Thursday, April 30, 2009

old school

I had an interesting week this week. One that was full of ups and downs. I went shopping on Tuesday and delved even deeper into the world of vintage goodies. I’ve seen ‘vintage’ cabachons being sold on Etsy but never any of this quality. This one has a nice detailing and weight to them. And some of the vintage tenshas, well, you can see the difference. It is not the current ’slapped on image’ feel but that there was a certain level of pride taken when the piece was done.

Very intriguing. And of course, me being me, could not resist buying a few. They didn’t come cheaply. Far more expensive than the cheap replicas but really quite droolable.

This piece features a cream rose cabachon measuring about 1.5cm in diameter. Attached to a delicate gold plated chain via pewter birds and garnet accents. Chain length is approximately 16 inches long. Closes with lobster clasp. Currently, I have one piece available because I’m still deciding whether to make another of the same or into something new altogether.

Meantime, don’t you think this fiery orange piece looked like it popped out of a scrapbook page?

And this ‘gem’ just sparkled. Full of old school charm! My precious! :D

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These helped no end in cheering me up yesterday when I discovered a picture that literally stunned me into silence. If you are reading, well, I hope you know it is getting way too close for comfort. Creatively make your own pieces. Don’t lift designs and modify parts of mine. I don’t need non-identical twins of my work, thank you very much.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

under the weather

Sorry all, feeling under the weather this week. Will be taking an early break. I’d load new items as soon as I can. Do check back whenever you’re free. You never know when something new is up!

Meantime, the SALE is still on. Go check out the goodies.

Monday, April 27, 2009

a mother's day special

No, we have not forgotten about Mother’s Day. Yes, it is coming. We are having a sale on a selected range of items, just so you can give a little luxe to mum. They are already marked down in the SALE section so do hurry over and check them out.

Whilst we try not to play favourites most of the time, our top picks are :-

  1. Elizabeth
  2. Dusty Rose
  3. Family (there are two necklaces in this listing, don’t fight!)
  4. Blumarine
  5. Maldives

Offer ends 10th May 2009.

In addition, all purchases above SGD 200 will receive a Swarovski Angel handphone charm, free. Happy shopping!

Email or leave a comment if you have any enquiries.

Friday, April 24, 2009

choices

Life’s about choices eh? So here’s two similar yet different items for you to choose from!

Laguna Blush or Blue Powder Blush

Laguna Blush is a new item we have just loaded in store.

Aquamarine faceted rondelles cluster in a delicate drop off 925 silver earhooks for a lovely greenish blue finish to your outfit. A petite drop at approximately 1cm long, they are really dainty in greenish blue. All findings used are 925 silver. A little luxe for the days you just want to pamper yourself.

Earhooks are a petite 1cm diameter round.

Have fun choosing! :D Or check out the rest of the selection available at Sparkle Thots.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

ice cold

Definitely not me. I’m pretty sure I am melting away in this current scorching heat. It is so unbearably hot that by the time evening comes, I feel all lethargic and not eager to move anywhere. Save an aircon place for dinner. Which we did last night. We went to the neighbourhood mall for some much needed aircon comfort.

Beaded up a couple of cool blue pairs that hopefully, will charm the rain clouds into coming back. Did you hear about the sudden thunderstorm late last night? My twitter feed is all abuzz with it. :D So maybe, just maybe, these earrings will bring about some relief from the hot weather.

Featured here is Blumarine. A refreshing piece made of 925 silver findings. A pair of deep blue shell pearls are topped with a smattering of aquamarine faceted rondelles and flanked with textured 925 silver squares. Measures in at approximately 3cm, excluding earhooks.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

a love for trees

Just picked a couple of these interesting tree charms the other day as I made a last minute dash at the supply shop for some much needed items. I love the way the branches hang and did not want to over-embellish it. So I took the simple route. Add faceted garnet rondelles to the edge and attach to the chain. The total length is approximately 16 inches, closes with lobster clasp. All findings used are gold plated.

Trees have such a great symbolism about them. Especially now when I think about the ‘family tree’ we are creating. A branch off the old one, yet with new shoots that will turn into the ‘main’ stem. We are still all connected. All part of the family.

In store soon.

Monday, April 20, 2009

a chirpy start

After last week’s less than spectacular ending (heck, the whole week was a disaster!), we felt that we needed a chirpy start to the work week. So here’s a little cutie pie pair to kick start everything good. Chirpily go about your work with these birdies dangling from your ears and I’m sure you’d be influenced to hum a merry tune.

Already in store!

Friday, April 17, 2009

retail therapy

It is ssssssoooooo good to be back online! I was a harrassed bee yesterday when the site went down unexpectedly. I was waiting impatiently for some emails from suppliers, following up on correspondence from customers went the whole thing went deadly silent. Everything’s well and good right now. Apparently the server’s hdd died. What luck.

