10,000 Strong!

January 23, 2012 By Aalia Leave a Comment

14KT Pink Gold & Sterling Orbit Bracelet combining heriloom gems with new stones for interest and color.

Left: 14KT Gold, Hexagon Emerald & Boulder Opal Necklace
Right: Cuttlefish-Bone Pattern on Gold Plated Sterling accented with Red Spinel beads by Aalia Mujtaba

Salvaged gems from old rings nestled around Pink Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Pendant.

Dear Clients and Friends,

Elaina Designs enjoyed a bountiful year, thanks to support from YOU! We created beautiful jewelry together; some of which is depicted in the custom order photos. Gold prices hover around 1650/ounce with silver at 30/ounce, continuing to make Precious Metal recycling a bargain. Round up your outdated, lost and broken jewelry, even if you are uncertain if it is valuable or not. Together we can explore the best options to refurbish the beauty you already have, and save money towards the cost of a new piece by integrating your old keepsakes.

We appreciate your patience, understanding and continuing support as we dealt with Lainey’s five serious upper respiratory infections that resulted in lost days at the Studio for weeks on end. Lainey is so much better and back at work to meet with you for your jewelry needs. Please email or call first to make certain we are at Studio 8 in Atlanta to meet you. Lainey’s cell # is (678) 662-6156 and Aalia’s cell is (404) 216-6870. Our regular studio hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30AM – 3PM, or by appointment all other days. As always we are updating our website with fresh designs hot off the bench, so check it out, or stop by with repairs or restringing needs.

Lainey’s Recovery
Here is a short synopsis of my condition if you care to read further, otherwise I hope to see you sometime soon as 2012 unfolds it’s mysteries.The prayers and concern from each of you are deeply appreciated as I received my first Immunoglobulin Transfusion on MLK day for Common Variable Immune Deficiency ( an awful state of being constantly sick because normal antibodies that fend off viruses and infections are not up to par.) BUT as a result of this miracle transfusion, I once again feel my old vitality, even with a new sinus infection on top of the horrendous Pneumonia recovery. (Army of antibodies now fighting for me). Yahooooooooo!

As the nurse was putting in the intravenous needle (after 3x and a different vein, it finally went in…huge ouch.) To distract myself, I asked about the clear bottle of obviously packaged clear looking fluid I was about to receive. She explained that it takes 400 people donating blood to get 1gram of Human Immunoglobulin. She said I needed 25 grams HI based on my weight, which is then diluted and administered in clear plasma. As she hooked up the first bottle, my befuddled math brain was flabbergasted and I had them all laughing as I pulled out my iPhone to make certain about the math. My calculations reveal that with each transfusion, I receive antibody bits of blood given by 10,000 people!!!! Blows my mind every time I try to meditate on the enormity of what is now a part of me, and will be over the course of my lifetime if I receive these transfusions every four weeks as my immune condition dictates. I feel blessed to have this miraculous gift circulating within, from people I will never know.

Yours now more than ever,
Lainey.

Filed Under: All Posts, Lainey's Updates, New designs, Newsletter

Inspired NEW Designs, Holiday Hours & Lainey’s Sickness

December 16, 2011 By Aalia Leave a Comment

“Lunar Night” Necklace: Lapis Lazuli, Pyrite Fossils, Rainbow Hematite & Fat Pearls whispered full moon breath over the Alaskan fiords, and spun themselves into an orbit necklace. Sterling, 17″. $1800.00

Dear Clients & Friends (one and the same),

The show at the High Museum was a success on December 3rd, but the following Tuesday I suddenly became quite ill with high fever and heavy chest pain. Recently, I had become aware that my immune system was not functioning properly, but had hoped to stagger through the holidays. Instead nasty pneumonia hit me hard, with yet another lung problem for the fifth time in this calendar year alone. This is the result of a serious condition called ‘Common Variable Immune Deficiency’ from which I have suffered, unknown to me for 30 years.

