jasper is mined in North Africa, Sicily, France, India, Venezuela, Germany, the U.S.A. and elsewhere.

*This data in the article is cited from Rings-N-Things at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html*

My bracelet design above is created using Leopardskin Jasper which is often referred to as a jasper, this stone includes feldspar minerals, which means it is actually a rhyolite. It is mottled with red, yellow, brown and pinkish spots like the fur of a leopard. It is considered a wonderful gemstone for bringing wanted things into your life. It also may enhance your total vibration, stabilizing the heart and solar plexus areas. I call the design Pastel Portrait.

~Jodanna

Gemstone of the Day - Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a catch-all term for cryptocrystalline quartzes (quartz with microscopically small crystals). The term "chalcedony" refers more specifically to semitransparent or translucent chalcedony with a solid color (commonly pale bluish-gray) and nearly waxlike luster. The color can also be white, blue, purple, pink, yellow, orange or red. Blue and purple are the most popular hues.

Chalcedony forms in rounded crusts, rinds or stalactites in volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The stone is extremely porous, so it takes dye easily and is frequently enhanced. Chalcedony has a slightly lower density and hardness than other quartz. Protect it from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Because of its abundance, durability and beauty, chalcedony was one of the first raw materials used by humankind. Its earliest recorded uses were as projectile points, knives, tools and containers. The stone was used in Renaissance magic for health and safety, and has been worn as carved cameos and gems for many centuries, especially popular in the Victorian era. In ancient times, it was used as a talisman against idiocy and depression. Today it is still believed to banish depression and mental illness, as well as fear, hysteria and touchiness. Chalcedony is also thought to reduce fever, aid eyesight, stimulate creativity and stimulate calm and peace. The stone is found in Brazil, Germany, Russia, the U.S.A., Canada, Africa, Turkey and Indonesia.

*The above data is cited from Rings-N-Things at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html*

Please see one of Allura Marie's newest creations above known as Persuasion using this wonderfully beautiful gemstone known as Chalcedony. To visit my ETSY store to get more information regarding these earrings just click the above linked picture.

~Jodanna (Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry)