by Jeff Gilder | Feb 14, 2016 | Blog
Wedding Day Traditions Across the Globe
Have you ever truly admired the diversity in wedding day traditions? From every corner of the earth and turn of a page in a history book, the notion of love has always been present. Whether you’ve inevitably fallen victim to another classic tear-jerker, or practicing your own customs by covering in intricate works of henna designs (mehndi) before the big day, you have most likely experienced this diverse concept first-hand. Much like love encompasses a great deal of the world; comparably, it does the same with us here at Jinja Jewelry. From Bali to Myrtle Beach, SC, beached coral to now hand-crafted jewelry, Jinja was built and continues to build on the compassion of friendship and family. We advocate for love in all languages, and would love to express that by sharing a few interesting wedding day traditions around the world!
Balinese Friends
The picture above shows two of our cherished Balinese friends who will be getting married in March. We are pleased to announce that the founders of Jinja, Don and Elaine Helmig and Joy Daniels, will personally witness this testament to love and devotion! The gentleman comes from a long line of silver smiths, and is shown with his future wife in the Royal Palace. The delicately crafted tapestry (in the background) is woven with strands of gold, and proves that skilled Balinese artisans have had a rich tradition of creating beautiful works of art for hundreds of years.
The wedding ceremony, or pawiwahan, is a vital aspect of life to the Balinese people. This occasion is performed under very sacred and spiritual means, and is considered to be a commitment witnessed by other human beings, those of the underworld, and the gods. The union between the bride and groom is admired immensely for its spiritual and personal achievement. Those who are wedded are often valued for the ability to continue the Balinese way of life and the reincarnation of elders through offspring.
India- Vivah Homa
In the heart of India, many wedding ceremonies are focused around the ignition of a small fire. The sacred fire serves to embody the presence of Agni, the fire-god of Hinduism. Across the span of culture and history, fire has been used to perform sacrificial practices in many religions. This is seen as a sanctified way to directly communicate with a divine being. Agni represents this concept. By being the translator of the gods and center-stone for sacrifice, Agni’s spirit midst the fire does even more than just confirm the commitment between the bride and groom. A prayer for children, prosperity, and a healthy life is also requested.
Vietnam
While white may be a common first thought when picturing a wedding in the US, in the case of the Vietnamese, red is the new white. The color red is seen as a lucky charm towards a lucrative future. Much of the gifts given during this occasion are wrapped in red silk and boxes. The superstition of luck even carries on into the tedious task of figuring out the date of the ceremony. Many Vietnamese couples turn to fortune tellers and astrologers in hopes of establishing a wedding day tradition full of odds in their favor!
For more awe-inspiring facts and Jinja adventure follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!
by Jeff Gilder | Feb 2, 2016 | Blog
Top Adventure Travel Destinations
Despite the billions of years in existence, the world has yet to do anything but astonish humanity with its creativity and natural wonders. If you’re a travel guru like most of us here at Jinja, your bucket-list is most likely over-running with adventure destinations awaiting to be explored. Whether your bags are all packed and ready, or you’re sitting on the couch wishing you had a flight instead of adult responsibilities tomorrow, Jinja is here to add a few of our favorite masterpieces of nature to your list!
Pamukkale, Turkey
Before hot tubs were invented, the earth knew exactly what it was doing. The travertines of Pamukkale are mineral-rich bodies of water and calcium heated by underlining volcanic lava. Thanks to these natural spas, visitors from all corners of the earth come to experience an organic form of relaxation.
Kangaroo Island, Australia
One of the largest Australian islands, Kangaroo Island, continues to serve as an undisturbed home for wildlife and native environments. This land is occupied by a diverse array of native fauna, some of which are the only population left of their kind. The Ligurian Bees thrive in this isolated location as the only remaining pure breed of their species. Side note: the picture above was taken by the founders of Jinja Jewelry themselves!
Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
On the shore of Puerto Rico, the island of Vieques, Mosquito Bay has captured curiosity in the minds of people all over the world. Although a bay of mosquitoes may not be your first adventure destination of choice, this island houses a secret work of nature that trumps even an entire continent of mosquitoes. When night time falls, the waves crash against the beach with an uncanny, but delightful blue glow. The phytoplankton in the sea emits this bright glow, or bioluminescence, turning the entire beach into a neon wave of lights!