So this is a hard message to write, because I am writing to say I cannot meet with you in person until January 11, 2012 though I am woking closely with Studio 8 by email, phone and Skype to make certain Elaina Designs continues to serve your needs this season. I hate it, because I love the holidays, and the chance to see or talk to all of you. Surrendering to this new discipline of rest is tender, because I design all year to make certain that my inventory is at its best right now and that there is enough selection right up to the end. And it is great this year!

You may be unaware, but as an artist, I hold many of you as models in my mind’s eye as I design and purchase colored gems and pearls throughout the year. So, missing your delight when you actually return again to purchase is difficult for both of us, because you are part of the ongoing creative process. Being present to serve you, and marveling at the wonders of the mineral kingdom to be re-invented from your heirloom jewelry, or finding that perfect stone that squeals, “Ah ha” for your loved one makes my heart sing. I miss you. The illuminating aspect is that Aalia and I have become a team, and if any of you need my input, I am here for you, through the wonders of technology.

Elaina Designs is definitely open for Holiday drop-in shopping Monday through Saturday 10-4PM closing Dec 23-25. The week after, we are happy to meet with you for returns, or shopping, but by appointment only Dec 26-Jan 11. Please call the office, or Aalia’s cell phone 404-216-6870, to arrange an appointment.

My plan is to be well by 1-11-12, on the second Wednesday in January. On Dec. 28, I receive the first intravenous transfusion of immunoglobulins that will begin to rebuild my puny antibody army that should be trained to fight off colds, viruses, bacteria and parasites. It is a transfusion of blood but without the red part, and will empower the return of strength and stamina. Yahoo, I am lined up for a miracle! One important lesson this sickness has proven is that with technology and a gifted assistant, I can work on many aspects of jewelry from the safety of my microbe-free home. And bask in the love.

I want to share my latest designs which flowed from high levels of creative energy and delightfully deligent hard work this past fall. These particular pieces emerged in a stream from a number of muse-lit late nighters and weekends as I pondered, and poked through the glittering minerals and jewels. “Okay now, who wants to come forth, and who wants to be with whom?”

“Practicing the Art of Lightness” Necklace: Baroque Pearls, Tourmaline, Hematite, Pink Spinel. A dance across my Ithaca Pond seen through the early morning mist. 14KT Pink Gold, Sterling, 17.5″, $2300.

“Rainbow Diva” Pendant: Watermelon Tourmaline, Pink Spinel, Rainbow Hematite. She emanated prismatic colors from her complex watermelon tourmaline head, so I gave her an iron strong body with attitude. 14KT Pink Gold, 14KT Green Gold, Sterling. $800.00
“IcyBlueBerg” Earrings: Blue Zircon and Moonstone Earrings that evoke translucent turquoise icebergs floating in the aftermath of a huge glacial sigh. Sterling, $525.00

“Bathed In Pink” Bracelet: Patsyite, Watermelon Tourmaline, Golden Beryl, Pearl. Inspired by Ann Schnur (first wife to our beloved husband David,) on what would have been her 64th birthday. Four years ago, she had requested to be “bathed in pink jewels”. This tribute to her is the third bracelet in this series, and the first that is not a commission. Sterling, 7″, $3000.

That’s it for now. Make Merry.
Signing off feeling merrier than you might imagine.

