Aroc Urtu

Another Day, Another Beach

2012-02-11T17:20:00.001-08:00

I’ve never been to the gulf coast of Florida before, but here I am in Sarasota for a five day advanced 3-D software class. Rhino is an amazing modeling program that I am starting to use to make some of our jewelry, it is absolutely amazing, but mind-bendingly hard. I’m starting to get comfortable with it, though. If you have any interest in learning this program, I highly recommend this class by Lauren Pipkorn – master designer and Rhino instructor. I’m not sure what I was expecting- maybe a lot of canes and walkers and oil spilled beaches. I was definitely surprised to find a very arts-centered town with beaches that have the whitest, most powdery sand I’ve ever seen. Not that I’m getting to relax, the class is from 9 – 6 every day. My brain is exploding with new info and ideas for Aroc Urtu. I am truly hoping to get to the world renowned Ringling Museum of Art on my last day. I’ll keep you posted!

I’ve been gorging myself on grapefruits and tangerines picked right off the tree. So delicious!!!

The sand is so soft and powdery!

I don’t know who’s house this is right on the beach, but I wish it were mine…

SO MUCH New News

2012-02-08T08:50:00.001-08:00

Really, there is so much news that I’m afraid I’m going to forget something important! First off, the really big news is that Sarah is engaged! So much love and joyous family celebrations going on – I feel like a human bottle of champagne. In an effervescent way, not an alcoholic way. She will be telling readers more about it on her fabulous blog Chevrons and Stripes. And, by the way and another bit of New News, Sarah and her super stylish new apartment are featured today on The Glitter Guide (another great blog to keep on your radar). Go Sarah!

Aroc Urtu Is so thrilled to be getting buzzed about also. Have you read our interview in iDazzle yet? We are so thrilled with it we are doing a Valentine’s Giveaway with them! Please go check it out and enter because I would love for you to win this ruby ring right here:

And if you haven’t heard, we were featured in Vogue Japan – right next to Leonardo DiCaprio and Jake Gyllenhaal. NICE! I still don’t know what the blurb says, so if you can translate it for me I’d be most grateful.

AND on another awesome note, Elizabeth Banks is sporting our diamond slice necklace in Women’s Health Magazine. She is so darn pretty, don’t you think? And I love that this shot was taken just a couple of blocks from where I live. I am so looking forward to seeing her in the Hunger Games!

Miami Engagement (and other great news)

2012-02-04T06:48:00.001-08:00

We are thoroughly DAZZLED with our interview and feature in the fantastic online guide to all things jewelry, idazzle! Go check it out, learn some behind the scenes nuggets, and find out about our ruby giveaway of this:

They haven’t announced it yet, or maybe they have, so get over there and sign up! And if it’s not up yet, keep going over there until it is!

And now for more very exciting news!!

I can finally talk about what I’ve been bursting at the seams to tell you for months (well, two of them)! This was definitely the hardest engagement project I’ve been involved with as Sarah is not only my niece, but also the other half of Aroc Urtu. So much secrecy all paid off and culminated in a completely unanticipated proposal from Evan at the uber lovely Standard Hotel in Miami, and then the maybe even bigger surprise that both the families were there at the hotel to celebrate with them! Congratulations, guys!!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Are You Ready for the Big Day?

2012-01-31T20:34:00.001-08:00

While I am ecstatic that Big Blue is in the Super Bowl on Sunday and I am already anticipating all the nachos I’m planning on eating, and Hello? Madonna at halftime? Awesome! (I hope) … And I am especially looking forward to the Lingerie Bowl. If you haven’t seen this, WATCH! I kid you not – the women in the Lingerie Football League are serious athletes who just happen to play serious football in their lingerie. Once you get past their minimalist uniforms you will see how strong and talented these women are.

But I have totally digressed! Super Bowl Sunday and Big Blue are not the Big Day I’m referring to at all. I’m talking about Big Red! The day of hearts and expressions of love! Yes, Valentine’s Day. I know a lot of you out there are thinking “Huh, what a load of crap. That made-up holiday created to sell cards”. But wait – what other day of the year are we asked to simply celebrate not just the people we love, but the entire, general experience of love itself?

This very simple shape has come to represent that powerful, almost impossible to describe something called love. And February 14th has come to be the day we set aside to celebrate it in all its shapes, sizes and varieties. Admit it – you love it and are going to rush out to get doilies, ribbons, red craft paper and do it up big time! OK, maybe not, but how about a little candy heart for someone special, or other little token to show affection? And of course, if you’re really in the mood, a special gift is always fun to give.

Happy Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

And who doesn't love dragons? They're celebrated in cultures all over the world and range from super cute to vile and evil. What a fabulous creature to provide us with endless fodder for the imagination.

I'm definitely envious of people born in the year of the dragon; it is so much more awesome than a pig, rat, goat, or rooster. In terms of accessories, what could be better than a dragon motif?! If you're lucky enough for this to be your sign, here is your personality description - oh, and the recommended rubies?I think we all benefit by partaking in those!

The charismatic, enthusiastic and self-confident personalities of Dragons help them excel at creating a good first impression. Dragons have good judgment and tend to take a keen interest in the world around them, often stepping in at the right moment to help those in need. Both decisive and dignified, Dragons take a wholehearted approach to life and they see themselves as protectors.

Dragons admire jewelry designs with beneficial properties that incorporate gemstones such as amethyst for wisdom, noble rubies, black jet for peace and abundance, turquoise for good communication and chrysoprase to banish greed and carelessness.

Carved Beads, Diamond Balls, and a Deer

2012-01-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

Would you like to swing on a ~~star~~ diamond ball
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
And be better off than you are
Or would you rather be a ~~mule~~ deer?

Ingredients: leather, coral, diamond and sterling balls, 18K gold beads, boy, dog and deer

Color Trending

2012-01-16T20:55:00.001-08:00

I’ve been gathering stuff together that is grabbing my attention both in color and form. I brought home bags and bags of shells and stones from Costa Rica, not that I want to use them as jewelry elements, per se, but I became obsessed with their hues, tones and shapes. Now, I’m not a trend forecaster or anything, but the colors I’ve been consumed with are remarkably in line with Pantone’s pallets for 2012. Huh. Is it something in the water, or perhaps the collective unconscious, that causes us as a culture to be drawn to certain themes simultaneously? Zeitgeist, real or imagined? What do you think?

Back to the Future

2012-01-12T19:51:00.001-08:00

I’m back in the city. At least my body is. My mind is in the process of catching up. So I’m in the state of what I call half-back. Kind of like in this photo I made:

So long vacation! I hope to visit gain soon!!

And while I miss the total relaxation of the beach, there’s something about dashing around the city in the cold that is really invigorating. Bring on the SNOW!

I wanted to show you all some of the new things that are in work, but unfortunately I wasn’t the only one slacking off… my stone dealer, a jeweler, and my caster all put me on the back burner while I was away and didn’t finish what they said they would. UGH – while the cat’s away… or out of sight, out of mind… it’s annoying (even though I do adore all of them)!

How is your 2012 going so far? Did you take a break? Are you back, going full speed ahead?

Nosara

2012-01-06T10:45:00.001-08:00

Ahhhhhhh, another post from paradise. Nosara, Costa Rica is just lovely, amazing, an excellent blend of rustic with the option for luxurious. Great food, happy people, stunning beaches, lots of yoga… yep, I am very chill and muy contenta. Don’t hate me. You can come here too. For us city creatives, sometimes getting far away into total relaxation is the best way to get INSPIRED and charge those brain juices into action. Really, I have so many new ideas that, while I don’t want vacation to end, I’m eager to put them into form.

