I just returned from an exciting gemstone buying trip to New York. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a former Broadway Actress and this past weekend was the Tony Awards aka the Super Bowl for Broadway. Not too long ago two time Tony Award winner, Donna Murphy, was spotted wearing a Jewel of Havana White Keshi Pearl Necklace and Earring Set on the Red Carpet! (You may know her as the Witch/Mom in the Disney movie Tangled or the PBS series Mercy Street as the Mother to name a few) What Is a Keshi Pearl? The word Keshi comes from the Japanese word for “poppy seed”. The term is used in Japanese for pearls that are formed without a nucleus and are usually the by-product of the cultured pearl process. The keshi forms when the oyster rejects the nucleus and begins to coat the irritant with layers of nacre. Because keshi pearls consist of solid nacre, they tend to have a beautiful high luster. These pearls are not found in large quantities and can take 7 years to form. I love the unusual shape for making light weight pearl statement necklaces. Keshi pearls are my most popular type of pearls and I’m often sold out. They aren’t easy to find in good quality at an affordable price but this last trip to New York, I scored some beautiful strands! I just put them out this week at Theatre Baton Rouge and have only a few left from the trip so rather than put them on the website, I’ve decided to offer them to my VIP list first. The necklace has one of my handmade sterling silver leaf clasps made from real impatiens leaves. This will probably be the last time I have Keshi’s at this price. I had to use every bit of Southern charm I could muster to negotiate the price for this quality. Natural Blue Coral Another rare find from my trip was natural blue coral in a coin shape. Many of you have seen the beautiful blue coral sets I had from Indonesia. They recently sold out but on this trip I was able to find enough to make a few necklaces. They are natural and legally harvested as they washed up on the shores of Indonesia after the Tsunami. The coins are 25mm in diameter and approximately 20.5” long, handknotted with silk and finished with one of my handmade sterling silver leaf clasps made from real lantana leaves. If you are on the VIP list and are interested in the Blue Coral Necklace or a White Keshi Necklace and Earring set, just follow the link in your newsletter for your VIP private shopping access. If you'd like to see them in person, we are in the lobby of Theatre Baton Rouge for two more weeks during the run of The Little Mermaid. If you would like access to the Keshi Set or Blue Coral Necklace and other very limited edition pieces, join the VIP list here. VIPs are always the first to know about new designs, have access to special stones not on the website and receive free shipping codes each month.
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The rainbow-like iridescence of Mother of Pearl has been used as decorative enhancement in jewelry, clothing, furniture, musical instruments, and more for centuries. Mother of Pearl is nacre, the same material that lines the shells of mollusks like oysters, mussels, and abalones, and that forms the outer shell of the pearl. It’s wavy grain is a result of seasonal fluctuations in a mollusk’s diet: the darker organic material laid down in winter months, the lighter and whiter nacre laid down in the summer months. When Mother of Pearl is carved directly from the shell, no two pieces are alike. Jewel of Havana has carved Mother of Pearl cameos, earrings and necklaces that are unique in that way, and sure to be noticed. While a pearl’s shape is made by nature, Mother of Pearl’s shape can be man-made. The shell can be powdered and reconstituted for any application. Through that process, much larger “pearls” can be created more affordably. Jewel of Havana has a full line of Mother of Pearl necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, in a variety of colors that are made in this way. Mother of Pearl has been regarded highly by mystics, who believe it helps with clarity and decision making, and alters negative energy. It’s also believed to boost intuition and psychic sensitivity, and to heighten the imagination. You should care for your Mother of Pearl the same way you do your pearls. Clean it with mild soap and water (or our recommended all natural jewelry cleaner) with a very soft cloth. And let it be the “last thing on, first thing off” in your routine to avoid scratches and the build up of make-up and hair products. If you already love pearl, you’re bound to love wearing Mother of Pearl, as well. Nothing else feels or looks quite like it. HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you enjoyed your holidays and the fresh start