| SEPTEMBER 2006 NEWSLETTER |
| “It is better to fail in originality, than to succeed in imitation.” – Herman Meville |
| NEW “JEWEL” |
| “Our Bauhaus version of the Nordic Thor’s Hammer is great for both men and women.” – ce
Thor, eldest son of the Norse god Odin, was the patron god of seamen and farmers, protecting them from perils. He was god of the sky, the ruler of storms and the deliverer of thunderbolts and rain. Thor was also the protector of the universe. He guarded the world with his mighty hammer,Mjoollnir. Thor’s hammer was worn as a pendant, usually in silver. Those wearing it believed it would protect them from danger. We believe it too!(Shown here in silver on a rubber necklace with silver clasp, $225) (Below: Full cylinder necklace in silver, $450, from our Studio Collection) |
| CED – News & Events |
| News Claudia Endler Designs has been featured on a new on-line shopping blog www.thisnext.com. Fun and interesting. Discover, recommend and shop cast. This site profiles designers and artists and gets their feedback on some of their favorite things. Taking a peek may get you hooked!www.thisnext.com/by/claudiaendlerEvents Save the date – October 28th – At the private home of Elizabeth Sheets, all are welcome. Four artists will be showing their works, including Claudia Endler Designs. E-mailed invitations, with details, will be going out the beginning of October. November 3-5th Contemporary Craft Market – Santa Monica Civic Center. |
| SEPTEMBER’S FEATURE: : What is Turquoise? |
| Inspired by the exhibit at the Gene Autry museum this summer, Totems to Turquoise, we were captivated by the inlay and the beautiful jewelry created with this sky blue stone.One of the first gemstones to be mined, turquoise has long been prized for its intense color, which carries from sky blue to green depending on the quantities of copper and iron within it. The best turquoise quality shows a clear, light sky blue.
For thousands of years, in many cultures of the Old and New Worlds, this gemstone has been appreciated as a holy stone, a good-luck charm and a talisman, worn as protection to ward off the influence of dark and evil powers. Also used in decorating daggers, scimitars or the horse bridles, it is a virtual “peoples’ gemstone”. The word turquoise is very old and is likely derived from the French pierre turquoise, meaning Turkish stone. This is thought to have arisen from a misconception: Turquoise does not occur in Turkey, but was traded there. The stone has been employed extensively in the decorative tiles adorning Turkish places of worship and homes for hundreds of years. The association quite possibly caused the name to take root. Turquoise first came to Europe during the time of the crusades. The gem has since become associated with the Southwest United States, which is a significant source. New Mexico is thought to be the location of the oldest mines. Prior to the 1920s, the state was the country’s largest producer. It is now more or less exhausted. Today, only one mine, located at Apache Canyon in California, operates at a commercial capacity. For at least 2,000 years, the region once known as Persia (now Iran), has remained the most important source of turquoise, for it is there that fine material is most consistently recovered. Since at least the First Dynasty (3,000 BCE), turquoise was used by the Egyptians and mined in the Sinai Peninsula, called “Country of Turquoise” by the native Monitu. Turquoise can also be found in Israel, Afghanistan and China. Turquoise occurs as vein or seam fillings and as compact nuggets. These are mostly small in size. The veins can be black or brown in color. Most American turquoise is of a low grade, called “chalk turquoise”, and is typically a friable consistency, which precludes use in jewelry, unless treated. Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone. It is only a 6 on the hardness scale, diamond being 10. And since the color may fade in the course of wearing, even the highest qualities typically receive a waxing and subsequent hardening treatment, making the gemstone sturdier. Resources: en.wikipedia.org, www.gemstone.org, “Gemstones” by Cally Hall. |
| FROM ONE OF OUR CLIENTS |
| “I love my jewelry! I can’t wait to see what I buy next!” – Suzette I. |
| THE WAY OF CHIC: |
| More and more photography is making a resurgence as a collectable art-form. We continue to find it a fascinating medium. Capturing a moment in space and time is chic. |
| STYLE RECOGNITION |
| Christopher Barbour, perhaps a new name to some of you, has been honing is craft for several years. His work explores color, shape, form, contrast and movement. (All characteristics we appreciate.) Christopher challenges the notion of classical landscapes and captures the complexity of moment, time and place. The images are like psyche portraits, seducing the viewer to look deeper into the image, as well as themselves. This work mutates into new forms just as life adapts to its discoveries. To view some of his images, visit www.christopherbarbour.com. |
| THE CED WISH LIST |
| Is there someone we should contact who can help us to grant your jewelry wish? What – Who – Where – When? Contact us atinfo@claudiaendlerdesigns.com with details. There are always lots of weddings during the summer. That means wedding presents and anniversary presents. Don’t forget! |
| NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE |
| All previous newsletters are available atwww.claudiaendlerdesigns.com/newsletter.html. |
| CONTACT |
| For more information visit: www.claudiaendlerdesigns.com
If you have questions, need information or would like to unsubscribe, please email us at info@claudiaendlerdesigns.com Thank you. |
