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Steampunk Ring Handcrafted Jewelry: Behind The Scenes at Inspired by Elizabeth

11/10/2014

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Steampunk Rings

Steampunk Ring
What I love most about creating Steampunk jewelry, particularly Steampunk rings, is the uniqueness of every piece. Every watch movement tells a story. They all come to me with a unique tale to tell. These stories are quietly revealed in their brand names, their watch faces and the intricate text written inside the actual watch itself waiting to be revealed.  I often wonder about the person who once wore the watch itself. Was the watch a gift, was it a piece they held dear or was it easily discarded by the posh that have too many trinkets to call one sacred?  Was this watch worn during the flapper era, worn by a woman or minority voting for the first time, or worn by a Don Draperesqe man in the 1960’s? This is all so fascinating to me and this is why I continue to make these unique rings.
Steampunk Ring Handcrafted Jewelry
Steampunk Jewelry Ring from Inspired by Elizabeth
Steampunk Ring Statement Ring
Steampunk Ring - Ready to ship
Steampunk Rings
The watch movements I use in creating these rings are all well known, high quality brands such as gruen, bulova, elgin and more. I do not use any of the lower brand name watch pieces (timex, citizen) that come a dime a dozen. I carefully inspect each piece making sure it is stable for use in my jewelry. Some pieces have already been removed from the watch while others I remove myself. It is like opening a present. While I have a good idea of what I will find inside I am always in awe of the uniqueness of some of these watch pieces.

Watch Movements for Steampunk Ring
Watch Movements for Steampunk Ring
Watch Movements for Steampunk Jewelry
Watch Movements for Steampunk Jewelry
Even the watch faces, or dials if you will, can vary greatly. Some have intricate embossed designs, roman numerals or more traditionally numbers, gold or brass hands (some still attached), varying shapes and sizes from long rectangles, squares ovals and even circles. Some of the watch faces are medal while others, often older pocket watch faces, are porcelain and very delicate in nature.  I remove the watch faces before making the ring. I usually sell these to private buyer or online with watch movements that are either not up to par with my standards or are in styles or colors that I do not use. Needless to say I am very picky with the materials I choose to use to create your fabulous ring.

Steampunk Watch Faces
Watch Faces
Watch Faces
Watch Faces
I am also very picky in the band I choose to create your ring with. I generally use four different styles. One is an antique silver filigree ring. These are sealed and are very durable. These are not the thin flimsy rings associated with some other Steampunk rings. I have had mine for years now and I love it. The second is the same type of filigree ring only antique brass. The third is a solid band ring with an adjustment (gap) hidden in the front. This works great for sizes 6-12 and for those that do not want a gap in the back of their ring. The adjustment here is hidden in the front under the watch movement. This is the type I use when creating rings for men. Lastly I also have a fabulous two tiered sterling silver band.

Inspired by Elizabeth Steampunk Ring
Steampunk Ring Silver Filigree Band from Inspired by Elizabeth
Sterling silver steampunk ring
Sterling Silver Steampunk Ring Band from Inspired by Elizabeth
Steampunk Jewelry Ring Burgundy
Steampunk Ring Antique Brass Filigree Band from Inspired by Elizabeth
Steampunk Ring Unisex
Steampunk Ring Silver Band w/ hidden adjustment in the front.
As if the watch movement variations and band types weren’t enough variation for you I also use amazing Swarovski Crystals to add color and uniqueness to your ring. Many of my rings are already made and ready to purchase but I also create Custom Steampunk Rings as well. These are great if you have a favorite color, want to include your birthstones, or even create a mother’s ring.

Mother's Ring Custom Made Steampunk
Custom Made Steampunk Ring. This was made as a customer's Mother's Ring.
Steampunk Ring Custom Made
Custom Made Steampunk Ring
Steampunk Ring December Birthstone
Steampunk Ring December Birthstone
Mothers Ring Steampunk Ring Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Custom Made Steampunk Birthstone Ring
Steampunk Rings Custom Made
I hope you have found this peak into the inner workings of my business enjoyable. I love what I do and I feel very blessed to be able to create such intricate work for you to enjoy and give as gifts.  Now leave a comment and let me know which is your favorite!
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 What is He for She, Emma Watson's UN Campaign Speech

11/4/2014

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What is #heforshe?

