Brush Creek Bazaar

We are very excited to announce that we will be set up again this year at the Brush Creek Bazaar in Tulsa, OK. October 12-13, 2019.

This event has been a Tulsa staple for over 40 years and features lots of homemade crafts, music and food! It’s a fantastic event. 15% of our sales benefit Adult and Teen Challenge of Oklahoma, along with a portion of our booth fee.

We hope to see you in October!

AAPG Mid-Continent Meeting

We are super excited to announce that we have been chosen as a vendor for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Mid-Continent Meeting in Wichita, KS this coming October.

This show is very near and dear to my heart! It was one of the first shows I ever did when I started selling jewelry. The geologists enjoy and appreciate the unique stones and fossils we bring and it’s always a treat to interact with so many people who like to hear about the stones. Not to mention, we have made a lot of friends and met some amazing people each year we do this show.

I’m beyond honored that we were chosen and contacted to participate this year! Look for updates on the event soon. I’m hoping to even do some Instagram and Facebook live videos from the show.

If you haven’t joined us on Facebook or Instagram…please do! I post lots of process pictures and interesting photos of life outside of jewelry on both sites. You can find us at Chrissi Harmon Jewelry on Instagram and Facebook.

All the Best!

Chrissi

Summer is Here!

It’s been a busy and fast-paced year! Everything from flooding in Oklahoma this spring, to the wicked heat this summer, has made for a very exciting time. However, all the crazy weather has given me ample time to design and come up with some great new ideas for the Fall and Winter season.

Since we are heading into August…look for several pieces to be marked down. I would really like to clear out some of the older inventory to make space for the new items coming up!

I’m also excited to announce that I am partaking in a new venture in addition to the jewelry. My husband and I love traveling locally and visiting our small locally owned businesses. I have decided to start a new blog that will highlight some of our favorite restaurants, favorite places, along with some of our favorite local merchants and artists. As soon as it’s up and running, I’ll post a link here!

I have a lot of exciting things coming out this Fall and Winter! Fossils will be the highlight, along with the Smashed Hearts collection. I have a new line of long leather cord beaded necklaces as well. My first love and start into jewelry making was with gemstone beads, and I’m heading back to my roots with this a little bit. I’m very excited to be adding in more beads and a bigger variety and selection of repeatable and affordable items for you to enjoy!

All the Best!

Chrissi

Cool Aquamarine is the Favorite for March

Aquamarine is the birthstone gem for the month of March. It’s beautiful cool blues to shades of green are the perfect wake-up after the dreariness of winter’s slumber.

The name Aquamarine comes from Latin for seawater. Legends surrounding the gem say that the gemstone was meant to keep sailors safe on their journeys across the seas. It was also thought that Aquamarine would enhance the happiness of marriages*.

The majority of aquamarine is found in Brazil, however, this beautiful gem is also found in Russia, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya and Central Madagascar…along with Colorado. One of my favorite exhibits of aquamarine is located at the Denver Museum of Natural History. It’s an amazing specimen that was found in the Rocky Mountains and meticulously mined and placed on display in the museum.

Aquamarine has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8.0, which makes it an excellent gemstone for all types of jewelry. Care should always be taken when cleaning any gemstones. Common treatments include heat to enhance color of the gemstone.

*source: GIA website on Aquamarine

Spring is in the Air!

I don’t mean to complain…but this has been a LONG winter! I’m anxious to get outside…feel the fresh sunshine on my face and feel the warmth of the earth instead of the chattering of my bones!

Spring is my favorite time of year. Everything is waking up from the winter slumber. My daffodils are peeking out from the ground and I love hearing the birds chatter about more in the mornings, so I know we are getting close to getting out of this deep freeze! Plus, my wonderful mare, Millie is shedding off her coat! She’s always right! She hates winter as much as I do!

The studio has been my sanctuary this winter. More than ever before. And, like spring time, I feel that the creative juices are waking up and flowing like a spring creek! I’ve been really drawn to the new shattered hearts that I’ve been creating, and I have several custom projects in the works! I’ve been working on some ideas for a statement piece that will incorporate lots of warm tones in citrine, Mexican fire opal, carnelian and rutilated quartz. I have a goal this year to finish up a piece worthy of submitting for competition and I think this one might make the cut!

I hope everyone has survived this long winter solstice without too much mental fatigue. I really look forward to sharing these new designs with you all!

Take care and stay warm!

Chrissi

February Gemstone of the Month: Amethyst

With it’s deep purple to light, almost pinkish mauve shades, Amethyst has been a revered gemstone for centuries. This beautiful variation of quartz is the perfect gemstone for jewelry and other objects of worth because of it’s hardness and ability to take harder wear. Not to mention, it’s beautiful color.

Amethyst is most notably found in Brazil and Uruguay. Naturally colored crystals that exhibit both yellow and purple hues are called ametrine. Amethyst can be found in geodes as well as large crystal deposits.

Amethyst was once considered to be one of the most valuable gemstones next to diamonds. Large discoveries in South America have brought the price down considerably over the years. Amethyst is found in a variety of cuts to highlight this gemstone’s natural beauty. Most commonly, amethyst is cut in cabochons or in faceted forms depending on the quality of the stone. Amethyst is also the birthstone for the month of February.

