Surf is My Religion May 18 2020, 2 Comments

Missing the Greek Festival 2020 May 14 2020, 5 Comments

Living in Costa Rica during COVID 19, Part 2 April 24 2020, 2 Comments

La Familia

There are some slight cultural differences between Costa Ricans and Americans but their tight connections and love for family seems to be the thread that has kept them home and safe through this world pandemic. I was ready for my Dad, 71 and his wife Ellen to leave after their three month visit with us. Not to be mean, I love them but it was time for us to have the place to ourselves again, throw some fun dinner parties with friends, walk around the pool naked, etc. On the flip side, Maria Jose, my beautiful Costa Rican shop manager was scared to death about getting her grandparents or her sister’s new born baby sick. After some tears and an awkward week of bleaching everything and spraying everyone down with hand sanitizer, I gave Maria Jose time off to go home and be with her family. She has been safe in quarantine with her family ever since.

I closed my shop doors March 17th, out of respect for my father who is in every high risk category of dying from the virus. I didn’t want to be the one who brought it home. He postponed his March 18th flight back to Virginia and now I’m so relieved he is here and safe. We had no clue what would happen, and when all the borders closed and we saw how America was responding, it was the best decision he could have made to stay in Costa Rica. It’s been lovely reconnecting with my teenage son, my boyfriend, my Dad, and Ellen. To avoid fights we don’t talk politics (EVER).  Ellen bakes cookies and brings them up still warm, little treats that can make the day sweeter. My Dad is helping my son with his room remodeling projects. He keeps coming up with new business ideas for me, I nod and smile and say, “Good idea Dad”, but he doesn’t realize what a ghost town we are in right now. With borders closed and flights halted, no tourists are going to be here for a while.

This respect for staying home has worked here. We have no reported cases in Nosara, very few in the entire Country and hardly any deaths. Not only do we stay home but we have a 7pm curfew and can only drive on certain days of the week. Every social class here is obeying these laws. There are many people here without jobs and savings, it’s sad and scary to look into the future. The Nosara food bank is ready but we may be seeing some bleak times ahead. But still, we are playing by the rules in this Country. 

New reports are coming out about the COVID 19 virus not being able to live long in the sun, warmth, or humidity. This is great news for future days spent in the sun on the beach. As much as my May birthday wish is to surf again, I pray for a vaccine. I pray for the world to get it together enough so Costa Rica will open their borders again so we can live and thrive Pura Vida style, not pure pain. We all depend on tourists in Costa Rica for our economy to grow. Please take care, please stay home, or in Spanish #quedenseencasa

Living in Costa Rica during COVID 19, Part 1 April 24 2020, 3 Comments

Its all about the waves...

March 10th 2020, Nosara, Costa Rica was at peak high season. All of us with businesses were giving each other high fives for the best season we ever experienced. I had just made a quick trip to Colombia to re-stock my shop, Nativa Gallery, with emeralds and handmade muchillas. We had never seen so many people here, in the shops, on the beach, the hotels were full, construction and real estate were at an all time high. Forget about dinner without a reservation, the waves were pumping, it was noisy, busy, dusty and super profitable for this little tourist beach town.

Things changed overnight. We celebrated my sons birthday on March 11th and I will never forget saying to him, “What terrible luck you have turning 13 the day a world pandemic was declared”.

Nosara is a surf town, I came here to surf, do yoga and sell jewelry 16 years ago and carved my life out of checking the waves. My son, my boyfriend and I, surf practically every day. There are always waves here, and it’s all about the waves. There are more surf schools than you can count, surf shops, bikini shops, my best selling jewelry in my shop is wave designs. 

We were in shock when the town emptied out of tourists and dear friends in five days. We couldn’t believe it when the beaches closed. An older expat walking on the beach soon after was arrested, shots were fired out at surfers on another beach south of here. It was the government’s way of keeping a spring break scenario (like what happened in Florida) off the beach. No surfing is probably what we miss the most from this shift. At first, my American rebellious nature thought, it’s the ocean, that’s not the beach, and I ran to it. Then the shaming began. To me it was worse to be shamed than to get arrested. So, along with all the surf schools, and all the Costa Ricans, I followed the rules. This country respects authority, they respect the president, and they love their families. 

See Part 2 for more... 

The Artisan Middle Way Practice January 06 2018, 0 Comments

Let's face it, folks.  There is a lot of jewelry out there. What separates Jenstones Jewelry from other jewelry companies is that Jennifer Stone is a true artisan. Jennifer was trained in Mexico by Mexican silversmiths c.2000. This is not a passing fancy for Jennifer. She built her jewelry business by the sweat of her brow and the hard work entailed in creating and maintaining a prosperous business.

Jennifer now lives in Costa Rica and travels back and forth from the United States to Mexico to wherever she is able to find rare and beautiful gems.  As a single mother, she has become adept at holding down the demanding job of full time mother as well as entrepreneur/artisan. Jennifer employs indigenous Costa Ricans at her gallery in Nosara, and she sponsors emerging artists and craftspeople via biweekly gallery openings aimed at providing artist exposure and usually accompanied by proceeds donated to local charities, specifically those protecting the waterways, oceans, environment or the natural fauna which abounds in the jungles.

              Moi et Toi Wrap Ring in Sterling with polished Rainbow Opalescent Druze and Azure Petite Druze. $120  Ring is adjustable to most ring sizes.

When making your purchases for yourself, your friends or your loved ones, please remember to ask yourself who is profiting from the sale. Are you buying machine-made jewelry or artisan designed, hand-crafted art? Are your purchases supporting a corporation's bottom line or a community's opportunities for progress, educations, stabilization or empowerment? Are the stones you purchase at the expense of someone's welfare or safety? Jenstones Jewelry takes all of these aspects of jewelry making into account and is one of the very few small businesses that truly scrutinizes every detail of production from design to execution to shipping in order to make it a fair and equitable business. Jenstones Jewelry is a business that empowers others, uses quality stones purchased directly from vendors who also run fair and equitable businesses, produces fair- trade certified, hand- made, unique jewelry pieces, and employs authentic, thoughtful marketing campaigns replete with progressive charitable contributions and strategies to share wealth and knowledge. Therefore, the Jenstones piece you wear is chock full of love, joy and positive vibrations from inception to your purchase. No wonder you feel so good wearing Jenstones pieces.