of a new year! If you are like me, January is a time to clean & ORGANIZE! I've been busy in the studio finishing phase two of my studio / showroom. If you stopped by during the holidays, you saw the new cabinets but another trip to Ikea & some amazing help from my MVP Dad & hero brother & the back wall is complete! (Have you ever put together anything from Ikea?...It takes a village & a keen eye for Pictionary) 7 JEWELRY CARE TIPS If you are in organizing or cleaning mode, I put together this free guide as a thank you for being on my VIP list! It has some quick and easy tips on ways to keep your jewelry looking its best. As a list member, you have access to shop the showroom by appointment, free monthly shipping codes to ship gifts anywhere in the US ($7 value per package every month), invitations to shows in your area, plus first access to new limited edition designs! Click here to get your free guide 7 Jewelry Tips Every Woman Should Know plus a bonus gift of instant free shipping! Thank you for being a part of the Jewel of Havana community! Stay tuned for phases three & four in the studio / showroom. Only two more walls to go!! Today my parents completed one of their yearly Christmas traditions. In Cuba, the nativity was the center of Christmas decor instead of the Christmas tree. Not unlike we enjoy seeing Christmas light displays in different neighborhoods, in the Cuba of my parent's youth, you would go to see nativity scenes from house to house for the holidays. Our nativity wasn't as large as this when we were little but each year it grew and grew and has now become something people start calling about before Thanksgiving - "Is it ready yet?!" with each call or run in on the street. It takes my parents three months to build and is so detailed, I still find new things every time I go. If anyone ever wondered where I get my creativity and attention to detail... watch this video of my parent's Christmas Nativity. The figures are a collection of Fontanini figurines but all the details are painstakingly created by my parents. I hope you enjoy this Cuban Christmas tradition Merry Christmas from my family to yours! xoxo Ana (P.S. An update has been added below the video by request) Update! More Photos from our Cuban Christmas Tradition |
The name “Amethyst” comes from the Greek word, “amethystos,” which means, “not drunk.” For centuries, Amethysts were worn by ancient civilizations for protection from intoxication and seduction. In the middle ages, amethyst was a popular wedding gift as it was believed to bless the couple with happiness and good fortune. European soldiers wore Amethyst amulets in battle, believing they offered protection and healing. And throughout history, both royalty and religious leaders treasured Amethyst for its beauty and value.
Amethyst owes its color to the presence of trace minerals and iron impurities, coupled with exposure to radiation. Because of its stratified crystal structure, some varieties of Amethyst can be not just solid in color, but banded purple and white, giving it a variegated appearance. Jewel of Havana carries necklaces and rings in Amethyst, that will make a stunning gift or a welcome addition to any jewelry collection.
Amethyst changes color when exposed to extreme heat, and its color can fade with prolonged exposure to intense light. So, care must be taken not to steam clean amethyst, or to sunbathe while wearing it. Amethyst can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water.
Amethyst is said to promote peace, happiness and contentment. There’s a reason St. Valentine always wore it. Whether you choose a ring, earrings, or necklace, wearing Amethyst is bound to bring pleasure to you and those you encounter.
Wearing a single birthstone associated with the month you were born is a more recent custom, beginning several centuries ago in either Germany or Poland. The modern birthstone chart was not developed until 1912, when the National Association of Jewelers adopted the official list most people are familiar with today. Either list can guide you to a special piece of jewelry to celebrate the birth of a special someone.
Jewel of Havana carries jewelry featuring many modern and traditional birthstones, including ruby, amethyst, jasper, agate, opal, peridot, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. A birthstone ring, bracelet, necklace or pendant feels special to wear and makes a very personal gift, whether you purchase it for a friend, a loved one -- or for yourself!
Modern Birthstones
Traditional Birthstones
A cameo can have any scene or subject, but the most popular motif is the profile of a woman. Ancient cameo carvings came from Greece and Rome. In the modern era, Italy has prevailed as the cameo cutting epicenter of the world.