I love how people greet each other here – Pura Vida _ which translates to pure life.

Pura Vida!

Vacationing

2012-01-04T08:41:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone and Happy New Year! So far 2012 is fantastic. It helps that I’m in Costa Rica visiting a dear friend who is living the dream here and starting her own swim/surf wear company.

More pictures to come!

Sleigh Ride

2011-12-30T16:05:00.001-08:00

I love New Year’s celebrations. It’s one holiday where we can reflect on our past and set our intentions for the future. A NEW year. A blank slate of 365 unsoiled days laying before us. 365 sunrises awaiting, an unlimited number of opportunities to do right, do good, do more, to be our best and better selves; countless ways and opportunities to take all our accumulated knowledge of the past year and years before this one and move forward into unexplored terrain.

Much of my efforts this past year have felt somewhat Sisyphean. I love that word. Poor Sisyphus, cursed to push boulders up the hill throughout eternity only to have them roll back down when he got close to the summit. Maybe he deserved it, he was a bit of a schmuck, but eternity? A bit too long. It seems a lot of us are feeling this way – lots of work – difficult to attain the hoped for rewards. I’m learning (slowly) to enjoy the journey up the hill, to take a break now and then to enjoy the view, and if things start to roll back down, to dig in, hunker down and breathe deep. So, enough of my reflecting! Onward and upward! Oh, and for 2012? THERE WILL BE PEARLS!

Home (Made) for the Holidays

2011-12-29T15:03:00.001-08:00

Wow, so once again we’ve all made it through the holidays! No, no, I speak too soon! New Year’s is still a couple days away and the gatherings with friends and family continue. So, how is it going? What, so far, will be kept as a treasure in your memory basket? I have had a slew of meals and celebrations with people I love, and so many pictures to process and share. So to start here’s a quick round up of some things that I have loved this past week.

I’m completely mad for my new Nina Z boots – they are the perfect blend of stylish and comfortable. They have quickly become my go-to walking shoes, and I walk a lot. Hand made in Sweden by fifth generation clog makers – fifth generation mind you. And my sister is a knitting genius. The pouf! Oh, the pouf, I am head-over-heels for it. The cowl is my new security blanket or American Express card, in that I “don’t leave home without it”! My friend Gaby made a most excellent pastry (yes, from scratch) from her native Uruguay. I am now planning a trip there just so I can eat more of this. And pictured at the bottom, the musical Once currently at the New York Theater Workshop was such a treat. Yep, better than the movie, and I did really like the movie. If you can, GO NOW. It is moving soon to Broadway and will probably lose some of its charm in a larger venue. If I could I’d go back and see it again. Oh, did you notice my tin can menorah? I also have a 1950s aluminum Christmas tree up, but that is not so homemade, is it? Now, what are your New Year’s Eve plans?

It’s All Good

2011-12-22T16:44:00.001-08:00

I’ve been MIA for a few days. Actually, not missing, but frantically running around like a madwoman on fire getting everything finished and shipped out on time. WHEW! I just got back from UPS having dropped off the last of the Holiday Aroc Urtu orders. Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! If you ordered something, I hope you love it madly!! And please write about it either here or on the Aroc Urtu Facebook page – Sarah and I would LOVE to hear from you!

Now here’s a beautiful landscape…

Oh! And before I forget. Guess What! Aroc Urtu is in the upcoming issue of Vogue Japan! How darned exciting is that? I can’t read what it says, but given the company of Jake Gyllenhaal and Leo Dicaprio (HELLO), I’ll take it. Very, very gladly at that.

(Leo’s bubble comment compliments of me)

So, whatever you are celebrating right now, enjoy it to its fullest!

Storm King Art Center

2011-12-19T22:07:00.001-08:00

I’ve been meaning to get this post up for weeks (okay, about seven of them). As you can see in the photos, it was a spectacular Autumn day when I took a drive north of NYC and visited Storm King. I’ve always said that jewelry in many ways is simply sculpture in miniature. Form, texture, balance, proportion, varied raw materials all coming together to create an experience for the viewer and/or wearer. Sometimes I think about working very large. Just imagine some larger than life Aroc Stacking rings – FUN!

Red and Green for the Holidays? Make it Ruby and Emerald!

2011-12-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

Certain things just go together. A boy and his dog (or, of course, a girl and her dog too), cocoa and slippers, and red and green for the winter holidays. I have no idea how this came about, but this is the inevitable color combo of the season. How to rock it best, you ask? Well, with rocks of the ruby and emerald variety I say. Check out our ruby and emerald slices in gold bezels - could anything say "holiday" better than this?

I hope if you've read this far you'll stop and say hi in the comments and maybe tell me what your favorite holiday combo is!

Emerald, Gold, and Deer Earrings

2011-12-13T13:15:00.001-08:00

My newest favorite! Don't you just want to dive into these lovely sliced, top faceted emeralds?!

At the Met: New Galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands

2011-12-11T15:53:00.001-08:00

There is no shortage of sources for inspiration in NYC. An afternoon outing to the Met always cures me of any sort of creative blockage or general malaise. If some Egyptian treasures can’t fix it, then maybe staring at a Vermeer can, or now a stroll through the incredible new wing of Islamic art.

“The grand reopening of a suite of 15 dramatic New Galleries for the Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Later South Asia took place at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art on November 1. The greatly enlarged, freshly conceived, and completely renovated galleries house the Metropolitan’s renowned collection of Islamic art—one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of this material in the world. Design features within the new space will highlight both the diversity and the interconnectedness of the numerous cultures represented.”

Here are just a few of the objects that are inspiring me. Enjoy!

As you read above, the Islamic wing of the Metropolitan Museum reopened after being closed for renovations since 2003. The richness and diversity of the treasures in the collection makes for a true visual feast. There’s way too much to be absorbed in one visit, so I’m sure I’ll be heading back over and over again to get recharged.

Charles and Ray Eames

2011-12-06T10:10:00.001-08:00

I just saw an amazingly inspiring documentary about the 20th century powerhouse design couple, Charles and Ray Eames. Did I say inspiring?! I need a better word – insupradupraspiring.

What an incredible duo. From chairs that are now icons of modern design to toys, textiles, corporate exhibition displays, and short films, they were designing and creating it and changing the entire design world in their wake.

The IBM Pavilion at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair covered 54,038 square feet (1.2 acres) in Flushing Meadow, N.Y.

They even designed fonts. Don’t you love it?

I remember seeing this short film as a child in school. We were collectively blown away and made the teacher show it to more times. If you haven’t seen it – it is a must.

While one of the few things they didn’t design was jewelry, their esthetic and design sensibility has always inspired and informed mine. In fact many of my best ideas come to me sitting and sketching in my favorite chair of all time.

We Love Penguins

2011-12-02T17:05:00.001-08:00

It’s another Furry or Feathered Friday. Can someone please tell me whether penguins are furry or feathered?

I think for me it all started here, with Mr. Popper’s Penguins. The first chapter book I remember reading all by myself. Those playful, non flying, supercute birds in their graphic black and white perfection. I was smitten.

I know you are making a silent “aaaaawwwwwwwwww” right now. How could anyone resist?!The two penguins are wearing sweaters sadly because they are survivors of an oil spill. The sweaters keep them from ingesting the oil off of their bodies and getting poisoned.

Fortunately in my jewelry design career I’ve had the opportunity to design some of these critters for various clients.

