Ruth Parker Jewelry

The winner is...

2010-11-01T12:24:00.003-06:00

Dannelle, #5!

Congrats to you on winning the Sunset Mini Necklace! Please email me the address of where you would like it sent so that I can get this out to you asap.

As of right now, I am "out of the office" pending the return of order to my new house. Hopefully by mid-month I'll be able to start making jewelry again, but for the time being everything is still packed, hence the hiatus. I appreciate your patience! If you need something done for Christmas be sure to let me know in the next couple of weeks so that I can work on that first when I come back. Thanks everybody!

Spotlight: Daisy Chain Dangles ($38)

2010-10-08T15:36:00.003-06:00

Sometimes a plain old post just isn't enough. That's where these vintage earrings step in. Versatile, mod and lightweight, these vintage Avon earrings have been revamped with a white glass bead and new post. (In their previous life they were clip-ons.) Make them a part of your wardrobe today! (Available on Etsy now)

Materials: gold plated post (never worn), white glass bead, vintage daisies on vintage pins

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Giveaway: Sunset Mini Necklace ($22)

2010-10-04T11:58:00.005-06:00

The crisp breeze sends a chill as you walk outside, bundled in your favorite sweater. Your boots crunch on leaves falling gracefully in shades of red, orange and yellow. You take a sip of your apple cider, it's earthy cinnamon spice and the cool air awakening your senses on this beautiful autumn morning.

Materials: high quality gold-filled chain, tiny agate coins (smaller than a pencil eraser), gold plated findings.

I love fall. Is it obvious? This month's giveaway is perfect for the season! Harvest hues of agate are hung from a delicate gold-filled chain, at about 17" long. This simple necklace is part of a collection, which I will be putting up on Etsy later today. You can win the Sunset Mini Necklace by adding a comment to this post anytime from now until Friday, October 29th. Good luck!

The winner is...

2010-10-01T08:52:00.003-06:00

Julie, #15!

Congratulations! Please send me your address so that I can get this shipped out to you!

For everyone else...don't fret, there is another giveaway starting Monday so be sure to check back and enter again! Have a fantastic Friday and happy October!

New blog design coming soon!

2010-09-16T12:25:00.003-06:00

My brother and I have been collaborating to come up with a new look for Ruth Parker and I am loving the new direction. It sure is nice to have a family of artists, lemme tell ya. Fingers crossed we will be rolling out the new design sometime next week! I can't wait! It's been a long time coming and I can't wait to see what everyone thinks. I have a couple of new items to post soon as well so keep checking back for those!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway,

follow me on twitter,

"like" me on facebook,

and suggest me to all of your friends! :)

Also, here's my jewelry inspiration of the day...gotta love those earrings and I am always a huge fan of Grace Kelly.

Photo courtesy of newcritics.com

Giveaway: Pink Lemonade

2010-09-04T12:27:00.005-06:00

Giveaways are BACK!

This month I'm giving away a brand new necklace, the Pink Lemonade! It is simple and sweet and if you win this drawing, it can be yours FREE! Comment once on this post to be entered to win. The winner will be announced Friday, October 1st and a new giveaway will be posted the same day. Please leave a way for me to get a hold of you should you win. Thanks!

Spotlight: Pink Lemonade, Greek Goddess, & Those are not acorns

2010-09-01T08:31:00.006-06:00

Here I am delivering, as promised! Three new necklaces on spotlight today, and one has already been featured on an Etsy treasury! For those who don't know, treasuries are a way for people to display they're favorite items in a collection and occasionally the editors at Etsy will pick their favorites to display on the front page! When you go to the Etsy homepage, the first thing you see is a treasury that someone created, so if they pick the lovely treasury I was featured in, it would mean a lot of exposure for me. Moving on...

Here we have Pink Lemonade ($24), my favorite new wear-everyday necklace! It is bright, fun and very summery, which is why I will be wearing it all through the winter when the snow starts falling.

Materials: glass leaves, opaque glass yellow bead, gold plated flower charm, fuschia glass bead, gold plated chain. Hangs right at the collarbone, about 16" long, not adjustable

Next in line is the Greek Goddess ($42) which is made of natural stones and hangs from two different chains. It is simple but still makes a statement!

Materials: white Malaysian jade, green turquoise, gold plated chains, gold plated bead caps. Hangs around 24" long, is finished off with a toggle clasp and is not adjustable

And last, but not least, is Those are not acorns ($26). You'll have to go to the Etsy shop to see why it has such a weird name. There's a story behind it. This one is made from a REAL, live pine cone that has been electroplated in gold. Every necklace will be slightly different because every pine cone is slightly different.

Materials: gold electroplated pine cone (While cone-like in shape, these are actually the flowers of the alder tree. As this is a natural product, size and shape vary.), dark brown wooden beads, gold filled chain. Adjustable; hangs from about 17" to 18 1/2" long

Scheduling...

2010-08-30T13:48:00.003-06:00

I am working jewelry making back into my schedule and am excited to start showing off some brand new pieces. I have decided not to take any classes this semester; with a toddler now running around and another bundle of joy on the way, it was just too much to handle. I am working out a child care routine so that I will have some time to myself to really devote to my business and I am so excited about it. With the little guy out of the house I can finally experiment with some resin and do some drilling...it might not sound like a big deal, but it is to me! I had a couple of sales this past week so that too was very motivating! You will be hearing from me again soon! :)

Sunny Inquisition ($26) and Indigo and Lace ($42) Earrings

2010-06-30T11:51:00.007-06:00

I'm baaaaaack! Today is going to be short and sweet; I'm in the process of packing to go out of town for the 4th so I'm short on time.

Two new pairs of earrings available this week: first I have the Sunny Inquisition earrings, which are Spanish inspired, with a glass yellow bead and a dark green jade cabochon encircled in a gold plated filigree setting.

Second are the Indigo and Lace earrings, Native American inspired, with carved bone, indigo blue and chocolate brown beads. Both are available on Etsy today so be sure to stop by and check them out!

I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday weekend! Happy 4th of July!

Hiatus

2010-05-17T14:37:00.002-06:00

As you've probably noticed, I've been off the radar here for a few weeks now. I have gotten the itch back to start making some pieces again and am looking forward to it. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who missed me; it meant a lot! I am hoping to post some new items next week, and fingers crossed, we will have another giveaway in June. Thanks guys! I'll see you soon.

Winner!

2010-03-29T09:02:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Renee, number 4! She's the lucky winner of March's giveaway. Be sure to check back next week for the new item up for grabs in April!

Spotlight: Madrid Necklace ($58)

2010-03-17T10:29:00.007-06:00

As one of the most powerful, populated cities in all of Europe and the most influential in its' own country, one might expect Madrid to have a showy, dominant looking coat of arms and flag. I did, at least. While researching Madrid as the namesake for my newest summer necklace, however, I found that their city emblems portray a standing bear at a tree with red fruit.

No swords? No crazy medieval helmets? After a little more digging, I found that the city of Madrid was founded by the Moors in the 9th century and was known as "land of the bears". Turns out that the tree pictured on both the coat of arms and city flag is called a Strawberry Tree, and is native to the area. The bear and the strawberry tree shield is thought to date back to 1212, when it was first used at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. (an important battle for Spain during the Crusades) Little red beads, strawberry tree...Madrid is even more of a perfect name than I had thought! The thing that I love about this city (and what makes me want to visit even more than I already did) is the fact that they honor their history. Not just with the symbols of their city, but also the city itself. There is a lot of emphasis and importance put on preserving the historical buildings and streets throughout Madrid and I most definitely respect that. In a culture where most of our history gets torn down to accommodate the new and modern, I appreciate a place that restores and preserves their past. I hope you like the newest addition to my International Collection:

the Madrid Necklace.

Materials: glass beads, gold plated 5 strand clasp

Only a few more days to be entered into the Giveaway for March! You have until Thursday, the 25th at midnight to be entered to win! Just click on the giveaway button to the right, comment on the post, and that's it! Good luck!

Spotlight: Rancho Palos Verdes Necklace ($42)

2010-03-10T14:43:00.004-07:00

Materials: Clear quartz, chrysoprase, peridot, serpentine, glass, ceramic, and acrylic beads, gold plated chain & toggle

The city of Rancho Palos Verdes lies south of the heart of Los Angeles, on a gorgeous peninsula with spectacular views of the Pacific. A couple of fun facts: the affluent suburb is the home of the Trump National Golf Club (in case you were curious as to what it looks like...wow!) and many scenes of Pirates of the Caribbean movie were shot right off the coast and on their bluffs. It truly is a gorgeous area, which is why I named this gorgeous necklace after it! (And for those of you who aren't familiar with Spanish, "verde" means green.) It is almost entirely gemstone beads, and this is the ONLY ONE available EVER so if you love it, you need to snatch it up before it's gone!

There's still a giveaway going on so don't forget to add your comments to be entered to win!

