Monday, January 6, 2014

Garnet - January's birthstone, and oh so much more!

Deep red garnets are one of the most popular stones we offer at MaJe Gallery.  The particular shade of red is very attractive, and can be worn with lots of other colors.  Red is a power color, so wearing it might bring out your inner Wonder Woman!

Garnet is also the birthstone for those born in the month of January.

As you can imagine, we have quite a variety of jewelry options for those seeking a distinctive piece of jewelry in honor of their birth month.  Of course, you don't have to be born in January to wear it!

Garnet, Pearl and gold fill, by Shari Both Jewelry Design

When garnet is surrounded by the warm tones of gold, it takes on a royal richness that is quite lush.  Above we see a unique pendant created by Shari Both in which she wired four garnet briolettes together to create a flower.  A creamy pearl wrapped in gold descends gracefully from that, and a special gold-fill chain adds the final touch.

I can see Queen Elizabeth wearing such a stunning piece as this!  Or perhaps Lady Mary from Downton Abbey, since she wears deep red so often.  Let's take a look at a ring that is also evocative of royalty...


Triple garnet ring, by master faceter Bill Booze
This triple garnet ring features a center rectangle shape flanked by two squares.  Each stone was hand-selected and faceted by the master, Bill Booze.  Even though they are bezel-set, there is still lots of life and color within the garnets, to sparkle and show off their intense hues.

Each stone is set in a 14k yellow gold bezel, and it's a sterling band.  This one-of-a-kind ring is absolutely stunning on the hand.  Simple and elegant, yet commanding.
  
Garnet pendant in sterling silver, by master faceter Bill Booze

options
Another example of the magic a master faceter can work on a high quality stone.  Bill Booze has been honing his faceting skills on quality gems for over 30 years.  He collects only the most beautiful stones, and they are in the rough.  He then uses techniques mastered over the years to bring out the best qualities in each stone, and make it sparkle beautifully.  This 3.5 carat garnet is a rich, deep red.  He set it in sterling to help keep the price more affordable than gold.  Isn't it gorgeous?  



Romantic garnet set by Manya Vee, in sterling

options
The set above is inspired by jewelry of the Victorian age, yet with a modern twist.  Various shapes of garnet are wired onto a delicate sterling chain.  Coordinating earrings complete it as an excellent set that will be worn for years.  Let it dress up your jeans, or pair it with a dress for special occasions.

Lots more options of garnet jewelry await your pleasure upon a visit to MaJe Gallery!  We hope you'll come by soon!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

Have fun with us!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Top Ten Best Stocking Stuffers Around!

I confess.  Opening my stocking on Christmas morning is one of my favorite things to do.  It is always full of lots of little treasures that are just way too much fun!  Check out these wonderful ideas to help narrow down your stocking stuffer search!

And shop right here too!  We'll get them shipped out right away so they arrive in time!  Need it sent elsewhere?  Free gift wrapping too!  Need a question answered?  Just give us a call at 425-776-3778.
Adjustable Swarovski crystal rings.  $20 each.

Colors
SOME COLORS OUT OF STOCK.  Please email or call to check for color availability.

Apparently, humans share some DNA with crows, because we are attracted to sparkly things - like these Swarovski crystal rings.  And the best part?  They are adjustable so you don't have to worry about the size.  Just squeeze gently to make smaller, or pull gently apart to make larger.  Lots of colors still available.  Just $20. Call to confirm remaining colors, and get one for everyone woman on your list!

This image shows two views of the same 5 rings.  The top image shows the color better, while the lower image allows you to see how the band adjusts.  Colors are, from left to right: Amethyst, Light Turquoise, Siam, Topaz Glacier Blue and Moss Violet.


Left: Santa Countdown.  Center: Snowman Couple  Right: Snowman Stack
These adorable hand-sculpted clay figurines feature snowmen and santas in various playful poses.  Hand-made by Clayton Dickson in Nova Scotia, customers have been scooping them up in multiples.  Since the snowmen are a winter theme, they can remain out after Christmas without guilt all winter long!  As our stock dwindles, call to confirm what we have left!

Color choices as listed on the image.  Each bird approximately 3" long x 2" high

Colors
NOT ALL COLORS CURRENTLY IN STOCK.  Email or call to confirm availability.  

Many of us enjoy watching the variety of birds that pass through our area.  For such types we have these beautiful hot glass sculpted birds from Henrietta Glass of Rhode Island.  No two quite alike, they are quite charming!  They are also a bit heavy, making them an excellent paper weight.


Blown glass "kisses" are charming on their own, but also make great ring holders.

Multiples
CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.  Email to place your order.  Approximate turnaround time 2 - 4 weeks.