Jewel of Havana’s current line of cameos come predominantly from Italy, and were carved in the early 1900’s. Artist Ana Maria Andricain blends the old with the new, pairing vintage cameos with modern settings in rings, pendants.and earrings. Jewel of Havana has cameos in mother of pearl, and conch, both of which, are characterized by their subtle contrasts in colors, and which make a beautiful compliment to their fine silver settings.
New pieces featuring modern, blue agate cameos, carved with lasers by a German artist, are so stunning that the majority have been bought before they could even be photographed.
Cameos are very delicate, and they require special care. They should be cleaned regularly, as dust can collect in ridges and scratch the surface. Never use soap or jewelry cleaner on cameos. After dusting they can be rinsed in plain warm water and dried with a soft cloth. Oil your cameos with mineral oil once a year and they will stay beautiful for decades. You will enjoy them and want to pass them on.
Turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate, and is found in the largest quantities in Mexico, Israel, the USA, China, Iran and Afghanistan. Distinguished by it’s heavenly blue hues (created by copper) and brown or black veins, each sample of turquoise is unique, making it a splendid choice for creating one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry.
Jewel of Havana carries a full line of hand-crafted turquoise jewelry, including turquoise earrings, turquoise layering necklaces, and the very popular turquoise wrap rings in fine silver.
In many ancient cultures, turquoise was considered a symbol of wealth, and if it’s given by a loving friend, it is said to bring good fortune to the wearer. It is the birthstone for the month of December and the Anniversary Gemstone for the 11th year of marriage but the beauty and uniqueness of turquoise is enough to warrant a piece -- or a few -- in anyone’s collection.
Turquoise is relatively soft, and should be protected from cosmetics, harsh light, and heat. It should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth. The distinctive mottling in each turquoise stone ensures that any piece of turquoise jewelry will have a character all its own. You can no doubt find one that harmonizes with your own individuality.
Upon our return we began the hunt for our new home, and in an unexpected twist of fate, we were told we had an accepted offer on a house on the very same day I heard three words I never thought I’d hear, “You have cancer”.
I had no family history of breast cancer, and I had lived most of my life with virtually no health problems to speak of. There was no lump in my breast and my mammograms were perfectly clear. It is truly a miracle that the medical professionals diagnosed my stage one breast cancer as early as they did. The fear, however, was debilitating and I needed information fast.
We turned to family and friends who had battled cancer in the past, and we were met with love and encouragement everywhere we turned. These Angels provided a wealth of knowledge, offered tips to get through each step and explained all the upcoming procedures I faced in my treatment. I had amazing doctors and care, but hearing detailed accounts from these Angels who had walked this path before was the biggest blessing of my life.
Until my diagnosis, I never fully grasped the struggles of the cancer patient, the decisions they had to make, and the “new normal” cancer survivors face post treatment. I was at a loss as to how I could show my deep gratitude to those who had offered me comfort. I so wanted to use my talents to create something original for these caring, giving souls that so selflessly relived their own struggles to offer me comfort.
My dream for this collection is that it may become a meaningful reminder for those going through treatment or supporting a cancer patient that they too are “Draped in Love.”
In honor of my personal cancer angels and the doctors, surgeons and radiation therapists who helped me on my journey, 30 percent of each piece sold from the “Draped in Love Collection” will benefit Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and the many services they offer throughout their 18-parish service area, with Center locations in Baton Rouge, Covington, Gonzales, Hammond and Houma. For over 40 years, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has delivered with compassion and excellence the most advanced cancer care available. Their mission is to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through expert treatment, compassionate care, early detection, research and education. To learn more, visit www.marybird.org.
UPDATE: Today my Security Department and I had the pleasure of delivering another check to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center! Thanks to the amazing generosity of Jewel of Havana clients, the Draped In Love Collection has raised over $500 for the Cancer Center in it's first two months. Thank you for your support and look for two new designs to be added to the collection in 2015!
