Holiday Gift Guide: Gorgeous Handmade Jewelry from Southpaw Studios

***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***

It's that time of year, everyone! The Holiday shopping season is upon us! (At least it is if you're like me and get an early start to avoid the mad rush of frazzled, last-minute shoppers in December!) 

For the 2014 Holiday season, I will be featuring tons of great gift ideas for babies, kids, men, women, pets, and even for the person who has everything. We all have some of those on our gift lists, don't we? There will even be loads and loads of chances to win many of the gifts I am featuring. How cool is that?! You can check out my 2014 Holiday Gift Guide at any time from now till Christmas. Make sure to check often, as it will be growing by the day! 

Today, I would love to talk about bling. You know, things that sparkle, shine, and make a woman feel beautiful. With the Holidays upon us, many are trying to find the perfect gifts for the special ladies in their lives. Whether she's young or old, jewelry is always a safe bet. You might even get an extra kiss or two under the mistle-toe! 

I do realize that jewelry can be expensive. Not everyone can afford to run to their nearest high end jeweler and drop hundreds or even thousands of dollars on diamonds and rubies and the like. (I know WE can't, at least!) Did you know that there are equally beautiful, less expensive handmade options out there? That's right...I said handmade. Trust me, men out there. Chicks dig handmade items. They're much more personal than mass produced goods. 

One of my favorite places to get unique, gorgeous handmade jewelry is South Paw Studios. This up-and-coming studio is actually located here in my home state of Ohio, and wonderful things are made here in the Buckeye State. Just look at LeBron...Or me. Haha. Anyway, South Paw Studios offers some stunning necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that are sure to please any lady on your gift list this year. 

About Southpaw Studios :

Here's more info about South Paw Studios from their brilliant designer and owner, Katy Mims:  

Growing up in a home with both artistic and creative parents, it was a given that it was in my DNA to become an artist. As a small child and through out my teenage years, I dabbled in everything from ceramics, batiking, silk dying, too watercolor, sewing and photography, but it was jewelry design where I found a good niche, although my love for photography is a close second.

My passion for jewelry design started in 1997 when my father, a glass blower and business owner, gave me a book on jewelry making. I started crafting little treasures for my friends and family, and slowly things started to sell. It was then that I knew I was onto something.

In 2001 I decided to take a chance and created South Paw Studios™. Thanks to an exceptionally encouraging husband and loving family I was able to quit my day job to focus my attention 100% to collection design.

It was a dream come true - and still is. Now I have been in the jewelry business almost 16 years and counting. I am mainly self taught but did study basic metal-smithing through the Toledo Museum of Art. Over the years my business has grown to be represented in fine galleries and boutiques. I am continuously evolving and stay up to date on the latest trends, newest color palette combinations, and finest materials available in the industry. 


I absolutely LOVE the passion that Ms. Mims has for her art. This passion definitely shows when you view her work. Each piece is truly a work of art. Here is a slideshow with some of my top South Paw Studios picks: 

My Review of the Queen of Hearts Venetian Glass Bracelet:

I received a fabulous Queen of Hearts Venetian Glass Bracelet in Dazzling Blue to check out for myself. This bracelet arrived quickly, and was very well-packaged. 

This bracelet is lovingly created by hand, and features an authentic Murano Venetian Glass Bead. (Yes, the ones all the celeb stylists rave about!) These highly sought after beads have a unique, almost glowing appearance to them. This is because the inside of the glass is laced with genuine 14K gold. See, I told you this was something special! 

Complementing the beautiful glass bauble are 3 shimmering silver-fill chains. I love the way they contrast with each other. This bracelet would be a lot less spectacular if all 3 chains were identical, in my opinion. This bracelet is about 7" long, and closes with a sterling silver toggle clasp. 

Isn't this simply gorgeous?! I love the radiance of the Murano bead, as well as the way that the shiny silver pairs with it. This bracelet is also very well-made, and is sturdy enough for everyday wear. Because you know you're going to want to wear something this special every day. 

The only issue I have had with this bracelet is that it doesn't fit my wrist for some reason. I can get it on, but it's quite tight. Now I am not a very large woman, but I do have a larger frame. Sadly, I am not built like hotties like Angelina or Megan Fox. (I can wish, though!)  I wish the bracelet were about 1/2" larger. An extra 1/2 inch would make it a perfect fit for me. That's okay, though. This will make a wonderful Christmas gift for a certain friend of mine who is blessed with a smaller wrist than mine. She is going to be thrilled! 

Overall, I cannot say enough wonderful things about South Paw Studios. Not only is their jewelry wonderfully made, it's also eye-catching and unique. Add to that the fact these pieces are super-affordable, and you've got a real find! Oh, and of course supporting small business always makes me feel good, too. Especially when those small businesses are located here in my wonderful home of Ohio! If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for a special lady in your life, definitely check out what South Paw Studios has to offer! It's not too early to start thinking of Valentine's Day, too! 

How to Connect :

You can check out the awesomeness that is Southpaw Studios on their website. 

You can also follow them on Facebook, on twitter, on Pinterest  and on Instagram to stay on top of their latest products and promotions!