New Gem-set Pieces...

I've had many, many requests for more affordable pieces featuring gemstones with diamonds & other gems set within them, so I've created some simple one of a kind & limited edition pieces featuring these gems that all retail for under $600!



The first four pieces are online now, you can find them in the Melange Collection of mixed metal pieces, with more to come later this month.

Wonderful...

Yesterday I was very, very excited to receive a christmas present from a good friend, this antique wooden jewelers/watch-makers trunk!! It is going right on my desk to hold my tools and all my antique lockets & findings. Thank you MB!!

LAINE now available in San Francisco...

Through the holidays, our customers in the San Francisco area can find select
LAINE piece (including some exclusive designs not available online!) at Gordon Aatlo Designs in San Carlos, CA!

Gordon Aatlo Designs
1217 San Carlos Avenue
San Carlos, CA, 94070
www.gordonaatlo.com

Holiday Shipping Deadlines...

Just a quick note...the last day for guaranteed delivery on or before December 24th is this Friday, December 18th. Orders placed between December 19th and 21st are guaranteed delivery by the 24th only if the overnight shipping option is selected.

{pictured above: Mia Necklace}

LAINE trunkshow this weekend!

LAINE will be exhibiting with Gordon Aatlo and Arlee Kasselman at the International Gem & Jewelry Showcase in San Mateo, CA from November 27-29. Visit our booth to find lots of LAINE designs (including some brand-new earrings & antique locket bracelets which are so new they haven't even made it on the website yet!) at trunkshow prices!

Hours are Friday 12pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. The show will be held at The San Mateo County Expo Center, 2495 South Delaware in San Mateo, CA (directions & map)

Vanilla bean-lavender poached apples...

I don't blog nearly as often as I should, so I'm making some changes in an effort to make this an active blog, rather than just a "when I remember I actually have a blog" type of blog. I'm going to be posting the occasional recipe, photo, studio shot, post about another designer/shop I admire, etc...and of course LAINE news as well.

So I'll start off my new blogging resolution with a photo or two and a recipe...



Vanilla bean-lavender Poached Apples
2 small apples - peeled, cored and cut into wedges
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean - split & scraped (or 1 scant tbs vanilla extract)
Lavender sugar*

Add water, sugar and vanilla bean to a pan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat just a bit and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Next, add the apples and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the apples are softened. Remove from heat and sprinkle with lavender sugar. This is excellent over pound cake (as seen above) and with yogurt or ice cream.



*to make your own lavender sugar just mix 2 tbs lavender flowers with 1 cup sugar and a vanilla bean (optional), store in an air-tight container for about 2 weeks before using, shaking occasionally.

Only two weeks left to win a pair of Caviare Earrings!

If you haven't already entered to win a pair of my signature Caviare Earrings there are only two weeks left before the winners are chosen. Visit http://www.womansday.com/Giveaways/Caviare-Sterling-Silver-Earrings-Giveaway to enter to win one of 5 pair Woman's Day Magazine is giving away!

The Dixon Necklace...

The newest addition to the Amulette Collection, The Dixon Necklace, featuring a very unique late-victorian locket!



A lengthy chain of sterling silver, faceted black garnet and peacock freshwater pearls, accented by tourmalinated quartz, australian 'lightning ridge' black opal, polished & faceted london blue topaz, a tahitian pearl and cascading clusters of black garnet. In the center of the necklace is an antique (c. 1900, possibly slightly earlier) gilt case inset with a round magnifying lens, that opens to reveal a tiny english dictionary!



Original red leather cover with gilt lettering. All pages present & secure in the binding, slight discoloring on the cover from handling over the years, in original gilt metal case with magnifying lens, overall in very excellent condition.



Called "The Smallest English Dictionary in the World", the 384 page book measures only 26mm X 18mm. These books were printed by David Bryce and Son, Glasgow, around 1890-1900.