October 2022 UPDATE: From 2014-2021 this collection raised money for the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and from 2019 the Dodi Groves Breast Cancer Fund. As of 2022 we are proud to partner with the Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute. Your purchases from the Draped In Love Collection generously support the OLOL Cancer Institute providing screenings and care for those who cannot afford it and research for a cure in our community and beyond. |
The best raw lapis lazuli stones come from Northeast Afghanistan, high in the Hindu Kush. There are also deposits in Russia, Chile, Italy, Mongolia, Canada and the USA (California and Colorado). Once it is mined, its crystalline marble properties allow it to be worked into vases, bowls, boxes, ornaments, mosaics and jewelry.
Jewel of Havana carries a variety of lapis lazuli jewelry in layering necklaces, earrings, and rings. The brilliant blue of lapis lazuli looks particularly stunning set in fine silver in the lapis lazuli wrap ring.
Lapis lazuli is one of the birthstones for December (along with Turquoise). But no matter which month you were born, a piece of lapis lazuli will soon become a favorite in your collection. It symbolizes prosperity, and is said to promote friendship and goodwill. It encourages harmony, and enhances wisdom.
Care for your lapis lazuli jewelry the way you do other gemstones. It should be protected from acidic substances and not be exposed to too much sunlight. A lapis lazuli that has grown dull from wear can be re-polished at any time. Any piece you own will be sure to be noticed, and will be treasured by you and anyone to whom you pass it down.
Peridot was created in the early formation of the Earth. As the earth’s hot magma cooled to igneous rock, peridot came to be. It has also been found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. Unlike many gemstones, peridot only comes in green -- though its color varies from light yellow to dark olive, and even brownish green. The depth of color is a result of the iron content in the stone.
Though peridot is very old, it is regaining popularity today. Jewel of Havana celebrates peridot in layering necklaces and earrings. With its vibrant green color, it’s the perfect compliment to a summer wardrobe. It is considered the stone of truth, faithfulness and loyalty. It’s energy has many positive effects, including bringing a sense of peace to the wearer, and helping to release ego, anger and jealousy. The person who wears peridot will be helped by its joyful energy in making and keeping friendships.
Care for your peridot the old fashioned way -- with warm, soapy water. Do not clean it in ultrasonic or steam cleaners. It is a relatively soft stone, and can be damaged by sharp blows or scratches. So, take care to protect it, and it will bring you many years of beauty and happiness.
Coral occurs in just about every color, including pink, white, yellow, orange, lavender, blue and black. But red coral is by far the most sought after color for gemstones. It is the most rare color, as well, due in part to over-harvesting. Jewel of Havana only carries coral that is legally and sustainably harvested.
Jewel of Havana has unique coral necklaces that beautifully pair coral stones with fine or sterling silver or gold. Our red coral earrings and coral layering necklaces are a vivid, eye catching addition to any jewelry collection.
Coral is very soft and needs to be treated with care. Do not put coral in jewelry dips or ultrasonic
cleaners. Instead use a clean, soft cloth on it, and rinse it in warm, soapy water. Store your coral jewelry in an individual cloth pouch, or in its own compartment in a jewelry box to avoid scratches. Wrap larger pieces in tissue for extra protection. As with all your hand strung jewelry, always store flat to prolong the life of your necklaces.
The anniversary gemstone for 35 years of marriage, coral symbolizes joy and happiness, and is believed to calm emotions and provide protection. Wear it, and the vibrancy of coral will certainly bring joy and happiness to you, and affect the spirits of anyone you meet.
more accessible to everyone.
Pearl is a “natural gemstone,” and the only gemstone created by a living creature. When a foreign object (like a grain of sand) gets into a pearl producing mollusk, like a mussel or an oyster, that mollusk’s natural defense mechanism coats the object with nacre. As layers of nacre build up, a pearl is born. Both cultured pearls and natural pearls are “real.” The difference between them is how the foreign object is introduced. In natural (wild) pearls it happens naturally, and in cultured pearls, it’s introduced by humans. You can’t tell the difference between a cultured and a natural pearl without an x-ray!
