It's Personal

Someone once told me that jewelry is a personal item. Whether you choose it or it chooses you, when we look for something special to celebrate or make a special day memorable it is most likely with a piece of jewelry. When we think "heirloom" first thing that comes to mind is a family treasure - something dazzling - made with gems and precious metal. For a guy to choose a jewelry as a gift for his honey can be a major decision - not only because of a price tag, but because it is a reflection of what he thinks of her and what she means to him. It can be, quite truly, a defining moment of the relationship. A jewelry piece you choose or are given becomes a part of your life and every time you look at it it will remind you of the first time you'd seen it. You may get it for yourself because you are on vacation, or you lost 5 lbs., or you just celebrated a major birthday, or you got a new job, or you want to treat yourself, or for hundreds of other reasons. We quite often underestimate what these trinkets mean to us - but even if a ring, or a bracelet for example, can be quite easily replaced, we know, that if they're lost, anything else is not the same. I feel honored every time someone selects a piece of jewelry from my collection because it delighted them, because that was exactly what they were looking for, because it chose them...

"Silver & Pearls" Necklace and Bracelet

Iconic Style - Audrey Hepburn

Whenever I look at images of Audrey Hepburn I am always amazed how easily her style adapts to lives we lead today. Black cigarette pants, sailor striped T-shirt, ballet flats... Not to mention a little black dress for evenings out... Add a white shirtdress (and turn up your collar for attitude), tailored dark wash jeans, a silk scarf, sunglasses (for a touch of mystery !), a men's style watch, and - a piece of bold jewelry. These classic wardrobe investments will age as gracefully as you, and are a receipe for an easy everyday chic. An undisputable fashion icon, Audrey owed her spare and uncomplicated style to Hubert de Givenchy. Clean lines, simple color palette, bold accessories - what can be easier to commit to? Less is more, that's philosophy to follow. Audrey showed us a way of dressing that is not difficult to carry off, and so easy to imitate. Never tortured, contrived, but beautiful in its simplicity and functionality. Effortless, takes guesswork out of getting dressed in the morning.

Trash to Treasure - Modern Heirlooms

A jumble of strings, beads, rhinestones, bunches of necklaces no longer worn, forgotten somewhere at the back of your closet... Some of it is sentimental, hard to throw out, with memories attached. Some of it looks like junk, broken pieces of something once fabulous now sitting in a sad little heap. But wait, don't throw it all out - not yet. What if it could be reworked and revived? In the spirit of saving our planet, and saving our individual style in the deluge of cookie cutter accessories, what if we could modernize, re-glamorize these old trinkets? This is what happened with my grandma's brooch - a very sparkly rhinestone affair, it was living in a forgotten box, never seeing the light of day (or night for that matter), and various attempts to work it into an outfit failed. And then there was a broken string of a big costume piece, a necklace, and a rhinestone clasp that came from something else altogether. One creative afternoon later, we gained a fab new choker style necklace which is gathering plantiful compliments. It not only looks good, but feels good as well - we did something great for ourselves, and for our planet.

If you'd like to redesign your old trinkets into new treasures contact me at Joanna@JoannaMorganDesigns.com!

Autumn Delights

Autumn is my favorite season. There is something about the muted hues of brown, ochre, and mossy green that makes me feel safe and cocooned. I love foggy mornings, misty afternoons, and drizzle on my face (great for the skin, by the way!) Walking through piles of dry leaves is a delight, and dodging falling chestnuts is fun, although they scare my dog... In Seatttle, hearing a fog horn on these darker, moodier days is special. As well as having a multitude of coffee houses on every corner to wake up with a cup of joe on dark days. My personal indulgence in coats, gloves, and scarves becomes a justified obsession, and adding accessories in my favorite hues makes getting dressed extra fun. What is your favorite season?

Sunny with a Chance of Rain

Fall arrived suddenly - one day we enjoyed endless sunny skies, and the next rain came in.  I welcomed the change since fall is my favorite season.  And the season has a special flavor in the Pacific Northwest.  You think you're in for a day of rain and clouds, when all of a sudden - surprisingly - the sun comes out, or the opposite happens...  It's sunny with a chance of rain...



"Sunny with a Chance of Rain" necklace



Simplicity

Sometimes less is more, as in the case of this simple crystal pendant necklace.  My bestselling designs often come to life out of necessity - like this one.  One day I needed something easy to wear, easy to layer with other pieces for versatility, and neutral in style.  The pendant is a beautifully faceted quartz, clear with a golden web of rutile that comes to life when held up against the light, with a chain fringe.  It is suspended on three sterling silver chains, some oxidized to give the piece some edge and depth.  Simply elegant!*

*available at SPUN in Seattle or by contacting me directly at joanna@joannamorgandesigns.com , each necklace differs slightly because no stone is identical

My Inspiration

I am a nomad - every few years my life takes me somewhere else.  Growing up I never even thought of leaving my Polish family but fate had other plans.  I have to say Pacific Northwest is the most beautiful place on Earth I have ever lived , and I feel so fortunate to be here.  The beauty of nature freed a lot of creativity in me and my love of organic elements came through in a lot of my designs.  The pace of life, the light, and the spirit of the region have taken me where I have never dreamt of.  I am often asked - "what's your inspiration?" - and I often feel that answering simply that nature surrounding us is what is the constant source of new ideas, may not be enough.  But just look around - how can you not be moved by these wonders?