Award Winning Designers Appear at Holiday Trunk Show in Magical Salem, MA

Omen Psychic Parlor at 184 Essex St. in Salem, MA is hosting a unique and fabulous Holiday Trunk Show featuring Award Winning, Celebrity Jewelry Designer Joanna Joy Seetoo and Renown Fiber Artist Patrice Mack on December 2-3, 2011 from 12 noon to 7PM on both days.

This two day event will feature gorgeous handmade items including Precious and Semi-Precious Gems, Jewelry and all manners of Amulets and Talismans to protect you and aid you in manifesting your desires for the holidays and through the coming year. Ms. Seetoo's jewelry line Wishcraft by Joanna Seetoo Designs is already featured in both of Christian Day's stores on Essex St. (Hex and Omen) and she will be bringing some of her most elegant, beautiful, sparkling jewels to Salem for this event. Aside from finding Joanna's creations on Essex St., she has also designed for some of Hollywood's top names including Julia Roberts, Andie MacDowell, Robert Redford and most recently her work can be seen on actress Poppy Montgomery on the CBS crime drama Unforgettable.

You'll also find Ms. Mack's sumptuous hand-knit accessories to keep you fashionably warm and toasty and with the cold weather months ahead of us you'll want to stock up for the whole family. Patrice's designs have been featured in many trend-setting boutiques and on plenty of Hollywood's fashionistas.

While you're shopping, you can book a psychic reading and re-energize with complimentary refreshments that will be offered while supplies last. There will be plenty of show specials and maybe even a raffle or two!

Whether for yourself or for those loved ones on your gift list, you're sure to find the perfect items for Ladies and Gents to glamor and enchant!

Shop Local, Think Global.

December 2-3, Friday and Saturday only 12 noon - 7pm.
Light Refreshments will be offered.
Cash and Credit Cards accepted.

All items from both artists are made with right intention

http://www.omensalem.com/
http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns
http://joannaseetoodesigns.com/
http://wishcraftjewelry.com/

New Retail Locations for Wishcraft by Joanna Seetoo Designs

I'm SO excited! Part of my Wishcraft by Joanna Seetoo Designs jewelry line is now available in Salem, MA. If you know me or have read my blog before you know I love Salem, MA and now my favorite store is carrying my work.

If you have never been to Hex, Old World Witchery or to Omen then you must pay them a visit. They're run by Salem's top impresario and retailer Christian Day and they're both on Essex St which is chock full of great shops and eateries. Tim is the manager for both locations and is such a pleasure to work with!

While you're there, make an appointment with the incomparable Lori Bruno the Hereditary Strega priestess for a psychic reading that will knock your socks off! I'm absolutely delighted and humbled that Lori wears my jewelry.

Of course if you're in the market for a psychic reading and Lori's just booked beyond what your schedule allows, you can schedule a phone reading with The Real Psychic Patrice just call or email her to schedule.

Here are just a few of my new jewelry pieces that are available in Salem, MA EXCLUSIVELY at Hex and Omen! They're carrying lots of styles Ask for Wishcraft by name :-)

Tree of Life Charm

Large Wing Pendant and Gemstone Chain

Zodiac Charm

Zodiac Charm

Cimaruta Charm

Equilateral Cross

My newest Snake Ring! Extra long with Diamonds in the Head and Ruby Eyes

Crown Ring

Moon Charm

Sapphire-Stone of Truth, Wisdom and Dedication

September's birthstone Sapphire is said to promote loyalty and love and helps you bring about the fulfillment of dreams. Its rare beauty and enduring strength made Sapphire quite popular as a talisman or amulet amongst royalty.

Sapphire belongs to the corundum family and is available in the colors of the rainbow plus black and white (clear.) The most well-known sapphires are the the blue sapphires.  A medieval historian wrote that kings wore the crystal to protect them from harm and to prevent jealousy amongst the court. It was believed that a sapphire worn to the signing or a treaty would ensure a true reconciliation and prevent further bloodshed.  Lore also tells us that a venomous snake left in a vessel with a sapphire would certainly die as the gemstone provided protection from poison.

There is an ancient Persian myth that tells of a giant blue sapphire that Mother Earth rests upon and that the sky is the reflection of this titan blue crystal. As you can see, sapphire like its twin corundum Ruby has etched a place in history, atop the crowns of kings and glorified in legend.

Magicians were known to utilize the gemstone to enhance and direct their magical powers. Alchemists long ago associated the sapphire with the element of air and India considered it to be the stone of Saturn, believing it to be the portal to the heavenly realms.

Sapphires can help work with you to achieve your material dreams and desires as well as sustain your wealth once it is acquired. This gem will also be of assistance in keeping a balanced perspective, allowing you to better organize your thoughts, ensuring continued success as your material situation evolves. It will also promote fair play and loyalty amongst partners and employees as well as bring about correct conclusions to potentially unjust situations.

This is a short excerpt from my upcoming book. For more about me and my work, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns

Cushion Cut, Checkerboard Blue Sapphire

Originally Princess Diana's, then given to Kate Middleton upon her engagement to Prince William

The Hawthorne Hotel ~ Salem, Massachusetts' Finest Accommodations

So my blog is about Jewelry, Gems and Metaphysics but occasionally I like to veer off and discuss topics that I feel are related in some way, shape or form or because I think they're absolutely worth noting.

