Swindia & Karina Makes A Statement

DAY 27 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 27 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 26 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

DAY 26 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 25 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 25 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 24 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 24 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 23 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 23 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 22 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 22 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 21 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 21 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 20 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 20 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 19 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 19 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 18 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 18 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 17 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 17 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 16 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 16 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 14 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 14 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Day 14- ~ Flora

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2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 13 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 12 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 12 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 11 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 11 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 10 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 10 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 9 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 9 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 8 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 8 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

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DAY 7 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 7 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Day 7-Shirley ~ Carnelian and Brass Necklace.

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DAY 6 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 6 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Day 6-Lota ~ CZ and crystal necklace.

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Day 5 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 5 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Day 4-Dulary ~ CZ and crystal necklace.

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DAY 4 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-04T12:30:00.000-05:00

DAY 4 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Day 4-Zula ~ Agate and Jade Necklace

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Day 3 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

DAY 3 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Day 3-Barbara ~ Sterling Silver Bracelet

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Day 2 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

DAY 2 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Day 2-Jenny ~ Onyx and Swarovski Crystal Earrings

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Day 1 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

DAY 1 of the 30 DAY CHALLENGE

Day 1-Tarra ~ Onyx Necklace
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A 30 DAY CHALLENGE

2012-01-01T18:04:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!!!
New Year, New Habits, New Products, New Challenges!

The Goal: To produce a new piece of jewelry everyday for the next 30 days.

The Reason: Being a jewelry artist is just like being a writer; there are rough drafts and revisions before turning in your final copy. This 30 DAY CHALLENGE is my draft.

The Motivation: Out of these 30 pieces of jewelry, one will inspire my 2012 collection.

The Benefit: To raise money for a great organization, the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

Become our Facebook Fan and see if I can complete this challenge.

-Swindia.

How Do You Make a Statement?

2011-02-13T19:05:00.000-05:00

My curly, wavy hair makes a statement. It's big and loud and states "I'm here, look at me". The messier the better for me. If I wash my hair on Monday, its not statement worthy until Thursday. And by statement worthy I mean BIG. When my hair is straighten, it still makes a subtle statement. But I just end up looking like every other Dominican with a relaxer who just left the hair salon (not statement worthy). Go out there and make this week STATEMENT WORTHY!!!!

Simple Statements

2011-01-31T14:07:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, simple makes the bigger statement.

A necklace that has a simple but noteworthy pendant can get noticed just as well as a large in-your-face necklace.

For availability please visit the boutique at www.SwindiaAndKarina.com

Famous Earring Quotes

2011-01-24T11:52:00.000-05:00

Be inspired. Wear your earrings.

“When I’m wearing my hair down, I prefer wearing a sparkling pair of earrings to shine through all my hair.” Swindia

“I would rather lose a good earring than be caught without make-up.” Lana Turner

“You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.” Audrey Hepburn

Shop for new earrings at www.SwindiaAndKarina.com

Glitter Gowns at the 2011 Golden Globes

2011-01-17T11:52:00.001-05:00

What sparkled at last night's 2011 Golden Globes wasn't the jewelry but rather the gowns.


Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Many actresses chose sequins and color over plain black.


Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive


Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Who did you choose as Best Dressed?

I would of liked to see larger jewelry pieces such as necklaces and earrings.

Well, the Oscars are just around the corner.

Swindia.

New Year, New Idea Book

2011-01-10T17:55:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

My first year at Parsons School of Design, I had to purchase sketch books for my drawing and color classes. Since then, at the beginning of every year, I purchase what I call “My Idea Book”.


2011 Idea Book

I travel everywhere with it just in case I find something that inspires me. I write, sketch, draw, color, tape, glue, staple anything and everything that comes my way and inspires me. My Idea books describe in detail my creative journeys.

Each tells a vivid story about what has inspired me and my ideas for all mediums of art that I’d like to pursue. Not all projects get completed, but it’s nice to know that there’s a reference book I can always come back to.

Happy prosperous year to all!
S.

Fall Fashion Trend Report; Military Fashions

2010-10-28T08:30:00.003-04:00

2010 Fall Trend: Military Fashions

The military look for this fall is easy to obtain on any budget. From Jackets, Cargo pants, and Boots, you can achieve this look with just one or two military inspired pieces (Don't go over-board, you may get recruited).

Get ready to get inspired!

Military jackets and blazers are very popular this season and it's a piece that you can keep wearing for seasons to come.

Military coat by Balmain available at Balmain.com

Cargo skinny pants, a more fashionable twist to these utility pants.

Cargo skinny pants by Blank, available at Bloomingdale's

The perfect little booties to wear with your pair of cargo skinny pants.

Suede tie-up booties by Nine West, available at Ninewest.com

If you decide to accessorize your way into this trend, I have designed the the perfect pieces to complete your military look.

