As we are enter the month of September and keep true to our fashion forward trends, the next question on our mind is “what do we wear for September?”. Fall is a new beginning and the search for a fresher style shall begin.

Gemstones have been associated with a particular month of the year since ancient times. Each of the twelve 12 signs of zodiac are associated with a gemstone. A birthstone is known to resonate with the character of the person born under the sign, bringing that individual good tidings. New Age practitioners (such as gemologists and energy healers) believe  crystals have powers when placed upon our bodies. This belief traces back to the time of ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Indians.

The birthstone for the month of September is Sapphire. Folklore says the stone brings success to business leaders and long lasting love to relationships for all. The colors of sapphire can vary: colorless to green, pink and yellow. All sapphires apart from the original blue we know of are identified by their color, “pink sapphire” or
“green sapphire” for example.

Sapphires belong to a mineral group called Corundum which is derived from Sanskrit Kuruvinda dialect meaning “ruby”. However when this mineral is found in blue it is called Sapphire.

In the 11th century the French Bishop Marbodius described blue Sapphire to “pose a beauty like that of the heavenly throne, they denote the hearts of the simple, of those moved by a sure hope and of those who’s lives shine with their good deeds and virtue”. In the East, the sapphire is regarded as a powerful charm against the evil eye.

An alternative gemstone to blue sapphire is Iolite. Its blue color resembles that of deep blue sapphire. Although Iolite belongs to a different mineral group, it tends to hold a similar beauty, color, and transparency. In terms of price point, Iolite is significantly less expensive in comparison to an untreated, natural blue Sapphire.  Iolite is a great alternative for those who want to wear a beautiful natural gemstone without having to spend a fortune.

Sikara & Co.’s timeless Iolite Bubble ring is a timeless choice at $240 that can be worn with a multi silver chain bracelet to complement.

Written by Gemologist: Leilybanu Mozaffarian

It’s the end of summer and time to turn a new leaf (or in our case: new collections!). Sikara & Co. is ready for a clean slate and a seasonal  renaissance of jewelry, so come visit us at “Le Garage” this weekend in Austin for a once a year occasion.

On September 4th and 5th our silver and stone pieces can be found at the Palmer Events Center that will make your back-to-school shopping hunt a cinch. We’re bringing in our oldies but nonetheless, perpetual goodies at specially reduced prices. We’ll also be joined by fellow independent boutique stores that will have some fun shoes, clothing, and accessories. Time to get fully outfitted!

Be on the look out for our Austin team, headed by the ever-so-belle Vanessa Farrow. Mention that you read the post here, and you’ll receive a free polishing cloth with your new pieces to keep them shiny and bright.

August is a very special month for India, which makes it a very special month for Sikara and we want to make it one for you too!  Mousumi’s parents immigrated from India back in the 1970’s.  Although she’s a first generation here, she has close ties to her homeland.  One of Sikara’s biggest collections is inspired from India.

Today we celebrate India’s independence.  On August 15, 1947, India was granted independence from the British Empire.  This major change had a huge impact everyone in the country, but especially its women.  The role of women in Indian culture has evolved over time.  Today women in India have more equal rights.  Young women leave their homes for further studies at universities, they are making strides through micro-credit programs, and are part of the technology revolution.

One of the most notable Indian women is Indira Gandhi.  She broke many barriers for women when she served as the first female Prime Minister of India for over fifteen years (which is the world’s longest term period for a woman).  Sikara wants you to take a little time this August to reflect on your independence!

As the most valuable crystal of the quartz family, Amethyst colors ranges from a pale purple to deep purple. In the U.S especially, its deep purple/red coloring is highly popular. Those born in the month of February can proudly call it their birthstone.

The name “Amethyst” is derived from the Greek word meaning “sober”. (Folklore has it that if one drinks wine in a cup made of amethyst, the intoxicating affects are impossible). The list of positive affects for amethyst is endless.  It is believed that this gem has the ability to enhance intelligence, create success in business, prevent contagious diseases, and control the “evil eye”. Said to bring love and prosperity, Amethyst wards off negative energy for its wearer.

