Air: The Third Chapter of the Elementals Collection
Air, the third chapter of the six-part Elementals Collection, captures the elegance of breath and movement. Twisted sterling silver designs accented with Australian opals and clear quartz embody grace and inspiration. Following Fire and Water, and leading to Earth, Metal, and Ether, Air is part of a journey through nature’s elemental forces.
Elementals Collection: Chapter Two - Water
Flow with elegance. The second chapter of Michelle Pajak-Reynolds’s Elementals Collection captures the serene beauty of water in shimmering gemstones and intricate silverwork. Discover aquamarine, quartz, tourmaline, opals, and more—each piece a graceful tribute to clarity and transformation.
Vesuvianite: A Stone of Transformation
Discover the meaning, history, and natural beauty of vesuvianite through the eyes of artisan jeweler Michelle Pajak-Reynolds. Explore this rare gemstone’s volcanic origins, symbolic power, and how to wear and care for vesuvianite jewelry crafted with intention and soul.
Moonstone: Gem of Beautiful Dreams
Moonstone, the gem of beautiful dreams, has captivated cultures for centuries with its shimmering glow and mystical lore. Believed to be solidified moonlight, it is tied to love, intuition, and the water signs of the zodiac. From ancient Rome to modern design, moonstone’s silken adularescence makes it a favorite among jewelers. Discover its history, meaning, and care tips here.
Introducing Squirrel City Jewelers
Take a look inside Squirrel City Jewelers, now featuring Michelle Pajak-Reynolds jewelry.
The Art of Pin-Set Gemstones: Behind the Scenes of Handmade Jewelry
Discover the beauty of pin-set gemstones, a centuries-old jewelry technique reimagined with modern artistry. Unlike traditional settings, pin-setting allows gemstones to shimmer from every angle, creating luminous, one-of-a-kind designs. From delicate chains to bold statement necklaces, explore how this artisanal process transforms natural gems into wearable works of art.
More Than Just a Letter: The Difference Between Carat and Karat
Carat and karat are often confused, but one measures gemstone weight while the other defines the purity of gold. This post breaks down the history and meaning of both terms, explains how gold fineness works, and offers practical guidance for choosing the right karat based on lifestyle, aesthetics, and personal values.
Voyageuse: Jewels Inspired by Moss
Inspired by moss, literature, and long walks through Ohio’s forests, this post traces the creative journey behind the Voyageuse Collection. From ancient moss colonies and national park trails to chrome diopside, golden enhydro quartz, and vesuvianite, it explores how nature’s textures, colors, and quiet resilience are translated into ethically crafted fine jewelry with a deep sense of place and purpose.
Labradorite: Frozen Fire Within
At first glance, labradorite appears soft and grey, but when light hits its surface, it reveals vivid flashes of blue, green, and fiery orange known as labradorescence. Rooted in Inuit legend and inspired by the Northern Lights, this post explores the history, symbolism, and unique beauty of labradorite, along with how I love to work with these ever-changing stones in my jewelry designs.