Can I tell you how much I love the penguin watch by Chopard on the right? The center piece is a cloisonne enamel piece I made a long time ago.

This amazing Emperor Penguin is by Tiffany, and the one on the right is vintage.

Happy penguin day to you!

Ring(s) in the Season!

2011-12-01T09:16:00.001-08:00

It's here, ready or not! December 1st?! No, I can't believe it either. My list of things to make, do, and see before the holidays blow by us once again is very long. I’m promising myself that I’m not going to get frantic and stressed out, and really take time to enjoy friends and family. So here’s to officially ringing in the holiday season! What are your plans?

But my very favorite ringing of the holiday season are not the rings that delight the ears, but the ones you can put on your fingers. Like for instance these:

Cyber Monday Jewelry Sale

2011-11-27T16:20:00.001-08:00

Yes, indeed, it’s Cyber Monday here at Aroc Urtu! It’s hard to imagine that the holidays are upon us especially when here in NYC it has been unusually warm. And as much as I do appreciate the very comfortable temperatures, it’s just not feeling very holiday-like. So I created a very wintery image to get us all in the mood for…. shopping! Isn’t it much nicer to ~~get~~ give a gift that is unique and handmade? Aroc Urtu is making it easier by offering a 25% discount storewide (except rings) – so go on over to the website and find some treasures for the ones you love!

Some Google Love

2011-11-22T20:42:00.001-08:00

Starting a small business is ~~a walk in the park~~ like a roller coaster – blindfolded – standing up – no safety harness – on the front car. Yet exhilarating and wildly fun. My brain is stretched every day into positions I never thought possible. Like extreme yoga for the brain. As a creative, it’s never been part of my skillset to worry (too much) about anything on the business side of things. But now both Sarah and I are learning the ins and outs of finance, marketing, social media and lots of other stuff that used to make my eyes glaze over. I’m so glad to be doing this in NYC where there are some excellent resources and networks for the small entrepreneur.

For instance, a couple of days ago I was invited to the Google offices to attend a meeting about increasing SEO. My friend asked if that’s a medical condition. No, it’s Search Engine Optimization. In other words making Google like your website enough to bring it up at the top of people’s searches. How cool is that?! Learning about working the system by the system itself.

As I had heard, the offices were vast and very cheerfully decorated. It looked like a lot of fun to work there, but no one was out and about playing. They even put out a nice breakfast spread.

Here’s my Google breakfast.

It was a really, really helpful three hours of info that is definitely going to take me a while to digest. How nice of Google was that?

Fuzzy Friday because Elephants are not Furry

2011-11-18T19:57:00.001-08:00

So it is Friday again. Furry Fridays! Somehow last Friday ran by so fast I missed it and am just now getting to do my favorite posting on animals and their corresponding jewelry. Elephants. I don’t have words to express how much I love them. You probably don’t either because we all just become all mushy around them. I still remember bawling my eyes out ~~last week~~ as a child when they locked up Dumbo’s mother. So unfair! Anyway, here we go – sit back and enjoy the show.

We are so fortunate to be sharing the planet with these awesome animals.

Brooch by David Webb and this one, Cartier

This is a design I did for a client on the left, and the finished piece on the right.

Here’s some cuteness…

I love this cuff by Alkemie made from 100% reclaimed metal, and our Aroc Urtu elephant on a 6ct ruby rondelle.

Kawaii = Cute

2011-11-16T19:50:00.001-08:00

I picked up an assortment of sweet candy colored sliced sapphires from one of my stone dealers today. The hues made me think of Japanese super cute toys and illustrations. As a cultural phenomenon, cuteness is increasingly accepted in Japan as a part of Japanese culture and national identity. The word for cute in Japanese is kawaii. As in, “aren’t these stones kawaii?” Really, aren’t they? I just want to roll around in their cuteness!

So then walking to the company that does my jewelry casting I decided that since I had kawaii on my mind to take a little detour to Books Kinokuniya. Three floors of all things Japanese, mostly books (great art and manga sections), but also including my objects of obsession – washi tape, origami paper and super cute little toys.

Here’s what I couldn’t resist:

Awwww! Can you take it?!?! Now on to those sapphires!

Applesauce

2011-11-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

I get really enthusiastic at the farmer's market seeing all the gorgeous fall produce. It all just looks, smells, and feels so amazing. And don't let me forget that all important sense - TASTE. Incredible!

So I carted home enough apples for a family of 10 or so and my husband Ed had visions of many pies, tarte tatins (which I make really well, but I'll tell you about that another time), and other deliciousnesses.

But then I got busy. Really busy. And our apple a day may have been keeping the doctor away, but it wasn't denting the giant pile of apples in the basket on the counter. I dreaded coming home and finding something like this:

This happened to none other than Martha Stewart, I kid you not.

So here's what I did in a fit of a) not wanting to waste my beautiful harvest, but b) not having the time to make anything at all time consuming. I simply chopped them up, skin and all, but no cores (15 min), threw them in a large sauce pot with some juice and water to barely cover the apples - I think I actually used grapefruit juice, a little cloves and cinnamon, buckwheat honey. I boiled it down until it was mushy, but not too mushy... and VOILA!

We have a Lucky Winner!

2011-11-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone who entered our Aroc Urtu giveaway! We had so much fun doing it and are delighted to have new fans!

And CONGRATS Michaela, send on over your mailing address so we can get you your lovely black diamond solitaire necklace ASAP (email it to me at lauren@arocurtu.com).

Just Dance

2011-11-09T20:44:00.001-08:00

Today was one of those picture perfect Autumn days and I just happened to be able to reschedule some things so that I could be outside and ENJOY it. I basically played hookey all afternoon and loved every second of it. At the park someone was playing Leonard Cohen’s song Dance Me To The End Of Love on their guitar (really well – now I want to learn to play it on my guitar)) and these are the images (more or less) that were dancing in my head. Enjoy!

So I returned re-freshed, re-inspired, re-invigorated, re-ady to re-start…

tomorrow!

Of Mice and Giveaways

2011-11-05T12:41:00.001-07:00

In case you missed hearing about it, I’ll say it again – we are having an Aroc Urtu Giveaway. As in FREE JEWELRY! A black diamond solitaire necklace, to be specific. It would look stunning on you – I promise. Just a few more days to ENTER over at the wonderful jewelry blog, Gem Gossip.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, you may be asking yourselves “what happened to Furry Friday?” Well, that’s what I’m getting to right now – better late than never. So on with it. Mice! Yes, mice. Possibly the most hated and adored creature on the planet. While many among us would completely wig out to find one scavenging in our cupboard, we absolutely adore their cartoon counterpoints. For a list of who’s who in the mouse world of fame go here.

I can’t remember if the mouse was Tom or Jerry. Do you? And how over the top is this all diamond Mickey Mouse by Jewelry Unlimited? Wowza!

I love the jewelry team Manya and Roumen’s animal pieces. Their sensitivity and detail are extraordinary. Maybe Mighty Mouse will rush off and buy me this ring…

I adore all the sweet goodies from Danish design brand Maileg, like this too cute linen mouse.

My older sister had a toy Topo Gigio doll that I think was my very first mouse love. I swiped it from her many times.

And here’s our sweet little mouse charm that would gladly accompany you on all your adventures and not leave behind any little turds.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:39:00.001-07:00

Living in the West Village of New York City Is truly Halloween Central. We have the largest parade in the whole world right at our doorsteps. And while having a million plus people descending on the normally quiet(ish) corner of the city can be really disruptive, it is an absolute visual feast and ultimately tons of fun. I just wanted to show you here some of the local shops’ windows that have delighted me for the past couple of weeks. I will definitely miss them when they come down in the next few days!