These blown glass "kisses" by Ron Hinkle of West Virginia have been a favorite small gift of many MaJe customers.  Give a permanent kiss to your kids or best friends!  Some folks keep one beside the kitchen sink and stow their rings upon them while doing the dishes.  Just $9 each.  Each is approximately 2" tall and 1.5" at the base.  Specify color preferences in the comments, and we'll do our best to accommodate!

Recycled cotton, mis-matched socks.  Colorful, fun and green!
Currently sold out.  The mis-matched socks from Vermont's SolMate have been favorites of the MaJe gang for years!  We just filled out the supplies, and have all sizes in the above four colors.  Still just $19.95 each.  Colors, from the left, are Raspberry, Daffodil, Harvest Moon and Carnation.

Fused glass photo arch - holds 4x6 photo either direction, and 5x7 photos upright.

Colors
These fused glass photo arches by Heidi VanderWerff are hands down the most popular gift item at MaJe Gallery, all year-round.  Here's why.  1. Elegant.  2. Functional.  3. Affordable.  4. Unusual.  5. Made in Washington.  Do you need any other reason than that?  Available in 6 colors, and still just $14.99.  Shown are ivory (with photo) blue and red.  Green, Amber and Amethyst also available.


Blown glass wine bottle stoppers
And our current selection as of today...
Wine stoppers as seen in display at MaJe Gallery
We seriously enjoy wine here in the Northwest, which makes these attractive blown glass wine bottle stoppers a functional gift that will get lots of use.  At $22, that's an excellent price for blown glass of any kind.  Call to confirm which colors are still available.

6 pairs faux fur fingerless gloves in luxuriously soft fabric - reversible!
Currently Sold Out.  Top quality faux fur is used to make these luxurious - yet affordable - fingerless gloves.  Made in Seattle by Leigh Young, they are just $29.  Both soft and warm, these gloves are popular among all age groups.  Plus, they're reversible!  One side has a bit of a pattern, while the other is a solid black, chocolate or cream.  

In the image, going left to right, top row colors are Black Chinchilla, Black rosebud, and Black Tiger.  All three have solid black inside.  Bottom row left to right is Brown Chinchilla, Brown Rosebud, and Praline.  All have solid chocolate inside.

Give us a buzz to confirm what colors are left, and we'll get them off in the mail right away!

Enjoy shopping at MaJe Gallery from the comfort of your warm home! 

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

Monday, December 9, 2013

Artisan Jewelry makes a Great Gift

Artisan jewelry comes in such variety of style and price, that you are sure to find the perfect piece for the jewelry lovers on your list this holiday season.

Earrings are popular because, well, a girl can never have too many earrings.  And secondly, you don't have to worry about the right size, like you do with a ring.  Here are some great choices:

Small sterling circles, dichroic glass beauties, and black and gold teardrops
 On the left, for $22, we have simple hammered sterling circles by Seattle jeweler Emily Hickman.  In the middle are the magical dichroic glass earrings of Everett's Gale Franko.  Many choices available, and only $29 each.  On the right are the popular black and gold earrings by Manya Vee for $38.

Perhaps the taste of your gift recipient runs a bit on the flamboyant side.  We'll we've got you covered as well, with some unusual pieces by Minnesota's Teresa Goodall.  Goodall incorporates vintage resin beads on ribbon and cord for a delightful effect.

Here's Manya Vee modeling a multi-strand ribbon necklace by Teresa Goodall, with matching earrings
 Of course, that's for the woman who likes to wear larger jewelry and have a little fun with it.  A slightly more subdued version of that might be this next option.

Here's Manya Vee modeling the vintage tin charm necklace and ladybug pendant by Emily Hickman
 This is two separate necklaces that look great together.  Both are made by Seattle's Emily Hickman from her Tin Moon Jewelryworks line.  The most beautiful part of vintage tins are cut out and turned into fabulous jewelry.  Each charm on the necklace is reversible!  This looks great on any solid color you can imagine.  

Turning another page, perhaps your gift recipient is elegant and refined.  What to do then?  In that case, we choose from our extensive collection of hand-faceted gems by Bill Booze, or the timeless line of New York's Ed Levin.

Shadowbox Pendant and Morocco Earrings by New York's Ed Levin
 The pendant and earrings shown above are by New York's Ed Levin Jewelry.  This company has been making jewelry for over 60 years now, creating timeless heirloom jewelry for the 21st century.

London Blue Topaz pendant and earring set by Bill Booze
 Bill Booze has been honing his faceting skills for over 30 years.  It is evident in the amazing sparkle he gets out of colored gemstones.  The London Blue Topaz has been among his best selling stones for us.  An excellent metalsmith as well, Bill typically sets his stones in simple sterling settings to best show off the gemstone.

