El Dorado exists!

Some of us are all familiar with the "El Dorado" myth, and if not, it's a myth created by early colonizers which tells the story of a hidden city where almost everything is made of gold. many went in search of El Dorado but none could find it.

The myth has its origin in a place where gold was an abundant metal, so much that the Muisca tribes offered it to a lake as a way to gain favor with their gods. The Muiscas were an precolumbian Andean tribe that inhabited the central region of what is today Colombia.

The Muiscas were skilled goldsmiths and crafted many gold ornaments to be wore, their practices of offering gold to the Guatavita lake were the inspiring source of the El Dorado legend, and according to modern day local legends, the bottom of the lake is still lined with the gold offerings; or maybe it is hiding the entrance to El Dorado.

We can only be certain that precolumbian tribes had excellent goldsmithing techniques and created beautiful pieces that will inspire myths and legends, not a short feat at all.

If you ever want to visit EL Dorado, you will just have to buy a plane ticket to Colombia, spend a few days in Bogota and visit El Museo Del Oro (The Gold Museum) where all surviving pieces of precolumbian jewelry are exhibited.

This one is just an example of what you can find inside the museum, a must for jewelers and jewelry enthusiasts.

Mauricio F.

New goldsmith alert!

We have already introduced Bouchra Aouichi in our newsletter, but I can't help be excited about her work as she is preparing to give Jewel Envy inventory (especially since I get to touch everything before it goes out on display ;o) Bouchra's work will be out and ready for anyone that drops in to try it on by this coming Tuesday (September 25th). - Alexis 

Bouchra Aouichi

Ring with citrine.

Bouchra is busy taking photos of her work today before submitting inventory. There are always sooooo many things on our to do lists as independent businesses working from Jewel Envy.   

Every Day Brings Its Own Magic!

Hello Sunday Readers,

Every Day Brings Its Own Magic!

This is a saying, well know, in my South American Culture.

Simple things are magical, and we must always remember the simple things.

Like getting a new pair of shoes, even if they are too tight at first, the first day of school even 
if we are afraid, or just getting a lemonade on a perfect summer day.

We have to be mindful to enjoy each experience as it is happening.  

When I moved to this country, I took the opportunity to try something new and  I became a 
goldsmith in my second and incredible life in Canada, I love jewellery, the magic of knowing
how incredible it’s to make a gorgeous piece you can appreciate time after time and find it 
amazing!  It’s magic to see my ideas come to life. But what surprised me the most, is the joy 
I feel helping others, capture their dreams in a custom pieces.

Creating fine jewelry is that brings magic into someone's life.  It’s also incredible to think that 
piece may become a family heirloom.  

Artists obtain inspiration from all types of sources. My inspiration recently arrived in the form 
of my lovely grandson, Simon, I translate the love and happiness he inspires in me into the 
pieces that I design.  

The magic of being a grandmother is indescribable.  I loved being a mother and having a 
close relationship with my daughter Laura.

I realize every day, that being a mother is an honor, but being a grandma is a privilege! 
Simon has changed my life.

I made Laura a ring, among many other pieces,  that matches mine with diamond and rubies. But my most loved pieces now for her are simple, and mindful.  

18 karat white gold, 10 mm 3.87 ct. Diamond
Two baguettes of diamonds 3 mm x 1.5 mm 0.06 ct. Three rubies and six accents diamonds

This  bangle, that she doesn't take off,  has only one charm with Simon’s date of birth.

I say only one charm because I hope to fill the bangle with many more! 

  Sterling Silver Bangle with Charm

The pendant, in a short chain has a plate with Simon name on it.

  Sterling Silver Pendant, 16" chain

It's the small little things surrounded by big,  incredible ones, like my daughter, son-in-law 
Brendan, Simon and creativity that make my life so rich and marvelous.

I love what I do, I’m very lucky.  I have my head full with ideas. I think Simon brings the best 
of me, He make my life so rich and wonderful.  He helps me see the world with new eyes.

I thank God for this great and unique magic, to have this two wonderful things in my life at the 
same time.  

Have a nice Sunday.

Helena