Why jewelry is the best Valentine's gift to give

Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sidewalk, Diderot, Paris.

So it’s nearly Valentine’s Day and your beloved is, quite possibly and most likely, stressing over your gift. 

Chocolates? Done that. 

Lingerie? Who’s that gift for, really? 

Dinner? Uninspired.

Jewelry? Always and forever a genius idea. Why's that?

When women wear jewelry we adore, especially pieces that have been given to us as gifts, we love when friends notice and ask us about our glittering gold ring or delicate pendant or stunning cuff. We're then given license to subtly boast, “My husband/lover/girlfriend/wife bought this for me.” Our friends thusly and appropriately “Aw” and we’re reminded of how much we’re loved.

Jewelry is for collecting memories, just as much as it’s for adorning. We hold onto these precious things of beauty with the recollection of where they came from, the love that came along with that gift, and the joy we felt upon receiving it. This memory endures along with the piece itself. And when we wear a piece of jewelry, we’re revisiting that moment in time.

Need another reason? If you shop with an independent jewelry designer (such as Tula Design!), you can customize every element of a hand-made ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings – from the gems to the gold color to the very smallest details. Tula Jewelry, in particular, encourages the use of older pieces in creating new jewelry. By transforming older pieces (heirloom or otherwise) into new creations, Tula Jewelry is championing sustainability and environmental mindfulness. Win/win.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Go get your lady something gorgeous and show your love!

(from guest blogger, Rebecca Cox) 

Autumn Sale + New Beauties!

In honor of the lovely, chilly, and beautiful autumn season, I'm having a bit of a sale in my Etsy shop! This sale includes ALL custom orders! Get a jump start on your holiday shopping or just go ahead and treat yourself - you know you deserve it.

I've recently added a few new beauties to the collection, such as this brilliant blue sapphire, surrounded by sparkling white diamonds. More being added every few days, so keep checking! Happy autumn!

With the new season, comes new creations...

'Tis the season for gourds and diamonds! Autumn is officially here and while Southern California may currently be contending with some major Santa Ana winds and 80-degree days, I'm still very much inspired by the season, prepared for chilly evenings with a lush cashmere wrap, soft leather jacket, and a pair of pave diamond post earrings ...or short suede boots with a silk tunic, complemented by my new black diamond ring (shown here on a pumpkin stem)...or layers of long pendants, mixing a pave diamond bar with a single, simple bevel-set blue sapphire.

As I watch, from my Los Angeles studio, the new season beginning its changes, turning leaves, shorter days, longer nights,  my inspiration and creations organically change, as well. So stay tuned for new Tula pieces soon-to-be revealed in the coming weeks!

Custom rings and tiny baby feet

As you know, I specialize in creating custom pieces - from engagement rings and wedding bands to pave diamond earrings, delicate pendants, and one-of-a-kind bracelets, all environmentally-kind in my production and using recycled gold and silver. (All my diamonds are obviously conflict-free.) Working so intimately with clients to create the perfect piece, I often feel a genuine connection with them; they quite often share images of their Tula Design jewelry with me once it's officially become a part of their world. Here's a beauty I'd love to share - a client's engagement and wedding ring, draped on the feet of their newborn babe! Too adorable.

For new and past clients, please feel free to share your photos with me! It's wonderful to know how much these Tula Design pieces are loved by you.

Druzy + Diamonds

I've been extremely busy in the studio lately, creating pieces for my fall collection. Here's a sneak peek at some new druzy and diamond post earrings I've just finished! If you're not familiar with druzy gems, they're known as "the stone of star dust," a collection of fine crystals on a geode fracture's surface. Not only are they exquisite, but they allegedly bring lightness and harmony to the wearer.

Happy Labor Day weekend (+ a few custom pieces to share!)

I hope you're planning for a long weekend of relaxation and fun!

A newly married client of mine just sent me these photos of her custom Tula Design rings and I felt compelled to share them with you all, as the photos are so gorgeous. Enjoy!

And have a safe and wonderful weekend.

xx - Marisa