2010-03-08T15:58:00.002-07:00

Over the past few days I have been working on updating my Etsy shop, making new items, and getting my taxes together. All fun, except the taxes. My sister was here for a (very) short time last week and was able to get a few new pictures taken of my jewelry, so you should definitely head over to my Etsy shop and check them out. I have a couple of new necklaces going up later this week so check back often! Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway for the Cleopatra Earrings! This month's drawing will end Friday, March 26th so don't wait!

Giveaway: Cleopatra Earrings ($12)

2010-03-01T20:50:00.002-07:00

Materials: gold plated laser cut fans, jumprings, earwire

This month's giveaway is an amazing pair of chandelier earrings called Cleopatra. For those days when you don't feel like doing anything at all but laying around on your chaise lounge, getting fanned with palm fronds by loyal servants, and eating grapes on the beach. (Or when you wake up: sitting on a plastic chair, getting splashed by the kids, eating raisins by the kiddie pool) Either way, these earrings are great for whatever luxurious (or realistic) plans you have this spring and summer.

The winner is...

2010-02-26T08:42:00.004-07:00

Brooke #8!

Congratulations on winning February's giveaway! A new giveaway will be up on Monday- everyone have a great weekend!

(Hopefully with some better weather all around the country? Please, Mother Nature?)

Spotlight: Italian Mosaic Necklace, ME!

2010-02-24T10:19:00.004-07:00

I have been working on a custom necklace for a friend of mine that I wanted to share with everyone today. I liked the design of it so much that I'm going to duplicate it with something else. The way the chain sits reminds me of a vintage feel thin collar dress, like this one atModCloth.

Also, this week I was featured on Glamour weddings. Check it out here. Kind of crazy, right? Thanks to an awesome photographer, amazing shoes and my husband for helping me make that very unique and memorable cuff and earrings set for our wedding day. It's really cool to be noticed, especially by a company as huge as Glamour! Thank you, whoever you are, for adding me to the mix this week!

Only 2 more days to enter to win this month's GIVEAWAY! All you have to do is add your comment to the post to be entered to win. See ya Friday!

2010-02-22T12:49:00.003-07:00

Growing up in California definitely had it's perks...namely, NO SNOW. But you have to have seasons, right? WRONG! I lived most of my life perfectly happy without them. Sunshine is never boring in my book. And so it is, that right about this time every year I hit the winter wall. It hasn't even been bad in Utah this year and I'm still over it! That's how much of a wimp I am. I'm always freezing. (I hate layering and wearing socks) Everything else is frozen. (I refuse to go for a walk if I come back colder than I was when I left) There's no color anywhere. This week, instead of feeding my depression, I thought I would share a few of my favorite things that have inspired me lately and are helping me get through these last few weeks (hopefully!) of winter. (You will soon see the products that came from these inspirations too!)

My very favorite: Sunshine, and lots of it

Grass, preferably freshly mowed

Sailing

Water in general...pools, beaches, running through the sprinklers

Strawberries

Camping

Also, I want to thank my friend Renee for spotlighting me on her blog last week. Her site is one I check often because she has a great eye and excellent taste! I love seeing what she's going to post next. Be sure to check it out here.

Don't forget this month's giveaway ends on Thursday at midnight! Get your comment in and win a FREE necklace! See you Wednesday for another Spotlight!

Another Feature!

2010-02-19T07:00:00.001-07:00

I was featured on another blog this week: One Crazy Stampin' Mama. It is the site of my friend Julie who is an amazing crafter and stamper extraordinaire. I just wanted to come on and thank her for the love and spread a little of my own her way. Check out the post she did on my jewelry here.

My sister just moved away from me last month, but she's coming back in two weeks! The reason why I'm telling you this (aside from the fact that I think you should care) is because she has decided to get into photography and is going to help me out by taking some WAY better pictures for me while she's here. I don't know what I'm supposed to do when she leaves...but we'll have to figure something out. It's super hard because I don't make a ton of any one thing and whenever I create something new I need a picture like, yesterday. Totally. If I was into mass producing it would be a lot easier, but alas...that goes against everything I am about with this little endeavor of mine. Since I only have one or two things to photograph at one time, it makes it a LOT difficult. (As opposed to a little difficult, in case you were questioning my grammar.) I need a live in photographer...ok maybe not that extreme...perhaps an on call photographer. Everyone start buying more jewelry so that I can afford an on call photographer. Thanks. :)

Spotlight: Ice Castles Necklace ($78)

2010-02-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Materials: clear quartz, glass, silver plated findings and chain

Who doesn't love a wedding? With spring drawing near and so many weddings on the way, I thought it would be appropriate to share the first necklace in my bridal collection. This one of a kind stunner is made with clear quartz and glass beads, and is highly adjustable thanks to a very long cable chain at the back. If you are looking for a statement piece of jewelry that will definitely get some attention on your wedding day, this is the necklace for you. It is anything but traditional, and simply extraordinary. I hope you like it!

Don't forget to add your name to the list for this months giveaway. Simply click the button to the right and make a comment on the post to be entered to win!

Valentines Day seems like the perfect time...

2010-02-12T08:22:00.004-07:00

To announce the first pieces in my Bridal line! I have a bridesmaid necklace in a variety of colors and one spectacular solid quartz necklace for one lucky bride. These necklaces will be going up on Etsy this weekend, so if you (or anyone you know) are looking for wedding jewelry, definitely keep checking back! I will be adding more and more as Spring nears. And, as always, I also specialize in custom pieces. If you know what you want but can't find it, I'm the girl for you!

Also, I wanted to say thank you to Heather at The Gift Closet, for honoring me with a Friday Feature! Be sure to stop by and check that out...there's a free gift in it for you!

Don't forget to enter this month's Giveaway: the Pasadena Necklace!

Happy Valentines Day! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

New Necklaces!

2010-02-08T10:24:00.004-07:00

I have a few new necklaces going up on Etsy today that I thought I'd share. I wasn't able to post them over the weekend because it was so cloudy and dark that I couldn't get a good shot of any of them. Here they are:

Malibu Necklace

Crown of Violets Necklace

Laguna Beach Necklace

Drama Queen Necklace

*Don't forget to enter this month's giveaway!

*The sale continues! Visit my Etsy shop this week to take advantage of the Spring Cleaning sale which ends Sunday! (US orders: If you need something to arrive by Valentines Day, please order by Wednesday morning.)

The SALE continues...

2010-02-05T08:13:00.002-07:00

I've decided to keep the Spring Cleaning SALE going because while this week was great, I still have a lot of inventory left. Thank you so very much to everyone who purchased this week! I was super busy, but loved every minute. I appreciate all of your support so much and hope that you LOVE everything you bought. The sale will end Sunday, the 14th; Valentines Day. This is the perfect opportunity to get some great gifts for that special someone (or mom, sisters, aunts, etc) in your life!

Also, one week from today I will be featured on a blog called "The Gift Closet", so be sure to stop by and check that out. I'm really excited about it!

Lastly, I have been designing like crazy this week so I will be putting up new items on Etsy through the weekend. I hope you'll stop by and take a looksie at those too.

Thanks everyone! I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Spotlight: Cleopatra Earrings ($12)

2010-02-03T07:47:00.005-07:00

This week's spotlight is on something I just made, the Cleopatra Earrings. They are made with laser-cut gold plated filigree fans and are super lightweight, so no worries about the dreaded "ear lobe sag" with these! I imagine Cleopatra on a chaise lounge being fanned and eating grapes while wearing this pair. They are a little bigger than what I normally do, (still not huge) but big dangly earrings are definitely in! They will be up on Etsy today.

Don't forget to stop by my shop and check out the sale that's going on this week. Thanks!

Giveaway: Pasadena Necklace ($31.50)

2010-01-31T22:36:00.004-07:00

The Pasadena Necklace, shown with the matching earrings, also on sale this week

The Pasadena necklace is one of my all time favorites, and since I haven't given it away yet, I thought now would be the time since it won't be around much longer. This was one of the very first necklaces I designed, so it has sentimental value for me. It has a large green jade cabochon as the focal which is accented by cloisonne beads and gold plated findings. I love it because it is asymmetrical and fun! If you can't wait to win it this month, be sure to buy one this week while they're on sale! You won't regret it!

THE SPRING CLEANING SALE STARTS TODAY! Be sure to stop by and check it out!

Christina is the winner!

2010-01-29T07:51:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to Christina, number 5! Check back Monday for a new giveaway item!

Be sure to stop by Etsy all next week to take advantage of my

Spring Cleaning SALE!

I will be marking down most of last year's inventory by 25, and even 50%!

You definitely don't want to miss this.

Spotlight: Candy Dish Earrings ($24)

2010-01-27T11:36:00.004-07:00

I know it's been awhile, but do you remember the Crystal Candy Dish necklace? I finally made a pair of earrings to go with that necklace and they're great! They will definitely go with anything and everything you own. I used a very random mix of beads- from glass, to crystal, to wood- and just about every color possible! I hope you like them.