Jenstones would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude for your loyalty as friends and clients, your contributions via social media and, of course, your purchases. Thank you also for your visits to Nativa Gallery in Nosara and to all Jennifer's shows in the United States and in various locations in Central America. Your purchases and your loyalty do so much to keep art alive, to inspire, to raise a collective vibration in a world that seems to very much need authenticity, dedication to creating art sans exploitation, empowerment in underdeveloped communities, all while honoring the contributions these communities have made and continue to make. Pura Vida! Salud!

              Hammered Bronze Dangle Hoops with Turquoise Bead. $59 per pair

Shakra Lakra: Love, Joy, Peace, Bounty, Wisdom and Awe-Encompassing Radiance September 07 2017, 0 Comments

Illuminate the world, you radiant being! Namaste from Jenstones Jewelry. Align your chakras with magnificent ear jewels. Shown above:  Chakra Five Stone Drop Earrings create a healing cascade of stunning, faceted gems: rainbow moonstone, amethyst, blue topaz, peridot and citrine set in sterling silver. Earrings hang three inches in length, nearing your throat chakra! Chakra earrings now on sale. Happy Chakra, Beautiful Jewelry--Win Win!!  Always free shipping! 

Wonder Woman Lives! July 25 2017, 0 Comments

Every Wonder Woman deserves recognition and adornment! Embrace your inner Wonder Woman with Bronze Cuffs and Power Chokers! All Jenstones Jewelry now 20% off until August 8th, 2017. Use code: wonder20. Always free shipping!

"I chose to play Wonder Woman as a regular woman."  ~Lynda Carter

Shown above:  Jenstones Hammered Bronze Cuff with Polished Amazonite and Jenstones Hammered Bronze Power Choker with Ivory Druse Inlay. 

Opa! Go Greek with Jenstones! May 08 2017, 0 Comments

Visit the Norfolk Greek Festival for a taste of Greece!

2017 Spring Show Dates! April 26 2017, 0 Comments

Either Ore Jewelers & Jenstones Birthday Show! April 25 2017, 0 Comments

Sunday, May 7th, Either Ore Jewelers in Strawbridge VA, is having a show with Jenstones on her birthday! Come meet the artist, endulge in her latest creations, and celebrate life!  

Mothers Day Trunk Show at Texture in Ghent April 25 2017, 0 Comments

Saturday, May 6th, Texture of Ghent in Norfolk, VA, is hosting Jenstones Trunkshow.  Come celebrate mom with us!  Texture is an eclectic boutique with unique jewelry, clothing and gifts, Located on 406 Baldwin Ave, and Colley Ave. below the Higher Grounds Coffee shop.

Ommmm. You Are the Center of the Universe March 04 2017, 0 Comments

 

Wolves, Maidens and Spring Rites, Oh My! January 26 2017, 0 Comments

     I have always been enchanted with Pan, the faun or satyr, that frolicked with the woodland nymphs, playing his lyre and leading lovers into thickets or meadows for noon time nookie. Pan was the Greek god of rustic music, the wilds, and shepherds and flocks.  From the waist down, Pan was a goat. He had hooves and horns and was so earthy that Greeks typically worshipped Pan in caves or grottoes, rather than in dedicated temples. European Romanticists took to Pan and edified him via poetry and art.

The Romans, after sacking Greece, promptly adopted Grecian gods and goddesses, attached Roman names along with dark, often erotic twists. Pan thence became Lupercus, Roman god of the shepherds. Lupercus was an anthropomorphic Wolf God or Goddess,often  depicted in intimate relations with humans i.e. Romulus and Remus, fabled twin brothers and founders of Rome, who were suckled and reared by a She-Wolf. The festival dedicated to Lupercus, Lupercalia, was observed around the middle of February. Lupercalia was all about cleansing and purifying; evil spirits out, fertility and health in. The young men of the towns would doubtless get balled up on Sambuca and would strip to nothing except loin cloths made of animal hides.  They made whips and thongs of animal sinew and hides and would proceed to run, scantily clad, through the streets where crowds would gather and cheer. Then the naked young men would "gently" flog bystanders with their thongs.  Especially popular was the flogging of ....you guessed it: women! Pregnant women believed this ritual would ease their labor pains and women not yet pregnant believed this would improve their fertility.  If this sounds like a Hieronymus Bosch painting, or at least a little like a springtime sexual purge with S&M themes, I would say you were pretty perceptive. So for all you ladies and gents ready for some fertility rites of your own, behold Super Freak Aleister Crowley's luscious poem, Hymn to Pan (c. 1907):