Actress Emma Watson is doing good things.  Recently, the famous actress became an appointed United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, and she has now launched a campaign called He For She.  The campaign focuses on gender inequality. Watson started the campaign when realizing that fighting for women's right was being equalized with hating males. She wants this campaign to show that this is simply not true.  Emma also asks men to take a role in ending gender inequality. Essentially, she wants men to become just as involved as women are.

            In a speech that was given at the launch, Watson challenged males all over the world to think of their daughters, sisters, mothers, and other female influences in their lives.  She wants all the 'he’s' to stand up for the 'she’s' in their lives. 

Watson was nervous in delivering her speech, knowing that it could stir up controversy.  Although there were some negative responses, males have responded well all over the globe, just what Watson wanted.  On the campaign's website, over 180,000 people have made a pledge, and this number continues to grow. 

            While the campaign is geared towards men, Watson makes sure to note that it is also about human rights, violence and discrimination should not be tolerated towards anyone.  The initiative is about bringing people together to fight for a cause that is important to the human race. If you choose to take the pledge at heforshe.org, it means you are pledging to have no tolerance for women being violated or knowingly discriminated against.  It means you believe in equal rights for opportunities.  It means that you know that this is a global issue important to all humanity.  Finally, it means that you will speak up when seeing or knowing a woman is being abused or harassed. 

                        So, while you may be on the fence on this campaign, just remember that there are females in your life that would love for you to speak up alongside them.  Just think of the possibilities when you decide to break your silence.  Be a he that all your 'she’s' can count on. Check out the website for more information. http://www.heforshe.org/

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Vintage Style - The Evolution of The Purse

9/17/2014

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Evolution of The Purse

Vintage Birkin
Birkin
What used to be a pouch used to carry necessities has evolved into a major fashion statement used to carry more fashion and everyday essentials.  It is sometimes a status symbol, and honestly it always has been.  In fact, did you know Louis Vuitton has been around since 1854?  Whether you consider your purse a necessary accessory or just a frivolous bag, the history of the whole handbag is intriguing.


Vintage Purse 1800's
Vintage Purse 1800's
Vintage Purse 1920
Vintage Purse 1920's
1800-1920s:  This is when a more modern handbag came about.  People began to travel, so the need for different bags and cases was greater.  Louis Vuitton designed a travel case that was durable yet fashionable with the wealthy class.  The modern handbag was first small suitcases before it evolved into what we know now.  Brand names like Prada and Hermes came about in this time to create what we know as the designer handbag.

Louis Vuitton Trunk Case
Louis Vuitton Trunk Case
The 1920s brought about the clutch, and it became very popular among women wanting to be taken seriously.  The 30s and 40s brought about novelty bags, although clutches were still popular.  Purses were made into different shapes and styles, whether it was an animal or a particular object.  These gave way to a more sturdy and industrial look to the designers in Europe once World War II rolled around.  They were simple and useful and made out of any materials that could be found.  In America, however, large suede and crocodile bags were popular during war time.

Vintage Purse 1930's - 1940's - Whiting & Davis
Vintage Purse 1930's - 1940's - Whiting & Davis
Vintage Style 1940s Purse
Vintage Purse 1940's
1945-1960s:  European designers began making couture handbags.  Designer bags became all the rage, including styles from CoCo Chanel and Hermes.  In fact Grace Kelly carried a Hermes bag, which is why it is name the Hermes Kelly bag to this day.  It showed an air of elegance and sophistication.

Kelly Bag Hermes Vintage
1960-1970s:  The status of a woman was determined by the bag she was carrying.  Fashion was big in the 60s, and handbags were fun and quirky for the younger crowd.  Bold prints and odd materials were used in designing purses and were made to cater towards all social statuses.  Of course, hippies loved the cross-shoulder bag because it allowed more freedom. 

Vintage Style Purse 1960
Vintage Purse 1960
Emilio Pucci Vintage Purse 1970
Vintage Purse 1970 - Emilio Pucci
1980-2000s:  Designer handbags, backpacks, big bags were the name of the game.  Business women carried bags to represent their drive in the marketplace.  The bag called the Baguette was also around and named because it fit under a woman’s arm like a loaf of bread.
Vintage Purse 1980s Fashion
Vintage Varon 1980's Clutch
Vintage Purse Backpack Trend 1990's
Vintage Purse 1990's DKNY
2000-now:  Handbags are true fashion statements.  You have a purse for every season in any color you can imagine!  Even those with low budgets tend to spend a lot of money to have a certain logo on their purse. 
Vintage Purse valentino
Valentino
Purses have been around for centuries, but their use has changed over time.  Whether you have the “it” bag of the season or an old trusty stand-by, the fact is that every woman carries one in some form or another.  Besides, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right?

