My November Adventure . . .
I can't believe December has rolled around already! 🎄🎅🏼🌺⛱️ Time flies when you're busy and I have been that!
I have just returned from a trip to India and am now ready to dive right into all things Wristocracy having been inspired by so so much.
The beauty about a blog is I am not limited by a number of photos that social media dictates. So, I have added in a few more pics and I have so many more that I am happy to share if you’re interested, so do let me know.
What an experience! 😮 Everywhere we looked there were new discoveries to be made - I just don't quite know where to start!
We explored bazaars and navigated city streets, visited temples and mosques, learnt spinning in the Ghandi Ashram and were serenaded by sitars dining on the finest Gujarati cuisine under two moons 🌕🌙 in Ahmendabad. We visited palaces, bathed in rose petals and watched the most beautiful sunsets in Udaipur. We woke each day to yoga on the rooftop, visiting remnants of a colonial era and ancient sites and shopped for linens and gemstones in Jaipur. We saw all sides of life all over India - the good and the bad. We visited the Taj Mahal in Agra - a true wonder of the world indeed.
It is a trip I will never forget, for so many reasons. It was life changing. The sights, the smells, the tastes, the sounds and contrasts ... it truly took my breath away.
The people I encountered were some of the most beautiful souls I have ever met.
This gallery shows just a snippet of our adventure.
We are home now in beautiful New Zealand I am now reopen for business and am ready to make ship any and all your Christmas orders!
#india #open #wonderoftheworld #explore #tripofalifetime #wristocracy #bracelets #gemstones #treasures #nzmade #christmas #christmasshopping
No Shipping from 9th - 27th of November 2024
Just a little "heads up" that I will be taking a small break through November, from the 9th until the 27th and will be unable to ship during this time.
I will be checking my email and messages from time to time during this time so feel free to contact me should you have any enquiries and I will do my best to help.
Rest assured that I will be back in time for the 'silly season' and ready to ship any orders you may have in time for Christmas! 🎄
Pictured here is a little order collected today - a Le Chilli Rococo bracelet - $35 and a Tigers Eye with coated Hematite Buddha head ($30). Whilst the latter is not listed on the website it is absolutely available if you message me and I will make it to size.
I also created a (bespoke) clasp necklace in the Le Chilli Rococo design which is available on request. It is finished in rose gold plated sterling silver and prices start from $110 depending on the length you require.
#wristocracy #important #tigerseye #rococo #christmashours #sillyseason #bracelets #bracelet #nzmade #handmadebracelets #wristocracy.co.nz
FREE little bonus surprise bracelet
Following on from my last post - find a ton of Lavender gorgeousness to choose from. So many options and a few ideas on how to create some wonderful looks. 💜** Anyone who purchases 3 or more of these sets (and some singles in this range) will receive a FREE little bonus surprise bracelet!* **#lavender #bracelets #wristocracy #jewellery #lavenderamethyst #amethyst #seedbeads #springbracelets #springfashion #choose #youchoose #bonus #freebracelet
*conditions apply: free bracelet given is at my discretion. Offer applies sets and selected singles in the Lavender Collection.
Sets or Singles?
Question: I have a bunch of new looks - what would you prefer separates or sets?
It’s the simple things . . . Green Angelite, Prehnite and Jade
It's been a sad week for me. Creating things really helps take my mind to a better place so this set started to take form.
Green Angelite is all about love, compassion and self care, all of which I knew I needed right now. I have teamed it with Prehnite, a protective stone that is said to release negative energies and a very light mint green Jade that is said to bring inner peace and gratitude. I've also added in some sterling silver, a Rainbow Moonstone with silver ceramic heishi and a Rococo Menta.
This set is taking me through Spring. Whilst I've made it for me - if anyone else wants something similar, do get in touch and I will add it to the website.
Enjoy your weekend. 💚
#mint #jellymint #wristocracy #angelite #prehnite #jade #moonstone #rainbow-moonstone #spring #selfcare #rococo #menta #bracelets
Taking a moment to share some sad news - my beautiful boy Simba passed away.
As a small business, I am never 100% certain which aspects and how much of my personal life to share, particularly as many of you have your own fair share of "stuff" going on.
