African Tribal Jewelry

The word "tribal" has become so common in jewelry that it has lost some of it's meaning, or at least changed its meaning. I think many jewelry designers use the word "tribal" in their descriptions because it is a good buzz word, more than because it is an accurate description of what they have created. The word has come to mean a free spirit, rather than a member of a tribe. Either way, I love tribal style jewelry and clothing and will never outgrow it. When I create a tribal jewelry design, I do it with my own contemporary spin while respecting the traditional approach of native Africans.

This collection happens to be African style tribal jewelry. With the recent availability of more authentic African beads, I cannot resist making chunky tribal jewelry pieces. Most of the beads I use are handmade in Mali, Kenya and Ghana. Selling these beads provides income for families in poor and war torn regions of Africa, another motivation for me to continue exploring new types of clay, metal and glass beads in the future.

The brass turtle pendant on the right, is an adinkra symbol used by the Asante people in Ghana. The Asante are accomplished weavers and the adrinka symbols are used in their hand woven textiles

The necklace on the left is dyed oxbone, with Masai white glass beads and large Mali clay spindles.

The next collection I have in the works features authentic Berber components from northern regions of Africa, particularly from Morocco. I spend numerous hours finding sources for the best quality, yet still affordable, beads and focal pieces. I can assure you that you won't be disappointed with the Tuareg pieces I am planning, and they will be ready in time for holiday gift buying too.







Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

The Vintage Collection

Vintage Collection Necklaces

My path in designing jewelry has had many twists and turns. It has now been 10 years since I began this adventure. It never ceases to amaze me how much there is to learn, and how many generous people have gone out of their way to be supportive of my vision.

I still want to try everything, and I hope that never changes! Along with that desire to continue learning new skills comes a gradual change in style preference. 10 years is plenty of time to grow and develop a distinctive and very recognizable style, and I am fairly certain that I have achieved that goal. Throughout this evolution, I remain hypnotized by the beauty of natural stones, and have introduced more artisan made components including a few of my own. I am never content to learn a new technique using the same methods as someone else, but instead I always look for a way to adapt a new material or technique with my own quirk or wrinkle.

This collection of vintage pieces in my web store, Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry, represents some of my growth in design. Each piece makes a statement, some are more bold and some more simple.

Vintage Collection Bracelet

You will find gemstone bracelets, Bohemian style bracelets, and tribal bracelets at affordable prices during this promotion period. A great time to find a special piece of handmade jewelry just for you!

Vintage Collection Earrings

Earrings from The Vintage Collection include designs with lampwork glass, Sterling silver, handmade hammered copper components, and even leather.










Gloria Ewing

Primavera Primativa

The Spanish translation just captures the mood I want so much better than English can describe it! Literally it means Primitive Spring. It's finally springtime, and I wanted to offer some of my ethnic style jewelry pieces in bright spring colors that will energize and inspire my viewers (all 7 of you). Maybe an infusion of color and a bold tribal style will give you and your spring wardrobe a boost?

Hilltribe copper medallions against vivid blue turquoise stones in varied shapes and colors in this luscious statement necklace.

All of these rustic stone and glass pieces and more are available in my Etsy shop, Chrysalis Too. Tribal and primitive jewelry made with authentic African beads, recycled glass beads, handmade components from talented artisans, and many that I have made myself. My beginning as a jewelry artist was in creating southwestern style jewelry, and I have never lost my affection for it. But I have branched out into ethnic jewelry with more of an African flavor because of all the handmade beads now accessible from there. I also have a selection of minimalist pieces featuring gemstones and gold vermeil for the purist tastes.

Definitely a Mexican southwestern vibe in these colorful beaded earrings with ceramic Guadalupe charms. This design was inspired by the statue of Guadalupe in front of the Cathedral Basilica St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. The photo below is from my 2010 trip to Santa Fe, NM.

Gloria Ewing
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Moooooving Sale!!! 40% OFF Tribal Jewelry

Guess what? I'm moving. That is, I am reducing the number of online sales outlets for my jewelry to two. Recently I opened a website called Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry, that has become my primary focus for introducing new collections of my handmade original jewelry. My approach will change to have a more coordinated series of collections in my new web store, offering themes and pieces tied together in their character and color palette.

