Meet our Guest Blogger Emmalyn Reid. Emmalyn Reid is a passionate journalist and experienced television personality dedicated to sharing the stories of our local communities. I am excited to share her take on our Box with You!

Want to see the full video of the unboxing? Here’s the video below!

The subscription box game has changed so much over the years, you can get nearly anything mailed monthly. From gardening seeds to really good scotch or even hygiene products, there’s no lack of possibilities. So when I first learned one of my favorite small businesses, S Design, was getting into the subscription box game, I was beyond excited and so ready to see what she’d have in store!

When I first talked to Tricia, founder of S Design Jewelry in Framingham, her warm and energetic presence was contagious as she shared with me her passion for matching meaningful pieces to each individual customer. Furthermore, I was touched by her story of how S Design Jewelry all began. “I became a mother late in life, feeling blessed and connected. Sharing the gift of love and connection through jewelry design fills my heart, and allows me to be a full-time mother to my daughter Savannah, the   namesake of the brand.”                                                                                         

Once I received my first box, I was instantly in love with the brand’s whole vibe! If you’re drawn to the healing powers of stones, love supporting small businesses made in the USA or even if you’re just looking to up your jewelry game, those are just three of many reasons why this box might be for you. But enough talk: let’s see what’s inside!

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS MONTH’S S DESIGN SUBSCRIPTION BOX

The first thing you’ll notice when you receive any order placed with S Design is the packaging. Yep-Tricia designs all of her own boxes, too. This month’s trove of treasures came in a beautiful keepsake box tied gracefully with a bow that looks so pretty you almost don’t even want to untie it! It’s one of those things where you just know it’s never going to look that perfectly done again, but is timelessly elegant and makes for a great first impression.

Once I opened up my box, the first thing I saw was a beautiful picture of Tricia and her daughter Savannah on a postcard that tells the story of how S Design Jewelry all began. This is an important personal touch: not only because if you are giving it as a gift they are able to get some background on the brand, but it’s also a reminder that you’re supporting a small business that is grateful for each and every sale. Underneath the postcard was a second personal touch: a thoughtful, handwritten note letting me know the inspiration behind this month’s theme: intention & protection.

Arranged neatly underneath the welcoming notes, my goodies were waiting! The first piece I picked up was in a neatly tied burlap sack. That’s another thing to note about these boxes – the individual packaging for each piece will be something reusable that you can use to either keep your gems safe in or find a creative way to use around your home! Inside the bag, I gently lifted out a pair of sterling silver & onyx ear wires. The second I pulled them out, an outfit popped into my head of how I could style them and I got SO excited! Little did I know, these beauties would pair perfectly with the next piece in the box: a lucky horseshoe bracelet that arrived just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. (Note: This post is a few days after my initial unboxing.) The sleek sterling silver bracelet with onyx beading and a lucky horseshoe charm had three words printed on its presentation card: lucky, spirited, optimism. The bracelet is intended to be a literal good luck charm!

Why did Tricia choose onyx, and what does it represent? Well, if you remember the opening card, she had let me know this box would be focused on intention & protection. Onyx is known for its healing properties of pulling out your intention, and as Tricia has so gracefully described it to me in the past the goal is to, as you put on your onyx pieces, set your own intentions for the day.

Neatly nestled in the top left corner of the box was another set of surprises that arrived in a small black box also tied with a pretty little bow. Inside, two bracelets had been thoughtfully arranged just for me: the first was a beaded bracelet with the words TRUTH on it. As a reporter, for me this was so incredibly meaningful: every day, I am honored to tell the stories of others, to speak up for those without a voice, and use my natural curiosity for good to relentlessly search for the truth. It was a sweet reminder that what I do has meaning, and I was touched by Tricia’s ability to somehow know exactly what bracelet would speak to my soul.

Underneath my truth bracelet was the second piece to the puzzle from the note she’d transcribed: a beaded turquoise bracelet that brought me all the seaside vibes while representing-you guessed it- protection! Extra protection is something we all could use an unlimited supply of in our lives right now, not only with COVID going around but from all the emotions coming to the surface as we face the one year anniversary of the pandemic.

THE COVID STRONG INITIATIVE

Speaking of which, here’s how Tricia is continuing to give back to those *still* fighting on the front lines of this thing!

Originally, I had interviewed Tricia to discuss a campaign she’d launched to give back to healthcare heroes at the start of the pandemic called Covid Strong. Each hematite bracelet in the design represented one of four pillars of strength: community, resilience, courage, and compassion. With each sale, a second bracelet was donated to a worker of your choosing in your community. “We have used hematite in this design for its healing qualities,” she explains in a description on her website. “Hematite helps to absorb negative energy and calms in times of stress or worry. Widely coveted as a protective stone by stabilizing one’s energy with its grounding force, it transforms negative energy into positive vibrations and fostering hope in the wearer.” If you’d like to learn more about the Covid Strong initiative, check out her website here: https://www.sdesignjewelry.com/collections/covid19strong

 by Guest Blogger Emmalyn Reid 

Learn more about Emmalyn: https://emmalynreid.com/category/charity-blog/

Why is Birthstone Jewelry So Popular? 