Traditionally, the ideal pearl was round, smooth, and white. But there’s a wide variety of shapes and colors available. Jewel of Havana’s pearl jewelry collection features fresh water pearl earrings and freshwater pearl necklaces and bracelets in white, gold, rose, peridot, black and even chocolate tones. Fresh water pearls are also prominent in the Children’s Jewelry Collection, with our christening baby bracelets, and ballerina bracelets being among the most popular.
Makeup and hairspray can build up and affect the luster of pearl, so let your pearls be
the “last thing on, first thing off” in your routine. Clean your pearl jewelry with mild soap
and water (or our recommended all natural jewelry cleaner) with a very soft cloth.
Dry them completely, and store flat. Never hang your hand knotted jewelry. Storing flat avoids stretching your silk and prolongs the time between restringing.
Pearl is the June birthstone, and considered the “stone of sincerity.” Historically, pearls have been symbolic of purity and faith, and many believe pearl can boost personal integrity and help clear the mind. Regardless of why you choose to buy or wear it, the luster and iridescence of pearl is irresistible. Let us help you add to your collection!
Long regarded as beneficial for health and well-being, copper jewelry is believed to help reduce inflammation, raise energy levels, and reduce stress. Every piece of Jewel of Havana’s copper jewelry is handmade by artist, Ana Maria Andricain. Woven copper wire is a beautiful medium for bracelets, necklaces and pendants. You’ll find our handmade selection in the Woven Copper Jewelry Collection. Jewel of Havana’s Copper Jewelry Collection includes pendants, necklaces, cuffs, earrings and bracelets inspired by nature and brought to life with copper clay; each signed by the artist.
All of Jewel of Havana’s copper jewelry is sealed with Renaissance Wax or lacquer, which helps to slow the tarnishing process. Proper storage also helps to keep your jewelry clean. Over time, you’ll need to clean your copper jewelry. You can use a silver polishing cloth to buff your copper pieces clean. You can also use a commercial jewelry cleaner if you wish, or make your own with some lemon juice and salt. Briefly soak your pieces in your cleanser and gently scrub any tough dirt with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with clean water, and dry well with a cloth.
Copper jewelry has a warm beauty that’s been appreciated for ages. Add a copper bracelet, cuff, earring or necklace to your collection, and you’ll soon understand why -- and maybe fall in love with this ancient and alluring metal.
For a girl who makes jewelry from natural leaves, the winter in Louisiana this year presented quite a few challenges. Normally green and lush year round, my favorite go to plants looked like this the past few months.
Needless to say, I was more than excited this morning when on the official first day of spring; I arrived at the studio to find my babies have come back to life overnight like magic!
Found another gem in my files as I worked on the new website. Here is one of Jewel of Havana's very first customers! This was my first jewelry show back stage in the dressing room at Beauty & the Beast. Donny bought his beautiful wife one of my first necklaces. Did I mention he happens to be the sweetest man in the world?
I had a poster of Donny on my closet door when I was a kid & Marie's album was the first record I ever bought with my own money. It was a complete TRIP to play opposite him! Let me tell you - he truly is the NICEST, most generous human being on the planet. NO JOKE. I was in awe of how he handled the crowds at the stage door and the way he treated all of his cast mate's guests backstage. What a class act!— with Donny Osmond.
Do you have a great story or remembrance to share about your Donny & Marie days? Did you own purple socks? Who sang Puppy Love in the car? Let me know in the comments below!
