I sometimes laugh at myself and the way that I process designs. Lots of influence by things and others.
Had a little bit of a road block with charm bracelet bases. Most of the ones done today are very flimsy or
obscenely pricey. Ugh. Well, you know the old adage...Necessity is the mother of _______.
So what to do. I decided that I didn't want to invent the wheel so I looked back at some of my antique Jewelry design collection (will have to share more of that later.) I came across a Parisian catalog "Samaritaine" circa 1914. Beautifully illustrated little pamphlet like catalog. Oh the artistry. Sigh. Much has sadly been forgotten in technique. Anyway, I came across a chain I loved and could hand forge (fabricate) in my studio.
One thought leads to another and then I remembered that American icon James Avery is know for hand forging charm bracelets.
AHA!
I happen to have one. What I didn't like is that all the links are the
same size so the charms will twist and you have to fight to
get the charms to all hang in one direction (see center bracelet in pic below). Back to the Parisian
catalog.
Here is what I came up with. Two styles (both far left). One is an oval. The other a round. One lighter (the oval) and one heavier (the round). Granted they are on a more substantial scale than the James Avery (center). I want our bracelets to have some heft.
I love them but there is always room for improvement. What do you think? Any thoughts to share?
18 Comments
Vicki H
I absolutely love your designs. Having grown up the daughter of antique dealers, I am drawn to the pictures, etc. Love them. I was so excited when I found your website and was able to buy my Mom a charm bracelet. I've added to it with events over the last 8 yrs. she treasures it,
Dana Iverson
I am so glad to have found your website! I have always loved roses & am partial to the broken china bracelets. I don't wear jewelry but am determined to one day be able to purchase one of these beautiful bracelets! I love the work you do! Being a single mom, it's just going to take a little while till I can save enough to buy that special treasure!
Judith Harris
Love your things as you know. Your attention to the wants of your customers is heartwarming. You have gone above and beyond for me in filling an order when you were in the middle of a family matter. It meant the world to me and I thank you.
Tina S
I LOVE charm bracelets and since I put charms on BOTH sides of my links I really don't mind a few twists and turn, as I also prefer charms that are 3-D. BUT I have been collecting for my charm bracelet for years and think "the more the merrier"! LOL My grandbabies love to sit and look at it on my wrist (as I wear it most days) and ask questions about where I got each charm or just what it is. However, when you only have a few charms then it becomes much more important to get all of them laying in the same direction.
Dryden Barnes
I would have all the charms if I were a rich lady. I am going to retire Sept. 29, Kim - I am going to Atlanta to be near my son and when I get settled - I will start the charm bracelet.. I will probably have to get good hints from you...can't wait.
Dryden Barnes
my daughter-in-law loves to cook, my next charm will the hand mixer..
Dryden Barnes
I love the "forget me knots" on the necklace I bought for my daughter. I would have them allllll .
barbara leitschaft
I was drawn to your site by the name. rose blossom cottage. it takes me back to my grandma. she had a pic of a rose covered cottage in her dining room and her china also had roses on it. I bought a heart from you with the pattern that my other grandma had. the rabbit charm I ordered from you was the cover of a book my aunt bought me. every charm I own has deep meaning of my childhood. thank you so much for providing these great memories.
Dryden Barnes
I love the button jewelry, my grandmother had a "button box" - I can see a hand painted tin box FULL of buttons that were really jewels...not plastic. You are the best.
Dryden Barnes
I love the heart charms and I am going to buy some today. I don't know how you do it, but so wonderful.
Linda L M
With regards to your question regarding your new bracelet designs, I believe you hit the mark by making 3 different designs. As I see it, the large would make a great statement piece for a large Photo Charm and the mid size including the smaller bracelets are perfect as stand alone pieces or for the small cluster charm collectors! I find them romantically flashy! I can imagine showing off the charms gifted to me from my one and only son with one. You are amazing. I hope you can continue to spark our imagination with your captivating vision.
Linda L M
Please enter me in the charm give away. I find myself constantly giving to my friends so they remember me. My last purchase few purchases from you were the lovely real starfish charm and sand dollar charm. They were so beautifully wrapped that I bought another for my best friend 1000 miles away. Now I hope to win the angel that reminds me of my dad. Smile
Teresa yost
I hope to see more broken China earrings and bracelets with a deep red rose and a little pink together . I just love that combo :))
Melinda Alvarez
Very interesting! Thank you for sharing your inspiration from the 1914 catalog. We seldom get to know what inspires an artist to make her or his creation. Also thank you for the many offers you give your customers so that they can get your charms and other goodies! Good luck to all who enter.
Mary Lynne Zahler
I love this jewelry, especially the charms and bracelets. I am wearing one right now in fact, a silver charm bracelet with a broekn china Guardian angel charm by Kim. It makes me feel protected!
Lisa Maloy-Perez
I wish I could have one of everything! I love the ring!!
Kathy Ayscue
The jewelry that you create is simply beautiful. I especially love the angel charms. I have given some of the charms as gifts and they are always a hit! Thank you also for the kindness that you have extended to me. Kim, you are a wonderful person!
Melinda Alvarez
I received my charms yesterday ***** I appreciated the cleaning instructions...the packaging was wonderful..love those boxes and all the goodies included. I needed a bookmark! Timing is everything. Thank you for all your hard work... I love my charms...