It's a dilemma . . .
However, after some introspection I've come to the conclusion that as I have always shared clips of my dogs (Sam, Simba & Ella) - it is also perhaps appropriate to acknowledge on this platform, when I can no longer do this.
Sadly, last week our beautiful white Lab Simba passed over the rainbow bridge, joining his chocolate Lab brother Sam, who passed away 2 years ago.
To all that knew him, Simba was the gentlest of souls who was full of life and mischief, particularly in his youth.
Following Sam's passing, he still got up to a bit a mischief but matured and became a guiding and calm companion to our anxious young dog Ella who had a very rough start in life. He offered her endless comfort despite being a stubborn old fella in his old age 😂. We loved him (and his brother) more than words can express and now the emptiness in our hearts is palpable .
Simba's little sister Ella is also missing the quiet reassurance he brought her, judging by her reluctance to go on walks or leave home, her sad and searching eyes and much quieter disposition. Astro the cat, Simba's constant companion and personal groomer appears to be coping well for now.
For a while now we knew that Simba was living on borrowed time and so the silver lining of 'things being quiet' with Wristocracy this year, was that it afforded me plenty of time to dote on Simba while we had him. For that I feel blessed..
Simba, wherever you are, may you be pain free and full of energy and agility again. May you be reunited with Sam and enjoying endless long romps on the beach, with a smorgasbord of smelly things for you to graze on. May there be plenty of muddy puddles, vast grassy meadows and streams for you to play in and an abundance of mangos, bananas, watermelon and big bones for you to scoff on as only you could. Last but not least let there be a constant supply of chuck it balls (only the orange ones) so you can show Sam all your new tricks. You are truly forever in our heart! RIP my beautiful boy! ♥️
Next level flashy Ethiopian Opal
Some next level flashy ⚡️Ethiopian Opal ⚡️in this Kehlani Mermaid necklace that went out today (with a sweet Rose Quartz tumble set... also pictured). I couldn't resist sharing you some close ups of the show they put on for me!
#ethiopianopal #flashystones #opalescence #wristocracy #workstories #mermaid #mermaidnecklace #mermaidjewelry #mermaidjewellery #madeinnz #nzmade
A little bit of heat 🔥 to warm you up!
A little bit of heat 🔥 to warm you up on this cold 🥶 windy day! Orange Agate 🧡 is such a favourite of mine being a self confessed Autumn 🍁Girl. But no matter your colour (or season) we have a colour and stone to match your mood (or outfit). Colour Therapy - 60+ different gemstones to choose from. Wear one or collect them all. Wear them alone or mix them in to existing sets or your own keepsake jewellery. Made to your size.
Deep in the Ocean Blue
My last pair of these sterling silver deep blue beauties headed out today ... In saying that, the shape is available in other colours and the colour is available in different shapes.... Variety has always been my MO. I also have a lot of Swarovski pendants waiting to made up into earrings and necklaces and they aren't always necessarily listed on the website so if you're looking for that perfect hue or shape and you can't quite find it - please message me for a full inventory of shapes and colours!
Filling my cup . . .
I haven't posted for a while as I've been working on "filling my cup". Whilst I have been working on a few little Wristocracy projects, I have used this quieter time (ask any small business - the downturn has definitely affected sales) to work on some self care as well. Mainly I have been focusing on my work life balance, bettering my health, which included joining a gym (ask me if you're in Auckland (west) and looking for somewhere fabulous to help you get your groove back) and I've been spending time with my parents working on some things they wanted help with. We have also been planning an exciting trip (more about this later) and just generally filling my cup and appreciating the positives. This week we took a little time to bring our dogs to their favourite spot ... (ours too) for a little R & R mixed with work. We are fortunate enough to be able to work remotely and I can't think of a lovelier spot to work from whilst I am creating this (bespoke) mala. Thank you to all of those who are still following and supporting my little business!
