ALEXIS KLETJIAN LOTUS SHIELD WITH BETH'S NEW CHARM COLLECTION COMING SOON

The Legacy Campaign has a special way of choosing the names of collectors who are ready to commemorate a signifiant milestone in their lives.  When Beth Bernstien's name emerged from the golden drum I was excited to tell her, but I was also very nervous ...

Beth is the author of several popular jewelry books, consultant to emerging jewelry designers, discriminating collector, and a jewelry designer herself.  Recently, she launched BeJeweled Magazine (which I looove) and reinvented herself as the go-to destination for all that glitters.  

I was curious what she would choose for her Legacy and without hesitation, Beth told me she wanted a Lotus shield.  I feel strongly about my Lotus Shields for their individuality, protection and sentimental properties, so I was very pleased she felt the same way.

On my next trip to New York I brought a selection for her to choose from and it did not surprise me that she choose my favorite.  I was more than happy for her to have it, even though I jokingly suggested she "will it" back to me someday ;)  Kidding aside, there is nothing better than when your personal favorites are appreciated by someone you admire, to adorn their legacy.  

Now, I'll let Beth tell you in her own words, as only she can ...

BETH CHOOSING HER LOTUS SHIELD

I was thrilled to win one of Alexis’ contests—the jewelry is so on point and well made. It’s never overdone or fussy, just beautiful pieces that you can layer, stack and wear everyday. 

I chose the lotus shield for a variety of reasons. First of all, I don’t have much luck with contests. I rarely if ever have won anything. Actually this is also the reason I don’t gamble. I can sit down at a black jack table or slot machine and lose my allotted $20 in less than 10 minutes flat. When Frank Sinatra sang Luck Be A Lady it definitely had nothing to do with me. 

With that said, since one of the meanings of the lotus is new beginnings—I felt that winning the contest was a new start and maybe my ‘luck was about to change’ Since I am superstitious, I did believe that choosing the lotus after winning the contest would be the perfect choice because things can change and there is always room for clearing out your old beliefs and behaviors that aren’t working for you anymore and try and find new ones that do. 

I am also a big fan of “The Language of Flowers” and any type of flower with a positive meaning, particularly in gold and gemstones definitely woes me. And lotus is also a symbol for rising above life’s challenges and difficulties and coming out on the other side. I have faced a lot in my life, due to unforeseen circumstances and to me the lotus represents that I have weathered it, began again, reinvented what needed to be re-invented, let things go that I could let go, and lived with the things (like my mom’s passing way too young) that taught me how to miss someone but go on and about my life and that the two can co-exist. I also learned how to survive and sometimes even find comic relief in the worst of times. 

The shield shape is for protection and I think we all need plenty of that, but being protected while starting new and facing difficulties truly hits home for me. I chose the demantoid garnet—not because of a meaning (believe it or not) but because I have loved demantoids in Victorian and Art Nouveau jewelry and saw both the ruby version (my favorite gemstone) and this dematoid one and just couldn’t resist. I could get other ruby jewels but not so easy to find those this well crafted set with demantoid. 

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LOTUS SHIELD

And there you have my lotus legacy. I hope that you too will be able to find comfort in symbols and talisman. It’s especially calms me when I feel like I have had the worst day and then realize it could be much worse and I know that there are better things to come. 

I have been steadily working on the upcoming Memorialize Collection, and I am delighted to share a pre-release with you!  Each jewelry collection I create is permanent, giving every design the time to mature and expand, to its capacity.  Every year I look forward to layering in a new design aesthetic to complement my signature pieces, but the components for Memorialize are vast, so I decided it needed its own collection.  The Memorialize Collection will still be feminine yet hefty, and in perfect scale - all of what you have come to know my jewelry for.  The beginning of the Memorialize Collection will debut in early 2017 with new styles trickling in throughout the year.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN GOLD SKULL CHARM

This skull charm is the only piece from the collection that has been pre-released, and it has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback.  So much so, I decided to give one 10K yellow gold skull charm away to one of my fans in honor my my 10K milestone on Instagram.  

All you had to do for the chance to win was repost one of my skull images, tag me, and a friend.  Simple.  I'll choose the winner of this gold skull charm and announce Thursday on Instagram, which is tomorrow, September 29th.  Yes!  You have one evening to share this little guy for your chance to win, but I do have another special surprise for you... 

For everyone that did repost, you will receive the first round of skulls to be released at a special price just for participating and supporting my upcoming collection.  So, be sure to repost, tag me, and then send me an e-mail, so I can provide you with a discount code once they hit the website. 

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR SHIELD, PERSONALIZED RUBY CHARM, AND GOLD SKULL

I just reached 10K on Instagram ;)

Today brands are measured in their social media success, but I don't feel that is an accurate way to gauge success, or retain brand loyalty.  Attention is fleeting, new apps are always throwing a fork in the road, and social media "numbers" are used as the barometer of how well you are doing. Why?  

