Inspiration Vacation

So much of our jewelry & concept is inspired by personal experience.  River makes trips 2-3 times a year, not only to source materials & artisan goods from other worlds, but also to take in the cultures. 

Today we’re inspired by her time in Oaxaca, Mexico.  If you’ve been in the store this spring, you’ve seen the Mexican influence, but most of those products are from Mexico City.  Oaxaca has a style all it’s own.   Oaxaca is in southern Mexico, a 6 hour drive from Mexico city & a gem.  It is a combination of the Spanish colonization in the 1500′s and indigenous culture.  Oaxaca is able to maintain a high percentage of indigenous peoples because of the rugged terrain that tends to isolate its communities, preserving the heritage.

Oaxaca is an artistic center for not only indigenous art, but also modern art from around the world.  There’s a romance that comes from the creativity of the people.  Artists go there to be in community & to be inspired by one another.  Perfect place to find pieces to incorporate into our jewelry.

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here is a great example of colonial architecture & the colorful buildings in Oaxaca.

there is an investment in public art installations throughout the city…

the color & detail in the buildings is art in itself…

the Catholic influence is still active, but this wall looks like an art piece as well.

back in Seattle, River made these one of a kind necklaces from pieces of embroidery done by a gallery artist in Oaxaca.  The color in them is so brilliant, and River’s added detail makes the pieces that much more special.  It’s a great example of incorporating the culture into our work here.

Large orange flower combo on oxidized sterling silver.  $298

Teal & Orange Bud with Chrysoprase on oxidized sterling silver $275

Purple & Orange Flowers on oxidized sterling silver chain $265

Tis the season to think about GRAD GIFTS!

Congrats 2012 Grads!

Honor the grads in your life with a piece they’ll hold onto for years to come…

Blue Chalcedony & Black Diamond Detail.  14k gold fill & ox ss wires. 18″ $320

Blue Aquamarine & Yellow Diamond Detail.  14k gold fill & sterling silver wires.  18″ $395

Green Labradorite pebble necklace on 14k gold fill.  18″  $145

Moss Green Aquamarine & Champagne Diamond Detail.  14k gold fill & ox ss wires. 18″ $398

or a piece she’ll want to wear everyday…

Milagro Bracelets, pot metal milagros found in Mexico City, traditionally given as a prayer or a wish for the recipient.  On Indian prayer thread.  $42 each.

Heart of Gold Earrings.  24k vermeil milagros accented with champagne diamonds on oxidized sterling silver wires.  $255

My Little Pony Necklace.  24k vermeil milagro on 14k gold fill chain, turquoise & sapphire details in chain.  18″  $215

Cut Diamond Charm Earrings, on oxidized sterling silver wires.  $198

Sterling Silver Milagro Necklaces.  Original milagros found in Oaxaca, Mexico & recast in Seattle, WA.  On silk thread.  16″  $110 each

or mark the occasion with a little sparkle…cut & raw champagne diamonds.

Cut Diamond Stud – Vermeil or Oxidized Sterling Silver  $198

Un-cut Diamond Trio Studs – Vermeil, Sterling Silver or Oxidized Sterling Silver  $250

Cut Diamond Trio Studs – Oxidized Sterling Silver  $360

Stackable Diamond Rings

Prices ranging from $40 for plain bands

to $240 for cut diamond trio rings.

Check out more options on our website riversongjewelry.com or come into the store!

2816 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98107

Store Hours: Tues-Fri 11-6, Sat 12-5 & sometimes Sun…call ahead, 206.829.9089.

River Song is in BLOOM!

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We took some time this week to freshen the windows.  In the days of rain & sun breaks, we’re happy to add some color to Madison Valley!  Come check them out along with our Spring Line ready for Mothers Day.

Oh, and don’t worry, the poofs that were previously in the windows, are now for SALE!  The strands vary in length & price, but are perfect for bridal showers, a nursery, or really just a cute touch in your home.  Come & get ‘em while they’re here!

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On my recent visit to Mexico City, I traveled across town to the celebrated Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I was in search of milagros, the small “miracles” I use in my jewelry. It was a very warm day, far from Seattle, 2 hours in the busy metro, and many obstacles to negotiate because the largest teachers’ protest in the country was disrupting everything. Luis, Mauricio, Clara and I traveled together like a proper family.

My Mexican family has told me the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, of her miraculous appearance to Juan Diego and how her beautiful image continues to defy scientific explanation as the relic does not age (and suffered no damage when bombed in the ’30′s) and the amazing miracles she continues to perform everyday.

I consider myself a spiritual person. I am a believer of saints and miracles and energy. I have never personally known an image that invokes such affection and devotion. Clara, my angelic mother-in-law-of-sorts walked more than 30 Kilometers last December 12th to honor the Virgin, as more than a million Catholics do on the Virgin’s holy day. I was blessed to have Clara’s introduction.

For those who have a little milagro bracelet from River Song, they come from the cranky gal in the bottom photo. She is also gifted old church milagros from the Basilica walls, when the priests take them down.  I have used the old hearts, which contain the prayers of strangers into jewelry as well. They are special pieces of history.

I experienced an otherworldly sense of peace, great love and purpose there.

 

I currently want…

…to wear these with a tank & sweater everyday.

Jeanette Farrier Scarf, 100% Cotton – $70

Key & Lock Milagro Necklace on deer suede, adjustable length – $68

Antique Sterling Silver Horse Milagro Necklace with turquoise flower on deer suede – $255

xo. Sara

Spring has arrived at River Song…

…even if the weather doesn’t agree.

Have you come to check out the new Spring Line?  It’s full of rich color & texture, inspired by River’s last trip to India.

Every time she journey’s to India, River makes sure to spend an afternoon at the Keoladeo Bird Park in Bharatpur.  This past trip, she brought back a series of bird paintings that were done there.  Each featured a different bird & are incredibly intricate.  The paintings largely inspired the catalog.

Come on in to see them in person!

a little light reading…

We’re excited to have our jewelry featured again in our favorite local magazines!

Seattle Met’s, Laura Cassidy, always does a great job at pulling together special pieces from local merchants.  This year’s gift guide is no exception.   Our bracelet with green garnet, citrine, labradorite & pearl fits right in with all the other pieces featured.   Our 24gold vermeille leaf necklace is a piece that can be worn everyday & layered with other jewelry, a great staple.  The bracelets & necklace are still available for purchase at the store & online.  See the full article at seattlemet.com.

Seattle Mag’s feature has a focus of the shops & restaurants in Madison Valley.  We love the community we’re a part of.  Our district is starting to feel the holiday festivites with the lighting of all the trees along the street.  Becoming such a welcoming environment coming off a summer full of street construction.  We’re so excited to see our part of Madison bustling with diners & shoppers again, and this article will hopefully spread the word of our little world down here!  See the full article at seattlemagazine.com

We’re Blogging!

Hi friends!

We’re diving into the blog world with hopes to be able to further connect to you.  We’ll be posting inspirations, trips, new lines, sales and anything River Song.

Right now:

• River’s in India gathering new pieces for the Spring 2012 Line, along with goods for the store!
• We’re starting to plan our Day of the Dead Party on THURS Nov 3rd from 11am-8pm…mark your calendars!
• and….see below.