Nature Inspired Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry Blog by Ana Maria Andricain

Thoughtful Gifts from Him to You

8/7/2019

Thoughtful Gifts for St. Joseph's Academy

I love celebrating mothers and daughters, but one of the things I love most about my job is working with men. I have so many husbands, fathers, brothers and friends selecting thoughtful gifts for the women in their lives, or even asking for my assistance in creating a custom piece all their own.

In a world where men are getting a bum rap by the ones who misbehave, I get to see the absolute best in them every day. They are thoughtful, they care and most of all, they love you big.

Take for example, my brother Hugo. Hugo is a teacher at Saint Joseph’s Academy and his wife, Stacia, is the principal. The school recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, complete with an entire season of celebratory events to commemorate Saint Joseph’s work in the lives of so many.

The 150th Anniversary Gala was the last of these events, a grand finale of sorts for the volunteers who had worked tirelessly for months, Hugo and Stacia included. Hugo decided he wanted to do something special for the people who had honored the school so well. He enlisted my help, searching for unique jewelry to gift to the volunteers and to his wife.

After some brainstorming, we decided that we would work together to make custom jewelry, incorporating the school’s shield. We ended up making a pair of cuff links, two rings, a pendant and a pair of earrings. Hugo has always been a thoughtful gift giver but this project was a really special one. I loved having him in the studio and collaborating on the designs.

I recently spoke with Hugo about the gifts and the use of jewelry for a very special thank you.

Hugo's Thoughtful Gifts

Hugo Andricain in the Jewel of Havana Studio

Hugo Andricain, Jr in the Jewel of Havana Studio

Okay Hugo, kind of break down the event and the reasoning for the gifts.

I am a teacher at Saint Joseph’s Academy and my wife is the principal, so we are both very involved in the school. We were celebrating our 150th anniversary this year. We had some key people, including the chair of the committee, who help put all of the events on and some other people who had just been such a key part of the celebration and had given themselves to a degree that you cannot pay.

I wanted to give a gift, but I did not want to just give something that I could purchase anywhere. I had the idea to give something handmade. I have watched you make jewelry forever, so that was my first idea of something to give. Additionally, I was fortunate to go a step further and help work on some custom pieces myself.

At school, I created a mold of the school’s shield, which was the main focus of the jewelry. Then we worked together to make sure I was doing everything right and the jewelry would look good.

St. Joseph's Academy Shield Stamp created in the school's STEM lab on a 3D printer

St. Joseph's Academy Shield stamp created by Hugo Andricain

Why did you decide you wanted to gift them jewelry?

I wanted something that had a connection. I wanted to give them something special, so when they looked at it they knew that the work they had done was appreciated, and that they would remember all the good things of the process of putting on the events.

Why do you think jewelry has that sentimental value?

Jewelry is something you put on at special times and it carries a special connotation. I guess I was also thinking the gala was a black-tie affair and maybe something they could wear. Although being a guy, I neglected to think that the outfits had already been picked out and coordinated with jewelry!

St. Joseph's Academy Custom Shield Cuff Links and Stud Earrings

Why did you decide to use the school’s shield?

I think it just being centered around this celebration. This is how I really came to know these people. SJA is a vocation to me. My wife has been there for 23 years, I have been there for 8 years. It is special to us. The shield is the logo of the school so to incorporate that into the jewelry is something I was really excited about doing.

What was actually creating the jewelry like?

It was eye-opening to see how much work goes into each piece. Not only in how careful you have to be to design everything but just everything in general. It was pretty impressive to learn. And fun to do!

How did you react when you first saw it?

I was absolutely thrilled. I couldn’t wait to give them to my friends and my wife. My wife did not know that I was making a ring for her. She actually did not know that I was making a ring at all, I just told her that I was making cuff links, so she was surprised.

What were the reactions of the recipients?

They were floored. I presented to them right before the gala began and they were very touched. I received a lot of secondhand stories of people who were telling me about seeing them and loved it.