Lightness,
Lainey

“The aim is not to be healthy, but to practice the art of Lightness.” quote by Susan Alexjander, Composer/Artist

Filed Under: All Posts, Shows

Virginia Highlands Open Studio Sale this weekend

December 7, 2011 By Aalia Leave a Comment

Atlanta Jewelry & Pottery from the Old Timers, Va-Hi Open Studio Sale this Fri., Sat. & Sun. Dec.9-11

Left: Sterling Silver, Tourmaline & Ocean Jasper $585
Center: Sterling Silver, Mint Coin Pearl Orbit Pendant $100
Right: Sterling Silver, Freshwater Pearls “Toothpick” Series $150

Left: Leather, Sterling & Pearl Necklace $200
Right: Leather, Pearl Bracelet $35

Enjoy shopping in the calm VaHi neighborhood. We are offering homemade, lemony baklava, Xocai chocolate, free gift wrapping and good cheer. Plus, on Sat. & Sun., Linda Gunshor will be hosting her annual pottery Sale in her exquisite garden studio nestled behind her home at 1153 Cumberland Road, Atlanta, 30306, about 1 mile from my studio.

Glittering jewels await in the Elaina Designs cases this season! Please drop by this weekend for our annual Open Studio 8 Sale, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10AM-5PM. We will also have a great selection of jewelry on sale, up to 50% off. The Elaina Designs showroom is located at 675 Drewry St. #8 Atlanta, 30306.

Thanks to all who made it to the High Museum Artist’s Market last weekend. It was an exciting place to exhibit and we hope to present more jewelry there in the future.

Best Wishes–
Lainey

Filed Under: All Posts, Shows

Language of Light at Elaina Designs

November 30, 2011 By Aalia Leave a Comment

To my Colorful Friends and Clients,

Please note that we are rescheduling the Atlanta Open Studio 8 Sale. Originally planned for this weekend, we’ve moved it to Dec. 9,10 & 11. This change is the happy result of an invitation to show the Elaina Designs Collection at the High Museum of Art Holiday Artist Market this Saturday, Dec. 3, 10AM-5PM in the Robinson Atrium (original museum lobby). Admission is free of charge.

Left: 14KT Yellow Gold, Red & Yellow Zircons, Moss Agate, Tahitian Pearls $950.
Right: Sterling Silver Filigree ,Green-Gold Hematite Cuff $975.

Left: Sterling Silver, Blue Zircon Ring, $205.
Right: Sterling Silver, 14KT Yellow Gold, Emerald, Boulder Opal Pendant, $285.

Gems speak the Language of Light
This fall, in the mountains north of Montreal, I attended the International Light Association’s 8th annual conference. Because my jewelry focuses on color derived from naturally occurring gems and minerals rather than synthetic, I was invited to present my jewels to scientists, inventors, instrument builders of light technologies, and practitioners from around the world. Sales were fantastic as professionals from the Ukraine, Norway,Denmark, Germany, Australia and Brazil were introduced to my work and began to purchase and collect it.

A stunning addition to my sales is learning so much from the lectures and attendees. Perhaps most staggering is the realization that there are 15 trillion cells in our body performing in synchronicity, beyond our control. Within every cell there are 100,000 chemical reactions occurring every second. One reaction that has been recorded is a tiny blast of light termed “bio photon.” It is suggested that these bio photon emissions create a light matrix performing as both information and the vehicle that transmits signals throughout the body, literally at the speed of light (light being both the truck and the highway.)

Another fascinating tidbit is that spending time outside in the sun’s natural rays, provides essential building blocks that strengthen our immune system. Sunlight is a nutrient freely derived and much needed for good health beyond the ingestion of food (moderation in all things!) Color is an added benefit, absorbed or reflected when light hits an object at a particular angle. We see colors in the visible spectrum, yet color is also absorbed through the skin from contact with fabric or jewelry and further enhanced when light passes through it. These effects can be subtle or precise, such as in X-ray or laser surgery.

I came away more deeply convinced that allowing the human body to “wear” a gemstone in carefully crafted jewelry may indeed exceed our understanding, and bears further investigation and research. All to say my excitement and commitment to bring color to you in dazzling arrays from natural, handmade sources has been re-ignited. I invite your response to the subtle experience of wearing natural gems that bring benefit as well as beauty.