So there you have it!  Simple, colorful, elegant, funky - there's something for everyone in our extensive collection of artisan jewelry.  Stop by to see even more great examples!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

Monday, November 25, 2013

Decorate with Style this Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us, and we'll be surrounded by evidence everywhere we go.  Make your home unique by including a few pieces made by American artists!




These adorable fused glass ornaments feature snowmen, santa, a tree and a penguin.  At only $14 each, they are both excellent gifts as well as a fun way to expand your own ornament collection.


5 ornaments of fused glass.  5" tall x 2" wide.  Made in North Carolina by Back Porch Glass Chimes
Also made by Back Porch Glass Chimes, these little "tomtes" are too adorable for words.
These pieces are a bit smaller, 2" wide at the bottom, and 3.25" tall.  They make me think of a kid trying to sneak a peak at Santa on Christmas eve.   Gnomes, or elves, or whatever they are to you, they are definitely cute.  Also $14 each.


Fused glass trees on an aluminum frame, with votive behind
This trio of fused glass Christmas trees are adhered to an aluminum frame that is open in the back.  A candle cup is glued to the attached stand, so when the candle is lit, it glows through the glass so beautifully.  These are great as a trio, as well as fantastic gifts individually.  Tallest is 9.5" tall x 4.25" wide at widest part of tree.  Medium is 8" tall x 3.5" wide at widest part of tree.  Small is 6" tall x 2.5" wide at widest part of tree.


Snowman Party!  By Washington artist Heidi VanderWerff
This fused glass decorative piece stands on its own due to a wave in the structure.  Especially lovely on a mantel or other narrow shelf, this charming art glass piece will warm your heart even with a blizzard outside.  18" long x 8 - 8.5" tall as it varies across the top.

There's much more available in the gallery, so be sure to stop by soon so you can choose from the most options - before they're all sold out!

Thanks, and see you soon,

Manya and Jeff
Your Beauty Ambassadors

www.MaJeGallery.com

Monday, October 28, 2013

Show Your Distinctive Style with a Bubble Skirt

We here at MaJe Gallery do our best to help you look your best, yet stay comfortable at the same time.  As we all know, each and every day we put something on our lower half, and something on our upper half.  Have fun with it!  Play a bit!

Our new bubble skirts are just the ticket.  You can wear them three different ways!  And at only $56 each, why stop at only one?  If the color and/or size you want isn't in stock, we'll order it for you!


Midnight Teal bubble skirt
sizes


THIS COLOR CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.  Call or Email to discover available colors.

Here's an image of the skirt all by itself.  It's shown here in the midnight teal color, which is a wonderful medium blue with a hint of green.  The wide elastic waistband is super comfortable, and holds everything in without giving you a muffin top.  All skirts come in S, M, L and XL.

Midnight teal bubble skirt, with eggplant bamboo top

sizes
THIS COLOR CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.  Call or Email to discover available colors.

Just say no to black!  Rather, pair your teal skirt with a gorgeous eggplant top!  Here we have an assymetrical top made of bamboo.  The drapiness works beautifully with the lines of the skirt.  And it's got color, without being in your face about it.

Bubble skirt in charcoal, inside out!


sizes
We like to turn the skirt inside out on occasion.  Now you can see the strips of fabric that tie up to give the skirt the bubbles.  But with the ties on the outside, you've transformed it into a feminine marvel!  In this outfit, we've paired it with a burgundy tank top from Luxe Junkie and a black bolero jacket from Testimony.  Isn't that just an outfit to die for?

Bubble skirt without the ties.  Long, slightly A-line, and nicely flowing

sizes
THIS COLOR CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.  Call or Email to discover available colors.

Here's the bubble skirt in the mushroom color.  It's a really great light brown that can be worn all seasons.  None of the ties are tied in this one, for a long, lean look.  The caveat here is you should be at least 5'6" tall to wear it.  We've got it paired with a funky Claudia top from Testimony, and an amazing hand-made scarf by Andi Shannon.

We have it in these three colors, shown here, at the gallery.  However, it's available in lots of different colors.  Ask to see the swatches and choose the color that's best for you.

Come on down and play with our skirts!  They are fairly flying out the door because they are so cute and such a great price!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

MaJeGallery.com

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Wine a Bit - Celebrate Washington Wines with Art

It was way back in 1825 that Washington's first grape vines were planted - in Fort Vancouver by the Hudson's Bay company.  More grape vines followed immigrant pathways across the state.

However, it wasn't until the 1960s that larger scale vineyards with commercial potential were planted by predecessors to the well-known Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia wineries.  Ever since the mid-70s, growth has been amazing leading to today's breakneck speed of a new winery opening nearly every 15 days.

Now, it is such an engrained part of Washington culture that it is difficult to recall a time when we all weren't extremely proud of our wine.

