We Have Moved!

You have probably wondered what has happened?  I have moved my blog to my website, that's it.

Visit me at www. JoannaMorganDesigns.com - the blog link is at the bottom of the page.  Or, to access directly, click on this link: http://www.joannamorgandesigns.com/blogs/journal

See you there!

Sneak Peek - New Collection, New Website Coming Soon!

I have had my hands full for past few weeks - can't wait to show you what I've been up to!  Here is an advance image from the latest photo shoot.  My new website will be launching in just a few weeks!

Photo by Amanda Waltman Photography

Visit me on www.JoannaMorganDesigns.com

Ready for Fun in the Sun?

I have just found out that my gemstone and silver rings made it into this stylish and fun inspiration board by an online publisher Fashion Rooftop!  I love the colors, and I wish I were at the sun drenched marina pictured below....

Most Asked Question - How Do I Care For My Jewelry?

There's one question that comes up most often whenever I talk to clients - "how do I care for my jewelry?"  You love your new bling, and now you'd like to take care of it the best you can, so it lasts you forever.

Here are a few tips from me to you - simple, common sense, and easy to follow:

• When storing jewelry keep each piece separate.  Gold, silver, and other metal can scratch each other, and stones and enamel can chip when they hit one another.  Take special care of softer stones, such as opals, emeralds, and aquamarines; same applies to pearls.  Keep everything in its box, ideally custom fitted original packaging. 

• Many gems should not be exposed to chemicals - let your perfume and hair spray dry completely before you put on your jewelry, especially pearls.  Don't wear jewelry and watches to the beach or pool, and while doing housework.

• I always recommend keeping silver jewelry in tightly fastened plastic bags (such as Ziploc) to prevent tarnishing when not in frequent use.  Anti-tarnish strips can be added to the bags.  If your silver jewelry still blackens, bring it to a friendly jeweler to have it cleaned. 

• Some stones are fragile - dropping a jewelry piece onto a hard surface may damage them.  Always put down your jewelry gently.

• Ultrasonic cleaning machines are great for some pieces of jewelry, but may damage others - so only hard stones should go into the ultrasonic bath (such as diamonds), but softer stones may get damaged (pearls, turquoise, amber); gold and platinum will come out gleaming, however the process will not remove tarnish from silver or copper.
• Some things are common sense - don't yank on chain necklaces, don't step on or drive over jewelry, don't give your earrings to a toddler to play with - yes, it all happened...

As with everything that you care about, and is meant to last you for a long time - treat it with care.  And do let me know if you have any comments or questions!

Focus on Spring

A few of my designs from the Talisman collection were picked for Seattle Magazine's "Forecast" fashion show, held at Inform Interiors a couple of weeks ago. The invitation-only party showcased fashion and accessory trends for the coming season, with my jewelry shown on gorgeous models in styles picked from Barney's, Baby & Co, and Butch Blum.

Fabulous!

 

Some of the gorgeous looks from the show; first one on the left is a Zero+Maria Cornejo coral dress adorned by my jewelry

                                                    

    A look from Baby & Co. - jacket and dress by Girbaud, jewelry by Joanna Morgan Designs, 

bag by Ampersand by Apostrophe

Accessories by some of the participating designers:  Joanna Morgan Designs, Twin Within, Neon Zinn.

All pictures: Seattle Magazine

   

Spring Trends - Grunge Re-Invented

One of the Spring 2013 fashion trends - grown-up grunge - is not what you may remember from Nirvana times.  Much more polished and upscale, and yet very cool, should appeal to women of (almost) all ages.

I found out my Bridget necklace and cuff have been included in the Spring Forecast feature of
Seattle Magazine's  March 2013 issue - I'm loving this look :)
(they're shown here along Dries van Noten pants and T-shirt (Barney's), H&M jacket, other jewelry pieces from Butch Blum boutique in Seattle.

Thank you Seattle Magazine!

                                          Magazine photography by: Elke Van De Velde, styling by Ali Brownrigg

                                   

                                        Bridget Necklace                            Bridget cuff

Love Is In the Air, Spring is Coming

To me Valentine's Day is the first sign that Spring is approaching.  From its vibrant red and pink color scheme, to soft pastel sugar hearts, and lacy greeting cards, I know that long winter and cold weather will be ending soon.  As I am not an overly traditional person, and Valentine's Day is not so much about red roses, jewelry, and going out for me (although that's very nice too!), it is an occasion to reflect who are the most important people in our life.  This, and that Spring is just around the corner.

Happy Valentine's Day to You!  Don't forget loves in your life - be it a spouse, a pet, or a friend that lives across the globe.  Tell them how much they mean to you!  XOXO