Jewel of Havana Jewelry Artist, Ana Maria Andricain, Guest Speaker at Associated Women in the Arts
2/12/2014
March 25, 2013 - Jewel of Havana Featured in Daily Concepts. Not too long ago, a staff member from Daily Concepts attended a special brunch honoring GRAMMY nominees from Louisiana. Seated at the table was Ana Maria Andricain, who had many wonderful things to say about Louisiana, particularly her hometown of Baton Rouge. At the end of the event, business cards were exchanged. Ana Maria’s proclaimed, “Jewel of Havana” — Designer. Intrigued, the DC staffer decided to do some further investigating. Turns out, Ana Maria was so busy singing the praises of Louisiana, she’d humbly neglected to mention a few key things about herself. For years, Ana Maria lived in New York, where she appeared on Broadway in South Pacific, Marie Christine, By Jeeves, Les Miserables and Evita. In her off-time, Ana Maria took pottery classes. “I’ve always been interested in the fine arts,” she says. “After making so many pots, though, there was no where left to put them in my apartment.” It was while playing Belle in Beauty in the Beast that she caught sight of different art form. “During intermission, I noticed a cast member making earrings.” Ana Maria decided to try her hand at making a pair and was instantly hooked. “Reading a book during my breaks was impossible, but working on a piece of jewelry, it was easy to pick up and go, then come back to it.” As her interest in jewelry-making deepened, Ana Maria studied various techniques online. This led to scouring the jewelry district and gem warehouses for new materials with which to work. Her hobby had become a passion. Soon, the focus of that passion would take a different direction. The turn of fate — a transit strike during the winter holidays. “Three days before Christmas, there was a transit strike,” she remembers. “Cast and crew members were crashing on couches because they couldn’t get back and forth between home and work. They also couldn’t purchase Christmas gifts.” Having seen Ana Maria’s jewelry, many turned to her for help with this conundrum. “It was then that I started thinking of my hobby as being a potential business.” Through SCORE, Ana Maria started taking steps to launch a jewelry design business. SCORE paired her with a mentor to help her through the necessary steps for getting what would eventually become Jewel of Havana off the ground. “I met with them for a year,” she says. “My plan of action for taking off as a business resulted from another kind of ‘accident.’” Love, of course. It was during a casting session for a regional Shakespeare festival that Ana Maria met Philip Mann. She caught his eye right away. Needless to say, she won both the part and his heart. The two married, but bumped into a wrinkle. “I’d just gotten this incredible offer to work on a production at Lincoln Center and Philip got an amazing job in Baton Rouge as the Music and Live Performance Director for Louisiana Economic Development.” The newlyweds’ first year of marriage was spent commuting. When Ana Maria’s show came to a close, another offer came her way, this time at another Lincoln Center production helmed by Theatre Director, Susan Stroman. “I’d always dreamed of working with her,” says Ana Maria. As Ana and Philip considered another year of a commuter marriage, fate lent a hand. “I got a call asking if I’d consider being the vacation/emergency swing for a traveling production of South Pacific. It ended up being the perfect situation — they’d fly me out once every couple of weeks to whatever city the show was in.” Though still commuting, the majority of the time, Ana Maria and Phillip were now together in Baton Rogue, which is, ironically, Ana Maria’s hometown. Now that the run of South Pacific’s national tour is complete, the couple have decided to set down their own roots in the colorful city. Ana Maria continues to tour, added to the mix, though, are festivals for artisans, as Jewel of Havana is making its debut. As for Jewel of Havana, the company’s name was also born of love. It came to Ana Maria and Philip one day while dining at a New York cafe in Havana Central. “I’m the daughter of Cuban refugees,” says Ana Maria. “Jewel of Havana — it refers to my mother, Zoila.” We love Ana Maria’s story and we love her Jewel of Havana designs, too. Want to see more? Visit http://www.jewelofhavana.com |