Victorian Falls, Africa
Swimming downstream the world’s largest waterfall may seem like a death wish to many, but if you’re taking a trip to Victorian Falls then it could just be another picture worthy moment. In the heart of the African Zambezi River, Devil’s Pool hangs a few inches off the edge of a 354 ft. drop. When the climate is dry, the water level reduces drastically, allowing visitors to swim on the brink of life itself. The Devil’s Pool is ultimately where the souls of adrenaline junkies come out to play!
Hiller Lake, Australia
This rare lake inhabits the coast of Western Australia, brightening the beachy scenery with a bubble-gum like color. It hasn’t been completely explained where this exquisite pastel pink stems from, but many scientists pinpoint this phenomenon to dye-producing bacteria who call the lake home.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media, and share a few of your bucket-list adventure travel destinations! Even take us along the journey with you by tagging Jinja Jewelry in all the many travel selfies at https://www.instagram.com/jinjajewelry with the hashtag #adventureswithjinja!
by Jeff Gilder | Jan 25, 2016 | Blog
5 Fashion Travel Tips for the Soul
Check out these 5 Fashion Travel Tips for the Soul. There’s nothing like the rush of discovering a new setting that may drive one to consider joining a Traveling Anonymous support group. Here at Jinja we know all about those soft spots for international adventure! To make matters even more relatable, we even know about those little tedious moments that come along with traveling. Luckily, Jinja has just the right tips to get you through those dull times while also staying fierce in your own style!
Tip #1 Be Comfortable: Whether it’s a train, boat, car, or flight, unless you have an executive business meeting 5 minutes after your transportation arrives, save the stressful outfits for a later time. A loose button up long-sleeve shirt with a short-sleeve underneath is the absolute best way to go. Not only does the outfit accomplish being comfortable without wearing your pajamas, it also saves you from different types of weather you may encounter.
Tip #2 Denim Does: Denim does match everything. Denim does make it look like you were not rushing to get packed, and denim does make it seem as if you had time to get ready. Do denim!
Tip #3 Essentials: If you’re like any of us here at Jinja, then you most likely already carry an over-sized bag around anyway. Well now is the time to go through the closet and whip out the motherlode of purses. You never know what a long trip may entail, so be Girl Scout ready for all those on-the-go scenarios. Don’t forget to store books, magazines, and whatever may keep you busy during your travel time!
Tip #4 Accessories: This may the most important fashion travel tip of all. The easiest way to be fashion trend savvy is with jewelry. Why not wear a piece that embodies the same essence of adventure and joy that you may be experiencing in your own journey? Jinja Jewelry can give you just that. With our sterling silver rings and necklaces that promote elegance with the addition of mother-of-pearl, you can turn your outfit into a remarkable conversation starter for all the new faces you may meet!
Tip # 5 HAVE FUN: Above all, the Jinja Family wants you to have an unforgettable blast on your voyage! Be sure to take lots and lots of keepsake photos, and maybe even tag us in a few to enjoy along with you at www.instagram.com/jinjajewelry with the hashtag #adventureswithjinja!
by Jeff Gilder | Sep 22, 2014 | Blog
I love to shop. However, no matter how many shopping trips I end up making, it always seems like I have nothing to wear. It’s funny, because I have heard all of my girlfriends complain about the same thing at one point or another. I can recall countless shopping adventures with my girls that end with great purchases. Yet, when I open my closet to get dressed, nothing seems appealing to me. I always end up wearing the same four tops, and two bottoms; but hey, they look the best and I am the most comfortable in them.
The other day I looked in my closet and decided enough was enough. How can a girl who loves to shop, hate everything in her closet? It just doesn’t make sense! I decided it was time to take inventory of what I had, and figure out a way to wear more of the things I owned. Here are four things to do when you hate everything in your closet:
1) Toss what you don’t love
There are a few tops in my closet that I have no idea what I was thinking when I bought them. Although I have never worn them, the thrifty girl in me just cannot throw them away. I’ll wear them at some point, right? Wrong! Those tops that are collecting dust in your closet need to go, now. Take inventory of your clothes and anything that hasn’t been worn in the past year goes in the donate pile.