Birthstones are believed to be a lucky charm for individuals. They are also believed to bring protection, good health, and a good omen. This is why people tend to wear birthstone jewelry often. For a lot of people today, birthstones are also a symbol of their uniqueness. So if they’re going to bring you good vibes and symbolize a part of who you are as an individual, it makes sense why people love to wear birthstone jewelry all the time! 

Birthstone jewelry may also be important to people who received them from older generations in their family. While it might not be their specific birthstone, wearing that piece of jewelry symbolizes the love they have for the individual who passed it down to them. 

Each birthstone has its own story which is just another reason why we at S Design Jewelry love them so much. To us, jewelry is more than just a pretty necklace, bracelet, or ring that you wear every day. Jewelry brings meaning, love, strength, and so much more. Jewelry is powerful! In this post, we’re going to go through each birthstone and explain their individual power and what makes them so special as well as give you a look at some of the awesome handmade birthstone jewelry that we have! 

Garnet Birthstone – January Adventure | Motivation 

A person born in January has a Garnet birthstone. This stone is a deep red crystal. Garnet signifies harmony and peace and wards off evil and negative energies. It is also known to heal wounds and purify the blood. There is also the notion that while wearing garnet you will receive tons of goodwill. Wear your Garnet stone jewelry to keep you grounded throughout every journey you embark on in life! 

Amethyst Birthstone - February Intuition | Courage 

The Amethyst birthstone is a beautiful purple/indigo color. This stone is known to give the power of protection and can help overcome trouble. Amethyst is also known to strengthen love and relationships as well as bring mental and emotional peace to the wearer. It is a natural hormone balancer and helps bring stability and relaxation. 

Necklace | February | Amethyst	Stone Bar Necklace | Amethyst
Bracelet | February | Amethyst	Wrap | Stone | Necklace-Bracelet | Amethyst

Aquamarine Birthstone – March Peace | Serenity

The Aquamarine stone is the color blue and was believed to protect sailors from all the dangers during their journeys. This birthstone brings optimism and admiration. It is also known to be a great charm for pregnant women as it guards and protects both the baby and the mother. Wear an Aquamarine stone to bring serenity to your days. 

Bracelet | March – Aquamarine                        Earring | March - Aquamarine

Diamond Birthstone - April Spirituality | Inspiration

People born in April have the beautiful Diamond birthstone. A Diamond is a symbol of pureness and bravery. Diamonds bring good health and strength to the wearer. They also help strengthen the brain, build up stamina, and treat all types of allergies. Wear this stone and allow it to inspire you throughout your days.

Emerald Birthstone – May Wisdom | Patience

Emerald is a gorgeous green stone that symbolizes affection, intelligence, and serenity. This stone helps cure and strengthen the heart and lungs. It is also said to transform negative energy into positive energy. While wearing the Emerald stone always remember to have patience, not only for others but for yourself also. 

Birthstone | Bracelet | May - Emerald	Birthstone | Earring | May - Emerald - Wisdom
Birthstone | Necklace | May - Emerald	Earring | Sparkles | Emerald

Pearl and Light Amethyst Birthstone - June Intuition | Compassion

Pearls & Light Amethyst are the birthstones for those born in June. Pearls symbolize chastity and restraint. They are known to calm a racing mind and also control aggression. A Pearl also helps the wearer sleep well, have good dreams, and be successful in creative work. Light Amethyst is known to strengthen relationships and give its wearer both compassion and courage throughout their days. 

Ruby Birthstone - July Passionate

The Ruby birthstone is a rich red color. Ruby symbolizes peace and tranquility. It is known as the “King of Gems” and will always protect the wearer from all evil. Its rich red color indicates desire, fondness, power, and a whole lot of passion. 

Peridot Birthstone – August Balance | Strength

The Peridot birthstone is a fine-looking light green stone. S Design uses a fine Olivine Crystal in its Necklace, Bracelet and Drop Earring designs as “Peridot” is a color derived from the root olivine gemstone. This stone is unique as it’s known to regular one’s cycle of life emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It helps the wearer develop self-confidence and stimulates the overall growth of a person. Peridot is also known to help sharpen memory. 

Sapphire Birthstone - September Wisdom | Positivity

This elegant birthstone is a beautiful Sapphire blue and is known to be very lucky for people born in September. This stone guards against evil and is also believed to treat all blood disorders and strengthen veins and nerves. It represents pride, pureness, and insight. Radiate with positivity whenever you wear this birthstone! 