Military Bracelet by Swindia & Karina Precious Gems
Camouflage aluminum chain bracelet which can be adjusted up to 10 inches long with a large lobster clasp. Available at SwindiaAndKarina.com

Military Necklace by Swindia & Karina Precious Gems
Brown fabric chain necklace with an added touch of camouflage aluminum chain. Double strand ads up to 36 inches long, perfect for this fall's military trends. Available at SwindiaAndKarina.com

Remember that trends come and go, so just make it your own and have fun.
Support Our Troops!

S&K

What is a Tagua Nut?

2010-10-23T12:19:00.000-04:00

Tagua ("tah-gwa") is the nut of the Tagua Palm tree (Phytelephas macrocarpa). The Tagua palm tree grows in the tropical rainforests of South American countries like Columbia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, and Brazil. The Tagua Nuts are ideal Eco-friendly jewelry beads. Their shapes are all different, perfect for my Swindia & Karina one-of-a-kind jewelery collection.


Swindia & Karina Tagua Nut Necklace

Green and brown South American Tagua beads evenly knotted on a bronze leather adjustable leather cord. Available at Swindia & Karina's Boutique.


Swindia & Karina Tagua Dangling Earrings

Long dangling green Tagua nut earrings on Gold Filled chain and shepherds hook. Available at Swindia & Karina's Boutique.

Fall Fashion Trend Report; The Sophisticated Lady

2010-10-14T13:26:00.000-04:00

I don't follow trends, I create my own and so should everyone. If we don't, we'll end up looking alike and that to me is just boring. Don't get me wrong, it's good to stay abreast on what's "IN" but it's all about making it your own.

Only twins should dress alike.

I consider myself to have an old-soul. I love everything vintage, from movies to jewelry. That's way I love that designers have been inspired by the 1950's lady for this fall. I call it "Sophisticated Lady".


Sophisticated Lady 1950s.

Here are some of my favorite '50s looks from the runway.

The Little Black Dress by Louis Vuitton

By Marc Jacob

My favorite look this fall by Dries Van Noten

Accesories your sophisticated look this fall with great necklaces and earrings. A short necklace and studded earrings is what I'd wear with the looks above.

Sterling Silver Twisted Chandelier available at http://swindiaandkarina.com/Boutique.html

Multi-Colored Double Strand of Agates available at http://swindiaandkarina.com/Boutique.html

You can find a large selection of stud earrings at different price points on Etsy.com

And my Fall must have: Long leather gloves,

fashionable and serves a function.

Fashion's Night Out Atlanta 2010

2010-09-09T21:08:00.000-04:00

Part 3- How To Protect Your Sterling Silver Jewelry?

2010-08-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

Believe it or not, wearing your silver jewelry actually helps keep it clean. My favorite everyday twisted rings haven’t had to be polished since I made them almost a year ago.

Sterling Silver Twisted Rings (Made to Order).

Just normal wear and tear and friction of daily life will sometimes be enough to keep your ring's outer surface bright and shiny.

Walk over to your jewelry box. Are you storing your jewelry properly to prevent tarnish?

I collect jewelry boxes, each one keeps a certain kind of jewel safe.

My secret weapon is a piece of chalk. Chalk, just like a non-tarnish strip, absorbs the airborne substances that cause tarnish.

Replace the chalk every couple of months.

My special occasion, rarely used pieces of jewelry are kept individually in zip-lock bags.

This also protects them from any scratches caused by other jewelry pieces stored in the same box.

My first jewelry box: Ballerina Music Box in white lace.

Give your gold a break and wear your Sterling Silver jewelry this weekend.

If you don’t have any, buy a special piece today at www.SwindiaAndKarina.com

Part 2- How to clean your Sterling Silver jewelry

2010-08-10T12:47:00.010-04:00

Now that we understand that tarnish is inevitable, here are some tips on how to clean your silver when it does loose its sheen.

Homemade recipe:
*I don’t recommend this method for jewelry with precious stones*

You’ll need:
• Baking soda
• Aluminum foil or pan
• Glass or plastic dish
• Boiling water
• Plastic or wood utensil
• Absorbent towel
• Soft cloth

1. In a glass pan, spread a crumpled piece of aluminum foil (or use an aluminum pan).
2. Place your jewelry in the pan
3. Sprinkle enough baking soda to cover the jewelry and aluminum foil.
4. Poor boiling water into the pan. A chemical reaction will occur. With a utensil, gently stir the pieces around to ensure that they all make contact with the aluminum.
5. Rinse your jewelry with some water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
6. Polish with a polishing cloth.

