Hope springs eternal

Written by midori on May 1, 2013 — 1 Comment

Or should I say, Spring hopes eternally? Whichever it is, I’m feeling hopeful about all sorts of things today. It’s May Day, which is supposed to signal the high point of Spring (but usually sounds somewhat alarming to me, like some sort of emergency: May Day! May Day! All hands on deck!), and the flora and fauna outside seem to be especially frenetic in their nest-building and bursting into bloom. The songbirds are in a contest to see who can rob me of the most sleep in the wee hours of the morning, and all sorts of seeds we optimistically sowed last fall are cropping up. Just as I was despairing that it had all been in vain and we’d have nothing to show for our efforts, dozens of red Spanish poppies are dotting the meadow with bright pops of color. How could you not feel cheerful on a day like this one?

The month of May is traditionally full of color, and this one promises to be especially so. May’s birthstone is emerald, which is also the Pantone color of the year, and I’ve been super busy sourcing gorgeous green stones for clients. This oval emerald is set in gold with a secondary bezel of chocolate-brown shakudo with vintage diamond accents on the shoulders. The orchard bark texture creates a more organic feel for a timeless design.


Since green is my favorite color (and it’s what my name means in Japanese) I have been having a blast working with not only emeralds but other amazing stones in all different shades of green: green sapphires, green amethyst (prasiolite) and demantoid garnets. After all, Green is what this company is all about in the first place!


green amethyst (prasiolite)

Posted in inspiration, new and gorgeous

You’re the Apple of My Eye

Written by midori on February 9, 2013 — 1 Comment

If you haven’t heard, apples are kind of a big deal around here. Sonoma County is known for its exceptional wines, of course, but it’s also one of the finest apple-growing regions in the world. In recent years, local movements have cropped up in order to preserve delicious heirloom varieties like the tart-sweet Gravenstein or my favorite Pink Pearl. (Which reminds me, if you need a non-traditional Valentine’s Day libation to celebrate with your sweetheart, you must try the fantastic new Gravenstein Apple Sauced hard cider from local DeVoto Farms. Yum!)

I’m constantly inspired by this beautiful area, and one day the idea of uniting the concept of pearl and apple struck me. A modern twist on the classic pearl studs or drop earrings: sterling silver apples with 14K posts or ear wires, with a coordinating pendant. I knew it was an instant hit when a client remarked on the lovely little “pearl” I had added to a charms necklace along with a tiny ruby!

Fool your friends or delight your Valentine with one of these sweet little treats and help spread the word to Save the Gravensteins.

Posted in Uncategorized

Temblors and falling stars

Written by midori on December 14, 2012 — Leave a Comment

What’s all that trembling underfoot? Why, that’s just the diamond industry getting all shook up about the competition: a gemstone with nearly identical properties to diamond that was first discovered on a meteorite, otherwise known as a falling star. Moissanite is in many ways one of the most ethical choices you can make when purchasing a gemstone, because it isn’t mined from the earth and is created in a lab instead. Unlike other notably inferior diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia or not-so-sparkly gems like white sapphire, moissanite possesses greater brilliance and fire than even diamond itself and is extremely durable and only slightly less hard. For these reasons, it has become a remarkably attractive alternative gemstone choice that is also affordable.

I admit it took me some time to get over my own initial skepticism, but I have become a convert. Vintage diamonds have a marvelously mysterious former life and symbolic timelessness, and I still love using them for bridal jewelry, especially Old Mine-cut diamonds in a lovely antique cushion shape. But, it’s certainly appealing to know diamonds aren’t the only option for gorgeous, sparkly, colorless stones, especially if your taste exceeds your budget where diamonds are concerned. There’s no need to settle for a smaller stone or sacrifice color and clarity, and no one who sees your “diamond” engagement ring will be the wiser. (I recommend full disclosure to your beloved before you pop the question, though!)

If you’re considering moissanite for an engagement ring, you might try purchasing another jewelry item first to experience it for yourself. Our new vineyard rose-cut stud earrings are the perfect holiday gift and are sure to produce gasps of delight. The vintage-meets-modern rose-cut moissanite is bezel-set in 14K gold and encircled by a tiny silver vine, with 14K posts. One caveat, though: when you tell her it’s not a diamond, she may not believe you.

Here’s a peek at a rose-cut moissanite in our best-selling vineyard bridal rings:

Posted in materials, new and gorgeous

Chameleon

Written by midori on November 29, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Earlier this year we made a few changes to our materials policy of using only vintage gems, and the response has been great. We’ve had frequent requests for diamond alternatives, both because of affordability and because okomido fans are so darn cutting edge that you refuse to be bound by tradition. As a result, we’re always on the lookout for something new and sensational, which is all the sweeter when it supports change in the worldwide mining industry.

That’s where Zultanite comes in. This rare color-change gemstone is found in only one place in the world, in a single Turkish mine that follows strict environmental practices. It’s an incredibly romantic conversation starter that changes color dramatically in different lighting conditions. In daylight it’s a warm, pale champagne with greenish overtones, and in candlelight it’s a rosy, salmon or raspberry color. Perhaps most surprisingly, it is a versatile neutral that looks amazing with literally anything you wear. It’s truly a chameleon stone.

The best part is how Zultanite mining sets the standard for sustainable mining worldwide by minimizing environmental impact; protecting water sources from toxic chemicals and undergoing strict land restoration processes; submitting to regular third party inspections; and providing insurance, fair wages, housing and food for workers. Purchasing Zultanite jewelry is not only easy on the conscience, it’s also casting a vote for an environmentally- and socially-conscious revolution in the industry.

We’re still fully committed to using entirely reclaimed metals in our jewelry until fair trade mining becomes more widely available. But we’ll continue to source ethically-mined gemstones and create new jewelry designs that honor your conscience as well as your impeccable taste.

Posted in materials, Uncategorized
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