Thrill with lissome lust of the light,
O man ! My man !
Come careering out of the night
Of Pan ! Io Pan .
Io Pan ! Io Pan ! Come over the sea
From Sicily and from Arcady !
Roaming as Bacchus, with fauns and pards
And nymphs and styrs for thy guards,
On a milk-white ass, come over the sea
To me, to me,
Coem with Apollo in bridal dress
(Spheperdess and pythoness)
Come with Artemis, silken shod,
And wash thy white thigh, beautiful God,
In the moon, of the woods, on the marble mount,
The dimpled dawn of of the amber fount !
Dip the purple of passionate prayer
In the crimson shrine, the scarlet snare,
The soul that startles in eyes of blue
To watch thy wantoness weeping through
The tangled grove, the gnarled bole
Of the living tree that is spirit and soul
And body and brain -come over the sea,
(Io Pan ! Io Pan !)
Devil or god, to me, to me,
My man ! my man !
Come with trumpets sounding shrill
Over the hill !
Come with drums low muttering
From the spring !
Come with flute and come with pipe !
Am I not ripe ?
I, who wait and writhe and wrestle
With air that hath no boughs to nestle
My body, weary of empty clasp,
Strong as a lion, and sharp as an asp-
Come, O come !
I am numb
With the lonely lust of devildom.
Thrust the sword through the galling fetter,
All devourer, all begetter;
Give me the sign of the Open Eye
And the token erect of thorny thigh
And the word of madness and mystery,
O pan ! Io Pan !
Io Pan ! Io Pan ! Pan Pan ! Pan,
I am a man:
Do as thou wilt, as a great god can,
O Pan ! Io Pan !
Io pan ! Io Pan Pan ! Iam awake
In the grip of the snake.
The eagle slashes with beak and claw;
The gods withdraw:
The great beasts come, Io Pan ! I am borne
To death on the horn
Of the Unicorn.
I am Pan ! Io Pan ! Io Pan Pan ! Pan !
I am thy mate, I am thy man,
Goat of thy flock, I am gold , I am god,
Flesh to thy bone, flower to thy rod.
With hoofs of steel I race on the rocks
Through solstice stubborn to equinox.
And I rave; and I rape and I rip and I rend
Everlasting, world without end.
Mannikin, maiden, maenad, man,
In the might of Pan.
Io Pan ! Io Pan Pan ! Pan ! Io Pan!

Hot and bothered yet?

Light Born of Darkness December 22 2016, 0 Comments

Today is the Winter Solstice, a twenty-four hour period accompanied by pronounced and elongated darkness.  Ironically Pagans celebrated the Winter Solstice with feasts and merry- making to usher in the return of sunlight. From this day forward, the days will stretch incrementally longer until the apex of the Summer Solstice.  The Winter Solstice offers valuable opportunities for inward reflection, a time to divine the sacred order of the universe, to ponder the alchemical relationship of death begetting life, darkness bearing light. The proverbial phoenix out of the ashes and so forth.

And so, on this the darkest day of the year, I write about light.  I meditate upon joy and love and peace. It is my sincere hope that during this solstice, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, whatever holiday you might celebrate, you attract and embrace your hearts' desires. A new year is on the horizon.  The new year holds endless possibilities:  potent dreams ripe for realization, continuity, a healing and enduring peace for all sentient beings, the golden light of summer sun . These realities are often earned by dark and trying times. As Leonard Cohen so poignantly sang:  

"It's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah"

Hallelujah.  A return to light from the cold and broken ice of winter.  Hallelujah.  A new year to behold the breathless beauty of this world.  Hallelujah.  We posture ourselves to receive the desires of our hearts, our raw  and poignant requests for renewal and clarity.

Shown above:  Beautiful, hand-carved ebony horn sea star pendant, encased in sterling silver, on a beaded sterling Jenstones chain. Sea stars symbolize enduring strength, regeneration and adaptability. 

Show below:  Sterling Norfolk Mermaid Earring, dangling by her elegant arm approximately two inches in length.  The Norfolk Mermaid is reminiscent of vintage ship figureheads.  Created by hand using lost-wax process. 

 This season, enjoy your purchase of a Jenstones $100 gift card and receive $15 off.  Use code:  Givejoy15 at checkout, from now through December 31st, 2016.  Gift cards will not expire.

Thank you for a magical year.  Your support and loyalty are truly blessings to me! Have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year! XXOO

15th Annual Either Ore Jewelers Holiday Trunk Show November 27 2016, 0 Comments

Either Ore Jewelers Strawbridge has been adorning men and women with Jenstones for over 15 years. Our annual Holiday Trunk Show highlights Jenstones entire collection.  Don't miss out because this the last show she will be doing this holiday season in the U.S.  Come enjoy a friendly shopping atmosphere, delicious treats, door prizes, discounts and Jenstones!

Texture of Ghent Holiday Trunk Show November 27 2016, 0 Comments

Winter Wine Festival November 27 2016, 0 Comments

Giving Thanks for Indiginous Peoples November 22 2016, 0 Comments

 In this season of gratitude, I would like to respectfully give thanks to the cultural and spiritual contributions of our Native American brothers and sisters.  I would also like to bear witness to the prolonged injustice and suffering sustained by Native Americans at the hands of our government that apparently still continues today, as manifested in Standing Rock, North Dakota, USA.

In my humble gesture of solidarity with American Indiginous Peoples, I would like to share the truth about the first Thanksgiving in this country. My intention is to gently pop our collective delusional bubble of false xenaphila--come on, we all know somewhere in our heart of hearts, that as much as we want to believe it, the Pilgrims did not invite the "savages" to sit down to dinner with them, even if Squanto did teach them to plant corn.  So, gather round.  I am about the debunk our sanguine American myth of the first Thanksgiving:

Circa 1620, the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth Rock, now Massachusetts, what was then Mohican territory (see map below). The Mayflower carried English dissidents-soon-to-be-American colonists, who desired religious freedom and financial opportunities. The first elected leader of these people was John Carver. Upon landing in the New World, Carver and the colonists observed the indigenous population, who happened to be members of the Wampanoag Nation. Incredibly, instead of immediately waging war on the Wampanoag, Carver had the foresight to realize it would be mutually beneficial to befriend the  people, especially whilst the colonists were...well, colonizing. Hence, Carver initiated meetings with the Wampanoag leader, Yellow Feather Oasmeequin, aka Chief Massasoit.  These meetings were positive in that they eventually resulted  in a rudimentary treaty between the Wampanoag and the English settlers (see 2011 commemorative dollar coin).  