Liquid Jewelry Cleaner:
*I like to use a liquid cleaner for chains*

You’ll need:
• Soft cloth
• Small bowl
• Silver cleaner
• Water
• Soft bristled toothbrush
• Rubber gloves

1. Whip as much of the tarnish with a soft cloth.
2. Place a small amount of silver dip solution in the bowl.
3. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and quickly dip the jewelry into the silver dip. Do not allow the silver to soak in the polish for too long, a couple seconds will do.
4. Rinse thoroughly under cool running water.
5. Dry and buff with a soft cloth to restore the shine.

Cleaning Cloth
*I highly recommend Sunshine cloths*

Sunshine Jewelry Polishing Cloths are infused with a fine powder polishing compound.
• They work great on silver, gold, brass and copper.
• They are small enough to wrap a piece of jewelry and store in your jewelry box and act as a retardant.
• You can use both sides of the cloth until it’s completely black.

Now you know my favorite methods of cleaning my silver, tell me yours below. Happy Cleaning!!

Part 1- Why does my Sterling Silver jewelry tarnish?

2010-07-24T02:54:00.014-04:00

ALL jewelry will eventually tarnish. But the more you know why and how, the better you'll be able to protect your Swindia & Karina jewelry from tarnish and oxidation.

Part one of this three part blog will concentrate on causes.

Why does jewelry tarnish? Let's start with a little scientific background.

What is Sterling Silver jewelry made of?

Silver in its pure form is called Fine Silver. Fine Silver is too pliable for the everyday wear of jewelry. Sterling Silver is the combination of 92.5% Fine Silver and 7.5% Copper. Other metals are combined with Fine Silver to produce a more durable product and the metal most commonly used is Copper.

What is Tarnish?

Tarnish is the discoloration that occurs on metal products such as jewelry and tableware. When Sterling Silver is new, it's bright and shiny. Over time and with wear, Sterling Silver jewelry will turn colors, from a yellowish tint to black.

Why does Sterling Silver tarnish?

Sterling Silver tarnishes because of the contents of Copper. The Copper reacts to air and starts oxidizing. The oxidizing of the Copper will cause the whole piece of Sterling Silver to tarnish.

What causes tarnish?

Avoid the following to keep your Sterling Silver jewelry from tarnishing any faster: Wool, Rubber Bands, Latex Gloves, Ammonia, Chlorinated Water, Carpet Padding, Air Pollution, Perfumes, Hair Sprays, Onions, Mayonnaise, Salad Dressing, Eggs and Salty Foods, and Humidity.

Steps to keeping your Swindia & Karina Sterling Silver jewelry shiny longer:

Your jewelry should be the last thing that you put on before going out.
Your jewelry should be the first thing to be taken off when you get home.
Whip your jewelry pieces with a polishing cloth before you store them away.

Tarnish-free is the only way to make a statement!

Christmas in July

2010-07-19T08:56:00.003-04:00

Only on http://www.etsy.com/shop/swindiakarina

Preview for Fall

2010-07-01T12:58:00.007-04:00

I know, I know, It's July.
But Fall Shows were in February and July magazines are featuring Fall looks.
So why not blog about it?.!

Bohemian dresses is what I'm looking forward to in October. It's just a good contrast to black tights and boots. It's a realistic and affordable look to achieve. A Flowy flower print dress with black tights and boots, and a long wool coat. Statement making! Pair the outfit with the perfect accessories such as long chained necklaces and you've got a complete Bohemian Look! My FAV bohemian designer this fall is the great Ralph Lauren.

Enjoy July, but look forward to October, Swindia.

What's your favorite accessory?

2010-06-01T18:31:00.009-04:00

You may know by now that I love wearing bracelets. Bracelets are my favorite accessory and you can never have to many on! I keep them color coordinated but I like to stack different textures together. As a jeweler, I love to make bracelets. It's starts as a length of wire and becomes a circular wrist piece. Leave a comment below and tell me what your favorite accessory is and enter HERE to win a Twisted Sterling Silver Bracelet by Swindia & Karina Precious Gems.

Update July 2nd, 2010:
And the winner is...Claudia of Georgia. Congratulation!!!!

My Bracelets; Indian Glass

2010-04-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

Even before I started making jewelry, my favorite accessory has always been bracelets. Your wrist is constantly moving and being shown. From waving a cab down to opening a door, someone’s going to notice what you’re wearing. Bracelets can be worn with any outfit for any occasion and the more the better such as this season’s bangles (minimum three at a time).

About five years ago, I fell in love with Indian glass bracelets from a boutique in Brooklyn called Layla. They come in a variety of colors, patterns and textures. Reasonably prized, I rack up each time I go home. People know when I’m walking into a room when they hear my bracelets clank against each other. They are meant to be worn delicately three to five bracelets at a time. I love grouping the yellow, orange and green together when I’m wearing a simple black outfit, they make a statement.