Of course, artists enjoy wine too!  And they enjoy celebrating our personal enjoyment of wine by creating things to help us enjoy and celebrate wine even more!

Original acrylic on canvas painting by Julie Terrell.  Canvas-wrapped edges need no frame.


  11" x 14"
In this acrylic painting by Julie Terrell, she celebrates the community that comes from sharing good wine with good friends, and the good conversations and sharing that typically accompany such events.  This particular one has sold, but a new one is on the way.  If you want dibs, let us know!



Celeste Stuhring has created a great method of remembering which wine glass is yours!  She makes fused glass embellishments that are siliconed onto the glass directly.  She also chooses the stemless wine glasses for a purely utilitarian reason - they don't fall over on the boat she and her husband often find themselves in on weekends!  For Manya, however, her utilitarian reason for preferring this kind of wine glass is that she is less likely to knock hers over when talking (as you well know, she can't seem to talk without using her hands for emphasis).


charm
Another of Celeste's fused glass wine celebration focus are these wine charms.  The chain is long enough to fit over the neck of a wine bottle when giving it for a gift.  However, most folks simply hang them up somewhere to enjoy it at all times!  There are many phrases to choose from.  Call to see what's currently available.


Here in the Northwest, our skies are dark more often than not.  That makes us all avid fans of candles and ambient lighting.  So, of course an artist came up with a way to combine candle light with a celebration of wine!  Celeste Stuhring is back to our rescue with this wonderful votive shield.  There's a votive cup attached to the back which gives it excellent sturdiness as well.  Look at the wonderful glow when the candle is lit!  These are one-of-a-kind, so give us a call so we can show you what's available.


Henrietta Glass out of Rhode Island makes these beautiful blown glass wine bottle stoppers, which are available in a wide variety of colors.  They have a double wall, making them very strong and durable.  Plus, the graduated rubber stopper works on a variety of bottle necks too.  Just $22 each.  Call for color choices.

These are some great ideas for gift giving to friends who enjoy wine!  And be sure to check out the great selection of wine-themed cards we just got in, too.  Whether a single item, or a collection of treasures, you can honor those who share your happiest moments with you with a gift of art.  Beautify Your Friendships!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

MaJeGallery.com
425-776-3778

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Life Pendants Remind Us What's Meaningful

Life pendants by Marcia Beck are wonderful little reminders, like a talisman, to help you focus on something important to you.  They also make terrific gifts to friends who represent a particular thing in your life.

Each pendant has a sterling silver word charm.  The word is stamped on BOTH sides.  Accompanying it are 3 or 4 gems or pearls that enhance the meaning of the word.

They are selling like hotcakes, and you can buy them right here from this very spot!  They are $45 each.

It's an 18" sterling silver box chain.  The charm is sterling, and all wire used to attach the gems and pearls to the chain are sterling silver.

Each necklace comes with a card telling you how the energy works together.  I'll elaborate on that below each picture.  If the one you want isn't currently in stock, we'll order it!

Here's one of the most popular:


For a SURVIVOR, there's a pearl "to carry you through life with dignity."  The garnet is "for strength, courage and vitality."  The rose quartz is "for infinite peace."  Now you can see why this one is so popular!

On each pendant, the sterling word tab is approximately 1/2" long x 1/4" wide.  As such, each necklace is small enough to be charming and simple.  It's more your reminder to yourself than to advertise a big statement to the world.



Word Choices
 On the left we have COURAGE.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The garnet is "for strength, courage and vitality."  The smoky quartz is for "endurance.

On the right is HARMONY.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The amazonite is "to balance emotions."  The quartz is "for clarity of thought."



Word Choices
In this photo above, we have EMERGE on the left.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The blue calcite is to "increase creativity and insight."  The amethyst is "for power and protection."

On the right is DEVOTION.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The chrysoprase is "to promote love and truth."  The kyanite is "for devotion."




Word Choices

On the left in the above photo is IMAGINE.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The labradorite is "to stimulate imagination."  The amethyst is to "spark inspiration."

On the right is PROTECT.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The onyx is "to defend against negativity."  The citrine is "to promote clarity of thought."




Word Choices
Here we have PEACE on the left.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The rose quartz is for "infinte peace."  The turquoise is for "protection, luck, love and healing."

On the right is PASSION.  The pearl is "to carry you through life with dignity."  The amazonite is for "truth."  The chalcedony is "to nurture."

Enjoy choosing the pendant that's perfect for YOU, and where you are in life right now.  Or as a special gift for a friend!  We are happy to put it in a gift box and mail it to wherever you want.  Just say the word!

Let us know what you think!  Submit a comment!

Jeff and Manya
Your Beauty Ambassadors

MaJeGallery.com