It’s crazy out there, but breathe in light, drop by the Atlanta studio to shop in peace, viewwww.elainadesigns.com online, or call us. Aalia and I are here to help you 10AM – 4PMweekdays and weekends by appointment. We gift wrap & ship next day delivery untilDecember 23. Be sure to ask for my delicious homemade baklava when you visit the studio.

Light Play,
Lainey

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Elaina Designs showing at the Nina McLemore Trunk Show in Vinings, GA

November 16, 2011 By Aalia Leave a Comment

Photo by Zoe Van Nostrand

Dear Atlanta Friends and Clients,

We are having a beautiful trunk show for women beginning tomorrow through next Wednesday, November 16 (Saturday & Sunday included). If you haven’t been able to make it to our Midtown location, the Elaina Designs collection is being brought closer to those of you who live in the north areas of Atlanta. I’ll be exhibiting in Vinings, 10AM-5PM daily but appointments are requested because I’m also seeing clients at the Midtown studio each day. The Nina McLemore 2011 Holiday Collection Preview is hosted by Sandra Blalock in her home at 3013 Ranch Road, Atlanta, 30339. You may reach me on my cell: (678) 662-6156 or email lp@elainadesigns.com. To contact Sandra, please call (770)434-4399 or email sgblalock@gmail.com.

I hope you’ll make the time to drop by and feast your eyes on this truly stunning collection of women’s day and evening apparel. I love the colors and cut and I think you will too. Below are some highlights from her collection and mine, but you can take a peek at more online at www.ninamclemore.com and www.elainadesigns.com. Its a great time to plan for the holidays!

Left: Rotund Coin Pearl Necklace, 21″ $800. Right: Smokey & Lemon Quartz Briolettes,

Bronze Ruffle & Potato Pearls, 18″, $245.

Left: Chunky Citrine Necklace, 64″ $400. Right: Vermeil Link Necklace, 18″, $95.

Orbit Bracelet. Sterling Silver, Indicolite, Bi-Color and Pink Tourmalines, Boulder Opals, $1750.

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Message of Gratitude

October 28, 2011 By Aalia Leave a Comment

Dear Friends and Clients,

As I listened to Coldplay perform at Steve Jobs’ memorial I could not help dancing in my living room to celebrate his magnificent life. As I danced, I watched the audience of Apple employees gathered, but no one else was dancing? I could not believe it, and realized that if my daughters, Alex and Zoe had been there, they would have been dancing. In turn I pondered that perhaps my finest creations are my children, willing to dance with gratitude and abandon in a crowd, when either no one else has the nerve to, or perhaps the desire to dance their feelings.

Which brings me round to the intent of my jewelry… that it may dance on the body and engender an inner smile of gratitude for the wearer.

Towards that end, I will be at my Atlanta studio this Saturday and Sunday, October 29 & 30th, to offer you the opportunity to drop by with an idea or a desire to design a piece of jewelry for a loved one this season. If you have old gold or silver that you would like to sell, in trade for my labors, I can perform this service to help reduce your overall costs. We can also use your gems or diamonds or I can sell your gold and give you a check! Or perhaps you have treasured keepsakes that need mundane repairs or restringing…. all of which I am happy to do. Free consultation this weekend while the showroom is open for sales, SATURDAY, OCT. 29, 10AM-5PM, SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 12-4PM.

Aalia’s opening show last weekend was fantastic and continues through Oct. 31. A few pieces sold out but she is taking orders.

November 10-16, Elaina Designs jewelry will be on sale in Vinings, GA at the Nina McClemore trunk show. And on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, we will be featured at the High Museum Woodruff Holiday Artist Market in the Main Atrium. Please visit our calendar for dates and times.

For your inspiration, the following photos highlight Elaina Designs Custom Jewelry created with someone special in mind.

10th Anniversary Gift from Her to Him: Sterling Key Case featuring old dime found when breaking ground on their new home in Candler Park, accented with colored stones. Piercework with left-brain & right-brain imagery in honor of the fine mind belonging to her beloved husband.