I think this is a terrible way to conduct your life, to be worried about social numbers, and how you appear in the cyber world.  I have ten thousand things I need to be doing, and worrying about that is not one.  For me, it is about the jewelry and my connection with you.  

With that said, I do think it is amazing so many of you (10,000 +) take the time out of your day to make me feel special in mine, and I love how social media has brought us together, which is why I created the AKLegacy Campaign to begin with.  As you know by now, with every 1,000 Instagram milestone this year, I have awarded one name chosen randomly from my golden drum of stories, a $1,000 gift certificate towards your fine jewelry purchase, to adorn your legacy. 

We only have a few more months left of the AKLegacy Campaign this year, but please keep those stories coming, because I will bring it back again, I promise.  Your stories are powerful and I carry each of you with me, everyday.  Quietly, I wonder if a piece will be the right one for you, to mark the milestone, to touch your heart.  

I enjoy that you chat with me daily, and I look forward to your comments, emails, and/or messages about jewelry, my words, or just to share a quick thought.  

For the biggest milestone to date, I have chosen a name from the golden drum, as you will see in this video on INSTAGRAM, but next week I am hosting a special giveaway - an early release - open to all, and it will be one item from the upcoming MEMORIALIZE COLLECTION!

ALEXIS KLETJIAN STYLE LAB

I think of collecting jewelry as a beautiful discovery of oneself.  And, when you collect mindfully you can create a powerful narrative, regardless of age.  Once jewelry has found its place in your heart, you may savor a lifelong love affair with the wondrous treasures of our earth, reminding you of the roads traveled, and what lies ahead.  Therefore, I am delighted to celebrate Emily, a recent high school graduate, with a Legacy win to begin her collection.


Now, I will let Emily tell you in her own words about what she chose, and what it means to her...



Everyone wants to have a fantastic legacy. For me, I am just starting out on my journey in life, so there are many things I strive to have as part of my legacy; fairness, leadership, being a positive influence on others, and helping teach kindness and compassion through simple every day acts.

Jewelry for me is a reminder of times past, and times to come. My collection grows, and I grow with it. I have been fascinated with jewelry since I was 5, which was when I found a lost engagement ring on the playground. Ever since then, jewelry has been in my life.

My lucky star guides me. My lucky star charm necklace has become an everyday piece for me, reminding me to look to the future, and to always see the positive side of things. I named her Evangeline, which means "bearer of good news," in hopes that good things will come my way. She shines above my sentimental bear charm, named Blackberry, who reminds me to stay humble and grounded in life.

Two other pieces I received from Alexis were a gray moonstone ring and gray moonstone earrings. Those pieces remind me that sometimes, true beauty is hidden. Not everything is always apparent, so they are a reminder to be vigilant in uncovering the truth and reality of a situation.

This giveaway has changed my life. I will forever be humbled that I have won, and I will always be reminded to pass luck and good feelings on whenever I can. Alexis is a role model of who I would like to be someday; someone who loves what they do, and who loves the people around her.

A roof deck view during birthday drinks with my lovely friend Sia of Quadrum Gallery.

My time in New York is always a whirlwind.  Every minute counts.  Life is too short to spend time on something you are not proud of, and yet I feel like I am running out of time.  There is so much I want to create, I wonder how I will accomplish it all.  I might not accomplish all I hope to, but know there is more.  There is always more.

This NY recap post of collages is dedicated to my friends, new and old.  Thank you for your friendship and support, it means the world to me!  The collages were created with images that were shot on our individual iPhones during the JA Show in the New Designer Gallery, and as you'll notice, there were some favorite pieces in my collection captured multiple times.  

I also held a Legacy contest in association with my debuting showcase, which Hannah Becker of Diamondoodles won!  I am currently creating her Legacy piece, I can't wait to reveal it to you. 

Links to the image sources will be found on my Instagram profile.  If I left you out, it was not my intention, I tried to find all images with the use of hashtags. 

Images of ALEXIS KLETJIAN fine jewelry

Images of ALEXIS KLETJIAN fine jewelry

ALEXIS KLETJIAN PLATINUM AND RUBY CHARM

Ruby is my birthstone.  A July baby who is just now, at the ripe age of 40, beginning to love her birth assigned stone.  Ruby also happens to be the birthstone of my lovely friend Jenni, who created this beautiful layout for the Platinum Guild.  I was so touched she included her very own charm, it makes this month's feature even more special to me.  What you cannot see is the special date engraved on the backside, only that is for Jenni, as she wears it close to her heart.

Here is a real-life image of the charm, styled.  The rubies are much more vibrant in real life, and I adore how she has paired these charms together.  Incredibly honored to be part of her jewelry story.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN PLATINUM RUBY CHARM, STYLED BY JENNI OBLOY

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR RING IN ROSE GOLD

On the anniversary of Lucky Star, I am honored to share another legacy story with you.  

