Bohème Jewelry

FEATURED !

2009-12-15T18:51:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad to be featured by US Trendy, a site that's dedicated
to discovering designers and empowering consumers.

Check it out:
http://www.ustrendy.com/ustrendy/blog/8551/gotta-make-a-statement-with-amazing-bold-jewelry/

Thank You !

2009-12-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

A BIG thank you to all of you who dropped by Fash Bash
and stopped to say hi.
Sorry I couldn't chat for long but it was great seeing
you :-)

Have a wonderful Christmas !!

Fash Bash Goes Two-Too !

2009-10-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

FashBash will be here again...SOON

YAY ! And we're going to be there !

Details:

5 & 6 Dec, 11am to 7pm
Red Dot Museum
(28 Maxwell Road, red dot traffic, Singapore 069120)

SEE YOU THERE !

US Trendy

2009-09-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

Yay ! Another feature !
Our Sending Love Necklace has been
featured on the UsTrendy.com blog.

Check out our feature :
http://ustrendy.com/ustrendy/

A Review

2009-09-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased. A couple of months ago, Ama from Feminist Review
wrote to ask if they could do a review on my jewelry, in particular, my
Migration Earrings. Ama was so sweet. She sent me a preview of a
review written my Susan Vasquez and I was delighted to hear how
much she appreciated the simple pair of earrings. Knowing that the
passion that drives me to want to create something beautiful can
also help uplift, encourage or just help someone else feel beautiful
(especially when a customer writes me to say how she enjoyed an
item or how it perked her day) is extremely humbling yet positively
exhilarating !

Just an excerpt from the review :
"Although it’s always nice to receive positive feedback from friends, the fact of the matter is that one of the highest compliments I received came from my nine-year-old daughter, who is much more likely to recognize and let me know what is wrong about my appearance than what is right. She told me the earrings were "so beautiful" and she wondered if I could “please please please” let her borrow them when she grows up. What could I say? "Yes dear, of course."

For the full review, check out :
http://feministreview.blogspot.com/

Fall Collection at Trixilini

2009-09-07T03:25:00.001-07:00

These items from my Fall 2009 collection are now available at
Trixilini. They haven't been made available on the website
yet but no worries if you aren't able to get to Trixilini. Just
send us an email and I'll be glad to make one for you !

Lydia Necklace

Jacklyn Necklace

Mayte Necklace

Fall 2009 Collection - Cathedral

2009-09-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

I've just launched my new Fall 2009 collection.

Entitled `Cathedral', I was drawn by the beauty

of the stain glass in the various cathedrals around

the world. The mosaic of colors and the channelling of

sunlight that gives the colored glass a rich warm glow are

aspects which I tried to capture with the use of

rich colored jewels and resin filled filigree elements.

Dominant colors are blue zircon, burgundy and purples

which I think are lovely colors for fall. I think they

would also make for perfect accessories for this

season's clothing trend and with the rich bohemian

styles and deep jewel colors designers are using.

Here are some of the items you can find on my website :

Dabbling Around

2009-08-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

You'd expect each collection from a designer to be
a true reflection of his/her state of mind and passion
at that moment of conception and then each piece an
outward expression of that but the fun and passion
that's presumably involved in each collection is often
eroded by the practicalities of a business such as the
item's marketability, cost of raw materials and the time
required.

As I've been following my husband on his work trips,
I haven't had the chance to update my site as I could
not lug all my supplies with me. However, I managed
to bring a handful of brass items with me and I've used
this time to really get down to just having fun and
experimenting with them.

Ooohh, the lovely effects (glossy, shimmery, matte) I've
gotten while playing around with paints and dyes have
been inspiring. I expect to launch my fall 2009 collection
at the end of August and let it be known that it will be
borne out of a sense of wonder, inspiration and
experimentation!

Bagged A Beauty

2009-08-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

I'd been shopping around for some time to see if I
could find something that was stylish, functional
yet a little boho and didn't cost an arm and a leg.
Having also scouted the malls both in Singapore
and Indonesia (where I'm currently residing), I
still liked the ones I had shortlisted in my earlier
post.