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Comic Con San Diego & Steampunk 2014

8/7/2014

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Steampunk is Picking Up Steam

San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) is a trend setter, years ago it was a sacred recluse for geeks and nerds paying homage to the high and mighty of the comic world (not that there is anything wrong with that). It has changed a lot; it has evolved, gotten bigger, become fashionable. The major production houses now appear at Comic Con more than it could have ever been imagined a few years ago, but this is what life is about, evolution and adaptation. And when we talk about these two, Steampunk is a combination of both, an evolved adaptation of a passion to see the future if the pesky electronics had not meddled with the way we lived.
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steampunk fashion
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Call me old fashioned, but I like to hold things and get a real feel of them. Not some flimsy delicate object that feels violated if your touch is not as if you are holding a butterfly. The metal clunk, the moving gears; the beautiful artistry that is visible trumps the hidden electronic genius for me, any day, anywhere and anytime. For me Comic Con was refreshing, the steam punk panel was a group of highly intelligent people teamed together working in the same direction. As a steam punk romantic, who has feared for the future and direction, often, I can say it fairly safely; steampunk has started to pick up real steam now.

 There are many highlights about steampunk but what trumps all is the way steam punk looks to the eye, nothing against latex or anime but they are not my favorites. There is nothing more beautiful, elegant and unique then the steampunk costumes at comic con. Add the beautiful jewelry to the costume and behold, elegance personified. There has been steady development, form over function may be the case with modern jewelry and accessories but steampunk has somehow managed to keep these two much closer. Brass lockets that are both eye candy and double up as keys, steampunk rings, bracelets, elegant belts, amazing earrings, if you are a tragic for such things, this comic con was the place to be.
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steampunk necklace butterfly from Inspired by Elizabeth
Steampunk Necklace from Inspired by Elizabeth




The world has moved forward, probably for the better, sometimes though, it is great to look back from the window of imagination to see how the past would have changed our present. Comic con provides a beautiful glimpse to what it could have been; what sort of things would be fashionable? What sort of life would have been desirable? The dress code, everything. I do hope that things we love get more attention, the beauty that is not visible to the world right now, deserves its day in the sunshine.






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Winter Wedding: Glisten on Your Wedding Day

7/27/2014

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Winter Wedding : Glisten on Your Wedding Day

What is more magical than a Christmas wedding?  The reds and greens, the glistening snow, and the cheery attitudes all make for a perfect wedding day.

wedding ideas veil
One of the pros to having a holiday wedding is that most places are going to already be decorated for Christmas.  Churches especially will have at least some sort of greenery, lights, and even poinsettias in their sanctuary.  This saves you tons of time and money!  If you don’t like the exact look, you can always ask if it can be changed around a bit. 

red wedding gift tag
winter wedding groom boutineer



There are many themes that surround Christmas weddings.  You can go with a winter wedding wonderland with ice and snow and all things glittery and white.  You can go traditional and have a red and green wedding.  You can keep it simple and bright by using Christmas lights everywhere you look.  The twinkling of the lights make your space simply magical! 

winter wedding decorations



If you are looking for decorations for reception tables, filling glass vases with solid-colored glass ornaments.  It is very simple, cheap, and very different!  Or you can take bundles of white branches and cover them in lights for another easy decoration item.  You can even use candy canes and little red bows to add a Christmas touch to the tables.


wedding bouquet green
green wedding
Of course favors are important to any wedding, but for a unique winter wedding idea, fill small Christmas stockings with candy, ornaments, candy canes, or whatever your heart desires.  Your guests will love the creativity!  Another idea for a favor is to send your guests home with a cd of your favorite classic Christmas tunes.  It is something that they can pull out from year to year and think of you!

