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

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...

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR SHIELD CHARMS

My Lucky Star collection pays homage to all of the Victorian stars - the compass roses and celestial jewelry of the Victorian Era, which remains an important role and continued inspiration in the jewelry of today.  

You may be surprised to learn that the first design for the Lucky Star collection was the shield.  I love stars for all of the beauty and brightness they represent, and I yearned for an everyday talisman to guide me, to shine bright over my heart.  

Paying homage to my beloved Victorians with a nautical nod, the star shield was born, and the Lucky Star collection began.  A modern-day protector, yours and mine, in a petite (yet hefty) collectable, and customizable charm.  

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR SHIELD AND PERSONALIZED CHARMS IN DIAMOND

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!

When I launched the Legacy Campaign in January, I greatly underestimated the power of jewelry, and the connection we have to our beloved pieces.  I always knew it was powerful, but the way your stories have impacted my own life was unexpected.  I wrote about it in a previous post which you can read here.

The Legacy Campaign has given me fresh perspective, and a deeper connection to my collectors that I will be forever grateful for.  Due to their personal nature, not every Legacy story entered is meant to be shared, but today I have a Legacy story from Karen, one of the AK Legacy winners, and the piece of jewelry she chose to adorn her legacy.

Before I get to her story, I want to tell you a little of how I choose each winner, again.

Your stories are powerful, and I cannot simply choose them based on what moves me to tears, or what I feel a connection with.  Who am I do decide what is more important?  So, I choose randomly, with a name on a paper, and the universe decide for me.  After a few turns of the golden drum, Karen's name flew out, and sent shivers up my spine.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LEGACY CAMPAIGN.  YOUR NAMES STAY IN THIS DRUM ALL YEAR!

I had my winner; I was so excited to share the news with her.  What I didn't know was Karen was bedridden for a week, suffering a terrible cold, and this was the exact pick-me-up she needed.  It took her a few days to even realize she won!  I am sure it would be nice for us all to receive something special when we are not at our best, but the story goes deeper.  

I will let Karen tell you in her own words...

My name is Karen and My Legacy is to continue to raise a strong, confident daughter who follows her heart, and her dreams.  I want to teach my daughter everyday that no matter what challenges she comes up against in her life, she can make it to her goals by believing in herself, being passionate about her path, never giving up and always remembering that she has the love and support of her family, cheering her on.  

I chose a beautiful solid gold bangle because it was the perfect next addition to my collection.  I have been collecting jewelry for many years, usually pieces that speak to me, have a special history, and/or are timeless.  Amongst my pieces, I have two special gold bangles that my mother gave me.  
My mother gave me the bangles when I was moving away from my home town to another city.  I have always looked at them as her "protection" for me.  When she gave them to me, she mentioned that some cultures wear two, or more, together to bring good karma and luck.  I never take them off. I guess I am superstitious about it, but I feel like they really have kept me safe all these years.

This bangle stack will eventually be passed down to my daughter when the time is right.  I call it Future Vintage.  She might wear it, be inspired everyday, and remember how much I love her when she looks at them on her wrist, or when she hears them "jingle" together.  Maybe they can become her legacy to pass down...

ALEXIS KLETJIAN CLASSIC SLIP ON BANGLE, SHOWN WITH KAREN'S OWN BANGLES

I have been wearing my new bangle on my wrist for the past few weeks, since I received it.  When I was looking through your gorgeous art, I knew that I had to add one of your bangles to my stack. Every time I look at it, I love it, and what it stands for in our lives.  It is such a special piece to me, thank you for being part of our legacy life story, and letting us be part of yours!



This September Karen will turn 40, a milestone in her life.  I am honored my bangle is now part of her Legacy Stack where her mother, daughter, and herself, are all represented, making beautiful music together.

My daughter, coloring the latest Nice Tomato mini book.  Diamonds, our favorite!

Coloring is in, it's the new way to zen.  Beautiful mandala and gardening coloring books for adults can be found almost everywhere, have you seen them?  With the mantra of "Your never too old to color", coloring also cities relaxation benefits.  

Welcome to my new series : THE FIND.  At the end of each month, I will share a great company or a product I love with you, my dear readers.  We are living in a socially-sharing world, and if someone hadn't shared Nice Tomato on their Facebook page, I wouldn't have found them, and I wouldn't know how to spread the color.

Nice Tomato founders, Amanda and Joe Linton

Nice Tomato is a subscription coloring book service.  A new color folio and markers arrive to my mailbox, every month.  My daughter and I love it!  I am just as excited as she is to open it up and see all of the new designs.  Each color folio is filled with pages upon pages of fun and exciting things to color!  But, the best part is, every month we get a new color folio and so does a child in the hospital.  
Nice Tomato just had a birthday, this amazing company is now one year old!  When I did the math, I realized I found them in the very beginning of their journey, and we are proud to have been a small part of their success!!! 

Nice Tomato just announced their monthly subscriptions services are cut in half, and are only $10.00 a month for your color folio and markers!  Do you know what that means?  More children are coloring. Your children, and children in the hospital, are connected through the big colorful hearts at Nice Tomato.  

In the spirit of random acts of kindness, I'm going to give away a three month subscription to this little company that brings me and my daughter joy, and then the rest is up to you.  A subscription is also a great birthday gift, or as a donation to a childcare center, or a cause close to your heart. 