After a tough year full of tribulation, pestilence and hard labor, a very small group of colonists endured. The newly elected Governor, William Bradford, wanted to create a feast for the survivors of that first year, as a diversion from calamity and also to celebrate a fairly decent harvest.  Hence, the first Thanksgiving. At the feast, the exuberant pilgrims wanted to express thanks "Colonial style" so, after dipping into the Mulberry wine, they got out ye olde guns and canons and started blasting away. This alerted the Wampanoag, who did not understand this custom of unrestrained Pilgrim merriment.  In response and, most likely, apprehension, Chief Massasoit, gathered about a hundred of his best warriors and watched the party from the surrounding woods to gather information as to what the hell was going on. Thankfully (key word here), nothing happened.  The Wampanoag probably scratched their heads and wondered about the hullabaloo, but surmised it was not aggressive. Neither were they invited to join in the fun or partake of the fare. No harm, no foul.

The Thanksgiving myth about Pilgrims and Indians harmoniously breaking bread does not necessarily mean that these peoples did not occasionally reach beyond their firmly established belief systems and biases and evolve into symbiotic relationships; the story of  Captain John Smith and Pocahontas is indeed a true testament to these wonderful anomalies. However, out of respect for Native Americans, I would like to acknowledge the nation of people by name (Wampanoag) who helped sustain the early settlers.  I would also like to applaud the non-reactionary posturing of both Pilgrim and Native American, however ephemeral it was. The negotiations in that very trying time, with weapons virtually within reach, towards peaceful resolution and mutual support, bolsters my faith in humanity.  Even in these trying times today.

As an expression of solidarity with those groups of resilient, indigenous populations (Sioux, Lakota, Dakota, among many others) congregating at Standing Rock, I would like to offer 25 % off all Jenstones Jewelry purchases from now until November 30th, 2016. I will donate 25 percent of all sales to  the Stand With Standing Rock Fundraising Association to assist  Native Americans in their quest for public consideration of: their heritage, culture, their sacred sites and their ability to access uncontaminated water. Please use code: Wampanoag to enjoy this discount and to participate in the support of Native Americans at Standing Rock.  If you would like to donate directly, please use this link:     http://standwithstandingrock.net/donate/

 Jenstones Jewelry designs proudly acknowledges influences from indigenous cultures and their artisans' amazing craftsmanship and talent.  See below:

Hand crafted in sterling silver, this necklace is made with turquoise colored howlite stone tusks.  Howlite is a calming stone used to relieve stress.  The necklace is sleek and modern and sure to turn some heads. The chain is adjustable to16-20 inches and has a turquoise stone finish on the end. Matching turquoise tusk earrings make an amazing combined set!

Mezcala Bead Necklace with Turquoise Magnizite Beads   Handmade turquoise colored magnizite beads with Aztec centerpiece.  Wear it like a choker or longer, 16-18 inches with fine sterling silver clasp.  Bracelet and necklace sold together as a set.

This necklace is a great mix of old and new beads to create a beautifully timeless design!  The center stone is from the Mezcala era, and could be up to 2000 years old, dating back to 700-200 BC. The oldest beads in this collection are brownish, irregular and pitted but if you rub or wear them, the oils from your skin polish them and they change back to a blue-green luster. Surrounding the Mezcala bead are grey-purple druzys, and then finished off with a handmade sterling silver clasp.

Rock Your October with Dreamy Druzes! October 10 2016, 0 Comments

Druzes are the glittery, crystal surfaces of geodes. Druzy is a German word that basically means gorgeous, glittery, and glamorous. What better time to put on the glitz than October for Druze Fest? Think of those chic film noir bomb shells like Marlena Dietrich, a statuesque blonde against stark black and white German Expressionist cinematic dramatization at its finest.  Prepare yourself for a retro glam holiday season with dreamy druzes splashing brilliance as the press pop off photos of you. Break out your satin gown, your faux fur and make your debut! 

Now, from October 10th through October 15th, 2016, take $15 off any spectacular piece of druze laden Jenstones Jewelry. Use coupon code:  dreamydruze15.  Free shipping always included.

        

This lovely druzy is plated with 24 KT gold surrounded by an adjustable sterling silver band, to fit most ring sizes. 

                 

A gorgeous azure druzy set in sterling.  This druzy bedazzles with a range of colors from turquoise, indigo to deep purple.  Shown alone or with matching set of wrap bangle with blue druzy and blue topaz and blue druzy pendant for a breathtaking set!

Neptune Festival 2016 September 16 2016, 0 Comments

Neptune Festival Boardwalk Art Show in Virginia Beach, VA is Friday, September 30th through Sunday, October 2nd. Come shop with Jenstones at her tent in between 20th and 21st street, # 2024.    

Larimar and September Blues (Saudades) September 11 2016, 0 Comments

A New Earth: Bronze, Sea Glass and Essential Oils August 22 2016, 0 Comments

Jenstones Jewelry is proud to launch a subsidiary collection of jewelry entitled Freedom Rocks. The Freedom Rocks collection showcases natural sea glass, precious and semi precious stones, beautifully and expertly beveled in either bronze or tumbaga. Tumbaga is a Spanish name for an alloy of gold and copper that was used by indigenous artisans in Pre Colombian Mesoamerica and South America.

In his book A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle refers to this era in which we live as "the flowering of human consciousness". He posits that every life form on Earth has the ability to surpass it's current state of being and to become "enlightened".  Thus, a plant, in it's most heightened state of being, produces a flower, seed or fruit. Similarly, a simple rock encases gems. In keeping with this idea of transmutation inspired by divine presence in a willing vessel (mineral, vegetable, animal or human), Jenstones Freedom Rocks line encourages opportunities for expansion and inspiration on all possible levels. How? You may ask. Read on, Soul Traveler!

