November 18, 2011

Sketching New Silver Pendants – The Seafan Collection

Filed under: New Products — Tags: , , , — @ 10:57 am

One of the most enjoyable parts of my job at Nina Designs is sketching and designing many of the Silver Pendants and Charms we carry. The ideas for new styles originate from a variety of places: a mod 1960s style chandelier, a beautiful sprig of wildflowers appreciated during an evening walk, holiday themes like Day of the Dead, or inspiring photos from National Geographic. Both Nina and I have always admired ocean sea fans. They are delicate and lacy, yet sturdy enough to withstand strong sea tides.

Below are my sketches from our design process. We wanted the sea fan pendants to look both flowing and organic (not always easy in hard sterling silver). After completing the final sketch, I sent the specifications to Thailand, where talented silversmiths made a master model. Often, samples require several revisions before we’re satisfied with the final result. In this example, the sea fans needed just one round of modifications to reach perfection!

What inspires your creations?

Sea Fan: from sketches to final product

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November 15, 2011

Making Necklaces with Asymmetrical Elements

Filed under: How to Make Necklaces — Tags: , , , , , — @ 12:17 pm

Making a necklace with asymmetrical elements is a huge challenge for me. Most days making jewelry is fun, easy and effortless. The pieces come together and I follow their lead. As a Libra, I instinctively make jewelry with symmetry and balance. It takes a lot of thought and will power for me to break out of this mode of designing jewelry. Most of the time I go back and forth and then end up taking apart the elements that make it asymmetrical. As frustrating as it can be, I still find it to be a fun design challenge because my mind must work around my normal design instincts and it feels like putting together a puzzle.

This necklace went through many different phases before I got it here. It’s hard to pin point all the elements that make asymmetry work for me, but the most important one is balance. Although each side is different, they reflect each other. The bronze claw pendant is a strong center piece and each side cascades upwards from it. The curve of the claw pendant makes a nice space for the abstract link to nest. The gold chain pulls it together and helps balance the mixed metal components. I am satisfied with this as one of my few successful asymmetrical designs.

What are the ruling forces that govern your jewelry design?
Leave your answer as a comment to win one of the bronze claw pendants shown in this design. One entry per person. Deadline: Next Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011.

Win the center Bronze Claw Pendant by answering the blog question.

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September 8, 2011

Silver Pendants Deliver Inspiration

Filed under: How to Start a Jewelry Business — Tags: , , — @ 10:39 am

Silver Pendants and shoes are not so different. They are both coveted by women and highly addictive. That is why we chose Delivering Happiness by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh to be the first book we read in our Nina Designs business book club. Most of the staff read the book and then went out to lunch to discuss our thoughts and how we could use Zappos ideas to improve Nina Designs. We were very impressed with their commitment to WOW customers with their service and the idea that every phone call is an opportunity to bond with customers. The concept that “your culture is your brand” also resonated and we liked their communication strategy, “Be real and use your best judgement”. We decided to formalize our Core Values so everyone could use them to guide decision making and evaluate performance.

Despite the similarities, the element of design is a key difference between our company and theirs. Zappos sells the same shoes everyone else sells while Nina Designs creates new designs that are unique to our company. Our silver pendants and jewelry parts also become part of larger creations, facilitating our customer’s own creative vision. That lead us to a key insight. While the goal at Zappos is to Deliver Happiness, at Nina Designs we strive to Deliver Inspiration.

What do you deliver?

Peep toes from Zappos

Peep toes from Nina Designs

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August 26, 2011

Beaded Beauties :: Making Necklaces with Beaded Pendants

Filed under: How to Make Necklaces — Tags: , , , — @ 1:53 pm

Lately, my eye has been drawn to colorful beaded necklaces that evoke Native American themes and patterns. I find the geometry in the patterns and the spirituality it represents very provocative. My inspiration boards and favorites on Etsy have been filling up quickly with beaded pendants. That’s why when we designed chubby infinity jewelry links I couldn’t wait to try wrapping it with colorful beads. I’ve been wire wrapping beads along the outside edge of circle links, but this was my first time wrapping to the inside. My beaded pendant is not exactly the way I envisioned it. I will definitely practice my technique to perfect it. But, for my first time, I’m quite pleased.

Have you tried wrapping beads to circle links? Pleas share your tips!

beaded beauty


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July 20, 2011

How to Make Leather Jewelry with Silver Findings and Pearls, by Marcy Kentz

Filed under: Jewelry Design Ideas,Tips and Techniques — Tags: , , — @ 3:48 pm

Learning how to make jewelry with leather cord, silver findings, and pearls is a lot easier than you think. I began making leather jewelry many years ago when a generous leather hand bag designer offered me his leather scraps. Because I had a fairly unlimited supply I felt free to experiment, to hit bumps in the road, and to keep trying. Through years of trial and error I have come up with some unique leather jewelry techniques that I can’t wait to share with you.

You may not know it but here at Nina Designs we offer FREE jewelry design ideas and FREE how-to lessons. This is where I will be sharing my leather jewelry how to’s. The first lesson is available now and teaches you how to punch, cut, and glue leather, as well as how to seamlessly attach 3 strands of pearls to wide leather cord. By the end of the lesson you will have created a beautiful three strand leather necklace with pearls. I hope my classroom lessons will inspire you and open new doors in the world of jewelry making.

Leather jewelry is a hot trend right now and it’s a lot of fun to make. The look of leather jewelry is at once feminine and edgy, and appeals to a wide audience. Stop by Nina Designs where you’ll find new wide leather cord that is a dream to work with. Have you been working with leather cords in your jewelry? Do you have any questions I can address in upcoming leather jewelry how-to’s?

