Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Dreaming in Baubles Custom Charm Necklace


I have had many requests for a toggle clasp closure, so here is a picture of my latest design. This dreamy little necklace is perfect for the days you want to wear something special, it's unique and elegant. I designed this piece to represent a mixture of modern couture and timeless comforts. I hope you enjoy this piece, as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Carmen Bowe

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Embrace The Warmth Of Copper



Copper has become a new favourite metal of mine. If you love the look of gold, but hate the price, copper is an affordable alternative which also gives a beautiful warm glow. People often question how well copper keeps, and if copper will turn. Copper oxidizes by tarnishing, the same way that sterling silver tarnishes and the way iron rusts. It's a natural progression and the environment determines how rapidly it will happen. Oxidization progresses faster in high humidity, but the effect of oxidation is also affected by one’s body chemistry. The effect is different for everyone, one person may wear copper every day and never have it turn, and another person may wear it for one day and it may oxidize. Similarly, one can oxidize sterling silver in one day as well. Sterling silver is a metal alloy of silver (92.5%) and copper (7.5%). The addition of copper to silver makes it stronger. It is the copper in the alloy that causes sterling silver to tarnish. People are different, thus is the reason why the same perfume may smell different on everyone…again symbolizing that we are all a little different through our body chemistry. Although, I'm not an expert, there is a lot of subjective evidence to propose copper metals may also help people reduce arthritis pains.

Bringing out the shine in copper:

If your copper oxidizes, all you have to do is rinse it about in a small container of water and a squirt of lemon juice, along with a pinch of salt to bring out the bling again. Finally, you can polish your copper with a jewelry polishing cloth. When not worn, remember to keep your copper jewelry in an air tight container or bag (mini zip lock bags will do the trick)…this will help slow down the oxidation.

Yours in design,
Carmen Bowe

Friday, November 7, 2008

Keep your bling in tip top shape!

Tips on keeping your jewelry in 'tip top' shape:

*Always put on your jewelry last and avoid direct contact with beauty products (perfume and body lotions).
*Always store your jewel pieces away from direct sunlight, in an air tight container or bag. Mini zip lock bags are perfect. This helps to prevent tarnish. Store your sterling and gold jewelry in separate bags before putting into your jewelry boxes.
*Finally, you can polish your jewelry with a polishing cloth; just make sure that it is safe for your jewelry. Some polish can damage stones and remove the oxidation in the letters…so we don’t want that to happen. Read the care instructions on the polishing cloth to be certain.

For normal everyday wear:


I design my jewelry to endure normal everyday wear; however, I don’t recommend my jewel pieces to be worn while sleeping, showering, exercising or partaking in any strenuous physical activity. My jewelry is Not Recommended for those under 3 years of age.

***Not for Under 5 years:

Jewelry by Carmen Bowe is Not Recommended for those under 5 years of age. I do my best to make my jewels sturdy, but the findings, Swarovski crystals and pearls are small and I don’t want you to take any chances. Upon purchase, Buyer acknowledges that Carmen Bowe is not responsible for any accidents.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Custom Bling




I recently had the pleasure of creating a few custom orders (Thank You Ladies!I appreciate your business and your referrals are most welcome)...if you have a specific design in mind, please contact me to see if we can create a unique jewel piece together. I am in the mist of doing another custom order this weekend, but will be adding more items to my shop in the near future.