2) Take inventory
I think that most woman, no matter how large their closet is, stick to wearing only a few pieces of the clothes they own. I know that I am very guilty of this. After you have tossed the pieces you don’t wear, take inventory of what is left. Make piles of the different colors of clothes that are left, and the types of tops and bottoms you have. Then, see what three colors seem to be the ones you gravitate towards the most. The next time you go shopping (and every time after that) only buy clothes in those colors. You’ll end up wearing more of your clothes this way.
3) Find out what’s flattering
How well do you know your body type? Do you know what shirts fit you the best and are the most flattering? Once you figure that out, life becomes a breeze! You should stick to buying mostly those types of clothing, because they will be the ones you grab.
4) Accessorize!
Perhaps the reason you don’t wear all of the clothing in your closet is because you feel like there’s something missing to complete the outfit. Maybe you were attracted to the shirt you saw on the mannequin at the mall because it was accessorized with jewelry, a handbag, cute shoes, etc. Well you can do the same by picking out some key accessories that will go with several of the items in your closet. Try a cuff bracelet, layered necklace, wedge shoes, and a signature favorite purse.
Written by Elaine Helmig, Co-Founder of Jinja Jewelry
Elaine has traveled far from her beginnings in the aviation industry with a background in engineering. Her eye for beauty and natural symmetry led her to partner with artist Australian Joy Daniels. The two of them have joined forces to build a Jinja Team with a creative flair for beautiful fashion jewelry. The results have been truly extraordinary as the handmade jewelry has found a following with an international clientele as diverse as the jewelry itself. Jinja Jewelry is slowly becoming a fashion statement and is treasured for its simply beautiful coral and elegant silver designs.
For more information, visit www.jinjajewelry.net
Interested in writing a guest blog for Jinja Jewelry? Send your topic idea to pr@jinjajewelry.net
All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Jinja Jewelry makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
by Jeff Gilder | Sep 9, 2014 | Blog
I know I’ve said before that fall is one of my favorite times of the year. One of the reasons that I love fall so much is because it’s wedding season! Fall weddings are my favorite! This year we have two weddings to attend, and I cannot wait. I just went shopping yesterday for dresses, and there are some really great styles out this season. If you received a wedding invitation or two in the mail for a 2014 fall wedding, it’s time to get shopping! Here’s what to wear to a fall wedding:
1) Fall colors
Whites and bright colors should be left to spring and summer weddings. Fall weddings call for darker, season appropriate colors. If you are a guest at a wedding this fall season, try sticking to a darker hue of dress. I recommend deep reds, greens, blues, oranges or greys. This J.crew wedding dress is perfect for a formal wedding, and would be beautiful in crushed berry. The perfect fall dress!
2) Simple earrings
When it comes to weddings, I like to buy a statement dress. If you are wearing a stunning dress to a friend’s wedding this fall, then you don’t need to wear tons of flashy jewelry. I like the rule to wear only one eye-grabbing piece, and leave the rest simple. This Jinja Jewelry set of earrings is subtle, pretty and would go great with any statement dress. Just make sure that you aren’t making too big of a statement, you never want to outshine the bride! J
3) Make your LBD pop
If you decide on wearing your little black dress to a wedding this fall, make sure you wear a killer pair of heels! The best way to make your LBD pop is by wearing heels that stand out. These Nordstrom heels are red in color and leather! They are the perfect fall shoe, and would look amazing with a black dress. If you are choosing to go this route, I suggest wearing very simple jewelry to offset the shoes.
4) Your smile
Weddings can be so magical. Make sure that when attending any wedding this fall, you bring your smile. Enjoy the ceremony, laugh with old friends and dance at the reception! Enjoy life and have fun. Plus, nothing makes your outfit stand out more than a beautiful smile!
Written by Elaine Helmig, Co-Founder of Jinja Jewelry
Elaine has traveled far from her beginnings in the aviation industry with a background in engineering. Her eye for beauty and natural symmetry led her to partner with artist Australian Joy Daniels. The two of them have joined forces to build a Jinja Team with a creative flair for beautiful fashion jewelry. The results have been truly extraordinary as the handmade jewelry has found a following with an international clientele as diverse as the jewelry itself. Jinja Jewelry is slowly becoming a fashion statement and is treasured for its simply beautiful coral and elegant silver designs.
For more information, visit www.jinjajewelry.net
Interested in writing a guest blog for Jinja Jewelry? Send your topic idea to pr@jinjajewelry.net
All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Jinja Jewelry makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