And just to keep the Halloween spirit going all year long I will certainly wear my birdskull and snake with black diamond earrings frequently!

I hope you had a great time this Halloween! What did you do?

Furry Friday

2011-10-28T16:29:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Furry Friday Halloween Edition. I have no idea how the cat became the signature Halloween animal, but there you have it.

As soon as a cat arches its back it is immediately identified with Halloween, right?!

I also have no idea about how I ended up sharing my life with not one, but two of these creatures (actually I do know – I rescued them from their imminent demise in the gas chamber and couldn’t find anyone else to ~~take~~ love them). My older male cat is Ezra. He is a master of getting into odd spaces. Sometimes unable to get out of them.

He is very entertaining as are most cats, which is one of the many reasons they have endeared themselves to humans for 10s of thousands of years. They love us, we love them, and since the times of Ancient Egypt we have worn replicas of them on our bodies.

I love this ancient Egyptian amulet necklace by Mark Loren Designs with a faience (the blue material seen so often in ancient Egyptian artifacts – kind of like the first precursor to plastic) Eye-of-Horus (Circa 200 BC) accented by two new 18 karat Yellow Gold Bastet Cats. “Cats in ancient Egypt were revered highly, partly due to their ability to combat vermin such as mice, rats - which threatened key food supplies - and snakes, especially cobras. Cats of royalty were, in some instances, known to be dressed in golden jewelry and were allowed to eat from their owners' plates.”

And wouldn’t you love to wear the adorable vintage cat ring from Tanya’s Treasures?

Probably the most iconic cat jewelry was created by the fabled jewelry house of Van Cleef and Arpels.

These brooches from the 1950s represent the whimsical, stylized representations of animal and plant life for which the company was famous.

You probably run the risk of being labeled a crazy cat lady if you wear too much of this stuff, but there is cat jewelry for every design aesthetic; from the very representational kitty from Macklowe Antiques, to the lovely abstracted form from the Hmong tribe, a hill tribe people living throughout SE Asia.

Pssstttt! I've got some good GOSSIP!

2011-10-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

And heeeeeeeeeeeeerrrre it is!

Just Kidding! Sarah and I are not joining a roller derby team. Yet. No, ever. But we did get a wonderful write-up in our favorite jewelry blog Gem Gossip, and that's much ~~safer~~ better! Danielle is so knowledgeable about all things jewelry and has a great eye for what's cool out there. AND (and here's the really juicy part) there is an Aroc Urtu giveaway going on! As in FREE. Free jewelry, you ask? No way. Yes, way! And it's a diamond - a lovely, sparkly, edgy black diamond. Just for you! Well, you, if you go to Gem Gossip, follow the rules, and are the lucky winner (and don't forget to leave a comment on her blog or she won't know you entered). I truly hope you enter, and I really hope you win!!

Wear it alone or layer it with more of your lovelies.

And a big HELLO to all my new friends and compadres from the Blogging Your Way class!

Happily Ever After

2011-10-25T17:58:00.001-07:00

It’s an unexpected, but very welcome surprise that Aroc Urtu jewelry has become popular as an alternative choice for brides. There are so many ways in which couples are now celebrating and expressing their unions. Sara and I are so glad to be part of this movement of creating more unique and personally fulfilling ceremonies. This past weekend two of my very dear friends, Zara and Andreas, joined their lives together in a stunning and seriously fun NYC wedding. I want to show you a few quick pics!

This is the amazing hotel suite where all the prep work (and early, nerve calming sips of champagne) took place.

The sliced ruby and sapphire necklaces looked better than ever on the gorgeous bride!

Some of my favorite sources for all things wedding are Green Wedding Shoes, Well Wed, and 100 Layer Cake. Been to a great wedding recently? I’d love to hear about what made it special!

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

Sleepy Sunday

2011-10-23T11:11:00.001-07:00

I can’t wait to tell you about my friend Zara’s wedding yesterday. It was stunning, sophisticated, elegant, and still a whole lot of undiluted fun. And, wow, was the bride gorgeous – I am honored that she chose to wear only Aroc Urtu jewelry!

But while I’m organizing photos I wanted to wish you a happy and sleepy Sunday. Enjoy it!

(my friend Lauren’s adorable and oh-so-relaxed kitten, Weasel)

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

Furry Friday

2011-10-21T06:56:00.001-07:00

I just realized that I’m not exactly sure what constitutes fur. Are goats, cows and horses considered furry? It doesn’t sound right to call them hairy either. There is a difference between fur, hair, pelt, skin, wool, but I’m not going to go there. Unless it’s feather’s, I’m calling it fur – as in your new boyfriend is really furry, isn’t he? So here’s the roundup of animals and their jewelry pairings for the week. Enjoy!

These golden goats date all the way back to the Achaemenid Empire.

I didn’t take this photo of the Navajo horse, LIAMRW did. I love it.

The jewelry of David Webb has always enthralled me and has been a source of inspiration for many years. If you're not familiar with his work, do check it out, his animal jewelry in particular is incredible. How amazing are these horse bracelets?

And cows? Well, bulls especially have been depicted in jewelry throughout history; from the very first metalsmiths through the most contemporary.

A vintage cow skull pendant, A PAIR OF GREEK GOLD BULL HEAD EARRINGS HELLENISTIC PERIOD, CIRCA 2ND CENTURY B.C., and good old Bessie in black and white diamonds.

Peace, love, and rocks,
Lauren

Duck, Duck, Goose, and Other Feathered Friends

2011-10-14T15:04:00.001-07:00

I took a day trip up to visit the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, NY.

“Catskill Animal Sanctuary was founded in 2001 with the mission to rescue farm animals in need, educate the public about the devastating affects of agribusiness, and encourage people to adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle. In the ten years since it was founded, the Sanctuary has rescued over 2,000 farm animals from life or death situations and had shown people that these animals are so much more than what they are perceived to be. CAS’s 80-acre haven is located in Saugerties and offers weekend tours, overnight lodging, event space, educational events, speeches, and vegan cooking lessons for the public.”

If you live or visit the upstate NY area, do stop in. It is not only beautiful, but a very uplifting experience. Seeing these animals ,who have survived unimaginable abuse, thriving and happy got me thinking about how throughout civilization our connection with all God’s creatures has been expressed in jewelry. I am a huge sucker for animal motifs of any variety, so I am going to run with this topic for a while. I think I’ll call it Furry and Feathered Fridays. So here we go!

Firstly, I want to show off my new BFF, Hannah. Who knew turkeys were so adorable and affectionate?!Since meeting her and the other animals at the sanctuary I've come to the conclusion that one of the main underlying uniting conditions of all of us is that we are all, regardless of our species, itchy. All we all want is some great scratching and rubbing. Would you scratch my back, please?

Turkeys are seriously underrepresented in terms of jewelry. There are zillions of other bird jewelry pieces out there – from abstract to extremely lifelike and detailed, but turkeys are just not a hot item. But here’s something that if we squint could look like an ancient turkey.

The roosters strutted around like they owned the place. I guess that’s where the expression “he ruled the roost” comes from… The big guy on the bottom left’s name is Rambo – muy macho.

And who wouldn’t want to rock something like this?

The ring is made by Balinese artist Nyoman Rena, and check out the lovely vintage finds in penorus' Etsy shop.

And geese? We’ve been wearing little representations of these guys since the time of the pharaohs.

Yes, I know this is not a goose, but a close(ish) relative.