St. Joseph's Academy Custom Statement Ring

The ring is beautiful and that equates to the appreciation of the school. It’s not something that was mass produced and I think they understood that. In fact, I had a couple of people ask where they could buy one when they saw it. I loved the idea that it was something that was thought out specifically for them. I wanted people that received it to know they are special.

Any final words to the recipients of the pieces?

Thank you! It was my pleasure and such an honor to be a part of the process. I’m humbled by the service that they gave to a place that I care so much about.

If you have a special occasion coming up or would like to create something unique for someone you love, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm happy to help make your jewelry idea a reality so the ones you love can think of you every time they wear it! xo Ana

Contact Me for Custom Gifts

St. Joseph's Academy Thoughtful Gifts - Shield Cuff Links, Earrings, Statement Ring

St. Joseph's Academy Custom Shield Statement Ring

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Your Gifts that Give Back - Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

12/28/2017

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Jewel of Havana + Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

I had the pleasure of delivering the last donation check of 2017 today to Mary Bird Perkins - Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.

Thanks to all of you, the Draped In Love Collection has raised over $1000 for the Cancer Center. As a cancer survivor, I hope you never need them but I sure am glad this state of the art facility was there when I did!

Thank you for your support of the Draped In Love Collection & all of our Gifts That Give Back! xoxo Ana

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Baton Rouge Symphony + the Singing Jeweler

12/6/2017

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Statement Ring + Green Amethyst Earrings

This weekend I had the pleasure of being the guest soloist with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra for their Home for the Holiday’s concert. It was a beautiful evening with a whole lot of talented people.

During the concert, Conductor, Timothy Muffitt asked if I was wearing any Jewel of Havana Jewelry. (I happened to be wearing one of my favorite statement rings and some green amethyst earrings.) We talked briefly about my “singing jeweler” journey from Broadway to Jewelry Artist & he decided since the back of the audience couldn’t see, he would take a picture & post it to Instagram from stage. LOL!! Not only is he immensely talented, he’s hilarious too!

So, if you happen to be in the audience Friday night and aren’t connected to the Maestro on Instagram, here’s what he posted live from stage.

Needless to say, I had a great time working with him and what an honor to sing with a Symphony of this caliber in my own home town! It put me right in the Christmas spirit!

If you are looking for a great gift idea this Christmas season, how about season tickets to the Baton Rouge Symphony and some Jewel of Havana Jewelry to wear on a year of dates to the symphony together! Who’s in?!

Ana Maria Andricain at the Baton Rouge Symphony Home for the Holidays

Backstage at the Baton Rouge Symphony - Home for the Holidays Concert

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Birds Nest Wrap Ring

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Hugo's Thoughtful Gifts

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Birds Nest Wrap Ring

Green Amethyst Teardrop Earrings

What is Their Skin Tone?

Cool skin tones:

Warm skin tones:

What color clothing do they wear?

Do they like delicate or statement jewelry?

​For women who like statements:

For the woman who likes delicates:

How would you describe their personality or the reason for the gift?

Here are some common answers I give for gift suggestions:

For Little Girls:

For those who like Gifts that Give Back:

For Anyone:

Sondra and Kennedie

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Denise and Whitney

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Top Gift Pick for the College Grad

Top Gift Pick for the High School Grad

Top Gift Pick for the Pre-School or Kindergarten Grad

Amethyst Leaf Bell Necklace

Peridot Leaf Bell Necklace

Red Coral Leaf Bell Necklace

Leaf Bell Necklace-Gold Pearl

Leaf Bell Necklace-Peridot Pearl

Leaf Bell Necklace-White Pearl

Black Onyx Leaf Bell Necklace

Turquoise Leaf Bell Necklace

Aquamarine Leaf Bell Necklace

Lapis Lazuli Leaf Bell Necklace

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For women who like statements:

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High School Grad