10% off Murano glass jewellery for Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is just around the corner! Can you believe it! 


I cannot believe how quick the months are passing by. The quote "Time flies" is very apt in my life at the moment!


So for all the last minute shoppers, like myself, you are probably wrecking your brains on the perfect gift for your mother. Well, look no further than DeVigniDesigns! Which mother would not love a piece of jewellery, especially if it is Murano glass imported directly from the island, Murano, off the Venetian Lagoon in Italy.


Take advantage of this special offer which is valid until the 4th May 2012 and while stocks last. Don't miss out on this great offer!

Murano Glass Heart Pendant 30x30x10mm

with cotton cord (50cm), entirely handmade 

by Murano Master glassmaker with the 

"lampwork" technique"

Cost: ZAR130.00 each

  

18mm Murano Glass Millefiori Pendant

Pendant only, Sterling Silver 925/000 rim 

& clasp, 18mm in diameter

Cost: ZAR132.00 each

23mm Murano Glass Millefiori Pendant

Pendant only, Sterling Silver 925/000 rim 

& clasp, 23mm in diameter

Cost: ZAR173.00 each

26mm Murano Glass Millefiori Pendant

Pendant only, Sterling Silver 925/000 rim 

& clasp, 26mm in diameter

Cost: ZAR190.00 each

32mm Murano Glass Millefiori Pendant

Pendant only, Sterling Silver 925/000 rim 

& clasp, 32mm in diameter

Cost: ZAR223.00 each

The offer is valid until the 4th May 2012 and while stocks last. Don't miss out on this great offer!

Murano Glass Masters pay homage to Picasso

Pablo Picasso

The artist that we know as Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, a city in the Andalusia region of Spain, on 25 October 1881. 

The child-prodigy, Picasso, was artistically gifted early in life. His mother remembered that his first word was ‘piz’ which is a shortened version of the Spanish word ‘lapis’ (pencil). Picasso is one of the most recognized figures in the 20th Century art.

Head of a Woman, 1960
by Pablo Picasso

I love this quote by Pablo Picasso!

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." 

The Murano Glass Masters were so inspired by Pablo Picasso that many of them create Murano glass sculptures that have beautiful shades of colors which allows you to get a unique effect of light bouncing off the Murano glass.

Homage to Picasso by
Vetreria Artistica Colleoni

Murano glass of the faces of Picasso

Homage to Picasso by
the master at Colleoni

Murano glass, Picasso style oversized vase

Murano glass, Picasso piece by
Christoph Kiefhaber

Murano glass, Picasso piece by
a master glass artisan

Murano glass Picasso, Women's head

Murano Glass perfume bottles

In ancient times perfume was exclusively used by the upper class and the rich.  


Nowadays most women have an extensive collection of perfumes and fragrances. Perfume has become an essential part of our lives, so that many of us women, will not step out of the house without first dabbing a few drops of our favorite scent.

It has been documented that a great deal of aesthetic imagination and thought was put into the manufacturing of the perfume containers. This has evolved into an art and perfume can be found in containers from the simplest to the most intricately designed bottles. Glass bottles are the main storage containers for perfume.

Seguso Murano amber sommerso
art glass perfume bottle

Here are a few Murano Glass perfume bottles that are very eye catching. A few of these Murano Glass bottles will beautify your dressing table quite nicely.

Murano Glass Perfume Bottles
in shades of Fall

Hand Decorated Murano Glass
Spray Perfume Bottles

Hand Decorated Murano Glass
Murrina-Capped Perfume

Handmade Murano Glass perfume bottle

Murano Glass Perfume Bottle - Lapis and Gold

Murano Glass Round Perfume Bottle Aqua

Murano glass perfume bottle

Murrina perfume bottles

Tall Murano Glass Perfume
Bottle with Atomizer

The perfect Mother's Day gift

Mother's Day is on the 13th May 2012. It is less than a month away! 


Mother's day is all about celebrating the wonderful woman who has given you so much. Have you bought your Mum, Grandmother or Aunt something special to show her how much you love, care and appreciate her? 


DeVigniDesigns has the perfect gift. A beautiful Murano Glass Heart pendant. Shop online for various colors and designs.


Each Murano Glass Heart pendant is 30x30x10 mm in size and comes with a cotton cord (50 cm). It is entirely handmade by Murano master glass-makers with the “lampwork technique”

Murano Glass Heart Pendants

Caring for your jewelry

I now realise that caring for your jewelry does not have to be rocket science! I have learnt 3 simple steps that I would like to share with you.

