Ssara Designs >> Sharon Idiculla’s Scintillating Creations

While, casually browsing through Facebook, I found these striking pieces of soul stirring jewelery on Kritika’s page. There was little to ask- she had obviously shot those outstanding pictures- as perfect as the jewelery themselves. Via, Kritika, I connected with Sharon Idiculla, the creator of these gorgeous pieces of sheer magic!  

 

Sharon is a jewelery designer by profession, but beading, which she is mostly into these days,  is entirely self-taught, having learnt from various books. And now she designs her own stuff,  constantly experimenting with different ideas and techniques.

She says,   its is quite addictive and something that I enjoy very much!  I am very lucky that I have a job that I love!! I work with silver and semi precious beads, sometimes adding Swarovski crystals to the mix. Silver is a part of every design – either in the form of wire or beads. My main aim is to try and make jewelery that is beautiful, unique and affordable.

Sit back and enjoy!

Unusual play of Topaz, Amethyst and Silver

 

Bonded Turquoise with silver wire and Swarovski Crystal Earrings

 

My favourite- the Pink Opal Jhumkis to the extreme right !

 

Onyx in full splendour!

 

Aren’t those Garnet Fan earrings, simply lovely?

 

Turquoise Surprise !( fell in love with that silver flower)

 

Scintillating, soul stirring, no?

 

Turquoise, Rose Quartz and Onyx bracelets. Take your pick

Sharon’s Ssara Designs is based out of Bangalore, India.  She also untertakes custom orders for clients.  All her jewelery are handmade (how delightful: -) ) . There’s just one piece of bad news, she doesn’t sell her pieces online, yet. Well not yet. She intends to soon do that. So to get in touch with her and see more of her amazing collection, you can become a member/fan of Ssara Designs on Facebook. Follow this link!

A silvery Ganesh Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed son of Lord Shiva and Parvati,  is perhaps one of the most popular Gods even abroad. This beloved God, is believed to be the  remover of all obstacles and prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha before the begining of a new task/event, in India. 

 I have seen most people who visit India, come back with little Ganesh idols, as gifts.  Lord Ganesha’s prints and symbolic representations are extremely popular amongst western folks.

Back home, we loved Ganesh Chaturthi , for the sheer colour around you, not to mention the yummy Modaks.  And I am missing it oh so much today. So this post on Silveratti is dedicated to all Ganesha devotees, on his birthday.  This day is celeberated with great fervour amongst Indians, especially amongst the Maharashtrians, Ganesh Chaturthi being one of their main festivals.

 

A beautiful Dancing Ganesh idol (kaboodle.com)

 

Ganesha belt Buckle - Etsy > Bandahnnaah

 

Altered Art Charmed Bracelet - from Etsy>>Ivy Stuff

 

Simple yet vibrant pendant from Omimports.com

Stunning Ganesha Idol with a hint of colour

 

A charming bracelet - Shantiboutiqueeu.com

 

'Clarity' Necklace- from Shantiboutiqueeu.com

 

Ganesha Earrings! (shantiboutiqueeu.com)

 

Wishing everybody a lovely, festive, scintillating Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganapati Bappa Morya!

From the heart of Native America >> Native South West Jewelery

When I started Silveratti, I had no idea the number of people I’d end up connecting with- especially people from the silver world – my dream world! Thanks to Silveratti, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with extremely talented and interesting people across the globe, who are themselves fascinated by Silver.

 One such pleasant surprise was Jim Manley of Native South West Jewelry  . He dropped by at Silveratti and I happened to follow his footprints , only to land on his gorgeous space.  I had published earlier, a post of native American Jewelery, and here was a sleek site dealing with just that.  Native South West Jewelery showcases some of the finest and authentic Native American jewelery. See for yourself by visiting the site- I am posting some of my favourite pieces here. I find their accessories and bracelet section, most inspiring.

In Jim’s own words-

We are located here in the heart of Native America, Gallup, New Mexico.  We are surrounded by the Navajo Nation, Zuni, Hopi, Acoma and Laguna Pueblos.  Many, many others are close by.  All of our handmade and handcrafted pieces only come from local Native American artists.  We believe that it is important to support our local community and the artisans that make it up.

Sterling and fine silver are the the most popular mediums for these artists to work in.  We even have three local silver retailers to meet the demand, Thunderbird Supply Company (thunderbirdsupply.com), Indian Jewelry Supply Company and Academy Silver.  The artists range in skills from inlay, overlay, silver smithing, lapidary, potters, weavers, beaders and many more.

