When we were in Asheville NC in April, we spent an afternoon browsing the shops downtown. For Hanukkah, Jeff and I were gifted an Essentials Collection of spices from Spicewalla. I especially loved the cinnamon so much that I quickly used it up. So we stopped into the Spicewalla shop, and I bought a new can of cinnamon as well as cans of ground ginger and lavender flowers. Have you tried Spicewalla Brand spices yet? If not, you should try them! They’re superior quality, and my kitchen smells fabulous when I use them in my cooking and baking.
As always, I love to visit the former Woolworth’s. The space has maintained the old-school fountain where you can order drinks and sandwiches. It’s a great place to sit down after shopping for a snack or lunch. The former Woolworth’s store has been converted into small space concessions for artists and artisans. It’s a smart idea in so many ways. You shop the concessions, and the cashiers at the front ring up any purchases you make. Love it.
While browsing the concessions, I was delighted to find that the necklace that had caught my eye a year ago was still available. I asked one of the sales associates at the front desk to open the cabinet so that I could try it on. The heart and pearl necklace, called the Heart Charm necklace, has a sterling silver 16″ chain that fits me perfectly. The enamel heart is hand-crafted by Jessica Blissett, the jewelry-maker, in red of course, surrounded by a background of aqua enamel on a sterling silver disk. It also has a small white pearl that floats on the chain next to the heart. As you probably know, I love hearts, and this one is a very cute everyday necklace.
I wore the necklace during our visit with Jeff’s younger daughter and her husband and 3 year old daughter. Jeff’s granddaughter, J, didn’t take her eyes off of the heart necklace. She mentioned that she likes hearts. Her mom said that J has her own jewelry box and lots of jewelry! When we saw them again the following evening, she studied my necklace again.
After we returned home to MA, I emailed Jessica Blissett, the owner of Bluebird Designs, to ask if she could make the Heart Charm necklace for a child. Jessica was in the middle of moving her studio to a new location in downtown Asheville from the flood-devastated area along the French Broad River that has not yet recovered from Hurricane Helene last September.
Nevertheless, Jessica made the necklace for J., and I received it at the end of last week. I was going to save it to give to her for Hanukkah/Christmas, but I have a feeling that I will send it to her this summer instead. During her birthday and at holidays, she receives so many gifts that things get lost in the crush. I will pick a time when nothing’s going on and send it to her then. The chain is 12″, and the price is less than the adult version because of the shorter chain, $40.
Bluebird Designs makes lots of sterling silver and enamel jewelry (i.e. necklaces, bracelets, earrings) featuring charming birds, other animals, and symbols of nature as well as the Heart Charm necklace. Take a peak! New customers receive 20% off their first purchase.
Love the heart necklace so much. You are such a doll to do this for his granddaughter. She will love it.
I hope she will remember it (and me!) when she receives it!