So today's post is about the Hawthorne Hotel. Now I've stayed in a number of establishments from really high end large hotels, boutique hotels, B&B's, motels and lots in between and I will admit that I usually don't develop strong loyalties but I have to say the Hawthorne Hotel is the exception and really has won my heart.

Now my best friend and I try to go to Salem several times a year and we've been visiting this lovely town for quite some time so we've wound up staying at a lot of different places in town and in the vicinity over the years. For the last few years since I first felt I was adult enough to stay at a venerable institution such as the Hawthorne, I've felt like it was the only place to stay in Salem.

The location is perfect. Right at the base of Essex St. on Washington Square a mere stepping stone from museums and shopping and psychics and mediums- oh my! The hotel itself is of course an historic site and has that wonderful old world charm that dovetails pristinely with the town itself.
Want a really nice dining experience - try their restaurant Nathaniel's. Or have a great meal deal at the hotel's tavern. Either way after a long day of sightseeing and shopping its great to just shuffle downstairs and get pampered with a nice meal and a smile.

The rooms are graciously appointed with wonderful amenities like free wireless internet, flat screen TV's and very comfortable beds. The hotel also has a very convenient parking lot which is amazingly handy during high tourist seasons. I also understand they're doing a lot of renovations so I can't wait to experience the next level of comfort and luxury that you get at the Hawthorne. There have also been accounts of paranormal activity for all you ghost hunters out there!

Now mind you, all you Bewitched TV Fans you'll find some great memorabilia in the hotel lobby from when the cast stayed at the Hawthorne Hotel while filming the Salem episodes.

I have to give major props to the Hawthorne Hotel's GM Juli Lederhaus as she is the driving force behind this wonderful property.  She's knowledgeable, charming and lovely with a true passion for excellence on all fronts.

Now the Hawthorne only has 93 rooms and they also have a quaint B&B that's just on the other side of the parking lot with another 4(?) rooms so you should always try to book as far in advance as possible. I'm loathe to even mention this as I realize it might make it harder for me to get my next booking there but I feel that good things should be shared and this place is indeed a very good thing.

Anyhow, treat yourself to a visit to Salem, MA (a.k.a Witch City) and stay at the Hawthorne Hotel if you can get a room. Let me know how you liked it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Sq. W
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-4080 

For more about me, my jewelry and my upcoming book, please visit my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns

These photos were shot during the fall.  

Beautiful autumn foliage. 

The Bewitched Statue.

I think the Hawthorne Hotel was having a Giant Pumpkin contest! This was outside the hotel.

Essex St. at twilight.

Shot of the Hawthorne Hotel.

Peridot - Not Just August's Birthstone

Peridot is a lively, bright green transparent gem that brings to mind the vivid green of fresh spring grass. Known as the gemstone for August, Peridot guards against illusions, enchantments and nightmares. If anger is a problem, try using this gem as it is known to calm even raging fury. Peridot is also useful in calming nervousness and for banishing negative emotions.

It is a stone of compassion and has a friendly energy that is excellent for healing. Peridot assists in rebirth and renewal of all kinds. Peridot can also help in bringing abundance and prosperity. It enhances the healing and harmony of relationships of all kinds but particularly marriage. Peridot can lessen stress and jealousy in relationships, help slow aging and heal ulcers and digestive problems.  It can also assist in finding what is lost and strengthening ESP abilities.

Peridot has been said to make a shield of protection around the body of the wearer. Good for general healing, promoting sleep and attracting money.

This is another short excerpt from my upcoming book, for more about me and my jewelry please like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns Thanks for reading my blog!

One of my rings...

From the Smithsonian - Photo by Chip Clark

This Is Your Life...

I came across this image recently and just think that some things ought to be shared. It's not that we don't know the important things in life but how often do we get sidetracked by all the soul draining, mundane details of our lives? You might have already seen this, but like a classic movie it still satisfies.

So to stay focused on what really matters and have a great weekend!

From what I understand Erno Hannink is the author.

The Wonderful Properties of Agate

Here's another short excerpt from my upcoming book. For more information about my designs, work, me, please visit and like my Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns  Thanks very much and enjoy!

Agates have become very popular in recent years. The trend towards organic shapes and nature inspired design perfectly utilizes agate in all its many shapes, colors and patterns.

The slices and mini geodes cracked open to show their sparkling drusy centers is lovely and fascinating, Knowing that each one of those small, glittering specks could grow into a large crystal is a marvel unto itself.

As far as the metaphysical properties of Agate, this is a stone that everyone should have for protection; its especially good for protecting children. This group of stones are a variety of chalcedony. The Agate is one of the oldest stones in recorded history.

Agates attract strength and are used in protection from bad dreams. They can also protect from stress and energy drains. Agates have been used in jewelry since Biblical Babylonian times. Agates were used to ward off storms, they were prized gems in antiquity and the varieties that showed banded colors were placed at the head of a sleeper to give rich and varied dreams.

The Agate cannot change emotions but it can help to change our level of acceptance of the emotion. Such as when you are very sad, the agate will let you know that this feeling will pass and help you get on to another and better day. This is why this gem is considered so powerful as it gives us the strength to carry on. Many people carry an agate with them when they have to make important decisions.

Agates increase strength, courage, promotes longevity and restores bodily energy. They can also help remove envious thoughts and spite while easing stressful situations. Banded agates are especially good for use while meditating.

This gem is beautiful and as far as gems go relatively inexpensive. There's also quite a range of colors and patterns to choose from. For all the wonderful properties it holds, Agate is the perfect gem to add to your collection.