I haven't posted for a while as I've been working on "filling my cup". Whilst I have been working on a few little Wristocracy projects, I have used this quieter time (ask any small business - the downturn has definitely affected sales) to work on some self care as well. Mainly I have been focusing on my work life balance, bettering my health, which included joining a gym (ask me if you're in Auckland (west) and looking for somewhere fabulous to help you get your groove back) and I've been spending time with my parents working on some things they wanted help with. We have also been planning an exciting trip (more about this later) and just generally filling my cup and appreciating the positives. This week we took a little time to bring our dogs to their favourite spot ... (ours too) for a little R & R mixed with work. We are fortunate enough to be able to work remotely and I can't think of a lovelier spot to work from whilst I am creating this (bespoke) mala. Thank you to all of those who are still following and supporting my little business!
What Do You Think?
Mexican Sky Eye Jasper set ... with a twist. 🇲🇽🌌👀
My customer wanted this set but wanted the Silver accents swapped out to Antique Copper. Like always... I aim to please 👼😂 and I really think her choices work super well with this set - what do you think? 🤔
If you see a set that you really like but there's something that you'd like to change a little - please ask.... as I may be able to accomodate. If it's a small tweak (like this) it may not even cost extra! Something for nothing! In this day and age that's a rarity! 😂
Have a great week!
#bespokebracelet #wristocracy #bracelets #braceletoftheday #jasper #nzsmallbusiness #somethingfornothing
Please Remember to Leave a Review 🙏 😁
"I absolutely adore these custom made bracelets. The crystal beads are high quality with vibrant colours and the facets glitter so. You were a joy to work with during the creative process, so prompt, thoughtful and patient. These bracelets are meaningful and cherished." Lilian
Thank you Lilian! Super grateful to receive feedback (especially when it's like this) from customers.
When you buy Wristocracy, please remember to leave a review. It really helps a small business like mine - particularly in these very tough times.
Check your email (approx) 10-14 days after your treasures arrive for the request. Thank you so much if you do!
#review #wristocracy #smallbusinesshelp #bracelet #smallbusiness #nzmade #thankyou #thanks #ruby #garnet #hematite #helpingothers
Diamonds 💍 are forever but are all gemstones?
Diamonds 💍 are forever, but does this apply to all gemstones?
I would love to say yes ... but the reality is not all of them are.
What is the life span of a gemstone?
Just like anything, a gemstone has a life span. What that life span is varies according to several factors including what stone it is, how often you wear it and how you care for it.
Gemstones are Minerals
Pretty as they are, it is important to remember that gemstones are minerals. The combination of the different chemicals is the main reason for their beautiful colouring. Be mindful of this if they are damaged.
Gemstones also come in different hardnesses and are graded according to a scale called Moh’s with 1 being very soft and 10 being very hard. This information is available on Wristocropedia but in simple terms, the higher the Moh’s rating, the longer the stone should last. The lower the stone is on the scale - the more care you need to take and the shorter the life span of the stone may be.
Do you wear your bracelets occasionally or every day? Constant wear and contact with skin oils, perfume and water take a toll on gemstones. This is why I always include care and safety instructions with all jewellery purchases that suggest that you remove jewellery before entering water. Will it survive the odd shower? Probably, however it will take a toll in the long run. The better care you take of your jewellery the longer it will last. I always include information on how to care for your Wristocracy with all purchases, however if you have lost it - it is available on the website.
If your Wristocracy breaks
If your Wristocracy piece breaks collect all the beads and place them in a sealed bag. I am happy to remake most pieces for a small charge, but there are also times when it is not appropriate for me to remake but instead I may suggest its replacement. This is because the beads have reached the end of their lifespan.
When should I retire my bracelet?
The polish on a bead is not only there to make the stone look pretty, it is also there to keep the stone safe by keeping the minerals sealed and any nasties safe from harms way.
Just like anything the more you use it or wear it the more worn out a piece can get. With regard to beaded jewellery wear and tear damage generally happens more to those gemstones that have a relatively low Moh’s - but when your bracelet looks a bit tired and the polish has gone it may be time to think about retiring it.
For more information check out Wristocropedia or message me for any queries.
If a bead or bracelet breaks. I recommend that you collect all the beads and place them in a sealed bag. Contact the maker as they may repair.
Most beads will survive the odd dip in water - however for longevity I recommend keeping beads out of water as some gemstones may begin to breakdown in water.
A few snaps from my brief sojourn in Sydney
A few snaps from my brief sojourn in Sydney. The city dazzled us and we loved every minute of it! Why has it taken me so long to visit?
