Mary Blum for House of the Cheshire Moon

Impeccable Jewels by Mary Blum with Exquisite Pearls, Sparkling Gemstones and Precious Metals
Member since May 2003 View Profile

Returning Clients Always Have 15% Discount ~ Layaway Available ~ Custom Orders Embraced

Today's Featured Items

$83 USD
Proserpina Reddens - Carnelian and Freshwater Pearl ..

$271 USD
Faustina Imperatrix - Amethyst Gemstone and Vermeil ..

$68 USD
Mater cum Infantibus - Sage Green Freshwater Blister ..

$64 USD
Nox et Dies - Black and White Freshwater Pearl Drops

$211 USD
Artemis Epheso - Chinese Turquoise and Gold Freshwater ..

$106 USD
Nox Stellarum VIII - Black Onyx and Ametrine Necklace

$138 USD
Luna Rosa II - Rose Quartz and Pink Freshwater Pearl ..

$112 USD
Faustina Imperatrix - Amethyst Gemstone and Vermeil ..

$138 USD
Ferrum Temperatum - Steel Blue Chalcedony with White ..

$82 USD
Dea Noctis II - Citrine and Onyx Necklace

$62 USD
Noctes Epheso II - Black Freshwater Pearl and Black ..

$321 USD
Lunae Lumen - Druzy Black Agate and Moonstone Necklace

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View All Shop's Items (254)

 

About Mary Blum for House of the Cheshire Moon

Our Service Pledge To You:
Unless I am on vacation, I will respond to all queries and orders within 24 hours. I will also provide you with as much information as I have regarding my creations, and I always welcome questions, thoughts and feedback.

About Us
Salvete!

I have been fascinated with antiquity since early childhood, and one of my favourite memories is of a large exhibit of Scythian artefacts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Comprising primarily gold, the objects in this exhibit ranged from the delicate jewel to the battle-tried scabbard. Of course, a love of Phoenicia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome followed. I swore that I would grow up to become an archaeologist. Way, however, led on to way, and I found myself completing a PhD in English literature of a much more modern period (well, Old English...still modern compared to the Scythians). I spent quite some time immersed in illuminated manuscripts, medieval art in other forms, and of course the magnificent heroic poetry of the Anglo-Saxons. Along the way, I also fell madly in love with Modernism and the Art Deco movement.

When taken together, these various influences have led me to create pieces inspired by the past. By day, I teach Latin; by night, I create jewels.

A few thoughts:

1. I utilize solid sterling silver, 14/20 gold-fill, 22 karat gold over sterling silver vermeil, 14 karat white and yellow gold, and 18 karat white and yellow gold. I will always tell you what your jewel's components comprise.

2. I select my own gemstones and have built relationships with importers - I will not inflate the grade of a gem (and, in fact, I rarely report grades because, frankly, EVERYTHING seems to be graded AAAA+++) and I will always be honest about its origin and characteristics. Perfection is rare in nature; beauty is abundant.

3. Many of the designs I offer in gold-fill can be recreated with solid 18 karat gold...higher gold content (22 karat, and even 24 karat) is often available as special order. If you are interested in upgrading your jewel, let me know and I will provide you with a price quote.

4. Because of my rapport with my importers, I am able to call upon them with special requests. If you are dreaming a particular jewel, I might well be able to help you bring it to life.

5. I stand behind my work; my attention to detail is meticulous and my expectations of my work exacting. Should you find that your jewel does not please you, or you would like it changed, or something needs repair, I will do all possible, up to and including refunding your money on return of the jewel, to ensure your happiness with our transaction.

6. Because credit card transactions must be secure, I only accept such transactions from first-time customers through Paypal, or after direct phone confirmation of card validity with the institution issuing the credit card. I also accept domestic personal checks, with items shipping upon clearance of funds through my bank. Once we have established a working relationship, I am happy to directly process Mastercard and Visa transactions over the phone with my terminal, but I must always be able to verify your identity and billing information. My apologies for any inconvenience to first-time customers; these practices, however, ensure everyone's security, something that is very important to me as a business owner.

7. For the protection of my clients, I ship all items via insured Priority Mail. The cost for domestic priority is $4.80; the cost for international priority is $11.80. Insurance for each item depends upon value and will be calculated at checkout. Of course, I will combine multiple items to keep the shipping costs down . If you prefer an expedited service (Express Mail or Federal Express), let me know and I will provide you with a quote for that delivery option.

8. Layaway is available. Just email me with your thoughts regarding time and payments, and I will do my best to accommodate your request.

9. As a small way of thanking you, when you return to my shop after purchasing your first jewel, you will always receive at least 15% off your future purchases.

Valete!