We have known all along that gemstones and the metals that display them are of the Earth, and that all of these creations are invested with obvious beauty, but also with powerful healing properties. For ages, adornment with jewels was a universally recognizable way of establishing social strata i.e. those with wealth could afford to adorn themselves with gemstones. However, alchemists and shamans utilized these same stones, as well as plants, for their medicinal value. Freedom Rocks encourages clients to be beautiful and healthy simultaneously. A tangible example of this may be saturating your Sea Glass ring, as shown in the photo, in essential oil, before wearing. Glass is made by smelting silica rich sand and limestone at very high temperatures. Sea Glass is then perfected naturally by being softened and colored by years on the ocean floor or being tossed in the waves.  The result is a creation of smooth, splendidly colored glass, which is also porous, allowing for the infusion of your favorite essential oil. In this manner of wearing, you are adorning yourself and, in so doing, honoring yourself. But you are also diffusing nurturing, volatile plant oils while expressing your beauty.

The sea glass in the bronze ring shown above was found off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This rare sea foam green sea glass ring is set with solid bronze.  Adjustable, one size fits most.  Bronze is a copper based true metal that has balancing and magnetic properties.  Bronze oxidises and tarnishes just like sterling silver so you may polish it with a soft cloth. Only $49!!

Jenstones Pop Up Shop at Either Ore Jewelrers August 03 2016, 0 Comments

Come join us Friday, August 12th from 11 am- 6 pm for a showing of Jenstones latest creations.  Either Ore Jewelers Strawbridge Is located at 2165 General Booth BLVD in Virginia Beach, VA.

Jenstones in July 2016 July 28 2016, 0 Comments

Come cool off this Saturday with a Jenstones Trunk Show! Texture of Ghent is a unique boutique located at 806 Baldwin Ave, below the Fairgrounds Coffee Shop on Colley Ave. in Norfolk, VA.

Veni, Vidi, Vici July 13 2016, 0 Comments

Pearls of Wisdom: A True Story June 12 2016, 0 Comments

Pearls have magical transformative powers: their ability to take an irritant, encase it and convert it into a glistening jewel is a fantastic metaphor. A pearl's creation story is a case in point:  natural pearls form when a microscopic parasite enters a bivalve mollusk and settles inside the shell.  Irritated by the intruder, the mollusk forms a pearl sac of external mantle tissue cells and secretes calcium carbonate and conchiolin to cover the irritant. This secretion process is repeated many times, thus producing the hardened pearl. Natural pearls come in many shapes; round ones are the exception, and are therefore the most rare.

Traditionally, pearls are given for graduation, confirmation, nuptials, those big milestone ceremonies, many of which occur in the balmy month of June.  These events in our lives are blessings, but are not often wrought and fulfilled without effort, perseverance and, dare I say, genuine angst and irritation.  If not for the rigor involved, the success may not be as succulent. Irritation is a funny thing; it can certainly serve to interrupt pleasure, and, in some cases, it can easily eclipse  joy altogether.  Some people seem to thrive on irritation or annoyance as their driving force in life, it becomes their modality. These people tend to become calcified by their own bitterness as they grow older. But then we have the pearl...an elegant, iridescent, fantastic manifestation of  trepidation and struggle, a tangible representation of our surmounted irritations. The pearl symbolizes our innate ability to transform vexation into perfect, transcendent moments, or a disciplined practice of creating beauty, despite or, better yet, because of life's obstacles. 

 The Italian film director, Federico Fellini surmised, "All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster's autobiography." Wear your pearls proudly. I am sure you have earned them.  The world is your oyster, after all!

Show here:  Jen Stone's Sterling Chain Necklace with White Pearls:  fine sterling silver wire and select genuine stones or fresh water pearls are delicately twisted together to create this lovely chain. The chain has a vintage feel and is designed to accent your favorite Jenstones pendant or may be worn by itself. The length is 18-20 inches with a sterling silver chain extension and  pearl finish on the end.

Also shown:  Jen Stone's Dangle Earrings with White Fresh Water Pearls :  timeless gifts from the sea, pearls represent innocence, faith and charity. These lovely fresh water pearl dangle earrings are set in sterling silver. Because each pearl is created by nature these earrings may differ slightly in shape, and texture. 

#jenstonesbeautytips Honey Mask Scrub May 23 2016, 0 Comments

WARNING: Aligning Your Chakras Can Be Dangerous May 08 2016, 0 Comments

 Aligning your Chakras can be dangerous.  You have to be ready.  When you align your chakras, you run the risk of being wiser than your friends.  You may have to listen to their toils and tribulations and, although you know exactly how to solve their life riddle in a nanosecond, you will have to nod throughout their whole story without appearing smug.  Of course you must be ready for emotional fulfillment from your most remote and kooky relatives, clarity of intention, abundance in whatever form you seek, pronounced and illustrious sexual connections,  self-affirmation oozing out of your every pore, and  inspired serenity borne from an unhindered conduit to your spiritual source. 

Why is this dangerous, you may ask?  Remember Monty Python's The Life of Brian? The shoe scene?  What about when Forrest Gump started running?  When your chakras are aligned, you run the risk of becoming the most radiant sentient being most people have ever encountered.  Therefore, you will have admirers, followers, groupies, fans, papparazi, publicists, sponsors. You will fly dragons, tame unicorns, establish world peace and double rainbows will sprout each time your lovely foot touches the Earth. Too much?  Okay.  I guess that is why most of us aspire to Nirvana, but spend many lifetimes trying to arrive there.  The marksman/woman must aim high.

What better way to start or enhance your journey to becoming a metaphysical heavyweight contender than to adorn  yourself with these radiant Chakra 5 stone drop earrings? These earrings contain stones that correspond with 5 of the 7 chakra centers: rainbow moonstone, amethyst, blue topaz, peridot, and citrine all set in sterling silver.  The earrings are hree inches long, and include 10 faceted 6mm stones. Ommmmmm.