Peace, love and rocks,

Lauren

P.S. I just realized that I had the settings set to not allow comments – DUH!!! But I’d love to hear from you, so please comment away!!!

Ruffling Feathers

2011-10-09T21:23:00.001-07:00

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all.

Emily Dickinson

Sarah, and I were very thrilled that Susan Kaufman, the editor of People StyleWatch magazine, chose our feather necklace as one of her October “obsessions”. So cool!

Feathers have been used as ornament by the human species since the days of the Neanderthals more than 44,000 years ago. Clearly these delicate treasures inspire something profound in our collective souls; perhaps a longing for flight, to soar over the Earth, to be free as a bird. Remember the song Freebird? (oh, I digress…) We have used feathers to decorate ourselves in innumerable ways, and they continue to amaze and delight.

Peace, love and rocks,

Lauren

October?! Again?! Already?!

2011-10-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

It feels like it was just the 4th of July about ten minutes ago, and now it’s full on Fall. Shorter days and chilly breezes. Actually, I jest… it’s still humid and muggy here in NYC and cool air is eagerly awaited. But seriously, Autumn in New York is the stuff of legend – you know the song, right? I’m loving having boots back on, doing some baking, and gearing up for the entire holiday season.

As I said, I’ve gotten a bug in my craw to do some baking. Does anyone out there know what exactly a bug in a craw is?! I hate to imagine – but if you know, please do send an explanation. Both the recipe for the granola bars on the left and the noodle kugel on the right are from a blog I love - Smitten Kitchen. If you are celebrating the New Year and want to bake something supremely delicious for the break fast, this is absolutely the best kugel EVER!!!

Also now that everyone’s not rushing off to the beach on weekends, what’s better than getting together for Sunday brunch? I love meeting up at friends’ homes and ~~snooping into~~ checking out what they’ve been up to. The view from my friend Charlie’s 43rd floor apartment has amazing, dizzying views of lower Manhattan.

And there’s always corners of the city to explore. This weekend I discovered

the New Amsterdam Market.

farmer’s market under the Manhattan Bridge

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

Happy Fall, Y’all!

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

D'un certain âge

2011-09-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

We turn not older with years, but newer every day.
~Emily Dickinson

"I've just come into my own quite late. I'm a late bloomer. You have no idea how insecure I was... I just didn't believe in myself and now I know who I am." Ilona Royce Smithkin

I saw a video on the wonderful blog StyleLikeU last week about 92 year old Ilona Royce Smithkin who is just brimming with energy, joy, color and, well, with life. I was so inspired I sent it on to a few friends who found it as uplifting as I had.

THEN, not two days later, guess who I bumped into on my very own street corner?! (these kind of wild chance encounters seem to happen on a weirdly regular basis to everyone in NYC, go figure...) Ilona!! I stopped her to say how amazing and fabulous she is and she was as kind and vivacious as could be. She also let me in on a great little secret: staying creative fuels the fires of life. Easy, peasy - just keep doing what you love and loving what you do. I love simple, sage advise.

There really is very little attention spent on older people in the media, particularly women, and to see someone who is embracing life like it's a party each and every day, regardless of their age, makes me want to join in and celebrate also. Through this video I found another fabulous blog, Advanced Style, that is focused on creative and stylish older folks. Yay! We don't have to quietly fade and shrivel up in a corner somewhere! And remember, lots of things get better with age;

Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1945, anyone?

Oh, yeah, the smellier and furrier the better!

17th century... really, really old

20th century funky - holds a top spot in my heart

And you know how much I love vintage wind up monkeys

Maybe the thing that gets the best with age........ diamonds! about three billion (yes, BILLION) years of old!

Cheers to embracing life to its fullest as long as possible!

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

1,000 Paper Cranes

2011-09-13T07:33:00.001-07:00

With the start of Aroc Urtu, I Do – our new bridal jewelry collection, I’ve been thinking about weddings a lot and the many symbols that have become significant in various wedding traditions. One that I find particularly beautiful is the folded paper crane.

Cranes have always occupied a special place in Asian history and culture. Cranes are considered auspicious and symbolize longevity & good health. It is believed that cranes mate for life and both male & female work together to build their nest. Thus, cranes may be the perfect wedding symbol. They say that if you fold 1000 paper cranes, then your heart’s desire will come true.

Peace, love and rocks,

Lauren

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope some day you'll join us, And the world will be as one. JOHN LENNON

2011-08-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

It always surprises me when different ideas or things that I've been focused on start popping up in the world around me. It seems that certain concepts or elements enter the very air we breathe and become part of the cultural zeitgeist. A few months ago, while my apartment was getting renovated, the dream catcher that had been hanging over my bed got broken. It is simple and elegant, not like the dreamcatchers I remember making in 4th grade with garish polyester yarn, or the ones you see in every touristy store out West.

I was a bit perturbed that it got damaged and was looking forward to getting a new one on my trip to Montana where I originally got that one... new bedroom wall, new dream catcher.

Just in case we're not all on the same page, dream catchers originated in the Ojibwa Nation and over time spread to other Native American tribes. While some consider the dream catcher a symbol of unity among the various Native American Nations, and a general symbol of identification with Native American cultures, others believe that they are over-commercialized and kitchy.

The Ojibwa believe that a dreamcatcher changes a person's dreams. "Only good dreams would be allowed to filter through… Bad dreams would stay in the net, disappearing with the light of day. Good dreams would pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper." As someone who dreads bad dreams, I love this possibility. And apparently a lot of other people are trying this method to stave off the nightmares of our times.

Aside from the run-of-the-mill stuff that is all over the place, I've been seeing some really beautiful reinterpretations of the symbol. I really love this necklace by itsyourKISMET on Etsy:

and this one by Sheila B. Jewelry.

AND not once, but TWICE today in passing by two of my very favorite stores - Rag and Bone and Love, Adorned... guess what grabbed my attention - - - - - -- remarkably beautiful GIANT ONES!

And it all just seems so serendipitous because we just finished photographing some of the very newest pieces (like these green amethyst, diamond and gold earrings) using you-know-whats as a staging element. It's a small world, and it seems that we are all passing through each others
dream(catcher)s.

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

What's new with you?

2011-07-25T16:52:00.001-07:00

Sarah and I had a great time doing trunk shows in Southampton and East Hampton. It was HOT. BOILING.SWELTERING. UNFIT FOR HUMAN EXISTENCE HOT. But thank-you to those intrepid shoppers that trudged out to shop, support, and make it fantastic!

I'm writing this post from LaGuardia airport where my flight is delayed 3 hrs. I'm feeling a bit unlucky as this is the 4th flight in a row that I've taken and had severe delays. I thought you could only be unlucky like this 3 times! Oh, well. I really can't complain. I'm off to Montana to rock hunt. I can't wait to wade in those glacial rivers and find some very special stones... I'll post pics. And meanwhile, here's a picture of one of my very favorite places to chill out and beat the Manhattan heat-the HIGHLINE Go. Really. You'll feel much better.

So, while I can’t wait to get to Montana, my heart is always here (see above) – up on my roof, overlooking NYC.

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T11:46:00.001-07:00

View Full Album

I’m shocked – SHOCKED – that it is already the Fourth of July weekend. Somehow I was under the impression that it was next week, but that didn’t stop me from getting with the program and having a fantastic holiday. Here are a few things that we’re up to:

Sarah’s ridiculously cute puppy, Ziggy, is learning to swim and my cat Ezra is in training for the cat Olympics is the Lounging event (with shoes).

