Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Love Letters - A Valentine's Day Giveaway


Every year we race to and then through the holiday season, only to be confronted with yet another cause célèbre - Valentine's Day, the day we all love to hate.

Yes it is contrived, superficial, and corporately sponsored. Yes it is filled with garish colours and textures; frills and bows and velvets. Valentine's day, some could argue, is a box of chocolates filled with questionable and indistinguishable cream fillings.

But it is also the day that forces us to pause and to think about those people most treasured in our lives, those people who keep us happy and for the most part sane. It is a day above all others to remember those we sometimes take for granted.
And while we may all cringe at the mention of the notorious V-day, it is for that reason that we all dive into Valentine's Day head first.

So when was the last time you wrote a love letter to the apple of your eye? A little note, poem, or sentence that says all those things we are often to busy to mention as often as we should. If making your love swoon isn't enough of an incentive, perhaps we can sweeten the pink and red pot.

From today until midnight February 11th, send us your love letters telling us why your loved one deserves a diamond, and they just might get one. The winning entry will be announced February 13th, 2012.

Submit letters to www.18karat.ca/loveletters.html

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Weekend Workshops - NOW at 18Karat

Over the last couple of years I think we have all come to notice the rise in interest in crafting of all kinds - be it knitting, pottery and winemaking. People want to use their hands to create the things they love.

Whether this is a way for us to push against our technology obsessed culture or a desire to reach back to a time when all things where crafted by hand by local artisans, more and more people want to take the time to learn how to do things themselves.

Well jewellery lovers, we have just the thing for you - weekend jewellery workshops.

Over the course of a single Saturday you will learn how to cut, saw, solder, print, and polish your very own sterling silver pendant, earring, band, or all three!

Classes are small, with a maximum of 5 people, and are run by our Master Goldsmith Dino Giannetti - a goldsmith who at one time (many moons ago) apprenticed in some of the most renowned Italian workshops. He has since been creating fine jewellery in our downtown shop for over 40 years.

What better way to learn!?

Classes begin January 21st, from 11 - 4pm.
Cost: $150 + HST and include all tools and materials necessary.

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From now until February 6th 18Karat is GIVING AWAY 2 places in an upcoming workshop.
Visit our Facebook page to enter!