February 12, 2013 - Featured in The Advocate Jewel of the stage Actress returns to BR stage to honor friend By Robin Miller Arts writer February 12, 2013 Ana Maria Andricain wouldn’t be sitting here scraping the white surface off the silver if it weren’t for Derek Gordon. Her role as jewelry maker isn’t as glamorous as seeing her name in lights on a Broadway marquee: “Ana Maria Andricain in ‘Beauty and the Beast’” or “Ana Maria Andricain in ‘Les Miserables,’” but it is can be done at home. When performing a Valentine’s-themed concert at Baton Rouge Little Theater in 2008, Andricain and her husband, Philip Mann, found themselves talking about finding a way to make a living closer to home. Home for Andricain is Baton Rouge. It’s where her parents live, home to her three siblings. It’s where she went to high school, and Baton Rouge Little Theater was where the path to her acting career began. Now she’s back. Mann is director of Entertainment Industry Division at the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, and Andricain is a full-time jewelry designer, creating original pieces for her line, Jewel of Havana. Jewelry-making began as a hobby with wire and beads, something on which she could work between scenes while on Broadway. Now it’s grown into something bigger, more artistic. Her pieces are sought by collectors at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s monthly Arts Market. And the Arts Council is ushering her back to the stage on Thursday . This time, her name will be in lights at Baton Rouge Little Theater, where she will perform another Valentine’s Day concert — “A Broadway Valentine” will benefit the Arts Council. “I feel like we’re doing this for Derek,” Andricain said. Staging this concert was a priority for Gordon, who died on Sept. 12, 2012. “Kathy Scherer (the Arts Council’s acting director) and I visited him at his house before he died,” Andricain said. “We told him that we were going to make this concert happen. I don’t know if he heard us.” Now Andricain is sure that Gordon would be ecstatic to know that the show will go on. She continued scraping the white substance off the silver while telling this story. This, she said, is what the silver looks like when it comes out of the kiln. All of the capillaries in the silver stand upright like miniature little trees while in the kiln, creating this white surface. Once it’s scraped away, then placed in the tumbler, the piece will emerge smooth and shiny. “I have to say, I work harder doing this than I did when I was acting,” Andricain said. “And if someone would have ever told me I could make a living by selling jewelry once a month in Baton Rouge, I wouldn’t have believed them.” But Gordon knew. “He was very instrumental in guiding me to build my jewelry business,” Andricain said. Mann is a native of Alabama, where he was working as director for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in 1999, when he met Andricain. She already was living in New York, and he hired her for one of the Shakespeare productions. They fell in love and married. Andricain made a successful career on Broadway. Mann was equally successful, having served on the administrative staff of The Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, N.J. He also was an agent with The Booking Group in New York City, and as a theatrical investor, he was represented by the Broadway and London companies of The Drowsy Chaperone, which won five Tony Awards. “When we came here for the concert four years ago, it was the first time I was able to spend more than a week in Baton Rouge since I was 18,” Andricain said. “We really loved it, and we started talking about how we wished we could make a living here.” Gordon found a way. A friend told him about Mann and Andricain. The couple had just returned to New York, when Gordon contacted Mann about an opening for a director’s job in the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. “The job encompassed every part of what Philip has done in the entertainment industry,” Andricain said. “So, we moved back.” The couple moved into an apartment in downtown Baton Rouge and started meeting Gordon for Sunday brunch. “There were so many things I loved about New York,” Andricain said. “We could walk out the door, and there would be music playing somewhere. There was always something happening. I realized that Derek brought these things to Baton Rouge — he brought everything I loved to Baton Rouge.” Andricain will honor him by performing a concert of love songs, including some Gershwin and Porter favorites, as well as a collection of songs from the Broadway productions in which she performed. Her brother, Hugo Andricain Jr., a regular in Baton Rouge Little Theater’s productions, will make a special appearance. He also put the accompanying trio together for this show. Trey Eubanks will play piano, John Madere will play bass and James Boudier will play drums. It’s important to make the distinction between Hugo Jr. and Andricain’s father, because it’s Hugo Andricain Sr. who keeps her company in the jewelry studio. Andricain’s studio is a room inside her parents’ garage. Her dad originally used it as an aviary and later had plans for a workshop. “I didn’t get my workshop,” he said. “But look at what