Green Amethyst commonly called Prasiolite is usually heat-treated amethyst. The color ranges from a pale green to nearly light yellow, depending on the treatment.

Care considerations when wearing Amethyst include taking care not to hit the stone on hard objects that could cause the stone to chip or fracture along natural cleavage plains. Depending on the type of setting, you should avoid wearing all sterling silver jewelry in swimming pools. When cleaning, it’s best to use a mild detergent and soft brush to remove dirt and grime.

Valentine's Day is around the corner

Hi Everyone!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I have some exciting items in the works! For starters…I’m working on some heart jewelry that will feature the “Smashed” line. They are very creative and I’m excited to finish them up and get them showcased!

Also…I’m offering a 15% discount on all orders between now and Valentine’s Day. This sale will expire on February 20th. (I know…Valentine’s Day is the 14th…but I’m being generous). The code for the discount is HEARTS19. Please remember, that the last day to ship to guarantee Valentine’s Day delivery is February 7th!.

I hope everyone is surviving the Polar Vortex and staying warm and dry. Look for the new items to appear this weekend.

All the Best!

Chrissi

Jewelry Care Tip of the Month

Hi Everyone,

This year, I want to start something a little new. I’m going to feature a jewelry care tip or jewelry educational snippet each month. I’m also resurrecting my newsletter with lots of new and exciting information including gemstone facts, jewelry care, product features and much more! Please be sure to sign up for the newsletter! I promise, I won’t spam you with a lot of emails…I really don’t have time for that and I don’t care for it myself!

For the month of January…the focus is on cleaning your soft stone jewelry. For soft stones, such as turquoise, opal, kyanite, amber, lapis., etc. I recommend only using a soft cloth or jeweler’s cloth. These stones can be very porous and absorb chemicals quickly. Avoid using lotions or wearing these stones in the shower as well. Also…avoid wearing your fine jewelry while swimming, especially around chlorine as chlorine will permanently etch sterling silver.

I hope you found these tips helpful!

All the Best!

Chrissi

Transitions

Hello!

For those that don’t know, my Father-in-Law passed away suddenly on December 27th. It’s been a difficult time for transition, and were are still in shock.

It is times like these, that make you appreciate life, and what is most important. My Father-in-law taught me that when you do what you love the most, you never have to work. Every day is a joy. It has made me realize that I need to put more focus on the fun and joy in my life. I’m more committed than ever to honor this. I love making jewelry more than anything…and I will be committing this year to making bigger and better pieces. To focus more on my craft and skills and to improve and grow as a jeweler and artist.

My desire over this past year has been to make more statement pieces. To push the boundaries of my knowledge and skill. I feel like I’ve unintentionally been holding back. No more. Life is much too short.

I want to thank everyone for all of your thoughts, prayers, kind words through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It has meant so much!

All the best!

Chrissi

Hope Harbor "Hearts for Hope" Gala Donation

We are excited to announce that we have donated a spectacular natural ruby and sterling bracelet for the Hope Harbor “Hearts for Hope” Benefit Gala. The Gala will be in Tulsa at the Doubletree Hotel on November 3, 2018. ttps://hopeharborinc.org/

Please visit the Hope Harbor website for more information about this spectacular organization. We are proud to be able to support them this year!

Chrissi

Thank you!!!

I just wanted to give a heart-felt thank you to everyone who came by to see us at the Brush Creek Bazaar this past weekend! Brian and I had a great show despite the cold and wet weather! It was wonderful to hear so many compliments about my jewelry and to see what people are drawn to the most!

In addition…I’m happy to announce that we were about to donate close to $200 to the Teen Challenge Oklahoma organization! This organization is doing fantastic work helping trouble youth find their way in a positive, supportive environment! The youth that were volunteering for the show were just amazing! Always willing to step in and lend a helping hand whenever it was needed!

Because this show was such a success for us, and we had a lot of fun…we are looking for a few additional shows to add to our upcoming schedule.

Thanks,

Chrissi

Brush Creek Bazaar October 12-14th

I am super excited to announce that we have been accepted as a vendor for the Brush Creek Bazaar in Tulsa, OK. October 12th-14th. This is a juried show and highly anticipated event! I’m beyond honored to be accepted as a vendor and I’m really excited to get back into doing shows with such a prestigious event!

If you are in the Tulsa area…please look us up! For my Tulsa friends…please come by and say hello! I will be showcasing some new work and I will also be discounting older items to make way for new designs and creations.

Thank you!

Thank you to my wonderful clients!! The transition over from Etsy to this website has been fantastic! I’m so thankful to all of you for your support! It warms my heart and brings me such happiness that my jewelry and art is loved and appreciated!

I have some exciting news…after a 5 year break from doing local shows…I’ve decided to take on a limited number of venues for the Fall and for 2019. I’m evaluating local shows that will be a good fit and that will also work in with my hectic schedule. I’m make the announcements here and on Facebook when I decide what shows those will be.