I've finally gotten my bag...yes, many months later
but here it is. Ta Da !!

The Foley+Corinna City Clutch in Glossy Eggplant

Love it's glossy patented leather in a deep purple
(darker than what's actually captured in the photo)
that it looks almost dark brownish-black at some
angles and the smell of new leather hmmmm..... !

High Summer @ Trixilini

2009-07-18T19:08:00.001-07:00

I've just dropped off some new items for high summer
at Trixilini. The earrings are from what I call my capsule
`luxe' range as I'm using AA-AAA quality gemstones.
I'm just experimenting with them at the moment as
I was just so drawn to the deep gorgeous colours!

If you'd like any of these designs but in
different colours etc., email me and I'll see what I can
do!
Chalcedony Veil
Chalcedony stones with apatite and white
tundra sapphire rondelles.

Zircon Veil
Zircon teardrops with tourmaline and
Swarovski pearls

Darisa
Mystic quartz and amethyst briolettes

Naris
Cornflower blue quartz with Swarovski
pearls

Little Trinkets

2009-06-29T03:26:00.000-07:00

I've been making little charm necklaces that are so
easy on the pocket! These are just great as little gifts
or for oneself.

Email me if you want any of these
items. They are mostly one of a kind !

Rosa - US$20

Sweet Song - US$32

Baby bunny - US$20

Corinna vintage mesh bracelet - US$25

Take me to Paris - $15

Lush Lashies

2009-06-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

I've been on the hunt for the perfect mascara for
as long as I can remember. I'm not a real shopaholic
when it comes to clothes but I love skincare (especially
natural or pseudo natural ones like Weleda, Aveda and
Jurlique) and cosmetics ! I used to spend hours at
cosmetic counters just trying different creams and playing
with the different colors and textures of powders and
eyeshadows. I even used to make my own scrubs and lip
balms when I had more time. Anyhow, my HG (holy grail
mascara has continued to elude me.

I bought my first mascara at 18 while on holiday in the US
and dare I say, that was the best I've ever had! It was called
`Long and Lustrous' by Revlon. I've got stick straight Asian
lashes and these made them curl without a curler! It was
glorioulsly black and it lengthened and thickened marvellously
but like all good products, they had to discontinue it soon after.
I've been on the hunt for a replacement ever since.

An abbreviated (non exhaustive) list of mascaras I've tried:
- Maybelline (different ones including the famed Great
Lash mascara : I'd give them 0/5 - 2/5 although I've
yet to try their Colossol mascara which I've heard isn't
too bad.

-Loreal Voluminous - 2/5
My lashes just flopped and it slightly thickened it
only

-Lancome Definicils - 3/5
Defines lashes but not much thickening and
lengthening.

-YSL faux cils - 3.5/5
I do like this mascara as it thickens and lenghthens
well but it smudges and is way expensive!
The waterproof version isn't as good in my humble
opinion.

- Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Neo - 4/5
My new favourite. It's a nice rich glossy black
and has the same thickening and lengthening effect
of YSL without the smudge and hefty price tag.
It's a pain to take off and my lashes do flop.

Antidote for droopy lashes :
Shidsedo mascara base. My HG when it comes
to primers. It really holds the curl ! After you've
curled your lashies, apply this as you would a normal
mascara and then your actual mascara on top.
With this in hand + Lash Enamel Glamour Neo,
I'd say my lashes are as long and thick as they're
going to get (false lashes aside) !

I hope this has helped some of you who are also
obsessed with your lashes. Do send me your
comments or drop me a note if you've got your
own HG mascara. I'd love to try that too !!

A few more items

2009-06-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hehe...I'd like to think that I've been working hard.
I know I'm not as prolific in churning out designs
as quickly as some other jewelry designers but that's
because firstly, I don't usually make multiple items of the
same piece or even in the same style such that I
can merely switch different colored beads around,
although of late, I've been getting requests for some of my
more popular styles so I may modify some of my favourite
designs in future.