Rose Quartz & Pearl Opal Birthstone - October Confidence | Enlightenment

The word Opal is derived from a Latin word meaning “precious stone.” Similar to a few other stones, this stone will protect the wearer from evil, inspiring confidence and enlightenment. It has healing properties and helps attract all positive energy. S Design also uses Rose Crystal to emulate the color of Pink Tourmaline typically associated with the Birthstone Color of October. Rose Crystal is the stone of universal love. It restores harmony and trust as well as purifies and opens our hearts.

Topaz & Citrine Birthstone - November Mindful | Intellectual

Individuals born in November have the Topaz birthstone. Many cultures also use the Citrine Crystal to emulate a more feminine tone of this birthstone color. Topaz and Citrine bring joy, good health, and luck to the wearer. They are also known to help stabilize emotions and provide relief from negative energies. Wear these beautiful stones to encourage confidence and self-realization as well as attract love and healing properties. 

Blue Topaz Birthstone - December Intention | Mindfulness

For the people born in December, the Blue Topaz stone is known for its purification properties. It aids kindness, understanding, and the recognition of beauty. It also helps heal the body and strengthens the immune system. Blue Topaz also helps relax the mind and body while getting rid of negativity. 

Shop Birthstone Jewelry with S Design Jewelry 

Now that you’ve read all the wonderful information and effects the birthstones have on the mind and body, are you ready to shop for them?! Shop our online store to find beautiful handmade birthstone necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more! If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email at sales@sdesignjewelry.com or fill out a contact form on our website.

When’s the last time you cleaned your jewelry? Whether it’s your everyday jewelry or unique pieces you wear on special occasions, it’s likely that they’re ready for a little polish. Soaps, lotions, and everyday dust and dirt are just some of the things that can build up and cause your stones, bands, and chains to lose their beautiful shine. 

Most people don’t notice their jewelry needs cleaning until it’s time to put them on. Luckily, there are many ways to easily clean your jewelry with supplies you have right at home! The S Design Jewelry experts have put together some tips so you can get your jewelry buffed and shining in no time. 

How to Clean Silver Jewelry

If you don’t have silver jewelry polish on hand, don’t worry. You can go about cleaning silver jewelry by simply using dish soap or baking soda! Keep in mind that when cleaning silver jewelry it’s important to not scrub too hard. Scrubbing too hard may result in wearing away the finish. 

Using Dish Soap

If you choose to use dish soap, mix a few drops with warm water. Use a soft cloth and rub the piece of jewelry to remove the tarnish. From there, rinse the jewelry with cool water and buff it dry with another dry soft cloth. 

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is useful when there’s a decent amount of tarnish on your piece of jewelry. Mix together 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste-like substance. Apply the substance to the jewelry with a soft cloth and get it all into the crevices. Use the cloth to pick out the tarnish as the baking soda works to lift the tarnish out of the jewelry crevices. Then once again, rinse with cool water and buff it dry. 

How to Clean Gold Jewelry 

When cleaning gold jewelry, you can also use dish soap. However, with gold jewelry, you want to let them sit in the solution. Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water. Let the jewelry soak in the solution for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, take them out of the solution and lay them on a cloth. From there you can take another cloth to simply wipe away all the dirt that came out of the jewelry and then rinse the pieces completely. 

How to Clean Gemstones

Have your gemstones lost their sparkle and become dull? We have the perfect solution. Use the same instructions for gemstones that we used for gold jewelry above. However, this time instead of mixing the dish soap with regular water, mix it with seltzer water. The carbonation in the seltzer water will help loosen the debris that is trapped in and around the gemstone. Once you rinse the piece of jewelry your gemstone will be shining and looking brand new again! 

Favorites from S Design Jewelry 

We have a handful of Sterling Silver Single Stone necklaces that are some of our favorites. With a silver chain and multiple colors to choose from for your stone, this is a perfect piece of jewelry for both everyday wear or if you’re getting ready for a night out! 

Earring | S Loop | Rose Quartz	Bella Soft Bangle | Bracelet | 14K Rose Gold, Pave CZ
Bella Chain | Earring | 14K Rose Gold	Bella Necklace | 14K Rose Gold, Channel CZ
Heart Cut Out | Little Layer Necklace | Silver	Ciaobella Rose Bracelet | Rose Quartz - Love

Shop S Design Jewelry 

While the pieces of jewelry we showed you in this post are some of our favorites, we certainly have many more favorites and amazing pieces of jewelry. Take a look through the rest of our website to see all the beautiful pieces we have to offer. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions regarding our jewelry or cleaning your jewelry! You can send us an email at Sales@sdesignjewelry.com or fill out a contact form! 

Check out our product care guide as well!