Fertility Rites April 04 2016, 0 Comments

Fertility rites were performed in early spring in ancient civilizations to ensure the fecundity of Mother Earth, and therefore the welfare of the tribe, people or civilization.  Often these rituals were reenacted by the alpha matriarchs.  They included provocative, even erotic, dancing, singing, drumming and performing.  The rites were intended to inspire and evoke procreation, beginning with fervent desire, and culminating with birth, the ultimate creation of new life.  Spring brings with it that urgency to breed; just watch all the bees out yonder pollinating and facilitating plant love! We humans also have an intensity to create: whether it is literal, as in a beautiful new human life; or figurative, as in a budding business venture, relationship, travel experience, adoption, a new house, a wedding....what better time to embrace that primal tide, quench your desire and bring fruition to your passion?  

Wear fabulously the fruits of your labors by donning this hand-crafted tribal tusk necklace. The necklace is made with sterling silver and turquoise colored howlite stone tusks.   The chain is adjustable to16-20 inches and has a turquoise stone finish on the end. Matching turquoise tusk earrings  also available. Just the perfect combination to get your mojo strumming and your hips swinging! 

Infinity Links Us All April 04 2016, 0 Comments

Pi in the Sky, a Circular Conversation March 06 2016, 0 Comments

Make Love...Pacify the God of War February 01 2016, 0 Comments

This lovely necklace is a beautiful shade of scarlet, made solely of smooth, red coral beads.  It is hand- strung on heavy gage wire and finished with a sterling silver clasp. The silver chain is adjustable from 20 to 24 inches long.

Mele Kalikimaka December 15 2015, 0 Comments

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say, on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day, that's the island greeting that we sing to you from the land where palm trees sway....la la la.  Does everybody love the Puppini Sisters' version, or is it just me?  Seasons' Greetings to all of you, no matter what your holiday preference! Although it is wreaking havoc on other parts of our planet Earth, today I am celebrating El Nino, since it is a balmy 70 degrees, with full sun and blue skies as far as the eye can see here on the East Coast.  El Nino is currently hanging out just east of Hawaii, bringing incredible surf to the Hawaiian islands. Mahalo!  

What better way to channel that breezy island spirit than by celebrating mermaids? Since time began, mermaids and sirens have been captivating eyes, ears and hearts of mortal men. A little trivia for my middle East Coast friends: the title of Norfolk, England (and hence, Norfolk, Virginia) was supposedly derived from a combination of Northern Folk, as the inhabitants of this part of Merry Old England occupied the upper East corner, bordering on the North Sea, and Merfolk, who allegedly were sighted by Vikings as they crossed the North Sea  to raid early Anglo-Saxon monasteries and kingdoms. Mermaids are alluring, mysterious and powerful. Do you know anyone with those qualifications? hmmm.....  Jenstones mermaid collection features mermaid rings, cuffs, earrings and pendants, like the beautiful sterling siren show above, dangling from an elegant fresh-water pearl inlaid in sterling silver.  This sea goddess pendant can be worn on a Jenstones silver chain or a strand of fresh-water pearls (both sold separately), shown below.  Whether you are basking in the sun this holiday season, or cozied up by the fire, remember to be good to yourself.  Enjoy!  A hui hou (until we meet again)!

Jenstones 2015 Holiday Tour in Virgina November 24 2015, 0 Comments

WRV & Jenstones Pop up Shop!  

Black Friday Sale

12pm - 4 pm

1900 Cypress Ave, VA Beach, VA

Jenstones Thanksgiving Trunk Show

Texture of Ghent

Baldwin Ave, Norfolk, VA

Sat. Nov. 28, 10 am - 5 pm

Jenstones Annual Holiday Trunk Show

Either Ore Jewelers Strawbridge

2165 General Booth Blvd. VA Beach

Sun. Dec. 6, 12 pm - 5pm

Happy Halloween Spooky13 October 30 2015, 0 Comments

Enjoy this special Halloween Discount of $13 OFF your purchase of $50 or more this weekend ONLY!! 

Use promo code SPOOKY13

Jenstones Nauticus Pop-up Show October 20 2015, 0 Comments

Don't miss Jenstones at Nauticus tomorrow!

Come see our collections of sea creatures, seaglass, shells, stones, pearls & more!  Start your Holiday Shopping with Jenstones Show Specials!  

Use promo code Nauticus15 and take $15 OFF Any purchase over $100. 

The Neptune Festival & Jenstones September 23 2015, 0 Comments

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain"

Pop Up Trunk Show! June 25 2015, 0 Comments

Sea Glass Sunday #SGS June 21 2015, 0 Comments

Our latest beauties available to order online. Each piece is handmade with fine sterling silver and real sea glass.  Enjoy!

Wipe Out Sale June 18 2015, 0 Comments

Sea Glass Sunday #SGS June 16 2015, 0 Comments

The Mystery of Antique Black Sea Glass May 23 2015, 0 Comments

One of my favorite things to do at the beach is search for sea glass. The mystery of where and when sea glass came from is both exciting and romantic. Colors in white, brown and beer bottle green are common to find; but shades of blue, purple, yellow and red are hard to come by. In Costa Rica, I sometimes find jade greens and thick black pieces that look brownish or olive green when held to the light. After doing some research, I found out that these black pieces are extremely rare and collectible. Black glass was made as early as the 1500's and stayed in circulation until the 1800's. Black glass was made before refrigeration to protect liquids sensitive to light, such as medicine and alcohol.

The Chrysler museum in Norfolk, Virginia has an extensive antique glass exhibit where I found a few dark olive green and black bottles on display that were Dutch and English wine bottles from the 1700-1800's. These old bottles were traded, reused, and when broken thrown into the sea and darkened in the depths of the ocean. Tumbled over the last few centuries they later washed up on the beaches where we find them today. I imagine the contents of these wine bottles to be delicious celebrations of the sea shared by the captain and his crew or stolen by pirates.

A friend recently gave me a stash of black sea glass she found in the Caribbean. I'm making her a special set of jewelry as a gift for her generosity and also for sparking my interest in this rare colored glass. Jenstones has begun creating a series of jewelry featuring the "antique black" sea glass mixed with precious stones and pearls. These original creations are elegant items to wear at the most sophisticated and/or casual of occasions. They are designed to be treasured for a lifetime and ignite the imagination, filling your world with mystery and romance.