Furthermore, each piece usually takes me quite a while to
conceptualise and then after that, it usually entails
experimenting with the manipulation of shapes
and/or colours. I just can't help it !

I've just added 3 more new necklaces and
2 more bracelets to the Summer collection.
Hope they catch your fancy :-)

Click here for details : http://www.bohemejewelry.com/bracelets.html

Click here for details : http://www.bohemejewelry.com/necklaces.html

Little Luxe - uries

2009-05-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

I've always gravitated towards designs that are a bit quirky, bohemian
or even archaic (be it in clothing, jewelry, architecture or furniture).
Anything with an old world feel I lurrrvve !

Of late however, I've been leaning towards finer and more classic
styles. It's been quite a strange experience for me actually. For
example, I've been wearing my wavy hair mid-length and somewhat
hippie-like but I've just gotten it cut much shorter than my husband
would have liked. And instead of usual colourful and asymmetric
clothing that I like, I've been seeking out classic and cleaner styles.
The kind that fashion magazines would term as `classics that will last
your lifetime'. Perhaps it's an attempt to look more `grown up'. Even
a close friend has noticed this change. We went shopping recently
and remarking on the clothes I picked out, she said that I had rather
`mature tastes'. That shocked me as no one has ever said that about
my clothing preference and I usually get the opposite reaction i.e. my
clothes are either young, quirky or just impractical.

In line with this phase of mine, I've also been yearning for jewellery
that's a little more luxe (but not boring). For working gals, invariably,
there will be times when you'd like to project a more `professional'
image such as in a jobinterview or an important meeting. Having birds
and flowers adorn your ears or neckline may not be most appropriate.
I've been hoarding some gorgeous gemstones (I was drawn to all these
sparklies and couldn't resist getting them) and thought the would be
the perfect for the complementing the current clothing designs on the
market. Beautiful drapey dresses would look marvellous with these
cleaner lines.

You know the Anglican hymn used by James Herriot (a personal favourite)

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all.

I've my own little ditty :

All jewels colourful and beautiful
All pearls great and small
All diamonds bright and sparkly
The Lord God made them all

Not to worry, I haven't done a 180 degree turn and gone all staidly.
You're not going to get designs where a single gemstone simply hangs
from an earwire. That would be a total change in my personality !
I've been using these gems and translated them into more
luxe styles i.e. by mixing these AA-AAA quality gemstones with
quality gold filled or 24K vermeil (gold plated over sterling silver)
chains and findings with an eclectic and slightly bohemian twist.
I may make these available on my website in future but I haven't quite
decided.
For now, you can order any of these by simply emailing me.
They are all one or two-of-a-kind since I only have 1 or 2 pieces
of these jewels. Hope these jewels uplift your spirit :-)

Pink amethyst with coral and tourmaline
US$99

Green amethyst (prasiolite) with orange and yellow sapphires
US$129

Yellow topaz with sapphires, aquamarine, periodot
US$179

Pink amethyst with tourmaline and purple amethyst
US$149

All jewels are AA-AAA quality. Findings are all gold filled or
24K gold over 925 silver
Need more pics or have any questions? Email me !

Too Much Deliberation

2009-05-18T18:15:00.001-07:00

Last week, I was agonising over which new bag to get.
I'm looking for a bag that's functional, not too structured
(one that has a soft-ish slouchy feel) but still stylish
and a little bohemian at the same time. Tall order for
a bag. And because I'm petite, I can't carry a bag that's
too big even though large bags are all the rage.

I narrowed it down to the following :
Foley+Corinna mid city tote, Loeffler Randall Nora satchel,
Rebecca Minkoff's Nikki and Botkie's James Hobo.

So after badgering my husband for quite a bit, I finally
decided to get a Foley+Corinna one in Gunmetal (it's
a rare colour and being Spring now, the new models
are all bright!). I managed to find one after some searching
online only for it to be sold.
That just goes to show that sometimes you've just got to
make a quick decision, you can't have it all (ie. slouchy,classic,
bohemian, functional all in one) !

Yes, I am working on new items !