Thankfully that is past us right now.

Some eye candy for items that will make their debut by next Monday. I’m clearing my backlog of work right now. Talk about over-reliance on technology. We apologise for the delay in getting orders / shipments / repairs / customisations out for this week. Trust us, we are usually very prompt!

This week has been a real anomaly. First with 4 damaged packages that needed returns and repairs, then the server crash. Ahh… Bad week begone.

Yesterday was my 4th wedding anniversary. We didn’t celebrate but as per ‘tradition’ here’s a little piece to commemorate the day. This time, I didn’t go for the traditional symbolism of colours and stone but went for the ideology behind it. A marriage, and any relationship for that matter, requires lots of care, love, concern, truth and trust. Much like tending to a garden. This piece features pretty faceted prasiolite briolettes that are paired with a single silver flower for a dainty drop. All strung on a 16 inch 925 silver chain. Closes with a parrot clasp.

Retails at SGD 45. Limited Edition. Last year’s commemorative necklace was ::Budding Romance.

Other goodies include…

Spring Romance :: Lavender Amethyst smooth coin beads topped with faceted garnet rondelles. Made on 925 silver findings, these measure a petite 2cm drop, excluding earhooks. Pretty, perfect for outdoor weddings!

Retails at SGD 42.

Minty Alabama :: A fresh minty cluster of Swarovski bicones cascade down on dark green shell pearl teardrops. A luxe look in a different hue, something different and refreshing. Made on gold plated findings, this pair measures in at approximately 1 inch excluding earhooks.

Retails at SGD 29.25.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

technical difficulties

We are experiencing some technical difficulties right now. We apologise for the slow replies to your emails, lateness of your packages ... etc. We are working hard to get everything up and running pronto and really appreciate your understanding during this time.

blessings,
a very harried Ruth

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Spring :: A Mini Series

Spring is officially here…! Yes, even at Sparkle Thots where we don’t really follow the ’seasons’. A small collection of spring themed earrings will be up in store soon. So do watch for them.

Above is Spring Bells. Dainty pink Czech glass flowers sit atop white Czech beads. A soft feminine look, perfect for adding just a hint of colour to your outfit.

Too ’sweet’? Well, you can always try Spring Leaves instead! AB lustre finished Czech glass leaves drape atop white Czech beads for a bit of a back to nature look.

Or go luxe with Refreshed! A gorgeous petite cluster drop of apatite, peridot and clear quartz just bring to mind the refreshing spray a well spring brings. Made entirely with 925 silver findings, this pair measures in at a dainty 1cm drop, excluding earhooks.

So which would you choose?

Monday, April 13, 2009

Refreshed!

Well, this pair was made during a short ‘break’ during the long packed weekend. It certainly looks more refreshed than us right this moment! A mixture of apatite, peridot and clear quartz, it is quite the petite pair for a touch of summery fashion.

More later. Rushing off on some errands right now!

Thursday, April 09, 2009

silver . swarovski . sale . sent

SENT

Did you realise that today is the last working day of the week? I forgot. I’ve been so busy that I didn’t quite connect that Good Friday holiday is tomorrow. Hmm. So today would be the last day for a mail run for the week. All orders that have been paid for will be shipped today, unless otherwise communicated.

Meantime… on to other store updates!

SILVER

We have a new range of silver goodies in store. Some incorporating the Karen Hill Tribe silver. The silver from here is of a higher percentage, 99.9% silver as compared to normal 925 silver. We have launched a mother-daughter Starfish set that you can also purchase separately.

SWAROVSKI

Swarovski is also making a strong appearance in our items as we rediscover the sparkle these crystals exude. We are sure you’d also fall in love with them once you see them in real life. They offer so much dazzle, it is hard to ignore. We also tend to use the uncommon designs to create added variety and interest. I’m sure you can tell the difference!

SALE

We are doing some spring cleaning on our inventory. More items have been shifted to our sale section. Again, it is a ‘once gone, always gone’ policy. Many of the items there are last item pieces so do grab them if they catch your eye.

And on that note, we’d end off for the week. See you Monday!

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

a little bubbly

Personally, I could do with a little bubbly right now. Nevermind that it is only 9 plus in the morning. But the lil bub baking in the oven is adverse to alcohol so I can only dream. Things are off to a rocky start today and I feel so sleep deprived. The current bright spot right this moment is this pair of earrings, Champagne Kisses that has so much elegant sparkle (you know, as opposed to flashy ‘in your face’ loudness?) it cheered me up a notch.

I’ve loaded it in store already and am tempted to keep one. Just for the days when I’m feeling low. Or when I’m going to some glitzy dress-up dinner.