Materials: glass, crystal, wood, carnelian, coral, mother of pearl, fossil, turquoise, and lapis, all hung on a silver plated hoop.

Big News!

2010-01-25T07:38:00.003-07:00

If you're all having a hard time waking up and getting going like I am today, maybe this news will help brighten your Monday. I'm having my first SALE on Etsy! Starting February 1st, most of my pieces from last year will be going on clearance. You can expect anywhere from 25-50% off the current price, just in time for Valentines Day, spring weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, whatever! I will have a lot of new pieces going up in the next few weeks, so I need to sell some of my inventory. That is only ONE WEEK away!

Don't forget that you have until Thursday at midnight to enter the giveaway for this month also! So far, this is the worst giveaway I have ever done as far as numbers go, and it was the first to last an entire month! Come on guys! It's free!

See you Wednesday with a new spotlight piece! Have a great week!

Bangles, Cuffs, Baubles...BRACELETS!

2010-01-22T08:40:00.005-07:00

Find these bracelets on Etsy, here

Going along with this weeks Art Deco theme, I thought I would talk about my favorite kinds of bracelets: vintage bakelite and lucite bangles. Bakelite was introduced in the early 1900's and used extensively for jewelry through World War II because of its low price point and popularity. It sets under high heat, is not recyclable, and is a little heavier than lucite, making it perfect for bracelets but not earrings. Bakelite remains very popular with collectors today and can be found pretty much anywhere that sells vintage jewelry.

Lucite was invented by DuPont in 1937 and was the next best thing to Bakelite in jewelry. Its popularity ran from 1940 to 1953, although it is still widely used today. It is lighter than Bakelite and is recyclable! It can be dyed any color, transparent or opaque, and can be carved or inlaid just like Bakelite.

So why am I telling you all of this? I have decided to try my hand at making resin bangles. I ordered the supplies I need and they should be here sometime early next week. Epoxy resin is twice as strong as concrete, seamless, waterproof, and can be dyed any color just like the vintage versions. Now, obviously, vintage bakelite and lucite are second to none...you all know what a huge fan I am of vintage jewelry...but this is something I want to experiment with and am really excited about. You wanted more bracelets, and they are coming soon! In the meantime check out this awesome shop I found on Etsy: Bangin Bangles- they have some amazing stuff!

Also from Bangin Bangles

Don't forget you have less than a week left to enter the

FREE GIVEAWAY for this month!

(Click the button on the sidebar to go straight to that post)

Spotligt: Biscayne Bay Necklace ($58)

2010-01-20T13:43:00.005-07:00

Located in Southern Florida, Biscayne Bay is the body of water between the city of Miami and the Atlantic Ocean. Miami Beach, which lies just across the bay and right on the Atlantic, is home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. All along Ocean Avenue are the most amazing brightly lit and dramatic hotels built between 1923 and 1943. Geometric shapes and symmetry played a definitive role in Art Deco design, which is why I chose this necklace, with its octagonal beads and circular rings, as the perfect example of a modern take on the style.

This is the first necklace in my International Collection! Check it out on Etsy today.

Materials: pink mother of pearl beads, gold plated rings, green aventurine rings, Ching Hai jade octagonal beads

Pickles and the Art Deco District

2010-01-18T07:00:00.001-07:00

I am the very first to admit that my inspiration for things can, at times, stem from very unusual places. I can look at a person, or a plant, or a magazine cover, or even in my fridge and something will spark something else in my head that eventually turns into something spectacular. It's a long line of thoughts...probably more like a web of thoughts (THAT'S why they call it that!)...that if someone were to try to follow they would just end up stuck and SO confused.
PERFECT example: Back in 8th grade, I had this crazy writing final and I was completely stuck on one of the assignments. My teacher had given us at least ten different writing styles that we had to emulate and for some strange reason, my brain train had derailed at RHYME. Really? Rhyme? I spent daaaaaays trying to find inspiration from somewhere, something, anything, to get me going on a sweet rhyme and I was completely and utterly stumped. Then, in a moment of what I like to think of as Divine inspiration, it came to me. I was in the fridge looking for a snack and I saw a giant jar of whole pickles. I love pickles. I used to eat them far too frequently. They're big and sour and dilly...I could go on. I would write a poem-a RHYMING poem-about pickles. Here's the only part that I can remember...it was like a page long and you would've loved it, but this is all I've got:

Pickles

My dad gave me a pickle when I was only three

He thought I would not eat it, but soon I made him see

The only way to wake me up or make me do my chores

Was to bribe me with a pickle from that day forevermore!

Needless to say, the poem was a hit, and the entire class laughed out loud with me when I read it as my personal favorite choice. Last week, I had one of these moments. I was holding a strand of octagonal jade beads, trying to figure out what I was going to make with them. Then I thought about my favorite vacation spot. Next was a certain city I had traveled to while on vacation in my favorite place. Which led to one of my favorite types of architecture. Which led me back to the beads I was holding in my hands. And there you have it. The explanation to what you thought was a very random picture at the beginning of this post. Check back Wednesday to see the final result!

**Remember, you have until the 28th to enter to win the Magnolia and Arlington necklace that is this months giveaway!**

The Gallery and other news...

2010-01-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, as I mentioned in my new year post, one of my goals was to set up a gallery on this site so that anyone who wants to can see everything I've ever made all in one spot. All you have to do is click on "The Gallery" on the sidebar and voila! There you have it. I will update it every time I make something new, so be sure to take a peek. It was actually really fun for me to set up because I liked seeing the progression of things I've made. I feel like I've come a long way this past year.

Also, if you are on facebook, I have figured out the most AMAZING thing this week and I'm so excited about it. I now have an Etsy tab on my page that connects you from facebook right to my Etsy shop AND this blog! It is amazing. Revolutionary. If you have a facebook, I suggest you become a fan and then check it out. If you are a fellow craftyperson with an Etsy shop, I suggest you add this link to your facebook page. It will change your life. Ok, maybe I'm overreacting, but it seriously made my week. I think I'm so excited because I love streamlining...anything that makes my life easier, obviously I'm going to be all about it. So there you have it! That's the news for today.

Don't forget to ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! It's FREE! One entry per person, until the last Friday of the month. Easy. Simple. Do it!

Spotlight: Trophy Life Necklace ($98), Trophy Life Bracelet ($28), Scatter Shine Earrings ($22), Discothèque Necklace ($18)

2010-01-13T09:31:00.014-07:00

I have been BUSY and can't wait to share my newest creations with you! I have 4 things today so here we go....

Over Christmas my husband and I visited his family in California and I had to stop at this crazy antique store in town before we left. The place is huuuuuge, and had a ton of stuff that I would have loved to buy, but I restrained myself (with his help, haha) and ended up going with this amazing Art Deco necklace made of enamel reindeer. It was from the 30's and I just loved how unique and fun it was. Armed with my new find, I set out to discover several items in my collection that would complement it. I found a bracelet I had from the 50's and took apart the links to use it as an accent, the beautiful green fluorite gems that I used in the Beverly Hills necklace, some glass pearls, and gold seed beaded beads. Below is the result. I really feel like I turned a corner with this one! It's different than anything I've done. There are only 4 available, so grab one while you can!

Trophy Life Necklace ($98)

Materials: glass pearls, gold plated chain and findings, green fluorite gems, antique reindeer charm, seed beaded acrylic beads, gold plated w/glass rhinestones vintage bracelet link

Next, we have the Trophy Life bracelet ($28) made up of the same chain from the necklace, tripled and finished with a toggle clasp.

Materials: gold plated chain, findings, and clasp.

You wanted earrings, so you got earrings! May I present, the Scatter Shine earrings ($22), sure to brighten your day through winter and beyond! Perfect for dressing up any outfit, these dangly beauties will bring a smile to your face on even the snowiest of days. (Can you tell I'm over winter?)

Materials: gold plated hoops, gold filled chain, glass crystal beads in "gold"

And finally, for your viewing pleasure, the Discothèque necklace ($18).

Do the Hustle! This necklace is so versatile! It's big and fun

and ready to party!

Materials: faceted acrylic beads, silver plated findings and clasp.

That's it! Hope you enjoyed todays spotlight pieces. They will all be up on Etsy today so be sure to stop by and check them out in detail!

Giveaway: Magnolia and Arlington Necklace ($32)

2010-01-11T07:24:00.004-07:00

It's the first Monday of the month (for me, anyway!) so here is the first giveaway of the year! Check out the original post here to learn about the necklace.

Remember, only one entry per person and you have until the last Friday of the month.

You can always view the Giveaway item by clicking the button on the right.

The necklace is hung on a gold plated chain with three faceted glass crystal teardrops in topaz, aqua, and green. Good luck!

I'll be back on Wednesday to post some amazing new jewelry

for your viewing (and purchasing?) pleasure!

New Year, New Year!