I finally got my bottom up to the Metropolitan Museum to see the heartbreakingly beautiful Alexander McQueen exhibit, Savage Beauty. It’s stunning, overwhelming, and so exquisitely produced. I felt like I was allowed to spend a few hours submerged in raw, sheer genius.

View Full Album

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

A Most Beloved Fruit (and gem)

2011-06-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Nothing screams summer's delight as much as watermelon. I grew up outside of Washington, D.C. where summers were extremely HOT and HUMID. There was a farm stand not too far from home and every time we drove by, my brother, sister and I would plead with my mom to get us a watermelon. Of course she'd stop and get us our fix - it wasn't like we were begging for fireworks to light off in the backyard or anything, though we did that too with less success; and my brother did discover that firecrackers IN watermelon made an amazing explosion... but I digress.

We'd crack the thing open as soon as we got home - unrefrigerated - and it was sooooo flavorful and sooooooo juicy we'd forget all our cares and woes (not that we had many). This amazing fruit also came equipped with it's own entertainment accessory - watermelon seeds! Seed spitting contests, seed necklaces, collages, etc. Times have changed a bit for the beloved pink and green fruit; it's hard to find a melon that has seeds, and some are grown square so they don't roll off the grocery shelves - I kid you not.

And even though the watermelon has been depicted in uncountable still life paintings,

it is still a medium of choice for many artists:

Which brings me to where I was going in the first place. Watermelon tourmaline!! A visually delicious gem. I couldn't wait to show you all (whoever you may be, thank you, thank you) one of our brand new pieces! Green sapphire on top, champagne diamond in the middle and a generous slice of watermelon suspended below. Don't you love it?!?!

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

Saturday Stone Spotting

2011-06-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

How's that for alliteration? I know, today is not Saturday anymore, but it sounds better.

How amazing is this stone house?! As I always say, people in stone houses shouldn't throw glass...

And here's a much more accessible way of putting some stones to use

This would be a great idea for party seat markers, or maybe refrigerator magnets, if you're into refrigerator magnets. Personally I prefer a clutter free fridge. Just saying...

And for all you crafty folks out there, here's a fairly simple project that I found on the wonderful blog CURBLY. Doormat? Bath mat? Not sure, but I'm definitely making one of these with some of the zillions of stones gathered far and wide that didn't quite make the jewelry cut. Let me know how yours turns out!

Oh, wow. Definitely not a DIY project, but how beautiful are these lights? If I could sit in a quiet room with these? Reeeeelaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaax!

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

Happy Friday!

2011-06-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

I've been dying to get to the blog for days, but every time I sit down inspired I somehow get called away. Part of the problem is that I'm in the middle of a home renovation project...

I'm building a little guest room and a walk-in closet in the bedroom to make up for the lost closet due to the guestroom. It seemed like a quick, simple project when it started, but, yikes, it's complete mess and chaos over here. But, It's going to be sweet!

Aroc Urtu has been all over the media this week. Did you see the segment on NBC New York? Very exciting! Samantha Yanks, the editor of both Gotham and Hamptons Magazines and denizen of all things fabulous, has fallen in love with Aroc Urtu. Click here to watch!

Have you checked out the blog Green Wedding Shoes? It is not only an online must see as a great resource if you are planning a wedding or heading to one, it is also full of unique lifestyle ideas. Aroc Urtu's new bridal line was featured this week and wow did it cause my mailbox to fill up! I got so many lovely emails from people who checked out the jewelry and have become fans. Thank you GreenWeddingShoes!!

It has been a wonderful couple of weeks! It is just such a terrific feeling to make things that we love and then connect with people who love what we do.

Peace, love and rocks,

Lauren

Rachael Ray Really Rocks (Aroc Urtu) Again

2011-05-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

We're really thrilled that Rachael Ray has once again worn Aroc Urtu on her show. I love that on the show was a segment with Bindi Irwin, the young animal conservationist and daughter of the late Steve Irwin. Bindi was handling a large endangered species of snake. Perfect that Rachael was wearing her black diamond and snake pendant! I have to admit that presented with such a large scary looking creature I would have reacted as Rachael did - with utmost terror. I do love snakes and firmly believe in protecting them, but I definitely prefer to have them on my body in the form of jewelry.

Peace, Love, and Rocks,
Lauren

Other Stones We Adore

2011-05-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Humans have been decorating stones throughout the entire history of our species. Cave walls, monoliths, you name it - we embellished it. I love the contrast of the ancient with the modern and realizing that the human capacity for imagination and our drive to create is limitless.

What amazing treatment have you done to a stone recently or are thinking about doing?

Peace, love and rocks,
Lauren

May Day, May Day!

2011-05-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

After what has been the longest, dreariest winter here in NYC, it is finally, at long last SPRING! I really do feel like dancing around a maypole, but since there wasn't one available I've taken pictures of some very Springy things.

Ahhh, the park across the street that was covered in snow for so long has exploded in color.

I love my neighbor's bicycle that is always decorated to the nines.

And Aroc Urtu has been busy growing and expanding also. How perfect for Spring are our bunny, feather, and dove charms?

Peace, love and rocks,

Lauren

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Earth Day, a global celebration of our remarkable planet and day of raising awareness of ways to protect the environment, has special importance to Aroc Urtu. Our collections reflect our love of Earth's natural beauty through found beach and river stones that require no mining or processing whatsoever. We use recycled metals, conflict free precious stones, and always seek more environmentally friendly materials and methods. We want Aroc Urtu to be beautiful on the wearer and to leave behind a more beautiful planet. Wear an Aroc Urtu piece and everyday can be Earth Day for you too!

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American Proverb

Rachael Ray Loves Aroc Urtu and We Love Rachael Ray!

2011-04-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that Rachael Ray is an Aroc Urtu fan! She will be wearing one of our necklaces on her show tomorrow morning. Guess which one!!

Planet Ribbon

2011-04-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I wandered over to M&J Trimmings this afternoon seeking inspiration in the form of ribbons. Some amazing new ideas are in the works about which we will be letting you know very soon. Patience, all. We spent a couple hours getting inspired, whipped into creative frenzies, and totally overwhelmed (in a good, Oh Wow sort of way).

Not only are there more ribbons than you can wrap your mind around, but there are tassels, trimmings, cords, buttons, and beaded and bedazzled stuff filling thousands of square feet. We eventually had to pull ourselves out of there having fallen helplessly in love with new colors, textures, and possibilities.

I'm playing around here with some fun, funky, texturey stuff that just feels happy!

I just can't stop looking at these colors - all eco friendly dyes, mind you, and I'm really looking forward to showing you what we do with them!

Peace, love, and rocks,
Lauren

Hope Blossoms

2011-03-27T20:35:00.001-07:00

I cannot possibly imagine facing a wall of black water with force enough to level everything in its wake. The amount of destruction and human suffering is beyond comprehension. My heart breaks for so many who have lost loved ones, their homes, livelihoods, all that is familiar, and who now face the terror of radiation.

I grew up just outside of Washington, D.C., where the Cherry Blossoms are the harbingers of spring. The dreamlike explosion of color annually proves the enduring renewal of nature. This year the blossoms remind us not only that out of winter comes spring and renewal, but also that out the darkest and most devastating events, hope blossom.

Aroc Urtu is honored to participate in this charity event chock full of many of our favorite designers uniting to raise money for the tsunami victims. Sarah and I have created the “Hope Blossom” pendant as a symbol of our sincerest wishes for healing and renewal.

We’ll keep you posted on this terrific event, and if you’re in NY mark it in your calendar!