Sydney Town Hall Clock Tower (George Street) I spent a fair bit of time up and down this street
Night scape from our hotel room over Darling Harbour
Sunrise with Tower Eye (yes I was up this early!)
Obligatory bead shop stop - you do know this is my love as well as my job right?
Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge and perhaps a cocktail or two
Meeting the locals - this one was called Misha a Black Russian Terrier 🐾
Walk from Opera House through Barangaroo Reserve to Darling Harbour
Home for our stay - the Sofitel Darling Harbour - who knew we were sleeping in a rainbow?
Dancing Brolgas fountain aka Australian Crane - beautiful by day and night!
Last night - feeling tired but relaxed and about to tuck into one of the best meals of my life at Bistro 19 - I highly recommend the Russian Dumplings if you’re ever there!
Goddess Bracelets
I’ve had these gorgeous things on my making board for quite some time but have been busy working on a number of custom pieces so never quite got the time to photograph them all. I am super excited to show you this new range.
Introducing my new Goddess range of bracelets.
Inspired by some of my favourite stones, this range is named after Greek Goddesses and features a selection of some very beautiful sparkly stones that are strung with either Sterling Silver or 14K Gold Fill ball beads on strong elastic thread. Please note these bracelets are also available as clasp bracelets at an additional cost.The differing prices of each piece will reflect the cost of the relative beads and components coupled with the time I spend on each piece. Message me to enquire.
The standard elasticated range (pictured above) is priced between $40-$50 and features some very high grade stones.
Aphrodite - (Love) - High Grade Garnet with Sterling Silver
Eos - (Dawn) - High Grade Labradorite with Sterling Silver
Theia - (Light) - High Grade Citrine with 14K Gold Fill
Hespera (Dusk) - Iolite with Sterling Silver
Nyx (Night) - Super sparkly Black Spinel with Sterling Silver
Selene (Moon) - Spotted Blue/Rainbow Moonstone with Sterling Silver
Please note that the Aphrodite (Garnet - see pic 8-9) and Eos (Labradorite) bracelets are also available (by request) with smooth ball beads at no extra cost.
All Good Things Must Come to an End …
All good things must come to an end ... including this Peru Turquoise & Rosewood set.
But fear not ... I have been hard at work designing a variation on it - so all is not lost! If you want this set in its current form I have just one left and then the set will change over to its new look!
#endings #newbeginnings #wristocracy #bracelets #peruturquoise #rosewood #beachlife #beachy #chrysocolla #nzmade #nzmaker
Created just for you . . .
A little collection of Wristocracy heading out tomorrow. I am always excited to see your favourites and remind you that each piece that goes out is created fresh, just for you and not gathering dust on a shelf.
Natural Stones and Colour Variations
Colour variations are a part of working with natural materials. The first time I made this set the Aventurine I had was a much lighter rose 🩰pink. The current batch of Aventurine has more peachy 🍑 tones to it. I think they're both beautiful. I always attempt to upload an image of the most current set. However, if there is ever a big variance I will always contact you first to show you the comparison, so please make sure you add your phone number or email address when you order. This set of 4 is $55.
#aventurine #moonstone #copper #zirconia #braceletset #wristocracy #peachaesthetic #peachbracelets
Design Your Own Jewellery using the A-Z of Stone Energies
Designing your own custom necklace featuring all your favourite crystals might not be as hard as you think. Check out the Custom Make section and Wristocropedia Healing Energies by Stone A -Z to combine your own perfect combination.
#wristocracy #prettynecklace #necklace #manifest #nzmaker
One Thing All My Bracelets Have In Common
One thing that all my bracelets and jewellery have in common is me!
From start to finish I make them all. I have no desire to be "big business" as I always want to be involved in the design and making.
I take my time and enjoy each step of it from design, to making, to photographing each of the pieces and yes even the website (though that part can frustrate me a bit if I am being honest) and each piece that leaves here is made with equal parts love and attention to detail - always.
Thank you for being part of my Wristocracy journey - in good times and bad.
#wristocracy #smallbusiness #labouroflove #laboroflove #bracelets #nzmaker #madebyhand #amazonite