Watch out Steel Pier- Jenstones is Back! May 22 2015, 0 Comments

Jenstones is dropping into Virginia Beach just in time for the Surf Art Expo and Steel Pier Classic surf competition. Please drop by our booth located at first street to check out our new sea glass and mermaid jewelry.

Romeo and I are surfing in the contest so come out and support us!

It's going to be a fun weekend, we hope to sea you there!

Xo Jennifer

Either Ore Jewelers Strawbridge Holiday Trunk Show with Jenstones December 01 2014, 0 Comments

Blue Topaz - Jen's Stone of the month for December December 01 2014, 0 Comments

Blue Topaz

Where in the world: USA, Russia, Mexico, India, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Germany
Chakra: Throat Third Eye
Planet: Sun, Jupiter
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Birthstone month: December
Marriage anniversaries: 4th and 19th

Blue topaz is a great stone for meditation and to wear. According to ancient beliefs, blue topaz promotes creative inspiration, learning, understanding, and peaceful communication. Known as the "Jewel of Love and loyalty" Blue topaz represents eternal romance and friendship. It connects truth and wisdom, strengthens third eye and throat chakras to assist in verbalization of thoughts and feelings.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with Jenstones at Texture in Ghent! November 25 2014, 0 Comments

Bored of the big malls and chain stores....snore... Come celebrate small business Saturday with Jenstones and Texture of Ghent in Norfolk, VA.  You won't be disappointed!   Show hours are 10  am - 5 pm!  

Black Friday Pop Up Shop -WRV November 24 2014, 0 Comments

Try something new and come to WRV this Black Friday. Relax with Jen in the ladies lounge where we will have snacks, champage chilling and beautiful jewelry for sale.  Wave Riding Vehicles is located at 1900 Cypress Ave, in VA Beach, VA.  Celebrate the Indian summer with a new arrow head necklace!

Frida Fantasy November 10 2014, 0 Comments

Over the past decade, designing jewelry in Mexico, I developed a fascination for the Mexican self- portrait artist Frida Kahlo. A feminist icon, she was a revolutionary woman in the 1930s-40s. She suffered a lot in life and I wonder what she would think of her current fame and her portraits on postage stamps and Mexican money.  

I felt a connection to her when I started working with a silversmith who lived in la Casa de Diego Rivera. Frida was married to the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Designing jewelry in their historic Casita gave me the feeling of going back in time. Picturing peacocks floating around the garden, I would call on her creativity and strength for inspiration. 

Frida Kahlo wore very daring accessories. She wore skull earrings and bold chokers made from jade and old Aztec beads. To celebrate her life I created a "Frida Collection" that combines the rough shapes of the Aztec jade with new faceted jade and turquoise for a unique, modern version of her look. 

Farmers in central Mexico often find old stone beads in the fields. It's like finding old Indian arrowheads except they are strung in to necklaces to sell at market. Some are real and some are fake but it doesn't matter because they are so cool. I bought a pretty large strand of grayish stones from an old blind man 15 years ago in Mexico. They were probably knock offs and I probably paid too much for them but they are magical to me. I lost them a few times over the years and some how they always came back. I used these magical stones as a centerpiece in my "Frida Fantasy" necklace.

If you haven't heard of  Frida Kahlo, check her out!  She was a powerful artist and a beautiful woman way ahead of her time. Last year I dressed up like Frida for Halloween and was surprised at how many people had no idea who I was.  I thought the huge painted on uni- brow was a dead giveaway.

Citrine-Jen's Stone of the Month October 31 2014, 1 Comment

Citrine
Where in the world: Brazil, Russia, France, Madagascar, UK, & USA
Chakra: Cleanses all and reenergizes all
Planet: Sun
Zodiac sign: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra

Birthstone: November

The name citrine comes from the Greek word meaning 'citron' because it resembles a citrus fruit. It is believed to carry the healing properties of the sun, bringing optimism, cheerfulness and creativity. Known as a merchants stone, it helps attract abundance and wealth. Try wearing a piece of citrine jewelry to bring abundance into your life, or carry a stone in your wallet. Citrine is energizing and good for balancing chakras because it doesn't accumulate negative energy, but dissipates and transmutes it to help work out problems.  

 The bracelet and necklace shown above have citrine mixed with druzy.  

Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with Jenstones! October 30 2014, 0 Comments

After I wrote this blog, and dressed up like Catrina for Halloween, I found this article about what happened this year in Mexico.....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/03/mexico-day-of-the-dead-record_n_6096886.html

Where's Jenstones? 2014 Holiday Show Schedule: October 23 2014, 0 Comments

Come preview Jenstones latest creations and meet the artist!

Holiday Open House Art show
Richard Stravitz 30th Street Gallery, VA Beach
Sat. & Sun. Nov. 1 -2, 10 -6 pm

First Friday Art Show
Chartreuse
1701 Baltic Ave, VA Beach
6 pm- 8 pm

Ladies Night, Holiday Preview Sale
Either Ore Jewelers Strawbridge
2165 General Booth Blvd. VA Beach
Nov. 13-14 , 12 pm - 7 pm

Jewelry by the Sea, the creations of Jennifer Stone
Zenith Gallery
​1429 Iris St., NW Washington, DC
Exclusive 2 day Exhibit with the artist:
Fri. Nov. 21st, 4 pm - 8 pm & Sat. Nov. 22nd, 12pm - 6pm

Jenstones Thanksgiving Trunk Show
Texture of Ghent
Baldwin Ave, Norfolk, VA
Sat. Nov. 29, 10 am - 5 pm

Jenstones Annual Holiday Trunk Show
Either Ore Jewelers Strawbridge
2165 General Booth Blvd. VA Beach
Sun. Dec. 7, 12 pm - 5pm

Five Seconds of Fame! December 01 2013, 0 Comments

I have so much respect for people who do interviews. Yesterday at our annual Jenstones trunk show at Texture in Norfolk, a local news crew came in from Channel 13 to cover Small Business Saturday. I jumped at the chance to be on camera, I was looking cute and had my new dragon necklace on. When they strapped on a microphone my heart started beating really fast. I tried to breathe and my mind went blank, all the news reporter asked was what I thought about Small Business Saturday and I got all flustered. I started to hear myself say, umm, and like, and all the things that aren't too cute in an interview. They told me not to worry, they would edit it, but it was so weird to be so excited and yet nervous at the same time. I watched TV today with a whole new perspective, how do people stay so cool and collected in front of a camera? It's a an admirable skill I definitely need to cultivate.  Thank you Channel 13 for my five seconds of fame!!!