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

Aroc Urtu in OFW

2011-03-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

How cool is this?! Aroc Urtu being worn by this stunning model shot by one of our very favorite photographers, Antoine Verglas for Oslo Fashion Week.

This is another photograph by Mr. Verglas featuring Aroc Urtu jewelry:

Very different moods, but I love how in both images the women exude confidence and comfort in their own bodies (and in their A U jewelry).

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

The Aroc Urtu Pets

2011-03-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

In addition to stones, here at Aroc Urtu we are also crazy about our pets. Ezra and Bodhi are my cats; Ezra, an 8 year old male, and Bodhi, a 2 year old female. They really love "helping" when we sort piles of stones, i.e. flinging and chasing them all over the place. Ezra is always eager to get involved in production:

They really exhaust themselves with their daily tasks and have to spend long stretches of time recovering from their efforts:

And we are really excited about the latest addition to the Aroc Urtu pet list and our NEW MASCOT ....... drum roll, please....................
Sarah's new puppy ZIGGY!!!!!

Seriously cute, right?

Peace, love and rocks,
Lauren

Lots of New News

2011-02-27T18:05:00.001-08:00

Aroc Urtu is celebrating its six month birthday. Can you believe it?!What a great six months it has been. The great news is that Aroc Urtu is now represented by Sola Showroom! Sola is a shopping destination for buyers from many of the most fabulous stores in the country. We are over the moon that our jewelry collection can now be found in stores in Chicago, Tampa, Dallas, Geneva, etc.

Now that summer market is winding down, Sarah and I are working away on so many new things for Fall. Here’s a tiny preview of some up and coming rings!

Wear them alone or pile them on – more is more!

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

The Styleliner

2011-01-31T06:29:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've ever had such an enchanting shopping experience as stepping aboard The Styleliner. Brilliant and lovely both, Joey Wolffer has created an intimate, exquisite mobile treasure chest of accessories. I wanted everything. Really. Wanted. Everything. Each piece was beautifully designed and crafted and very, very special - from bags, hats, belts, shoes and jewelry. And, hey, guess what?! Aroc Urtu will now be available on The Styleliner! We are thrilled to be among these amazing treasures. If you are in Palm Beach go check it out - the truck will be there for the winter.

- article from www.fashionwindows.net -

StyleLiner: An Exciting Mobile Shopping Experience

NEW YORK, Dec 16, 2010 / — Reinventing the traveling merchant and adding the mystique of the gypsies, fashion stylist and jewelry designer Joey Wolffer created the StyleLiner.

Literally a refurbished 20-ft potato chip truck, the StyleLiner is filled to the brim with extraordinary accessories featuring carefully curated merchandise. Along with Joey Wolffer’s signature jewelry and accessories collection, the StyleLiner offers a combination of unique and limited edition creations by a host of international designers which you will not find in other stores.

www.thestyleliner.com

Peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren

Eco-Friendly Jewelry

2011-01-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

We got a wonderful write up in The Jewelry Brief, a fantastic blog about all things jewelry! We are delighted and honored to be listed among such forward thinking designers as Melissa Joy Manning and Monique Pean.

Eco-Friendly Jewelry

Color of 2011

2011-01-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

I am all for a very happy color of the year - definitely ready to look at the world through honeysuckle glasses. I don't know who the powers are that determine these things, but this time I want to give them a big Thank You.

Here's what the Pantone color experts are telling us:

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum. The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

"Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It’s a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men’s ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway."

The way I see it, in very simplistic terms, this color makes me happy and I associate it with all sorts of things that also make me very happy.

Such as -

Or how about

and my very, very favorite pink of all...

So, what's your favorite pink?

Peace, love and rocks,
Lauren

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

It has been such an exciting year for us at Aroc Urtu. From being picked up by some of our favorite stores, to being listed in InStyle magazine's holiday gift guide and appearing on national television on CBS's Early Show, it has been a truly remarkable start! We are so grateful to the people who have supported us and cheered us on. Thank you, thank you.

I can't wait to see what lies in store for us in 2011 - I know that this year ahead is going to be full of challenges, amazing rewards, new friends, and great opportunities.

Peace, love and rocks,

Lauren

Favorite Slices

2010-12-14T13:18:00.001-08:00

I've been obsessing on slices recently. I've found that things that come in slices are usually wonderful things. Here are some of my favorites:

BUT my very favorite slices of all are DIAMOND SLICES! These arresting stones appear to each contain their own world within. We have some up on the website now - a great alternative to the diamond solitaire necklace that EVERYONE already has!

Peace, Love, and Rocks,
Lauren

Monkey See, Monkey Buy

2010-12-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

Speaking of collections...

If you divide humanity into those who collect and those who do not, I fall definitely into the collectors category. Fortunately my husband has no interest in collecting things, which leaves more room for me! My favorite collection is Vintage Wind-up Monkeys. I truly have no idea why. I found a very cute monkey wearing a red hat and playing cymbals in a flea market about 15 years ago and the flood gates were opened - the search was on. Here's a small group of them.
What do you collect?

Peace, love, and rocks,

What special object do you collect?

2010-11-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

If you're reading the Aroc Urtu blog, I assume you're aware that we collect beach stones. In fact, they're practically pouring out of our ears at this point! Just last week I had a zip lock baggy filled with stones in my handbag and when my boyfriend went rummaging through, he discovered them and said "oh candy!" only to discover that to his disappointment, they were just rocks.

There are so many beautiful natural objects to collect out there and I love seeing what other people do with them. This woman paints driftwood - how cool is her collection?

peace, love, & rocks,

Sarah

(Image found here)

Snakes are good if they are jewelry

2010-11-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

Aroc Urtu oxidized sterling and black diamond ring

"Snake (or serpent) jewelry has been worn since ancient times. Each era and part of the world seems to attribute its own symbolic meaning to this intriguing animal; eternal love, healing, fertility, wisdom and even immortality. In early Egyptian society it was the symbol of royalty and deity and the Romans regarded the snake as a symbol of everlasting love."

I think, also, that snakes for many people are terrifying. Personally, while I have a healthy amount of snake fear, I reserve my full-on freak out for rats and roaches. But wearing something that in real life could inflict injury and perhaps even death, becomes a symbol of empowerment and protection when made of precious metals and gems. And don't we all need a bit more power and protection?

"A snake on the hand is worth two in the bush"

Peace, love, and rocks,
Lauren

Thank You Note

2010-10-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Julianne Moore is hands-down one of my very favorite actors. I just saw her in The Kids are Alright and thought she was brilliant (and how gorgeous was Mark Ruffalo?). Her performance in last year's visually sumptuous but emotionally crushing film The Single Man was perfectly nuanced, and she was central in two of my all-time favorite films, Far From Heaven and The Big Lebowski.

She stands out to me not only as a fashion icon, but as a woman who embodies humanity's finest qualities; grace, dignity, compassion, strength and wit - the kind of person you wish was one of your best friends.

So, imagine Sarah's and my delight when today we received an email from Ms. Julianne Moore telling us how much she loves her Aroc Urtu necklace! I should add generosity to the above list.
We are on cloud nine!

Peace, love, and rocks,
Lauren

POP-UP SHOP IN EAST HAMPTON THIS WEEKEND!

2010-09-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Aroc Urtu in TG-170!

2010-08-25T10:14:00.001-07:00

Writing again so soon you might ask? Well as it turns out, right after we visited Only Hearts we also got picked up by Terri, the owner of TG-170 on Ludlow. If you haven't visited TG-170 you are missing out! They are the ultimate source for J-brand jeans as well as cool downtown designers like Mociun, Sunshine & Shadow, and Mara Hoffman and now Aroc Urtu.