Many of the designs that you see on our site have been passed down from generation to generation and belong to specific families.  Most pieces are individually marked with the artists own stamp.

We are very careful who we buy from, and are very concerned about the integrity of our products and the Native Jewelry trade as a whole.  We are currently working on developing more detailed descriptions for the pieces listed on our website to give our customers a better sense of what these pieces mean, and the artists that make them.

 

 

Neck Ring - Bold yet understated!

 

Needle Point Earring & Necklace Set

 

Lighter Case- how cool is that?

 

Money Clip- to make your money look prettier!

Handmade Sterling Silver Inlay Feather Pin

 

Zuni Head Dress Key Ring

 

Watch, what you wear!

 

Thank you, Jim. Do share new collections and interesting aspects of jewelery making with Silveratti, whenever you can . Here’s wishing you luck in the marvelous job that you are doing with the artisans!

So long then, folks!

TIKANCHAY >> Splendid Peruvian Handcrafted Jewelry

I wish I could travel more and see the kind of Silver I love, with my eyes, shoot them with  my camera, and bring a piece back home. Sigh! But I have to make do, looking at the many people doing what I’d love doing- like Elaine, a partner with this lovely Peruvian Silver jewel site, Tikanchay.

Tikanchay works directly with Peruvian artisans and import fine handcrafted silver jewelery- its a lovely site with some exceptional pieces. I have posted some below, and suggest you visit Tikanchay yourself and check out all the pieces.  What’s more interesting is, Elaine’s Travel  journal, which gives us an account of all her exotic travels. Here’s an extract from her journal- another must read for a dreamlike combo- Travel and Silver…

 

Usually impressed that I speak with typically Peruvian intonations and touches, my new contact shares more information with me; which artisan makes the best inlaid jewelry, woven straw bracelets, or hand-painted ceramic pendants, and where to find them. This is what I’m really interested in, finding sources for our artisan jewelry collections. We’ll settle on a price that satisfies both of us. I’m not here to take advantage, but to seek out and make connections with silversmiths and jewelers doing outstanding work. The bargaining is just part of the dance that the artisans and I do as we come to know and respect each other.

Huayruro Seed Braided Bracelet

 

Birds in Flight Gourd Necklace

 

Silver & Suede Necklace

 

Silver Spiral Inlaid Earrings

Woven Stripped Peruvian Bracelet

 

Silver Ribbon Bracelet

I simply adored Tikanchay’s collection. Its even more mesmerizing when you read Elaine’s stories. Infact the more I read Elaine’s stories, I feel going going right out and doing what i have been waiting and dreaming to do all my life.

Made my day! 

 

 

Unique Indeed >>Krassimira Iordanova’s Anokha!

When I saw Krassimira’s site – Anokha, I knew I wanted to know her, more. I wanted to know what prompted a Bulgarian to set up an online silver jewelery store and stock all things Indian!  With Tracer’s introduction, I reached this lovely lady, virtually, of course, and extracted all the inspiring details about Anokha.  As you read her story, check out some of the pieces on display, on Anokha.

Silveratti: A Bulgarian, living in Germany influenced by India and how! Tell us the story, Krassimira.

Krassimira: Through my eyes, the majority of Germany women, compared to the women in India, do not wear a lot of jewellery and when they do, it is plain,  and in a way, conservative- from a very simple ring, a pair of stud earrings to a plain necklace and ….well, that’s it….But I noticed that the women I met like the designs of the jewellery from India, not the ostentatious ones, not the classic jhumki-style earrings or the kundan jewellery, but the simpler, yet unique Indian designs…

Striking bold and elegant works in silver, distinctive skills of the makers and their intricate techniques, several of which are found only on the continent is what has fascinated me during my travel through India.  And this is how I came to the idea…Indian jewellery in Germany with unique designs for the working contemporary woman.

Stiff silver bangle bracelet with a design from the Mughal era, from Jyotika

 

Leather bracelet with Silver from Anika

Silveratti: What does Anokha mean to you?

Krassimira: Here is my personal story: It is Monday morning, 8:30am and I’m a in a rush to be in the office on time. And although I’m ready to step out of the door, I have the feeling something is missing…what is missing is this final touch- it is a ring or a pair of earrings, a bracelet or a necklace that matches the colors of my outfit and gives me this final touch of elegance. These pieces of jewellery, I believe, is what underlines my style and makes me feel special….Vanity, isn’t it?

You want to have something that no one else owns…these are your fragments of joy….that sometimes make your day….

A beautiful, garnet silver ring by Mira

 

'Rain ring' - a beautifully designed silver ring with gold plated drops by Avasa

Silveratti: Where do you source your jewellery from? Do you have designers working for you?