2009-05-11T01:49:00.000-07:00

It has been a rather trying few months for me and
it doesn't look look like I'm getting any better at lugging
my jewellery supplies to and from Singapore :-)

As some of you may already know, I haven't been living at
home since my husband's new job posting overseas. This has
meant that I've had to do replenshing, ordering, forecasting
and making jewellery in 2 places so that when I do go home
to visit, I can actually work at it too (I'm addicted to this job!).

Of course, what has ensued is a mess! What I want to make
here, I've left at home and vice versa. Yes, yes, I do plan but
plans are only that...plans. There have been many moments when
I've felt inspired only to be let down by the fact that I've left
that particular component that I need in the other place.
There's also the detailed planning that needs to be done so that
my mum can help me send off items that have been ordered. I've got
to make sure there is enough stock, envelopes, boxes etc.
And then, complications also arise when I make some items and take
photos of them hoping to load them up onto the website only to realise
that I've forgotten to transfer them over to my laptop!

OK, so enough griping.
For all of you who have been so patient with me, thank you! I
will be putting up new items (with more to come in the following
weeks) for my Summer collection soon...in the next 2 days or so.

Here's a sneak peek at what's in store :

New Items At Retail Therapy

2009-05-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

I've just managed to drop off some more new items for
Retail Therapy. Quite a number of them include my
handmade charms.

Secret Garden Bracelet
This happens to be a personal favourite of mine. The more
charms the merrier! I was somewhat reluctant to part with
it.

Angels of Love Bracelet

Springtime Flight Necklace

A Big Thank You !

2009-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'd like to shout out a big thank you to all those who
came down to support me either for the Trixilini
bespoke session on Friday and/or the fash-bash event
on Saturday. It was a good chance for me to meet you
and I really appreciated your presence. I enjoyed meeting
some of you...finally, instead of merely knowing you by
name.

Once again, THANK YOU !

Bespoke Session

2009-04-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm gearing up for the bespoke session at Trixilini this coming
Friday, 17 April.
Titled `Eden Revisited', I'll be showcasing a variety of botanical
and love themed charms which you can mix and match to create
your own designer bracelet or necklace.

Here's a preview of what's available :

Some design ideas :

I'll be there from 12-3pm and 5-7pm. Hope to see you there !

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Blessed Easter !

I just realised I have not had an easter egg in ages !

Then again, Easter isn't really about easter eggs is it?

It is a marvellous thought when you consider how all

over the world, Christians are celebrating the resurrection

of Jesus Christ. But more than just mere remembrance,

it's about the hope and restoration we have and we are

then asked to bring.

Shalom

Keep 18 April Free

2009-04-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

Yay! I've been invited to participate in the upcoming fash bash event!

Fash Bash is not the usual run-of-the-mill flea market but many indie
designers will be showcasing their work ! If you're into vintage clothing
or unique handmade jewellery, you wouldn't want to miss this event.

I will be unveiling new designs that aren't available in the shops as well
as offering great discounts on older designs.

Hope to see you there :-)

New Chief for Quality Control

2009-03-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

Examining a ring

Finally, I've found someone who's not only into my jewelry (hehe...or at least I'd like to think so) but I think my baby niece is also up for the job of being in charge quality control !

Checking on a necklace

It's definitely good to go on the market !

It's Global Food Crisis Day

2009-03-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

K-LOVE and Compassion are
partnering TODAY to raise funds
for the Global Food Initiative...
http://www.klove.com

or go direct to Compassion's website :
http://www.compassion.com/default.htm

Half the world's population live on US$2 per day.
Just US$156/year to ensure a child gets fed. That
means a child gets food for the entire year for just
US$13 a month.

Get involved NOW and make an impact !

I Need A Daily Dose Of....

2009-02-26T19:18:00.000-08:00

Klove and TGIF !

Everything has to be in place before I can start work proper.
First, it's that glass of plain water, then my computer gets
turned on and I tune in to my fave music station:
http://www.klove.com
It's wholesome music and it's just uplifting humming along
while busy at work. It helps remind me that making jewellery
can be a form of worship too!

