Artfully Elegant — Handmade Jewelry & Handcrafted Gifts

I love my daughter. Correction…I adore my daughter. So when it came time to see if I could better her overall experience at her montessori school, I jumped at the chance. Every year, Jarrow Montessori holds a gala with proceeds going towards benefitting its financial aid program. What I love about the program is how it helps to broaden the experience of each student by diversifying the student body as a whole. Since 1964, Jarrow Montessori has strived to have a student body that was representative of the Boulder community as a whole. As a matter of fact, Jarrow’s current student body consists of families hailing from 19 different countries (including the United States) from varying socioeconomic statuses. In keeping with the tradition, programs such as Jarrow’s financial aid program help to solidify that its student body will always strive to be representative of the Boulder community as a whole.

This year, Artfully Elegant was able to donate a few pieces of jewelry to the gala to help raise monies for its financial aid program. As it turns out we ended up helping to raise near $2000 for the cause. Which is what The Gift of Giving means. The handmade jewelry included pieces by Kathy Bransfield, Christina Kober, and Hilary Hachey. But the piece that truly got all of the attention was a gorgeous ring by renowned artist, Todd Pownell.

The R119 Inverted Diamond Ring was a huge hit at the gala and I couldn’t be happier. I am glad that I was able play a small role in furthering Jarrow’s focus of providing its students with the opportunity to experience a diverse student body. Who knows…maybe this experience will ensure that Artfully Elegant will continue to donate to Jarrow Montessori for many more years to come.

Tags: handmade jewelry, inverted diamonds, kathy bransfield, todd pownell

Every once in a while there is a piece that simply becomes impossible to keep in stock. More often than not, it’s a necklace by Kathy Bransfield. Of course it makes perfect sense that her work connects with so many people from around the country; but that doesn’t make it any less surprising when I find myself fighting to get so many orders out in such a short period of time.

Towards the end of November I received an order for two of the Buddhist Wheel necklaces. Like most orders I receive, I didn’t think too much about it. However soon after that initial order, I encountered a flurry of orders for the same piece within a matter of days. And when all was said and done…we had sold 12 Buddhist Wheel necklaces within 10 days. To the average jewelry store this may seem like a typical weekend. But when you are a website focused on selling handmade jewelry, it is essentially unheard of.

As with many of these random sales bumps, it is almost impossible to say what lead to this necklaces meteoric rise to the Best Selling Necklaces category. But one thing is for certain, Buddha generally knew what he was talking about. It’s about time people take notice. LOL!

Tags: Buddhist Wheel, Inspirational necklaces, kathy bransfield

It reads simply:

“If it hurts too much to look back, but you’re too scared to look ahead, just look beside you and I’ll Be There”

At times I find myself intrigued with how one particular piece seems to grab a hold over people’s hearts more than any other. Over the past summer, we sold more Kathy Bransfield’s I’ll Be There necklaces than any other piece we have in our collection. Yes it is a beautiful necklace with both color and shape designed to catch the eye, but I am sure that the reason for its popularity is much deeper than that.

The necklace’s sentiment is meticulous in its simplicity. I’ll Be There. No matter what you are going through, I’ll Be There. If you need a friend and feel that you are all alone, then I’ll Be There. And what an wonderful way to get that expression across? In today’s world of selfishness, as we all experience a shift away from a community of friends, family, neighbors and colleagues, art like this is essential to letting people know that we still care. No matter what life is throwing their way…we will always be there to help see them through.

I’ll Be There!

Tags: I'll be there, Inspirational necklaces, kathy bransfield

A lover of travel, Kathy Bransfield feels that her journeys to other lands and experiencing other cultures has been a primary resource for inspiration. She hopes she can share history’s most brilliant visionaries with you through her sterling silver work.

Only for Artfully Elegant shoppers, receive a $10 gift card with every purchase of a Kathy Bransfield necklace. Shop now!

No coupon code required. We’ll email an e-gift certificate within 24 hours of purchase. Gift certificate can be used on any future purchase, with no minimum required. Valid for six months within date of purchase.

Tags: kathy bransfield, necklace, offer