2010-01-06T07:50:00.005-07:00

I love the change that a new year brings. It can be daunting to start over again in certain ways (I was just getting used to writing "09" on everything, for example) but I love the feeling of a fresh start. Resolutions, goals, a newfound conviction for all things exercise...it's great! I have had a lot of time over the past couple of weeks to think about my business and the things I want to happen this year. My last post was for advice from you on how to better cater to my customers, and I am so appreciative of all of the wonderful thoughts you shared with me! I was also able to talk to family and friends about it, and I have a much clearer idea of where I want to go than I did at the end of 2009. This is going to be a great year! Here are some of the things that are changing:

Giveaways:

*I will now be giving one item away per MONTH, rather than weekly.

*Only one entry per person. (I will still need you to add your email with your post so that I can contact you should you win.)

*Also, customers who purchase from the Etsy Store will be automatically entered to win that months' giveaway.

* New giveaways will be posted the first Monday of the month, and will be easily accessible by clicking the "giveaway" button on the right side of my blog.

Jewelry:

*More Lost and Found items.

*More "classics"...simple, timeless, elegant designs that hopefully will cater to everyone, rather than a select few.

*More chunky, funky designs, for those of you who want to be trendsetters and like the bulkier, bigger beads and chains.

*More earrings and bracelets!

Lines:

*I am working on new pieces for 2 new lines that I want to introduce very soon for this spring: a bridal collection, and an International collection.

Gallery:

*I am putting together a full overview of everything that I've ever made. (This was suggested by many people.) When you come to my blog, there's no way to easily see everything that I've created, so that also will change very soon.

With the changes to the giveaway, the schedule for posting will change as well. Here's an idea of how things will be laid out from now on:

1st Monday of the month: Giveaway

Wednesdays: Spotlight

Fridays: News, updates, information

Subsequent Mondays: Reminders to enter Giveaway, inspirations and ideas for jewelry

Last Friday of the month: Giveaway winner announced

I hope that this isn't too confusing! I'm super excited for this new year and everything that is to come!

The winner for the "Change of Pace" giveaway is

Stephanie, #3!

Not only did she give great advice, but she added resources as well, which I can always use!

Thanks so much for participating; the next giveaway will start this coming

Monday, January 11th!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-21T11:08:00.003-07:00

How is it the week of Christmas already? So much has happened in the past few months that the time has flown by faster than ever. I was finally feeling a little more settled into motherhood just in time for my baby to start crawling and talking and eating real food?!? My life has turned into one major adjustment! I'm the kind of person that likes a schedule but I have quickly learned that my schedule revolves around my little guy and my husband. I am learning to roll with the punches. I am learning flexibility. I am slowly learning how to ask for time to myself. And, even more slowly, I am learning how to balance all of the many aspects of my ever-changing life! Husband, baby, spirituality, work, school, errands, chores... the list goes on and on. I'm setting goals and sticking to them, because they're more realistic now than they once were. I am one person and I can only do so much. I HATE admitting that, by the way. Like I said, I'm learning! I have so many ideas and goals for the new year, and I am so excited for the things that are coming my way. Like a little boy who will be crawling, talking, and then walking before I know it! I am so grateful for the support that you have given me this year. Thank you to all of you old friends, new friends, and family members who have supported my vision and passion. Your words of encouragement keep me going on the days that I feel like I'm losing my mind. (and that is often, if you must know!) I am looking forward to the coming year with excitement and determination. I want to grow this little business endeavor into something great and it can only happen with your continued support. Thank you all so much!

I also wanted to come on and thank everyone for their comments last week! I'm going to keep that same post active so keep the advice and thoughts coming and someone will win a free gift to start off the new year. I will be out of town for almost 2 weeks straight, so things are going to be pretty dead around here until then. I hope you all have a great holiday break; I will see you in 2010! TEN? Seriously!?

A change of pace...

2009-12-14T09:44:00.002-07:00

This week instead of a giveaway, I want to do a sort of suggestion box theme. I want to know what you think I should improve, what you'd like to see more of, what you like, dislike, whatever! I want to know what YOU want. I'm thinking about switching things up a bit for the new year, but I want to check with my loyal fans to see what you think about how things have been. PLEASE be honest! I can take it, I promise. Criticism is only going to help me grow this business, so I really want to hear it. If there is a color in particular that you'd like me to design more of, let me know! If you feel like my photography sucks, tell me! (I already know...don't worry) If the history lesson posts bore you to death, give it to me! You guys are always so good at encouragement, and while I LOVE hearing that, and definitely appreciate all of the support, it's not what is going to help me take this to the next level. I want this coming year to be successful, and the only way that is going to happen is with YOUR help.

To sweeten the deal (and to bribe you into participating), the person who I feel gives me the most constructive, useful advice is going to get a holiday present from me as a thank you. Something small, tasteful, sparkly... in a little white box with a peach ribbon. I appreciate your help in advance! I am excited to hear from ALL of you....yes you. This week better have the most comments ever!

THANKS EVERYONE!

The winner is...

2009-12-11T08:57:00.003-07:00

JoEllen, #30!

Thank you everyone for participating! I hope you'll come back next week for another great giveaway! Have a great weekend.

Don't forget to put your orders in for Christmas! I have been working on some custom orders for presents and I can't wait to put them up after the holidays. (Don't want to spoil the surprise.) If you need something done, let me know soon!

Spotlight: Rosey Posey Necklace ($38)

2009-12-09T08:54:00.002-07:00

My sister's middle name is Rose and we have always called her Rosey Posey. She helped me design this necklace, and has the only other one in existence, so I thought naming it after her would be appropriate. The rose charm was actually a vintage clip-on earring and was stamped "Coro". Coro was a jewelry company from the early 1900's until 1970, when it went out of business. Judging by the style of stamp that was on lever-back, and according to the information I have found through research, my guess is that the earrings date back to the 1950's. The rose is simple with a gold tone finish and a clear glass rhinestone in the center. The lever-back has been removed and I have drilled a hole in the top to hang it by. It is hung on two separate chains, one gold plated and the other sterling silver. It is finished with silver plated findings clasp. This is a necklace to complement any outfit and is simple enough that it will never go out of style.

It is available on Etsy now!

Giveaway: Beverly Hills Necklace ($46)

2009-12-07T11:58:00.005-07:00

Beverly Hills is well known as one of the most affluent and extravagant cities in the world. Since the Roaring 20's, the area has been the playground and home of the rich and famous, the shopping mecca of the West (Rodeo Drive), and the heart of Hollywood celebrity culture. The vintage feel of this amazing green fluorite gem inspired me to name this necklace after the city which was marketed in the early days as "between the city and the sea". I think that phrase perfectly describes the color...a bit seafoam, but a bit jade as well. It hangs right at the collarbone and is elegant and stunning all on its own.

Enter up to 3 times, and please leave your email address with your posts so that I can contact you after the drawing. Thanks and good luck!

Also, be sure to check Etsy this week, as I will be adding plenty of new jewelry just in time for Christmas shopping! Thanks!

Materials: gold plated chain, gold plated fancy rings, gold plated clasp, large faceted round green fluorite precious stone

My apologies...

2009-12-04T11:29:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to jump on here really quick to let everyone know that I am so sorry for the lack of posting this week. I have been sick and my little boy is going through teething right now which has made it a heck of a week for all of us. On top of that, I have been having back problems since the birth of my son, so I have been visiting a chiropractor every other day this week trying to get that pain resolved. It finally got to the point that I couldn't move and definitely wasn't going away so I figured I should probably go in. Good old fashioned procrastination....gets the best of me every time. Not a lot of fun this week, and nothing has been getting done around here either, so I apologize. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I will be back on Monday!

The winners are...

2009-11-27T08:46:00.004-07:00

Rebecca, #14, Kati, #6 & Bria, #9!

Congratulations!

Make sure to go to the Etsy shop sometime this weekend to make your purchase and receive your free gift! All you have to do is add one item to your basket and then leave me a message with the other item you would like free. The second item needs to be of equal or lesser value to the first and cannot be in the lost and found collection, unless it's one of the crystal necklaces. If you have any questions, definitely let me know. Thanks to everyone who participated! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and good luck if you're heading out into the shopping madness today. See you next week!

Spotlight: Avalon Earrings ($18)

2009-11-25T07:14:00.004-07:00

I received a special request to make earrings for the Avalon necklace, so here they are. I decided to keep the design simple and used the exact same briolette drops as the earrings. As I have talked about before, I'm usually not a fan of the matchy matchy set, but this one worked for me. There's an exception to everything, I suppose! I hope you like them!

Materials: gold filled ear thread, gold plated fancy ring, cobalt blue glass faceted briolettes

I also added two new necklaces to Etsy yesterday, both in the Lost and Found collection. Be sure to check them out!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Don't forget to comment on this week's giveaway!