Amethyst also has characteristics that are gender specific. For men, it provides promised sober judgment and financial security.  With women, Amethyst brings positive thoughts and loyal lovers.

Brazil and Uruguay’s Ural Mountain host the highest qualities of this desirable stone. For more feasible options check out Sikara’s very own collection amethyst stones, ready for your wearing!

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/06/travel/20100509-WHYWETRAVEL-4.html

At Sikara & Co. we cannot stress enough the importance of being affected by what you see and experience. Allowing those responses to be expressed in a multi-dimensional sense whether through a photograph, “a shout”, or new piece of art is the basic joy of life. We hope that wherever you are today, you are finding beauty in what you do.

This image could not be a better model,  striking me with awe in only a few moments. The infinite natural colors overflow through the flower rows while the brightly clad young woman peacefully passes through in observance.

I pose to you: Where and how are you observing beauty today? (feel free to post photographs!)

For all of our valued soccer and Sikara fans and in honor of Spain’s victory in Sunday’s 2010 World Cup, we are featuring our two rings inspired by the innovative architecture of Bilbao, Spain. Our Bilbao Curved Square ring (also available in 18K Vermeil and silver mix) and Bilbao Swirly ring (also available in brushed silver) are perfect for everyday wear! Either of these unique rings would be a great way to show your Spanish pride and a stylish compliment to your championship jersey!

Viva La Spain! Viva Sikara!

Bilbao Curved Square Ring (also available in vermeil & silver)

Bilbao Swirly Ring (also available in brushed silver)

This Wednesday, July 14, 2010, Sikara & Co will be hosting an event for the San Francisco chapter of Indus Women Leaders (IWL). IWL is an association that works to inspire South Asian women to build themselves as leaders, despite any and all obstacles.  The organization is devoted to helping women achieve their goals in areas of industry ranging from healthcare to the arts. They also have chapters in multiple cities including New York and Chicago.  Founder and Creative Director, Mousumi Shaw, will be speaking at the event and sharing her experiences with other entrepreneurial women. Mousumi will talk about everything from parlaying her love for travel into a thriving business to continuing to build the Sikara & Co brand. This is sure to be an inspiring night and Sikara is so excited to host it! We hope to see you there!

For more information about IWL visit www.induswomenleaders.org.

Smmertime is the time for travel, and we were thrilled to interview an extraordinary woman who has visited 46 countries, 47 states, and founded a travel website from all of her experiences: Ms. Kerry Rupp. Kerry has created an online travel planner, Holiday Golightly, which helps women organize the perfect getaway with their girlfriends. From bachelorette parties in Las Vegas to ski trips in Sundance, Holiday Golightly has a trip for every kind of girl. It’s a wonder how Kerry finds time to travel! In addition to acting as President of Holiday Golightly, she is the Managing Partner of DreamIt Ventures and the Vice President of New Business at AllRecipes.com.

Hear what she had to say about her journeys, her accomplishments, and her take on the importance of girl power:

Sikara: Of all the places you’ve visited (which includes 47 states and 46 countries!), what is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Kerry: I loved Vietnam for many reasons: the natural beauty; the energy level, natural curiosity and friendliness of the people; and the dramatic difference of Southeast Asian life from modern Western culture.  In the city, women in rice hats still hoist yokes with live ducks while buzzing mopeds zip by.  In the hill country, subsistence rice farming and hill tribes still live a simpler life and it’s not uncommon to see a boy straddling a water buffalo amidst a sea of green patchwork fields.

S: You’ve been to 47 states! What are the 3 you haven’t seen?

K: Actually, I’m now up to 48.  Passed through West Virginia on a road trip last summer between Austin and Boston while working on the CRAVE books in each city!  Still have yet to hit North Dakota and Alaska (which is a shame, as in Seattle I lived directly across the street from the cruise ships heading to Alaska for several years!)

S: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a different country?

K: Keeping an open mind and respecting the local culture.  It’s easy to get frustrated that things don’t work the way you’re used to when the noisy kids in the hotel woke you up in the middle of the night and your flight’s delayed.  Remember that you travel to see a different way of life and that means adapting to different ways of doing things – sometimes inefficient, confusing ways!  Take a deep breath and practice patience!