Lauren was the first legacy winner, and although she knew she would choose a design from the Lucky Star collection, she patiently waited to be the first to preview the new designs for her finial decision.  Ultimately, Lauren chose my classic vintage-inspired Lucky Star ring in rose gold and brilliant diamonds to represent her family, and their connection to stars. 

In her own words, I will let Lauren share her legacy story with you...

I thank my lucky stars...

Glassybaby creates the most beautiful, colorful, and dual purpose votives with a charitable mission. I am excited to share them with you, here, in THE FIND.  

If you haven't already heard of Glassybaby you are in for a treat - they will solve all of your hostess and end of the year appreciation gifts, in one fell swoop!  I was drawn to their bold colors, utilitarian use, and their ongoing philanthropic commitment.  The perfect gift.  

The journey of Glassybaby began in Seattle by Lee Rhodes.  While entertaining, Lee Rhodes was inspired by a tea light dropped into a rough hewn glass votive, and Glassybaby was born. 

The first Glassybaby votives were created to give as gifts and people loved them.  As the popularity of Glassybaby grew artisans were hired, and Lee began selling out of her garage, donating a percentage of sales to charities - specifically cancer.  Lee is a mother, a three time cancer survivor, and Glassybaby afforded her a way to give back, and give back she has... 

From their grass roots in 1995, Glassybaby has come a long way.  Glassybaby has raised millions of dollars (4,815,422 and counting) to organizations dedicated to helping people, animals, and the environment heal.  How did they do that?  With every Glassybaby sold, ten percent is donated to their white light fund.  Every Glassybaby gives.



Lee Rhodes has made a significant difference with her company, which you can enjoy in your own home.  Glassybaby is available in an unimaginable array of colors, which also makes it incredibly hard to choose just one.  Collect, gift, and display, because it is a reminder of how precious life truly is.  

I found Glassybaby about six years ago, I have been gifting them with small flower arrangements ever since.  I think you should have a glassy baby, so I am going to give one to a newsletter subscriber.  All you need to do is be on my newsletter and I will choose a name at random.  Are you on the list?  You better get on it, because you know you need some Glassybaby in your life.  

VERONICA WAS THE LUCKY WINNER!  STAY TUNED FOR IMAGES OF HER GLASSBABY




I wonder what I will find next...stay tuned for next month's find, because it could be yours!

ALEXIS KLETJIAN CUSTOM DOG TAG IN ROSE GOLD, DIAMONDS AND BLACK SPINEL

Happiness is something you feel, an indescribable emotion that can be shared, understood.  I believe people come into your life when you need them the most.  Perhaps for friendship, laughter, or love - whatever you may need when your paths cross.  

Our family has been through many years of emotional losses, and I needed drastic change to shift the energy, to try and get our happy back...  

The day Sinead Butler came into our lives was the day our lives took new direction.  She was (is) our realtor, yet it was never a sign here, initial here, type of relationship.  Sinead did more than sell our home for us, she brought us laughter and distraction in a very sad time in our lives.  Ultimately, she became our friend.

Everything happens for a reason, and I am happy it does.  If she wasn't in the office that day, (which I learned later she usually is not) I am positive we would not be where we are today, in a better state of mind.  You may think I am giving my realtor too much power over my emotions, but you and I know the right person always shows up, when you need them.  

The only way we knew how to truly thank Sinead for going above and beyond was to give her a sentimental piece of us.  

The rest I will let Sinead tell you, as she so thoughtfully wrote this story to share...

SINEAD WITH HER BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN

My legacy...

I want to pick so many things as my legacy!  I want to empower my children so they will be bold, strong, kind, true to their souls and believe in themselves always.  They are, after all, what we leave behind us when we are gone.  I want laughter and fun to be my legacy.  The strength of family, with its bonds and memories and the ache I feel when I know I will not see them for a while - the downside of being an immigrant.  But most of all I am drawn to happiness, how it makes me feel, how it makes others smile with their eyes, how it makes the world go around.  Yes, happiness - with a little crazy - is my legacy.

I met Alexis when she employed me to find a home for her family.  I had my professional hat on and I tried hard to keep it on as buying or selling a house can bring up many emotions for clients, it's best for their realtor to focus on the job at hand.  It soon became apparent that this would be impossible as Alexis and her husband, Garrett, were full of fun, laughter, intelligence, and 'happiness'. They made my job easy and I found myself enjoying every minute of their company.  Let's just say this is not necessarily the 'norm' in real estate.

When we closed on a house they were selling they presented me with a gift.  The first of a new design for Alexis, a dog tag with diamonds and black spinels.  I was so flabbergasted I babbled on for a while and later sat in my car and cried.  

The fact that they had given me a gift at all pushed me over the edge.  Alexis later had it engraved with the irish word 'sonas', which as I'm sure you can guess, means 'happiness'.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN CUSTOM DOG TAG

This week's STYLE LAB is a quick and easy ensemble straight out of Palm Springs, or how I would dress if I were attending a party there...