Giveaway: Black Friday BOGO

2009-11-23T09:24:00.003-07:00

In honor of Thanksgiving and of course, Black Friday, I am doing a

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

offer for everyone this week! You will still have 3 opportunities to enter just by commenting on this post, only this time, YOU get to decide what you want to win. Not only that, but I'm going to choose 3 people as winners this week. So here's how it will work:

1. Comment up to 3 times on this post, to be entered to win, as usual.

2. On Friday, I will choose 3 people randomly who will receive the buy one, get one free offer.

3. The 3 winners will then go on to Etsy and purchase the item of their choice. On Etsy, there is an option to "send message to seller"; this is where you will let me know which other item you would like to receive as your free gift from me.

That's it! Good luck!

The fine print: 3 winners will be chosen randomly, however, if your name is chosen more than once, I will move on to the next person. The free item must be of equal or lesser value than the item purchased. Free items are not eligible for refunds, but are up for exchange with an item of equal or lesser value. Lost and Found items are available for purchase, but not as free items, due to the fact that they are usually one of a kind creations. (This excludes the crystal necklaces, as long as they are of equal or lesser value to the item purchased.) If you have any other questions, please email me at: byruthparker@gmail.com

The winner is...

2009-11-20T08:00:00.006-07:00

Gina, number 3!

Congrats! Please send me your shipping information so that I can get this sent out to you!

On another note, I've been working with a new material, called beading chain, (which is what I used for the Avalon necklace) and I absolutely love it! It is very fine and delicate, making it perfect for some of the smaller stones and beads I have around here waiting to be used. I made two necklaces yesterday, (one of them is for sale) so I thought I'd share them with you. The first necklace I made for myself, but as always, if you would like something similar (or exactly the same) I take custom orders so just ask!

The second is the new Magnolia and Arlington Necklace ($32) named for an intersection in my hometown. For those of you who don't know much about Riverside, it is the birthplace of the citrus industry, and was also the site of the first golf course and polo field in Southern California. In 1873, Eliza Tibbets received 2 navel orange trees from a friend that came from Bahia, Brazil, and history was made. The trees thrived in Riverside and created an industry which supported the growth of the city for generations. There are still many citrus groves in existence and the California Citrus State Historic Park, located in Riverside, has dedicated 186 acres of its property to citrus fruit growth. Today nearly all of the Washington navel orange trees grown in California are descended from Eliza Tibbets' two original trees from Brazil, one of which still grows at the intersection of Arlington and Magnolia Avenues in Riverside. This simple necklace reminded me of home, and the colors that I grew up with.

It will be available on Etsy today!

Materials: gold plated chain, glass crystal faceted teardrops in topaz, aqua, and green

Spotlight: Avalon Necklace ($32)

2009-11-17T23:24:00.003-07:00

The city of Avalon is located on a small island known as Catalina off the coast of Southern California. Most of the city's architecture dates back to the 1920's, after the island was purchased and developed by William Wrigley Jr., the owner of Wrigley gum. It is an enchanting place, and one that attracts many tourists every year. The ocean surrounding the island is actually very deep and rocky, making the colors a lot darker than what you would normally sea around more shallow, sandy beach islands. A large dance hall was built in 1929 called The Casino, and remains one of the most recognizable buildings on the island today. The Art Deco design and circular layout of the building make it truly unique. It is surrounded by water on three sides, and is 12 stories tall. I love the Art Deco feel of this simple necklace and can definitely imagine a young woman wearing it with her flapper dress for a night out on the town. It is understated yet elegant, making it the perfect piece for a fancy dinner date but still casual enough to dress up your favorite pair of jeans.

Materials: gold plated chain, faceted cobalt glass teardrops, gold plated filigree box clasp

Giveaway: West Hollywood Necklace ($28)

2009-11-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but felt is IN! Everywhere I've looked lately, I've been seeing felt products. Here are a few examples I have come across...bowls, tree ornaments, hats,super-cute coats, and yes, jewelry! This week's giveaway is the

West Hollywood Necklace,

made of wool felted beads. It is the perfect statement necklace for this fall. I don't know if you've heard this yet either, but apparently things that are "green" are really popular right now. Really? Seriously though, I love this necklace. Some of you might think I'm crazy, (and I'm ok with that) but I think the jumbo size and funkiness of this necklace makes it awesome. Remember: you have 3 opportunities to enter, just by commenting on this post! Good luck!

Materials: wool felt beads, gold plated chain, gold plated clasp

The winner is...

2009-11-13T08:00:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to Chelsea, number 11! I hope you love this necklace! If anyone else would like to purchase it, you can find it at my Etsy shop. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a safe Friday the 13th! Spooky...

I'll be back on Monday for the next giveaway item! See you then!

Spotlight: Duchess of Rock ($68)

2009-11-11T14:00:00.005-07:00

One of the challenges in working with vintage and antique materials is that sometimes they aren't as strong and dependable as one might like. I recently bought this amazing amethyst colored brooch and last night, while working it into the necklace I had envisioned, the glass cabochon popped right out! I am in the process of re-setting the glass and once I am finished, it will be better than new. The glue that was holding it on underneath is very old and obviously had just lost it's stick. Better that it happened to me than you, right?! I felt like being brutally honest about this because I want everyone to know that accidents do happen! If ever you purchase a vintage piece (or any piece, for that matter) of mine and it happens to break or fall apart, please know that I would be happy to take it back and make the proper adjustments and/or repairs to make it good as new again. Here are the pictures I took before "the incident". The entire brooch is about 2 inches long by 1 1/2 inches and is in great condition. This is something I could imagine Sharon Osbourne wearing...yes, sometimes I design jewelry for my celebrity friends who have no idea that I exist. Yet.

Materials: steel chain, antique brass hook clasp, large antique brooch with amethyst colored glass and rhinestones.

Giveaway: August Boatwright Necklace ($54)

2009-11-10T08:57:00.005-07:00

This weeks giveaway is another from my "Once Upon a Time" line, which are based on my favorite books. I did a spotlight on "Alice and Wonderland" and my Queen of Hearts necklace a couple of weeks ago, and this week is all about "The Secret Life of Bees". For those of you who have read this book, the necklace should make perfect sense. For those of you who haven't, I definitely suggest reading it (or watching the movie if you're not a book fan) because it is wonderful. My mom and I listened to the book on tape one summer during a family vacation and I have loved it ever since. I have a deep connection to the south; we visit family there almost every year and I always feel at home...whether it's New Orleans, Atlanta, or Tampa Bay. The narrator of the book on tape is a young girl with a southern accent, and she made the book come alive for me. The movie definitely helped in that regard too! (I should be getting paid for this, but I'm not...) Anyway, in the book, Ms. August Boatwright is a strong woman who makes honey for a living to support she and her sisters. She is a beekeeper, hence the bee, and is very successful, so I tried to make something a little more elegant and interesting. The pattern is absolutely random, meaning that every necklace of this type is bound to be just a little bit different from the next. I hope you like it! Don't forget to enter 3 times to win, with the winner being announced on Friday morning. I'll be back tomorrow for the next spotlight piece! This necklace will be up on Etsy today, so it will still be available in the shop if you don't end up winning. Good luck!

Materials: honey colored glass beads, gold plated clasp, gold plated filigree beads and a brass bee charm.

Spotlight: Key to My... Necklace ($38)

2009-11-04T09:13:00.006-07:00

One of the best things about what I'm doing with vintage jewelry is that my friends and family love to help with my cause! My brother and cousin are way into thrift and vintage shopping and have been extremely helpful in finding me very unique and interesting pieces to work with. While on a recent shopping trip, my cousin came across an amazing collection of antique and vintage keys in an antiques shop, and sent them to me. This necklace is made with one of those keys, hung on steel chain, with cream, brown, and pink rose beads as an accent. The key is suspended on the chain without a ring, making it nearly impossible to remove- unless of course, you're ready to give it away. This will be up on Etsy today, so if you want it, don't wait!

Table for SLACKER, party of 1...

2009-11-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have totally sucked at posting this past week, and I'm sorry! Who knew that moving would be such a hassle? We finally have our internet up and running (piggy backing the neighbors could only last so long...sshhh...don't tell anyone) so I can finally get reorganized and post again! I have a spectacular spotlight for tomorrow planned, but unfortunately, since it's so late in the week now, there won't be a giveaway until next Monday. Thank you all for your patience! Don't forget to stop by the Etsy shop to start working on those Christmas presents! There will be more to come very soon. Thanks!

The winner is...

2009-10-30T07:44:00.003-06:00

Renée #19!!

Congratulations on winning this weeks giveaway. Please send me your shipping information and I will get this out to you within the next few days! Unfortunately, this move still has us living out of boxes, so I haven't been able to get my new office set up. By Monday I will have something great for you though! Have a great weekend and

Happy Halloween!!

Moving Day!

2009-10-28T10:40:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone...unfortunately there won't be a spotlight today. We're moving! I have already packed away the camera and cables so there is no way for me to upload pictures of my newest piece, but you will see it soon! Hopefully I'll be settled in enough on Friday that I can get a picture up at the same time as the giveaway winner announcement. Don't forget to enter 3 times to win! I'll be back Friday.