Krassimira:I work with designers whose jewellery pieces I buy. I work on some designs myself that have a bit of Indian spice, a bit of Bulgarian flavor, lots of imagination and endless passion….Anokha is not about the latest fashion. It is about jewellery pieces which are like talismans for the woman who wears them.

Neck piece from Ladakh, by Sunitha

Oxidized silver necklace from Kerela by Rani

Silveratti: Is it only Silver that fascinates you, or do you like working with other metals like Gold, Platinum etc.?

 Krassimira: It is silver. It matches to various outfits; can be worn during the day or in a more formal venue…it is elegant and stylish…

Leaf shaped wooden earrings decorated with silver bits, by Chuchu

 

Silver earrings with black Onyx by Priyanka

 

Tyra's silver earrings with coronaliun

Silveratti: How did you decide on the name Anokha?

Krassimira: I was searching for a name that is easy to remember, easy to type in and has origins in Sanskrit. On my shortlist were Karishma, Kriti and Anokha. But Anokha represents best my idea about this jewellery. Anokha means “unique” in Hindi and so is my collection: inspired by the craftsmanship and traditions of the Indian jewellery designers. What makes this collection so special to us, Europeans, is the touch of India!

 

Amala's exquisite wooden handmade ring and necklace with silver bits

Black Onyx silver sing by Udita

Silveratti: Will you be retailing or this is going to be limited to an online venture?

Krassimira:I will try retailing as well. Selling jewellery online has its challenges: typically women would like to put a ring on to see how it fits, try a pair of earrings and see how they match….this cannot be done online. To be honest, I haven’t found the recipe for success for the online sales yet… I’m not giving up….

Bracelet with flower motifs by Malika

 

Silver Hoops by Bidisha

Silveratti: How is the response to Anokha in Germany?

Krassimira: So far very positive…about which I’m not surprised

 

Makes me want to go right back to India and set up my eternal dream silver boutique. Hope you enjoyed meeting Krassimira! And for those who are wondering what this beautiful name possibly means- it is Bulgarian for ‘A beautiful World’. 

 

So long, then!

XX

Tea in a Silver pot.

People who know me well, know what a mad ‘cha’ (tea) lover I am. Besides drinking the beverage, I am extremely fond of collecting ceramic teapots. It was in Istanbul at the Leela Kempinski, when I was first served my Darjeeling in a silver pot, with silver cups and spoons to go with. It felt very special, very majestic.  It’s still on my wish-list to own a beautiful silver teapot, and get transported back to the Victorian era, having tea with one of the Bronte sisters!

While I nurse my Victorian dreams, here are some beautiful antique silver teapots, I fished from Ifranks dot com.  They have an incredible stock of Antique silver.  And their teapot collection is absolutely mesmerizing.

 

Georgian Sterling Silver teapot

 

Victorian Sterling Tea Pot

 

Georgian Sterling Silver

 

Victorian Sterling Silver teapot on warmer

 

Brittania Silver Teapot

 

Octagonal Silver Teapot

 

Charming!

Featured Site >>As Cute As a Button

If  you like your clothes tailored for that customised look, I am sure, at some point in time, you must have had this endless quest for the right button. I remember when Ma made my frocks, I’d be extra thrilled if there was a dressy button or lace. It always caught my fancy.  This fancy remained, and ma had gifted me a silver kurta button for my Luckhnawi white kurtas, a long while back. While I was searching for something similar to buy online, I stumbled upon this awfully cute site called As Cute As A Button.  As Cute as a Button is situaed in San Diego and is run by a lady, who is a custom clothing designer,  who found this store  in the process of hunting  for the right button! The result is impressive- she has a collection for over 8000 styles to choose from. And the best part as you would have already guessed- she has a dedicated section for silver buttons! Some are gorgeous and some super cute!  Go on and widen that smile looking at them.

Antique silver button - Angel

 

Alien

 

Hippo

 

Snail Shell

 

Cowboy Hat

 

Cuteness in a tea cup

 

I am a tea pot

 

Piggy

 

Cute, aren’t they?

Uber chic >> Pebble London

I am a very online person. I send gifts online, socialise online, order books online. However, I’ve never really bought jewelery online.  I’ve always wondered, how one can  decide on buying jewelery based on some pictures, without actually feeling the pieces? I am a great fan of Etsy, but then, I just like browsing the site.  However, my opinion about online jewelery shopping changed when I chanced upon Pebble London. Their enormous collection available online is so exquisite and well presented that,  I don’t think I’ll  bother visiting the showroom (well, its in London, so I don’t stand a chance anyway ).  Pebble London has a clean, tastefully designed website featuring uber chic jewelery. I especially like the photography and presentation of the pieces.