And then, there are bound to be days of frustration when some
of those seemingly brilliant design ideas can't be executed the
way I want it to, or materials I've ordered arrive and aren't as they
were made out to be, or when the shops call to say that sales are
down and would like to discuss how they can be improved.
These are all scenarios that fluster me but then, an email from TGIF
will set my perspectives straight. It's a daily devotional from Os
Hillman specially for those in the marketplace and often, they seem
to speak directly to me. Scary!
http://www.TodayGodIsFirst.com
(Add your email address to get daily devotionals)

More New Items

2009-02-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

I've been busy churning up more new items for Spring! Here's a preview of some of them. I will be uploading them onto the website soon...in the next day or two.

Nightingale Earrings

Leyla Earrings

Sealed with a kiss
This is a tiered necklace with and envelope charm that has a
detachable `I Love You' postcard inside.

Heart Unlocked
An assemblage of leaves, flowers and a brass heart with key to
unlock it.

Style Simplified

2009-02-21T02:45:00.000-08:00

I tend to like excess and the chunkier or more intricate the design,
the better! Over the years however, I've realized that it is just a matter
of my personal taste intermingled with me wanting each piece to
be more like artwork for adorning. But I've also come to realize that
sometimes, customers just want something simple, so for those of you
who are looking for adorable little trinkets, here are some new items!

Sorry, I haven't had time to post this over my website but you could
simply let me know which item you're interested in and I will get back
to you. Yes, international shipping is FREE !

Email me : info(at)bohemejewelry.com

Baby Octopus Necklace with Quartz Briolette (US$28)
14K GP chain. Baby Octo is 23mm wide. Chain is 16" long.

A Sparrow Flies By (US$32) Tiered necklace featuring a brass sparrow
and quartz on 14K GP chains. 15" and 17" respectively.

Collecting Raindrops (US$29)
Brass sparrows carrying glass briolettes on 14GP earhooks

Simple Branch Earrings (US$20)
Brass branches hang from Swarovski pearls on 14K GP earhooks
They measure 65mm long inclusive of hooks

Carrying My Love (US$38)
Brass Sparrows carrying heart-shaped charm hanging from a floral scroll
14K GP chain - 16"

Drawing Inspiration

2009-02-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

A question I get asked a lot is, "where do you get your ideas from?"

I always get a little jarred when someone asks that question as I
don't have a cogent answer for them. Worse still, it doesn't sound
very `artistic' or `tormented' and I can seem a little evasive.
Truth is, I don't always know. It can be anything and everything,
mixed in with who I am. As long as I know it's my passion that drives
me to make them and each piece is given special thought, I'm happy.
I always hope each piece brings a blessing to the wearer...like if she
smiles when she looks at it.

I see the jewelry I make more as an expression of myself so being an
old world romantic, I love the ornate frames at museums, dreamy
cherubs (yes, maybe those are a little tacky but I still love them!),
flowers, Czech crystal wine glasses and anything that has stones set
in them (jewelry, belts, old wine goblets, door knobs etc.) and
am always drawn to those elements.

Ok, so sometimes, it isn't all that romantic. For example, my 2008
Spring collection was inspired by cakes with creamed flowers and
icing sugar. I was so taken by the pastel shades I started enameling
my brass flower collection in watery shades of pink, blue and green.
An item from that collection which I absolutely loved:

Wild Child Bracelet

And then there is that particular verse from the bible a friend pointed
out to me one day. A verse that encouraged me, knowing that I can ask
God for ideas too. Something I find myself doing increasingly :

"And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and
knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in
gold, silver and bronze" -- Exodus 35:31- 32

Valentine's Day Trinkets

2009-02-17T22:27:00.000-08:00

Dearest Valentine (left) & Spin for My Love Necklaces

Window of Opportunity Earrings

Unlock My Heart Bracelet

Sending My Love Bracelet

Degrees of Love Necklace

Launched for Valentine's Day, these items were sold at Trixilini
Boutique. Of course, you don't need an occasion to proclaim that
you're in love with Love...or at least the idea of it !
Like any of the items? Email me and I might still be able to have
them custom made for you :-)