you got,” Andricain said, clearly teasing. “The whole room was remodeled; you got a new floor, and the walls are painted.” She laughs. “He gets just as excited about the jewelry as I do,” she said. Every morning is Christmas when Andricain opens the kiln. She can’t wait to see how a piece would turn out, and her dad, standing behind her, is just as anxious to see the results. Hugo Sr. also helps his daughter set up and mans her booths at arts markets and festivals. She also shows at the monthly Arts Council of New Orleans Arts Market in Palmer Park, and will show at FestForAll and Festival International. Back to the new piece fresh from the kiln. Andricain had finished scraping away the white surface to reveal a silver, one-of-a-kind piece that eventually will become the main component of a necklace. She works with metal clay, a crafting medium consisting of small particles of such metals as silver, gold, bronze or copper mixed with an organic binder and water. “When I was making my jewelry between scenes in New York, I started looking for different clasps,” Andricain said. “I wanted something different, and I couldn’t find it. So, I started making my own. I tried metalsmithing at first.” But then she read about metal clay. A store in Baton Rouge offered a class in the process, and Andricain signed up. That class led to a course in Houston taught by Patrik Kusek, winner of the Saul Bell Award, the most prestigious prize among metal clay artists. The process originated in Japan in 1990. Metal clay can be shaped by hand, tools or through the use of molds. After drying, it’s placed in a kiln, where the organic material burns out, leaving sintered metal. After the scraping comes the tumbler, a device that smooths and polishes the metal’s surface. Andricain also works on leaf-shaped pieces fresh from the tumbler, all inspired by leaves from her parents’ backyard garden. She often picks leaves from plants, brings them into the studio and presses them into the metal clay. She’s also planning to do the same with the flowers that annually bloom each spring in the backyard. Andricain also incorporates precious and semi-precious stones into her metal work. “When I first moved back, I was contracted to be a vacation swing for the traveling production of ‘South Pacific,’ ” Andricain said. “That first year was hard, because I was still working in New York, and then I had to be on the plane at a moment’s notice to fill in on ‘South Pacific.’ Now I’m designing jewelry, and it lets me spend a lot more time with Philip.” Though it would be nice to one day see her business grow into something along the line of, say, Mignon Faget’s or Paloma Picasso’s, Andricain prefers her hands-on work. “I like knowing that each piece is different,” she said. “And I like signing each piece.” It’s her art, made in Baton Rouge. |
When it is time to clean your jewelry, we recommend Sparkle Bright Jewelry Cleaner. Most cleaners contain harmful chemicals such as ammonias, acids, and alcohol. Sparkle Bright Products are all natural, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, non-corrosive, and biodegradable.
We carry the Sparkle Bright Jewelry Cleaner Starter Kit on our website, at our Baton Rouge Showroom and all our retail shows.
Each Starter Kit includes:
•4 oz. Liquid Jewelry Cleaner with lift-tray & small Detail Brush
•2 oz. Tarnish Remover & Polishing Cream
The Sparkle Bright Jewelry Cleaner Starter Kit is ideal for use by those who have less than 20 jewelry items to clean. The average user should experience 12-18 months of high-quality jewelry cleaning from the Starter Kit. It is recommended to use the Tarnish Remover & Polishing Cream on all precious metals every 1-2 months to maintain the brilliance and remove any unwanted tarnish from your gold, silver, and other precious metal items. It is recommended to use the Liquid Jewelry Cleaner as often as you feel necessary to remove the day-to-day dirt, grease, hair spray, perfume, hand lotion, and anything else that can cause your jewelry to appear dull or cloudy. Keep the container of Liquid Jewelry Cleaner in your bathroom to easily dunk and rinse any jewelry piece you want to wear while you do your hair or put on makeup. If a piece of jewelry can get wet, it is safe to be cleaned by the Liquid Jewelry Cleaner.
Make sure your jewelry is completely dry before storing it. We recommend storing your silk strung pearls and gemstones flat in your jewelry drawer or box and not hung. Your jewelry should be restrung periodically but storing them flat helps keep them from stretching prematurely.
Ana Maria Andricain
Ana is a metal clay certified artist creating handcrafted nature inspired artisan jewelry from her Baton Rouge studio. If you love natural gemstones and metal, welcome home!
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