Treasures launches Firefly handcrafted art jewelry Feb. 22

Treasures in downtown Lewes at 116 Second St. next to Lewes Gifts will launch a new line of handmade jewelry called Firefly Friday, Feb. 22.

Firefly offers intricately embellished artisan jewelry, specializing in innovative color mixes and meticulous workmanship. Designs are elegant yet whimsical and sparkle with the use of Swarovski crystals. Firefly uses filigree findings made from vintage molds, which gives the designs a romantic look with a contemporary twist.

The company has a passion for precise craftsmanship with attention to harmony and beauty, and a strong eye for detail. The designs strive for a balance between work that is both creatively innovative and highly desirable by the women who collect it.

“The jewelry is just beautiful and affordable for everyone. We were so lucky to be able to get this line of jewelry since they are not adding any additional vendors at this time due to demand and an opening came up in this area.” said owner Michiko Seto.

“We were able to get a small sampling in the late summer and it was gone before we knew it. This order just received was immediately placed in the summer and we just received it to launch the line."

Firefly Jewelry is owned and operated by Edward Rudnicki. The company workshop is in Guatemala, and there is a California satellite office. The artisans of Santiago Atitlan have kept the traditions of their culture alive over the centuries and employ these and other methods to create unique jewelry. Some pieces feature textiles and various artwork.

The style of design reflected in the Santiago Atitlan culture is recreated in each of these pieces of jewelry designed by the award-winning Juan "Carlos" Chavajay Vasquez and Rudnicki. The distinguishing strong colors of Firefly pieces are unique to this brand.

Firefly Jewelry provides employment and training in comfortable working conditions and fair wages to 80 local men and women artisans who are indigenous people of Santiago Atitlan. The company is proud of its working conditions and that the Guatemalan workshop is fully equipped. The company created an adjoining courtyard filled with colorful flowers and lush native plants that surely helps to inspire the workers.

Some of the metals used in the Firefly creations are brass and silver wire. The findings are made out of brass and then plated with silver that is later processed into an antiqued finish. Czech glass beads and Austrian Swarovski crystal embellishments give Firefly Jewelry pieces not just brilliant colors, but also a stunning sparkle.

Necklaces are made with antiqued steel, antiqued brass chain or silk thread. This line only includes necklaces that are 16 inches long with a 2-inch extender, and customers can purchase an additional 2-inch extender. The average bracelet is seven inches long.  All of the clasps are a lobster claw design.

There are three choices for earring styles: a typical post style with all posts made of surgical steel; French ear wire style with gold-filled or sterling silver wires; and a clip-on or lever-back style with Euro wires finished in silver-plated antique brass or antique brass.

Treasures opened Memorial Day 2012 and is dedicated to providing unique, fun jewelry with an emphasis on sterling jewelry including jewelry lines LeStage, Lori Bon, Acomo, Krikor & Sorrelli and home décor from canvas prints to framed art to lamps and accent furniture.

For more information, contact Treasures at 302-644-1660 or visit the store at 116 Second St., open daily.