Black Lives Matter

Hey friends, the last few days have been unprecedented.

Instead of talking about my jewelry, I'm going to use this space to talk about the protests and Black Lives Matter movement.

I’m feeling heartbroken and scared and angry. No one should have to die or be jailed or be brutalized at the hands of the police. No one should be discriminated against for the color of their skin or their name or where they come from.

First of all, if you're white, realize your privilege. Realize your racism and really analyze it. Here's a good article to get you thinking https://bthechange.com/4-steps-we-can-take-as-white-people-to-fight-racism-a582e826eb92

Next, do something. Even if you think you're not racist against people of color, that's not enough. Do something anti-racist. Today. And every day.

Sign petitions.
https://www.change.org/
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/defund-the-police-invest-in-communities/
https://saytheirnames.carrd.co/#petitions

Donate Money.
This week I donated $100 each to the ACLU, Communities Against Police Brutality, Black Visions Collective, Campaign Zero, and Black Lives Seattle. I realize the amount of money I personally donated doesn’t make a huge different, but it still counts.

Protest.
It's difficult to stay home when there's been protests every day at the police precinct a block away from my building. I've been out there almost every night this week and sometimes in the mornings too. If you don't feel comfortable protesting, send supplies like water, food, masks, and medical supplies to places that are collecting them for protesters.

Support Black Owned Businesses.
I'm so fortunate to work for one. Valerie Madison. Go buy some jewelry from her! And search for black owned businesses in your area and support them.

Read books and articles. Support your POC friends and family. Educate yourself. Educate others. Do something. Please let me know if there's anything else I should be doing.

Thank you.
Nina

Gift Cards, Reduced Shipping, and YouTube

Hey friends,

How are you holding up? I’m doing alright. I’m past the excitement of having lots of free time, past the panic of our world falling apart, past the chaos of getting my life back together, and now I’ve settled into a new routine and a new normal. I wake up early, go for a run instead of going to the gym, eat breakfast and answer some emails, and then spend lots of time in my studio. I’m so fortunate that I’m still able to go there and create beautiful things. It’s really holding me together right now. I wanted to announce some things I’ve been working on lately!

Gift Cards

I now offer gift cards in my shop! They’re available from $50-$200 (though if you would like a different amount feel free to contact me). They only work online, but they seem pretty straight forward and easy to use. Check it out! https://nina-raizel.com/earrings/gift-card

Reduced Shipping

I’ve signed up for a new shipping service, so I was able to reduce my shipping cost. Now shipping for all items is $6. Yay!

YouTube

I started my own youtube channel and have been having fun putting together some how-its-made videos. I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s a bit of a challenge because it’s just me, my phone, my tripod, the terrible lighting in my studio, and imovie. But I’m making it happen and the vids aren’t too bad. Check it out here https://www.youtube.com/user/ninaraizel/

Also, just a reminder that I’m still taking custom orders and repairs. I’m trying to do more of it virtually now, which includes more emails, phone calls, zoom calls, and shipping, instead of meeting in person. Send me a note if you’re interested in working with me.

Thanks for all your love and support as always.

Nina

Stone Sources

Hey friends,

I often get asked where I source my gemstones from. The truth is I get them from a bunch of sources. I’ll tell you about a few of them here!

Friends

I get a lot of my gemstones as locally as I can, basically from trading with friends. I go to small tool swaps at Danaca Design, or the Seattle Metals Guild Symposium auction, and usually pick up some stones when I’m there and get to see people I know. (Unfortunately neither of these things are happening this year, but I can’t wait to attend them next year). I also have a few friends who are gemologists and stone sellers, so I always ask them first when I need something specific.

Stores

There are a few local gem sellers in Seattle who I go to when I need something specific that I know they’ll have, but need to see it in person first. There are also some stores, like Seattle Findings, that sell some loose cabochons and other stones. It’s great to be able to see gemstones in person before purchasing them, and to talk to the sellers to see where they come from.

Gem Shows

Twice year or so there is the International Gem and Jewelry Show at Seattle Center. I go to these as often as I can, especially if I’m in the market for something, or just want to stock up on cabochons. They have a pretty good selection, good prices, and friendly vendors. It’s kind of hit or miss if you’ll find what you’re looking for, but it’s always fun to go to.

Online

The last place I go to buy stones is online. If I want to buy a bunch of the same stone, or I need a calibrated lot, it’s easiest to get online. I buy from sources like Stuller and Rio Grande, and sometimes from Etsy. It’s difficult to know what I’m getting if I order online, because I really do like to see the stones in person first. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Also, I can literally find anything I need online. I try to make sure the vendors I’m buying from are reputable and fair-trade, and make sure they have good reviews before purchasing.

Quarantine Jewelry

It’s been a rough week. Physical I’m fine, but mentally and emotionally I’m struggling. Just thinking about the future of the world and life as I know it. I’m trying to be optimistic and think that this will all be over in a few months, but in reality it’s probably gonna be much longer than that. Even after this all passes, so many people will have lost their jobs and livelyhoods and lives. I’m so fortunate that I’m able to go to my studio and make things, even if I’m not getting a ton of orders right now.
✨
Here are some rainbow moonstones in 14k yellow gold. The stones really sparkle in the sun and have rainbow and blue flashes. A little something to brighten us up right now.

Another day of quarantine, another pair of earrings. Garnets in 14k yellow gold. 

Stay safe out there! And buy my jewelry if you can. These babies aren’t on my shop yet, but I’ll get them up soon.