So after 4 years, I have reluctantly decided to close my Artfire shop, Chrysalis Jewelry, with this Huge 40% Off Sale to clear out some beautiful pieces and make room for new ethnic flavored jewelry designs that will be listed in my web store. So help me decrease my Artfire inventory, and score some great jewelry for yourself or for Mother's Day, which is just around the corner. No coupon necessary, all the prices have been adjusted to the 40% sale price. But you must hurry for the best selection. This sale will only be on for a VERY limited time. Thank you for your support!

40% Off Sale at Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire


Gloria Ewing

Garam Masala in Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine

I've been wondering for awhile whether or not the time was right to submit a jewelry collection to a magazine? Which magazine? I don't keep up with the trends, and I don't often read jewelry magazines even though I know there are some great ones out there. So I talked it over with people whose opinions I valued. Most of them thought it was worth the effort, and even if my submission isn't accepted the first time (or the second) that it would be a good experience. I agreed with them, but generally procrastinated waiting for just the right ideas to come along. It would likely have been another year until I worked up the courage to actually send some pieces for submission.

Then out of the blue one day, I have a message in my Etsy shop from Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine asking if I had an interest in publishing some of my work? Well, that answered my question of which magazine! I was startled and excited and a little afraid it would turn out to be a scam. It wasn't a scam!!! Belle Armoire was really asking to publish my work, and they wanted me to do a technique based article featuring my selections. My article called "Garam Masala", based on my collection of mookaite jewelry, is now in the March 1 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine.

If there is a lesson here, it is persistence. I'm saying that because there were countless people along my personal journey that thought my choice to be a jewelry designer was frivolous. You know that look on their faces that says, "When are you going to grow up and get a real job?". Although being published one time in a beautiful magazine does not mean fame and fortune or financial stability, it is a definite affirmation that I am on the right track. If you are wondering whether you can succeed at designing jewelry, I would advise you to believe in yourself, try out new techniques, and ultimately develop your own recognizable style. Work hard, and don't be afraid to be different!

A special thanks to Petra Carpreau and Maria Scott, whose artisan components helped to make my bracelet notable!!!

Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Dear Santa, Bring Me Something Beaded!

With Thanksgiving on the late side this year, the shopping season seems to be shorter. It's all in our heads, of course, because we have the same amount of time in any given year. But Thanksgiving is the trigger and if it falls late, then shoppers are suddenly frantic to get all their shopping done in time. If online shopping is your thing, do not despair! There is still plenty of time to find the perfect gifts for all the special people on your gift giving list.

There is still a small window for custom orders as well. If you have something in mind that blends with my style, please contact me and I would be happy to give you an estimate and timeline. If you have a budget, just tell me what you would like to do and I will work with you if possible.

Let someone close to you know that you took the time to find them a handmade gift. Giving handmade gifts is personal. It says you are paying attention to the tastes and preferences of your loved ones. It really does say that you care.

Gloria Ewing

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Grand Opening of Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Some of the jewelry artisans I most admire have opened sites on Indiemade, and I have decided to join them! My choice was based on impressive feedback regarding Indiemade ease of use and responsiveness as well as the ability to be linked with my existing Etsy shop. Indiemade was "built by artists for artists", with features that are suited to the individual artist marketing their own creativity, including a website, store and blog.

I invite you to visit Indiemade and check out my new website, Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry, for rustic, tribal and primitive creations that are all designed and handmade by me. To celebrate my grand opening, I am having a 15% OFF SALE just in time for holiday shopping! Just use coupon code OPENING15 on checkout.

These luscious pewter and copper wire wrapped earrings are new in my Indiemade shop, as is the boho tribal southwestern necklace pictured above. The selection of rustic Bohemian style jewelry is at its height this time of year, but don't wait too long. Every piece is one-of-a-kind so when it's gone, there will not be another one to replace it.

Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry