NATHAN&CO is at 4025 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland, CA.  (map)

Kodomo no Hi – こどもの日 (Children’s Day) is a national holiday in Japan that occurs on May 5th. Traditionally, this holiday was celebrated as Boy’s Day, but after World War II, the holiday was changed to celebrate all children’s happiness.

In Japan, days before the holiday begins, you’ll see beautiful koi flags called “koinobori” raised, blowing in the wind as if they are swimming. The black koi represents the father, the red koi the mother, and the blue koi is the son. There are additional colors for younger sons (I don’t think the girls get to have a koi flag – some traditions just can’t be changed it seems!).

San Francisco’s Japantown is celebrating Kodomo no Hi today. Check it out if you are in the area!

http://sfjapantown.org/kodomo-no-hi-festival/

Spessartite, also known as mandarin garnets, are warm rich stones that look great on all skin tones. This set is in a great modern, yet timeless cut. Find the necklace here and earrings here.

Fukushima Now will take place this Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 5-8PM, at Kala Art Institute in Berkeley. The event will feature a panel discussion addressing current conditions in Fukushima, as well as the continuing impact of the use of nuclear power on peoples of all nations. The panel discussion will be followed by a charity Art Sale and reception.

All proceeds from the event will go to 3a! Anzen (security/safety) Anshin (peace of mind) Action in Koriyama – a non-profit group represented by Ms. Tokiko Noguchi in Koriyama, Fukushima. 3a! is advocating for regular echo-cardiography of thyroids testing and regular blood testing for children in Koriyama. The city of Koriyama is located 40 miles away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

http://www.bayareaartistsforjapan.org/

FUKUSHIMA NOW Facebook event page

Please join us for a trunk show at  C R O W N  N I N E  in Old Oakland Thursday, December 20th from 6-8pm!  We’ll have some bubbly, some tasty bites and lots of lovely jewelry!

Check out the updates to Aiko Designs as well as some new pieces here!

Spessartite Pyramid Earrings

Spessartite is an orange variety of garnet, and is sometimes known as mandarin garnet.

Blue tourmaline blocks necklace

Blue tourmalines are one of the rarest colors of tourmaline (pinks and greens are more common). These rectangle blocks of tourmaline vary in shape and shade. Get one in sterling silver and one in gold fill!

]]> http://www.aikojewelry.com/blog/2012/11/new-pieces-sneak-peek/feed/ 0 http://www.aikojewelry.com/blog/2012/06/unique-sf-entreprenuers-are-the-new-rock-stars/ http://www.aikojewelry.com/blog/2012/06/unique-sf-entreprenuers-are-the-new-rock-stars/#comments Sun, 17 Jun 2012 05:26:51 +0000 Christine http://www.aikojewelry.com/blog/?p=971 One thing I got out of the Unique SF vendor meeting was the incredible support for the artists, designers, makers and entrepreneurs that make up the event.  It’s nice to be appreciated as an artist that works hard to make nice things — so, thank you Unique!  I’m really excited to do this show.  Hope you can make it…

WHEN: June 30 & July 1 (Saturday & Sunday) // 11am – 6pm both days
WHERE: The Concourse Exhibition Center’s East Hall in the Design District (620 7th Street, at Brannan)

COST: $10 at the door or pre-sale online, wristbands are good for re-entry both days – 10% of all ticket sales go to the fantastic local non-profit organization 826 Valencia. (Kids 12 and under are free)

Get your mother’s day shopping done at the Pumpkin House Spring Craft Sale!

Please join us Sunday, May 6th from 11am-3pm

5275 James Ave. Oakland, CA (map)