Leather Necklace How To #1, by Marcy Kentz

Find Jewelry How To's at Nina Designs

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July 14, 2011

Sterling Silver Button Jewelry Makes Its Debut!

Filed under: Jewelry Design Ideas — Tags: , , , — @ 12:19 pm

Sterling silver buttons are good for more than just closures on wrap bracelets. They also make versatile jewelry links and wonderful focal points in necklaces and earrings. With a little practice wire wrapping them together is a breeze and creates a wonderful pattern that reminds me of daisy chain necklaces. Actually, the entire design is reminiscent of childhood days playing outside and of rainy days spent inside raiding grandma’s button collection. While there is definitely something sweet about buttons, when you mix them with “grown up” pearls and gemstones they become quite elegant and appealing. Start playing dress up today!

Seven buttons all in a row!

Buttons as Links!

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July 9, 2011

Silver charms make the sun shine a little brighter when skies are gray

Filed under: Inspiration — Tags: , , , — @ 11:11 am

Silver charms and findings always find purpose. Although the world seems to be in a constant state of change, jewelry historically has found a place in the hearts of men and women alike. No matter the state of the economy, the desire for jewelry never ceases to exist. The beautiful ornamental jewelry that hang around our necks and dangle from our ears exist as a reminder of hope. Even when the world looks gray, it is most important to continue to focus on what is beautiful and what makes us happy.

For us involved in the silver industry, it may seem like we’ve been handed a double-edged sword in the past few months. Not only are we trying to climb out of economic depression, but the price of silver has been all over the place. What a combo! Staying optimistic about the fate of our businesses tends to be a challenge. I urge you to remind yourself that jewelry is a stronghold. Women will always want jewelry. Even if we have to budget, jewelry is important to us. Happy little silver charms and shimmering gems have an incredible ability to lift our spirits. Keep making jewelry and keep lifting those spirits!

Remember, we just decreased our prices on all sterling silver and gold vermeil jewelry findings by 9%. Shop our new styles today.

American women in uniform, 1942

Miriam Haskell, renowned jewelry designer and friends with Coco Chanel, opened her first boutique in 1926 and made her mark during the height of the Depression!

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June 30, 2011

Jewelry Design Success Story: Alison Kelley Designs

Filed under: Success Stories — Tags: , , — @ 10:00 am

This month we’d like you to meet Alison Kelley, a jewelry designer who grew up in a family of artists, woodworkers, and seamstresses. Her family roots are in Malta, a tiny island in the Mediterranean Sea that inspires her jewelry design. Alison started designing jewelry 17 years ago, but in the last few years, with the encouragement of her husband and three sons, she has turned her passion into a successful small business.

What is your favorite Nina Designs charm?
I love the sterling silver pineapple charm. It’s the first charm I ever bought from Nina Designs and still my favorite. It reminds me of my second honeymoon in Maui. I love pairing it with a white fresh water pearl and a champagne cubic zirconia.

Where do you find your inspiration?
Color is my biggest inspiration. I love to study how nature combines colors. This makes it easier for me to come up with inspiring color combinations for my upcoming jewelry designs. I used to watch a TV show on BBC America called “What Not to Wear,” hosted by Trinny and Suzanne, who offered advice on how to wear color and that’s always stayed with me whether I’m designing jewelry, decorating my home, or getting dressed.

(more…)

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June 28, 2011

Sterling Silver Yoga Charms Inspires My Practice

Filed under: Inspiration — Tags: , , — @ 11:15 am

Our unique sterling silver Yoga charms always leave me feeling inspired to be more compassionate and patient with myself and others, and to make time for my yoga practice. Today I started my day earlier than normal to join DeAnna at Flying Yoga for an early morning session. We both have worked with Sara Getz and wanted to continue our practice with her. Even though I was reluctant, once I was there and on my mat, I was extremely thankful for the opportunity to continue my yoga practice.

What my body and mind allows for each practice is different. Sometimes I’m able to flow right into the poses, other times I find myself resisting each movement; clenching my jaw with frustration. Today there was a mix of both. Often in Yoga classes, we will set an intention for the practice and the day. When my frustration boils to the surface I take a moment to breathe and repeat my intention.

Yoga, for a lot of people is calming and relaxing. For me it is a often a struggle and a practice in acceptance. Acceptance of where I am, where my body is, of just that moment. In this practice of moving, breathing and focus, occasionally there will be a moment of calm, of just being there. That one moment is worth the struggle every time. Today amidst the newness of the studio and the foreign faces surrounding me I was able to find more than a few of those moments. I’m looking forward to the next session and trying to remain open to whatever it may bring.

Word charms help set your intention at the start of your next Yoga class

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June 10, 2011

Making Jewelry :: How to Wear Hippie Headbands

Filed under: How to Make Necklaces — Tags: , , — @ 10:46 am

This summer wear Hippie Headbands! At this time of year, when everyone is enjoying the sunshine and warm weather, it’s natural to let your inner flower child come out and play. As days get longer, weekends are spent outdoors with rosy cheeks and rhythmic beats, why not wear hippie headbands to match your relaxed attitude?

Inspired by the sweet smell of honeysuckle, the flower child inside me began braiding colorful leather cord into a headband perfect for today’s modern hippie. Pick up some gold peace charms and braid them into your colorful leather cord. Then take it a step further by embellishing your headband with gemstone beads. Headbands are easier to wear than you might think. The popular way to wear them these days is over your hair or bangs, not right on top of your forehead. The best part is that you can wear your headband as a necklace too. It’s the perfect accessory to strapless tops and trouser pants.

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