Warmed by the Artisan’s Fire

There’s a simple way to find the light in a dark economy. One need look no further than the lamplit window of an independent artisan working late into the night, eschewing bailouts and bankruptcy filings in favor of a buck hard-earned doing what she feels made to do. Perhaps that twinkle of creative perseverance is the shimmer of a Jessie McCann bracelet, its many facets reflecting a recession-proof luxury nouveau approach premised on the twin ideas that hand-crafted jewelry can be wonderfully elegant, and that elegant doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. A beautiful case in point can be made from McCann’s Hespera Necklace, a gathering of rose, olive green, and amethyst briolettes fashioned from quartz and hung from a sterling silver chain. It could be priced out of reach of most of us. It isn’t.

Alternatively, it could be a bracelet as understated and feminine as the Cate, or as dark and striking as the Alessa. The champagne tastes of the Aurelia Earrings, or the lagoon-deep subtleties of the Nora would make a fine argument in favor of independent craftsmanship as well. In the end, what so many of us withering in this financial climate are looking for is proof that value can still be found in simple, lovely objects priced honestly rather than artificially. What we are looking for, in other words, is a few more Jessie McCanns. For those who are fans of her work, today’s giveaway is especially exciting. To celebrate her shop's one year anniversary, Jessie is giving away a lovely pair of Kandice Earrings to call their own. To qualify, visit Jessie McCann Handcrafted Jewelry, then come back here to tell us about your favorite item in Jessie’s shop. Tell us in a second post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 2/5/09. Make sure to check out Jessie Mccann's 20% off Sale.

We have a winner! Congrats Dixie :)