Check out this interview I did recently with Associated Content.

Etsy Interview with Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry
by Rachel Krech

First off, tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Karen Bryant and I live in Thompson's Station with my husband and dog. I am the owner and only jewelry maker for Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry. I sell my jewelry on Etsy and I have some pieces in a few local shops. My style is simple, pretty, everyday pieces. Sometimes I get lucky and find great vintage jewelry and rework into classic pieces that can be passed down to generations.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

I became so frustrated one weekend trying to find the right piece of jewelry to wear to a friends wedding and then it just occurred to me, this is crazy, I'm a creative person, I can just make my own jewelry, it can't be that hard, I'll just figure it out. Well, turns out it wasn't that easy, especially when I had to learn on my own. I purchased a few magazines and turned to the internet for more help. I look back on some of the first pieces I made and have to laugh but now I am very confident in my ability and I absolute love making jewelry.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I set up my shop, Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry, in September of 2008. I started wearing some of the jewelry that I made to work and then I started making and selling jewelry to the girls at work. I thought, if I like my jewelry and they like my jewelry then I should try selling online. So I looked on the internet and looked in the jewelry making magazines for an outlet and that's when I decided to sell on Etsy.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

When you look at the handmade items on Etsy versus the items you find in department stores there's just no comparison. Why wouldn't someone want to wear a one of a kind unique item instead of something that everyone else is wearing. What is unique about Etsy is that Etsy IS unique, that's it. What I like about Etsy in regards to my shop, Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry, is that I couldn't set up a website on my own, it just wasn't cost effective. Etsy is simple and easy to use and maintain.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

I would have to say the vintage pieces that I find inspire me the most. I look at the piece of jewelry and wonder what is the story behind it and how did it find it's way to this antique store. I love turning a pin into a pendant for a necklace.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

This is my favorite piece. I love the color and sparkle of the antique pin I used for this necklace. I don't know, it just spoke to me. There's something regal about this pin. I love how the Swarovski crystals and pearls match so perfectly.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I would like to continue to grow Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry. I'm so happy each time I sell a piece of jewelry, someone likes what I have created and that just makes me want to keep going. Along with new customers, I also want to have repeat customers and to have those customers tell their friends to shop Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

My aunt just gave me some great vintage pieces from her husbands family, some are 100+ years old, so I have been working to get them ready for a new design. I have lots of ideas in my head as I'm cutting off the pins on the back of the brooches and getting them cleaned up. I'm excited to see what a fabulous necklace or bracelet these great vintage pieces will become. Also I've been thinking of starting a men's line of jewelry. My nephew recently asked if I would make a necklace for him and if that's goes well I will begin to add some men's jewelry to my Etsy shop.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

I have a facebook page and my website address is www.corinnaelle.com.

Moon Glass Earrings

These are perfect earrings, they go with everything and they are so light weight and comfortable.

Pretty teardrop shaped antique gold filigree and moon glass bead hanging on an antique gold fish hook ear wire.

Earrings measure about 1 3/4 inches from the top of ear wire.

Please visit my website for more items you will love.

Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry

Big Round Silver Hoops with Green Czech Beads

Big and beautiful hoops, big hoops are in this year. You will love wearing these earrings.

Silver round hoops with light green Czech beads. These beads are so pretty, they are fire polished and really sparkle. Czech beads are renowned for their excellent craftsmanship dating back to the 11th Century. Made of quality glass, the vivid colors will not fade and are consistent throughout the line. The beads are optically-polished for a scratch-free surface creating maximum brilliance.

The earrings are about 2 3/4 inches from the top of ear wire.

Please visit my website for more items you will love.

Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry

5 Tips on Selecting Bridal Jewelry for Your Special Wedding Day

<a href="http://www.thefreelibrary.com/5+Tips+on+Selecting+Bridal+Jewelry+for+Your+Special+Wedding+Day-a01074016027">5 Tips on Selecting Bridal Jewelry for Your Special Wedding Day<Every woman wishes to look like an angel on her special day, the most important day in every woman's life. Bridal jewelry is definitely an essential accessory. Your bridal jewelry should be comfortable and impressive but not too much otherwise you will outshine your wedding dress.

If you find it difficult to choose your bridal jewelry, here are top five tips which will make it easier for you to get the right jewelry, which will emphasize your wedding gown and make you even more beautiful throughout the most special day in your life.

1) Consider Cost

If you share the opinion that your bridal jewelry is just an accessory for your special occasion, you had better hire it. However, if you want to cherish those special pieces of jewelry forever, finding a trusted and reputable site is little hard, which can provide you with beautiful bridal jewelry on your special day at a fraction of what you will pay in boutique jewelry stores without compromising on quality and craftsmanship.