In the meantime…I’m working on some custom orders and new items for shows and this site. :-)

Once again, THANK YOU for your support and encouragement!! It means so much!!!

Growing, changing and improving

For the past 10 years, I've been a seller on Etsy.  I've loved the venue, and I've met many good friends there.  However, Etsy recently made some changes that I feel will no longer be a good long term fit for myself or my jewelry.  I was already considering moving away from Etsy because it just didn't seem to feel like the "right fit" any longer.  The changes that Etsy is implementing was the push I needed to move on and put all of my focus and energy here. 

Change always bring some challenges, uncertainty and reevaluation.  I'm looking forward to seeing what changes I can make here to better serve my wonderful clients!  I like that I will have more control over what I can offer, how I can promote, and really support my clients.  I welcome your feedback, ideas and suggestions!  I love to learn, and I love to grow.  

In addition, I'm also looking at growing my skills and jewelry offerings.  Because of this, custom orders will now only be taken on a very limited basis.  Please do not feel that you can't ask!  You just never know if the request will be the kick in the pants I need to try something new.  

I want to thank everyone for joining me on this journey.  

All the best! 

Chrissi

New Ideas and Inspirations

This winter has seemed to drag on and on here and for most of the country, but it looks like spring and summer are finally making their appearance. With the warmer temperatures, my time in the studio seems to take a little bit of a backseat to outdoor activities and time spent with my lovely horses.  

However, that doesn't mean that I'm not always thinking jewelry or sketching or coming up with new ideas.  Quite the contrary!  The activity outside tends to open my mind up to more creative thoughts and inspirations.  Especially as I watch the landscape changes from winter to spring.  It just seems like the world gets brighter and more alive.

So...look for a few brighter pieces to appear in my shop!  I have a few lovely pieces already finished up and ready to list.  Light green prehenite, vibrant labradorite and stunning tourmalated quartz to name a few!  In addition, I'm working on some exciting custom orders!  I'm also discontinuing the leather and copper lines, as I just don't feel as inspired in that direction right now.  I may bring them back at a later date.  I love both mediums, but it just seems like my heart is more with working in silver and gold.  Speaking of gold...I'm adding in some fantastic Keum-boo pieces this next update.

If there is ever anything you would like to see me make...please don't hesitate to let me know.  I love custom work, and I'm always on the hunt for ideas or suggestions for things to work on.

All the best!

Chrissi

Sunset driving into Tulsa from home.  Unbelievably bright!

New Work!

I'm finally getting around to photographing the new work I've completed for the shop this summer!  I'm looking forward to getting some new items up on the site by the end of this week.  

I have been trying to branch out and do more multi-stone pendants and add in more beaded items.  I started with beads, and they have always been my first love...and I feel like my vision is coming back to a place where the beads meet the metalwork.  

This piece, is a stunning example of Congo Malachite!  The stone was hand-cut by an artisan lapidary and she captured the fantastic natural pattern of the stone.  I absolutely love this piece!  I really wrestled with adding a beaded necklace to the pendant, but the stone is so stunning and beautiful all it's own, I didn't want to detract from it's natural appeal.  

It's been a busy year so far!

I am admittedly not very good at blogging.   I will be the first to say that!  With creating new jewelry, listing items, and spending time with my family, I tend to forget to come back and write things down.

This year has been no exception so far...but I'm working on it. :)  I am constantly working on new things, and I absolutely love the growth that is occurring in the studio.  I'm also tremendously grateful for my customers, and lately, I've been doing a lot of custom work that hasn't made it onto the website. 

Since this weekend is the Gemfaire, I always get more inspired after spending some time at the show.  Seeing what is new and out there always gets the creative juices flowing, and I picked up a few new goodies to add to the shop.  So...in the coming months, look for some amazing lapis beaded pieces, gorgeous tigereye, malachite and some fun turquoise.  I am heading back to the show later today to scope out some additional items, and hope to have some time in the shop tonight to start creating.  

In addition...I just added some new items today...including a really beautiful howlite and black onyx necklace, amethyst earrings with tourmaline drops and a fun and quirky trilobite ring.  

As always, thank you to my loyal customers!  You keep me motivated, inspired and focused on continuing to create!

New Products in the Works!

I feel like I'm always working on something new, and I love to share!  It seems like I'm the most content when I'm challenging myself and branching out into new techniques and incorporating new ideas. 

Because of this desire to try something new, I have started incorporating leather tooling into my work. 

I have always been fascinated by the skill it takes to work with leather.  My mom did some leather tooling years ago when I was a kid, and I loved to watch her work.  Over this past winter, I happened to be walking through Hobby Lobby, and noticed their leather working section...and I thought "why not".

So...I'm excited to share some of my newest leather works.  I am finding that the marriage of leather and silver is a great combination, and the ideas are flowing like crazy!  I hope to have the new leather line up later this year...and it is guaranteed to be exciting! 

Never fear, I'm not abandoning my traditional sterling and gemstone lines...just adding something unique and fun into the mix!

If you would like to keep in touch, and be up-to-date on my very latest creations...please follow me on Instagram at chrissilynndesigns or sign up for our newsletter.  I promise not to spam you with a bunch of stuff!