African beads

etching

Sketching, Designing and Creating Jewelry

artisan jewelry, Custom, etching, gemstone, gold, handmade jewelry, ocean, On The Bench, sterling silver

Sketching and Designing Jewelry

For me, designing one of a kind jewelry is an intuitive process. I have ideas, sketch out variations, and start creating. What often occurs are finished pieces that differ from my original visions. Going with this flow is the process of listening to my head, my heart, and what unfolds before me, which often can be interesting, delightful and frustrating all at once! Below is a peek into what’s going on in the studio right now.

These are recent drawings that are currently being etched to become new jewelry.drawings for etchings

The process involves creating the etching and designing the piece. In this image I was exploring which stone to use, Amazonite or Turquoise, what shape to make the pendant, and how it might hang.

process

I often design as I go along, starting with a vision and allowing the piece to evolve. Below is a mermaid necklace in progress. Sterling silver, Amazonite, Amethyst, Moonstone, Tourmaline… decisions, decisions.

sketches

Sketches for Coral Reef Earrings to go with the Coral Reef Necklace and Ring.

drawings for etchings

Becoming earrings: sterling silver, Moonstones and gold bezels.

Becoming Coral Reef Earrings

 

Dress Up Your Jeans

I just completed this necklace last week. Playing with etchings from my artwork has been so much fun! Then final decision for the center stone is a beautiful Sleeping Beauty Turquoise.

Sleeping Beauty is a mine in Globe, AZ, where these stones are from, and is named after the mountain range where it is located. Known for its unique color that ranges from ‘robin’s egg’ blue to deep-blue, the Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is one of the most sought after gemstones in the Turquoise world. According to research, the darker it is, the rarer it is. (source: Turquoise Moose)

The necklace is strung on porcelain and silver beads from Africa, with a sterling silver swivel clasp. This piece is not yet up on my website but will be soon.

Dress up your jeans

If you are interested in purchasing this necklace before it goes up on my site, please feel free to contact me at meeshka@meeshka.net.

Custom orders are also always welcome.

14 Cows Jewelry

International Women’s Day

14 Cows, artisan jewelry, handmade jewelry, promoting others, sterling silver, Story Art

March 8th is International Women’s Day
The IWD 2023 campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity

“Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA. It’s critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.

It’s not just something we say. It’s not just something we write about. It’s something we need to think about, know, value and embrace. It’s what we believe in, unconditionally. Equity means creating an inclusive world.

Each one of us can actively support and embrace equity within our own sphere of influence. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity. Collectively, we can all forge positive change.” ~extracted from the IWD website


“Give Back” stud earrings by Half United

Half United: Siblings, Christian and Carmin Black founded Half United in 2009 as a way to merge their passion for fashion and philanthropy. Using recycled bullet castings, Half United’s unique jewelry designs empower consumers to fight against hunger. Each product purchased creates seven meals for a child in need. At the end of each month, Half United divides the number of meals raised equally between their local and global partners.

On Giving: It’s not what you give or how much you give… just give.
It seems like such a long time ago, 21 years, but we shall never forget. After learning of the devastation the United States suffered on September 11, 2001 the Masai of Kenya donated fourteen sacred cows to the US as a gesture of goodwill and healing. In honor of this generosity, Meeshka created the 14 Cows jewelry line as a way to give back. Proceeds are donated to benefit women and children in Kenya.


Signature 14 Cows jewelry set


Beautifully written and illustrated 14 Cows for America children’s book


Artwork for the 14 Cows jewelry line

“Be Love Now”

artisan jewelry, handmade jewelry, heart, Love, sterling silver

“If I go into the place in myself that is love and you go into the place in yourself that is love, we are together in love.”
~Ram Dass

Love and jewelry always go hand in hand this time of year and so here is my Valentine’s Day newsletter complete with heart jewelry that I create. But for me love goes far beyond February 14th and materialistic tokens of affection. Love is the essence of life and within us all, quietly waiting to see and be seen. Some days I see love everywhere I go and in everyone I meet. Other days, not so much. Live from a loving place and the rest will follow.

White Hearts
There is a beautiful bead called a “white heart” that has a white porcelain center surrounded by glass that seems to glow from the inside out. They are found in Africa but originate from Italy. “Trade beads” were used as ballast in slave/trade ships for the outbound trip and were exchanged for human cargo as well as ivory, gold, and other goods. In Africa, beads are a symbol and celebration of womanhood, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, protection, and wealth, among other things.

Sterling silver heart necklace, vintage red “white hearts” and Hill Tribe Thai silver

Mended Heart

Mended Hearts

“Hearts can break
hearts can mend
love is stronger
in the end.”
~meeshka

Sterling silver Mended Heart necklace

“Love”
~meeshka