HAPPY NEW YEAR!  

Mostly, it's been a hangover of sparkles, parties, hustle, deadlines, and family.  But then there's the excitement of having time to dig into new ideas, projects and trips. And finally... some time to breathe.  

 This year, my intention is to whole-heartedly divulge what Elaine B Jewelry is all about. This company is so much bigger than me- and I will virtually (or personally, come visit!) introduce you to my devoted team, welcome you into our studio which has become our second home and family, and allow you unfettered access to our creative process.  

To start, I can't think of a better way to begin this year than by sharing with you my birthstone, January's heart, garnet.

 tiny cut garnet stones used in our limited edition January necklace.

 

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GARNET:

• Garnet is mostly commonly seen as an orangey-red or dark purple, but can also be nearly white, yellow, green and orange depending on the levels of calcium and aluminum.
• The word garnet came from "gernet" (meaning dark red) and "pomum granatum" (pomegranate seed). This fact is indeed the cutest piece of information I've learned recently.
• It's hardness is a 7 on Moh's scale, similar to that of gems like jade, emerald, quartz, and opal and is classified as having glassy and amber-like luster. 
• The most recognized form of garnet is Pyrope, which is what we use in our designs. It appears as dark reddish, purple, even close to black sometimes. It's primarily mined for industrial use in garnet-coated sandpaper used in woodworking, (hm.. I wonder if our studiomate Kyle uses this?!) 
• in the U.S. gemstone-grade garnet is only found in parts of Arizona, Idaho, California, and North Carolina.

polished & cut vs. raw & uncut garnet stones.

 

MY DEEP LOVE FOR DEEP RED

 Honestly, I'm drawn mostly to cooler colors. I adore any shade of light grey to dark blue. But there is something very warm - very deep and comforting about the bloody red that kind of evokes a tender feeling of the heart keeping us alive during these frozen winter months. Seriously, it's 2 degrees at the moment (why did I leave Virginia again?!).

In honor of this stone that is said to aid in circulation, love and relationships we have created two limited edition pieces, available only through the end of January. 

 

GARNET STONE STUDS:

 garnet & 18k Vermeil, $88

 

Limited edition Tiny Garnet necklace:

garnet & sterling silver, $88

 

ONE LAST FUN FACT:

I share a birthday, January 19th, with my best friend Erin (you can read more about our long friendship here). This year, to celebrate, we found the fortune of meeting up in Japan in one week during her year long travels around the world. Be sure to follow along on Instagram to see all the amazing tiny things and minimalist-design inspiration we find! 

All sciencey facts provided by the International Gem Society and minerals.usgs.gov