Giveaway: San Francisco ($32)

2009-10-26T07:00:00.002-06:00

Good morning! Today's giveaway item is a new necklace! Here's your back story:

The California Gold Rush in the late 1800's brought many wealthy entrepreneurs to the city and resulted in economic and population growth. The early success of many led them to build in extravagance and as a result, the city is well known for its Victorian architecture today. Reminiscent of that Victorian influence, this necklace's focal point is a solid smokey quartz drop faceted to look like a miniature chandelier. San Francisco is known for its gloomy days and fog that rolls in off the coast, which is why I chose this moody rock as the city's signature piece. The necklace has a simple chain but is hung in a unique way, giving it just enough detail without taking the attention away from this amazing gem.

You know the drill! You have from now until Thursday at midnight (MST) to comment on this post 3 times and be entered into the random drawing to win this necklace! Good luck!

Materials: silver finished chain, silver plated clasp and rings, smokey quartz gemstone drop

Don't forget to check out the new Etsy shop! The link is on the right sidebar >

The winner is...

2009-10-23T07:45:00.005-06:00

Congratulations to

Ashley, #23!!

Please let me know where you'd like your fabulous new pair of earrings sent and I will get them out to you as soon as possible!

In other Ruth Parker News....check out the etsy shop this weekend because we are OPEN! I have started listing a few things and will continue to do so over the weekend so check back often! I am SO excited, and especially grateful to all of you for your support and interest. Be sure to tell your friends, and I will see you back here Monday for the next awesome giveaway item!

Have an AWESOME weekend!

Lost & Found: Ruth Parker Poppies Nouveau ($52)

2009-10-21T09:45:00.007-06:00

It's Wednesday! Today's spotlight is on a new Lost and Found piece that is especially dear to my heart because it is a poppy! (For those of you who don't know, the poppy is California's state flower, which is why my logo has poppies incorporated into it.) So here's your history lesson for the day:

Art Nouveau was a reaction to the "academic art" (Neoclassicism and Romanticism) of the 19th century and the segway into the early modernism of the 20th century. It bridged the gap between its predecessors: the extremely ornate styles and ethereal paintings of years past, and the future: simplistic, clean lines and the attention to detail as in the Arts and Crafts, Art Deco and mid-century modern movements that were to come. There was an emphasis on organic forms; trees, flowers, and other plants, as well as other flowing, curvilinear motifs. I recently found this awesome bracelet from the Art Nouveau era (1890-1905) and decided to make 4 limited edition necklaces out of the charms. They are sterling silver over brass which makes them very lightweight. Because they are so old, the color is beautifully tarnished and on a couple of places, the brass is actually showing through. I love the freeform look of the poppies and thought they were the perfect pieces for a signature Ruth Parker necklace. Who knows, maybe someday we'll make reproductions and this will be the "it" necklace of my brand! For now, there are only 4 available, so grab one while you can!

Materials: Sterling silver plated brass antique poppy charms, Sterling Silver chain, silver plated fancy rings, jumprings, lobster clasp and tab

Giveaway: Pasadena Earrings ($18)

2009-10-19T09:18:00.008-06:00

Pasadena is one of my favorite cities in California because I am a huge fan of the Craftsman era of architecture, and one of the most recognizable houses from that time is in this city. It's called the Gamble House, and it was built by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908. When I started making jewelry, I knew I wanted to pay tribute to California in some way, but I just wasn't sure how I was going to make that work. Sometimes I start with the city and try to find pieces that remind me of it, and other times I see the pieces and they represent the city for me in some way. As soon as I saw the cloisonne beads that make up this earring and necklace set, I knew instantly...they are Pasadena to me. The colors green and pink, the gold filigree bars in the necklace, the roses (for the Tournament of Roses and Rose Parade every year), everything just clicked. Arts and Crafts architecture is heavy on simplicity, but with an air of sophistication. There was an extreme attention paid to detail, not a lot of fluff, clean lines, natural materials, and beautiful stained glass. I tried to exemplify all of that in this set, because we all know I love an updated vintage look!

I know, this was more of a spotlight today, but these are some of my very favorite pieces so I felt like talking about them more than normal! Remember, you have until Thursday at midnight to comment 3 times on this post! Good luck to everyone! (Check out the FAQ's if you are new to this and need more information as to how Giveaways work).

Materials: Gold plated earwire and headpins, cloisonne enamled bead, pink mother of pearl beads

The winner is...

2009-10-16T00:25:00.004-06:00

Amy, number 6!

Congratulations! (Please email me your shipping information so that I can get this sent out to you on Monday!) Thank you all SO much for commenting, I really appreciate everyone's thoughts! I am flying out of town early (too early) tomorrow morning, which is why I'm posting this right after the deadline. (Otherwise, I would be asleep, but packing and cleaning the house has taken a bit longer than expected...I guess it IS expected when you are a procrastinator like me...especially with things I dread, like cleaning and packing!) Anyway, I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend, and we'll see you back here next week!

Spotlight: Queen of Hearts ($32)

2009-10-14T09:45:00.005-06:00

This necklace is a tribute to one of my favorite childhood books/movies, Alice in Wonderland. Each of the charms represents something from the story, with the large baroque-cut crystal in the center representing Alice. There is a rose, a rabbit, a black cat face, and a key, all hanging under a heart accented with a red glass bead. I think it is fun and whimsical, and who doesn't need a little bit of both in their lives these days?

Materials: Antique gold steel chain, glass bead, zinc heart, gold plated filigree rose, mother-of-pearl carved rabbit, German crystal, jet carved cat, zinc key, antique brass clasp.

Giveaway: Crystal Candy Dish ($42)

2009-10-12T14:32:00.010-06:00

Good afternoon! How is it afternoon already? Sorry for the delay in posting...I was finalizing this necklace and working between baby nap times/feedings...it's been a crazy day. I hope everyone likes the finished product. Let me know what you think! Remember, you can enter the drawing 3 times from now until Thursday at midnight. Tell all of your friends! This is number 2/20 of the second design from the crystal lamp necklaces. These are awesome vintage crystals and there are only going to be 20 of each necklace so grab one while you can! Good luck!

Side View

Top View

Materials: silver finished chain, silver plated clasp, rings, pins and caps; glass, chalk turquoise, mother of pearl, dyed jade, and fossil beads; vintage crystal pendant

The winner is...

2009-10-09T08:14:00.004-06:00

Lisa, number 28! Congratulations! You will receive number 2/20 of these limited edition necklaces (I was able to salvage 80 crystals from the original lamp, but there will only be 20 of these necklaces). Please contact me with your shipping information so that I can get this beauty out to you today. Thank you so much to everyone who posted. We are so excited that things are starting to take off around here...it's been a long time coming! I hope everyone will be back next week for another giveaway item. Have a great weekend!

Spotlight: San Juan Capistrano Earrings ($18)

2009-10-07T08:00:00.005-06:00

I'm not a huge fan of matchy matchy earrings/necklace combos, but sometimes you just need a set that compliments the other to finish off an outfit. These are similar to the San Juan Capistrano Necklace ($38) without being exactly the same.

San Juan Capistrano is a city in Southern California famous for its catholic mission which was founded in 1776. A little known fact about the area: it was also the site of the very first vineyard and winery in California.

Materials: gold plated memory wire, glass and turquoise beads, 24k gold plated seed beads.

Giveaway: Icy Blossoms Necklace ($42)

2009-10-04T20:42:00.010-06:00

Welcome back! Is anyone else completely freaked out by the fact that it's October already? Off topic, I know, but definitely what's on my mind at the moment. Anyway, this weeks Giveaway is a brand new necklace that I designed over the weekend and am absolutely in love with. I'm calling it "Icy Blossoms" because I used a vintage crystal from my collection salvaged off of an old lamp, (click here for a link to that post) and a few random flower beads that ended up going together perfectly. I love the simplicity, the daintiness, and the colors! The crystals are stunning and definitely take center stage in this piece. Someone is going to get very lucky with this one! Remember, all you have to do is comment on this post throughout the week (until Thursday at midnight) to be entered to win. The odds are in your favor! Just do it!

Materials: distressed silver finished chain, silver plated clasp, vintage crystal pendant, hand distressed silver plated rose charm, glass and acrylic beads.

This silver plated rose charm was bright silver, but I wanted it to look more antiqued so I hand distressed it to give it this awesome finish. LOVE the finished product!

The winner is...

2009-10-02T08:46:00.002-06:00

Number 2!! Congratulations to Meghan, the winner of our first-ever giveaway drawing! I used Random.org's random number generator which was so easy and fast! Please email me the address of where you'd like them sent and I will get the earrings out to you as soon as possible. Happy Friday to everyone, I will see you next week! I leave you with this quote to ponder...

Let us not be too particular. It is better to have old second-hand diamonds than none at all. ~Mark Twain

Spotlight: Love Haight Bracelet ($22)

2009-09-30T08:49:00.010-06:00

Haight-Ashbury is an intersection in San Francisco in an area famous for the hippie movement of the 60's. I love the colors of this bracelet and they feel very "hippie chic" to me so that's why the name. The bracelet wraps around as one piece and is very comfortable and sturdy.