2) Do it as Early as Possible

Order all your jewelry as soon as possible. It is always better to order your bridal jewelry too early and keep it safe until the big day than cry yourself in to puffy eyes because tomorrow is your big day and you do not have a single piece of bridal jewelry! Even in a crisis like this you can get help from many websites online. Even with speedy delivery, ordering your jewelry well ahead of time brings you peace of mind.

3) First the Dress then the Jewelry

Never choose to buy the jewelry before you see the wedding dress. Undoubtedly, gowns are the first and main thing we see in the bride. Bridal jewelry is an accessory which needs to suit your dress. Both the wedding gown and jewelry should match to the theme of your wedding and form an ensemble. Of course if you have chosen your moment to be ordinary (not-themed) some pearls and necklaces will do a really great job for your appearance.

4) Remember: Budget = Choice!

A very important rule that you ought to know is that you should purchase all your bridal jewelry in a way that fits your budget. You should always pay attention to your budget, as it is the main factor predetermining your choice. For example, if you are a glamorous bride and you can afford to buy diamonds which would look really chic on your gown or veil that is marvelous! However, very few of us can afford that and it is not wise to wreck your finances for fanatical jewelry which you are likely to pay off long after your first born goes to school! You can find fabulous hand crafted bridal jewelry that will suit the most discerning taste and your budget with ease.

5) Do Not Outshine the Wedding Band

Probably, your wedding band is the most important jewelry for you. It should always stand out from your other jewelry. Do not forget that your wedding band gives new meaning to your life and it needs to be the "king" of all accessories you are wearing.

Those were the five most important tips all brides need to know about their jewelry on the special day. If you follow these tips, you will have no problems as far as your bridal jewelry is concerned. Just remember to pay enough attention to your jewelry but do not go too far as there are many other things you should have, such as shoes and other accessories.

Please visit my website for your bridal jewelry.

Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry

The 5 Finest Precious Stones In The World

Diamond
Of all precious stones the diamond has the simplest composition; it is merely crystallized carbon. Carbon is present in every plant, mineral and animal on earth. Diamonds comes typically from the mines in South Africa. Other countries like India, Brazil, Australia and the United States there has been found diamonds too.

Emerald
An emerald is almost certainly the rarest of all precious stones and is measured by some to be even more valuable than the diamond. If you compare it with other precious stones the emerald is unique in its occurrence in nature. Because it is found in the rock in which it was formed. Different from diamonds, sapphires and rubies, the emerald never occur in gem gravels. The first known locality where emeralds were found was in Upper Egypt close to the coast of the Red Sea. The best emerald stones are found in Columbia, South America. Fine specimens have also been found in the United States in North Carolina.

Ruby
Rubies are the oldest or first identified of all precious stones, dated far back in the early history of Caldera and Babylonia. The finest specimen and the largest quantities are found in Upper Burma. And nowadays over one-half of the world?s supply comes from Upper Burma. The rubies found in Siam, Ceylon and Australia have not the deep rich color like the Burmese ruby: a shade of red slightly inclined to the purple and it is often called Pigeon Blood Ruby. The value of a ruby depends upon its color and transparency.

Sapphire
A sapphire, also named the protector of the innocent, the celestial guardian of truth. It is also told to bring health and youth and it is a symbol of the heavens. The sapphire is birthstone for the month of September and it is made of the same mineral as the ruby, the mineral corundum.

Pearls
Real or natural or pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks like it. The cultured pearl is also grown by mollusks, but with human involvement: an irritant is put into the shells, and causes the pearl to grow. Imitation pearls are artificial made with plastic, glass or a organic material.

If you love fashion and fashion accessories you should check out my website for some great jewelry. Many styles to choose from.

Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry

Green Czech Tiger Eye Earrings

Simple but elegant earrings, sure to be your favorite pair.

Two green Czech tiger eye beads on a gold ear wire.

Earrings measure about 1 1/2 inches from top of ear wire.

Please visit my website for more items you will love.

Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry

Green Czech Bead Bracelet

If you love the color green, this is your bracelet.

Two strands of various colors of green Czech beads (some are fire polished), and finished with a small silver toggle clasp.

Czech glass beads are formed by pressing hot glass into a shaped mold. Fire polished beads are first pressed into a mold, but then are taken through a machine to have a more scratch resistant covering applied to them, as well as smoothing out any rough spots or seams within the bead. The fire polishing technique gives a much more lustrous finish to the bead and gives it more slightly rounded facets. Many different colors and varying finishes are available.

Bracelet measures about 7 1/2 inches.

Please visit my website for more items you will love.

Corinna Elle Custom Jewelry