Black Oynx Stud Earrings

Recently I was watching one of my favorite makeup artists on YouTube - Tiffany from MakeupbyTiffanyD. She had on the most gorgeous black onyx earrings and I fell in love. Well once I learned that they were from Tiffany & Co. I knew that they would be pricey. I went to Tiffany & Co's website (out of curiousity) and they were $125. I knew that I could surely find something similar for a lot less money. My search for a more affordable option didn't take long.

The photo above is from 1000Jewels on Etsy. Their shop is full of lots of gorgeous post earrings - onyx, turquoise, jade and hematite to name a few. These gorgeous black onyx earrings are only $15 and are the exact same size (10mm balls) and sterling silver, just like the version from Tiffany's. Pretty cool huh? I know which ones I will be purchasing!

**NOTE** - You may also order directly from 1000Jewels website

Site of the Day - Etsy

Most people who know me are fully aware that I love to support local merchants, artists, businesses and the like. An awesome way for you to do this online is to shop at etsy.com. Maybe you have or haven't heard of the site, but it is amazing and worth checking out. It's a great place to find seriously unique items and a great site for gift shopping.

Here's some info on Esty:

What is Etsy?

Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers.

Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice:

Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

Where is Etsy?

The Etsy community spans the globe with buyers and sellers coming from more than 150 countries. Etsy sellers number in the hundreds of thousands.

If each of these sellers stood outside at night with a really bright flashlight pointed towards the sky, it might look something like the image to the right.

Check out Etsy now!

Etsy Artist Spotlight - Lotus Stone

I really love jewelry and especially sterling silver pieces. It's always nice to buy jewelry from local artists and artists on Etsy. I love getting unique and also one of a kind pieces. I wanted to share with you one of my latest purchases from Kristen Briggs who is the artist behind Lotus Stone jewelry on Etsy. She creates beautiful pieces from sterling silver, gold and rose gold. I am in love with her Ophelia cuff bracelets!

Pictured above and below is my new Ophelia Cuff bracelet in sterling silver. Mine is the smaller of the 2 sizes available. What is extra awesome is that the artist Kristen Briggs custom makes these cuffs when you place your order. Each cuff is made to your specified wrist size. Mine came packaged in the nice box (see pic above) complete with the Lotus Stone logo and a very sweet hand written note from the artist.

I had a very pleasant transaction with Lotus Stone and I will tell you now that I plan on purchasing several more Ophelia Cuffs in varying widths and finishes. I think it will look nice to wear many different ones all together.

This cuff is completely hand made and hand hammered and it just looks absolutely beautiful. I couldn't be more pleased!

The prices are extremely reasonable considering the handmade natural of these beautiful cuffs. Here is a list of prices for you:

Sterling Silver:
Regular Cuff - $18 (this is what I purchased)
Wide Cuff - $36

Gold:
Regular Cuff - $23
Wide Cuff - $46

Rose Gold:
Regular Cuff - $24
Wide Cuff - (not listed on Etsy currently)

This artist will do custom work so you can message her on Etsy with your requests.

To check out and order your own Ophelia Cuff/s CLICK HERE to visit Lotus Stone on Etsy!

Check out this YouTube video for a nice review of the Lotus Stone Ophelia Cuffs!