Pretty palm trees, the perfect island backdrop

Vacationing is a necessary luxury for everyone, yet unplugging for an extended period of time for a small growing brand, can be a luxury one cannot afford.  Unplugging for over a week?  No images to post or ways to communicate, to look as though you are still there?  Um, No.  I am a person, authentically behind every communication, and on vacation. A real, true vacation.  Remember those? Well, I don't either, so I wanted to give my all to this thing called relaxation, and see if I'm any good at it.  Turns out, I need improvement in that area, but hey, no one is perfect.

I don't have images to share of my vacation.  I locked my iPhone (ahem, camera) in the safe until we were back in the US.  You already know, I do love to take a picture, (and if you didn't, start digging through my archives!) so I am regretful I do not have many sharable moments, but the twist was that I was LIVING those moments, enjoying myself.  More important.  

Go ahead and google the many benefits of taking vacations, you will find endless scientific research, articles, and opinions from successful, iconic brands and entrepreneurs that support the fact that you need to take one, now.  I'll leave that research up to you, and get to my vacation jewelry shopping experiences, but know that even if you cannot travel from home, a stay cation can work wonders for your inspiration, and recharging those batteries of yours.  

View from my  room aboard the Royal Caribbean, Oasis of the Sea, our first cruise!

I am going to confess something that will blow your mind, and I hope you don't think less of me : I didn't bring jewelry with me.  There, I said it.  (Audible gasps heard around the world) It's true, I wear minimal jewelry when traveling.  The last thing I want to do is loose a precious piece, damage it, or get sunblock in-between all of the gemstones until the end of time. Grease sticks to metals and gemstones like nothing else, plus, the beach is just no place for jewelry.  I saw a lot of women wearing jewelry at the beach...

We did pop into jewelry stores, because watches are the big purchase in the land of duty free; we purchased none.  While browsing, the woman, consumer and maker in me realized just how out of touch some resort boutiques are to the evolving tastes of the modern jewelry collector.  

I do understand I am in the minority of women who don't like to travel with jewelry, but what about the men and women who purchase jewelry together, while on vacation?  Again, not us. Like, ever.  Who are you with your strange trademarked gemstone I do not like, and why are you trying to sell me something I do not want?  We are doing this thing called relaxing.  But, just when I'm ready to go, my husband pulls out his wifi enabled phone and BOOM, cover blown.  

I guess that whats happens when you speak out about how "undereducated US jewelry stores are about gemstones past the big three" and the "exclusive, rare, no one has this, you will never see it again" pitch.  

Now, I can appreciate an angle, and a savvy salesman, but I can only assume his laser focus on getting his jewelry on me was because I was not wearing any jewelry myself.  He may have thought we were the uninformed he was speaking of.  But, we know.  Now he does, too.  

The new breed of collectors are educated, they want to not know the person behind the brand, that you care about the jewelry, and them.  I almost never purchase jewelry in an actual store, but through relationships.  People I like, who like me.  I don't care how exclusive this is what you have, I need to like you, and trust you, or no deal.  I know this doesn't translate to a vacation purchase, standing there with your husband, ready to buy you something, but it can.  I ship, and do business all over the world, through relationships.

Heck, I'd love to partner with a resort, (resorts are you listening) and provide something honest, and just different than what is currently being offered, because women can feel the difference.  It is such a compliment to be chosen to commemorate a milestone, to adorn a legacy.  I design for that woman, the one who makes her her self-purchases where and when she is comfortable, in her own timetable, whether she wears it on vacation is up to her! 

So, as a tastemaker, seeing how women wear their jewelry while on vacation was very interesting to me.  I am always paying attention to style, in all of its forms.  This vacation brought forth new ideas, colors, shapes, and textures I am eager to try.  I was literally burning to adorn this newfound inspiration from head to toe, in my lounge chair.   

As much as I missed wearing my jewelry, I may love creating it just a bit more.  I have no plans to wear mine at the beach, or the pool, but I love however you choose to wear yours, especially if I made it for you.   

Spring trends heavily rely on the color forecasting services by Pantone, the authority on color.  This Winter, Pantone named Peace and Serenity their 2016 colors of the year.  Let's preface this by stating I am not a pastels person, which you probably already know by now.  I usually gravitate towards an all neutral palate come Spring, or strong, saturated colors in the the Winter and Fall, for my accessories and fine jewelry to take center stage. 


You'll find these styles in every store, at price points high and low.  From Burberry to H & M, you can layer this trend seamlessly into your wardrobe, for seasons to come.  I could go on and show you further how to style these colors through beautiful european draping, cocooning cashmere, street-style suedes, and my favorite, the urban chic.  But, we are here for the jewels, right?  

Let us master the trend by using this season's color palate as a jumping off point to mix your metals.  Just a hint, I always put white gold in the middle to play off the rose and yellow gold hues.  I think it is easier on your eye, it differentiates the golds, giving it a modern, romantic look.  But, you could mix in some black for a little edge, I like that, too.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR RINGS

ALEXIS KLETJIAN FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION, IN MIXED METALS

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR STUDS

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR STUDS IN ROSE GOLD AND DIAMOND

ALEXIS KLETJIAN DIAMOND INITIAL CHARMS