Here is a link to the story and interview. My part is the last bit so be patient if you check it out....

http://www.wvec.com/news/Shoppers-glad-proud-to-help-locally-owned-stores-on-Small-Business-Saturday-233961441.html

"It's not Thanksgiving without Spanakopitta!" November 28 2013, 1 Comment

"It's not Thanksgiving without Spanakopitta!"
(Span= spinach, pitta= pie)
When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of Spanakopitta. Golden buttery layers of crispy dough, surrounding a delicious spinach pie laced with feta cheese. I grew up making it with my mom, she grew up making it with hers, and every holiday our family has enjoyed this dish for generations. It is a bit labor intensive and my Yaya (94yrs old) tried to talk me out of making it this year, she said it would be too much on me. I scolded her, "Yaya, it's not Thanksgiving without Spanakopitta!"

I love sharing this traditional delicacy so much I dug up my moms old recipe to share. It came from my great grandfather, a Greek immigrant who had his own wholesale bakery in the 1920s. He moved his wife and three little girls to New York City to open a Greek restaurant in 1928, with the Great Depression right around the corner, the next few years were pretty tough. My Yaya still remembers running down to the docks of Manhattan as a little girl to pick up huge vats of unfiltered olive oil shipped in from Greece.

Filo dough is very hard to find in other countries and even in your local American grocery store. I always have to ask where it is and most un-Greeks have no idea what it is. I sent my girlfriend to get filo the other day in Oklahoma City and she came back with puff pastry sheets, not the same! I spent one sad Thanksgiving with out my family in Mexico and resorted to making spinach pie empanadas. There is really no substitute for good filo dough so I have frozen it and carried it in my luggage and baked it in the Caribbean islands, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. I hope you try it, or just invite me to your next Thanksgiving, I come with Spanakopitta!

Side notes: You don't have to use dill. I actually like it better with out dill.
Bake time is longer in high altitudes.
Don't skimp on the feta, more feta= better pie.
Spinach pie is a great way to fool your kids into eating spinach!

Fossilized Sand Dollars November 11 2013, 0 Comments

I fell in love with fossilized sand dollars when I first discovered them over a decade ago in Mexico. A beautiful Mayan friend collected, carved and polished the little fossils into jewelry quality cabochons. They are around 30 million years old and found in riverbeds near the amber mines in Mexico. These rare and precious stones have been one of my favorites to design with over the years. If you are lucky enough to own one, cherish it, they are hard to find and one of a kind.

Alex wearing a one of a kind fossilized sand dollars necklace with fossilized sharks tooth and amber beads.

Come find Jenstones, right off the beaten path of the Boardwalk Art Show June 11 2013, 0 Comments

  People always ask us “Why don’t you do the boardwalk art show?” Honestly, we are not fond of “popping up” that big white tent in the wind, or potential rain.  On a whim this year we decided to do two “pop up” trunk shows instead!  We will be showing our entire collection this Friday, June 14th at the exquisite jewelry store, Either Ore Jewelers in Strawbridge shopping center.  Come join us for stunning new designs, refreshments and in store discounts from 10-5.   

The second “pop up” show will be this Sunday, June 16, from 1-5 at the Richard Stravitz Art Gallery. Located on 30^th Street and Pacific Ave. in Va. Beach,  this show is one block away from  Neptune Park and the Boardwalk Art Show.  The Stravitz Gallery has an amazing selection of fine jewelry, art, and sculptures. Come enjoy a gallery experience (off the crowded beaten path) and get some new Jenstones Jewelry for the summertime!   Thanks!

Jenstones "Pop Up" Trunk Show at Either Ore Jewelers June 07 2013, 0 Comments

Come Join us for a "Spur of the Moment" trunk show featuring Jenstones latest summer collection!

Either Ore Jewelers is located in Strawbrigde Shopping Center in Virginia Beach, VA.

Jenstones welcomes you to our Nation's Capital November 17-18 November 14 2012, 0 Comments

HOLIDAY JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW with JENNIFER STONE

Saturday & SUNDAY,  November 17,  18  2012      12am - 6pm 

ZENITH GALLERY AT CHEVY CHASE PAVILION

Washington DC 20015

The Mystery of Mermaids August 13 2012, 0 Comments

Mermaids enchant us and symbolize love, beauty, sensuality, and mystery. These sea goddesses represent wild freedom, rebellious sprits and ferocious independence.   Myths depict mermaids with luscious alluring voices; all those in contact with mermaids are subject to their charms.

Mermaids are elusive because they know the hearts of men and are legendary for only appearing to the true of heart.  They only appear during magical moments, in the light of moon (which they hold sacred) or durring the hours of dawn or dusk.  Mermaids help our hearts and passion overrule the analytical mind so we can find ourselves in a sea of dreams.

Adorn yourself with Jenstones Mermaid rings, pendants and earrings and bring the mystery close to your heart. Coming soon to the online store...

Welcome to our online store! August 13 2012, 0 Comments

Jenstones is excited to announce the launch of our online store, featuring creations set in sterling silver with precious stones, pearls, fossils, shells, and sea glass from around the world.