Monday, July 31, 2017

Real talk about being a "mom boss" with Pinhole Press


Hey hey! Pinhole Press (@pinholepress) asked me to write a little (unpaid!) piece about being a mom + entrepreneur and it's live today. It's a short read, with a few shout outs and some real-talk. There are a few shout outs - @marlaaaron @jewelsbygrace @margaretcross @graydaystudio @metiersf - and some real talk. THANK YOU to all of you who are sticking around to support my work through the child-rearing years. You know who you are. And thank you to Pinhole Press for finding me. I've been ordering from them since Severen was born, and now I use a few of their products for my business, too. Love 'em.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

TRUNK SHOW THIS SATURDAY


ANN ARBOR TRUNK SHOW ✨Dear Golden is hosting Jean Jean for a day-long trunk show this Saturday, June 24th. I will set up with the full Cachet and ES FUI collections, piles of vintage and antique accessories (including lots you have never seen before), and most of my gemstone rings. ✨If you are local and are considering an engagement ring in the shop, this is a GREAT opportunity to see your favorites in person. If you plan to stop by to try on diamonds, kindly contact me in advance so that I can be sure to bring your top picks and their appraisals for your review 💍 Also, if you have antique jewelry that you want to know more about, bring it in and we can look at it together when there is down time 🔍 Psst. There MAY be rosé after 5 PM (wink wink).

Friday, June 2, 2017

JUNE WEEKEND SALE


WEEKEND SALE! Take 15% off the entire shop through Monday. Your checkout code is:

     JUNESALE15 🏷

Jean Jean will donate 15% of sales this weekend to the National Resource Defense Council, an organization of environmental crusaders who use advocacy, litigation, and research to fight for the good of us all.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Mother's Day Is Coming!


Mother's Day is coming up soon, my friends. I know, because I look forward alllll year to getting crèpes and coffee in bed! If you are looking for a little something to gift this year, we have the Cachet Collection is ready-to-ship in over a dozen designs. Personally, I think that Cachet no. 4 would be a perfect choice for the courageous, unflappable, even-keeled Mama in your life. The image of a cliff weathering a tempestuous storm is an apt symbol for the role of motherhood, non?!

Monday, September 12, 2016

Jean Jean CACHET COLLECTION: Victoriana for the modern woman


The Cachet Collection is a captivating range of double-sided, Victorian wax seal replicas, cast in fine metal from rare sets of 19th century (ca. 1840s) French and Italian matrices. Made start to finish in Michigan.

"Cachet" is French for a "seal affixed to a letter or document," which was the purpose of the original seals. Victorian men and women would keep a seal (or set of seals) at their desk, right next to their ink and pen, paper, candle, and wax. The seals were functional tools but also tiny works of art.

Look closer! The seals are intricately detailed with images and mottos about friendship, love, suffering, luck, and choice. Some of them are incredibly sentimental and moving, others are more lighthearted and witty. The messages of these seals are just as relevant and meaningful now as they were 150 years ago - perhaps even more so.

For the Victorians, choosing which seal to use on the outside of their letter was a very personal and important choice, inspired by the contents of the letter and the recipient. News of a death in the family required a somber seal, a word to a lover something tender or playful, something to an acquaintance or business partner perhaps just the day of the week. The choice is equally personal today: which charm is right for you? As a busy mom and business owner, I wear Cachet No. 4 every day: I strive to be fast and efficient (like the racing greyhound) and also calm and steady (like the cliff in the storm). On a good day, I might even be both at once - just like my charm!

The Cachet Collection is supremely wearable, gift-able, and collectible. Each pendant charm comes with custom ticketing complete with macro photographs of the seal and a meaningful translation. Chains available as well as classy Jean Jean gift bags. Diamond-studded versions are rolling out right now and rings are coming super-soon. Come see me!


Monday, July 4, 2016

Of late . . .


So much going on at Jean Jean . . . custom Memento Mori jewelry, a line of double-sided French and Italian "etui" style pendants on the way, lots of happy couples engaged with Jean Jean diamonds . . . For breaking news and first looks at photographs, please check out my Instagram.

Friday, November 27, 2015

HOLIDAY SALE


It's that time of year again! Please enjoy 20% off Jean Jean Vintage 11/27-11/30. Some restrictions apply.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Critter jewelry


There was a little challenge on Instagram last month to share your "critter" jewelery. Here is mine! Some of these are from my personal collection but most of them are in the shop. It's a little heavy on the snakes, I know, but there is also a swan, a pig, and bunny in there!

If you don't already follow Jean Jean on Instagram, come on OVER!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Scarab rings


I happened upon a bunch of loose, mid-century "scarabs" - carved semi-precious stones and bright glass cabochons, just waiting for a project. I decided to try a super simple ring design and I am very pleased with the results. Look for a selection of these custom rings in the shop later this Spring!

Thursday, March 12, 2015

5th Anniversary Sale

 

Happy 5th Birthday to Jean Jean Vintage! I listed my first items in the shop five years ago today. I kept my tiny inventory in an old tool box (above), which doubled as the backdrop for my photos. I walked to the post office with my orders in a little purse. There was no Facebook page, no Twitter account, no Instagram, no electronic labels, no fancy camera . . . just Etsy and my little blog. Some of my very first customers from 2010 are still regular visitors to the shop now, five years later, which is a great joy and honor to me.

I almost closed the business in 2012 (inches away!) but I am glad I didn't because it has turned into something bigger and better in the last year or so. I am very pleased to offer fine jewelry now, especially engagement pieces and custom rings, and I have great things in the works for this year. Things will slow down a bit later this spring with the arrival of our second child (!) but the show will go on, I promise. Thank you for coming along on the ride. Here's to five more years.

Please enjoy 20% off the shop for the next few days (March 12-14) 
and THANK YOU for your enthusiasm and support!

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Art Deco diamond cocktail ring


I was so excited to find this one. It is a 14K white gold filigree Art Deco ring set with three Old European Cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in octagonal bezels in a North-South (vertical) stack. Gorgeous die-casting with twenty-two piercings around the setting, including a star-like frame of triangles around the central diamond. Hand sawed and engraved details to accent, with two orange blossoms engraved at either end and feathering on the shoulders. A sparkling engagement ring or a pretty cocktail ring!

Monday, February 16, 2015

Happy Long Weekend


I hope everyone is enjoying a long weekend. Things have been busy around Jean Jean Headquarters lately. Here was a quiet moment from the afternoon yesterday, which was sunny and freezing around these parts!

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Valentine's Giveaway ♥


I am hosting a giveaway with Ruby over at mycakies just in time for Valentine's Day! To enter, just leave a comment on her Instagram post telling who you would like to send this sweet package to (your sister? your best friend? your amazing co-worker?) and why. The package includes a vintage 12K GF and sterling silver heart locket, a chocolate treat, and a Valentine's Day card. Giveaway ends 8 PM PST on Wednesday. I will ship the package to you, or directly to your friend, first thing Thursday morning via Priority Mail to get it there in time for Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Lately in the shop


Happy New Year! The shop is off to a great start, with lots of new inventory and some special projects in the works. I will celebrate my 5th Jean Jean Vintage-versary next month so stay tuned for a special birthday sale!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Lately in the shop


A few photos from around the shop lately. If you fancy a bit of holiday shopping this weekend, you will find a super-top-secret coupon code over on My Cakies Blog. Ruby did a sweet write up of Jean Jean Vintage and has a great discount to offer readers. Bon weekend!