28th Anniversary Ring: 2ct Diamond graced with Natural Pink Diamonds set in Platinum.

Birthday Present from her Mother and Father using stones from her Grandmother’s estate.

A gift to oneself: Three silver stack rings using her own Diamonds, Amethyst and Blue Topaz.

Gift to oneself for surviving a tree fall that destroyed her home during a recent Atlanta windstorm. Pin/pendant with a her stones (and a few of mine) set on 14KT Gold.

A gift from him to her, just because…. Black Opal and Tsavorite Garnet with Silver and 14KT Pink Gold.

10th Anniversary Wedding Gift from Him to Her: Old Pearls (quietly removed from her jewelry box) remade with remnants from the original clasp, incorporating the family birthstones.

This weekend the veil draws thin, as leaves swirl to rest, temperatures fall, the urban owl calls and creative juices churn in gratitude for the thick, hot, hazy air that has flown. And many thanks to those whose trust and past support makes precious metals sing, and pearl, diamond and colored gems dance.

With gratitude,
Lainey

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Aalia Mujtaba’s Jewelry Highlights

October 21, 2011 By Aalia Leave a Comment

Many of the pieces pictured below can be recreated, but some pieces with unique stones cannot. Aalia would be happy to meet with you to discuss how to create a custom piece of jewelry inspired by some of the one-of-a-kind items pictured. Please feel free to call her, (404) 216-6870, or email her (aalia_m@yahoo.com), if you are interested in purchasing her work or commissioning her for a custom piece.

Loop-Dee-Loop Necklace

Hand Pierced Sterling Silver with White Freshwater Pearl, $160

Mother’s Necklace

Sterling Silver, 14KT Yellow Gold, Agate, Rutilated Quartz, $900

Stalactite Earrings

Broom Cast Sterling Silver, White Topaz, 200.

Autumn Earrings

Sterling Silver, Autumn Agate, Turquoise, Green Tourmaline, Carnelian, $150

Thundercloud Ring

Hand-pierced Sterling Silver, $130

Frill Ring

Sterling Silver, Copper, Landscape Jasper, Onyx, Ruby, $275

Sterling Silver, Rutilated Quartz, Black Spinel & Ruby Pendant, $180.

Angle Bangles

Hand-Forged Sterling Silver, $375

Jungle Rings & Snakeskin Rings

Sterling Silver, Garnet, Amethyst, $90 each

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Aalia’s Solo Show this Weekend

October 17, 2011 By Aalia Leave a Comment

Above: Mother’s Necklace. Silver, 14KT Gold, Agate,Rutilated Quartz, $950. Right: Stalactite Earrings. Silver, White Topaz, $200.

Aalia Mujtaba

Debut Solo Show

October 21 & 22,

Friday 5PM-8PM & Saturday 10AM-5PM

Elaina Designs, 675 Drewry St. NE #8 , Atlanta, 30306

You’re in for a treat at Elaina Designs this weekend! My treasured assistant, Aalia, came to me as technical support for my website but her incredible talent as a metalworker who had been teaching silversmithing and creating her own designs for 10 years was quickly apparent. Her work excites me because it’s modern, yet speaks of ancient techniques; a rare blessing in this age of rapid fire production. Her silver forms are pierced and forged with a delicate yet bold mastery that is finely crafted, playful, easy to wear, and affordable, especially in light of the intense hand labor.

Though Aalia’s work is primarily focused on the manipulation of metal, while working with me she has been exposed to the added element of light and color in the mineral world. There are several pieces in her new collection that draw inspiration from our fruitful collaboration. Lapidary Journal featured our burgeoning partnership at Elaina Designs in their August 2011 issue.

Come out this weekend as we celebrate Aalia’s new collection of work and her first one-woman show. The opening party is Friday night, October 21, 5PM-8PM and the show continues through Saturday 10AM-5PM. Select pieces will be on display at Studio 8 through the Holidays.