 

 People who follow the  fashion scene must surely be familiar with the brand name. Pebble London is said to have  worked with and sold, to many fashion designers, including Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Cavalli, Issey Miyake, Mathew Williamson, Emilio Pucci, Allegra Hicks, Joseph, Nicole Fahri, and Donna Karan.

 

Their website tells us  that traditional tribal jewellery is a big influence, as is their love of natural materials. They try  to keep their designs as simple as possible, in the belief that one cannot improve on nature.

 

And that’s not all, when I contacted Pebble London, I was pleasantly surprised with their warm and cordial attitude towards online queries, unlike most sites where queries are answered late, or not answered at all.

 

Featured are some beautiful necklaces, rings and bracelets in silver. I have, for the first time also included pieces other than silver-  I just couldn’t resist it!

 

 

Silver plated large facetted round beads knotted necklace

 

Silver large irregular shape necklace

 

Silver large hollow round beads necklace

pair it with your favourite blue dress, ok?

 

Large Turquoise and Coral mosaic pointed ring set in Silver

 

Anything orange is sexy!

 

The non-silver pieces. Too delectable to be left out!

not silver, but oh so chic, no?

 

This one is to die for!

 

brass and beautiful

Pebble London’s collections run over 15 categories. All, stunning and out of this world. Some especially are a must see- like the ethnic, silver & nickel and turquoise collection.  Have fun shopping!

(Special thanks to Peter and Jaymie for the pictures !)

Come, see Australia through silver coins!

When I was very young, my grandma gave me a big pouch of coins from Nepal and China, that would help me compete with my brother’s massive stamp collection.  Collecting coins ended as a childhood fancy, but I now wish I had saved those coins. I suddenly feel like pursuing a hobby, especially after I came across this. Needless to say, my heart skipped a beat to see  the silver coin range. I am all tipsy with excitement, and frantically posting, for you to see. Hope you enjoy this.

The Perth Mint’s collection of Gold, Silver and Platinum coins are astounding.  Representing all things Australian, the designs of the silver ones are clean, beautiful and even cute, if  may use the word. The categories include - The Dreaming Series, Australian Koala, Australian Lunar, Treasures of Australia, Landmarks of Australia, Lunar Series, Antarctic Territory series & Themed coins. The collection is huge and delightful!  I am not too sure if this is a collector’s delight, for I don’t think they are rare, and are of fairly recent origin. But I love the fact that a country’s different facets are featured so wonderfully in the form of coins.   Take a look at some  :

Celebrating 200 years of postal service in OZ land

 

50 years of Television

 

90th anniversary - End of World War 1

 

Treasures of Autralia series- featuring Opals

 

Battle of Thermopylae

 

Discover Australia Series

 

Australian Football

 

Discover Australia- Adelaide

 

Dreaming Turtle

 

The Koala - My favourite

 

Charles Darwin

 

Featuring Australia's Deadly & Dangerous - Red Back Spider

 

50 years fo Barbie!!

 

Australian Olympic Team

 

Fall of the Berlin Wall

 There is plenty more featuring almost every aspect of the beautiful continent.  Check them out yourself here.

 

Sexy stuff >>Native American Indian Jewelery

I have an affinity towards ethnic silver jewelery, more than the modern sterling variety. I like bold, big, chunky designs, with lots of colours in it. Turquoise, opal, moonstone, are some of my favourites. Today, I bring to you astounding native American-Indian silver jewelery. If you are looking at making a style statement, try a different route -try these. Take a look.

 

Silver and Gold Gourd Cuffs

 

Turquoise Collar Necklace

 

Navajo Cuff with inlay stone

 Image Source: www.fourwindsgallery.com.au

 

Blue-black buckle

Image source: www.snakenavel.com.au

 

Large Mens bracelet

 

Butterfly Maiden Kachina Pendant

Navajo- Earrings

Kokopelli pendant by Tommy Singer

Image Source: www.twodogssouthwestgallery.com

Navajo native american indian concho belt

Source: www.nativeindianmade.com

All pieces posted here are of Navajo variety (Navajo tribe are the most populous of contemporary Native American groups in the United States, and are noted as stockbreeders and skilled weavers, potters, and silversmiths – www.answers.com) and it seems like native Americans use a lot of Turquoise. Most pieces I came across had Turquoise.  I came across so many pieces that, I decided to save them for a different post all together on Silver Turquoise jewelery.

If you are looking for more gyan, go here .