Not all metals are created equal...

I often hear the question, "What is Tibetan Silver?"

This question is not as easy to answer as you think.  An Ebay article written by a jewelry maker in 2007, will lead you down the wrong path.  She draws her information from a clinical trial performed by Tierra Cast.  Sadly, the test is predictable as Tierra Cast is competing w/GIANT Asian manufacturers.  The information is not only outdated but blatantly biased.
The first misconception about Tibetan Silver is that it is .925 Sterling.  While it is comprised of pure Silver, it is definitely NOT Sterling Silver.  In fact, most Tibetan Silver available today only contains a small amount of genuine Silver.  The remaining parts can be any base metal even tin!
In addition to Sterling, Hill Tribe, and Bali, Fairy Dust Studio uses only quality Tibetan Silver with COPPER as the base metal and is COMPLETELY lead free.  Over the years I've built relationships with my trusted sellers and have even swab tested those that I questioned. PandaHall is one of those sellers.  It is just not worth the risk to roll the dice.  As a consumer I want to know everything I can about what I'm working with. 

Prior to 2009 the majority of Tibetan Silver on the market contained some amount of lead!  However, in the last two years even the most dastardly of dealers' Tibetan Silver contained no traceable amount of lead (THANK GAWD).

Tibetan Silver has many qualities that Sterling does not.  It does not tarnish, and shines up nice with a silver polishing cloth.  Further, it is a cheaper alternative, and wearable for those w/a Sterling allergy.  I actually prefer working with it as it is more durable.  Cheap imitations will easily break.
Regardless of the pro vs con opinions, be safe and informed when purchasing anything that comes in contact w/your skin, or children.

Listia Baby!

Once in a while, selling my pieces actually destroys my creative process, so I have to step away for a bit.  In this case, I had a friend request a matching necklace to the bracelet I had given her...that is all it took.  Situation rectified with a quickness, and here we are once again.

Recently, I found  Listia, a site where people list items they wish to give away and the public bids w/credits...NOT cash!  Some sellers even offer free shipping.  Naturally, when I spied all of the Clinique, Lancome, Tommy, MAC & Sephora, it was a wrap!

http://www.listia.com/auction/1915670

I've listed 4 pieces and a stuffed purse auction.  So far the bids are low, but I like what I see and may stay a while.  Have a look at what Fairy Dust Studio is giving away!

How do you earn credits?  Well you list your free stuff of course!

Check this Ed Hardy bag out!  It's stuffed with all kinds of goodies!

What's H.O.T. for 2011?

It's true that a classic piece of jewelry can be timeless.  However, a girl needs more than one classic piece of jewelry.  Wearing one piece too often ~ has been known to bore even the best of us!

It seems the "Fashionistas" met all the way back in June to decide what styles would be trending for the winter of 2011.  Apparently, big and bold is where it's at this season.  Sound familiar?  That's because big and bold was also trendy last season...now how often does that happen?

Metals are also in as well.  Not so much on the gold front, rather silver and darker metals ~

Now, personally, this has a touch of Steampunk style and I have to admit...I like it!

But wait!  Don't forget the fringe!  That's right folks, the powers that be insist these pieces will be rockin the catwalks this winter~

The fashion world has simply gone mad. There is no doubt in my mind that these will be show stoppers in Paris, Milan, and New York.  But tell me...are you going to sport this necklace to the office, or dare show up at the club with that god awful hair clip?

Now, anyone that knows me, knows I'm all about making a statement.  I would rather that statement be one of class and ALWAYS in good taste.  Looks like Fairy Dust Studio won't be rolling with the trendy crowd this year ladies and gents ~ Maybe that's a good thing?

Winner of "Vote for Me Giveaway"

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 37 

I want to thank you all for voting for me!  Keep on the lookout for the next giveaway.  I will email #37 this evening after I return home.  Again, thanks everyone! 

I'm blushing...

All you creative thinkers can take heart. Even in this volatile economy, all you need is a desire, a gift and stick-to-it-tive-ness to pursue your dreams.

I’ve found still another artisan who has all those qualities and her creations will make you stand up and take notice.

The baubles are found at Fairy Dust Studios and their creator is Michele Hinkle, a mother of 3-yr-old twins and a 10-yr-old. Michele began designing jewelry about four years ago after receiving an invitation from a friend to attend a “jewelry making party.” Her initial designs were simple and very inexpensive but upon studying gemology, it catapulted her to experimenting with quality metals and gemstones. She has aligned herself with a group of fellow artisans at The Beadhive and credits these associate designers with helping to refine her style.


Michele proudly offers her works of art in Coeur d' Alene Idaho using Swarovski Crystals, Bali, Sterling, Hill Tribe, and on occasion, Tibetan Silver. Hinkle’s office is right above one of the only Bali Silver shops in the Northwest and she has her pick of everything new coming into the states. As for the design, each piece is personal and comes from her creative nature, not sketches. She simply sits at her jewelry desk and picks up a stone or two. She then digs into her findings drawer and that's when the magic begins.


Michele enjoys creating and finds designing custom trinkets gives her the opportunity to interact with her buyers to produce one-of-a-kind items."

Arlene Moskwa - Accessory Emporium