What is Crystal Jewelry?

Crystal Crash-Course!

We use the word crystal a lot around here to describe our jewelry designs.  But, we know that word gets used widely and we want to give YOU a crash-course in crystal-ology as part of our Know Your Bling series!
Welcome to Crystals: 101

crystal jewelry styling with jadorn designs custom jewelry

Each piece of J’Adorn Jewelry in the photo above (and, every photo in this post, really) features at least ONE type of crystal.  There are multiple elements that the word includes.  

So, let’s break them down!

crystal spike necklace earrings by jadorn designs custom jewelry

First up: Crystal Quartz

Quartz is a type of gemstone.  Crystal (or more specifically, “rock crystal”) is the colorless variation of this stone.  In our designs, we often call the pointed rough quartz stones on our necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and headpieces “crystal quartz spikes.” 

The spikes take center stage in our stunning Rough Crystal Spike Haircomb.

crystal earrings; druzies, rose quartz, crystal spikes dangle earrings by jadorn designs custom jewelry

Second:  Druzy Crystals

The name “druzy” refers to the effect when minerals crystallize and form a sparkling, sugar-like layer on a stone.  Most often, that stone is quartz.  It’s the same phenomenon you see inside the cavity of a geode.  Our druzies are cut to highlight the sparkles, with the entire top surface covered in these crystals.

In this series of photos, we’re highlighting white, champagne and black druzy elements.  However, we have a rainbow of druzy colors available in the Jewelry Shop!

crystal jewelry examples, crystal spike necklaces, druzy pendant necklace, swarovski crystal vine earrings by jadorn designs custom jewelry

Finally: Swarovski Crystals

These are actually man-made gems manufactured in Austria. They were first created in 1892 when a man named David Swarovski invented a machine for making precision-cut, beautiful, high quality lead glass crystals using quartz, sand, and minerals.  The exact proportions of these raw materials is a company secret, and they use this specialized manufacturing process to produce brilliant crystals. 

Here at J’Adorn, we sprinkle Swarovski Crystals into our designs as often as we can.  They are eye-catchingly luminescent and come in just about every color imaginable. (And girl, you know we love color around here!)

We love the shimmer they bring to each piece, especially these delicate bracelets.

swarovski pearl and crystal branch earring flat lay jadorn designs custom jewelry

We know it’s nearly impossible to choose, BUT do you have a favorite type?  Or, a favorite way they are featured in our jewelry?

(one possible answer is: when they are combined in the same piece!)

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!  We want to make more of what YOU love most.

crystal jewelry flat lay jadorn designs custom jewelry

Photos by Katherine Elizabeth Photography
Information sources: Here and Here 

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Birthday Surprise from J’Adorn

We’re wishing the Happiest Birthday to J’Adorn Designer Ali

Ali is celebrating another trip around the sun, and you’re invited to join the fun!  We’ve got a special celebration in store for YOU.

2017 bridal accessory trends, new jewelry and wedding accessory collection by J'Adorn Designs

Because we believe in taking every opportunity to enjoy life’s happy moments, we are celebrating Ali’s birthday by including a surprise gift with each purchase made now through Sunday (unless we run out of gifts first)!

New collection launch, jewelry and bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs

So, if you’ve had your eye on a pair of druzies to add some sparkle to your everyday wear, or a statement necklace for your upcoming vacation, head over to our shop now.

*this would also be a great time to get a jump on your Mother’s Day shopping… a gift for mom and one for you too!*

birthday surprise party hats

(Party hats optional)

But, whatever your choice, we can’t wait to celebrate by sending YOU a little birthday prezzie in honor of Ali.   Just get your order in quickly before we run out of the surprises!

make a wish ali blowing out candles

Remember, orders over $50 (within the continental US) now ship FREE so…
Surprise Gift + Free Shipping = the perfect time to treat yourself

And, definite bonus points if you “unbox” your surprise gift and tag us in your instagram post or story!  One of the BEST parts about gifting is seeing the look on the other person’s face and we would LOVE to “see” you open your gift!

Head straight over to the Jewelry Shop to snag a piece of jewelry to brighten up your spring wardrobe.  But, be quick!  The birthday magic ends on Sunday night (3/24/19)… or sooner if the surprise presents run out!

birthday surprise cake with candles

 

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Made in Maryland Beach Wedding Inspiration

Homegrown & Local Maryland Makers brought this Beach Wedding editorial to life

Marylanders seem to live for summer days at the beach, so it’s no wonder that so many Maryland Brides pull from that inspiration to create their perfect wedding.  And, we were lucky enough to be a part of a team of 100% local vendors who created this styled shoot to get you ready for wedding season in Maryland!

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

For this casual and playful affair, the bride is styled in TWO different looks (which means she got to enjoy TWO different pairs of J’Adorn Designs earrings to compliment her styles).  She’s also adorned with one of our handmade hair combs!

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

Waterfront Maryland weddings are a stunning way to capture the natural beauty and laid back ease of the ocean (or bay).  And, the same can be said for this couple!  

To enhance and play off of the natural vibes of the venue, above, we styled the bride in our Pretty Vine Earrings.

She glows in this look.  And the earrings pop against her relaxed half-up hairstyle, adding just the right amount of elegance.

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

For the second bridal look, we chose an earring that is a bit more structured.  Our Sprout & Pearl Earrings in gold offer a slightly more polished, less bohemian look.  However, like so much of our jewelry, they are inspired by nature.

maryland-wedding-vendors-eastern-shop-wedding-inspiration-bridal-accessories-made-in-maryland-jadorn-designs-custom-jeweler

We really can’t choose which look is our favorite.  So, we’re not going to!