This bracelet is made with gold plated memory wire, glass, aventurine, quartz and red marble beads.

I have had a few questions about how to order things, and at this point, all you have to do is click on the "Email Me" button, and call or send me an email with the items you want. I take payment through PayPal and am working on getting the process streamlined a little better so that it's easier to purchase. I am still debating over whether or not I want to set up shop with Etsy, but I will keep everyone posted on that. Don't forget to keep entering the giveaway for the week! You have today and tomorrow left!

Giveaway: Manzanita Earrings ($12)

2009-09-28T07:38:00.011-06:00

This week for our first ever free giveaway I'm posting the "Manzanita Earrings" (normally a $12 value) pictured below. All you have to do is comment on this blog post to win. You have the whole week to comment (until Thursday at midnight), with a maximum of 3 entries per person. On Friday I will randomly draw one person to win! It's THAT easy! Every week will be a different giveaway, so keep checking back for your chance to win!

(Open to US residents only, standard mail delivery)

These earrings are about 2" long and made with antiqued brass components and glass beads.

Lost & Found: Cheery Cherry Bracelet ($48)

2009-09-25T09:05:00.006-06:00

So today would have been the day I announced the winner of the weekly giveaway, but since I haven't posted any new jewelry this week, I thought I'd add my new favorite Lost & Found piece, the "Cheery Cherry Bracelet" ($48). The flower is a vintage brooch (obviously with some wear, which is one of the reasons why I love it!) with red glass beads and a gold plated clasp to finish it off. I used beading thread instead of wire to wrap the brooch around the beads for comfort and to avoid scratching the piece any more than it already is. It is going to be very hard for me to part with this one, because I absolutely love the way it turned out. If you are interested, let me know, because this is truly one of a kind and probably won't last long!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I will be back Monday to start off the week with our first FREE giveaway! Make sure to tell your friends!

Here's the deal...

2009-09-23T09:17:00.002-06:00

Things are going to be different now. I'm going to start posting 3 days a week; Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Mondays I will be announcing the weekly "giveaway" of my choosing, and anyone that comments throughout the week will be entered to win. (More details this coming Monday) Wednesdays I will be spotlighting my new favorite piece, or talking about whatever I want to talk about! Then Fridays I will announce the winner of the drawing and give any updates on the happenings of Ruth Parker Jewelry. I'm excited! I have a lot of work to do this week so I will see you Friday!

FYI: I'm still alive...

2009-09-21T11:38:00.001-06:00

Hello? Anyone out there? In case you were wondering, I'm still here, and ready to get down to business. My blog is currently under construction as you may have noticed, but I will be up and running again soon. I am so excited to share my new ideas and get back to work with Ruth Parker! Let me know what you think of the new space and thanks to LaDitta Design for the amazing work!

Santa Monica ($58)

2009-05-01T10:50:00.005-06:00

It's flashy, chic, sophisticated and modern. The rings remind me of bubbles, which could be why I named it after a beach city (either that or it reminds me of the ferris wheel on the pier). This necklace will be your favorite statement. Meet Santa Monica.

This necklace is made of horn rings, gold plated rings and gold plated chain.

I did a two for one deal today, considering I slacked off big time with blogging this week! Thanks!

West Hollywood ($28)

2009-05-01T09:52:00.004-06:00

West Hollywood is an urban, trendy corner of LA where diversity and creativity are embraced. I couldn't think of a better name for a necklace made out of fuzzy felt spheres. It's funky flavor would definitely fit in on even the hippest of WeHo streets. (*UPDATE* the new design of this has only one large ball in the center instead of 3...but I still have 2 available of this version.)

Santa Rosa ($38)

2009-04-21T10:51:00.005-06:00

This necklace is made of glass beads and a real rose that has been dipped in epoxy to preserve it forever. I'm enjoying the first week of spring we have had here, so I thought it was appropriate! I will be busy with finals for the rest of the week so this is going to be my only post. Have a great one!

Solvang ($48) Updated

2009-04-14T10:52:00.004-06:00

Solvang is a little town in Santa Barbara county, CA that was settled by Danish teachers. The city itself has a definite Danish influence- windmills included! I thought this blue and white necklace would be a perfect tribute. It is made with glass flower beads, glass pearls, gold plated roses, and an extendable gold plated chain that allows you to wear it at whatever length you like best.

Pasadena ($42)

2009-04-07T16:12:00.005-06:00

Jade cabochon, cloisonne beads, gold plated filigree and a gold plated chain. Inspired by the Rose Parade and the Craftsman architecture of the city of Pasadena, this necklace is a modern take on your grandma's Tiffany lamp. Wait till you see the earrings!

San Juan Capistrano ($38)

2009-04-02T10:34:00.003-06:00

Here's one of the necklaces from my line, made with glass beads, 24k gold plated seed beads, gold plated chain, a gold plated pendant and a turquoise cabochon in the center. It's a little flashy, a little Spanish and a lot of fun!

Lost & Found: Palm Springs (Sold, new designs coming soon!)

2009-03-05T16:20:00.002-07:00

So, remember the vintage crystal lamp? Well, I finally made my first necklace using the crystals off of it (you can find the finished product below) and I'm excited about the result. I've decided to name this one "Palm Springs" in honor of the palm lamp they were hanging on, and because Palm Springs is definitely a diamond-in-the-rough kind of place. If you haven't picked up on it by now, my jewelry is all named after cities in California-the land that I love! The "Lost & Found" section of my website is going to be dedicated to the vintage, one of a kind pieces that I love to make, like this and the purple necklace. This version of Palm Springs is for sale ($48) and is constructed with steel chain, glass pearls, vintage glass crystals and an 'S' hook clasp. There will be more designs to come in this line, but let me know what you think of this one. Seriously...no one posts comments on here and I want some!

Lost & Found: Purple Passion

2009-02-25T09:23:00.002-07:00

So I mentioned that I love recreating vintage jewelry? Here's my latest...I'm in love with it so I thought I'd share. This is a brooch of my mother-in-laws (I believe she bought it in the 60's) that she so graciously donated to my cause. I don't want to start family drama or anything, but I am seriously keeping this. No, really. You might have to fight me for it if you think otherwise. Ok, settled? Awesome. If you love this as much as I do, I have a couple of other brooches that would work in this same design; just let me know!

And, I can't take all of the credit. Thanks to my sister for helping me work out the kinks and for modeling!

Email

2009-02-18T09:48:00.003-07:00

Lyndsey's Wedding

2009-02-06T13:58:00.004-07:00

This is from my sister Lyndsey's wedding over Thanksgiving. I used glass pearls and in her necklace, found a vintage crystal brooch piece by Tiffany's that I was able to incorporate. I twisted two separate strands of different sized pearls to give it more interest. I think it turned out really well! For the bridesmaids, (as you can kind of see on me) I used much larger glass pearls, with amethyst cabochons set on posts for the earrings.

"Redlands" Necklace ($148) and Earrings ($18)

All photos courtesy of Suzy O Photography.

Just the FAQ's...

2009-01-30T11:03:00.010-07:00

Who is Ruth Parker?

This is a very common question considering my name is Lauren, not Ruth Parker. Our company started when my husband, Rhett, and I made the jewelry for our wedding. It was something I really enjoyed doing, and after the response that we got from friends and family, I decided it was something I wanted to pursue. Ruth Parker started because we got married, so I thought it appropriate to use both of our middle names as the company name. (Ruth Parker sounded a lot better to me than my name, even though it’s more confusing this way!) It is a collaboration of both of us (my creative side and his technical side), which is why it works.

Who is Lauren?

I am the owner and creator of Ruth Parker Jewelry, a wife and mother to one brand new baby boy, a fashion enthusiast, a trained and schooled Interior Designer, an architecture maven, an outdoor adventuress, a sports fan, a history buff, a color specialist, a culinary student, a tom-boy, and a girly girl all rolled into one. Making jewelry is my way of expressing myself and creating something completely unique because one of my biggest pet peeves is that I hate wearing the same thing as someone else!

What do you specialize in?

Ruth Parker Jewelry specializes in one-of-a-kind vintage recreations, wedding and formal jewelry, and limited edition jewelry. We rarely make more than 10 of the same thing, which means all of our selections are extremely individual. When purchasing our vintage pieces, please keep in mind that these are one-of-a-kind finds and therefore may contain small "flaws" or signs of wear. The items we work with, especially in the “Lost & Found” (vintage) collection, are rarely going to be perfect but that’s why we love them!

Why are some of the pieces named after California cities?

Rhett and I were both born and raised in California but no longer live there. I decided to do it as a way to pay tribute to my roots, because there are so many things I love about the place!

How do I place an order?