Yesterday we brought a big selection of stones for Terri to choose from and she was so excited to pick out her favorites as well as represent us exclusively on the Lower East Side where TG-170 happens to be the fashionable epicenter.

Check out Terri wearing one of our pieces and some images of her super-cool store decor. We LOVE all of the color and whimsy here and can't wait until these pieces are done in production so you can all go and visit Terri and Aroc Urtu.

peace, love, and rocks,

Lauren & Sarah

Our first TWO stores!

2010-08-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

We have some pretty exciting news for you! Lauren and I were wandering the streets of Nolita last week when we happened to stop into Only Hearts on Mott St. It's such a quaint, little store and totally fits in with the laid back Aroc Urtu vibe.

Erica, the buyer agreed to meet with us and she just got it - she loved the pieces and agreed that we would fit in effortlessly to their sweet little shop AS WELL AS the one in Santa Monica! As you can imagine we are super psyched to be able to direct our fans to a store many people know and love.

Check out some images we snapped of the store and two of the lovely sales associates posing in the Aroc Urtu Nouveau Flower Necklace and Black Slipknot Necklace. We heart Only Hearts!

peace, love, and rocks,

Sarah

The perfect rainbow

2010-08-11T19:01:00.001-07:00

I know everyone is all up in arms about this "Double Rainbow" You Tube video gone viral but I found this image much more inspiring!

Like finding the perfect Aroc Urtu stone on a beach filled with rocks, this image reminded me of the feeling you get when you capture that something special in the palm of your hand. Isn't it beautiful?

Peace, love & rocks,

Sarah

photo via: ahndrayaparlato.com

2010-08-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Living in Manhattan means owning a car is generally more of a headache than it's worth. I'm not much of a car person to begin with, although I did briefly own a fire engine red '65 Mustang convertible that I loved perhaps more than I should have, so car lust is not something that happens to me very frequently. BUT THEN while driving out in the Hamptons I happened across this impeccably restored VW bus. LOVE IT! The design exudes the anticipation of happy adventures. Just looking at it makes me imagine singing loudly, driving down long, winding roads out west that vanish in a point on the horizon. Aroc Urtu road trip, anyone?

Peace, love, and rocks,
Lauren

2010-08-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,
I’m really excited to let you know that my jewelry line Aroc Urtu
[pronunciation: a ‘rock ‘er two] is ready to launch. After designing for other people for so long I decided it was time to do my own thing and start my own collection. My very talented partner Sarah Lederman and I have been working away on the jewelry, the website, the blog, and the lookbook, and are now eager for you to check it out. We’d love to hear your feedback.

Combining beautiful beach and river stones that I’ve collected on my travels with precious gems, each Aroc Urtu piece is truly one of a kind – just like you! Stay in touch with us on Facebook (yes, please join the fan page), Twitter, our blog and see where stones and our imaginations lead us. Oh, and tell your friends about Aroc Urtu.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” (Lao Tzu); join us as we take our first step.
Cheers!

Lauren

North Fork Weekend

2010-07-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

Getting out of the city on sweltering weekends feels like both a luxury and a necessity. This weekend's destination was the North Fork of Long Island. I had never visited the North Fork before and now that I know how lovely it is, I can't understand why I hadn't ventured this way before! Farmer's markets, vineyards and quiet beaches were the backdrop. Relaxing? Oh, yes. And there was a productive side to the weekend filled with exquisite meals and truly delicious local wines -
a) I learned to make orange-rosemary scones (ridiculously yummy)
b) The rock hunting was excellent - new treasures to come!

Peace, love and rocks,
Lauren

Morning Inspirations

2010-07-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wake up in the morning with inspiration on the brain? This morning I pulled out my Cy Twombly coffee table book and felt compelled to create something! How beautiful are his roses?

peace, love, and rocks

Sarah

Photo Shoot!

2010-07-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

I hope all you Aroc Urtu fans are having a great July 4th weekend! Sarah and I spent Saturday out in the Hamptons working on new photos for the soon to be released Aroc Urtu LookBook.
Beautiful weather, beautiful models, beautiful ocean... you get the idea. It was a terrific shoot and I can't wait to share some of the images! Here's one of Casey, the adorable Aroc Urtu mascot (and incredibly patient model) wearing a cascade of necklaces. Stunning on Casey, imagine how fabulous it would look on you!

Peace, Love, and Rocks,
Lauren

Monterrico, Guatemala

2010-07-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

One beach I would love to return to is
Monterrico, Guatemala. Beautiful black sand, remote, and fairly untraveled made this feel like a very adventurous destination.

It was my mother's birthday and we had made her a surprise cake. We then all went out to the beach, (of course gathering some amazing black stones) surfed, sunned and napped. Upon returning to the house famished for dinner and cake, we were confronted with a rather large iguana splayed in the middle of said birthday cake thrashing its arms and legs. Well, no cake, but some very nice stones...
Peace, love and rocks,
Lauren

Aroc Urtu Alchemy

2010-06-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love the most about Aroc Urtu is its simplicity and nothing showcases this trait more than the image below. There are so many options to choose from and it's always interesting to see how different people have such different taste in terms of colors, metals, gemstones etc. Each time someone buys a piece, I realize how much that specific design can say about a persons individual style.

I also think part of what makes this image so captivating for me is that I envision it as belonging to some sort of alchemist hundreds of years ago!

peace, love, and rocks,

Sarah

Who are your style icons?

2010-06-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Aroc Urtu fans,

The other day we were discussing who the Aroc Urtu "customer" is. I don't think it has to fit the mold of just one type of woman or man but if I had to get specific I would say that the Aroc Urtu wearer is effortlessly chic because the jewelry is all about understated elegance. It's the type of woman who can throw on a caftan, a simple beach stone, and flip flops and make it look like a million bucks.

I started thinking about who my style icons are and I realized they are the type of women who fit this bill as well. Jane Birkin, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Brigitte Bardot, and Catherine Keener are just some of my favorites (to name a few). They don't look like they're trying too hard and I love that. There's something a bit bohemian about all of them. Who are your style icons?

peace, love, and rocks,

Sarah

What's your dream stone collecting locale?

2010-06-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

Both Lauren and I grew up collecting stones as mementos. I grew up spending Summers in the Hamptons while Lauren grew up with a mother who also collected stones. In fact, part of Lauren's validation for continuing the Aroc Urtu project was finding a jar of found stones in the basement of her family home.

While we have both been privileged to have traveled to great beaches around the world, there are always those places that we dream about one day visiting - perhaps on a stone collecting mission?

For me, that place has always been the Maldives. Seeing pictures of the boutique hotels consisting of quaint thatched huts that lie partway in the water have always enchanted me. And besides, you wouldn't even have to go searching for stones if you could dangle your legs off of your own private dock and peer into the water to uncover that perfectly smooth rock! Where's your dream beach?

peace, love, and rocks,

Sarah

Welcome to our blog!

2010-06-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Aroc Urtu blog! We hope you enjoy following us on our journey to build and share Aroc Urtu jewelry with the world. Lauren (the Aroc Urtu designer and creator) and I (Sarah - business partner & stylist extraordinaire) will be using this page to share our inspirations, thoughts, and special Aroc Urtu updates so be sure to keep checking back for more new content!

In the meantime, enjoy a little sneak peak of the new Aroc Urtu lookbook below...

peace, love, and rocks,

S&L