We’re just going to bask in the joy of this couple.

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

In true Maryland fashion, a signature wedding cocktail infused with Sagamore Rye is a MUST.  If you’re a fan of Moscow Mules, be sure to give this Maryland Mule a try.  Just ask the bartender at your favorite waterfront spot this summer!  Cheers!

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

How beautifully delicate is the back of this dress?!?

Sets off our Modern Geometric Crystal Haircomb quite nicely, doesn’t it?  Haircombs are a perfect way to add a touch of sparkle to an understated wedding hair look.

And, they make great heirloom keepsakes.  They are the perfect piece to pull our each year for your anniversary date so that you can keep the memory of your wedding day fresh.

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

Above or Below?  Which earring is more YOUR style?!  Tell us in the comments!

Personally, we don’t think there’s a wrong answer!  But, variety is the spice of life.  Isn’t it great to have options!?

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

The beautiful thing about a Maryland waterfront wedding is that the backdrop is always stunning.  And, you don’t need to add much to it!

We just can’t get over this couple’s HAPPY!  (And that blue suit is pretty spot-on, too!)

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

Our (second) favorite thing in this flat-lay photo are the Maryland themed stamps!  Those little details make all the difference, don’t you think?

*Our MOST favorite thing is the Haircomb*

Eastern shore wedding inspiration by Maryland wedding vendors, local Maryland wedding ideas, made in Maryland bridal accessories by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

Maryland in the spring, stunning skyline, happy couple, heirloom quality jewelry… what more could you ask for?

Oh yeah, a whole mouthful of cake!  Yum!

maryland-wedding-vendors-eastern-shop-wedding-inspiration-bridal-accessories-made-in-maryland-jadorn-designs-custom-jeweler



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Tassel Bar Launch Party

Welcome to the Tassel Bar

At the J’Adorn Designs signature Tassel Bar event, you get to play the role of designer and build the perfect pair of tassel earrings.  Or two or three… we won’t judge!

Tassel bar pop-up shop; design your own tassel earrings at local artisan events in Maryland with J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

Last month, in early February, we launched our first ever Tassel Bar event.  This fun pop-up event is one that we are hoping to bring to our stockist locations and other local boutiques this spring and summer (and beyond).

So, if you’re a local business owner (think: boutique, salon, studio, coffee shop, etc.), TAKE NOTES!  We want to partner with you and bring this fun and colorful experience to your venue.

Tassel bar pop-up shop; design your own tassel earrings at local artisan events in Maryland with J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

Never designed jewelry before?  Don’t worry, we’ve made it easy for you!
  1. Take a design sheet
  2. Choose your tassel color
  3. Choose your gemstone bead (or beads)
  4. Choose your earlier preference
  5. Bring your design sheet to Ali or Betsy
  6. Check out with your order
  7. Your custom tassel earrings will arrive (free of shipping charges) on your doorstep

For future events, we are working towards building the earrings on-site, so that those who place their orders early enough in the event will be able to take theirs home that day!  Of course, building the tassels you design takes time and care, and if we’ve got a queue of orders, we may not be able to fill them all during the event.  The early girl gets the jewels, as they say!

Tassel bar pop-up shop; design your own tassel earrings at local artisan events in Maryland with J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

We’ve blogged about our Tassel Collections before in the spring and fall of last year, but this Tassel Bar Event is something totally brand new.

Our Launch Event boasted a complimentary lip-color bar (complete with professional makeup artist), several kinds of bubbly, chocolates and a photo booth.

These tassels just inspire FUN.  So, you can be sure that any future Tassel Bar event is going to be packed with exciting experiences!

Tassel bar pop-up shop; design your own tassel earrings at local artisan events in Maryland with J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

In addition to our Tassel Table, this event featured a pop-up of our other jewelry collections, too.  Our druzies are always so loved and we were happy to show off some of our newest designs!

Can you spy the new WHITE DRUZIES with rose quartz drops?

(Of course you can, how can you miss them?!)

Tassel bar pop-up shop; design your own tassel earrings at local artisan events in Maryland with J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

Also, those Lemon Quartz Branch Earrings are another fan-favorite.  And be sure to stay tuned to our social channels… you may see them popping up in a couple new colors soon!

Have a special color you’d like to see them in?  Let us know in the comments OR contact us here!

Tassel bar pop-up shop; design your own tassel earrings at local artisan events in Maryland with J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

With spring just around the corner, our bright and cheerful tassels have us dreaming about warm, dusky evenings and blooming flora.  And, wedding season, of course!

We’ve recently had a couple spring bridal clients place orders for tassel earrings to gift to their bridesmaids (umm… best brides EVER!).  Consider us your one-stop-shop for adding all the finishing touches to your wedding look AND celebrating the best friends who’ll be standing with you on your big day.

Tassel bar pop-up shop; design your own tassel earrings at local artisan events in Maryland with J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

So, stay tuned for lots more Tassel Bar events popping up in Central Maryland (and the eastern shore) this year.

Don’t live nearby?  No sweat!  We’ve got lots of beautiful tassel earrings in our online jewelry shop.  And if you don’t see the color combination you’re dreaming of, let us know.  We take the “custom” part of our brand very seriously!

And, local business owners, let’s work together to bring the fun to your venue!  There are perks in it for you, too… just ask us!

Tassel bar pop-up shop; design your own tassel earrings at local artisan events in Maryland with J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

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