Gender Norms Don't Apply

I've said it numerous times, Eilisain Jewelry is unisex and can be worn so well on our male counterparts.  Granted, it takes the right kind of swagger and style to carry it. 

Thus I loved seeing these fantastic shots by photographer Seth Farmer of musician Sam Ryder wearing several of the Hunted pieces.  If I do say so myself, Sam Ryder looks quite attractive and irresistible modeling them.

Photo by Seth Farmer, model Sam Ryder, styled by Amber Chapman.

Photo by Seth Farmer, model Sam Ryder, styled by Amber Chapman.

How awesome is it that you can share some of your favorite Eilisain pieces with your parther? I have several customers that do just that.  And when you really think of it, much of fashion is turning this way, a universal look interchangable and genderless.  There have been times where my own husband wants to wear my yoga pants!

Photo by Seth Farmer, model Sam Ryder, styled by Amber Chapman.

Photo by Seth Farmer, model Sam Ryder, styled by Amber Chapman.

I won't lie, men with long hair, tattoos and wearing jewelry is inherently sexy.  And Sam made the perfect model. 

I'm very fortunate to know people like Amber Chapman who use my jewelry in her shoots with her friends and artistic contacts.  Amber has been a fantastic stylist to work with, she's been doing it for awhile now.  She's worked with the likes of Reese Witherspoon and more.  Amber is based out of Nashville, and has roots with the great musicians there.  Check out her page, she's immensely talented!

Photo by Seth Farmer, model Sam Ryder, styled by Amber Chapman.

One last alluring shot! Hope you enjoyed this post. And if you’d like to keep up with more posts sign up for my email list below.

All Souls Day and Samhain

Happy Samhain! It is still considered 'Halloween' by many Celts and Pagans.  As the day officially began when the sun sets.  There is a sense of intensity of life and the passage of death.  One of the aspects I most appreciate about the Celtic belief system is the way they honor death and believe it is part of the cycle we all must go through.  Death is one stage in our grand journey, and was more celebrated than mourned.  As it meant the soul was moving to a stage where they no longer worry about hunger, sickness or the other ills of life. 

Perhaps that is why death and the Otherworld hold such a fascination to me.  I'm a true believer in the afterlife, in karma and many other parallel worlds that exist while we are in this plane of existence.  I also feel it is why certain objects can possess the energy of the departed. When I studied cultural anthropology, the thread of commonality through several large civilizations in guiding their dead through through the afterlife with weapons and jewelry as well as clay earthenware is profound. 

I've often said that when I pass to the next world, I want to be put on a boat and set sail aflame as the Vikings once did.  Death is not easy for those who are left living but if we change our perception of what it means, perhaps we can let go off our loved ones more easily.

How a Custom Order Works at Eilisain

Custom orders are one of my favorite processes/parts of being a jeweler.  It's intimate and refreshing.  I get challenged and I get to make very special people happy with their very own custom designed piece of jewelry.

So how does the process go? Well, the first stage is really up to you, the client.  What do you envision? The color and type of stone, if you want a stone at all. And what metal?

Once I receive an email with the inquiry/request, I begin the process of asking these questions, along with providing a timeline.  Then when we set parameters, I provide a sketch or we’ll meet and discuss various versions of the final piece if the client is local. 

Many times I have clients come to me with a stone that they've had in their possession or inherited from a family member.  To me, this creates a sacred part of the jewelry.  To work around their special object is an honor for me. 

Throughout the entire process of working on their custom jewelry, I provide in progress photos and ask for their input.  I want to ensure that, when finished, they are completely satisfied with their custom jewelry order.

And if at any point throughout the design process my client isn't pleased OR I feel that our aesthetics don’t align, I am always happy to refer them to one of my many fellow friends/jewelers that can better assist their needs. 

I hope this post provides you with further insight into the custom jewelry design process as well as how I work with clients.  Perhaps in the future, you may want a piece designed.  Just shoot me an email, or call me!

Stay lovely dear friends!
Lisette