S: Out of all the places you’ve lived, which location do you call “home”?

K: This is a tricky one for me – I think I’ve become a bit of a nomad and don’t really have an answer when people ask me that question.  I tend to make myself at home wherever I am.  One of the best things I’ve learned from so many moves is a pretty solid ability to adapt to change and new environments.

S: We’re inspired by your endless list of accomplishments! Which one are you the most proud of?

K: Thanks – that’s sweet!  I’m most conscious right now of the present, so the recent publication of “The Parisian Cowboy’s Guide the Round Top Experience” was pretty exciting.  My friend and business partner Gretchen von Rochow and I created the book from beginning to end, and it was really fun to be able to hold and peruse the beautiful finished product.

S: As a woman of many titles (Vice President, Consultant, Partner and Founder just to name a few), how do you do it all? How do you balance all of your responsibilities?

K: (As evidence by my inability to get this to you in time … I don’t always!)  It’s definitely a challenge – and one I can’t say I’ve totally mastered.  I’m in a period right now, where I’m juggling several things and will ultimate have to narrow down to really focus on the projects that deserve it the most.

S: What motivated you to start a travel website for girlfriend getaways?

K: A friend told me she and her sisters talked all the time about getting away together but never actually did it, while I was always off on such trips.  She thought I should write a book on the topic. I thought I’d take to another level and offer a service to help those who didn’t have the time or inclination to do it themselves!

S: What do you enjoy more, business time or play time?

K: Oh, I shouldn’t admit this…. But while I can get really energized by a great strategy discussion, I love my play time – whether it’s hanging out with girlfriends or trying a new restaurant or listening to a great band with a beer in the sunshine …

S: What is your favorite thing to do when visiting a foreign place?

K: I love to take a run around the place – preferably along the water if there is some.  It’s a great way to get a lay of the land and wander into some more local areas you might not see as a tourist.  Of course, it’s also a good way to get lost, and that’s not always the smartest idea in a foreign country – so I try to get some local directions before I head out of the hotel!

S: How would you describe your personal style?

K: Playful.

S: What is your favorite Sikara piece?

K: That would definitely be my Art Deco Stone Pop Ring.  But I’ve got plenty of more pieces in my collection AND on my wish list!

Bio:

Kerry currently resides in Austin and Philadelphia and juggles her time as a Partner at DreamIt Ventures, VP of New Business at Allrecipes.com, and President & Founder at Holiday Golightly. She also promotes the businesswomen community as the editor of CRAVE Austin: The Urban Girls’ Manifesto, a book featuring women-owned businesses in Austin, published in August 2009. Kerry was featured in CRAVE Seattle and CRAVE Austin and kicked off the CRAVE Boston book as well.

To say that her past experience is impressive would be an understatement. Kerry has 17 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, business development and operational management with a plethora of companies, which include Classmates.com, Jobster, LexisNexis, McKinsey & Company, Sterling Commerce and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). She received her MBA from Harvard Business School and her BA from Duke University.

When she’s not taking on the world as a business-savvy professional, she takes on the world through travel; if it wasn’t obvious already, Kerry loves to travel domestically and internationally in her spare time. She also enjoys running, yoga, snowboarding and spending time with friends.

Every year my girlfriends and I plan a trip somewhere.  We’ve found ourselves lost in wonderful places like Spain, Morocco,

The gals at our first resort in San Ignacio!

Paris, Tunisia and India.  Since a few of the gals were on a bit of a budget (me with my start-up and another friend just out of Dental School), we were looking for places where our frequent flier miles could take us.  This year, the lucky destination ended up being Belize.  I remember when I told my brother, he asked me, “Where the hell is Belize”?  Apparently a lot of people wonder this, as I found a magnet in Belize with that question posted!

Anyway, I had been working extremely long hours between our Boston Pop-up store launch and other exciting developments within Sikara, so this trip was well deserved and long awaited!  I actually didn’t have much time to do research prior to boarding my flight so I didn’t know what to expect.  We had decided that this trip would be a combination of active sports and relaxing at the beach.  All I knew is that I was excited about adventuring somewhere new!