Here’s hoping you’d have a better start to the day!

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

updates!

It was a pretty busy Monday. No time for Monday blues! Heck, it is Tuesday already :D

Time for some updates on what has been going on behind the scene …

:: Restock ::

Autumn Berries

And Winter Came

:: New ::

Jessica

Pink carved shell flower studs with Swarovski diamante centres. Measures approximately 1.5cm in diameter, these are attached to 925 silver ear studs. Extremely limited edition. If sold, it won’t be found listed. Email me if you want to back order.

:: Customisation / Work In Progress ::

Large 1 inch bio-topaz faceted briolette is wire-wrapped to a matt gold plated dove for a gorgeous total pendant drop of 2 inches. Custom Order. Very yummy.

… and back to admin work for now!

Monday, April 06, 2009

of the latest infatuation

One week into April, I’m stuck knee deep in my latest infatuation. Infatuations rather. Swarovski, semi-precious stone — Garnet, silver and clusters! They all add up to get me really busy and happy twisting wires… and here’s a preview of the latest designs, fresh from the oven.

A number are done up with 925 silver findings because with all the work and care put into making them, (not to mention the quality of the stones, Swarovski or semi-precious ones) I’d love them to last longer.

Avant garde shaped Swarovski crystal in golden hues are topped with smooth garnet rondelles. Set with 925 silver findings. Measures a petite 0.5 inch drop, excluding earhooks. Silver earhooks are a dainty sight, measuring approximately 0.5 inch in diameter. Retails at SGD 28.

Similar to the first pair, these are made with a smoky shaded crystal and faceted garnet rondelles. Also retailing at SGD 28.

Wine Drops ::- Like wine swirled in a glass, these leave a delightful rich aftertaste. Faceted garnet rondelles drape atop Swarovski crystal briolettes for an elegant classy finish. Strung on 925 ear threads, adjust to your favourite length (maximum of 7cm drop). All findings used are 925 silver. Retails at SGD 78.50.

A shell heart measuring approximately 2 cm is topped with a cluster of faceted garnet and smooth sunstone rondelles for a summery warm look. Strung from a 16 inch gold plated chain (closes with lobster clasp), she sits exhibiting her vibrant hues with great pride. Total pendant drop measures about 1 inch. All findings used are gold plated. Retails at SGD 35.

All the above are limited edition because they are quite a bit of work and the materials cost too. I can’t quite afford to stock so many! Will be loaded in store soon, but if you are worried, drop me an email to reserve.

Off to settle some admin now!

Friday, April 03, 2009

a touch of sunshine

First up, D.Ker please email me. Apparently the email address you entered was wrong. If not, I’d just pass up the reservation to the next person on the waiting list.

Now that that is out of the way, here’s a peek at the white shell flower studs all finished up. These will retail at SGD 30. The pink ones will retail at SGD 35. The centre crystal is a Swarovski flatback crystal, full of sparkle you’d expect from well, Swarovski!

These are really sweet and delicate, measuring in at approximately 0.5 inches per flower. Attached to dainty 925 silver stud backs (see second picture).

And… now on to something new! Gorgeous sunstone smooth rondelles drape over a Swarovski briolette drop. Completely made of 925 silver findings for long(er) lasting wear. Elegant, sassy, smooth and classy. Extremely limited edition. Retails at SGD 72.50.

Will be handling some admin matters before loading the shop. As usual, leave a comment / email me to reserve. First come, first served. Once gone, always gone! And yes, I’d be updating the shop today. PROMISE!

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Sneaks -- Spring Blossoms

More sneaks for Spring! :D The previous pair, has been completely reserved / sold. Thank you all for your support. Meantime, here are some simple earrings to spruce up your outfit, to remember that the flowers are still blooming (even though you I might be wilting in the heat). These are made of Czech glass and twisted on earhooks for a fun drop. No more than 2cm for the purple pair / 0.5inch for the salmon pink pair.

And a real sneak sneak. I’m not through with these yet. They need a little bit of sparkle. These are also quite precious, limited edition. Approximately 0.5 inch in diameter, delicate carved shell flowers mounted on 925 silver studs.

Leave a comment / email to reserve. They may or may not make it to store. No promises either way on this!

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Enjoying Spring

Salmon pink flowers with green ‘leaves’. I may be late but I do like Spring. The weather crept up on us again. What with us staying so near the equator. But seeing the lovely blossoms and changing seasons through friends’ photos from faraway places made me happy.

So this April, our first collection will be Spring Blossoms! What’s that about you ask? Well, it would be a delightful mix of colours with a ’side’ of clean organic selections. Still lost? Stay tuned to check them out!

We’d load up the shop soon but if you haven’t already noticed, sometimes, pieces get sold out even before they hit the virtual store front. So email us if something catches your eye.