Georgia on My Mind

"Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through. Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind." Who doesn't love a good Ray Charles song? His bluesy lyrics and catchy melodies can make you want to dance, sing and sip on a good glass of iced tea! Am I right? 

Georgia is known for many wonderful things: peaches, pie and college football. I have no doubt that there are many more "peachy" things about the state but most of all when we think of Georgia we think of the South. Sitting on a front porch watching the neighbors walk by while a cool breeze makes the branches sway. It's a lovely thing indeed.

In honor of Georgia and all things Southern I made the Georgia State Pendant! If you are from this great state you owe it to yourself to hop on over to our Etsy shop and order yours today!

"I said just an old sweet song, keeps Georgia on my mind." Ray Charles

XO,Kelly

The Buckeye Necklace

In honor of my home state, Ohio I decided to make the Buckeye Pendant for all my fellow Ohioans! I don't live in Ohio any longer (I'm currently living the dream in New York City) but, every time I go home to visit family and friends I am welcomed back by a familiarity and nostalgia that only your hometown can bring you. Like walking down the street where you went to school many years ago or eating at your favorite restaurant as a kid or seeing a movie at the old theater. It just makes you feel good. After all, there is no place like home. So, to all my fellow Buckeyes hop on over to our Etsy shop, pick up the Buckeye Pendant and show your Ohio State pride today!

XO,Kelly

The Rainy Day Pendant

There is something about a rainy day that makes you want to stay in your pajamas, turn on a movie and order take out. Anytime we have a rainy day and I have nothing to do, I take full advantage of the opportunity! It doesn't happen very often as we all stay so busy but, it sure is a treat when it does. 

Another thing I love about the rain and the rainstorm that comes along with it is the clear blue skies and bright sun that come out after the storm passes and in a sense give you a "fresh start". It's days like this that we should cherish. The same is true in life, every once in a while we have a rainstorm or a bad day but, we just have to remember that the sunshine and a new day is right around the corner. I like to think of the Rainy Day pendant as a fun and whimsical way to remind us that after the rain comes the sun and a new beginning!

XO, Kelly

Lone Star State of Mind

Howdy Y'all! 

The Lone Star Pendant is one of my favorite pieces in the collection! It was inspired by a two fabulous ladies (both from Texas) that I have become the best of friends with while living in NYC! Ashlea and Annie are proud Texans and great James and Lily Jewelry supporters so when creating all the pieces for my debut collection I thought it was only fitting to create a piece that represents two very important ladies in my life. I think that is one of the things I love so much about this collection is that I have a personal connection and tie to every piece. It is my dream to create jewelry that people feel fondly about. Here are a few pics of my Texas gals wearing the Lone Star Pendant! Also, please send in your fan pics of you wearing your favorite James and Lily piece! We will start posting them on our blog and Facebook pages! Enjoy!

XO,

Kelly

 Annie

Ashlea

What's in a Name?

Well, hello again! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! We love weekends that are nice and relaxing, not too much of anything planned leaving room for spontaneity and fun! Those are weekends of epicness, yes that is a word.

 My name is Kelly for those of you who have been keeping up with our blog you already knew that and for those of you who are new-welcome! I am the designer and owner of James and Lily Jewelry and I'm so glad you have stopped by! I'm sure you are wondering where we got our name, James and Lily? (If you weren't wondering just play along.)There is actually a funny story behind the name that I hope you enjoy. 

When I first started my business I needed a name to create my tax id number...I promise it gets better. This was a big decision and I wasn't quite ready to set a name in stone that would be my company. I thought and thought and thought some more. Finally, I was told that I didn't need to stress about the name just yet and I could temporarily name the company  and then change it later on when I decided on the perfect name. What a relief this was because I didn't want to make a wrong turn on the road to starting my business. "James" is actually my Dad's name and "Lily" is my adorable little dachshund so together they represented two very important things in my life so I temporarily named my company "James and Lily Jewelry". I then went on trying to come up with something epic and months went by. "James and Lily" really started to stick and the more I heard it, the more I liked it. Soon, nothing sounded as good and I officially made "James and Lily Jewelry" my company name. I think it is so funny how things work out. Just when you least expect it, you have exactly what you need!

Well folks, that is all for today! Stop by on Monday to learn more about the very popular, Lone Star Pendant! 

XO,Kelly

A Little About Me

     Hello again! I hope everyone is enjoying their week! I want to encourage everyone to follow the blog and tell all your friends...seriously, all of them! I want the whole world to know about James and Lily Jewelry but, first, I thought I would tell you a little about me.

I'm Kelly, the owner/creator/designer/blogger at James and Lily Jewelry. I first entered into the field of jewelry design years ago when I was just a girl living in Toledo, Ohio. I took a summer job working as the assistant to a very talented jewelry repair shop and soaked up everything I could about fine jewels. As one of eight children, yes, that's right, eight children I was searching for a creative outlet to pass my time. My creative outlet turned into a career passion and it was then that I decided to study at the Gemological Institute of America where I received a Graduate Gemologist degree.

I have also studied jewelry making and wax carving at Studio Jlrs. LTD, Studio 172 in Brooklyn, New York and at the 92Y in New York City under the direction of award winning jewelry designer Sayumi Yokouchi and master wax carver Paul Kim.

This company has been my dream for many years and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to turn it into my reality. I genuinely look forward to meeting my clients, creating beautiful pieces for them to wear and the satisfaction it brings. 

XO,

Kelly

Hello World.....Welcome to Our Blog!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous new year! We are 20 days into 2012 and I thought it was time to start my new year's resolution-BLOGGING! 2011 was very good to James & Lily Jewelry with the launch of the first collection, website and Etsy shop! It's hard to imagine what could top that but, there is something about 2012 that makes me think good things are in store for us all!

In honor of the new year, I wanted to start this lovely blog that can keep you up to date on all the latest James & Lily news, happenings and  inspirations. You will be able to check back every week and see what we are up to and learn more about your favorite (we hope) jewelry company! Sound good? I would like to share a little more about James & Lily for all you inquiring minds.

James & Lily was created to fulfill my passion to create beautiful, custom, handmade jewelry. What first started out as a "project" of mine  several years ago and finally debuted as a company and launched our first ever collection in the Fall of 2011. It has been a whirlwind since our launch and I couldn't be more thankful for all the support this company has received. I thank you for making our launch a huge success and allowing me to live out my dream!

I look forward to creating many beautiful handmade pieces for you in the years to come! For now, I hope that you will stop by our blog often and show some love! Happy Friday!

XO, Kelly