Day 1:  Belize City

Mystic River Resort!

So Belize is in Central America bordering Mexico and Guatemala and on the Caribbean Sea.  We landed at the tiny Belize City airport and quickly found our way to our car rental place.  The trip to San Ignacio (southwest Belize) was a three hour drive.  The roads were bumpy and the land largely undeveloped.  When we pulled up to our new home for the next 3 days, we were all pleasantly surprised.  We stayed at the Mystic River Resort which was built only 2 years ago by this wonderful French woman, Nadege and her American Fiance Tom.   They had discovered this amazing land along the river and had a team machete through the bush to build this from scratch.  They were the most hospitable couple and made our stay in Belize so memorable.

We were welcomed by yummy drinks, amazing food and a resort largely to ourselves.  We had hit up Belize during low season so aside from one honeymooning couple from Europe we had the place to just us.

Day 2:  We started the morning watching the iguana’s and colorful carrie-carrie birds eat breakfast alongside us.  We had a

Carrie-Carrie Birds

yummy breakfast before we headed out to Calico Jack’s for our zip-lining adventures.  I have to admit zip-lining out in Monteverde in Costa Rica takes the cake, but this was still really fun.  The crew at Calico Jack’s actually trained with the Costa Rican team so I felt really safe.  I think this place will be amazing in another 2 years as they will be doubling the number of lines they have going through the jungle.

Afterwards, we decided to venture around and ended up at this cute little inn where we had lunch.  I had accidently left our money back at our pad so we had to see how much food we could buy on $10 USD!  We ended up playing jenga and enjoyed our chicken and plantain dish that we shared 5 ways!  I guess the people on Survivor had it worse

In the afternoon, we walked around Mystic River resort and met some of the animals they had.  A few horses, a rescued baby cow and a bunch of dogs.  Tom the owner took us out on his fun Polaris and let my friend Apara drive it.   We drove about 20 minutes out and went tubing down the river which was a blast.

That evening we discovered we were the only guest remaining at the resort so the five of us gals turned up the music and hosted our own dance party with the owners.  We taught them how to dance Indian Bhangra and of course ended with some Madonna and her Isla Bonita (since the song referred to San Pedro – where our next destination would be).

Day 3:  This was our big adventure day as we were going to accomplish going to the famous ATM ( not the banking machine) where the Mayan’s had built a cathedral where they made sacrifices to the Gods.  But this was no ordinary cathedral, it was hidden away in a cave in the middle of a jungle.  The whole 6 hour expedition reminded me of something out of Indian Jones.  We drove with our guides for about an hour where we then hiked through the jungle for an hour and crossed three rivers by foot.  We had a quick meal before heading near the mouth of the cave.  We had to swim across.  The following 1.5 hours was spent bouldering and rock-climbing through this cave.  It was pitch black inside so we had to wear hard hats with lights attached.  At points in the cave we would be in water neck-deep.

I was thinking to myself these Mayan people were really adventurous!  Or the landscape had changed a lot.  We don’t know if they had to deal with the water back then or if the cave entrance was more inviting and open.  Eventually an hour and a half later, we climbed a ladder to the official “cathedral”.  There we saw several skeletons of individuals who had been sacrificed.  There was broken pottery for offerings.  We had to carry socks and t-shirts with us so when we reached this point we could not wear our shoes and be covered in order to pay our respect.

This was one of the coolest adventures I had on this trip.  It was exhausting and scary at some points.  I left with a few bruises but overall, I’d highly recommend it.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up closing this site in a few years as there are so many pieces of historical significance out in the open.

We were all exhausted by the end and starving so when we came back to downtown San Ignacio, we went to this amazing restaurant for dinner.   No better way to end the day than with some traditional chicken, plantains, and beans and some yummy shrimp!

Day 4:  The next morning we went for a hike but our friend Apara, the super athlete, decided to run down the hill and unfortuantley sprained her ankle.  Our host, Tom, came to our rescue and picked us up in the Polaris.  He ended up driving us around and giving us a tour of the next phase he plans to develop for Mystic River.  Apparently there are a few caves that he plans on excavating on his grounds.  He’ll partner with the Belizian government so others can see these historic places.

