Materials

Katiedids jewelry is made with the best—semi-precious stones, sterling silver and vermeil findings, Bali silver, Hill Tribes silver and Swarovski crystal (unless otherwise specified). Because I'm able to get my materials at great prices, I pass the savings along to my customers. Here's some info about the materials:

Semi-precious stones are natural stones that generally have a lower value than precious stones, including amethyst, aventurine, carnelian, rose quartz and others.

Sterling silver is an alloy (a combination) of silver and another metal (sometimes copper). The sterling silver I use is most always 92.5% pure silver.

Vermeil is silver that's heavily coated in a gold (14k or 18k) or copper finish.

Swarovski® crystalis often considered the highest quality of Austrian crystal, known for its extreme sparkle qualities. Created by Daniel Swarovski, its lead content and precision faceting create beautiful prisms when in contact with light.

Bali beads are silver beads handmade by Balinese craftspeople in Indonesia. I get most of my Bali beads directly from Indonesia.

Hill Tribes silver beads are made by the Karen Hill Tribe in Thailand by using traditional crafting methods that have been passed on through generations. Hill Tribes silver beads are usually 95%-99% silver.

Most recently, I have become extremely passionate about the fair treatment of the workers who cut and manufacture the beads that I buy. When possible, I will only be buying my supplies from distributors who care about fair trade and fair treatment under ethical and humane conditions. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of disclosure by the distributors of this information.

My story

For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated with anything miniature like doll house furniture and little knick-knacks, but especially stones and beads.

There were two bead stores in particular (Beadworks in Boston and Beader's Paradise in Northampton, Mass.) that I would beg my parents to let me go in to when we'd make family daytrips. Though I would only buy one or two beads (usually just enough to make a necklace—usually Fimo), the place seemed to be pulsating with the magic of potential crafts—unborn bracelets and earrings-to-be. Years later, my love for beads and unique jewelry developed into Katiedids Designs.

I like to experiment with all sorts of material and designs, and am always thinking of something new and different to create. Every piece is unique and one-of-a-kind!

Healing gems

Gemstones carry properties that are borne from the earth that are meant to assist us in our daily living. They are not "cure-alls" and won't do our healing for us, but they are wonderful tools.

I've garnered a wealth of experience in complementary health modalities and energy healing.

I have studied gemstone energy medicine with Gemisphere as well as on my own through various books and practices. I have also conducted a research study on the effect of quartz crystals on chronic pain. Great results came of that and I hope to continue my research with that.

I also have a Master of Arts in integrative medicine from The Graduate Institute, am an Angelic Life Coach from AngelsTeach, and am in my second year at the Rhys Thomas School of Energy Healing.

I do not make a claim that wearing Katiedids jewelry will cure your ills. (Afteral, we are all our own best healers!) But as it has been infused with healing energy and through the healing properties channeled by the gemstones, I hope it will provide you support along your life's journey!

Namaste!