1. Please visit our shop on Etsy: ByRuthParker.etsy.com

2. Once on Etsy, you simply fill your cart, pay by credit card through PayPal, and that’s it!

3. Once I have received payment from you, I will ship your order by priority mail to the shipping address you have specified.

How do Giveaways work?

All you have to do is comment one time on the giveaway post before midnight on Thursday of the last week of the month. Giveaways start the first Monday of the month and the winner is announced the last Friday of that month. If commenting anonymously, please leave an email with the comment so that I can contact you should you win. At this time, giveaways are only open to US residents, 13 years or older. Items are shipped at the expense of Ruth Parker Jewelry, USPS priority mail to the address specified by the winner. Most items are shipped the following Monday, unless specified by me. Giveaway items are not eligible for exchange or return. If you are not interested in winning the piece, please do not comment.

What are your shipping policies?

Ruth Parker Jewelry ships priority mail (domestic and international) through the United States Postal Service. The customer pays all shipping costs, except in the case of Giveaways, which are shipped priority through the USPS to US residents only at our cost. We will not ship your order until payment has been received from you. US residents are charged a flat $6 shipping fee per order, international customers are charged $12. Your purchase is gift wrapped in a white box with ribbon and carefully packaged when shipped. For multiple items I try to save boxes, unless specified by the customer beforehand. If you are purchasing something as a gift, please let me know and I will package everything separately.

Do you accept international orders?

Yes, anyone can purchase through our shop on Etsy.

Do you accept custom orders?

We absolutely encourage custom designs. Please contact us with whatever your heart desires and we will do our best to make it happen for you. Whether you're looking for that one-of-a-kind wedding piece or a statement you can wear every day, we are here to help!

When will I receive my jewelry?

You will receive it within the time frame of priority mail, which is 2-3 days for domestic and 6-10 days for international. For custom designs, please allow a 3-week lead-time per piece of jewelry. (Earrings are considered one piece) This does not include the shipping time, which will add a few days depending on where you are located. If, for whatever reason, you need something shipped faster than the time frames given here, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate, within reason.

What is your return policy?

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the jewelry made, please let us know. We want you to be extremely satisfied with our finished product and will do our best to make sure that happens. In the event that you do need an item returned, we will be glad to take it back within 7 days of receipt of your package. Please keep in mind that these are handmade and/or vintage one-of-a-kind pieces and therefore may contain small "flaws" or signs of wear. The items we work with, especially in the “Lost & Found” collection, are rarely going to be perfect but that’s why we love them!

- We offer full refunds, an exchange, or store credit for the retail price of the item. Custom orders and sale items cannot be returned.

- Please also note that shipping costs incurred are non-refundable for purchases and returns and are your responsibility. All of our orders are carefully addressed and packaged when shipped to our customers. In the event that your package arrives damaged or is lost, please contact your local postal service to address the issue. Ruth Parker Jewelry cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged items once they have been shipped out.

Why should I add myself to your mailing list?

We use our mailing list to let you know when we are having sales and/or promotions, and to announce new items that become available. It is the best way for us to keep you “in the loop” on the happenings at Ruth Parker. Please email us at: byruthparker@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the mailing list. Which leads us to…

What is your privacy policy?

Ruth Parker respects each individual's right to personal privacy. Personally identifiable information is only collected when you provide it to us and only then is used for the purpose it was provided for (answering an email inquiry, sending you our newsletter or processing your order, for example). This information will remain confidential and is never shared with third parties without your permission unless required by law. Payments are processed by PayPal which provides an easy and safe way to purchase products online. Please visit PayPal’s website if you would like more information.

Crystal Lamp

2009-01-15T21:49:00.001-07:00

So, one of my very favorite things to do is find old, unique pieces of jewelry and recreate them into something amazingly current. However, sometimes I surprise myself by finding old, unique things that you might not normally think could become jewelry and then they do! Perfect example...I recently found this awesome lamp dripping with dusty, dingy vintage crystals and decided I had to have it! After some thorough cleaning, the crystals, although still showing signs of wear (scratches on the back, a few have chips in places) look bright and clear, with amazing colors! I cannot wait to turn these into something fantastically unique and beautiful. I have decided to name my vintage recreations the "Lost and Found Collection" because everything I'm working with is finding new life...I'm thinking of it as my way of chic recycling.

Gallery

2009-01-01T11:27:00.007-07:00

The Rancho Palos Verdes Necklace

The Madrid Necklace

(The first of a few) Vintage Italian Mosaic Necklace

Custom work: Antique locket, Swarovski crystals, gold filled chain

A vintage African necklace of my mother-in-laws that I reconstructed

Martha, light pink

Martha, plum

Custom work; vintage PanAm hat pin, airplane charm, glass beads

Ice Castles Necklace

Crown of Violets Necklace

Drama Queen Necklace

Red Layered Necklace (Personal)

Vintage Trifari Magnolia Posts (Personal)

Candy Dish Earrings

Key to My....Necklace #3

Biscayne Bay Necklace

Trophy Life Bracelet

Trophy Life Necklace

Scatter Shine Earrings

Custom Work: Christmas present using vintage bracelet and necklace charms

Rancho Mirage Necklace

Beverly Hills Necklace

Love Haight Necklace

Key to My...Necklace #2

Avalon Earrings

Fiesta Rosa Necklace

Rosey Posey Necklace

Magnolia and Arlington Necklace

Duchess of Rock Necklace

August Boatwright Necklace

Key to My...Necklace #1

Poppies Nouveau Necklace

Pasadena Earrings

Crystal Candy Dish Necklace

Icy Blossoms Necklace

Love Haight Bracelet

Pasadena Necklace

San Juan Capistrano Earrings

San Francisco Necklace

Santa Rosa Necklace

San Juan Capistrano Necklace

Solvang Necklace

Personal Work

Manzanita Earrings

Cheery Cherry Bracelet

Santa Monica Necklace

Personal Work

Palm Springs Necklace

Purple Passion Necklace

Lyndsey's Wedding, Redlands Earrings and Necklace

Ruth Parker Jewelry

The winner is...

Spotlight: Daisy Chain Dangles ($38)

Giveaway: Sunset Mini Necklace ($22)

The winner is...

New blog design coming soon!

Giveaway: Pink Lemonade

Spotlight: Pink Lemonade, Greek Goddess, & Those are not acorns

Scheduling...

Sunny Inquisition ($26) and Indigo and Lace ($42) Earrings

Hiatus

Winner!

Spotlight: Madrid Necklace ($58)

Spotlight: Rancho Palos Verdes Necklace ($42)

Giveaway: Cleopatra Earrings ($12)

The winner is...

Spotlight: Italian Mosaic Necklace, ME!

Another Feature!

Spotlight: Ice Castles Necklace ($78)

Valentines Day seems like the perfect time...

New Necklaces!

The SALE continues...

Spotlight: Cleopatra Earrings ($12)

Giveaway: Pasadena Necklace ($31.50)

Christina is the winner!

Spotlight: Candy Dish Earrings ($24)

Big News!

Bangles, Cuffs, Baubles...BRACELETS!

Spotligt: Biscayne Bay Necklace ($58)

Pickles and the Art Deco District

The Gallery and other news...

Spotlight: Trophy Life Necklace ($98), Trophy Life Bracelet ($28), Scatter Shine Earrings ($22), Discothèque Necklace ($18)

Giveaway: Magnolia and Arlington Necklace ($32)

New Year, New Year!

Merry Christmas!

A change of pace...

The winner is...

Spotlight: Rosey Posey Necklace ($38)

Giveaway: Beverly Hills Necklace ($46)

My apologies...

The winners are...

Spotlight: Avalon Earrings ($18)

Giveaway: Black Friday BOGO

The winner is...

Spotlight: Avalon Necklace ($32)

Giveaway: West Hollywood Necklace ($28)

The winner is...

Spotlight: Duchess of Rock ($68)

Giveaway: August Boatwright Necklace ($54)

Spotlight: Key to My... Necklace ($38)

Table for SLACKER, party of 1...

The winner is...

Moving Day!

Giveaway: San Francisco ($32)

The winner is...

Lost & Found: Ruth Parker Poppies Nouveau ($52)

Giveaway: Pasadena Earrings ($18)

The winner is...

Spotlight: Queen of Hearts ($32)

Giveaway: Crystal Candy Dish ($42)

The winner is...

Spotlight: San Juan Capistrano Earrings ($18)

Giveaway: Icy Blossoms Necklace ($42)

The winner is...

Spotlight: Love Haight Bracelet ($22)

Giveaway: Manzanita Earrings ($12)

Lost & Found: Cheery Cherry Bracelet ($48)

Here's the deal...

FYI: I'm still alive...

Santa Monica ($58)

West Hollywood ($28)

Santa Rosa ($38)

Solvang ($48) *Updated*

Pasadena ($42)

San Juan Capistrano ($38)

Lost & Found: Palm Springs (Sold, new designs coming soon!)

Lost & Found: Purple Passion

Email

Lyndsey's Wedding

Just the FAQ's...

Solvang ($48) Updated