We had our final breakfast and sadly bid farewell to Nadege and Tom.  We were off to the island of San Pedro.  It took us a 3 hour drive, 1.5 hour ferry ride, before we eventually arrived at our final destination: Coco Beach Resort!  We had to take a smaller boat to our hotel.  It was really funny to see the man get our bags in a wheel barrow!

That evening , we went to the little market store and ended up cooking a nice meal in our new home for the rest of our stay.

Day 4:  We were picked up early in the morning by a boat to take us to go snorkeling and diving!  The fish were absolutely amazing.  After our trip we explored the main city center of San Pedro.  We rented a golf cart (there are too many cars driving around the island).  It was great exploring the little bakeries, fresh fruit carts and stores around the little island.  The best part for me was photographing all the kids getting out of school.  So much energy and love for life on the island!

Day 5:  The next morning two of the gang headed home early as they had family obligations.  This was the first day we finally relaxed and did absolutely nothing.  I started reading Three Cups of Tea and checked in on work in between little stints in the pool.  My friend and I took out this massive Aqua Cycle in the sea but it didn’t make it out very far.

Day 6:  Our final day was spent renting bicycles as we explored the island territory around us.  My friend Vandna and I rode up the pier to this little island bar and had some lunch.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  Later that night we saved up our energy to head into San Pedro for the famous “ladies night” at Wet Willy’s!  We had some delicious Lobster (yes, official Lobster season started that week with an official Miss Lobster Beauty Contest – for girls not lobsters!) in this ally-way hole in the wall restaurant.  My lobster burrito was delicious!  It was good that we went dancing after as I needed to boogy the burrito off.  We were some of the first girls at Wet Willy’s so we just created our own dance party (seems to be our theme on this trip).  It was fun but we retired early catching the 10pm water taxi home!

Day 7:  Ahh…got to love the journey home!  We started our day a bit stranded as no one came to pick up our bags, no water taxi was ready to pick us up as promised, and we had no reservations for the tiny little plane that was supposed to take us from San Pedro to Belize City.  However, we were rescued by some friends of the resort.  A handsome Bolivian man with Arabic tattoos picked up in his boat.  When we landed in San Pedro, a random family with 2 kids heading to school, loaded us up in their mini-van and dropped us at the tiny airport.  Being on a small 14 passenger plane reinforced my desire for a future adventure…learning how to fly!

Summer is the time to get up and get out! Whether you’re playing in the sand, seeing a new place or at out in your own city, accessorize your fabulous summer with Sikara!

If you’re taking to the beach, try one of our pieces inspired by sand or the sea like the Yucatan circle cocktail ring, which has a lemon topaz stone that shines like the sun or our clam shell earrings inspired by the beaches of Rio. For a single statement making piece that won’t get lost in the tide, put on our Copacabana cuff, the sleek cut outs are perfect for showing some more skin in addition to your sexy new bikini!

When you’re staying closer to home, wear something simple with just a bit of sparkle like our Bella Artes brushed open rectangle necklace, earrings or bracelet with a single aqua chalcedony stone work great for backyard barbeques with your closest family and friends.

Are you going very far from home this summer? Then take one or all three of our pieces inspired by one of Mousumi’s favorite places to travel, Italy. The Italian matte double masquerade necklace, cluster Italian quadrato cluster earrings with smoky quartz and aqua chalcedony stones or the Capri sail ring (available in aqua chalcedony and smoky quartz) are inspired by the many adventures that Mousumi had during her trip to Italy!

While summer is a great time to see things you have never seen before, it is also great for exploring all of the events going on right in your city or just outside it. Sophisticated pearl pieces like our Branching Out mantra pendant or simple, understated hanging stud pearl earrings or double pearl swirl ring are perfect companions on a wine tasting trip out to the country.

Pave the streets with 18K Vermeil gold by wearing our fun and funky gold pieces like the long curved gemstone earrings with a sky blue aqua chalcedony stone, five stranded mesh vermeil beaded bracelet or extra large brushed swirl earrings. Any of these are a great way to capture if you want to capture street chic style. Wherever you go this summer, have fun and take Sikara with you!