As far as the reception, you can ask your caterer to serve a traditional holiday meal to make it feel like one big family dinner.  You can serve egg nog, hot cocoa, or even spiced cider to make it feel even more like a big, happy Christmas wedding.
wedding favor winter wedding
red rose bouquet
You need to take good care of your bridesmaids on your big day, as they are the most important to you.  You can adorn them in some beautiful crystals to go with a winter wonderland theme.  If you want classy, find some pearls.  If you want cheery and bright, go with a green or red piece of jewelry.  Silver is also a great color to use for your bridesmaid jewelry.

christmas wedding green earrings
red wedding jewelry
Whether you choose to go with a winter wedding or a traditional Christmas wedding, it is very easy to make it beautiful.  If you want your wedding to be magical, why not get married on the most magical time of the year?

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Steampunk Ring Giveaway From Inspired by Elizabeth

6/10/2014

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June Giveaway

steampunk ring ruby pink Inspired by Elizabeth
This month I have chosen to give away a custom made Steampunk ring. My Steampunk rings are specially made with vintage (non-working) watch movements, Swarovski Crystals and adjustable high quality filigree rings.  The winner may choose up to three crystal birthstone colors. For more detailed information click on the picture. Winner will be chosen by random.org on June 30th. Winner will be contacted through email. Giveaway is open worldwide & includes FREE SHIPPING.

A total of 5 possible entries! 

1 Entry =  The only mandatory one. Subscribe to the awesome Inspired by Elizabeth newsletter by submitting the form below. Make sure to check your email to confirm your subscription. I do not receive your entries unless you confirm. You don't want to miss out. If you are already one of our fabulous subscribers post a comment below letting us know so we can count your entry. 

Stay up to date on our latest promotions, giveaway & new items! Don't miss out subscribe to our maling list!

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Extra Entries - Earn up to four additional entries buy sharing, tweeting, pinning this giveaway or any item from Inspired by Elizabeth.

Post your links from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest below to earn extra entries. Please include your email address in one entry so I can contact you if you are the winner.

Click on "add a comment" under the twitter logo below.

1 Entry= 1 Comment




Good luck and thank you for helping to spread the word about how amazing Inspired by Elizabeth is. You rock!
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Peacock Wedding & Bridal Party Jewelry

5/20/2014

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inspired by elizabeth vintage inspired wedding jewelry peacock wedding
vintage wedding vintage bride Peacock wedding antique wedding




Peacock Wedding Theme Jewelry

Peacock wedding theme Jewelry purple teal inspired by Elizabeth
peacock wedding inspired by elizabeth

One of the most popular wedding themes for the past several years has been the Peacock Wedding. And who can resist such luxurious colors in rich teal and warm purple amethyst.  Some brides add a hint of peacock flair to their wedding using hints of color in flower bouquets and their bridesmaids dresses. Others go all out incorporating peacock themed wedding cakes and even boutineres. Are you planning a peacock theme wedding but are short on inspiration? Check out this collection from The Knot

Peacock wedding jewelry bridesmaids earrings wedding party gifts

Our Peacock Wedding Jewelry Collection features vintage & contemporary stones set in rich antique brass settings. The antique brass settings add a touch of vintage flair to this collection. The Peacock Wedding Collection includes earrings, necklaces, & bracelets in teal & amethyst colors. For a more contemporary feel this collection is available in silver.  


Inspired by Elizabeth offers Wedding Jewelry Collections in many colors & styles.  
Crystal Wedding Jewelry Inspired by Elizabeth
Purple Gray wedding earrings Bridal party earrings
Pink Wedding Jewelry Bridesmaids Earrings Inspired by Elizabeth
I'd love to hear what your favorite wedding colors are or what you chose for your own wedding. Mine were originally a classic black and white but morphed into a beautiful eggplant purple & silver. What are your favorites? Post below I'd love to read your comments.

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http://eepurl.com/QTnm1

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Inspired by Elizabeth Giveaway for May 2014

5/7/2014

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May 2014 Giveaway

This month we are giving away something amazing (aren't we always though)! For the first time we are giving away a $40 credit towards Inspired by Elizabeth.

That's right this month the winner can choose their own prize. How fabulous is that? Perhaps you have been saving for a Custom Made Mother's Ring or Wedding Jewelry for your best girls. Whatever your little heart desires (within $40) from our shop.
steampunk ring
Bridesmaids Earrings Lilac Lavendar Light Amethyst Silver
Enter our giveaway below! Also comment below and let us know what you would buy with your $40 credit. Have an amazing week!

Elizabeth


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Spring 2014 White

4/13/2014

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Contemporary & Vintage Style in White

white fashion 2014 trends spring summer
white fashion 2014 trends spring summer
It turns out, the hottest color for spring is often overlooked as a color at all. The spring 2014 New York fashion week runways were beaming with white from such top designers as Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren & Phillip Lim. White represents purity and freshness unlike any other color. It evokes memories of weddings, the spring, something pristine you do not want to tarnish or stain. Throughout time white has held many different meanings and has been used for many different traditions and customs.

White Throughout the Years

vintage fashio all white
1920's via myvintagevogue.com
white fashio vintage style
1940's via myvintagevogue.com
white vintage dress 1960 vintage style fashion
1960's via myvintagevogue.com
white fashion vintage style
1930's via myvintagevogue.com
1950 vintage dress white
1950's via myvintagevogue.com
1970 fashion white
1970's
2014 white fashion






Although a crisp white outfit is certainly nothing new, it is how we use this color in our expression and in our décor that gives it new life and purpose. I personally hadn’t (until recently) bought anything white since I was old enough to buy my own clothes. When I was about 11 a woman came in to visit our girl scout troop to "read our colors.'' In other words to examine our skin tone, hair and eye color and inform us what colors would suit us best. Looking back, it was pretty cool for a bunch of young girls, who hadn't yet learned-or cared-that clothes should probably match.




all white fashion 2014Spring 2014 John Patrick RTW from wwd.com






I distinctly remember the women holding up a swatch of the color white to the side of my face. She made a disgusted look then told me "Honey ecru or off white is a much better choice for you."

I thought of this moment as I stood in the dressing room last week with a handful of white shirts. “Screw her!” I thought and laughed. It turns out white does look pretty good on me. I'm actually wearing my new white top right now as I type this post. The great thing is that it matches everything in my wardrobe. How do you use white in your wardrobe or throughout your home? What decade is your favorite? Don't miss a beat join my mailing list today!

Elizabeth



 




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April Giveaway from Inspired by Elizabeth

3/26/2014

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Want to win this fabulous necklace from Inspired by Elizabeth?

steampunk jewelry inspired by elizabeth sapphireSteampunk Necklace from Inspired by Elizabeth
Welcome to the new Inspired by Elizabeth homepage and home to our amazing monthly giveaways. A big thank you to all my wordpress blog subscribers that have switched over to my new & improved website. There may still be a few kinks to work out but it is so much easier to have everything all in one place.

This month I have chosen an extra special piece to kick things off with. This handmade Steampunk necklace is made with a vintage (non-working) watch movement, Swarovski Crystals and an 18mm vintage sapphire blue glass jewel. The necklace dangles from a 15" silver tone chain. For more detailed information click on the picture.

What is Steampunk?
Winner will be chosen by random.org on April 30th. Winner will be announced in Inspired by Elizabeth newsletter, Facebook & twitter. Winner will also be notified through e-mail. Giveaway is open worldwide & includes FREE SHIPPING.

A total of 5 possible entries! 

1 Entry =  The only mandatory one. Subscribe to the awesome Inspired by Elizabeth newsletter by submitting the form below. Make sure to check your email to confirm your subscription. I do not receive your entries unless you confirm. You don't want to miss out.

1 Entry= Share an item from https://www.inspiredbyelizabeth.com/ on Facebook.

1 Entry= Pin an item from  https://www.inspiredbyelizabeth.com/  on Pinterest.

1 Entry= Tweet about an item from https://www.inspiredbyelizabeth.com/  on Twitter.

1 Entry= Share this blog post on any social media sites you choose.

Good luck and thank you for helping to spread the word about how amazing Inspired by Elizabeth is. You rock!

Enter today for your chance to win!

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Inspired by Elizabeth is a unique online Jewelry store specializing in handcrafted Steampunk Jewelry including Boho Jewelry, Steampunk Rings & Steampunk Necklaces. We also offer other handcrafted jewelry including Unique Mother's Rings, Cameo Rings, Moonstone Rings, Opal Rings, Labradorite Rings all with a Vintage Inspired twist! Inspired by Elizabeth values the importance of Giving Back to our community.   

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