1. Protect your jewelry
2. Store your jewelry safely
3. Clean your jewelry

 How to protect your jewelry

• Put your makeup, lotion, hair spray and perfume on before your jewelry.
• Take off your jewelry when you are cleaning the house, doing the laundry, bathing, showering or gardening.
• Keep your jewelry away from chemicals, extreme temperatures (hot or cold!) and sunlight.
• Don’t wear your jewelry in a swimming pool or hot tub as chlorine can damage gemstones and metals including gold.
• Wipe your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove makeup and skin oils after wearing them.

 How to store your jewelry 

• Store your jewelry away from heat sources and sunlight. The sun may fade some gemstones.
• Store each piece separately so your jewelry does not scratch.
• Store your silver jewelry or jewelry with silver accents in a zip lock bag with anti-tarnish strips to reduce tarnishing. You can also store them in material bags or in a jewelry box.
• Store your jewelry in a dry location with low humidity. Humid and damp conditions  causes tarnish in silver.
• Store your jewelry according to any special care instructions provided with your jewelry.
• You chains and necklaces should lay flat to avoid kinks in them.
• Consider the security and accessibility of the location you choose for your jewelry.

Little Black Dress Hanging Jewellery Organiser
from aplaceforeverything

 How to clean your jewelry

• Most jewelry can be safely cleaned using a clean 100% cotton or lint-free cloth. An old T-shirt will even do!
• Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth.
• Warm soapy water (use a mild dish detergent) can also be used however be careful with certain gemstones as they could lose their color. Rinse and pat dry with a clean cloth.
• If you are not certain about using chemicals on you jewelry, act with caution and just wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth. 

Lint free cloths

Read my blog post Jewelry organisation and Jewelry Amoire for ideas on how to store your treasured jewelry.

Tips on measuring yourself for the prefect length necklace

Continuing from yesterday's article Ever wondered which necklace length to wear?, I thought it would be a good idea to share with you how to measure yourself for the perfect length necklace.


The standard necklace length is 16 to 20 inches or 41 – 51 cm, which sits just between the base of the throat and the collarbone for most people.


To measure yourself for a necklace, wrap a piece of ribbon, string or or any non-stretchable cord around the base of your neck and then drape it to the place where you would prefer to wear your necklace. Measure the ribbon, string, etc. against a ruler or measuring tape to determine your desired necklace length.

Here are a few more tips for measuring yourself for a collar or choker necklace as well as how to measure a necklace for the man in your life!

•  To find the ideal length for a collar necklace that will sit just above your collarbone, use a measuring tape to measure your neck and add 2 to 4 inches or 5 to 12 cm. This will ensure a looser, more comfortable fit.

Halle Berry wearing a
collar length necklace

•  If you want a choker, choose the standard size, which is 16 inches or 41 cm. For a more snug fit, measure around your neck and go no more than an inch or 3 cm less, depending on your preference. (Add on an inch or 3 cm if you are not a standard size.)

Angelina Jolie wearing a
choker length necklace

Johnny Depp

• For men, the necklace should sit at the collarbone when it is worn with an open shirt collar. If worn with a pendant or medallion, the chain should be slightly longer. Men's chains generally measure between 18 inches or 46 cm and 20 inches or 51 cm in length for a necklace that will lie at the collarbone. 

Denzel Washington

And just like style, the correct length for you is based on personal taste!

It's also great for you to have different sizes and styles of necklaces in your jewelry collection for the various occasions and events you attend or just because you like variety!

Ever wondered which necklace length to wear?

Have you ever wondered which necklace length to wear? Well, I sure have! Most of time I rely on my instincts and as I have found out: this can sometimes guide me in the wrong direction. Do I rely on my personal preferences or just follow fashion trends? I want a necklace or necklaces that are comfortable and enhance my outfit.

Anne Hathaway

Did you know that there are names for the various necklace lengths? I did not!

  You have the:

Heidi locket wearing a
Collar necklace

Collar (12-13 inches or 31-33 cm) Collar necklaces lie snugly around the middle of the neck. They are a must-have when wearing V-necks, boat necks, and off-the-shoulder fashions. They complement an evening look.

Jessica Alba wearing a
Choker Necklace

Choker (14-16 inches or 36-41 cm) Both classic and versatile, a 14-16 inch choker falls perfectly around the base of the neck. A simple choker necklace matches any outfit and just about any neckline. Great for a child’s necklace. Perfect for any time of day and occasion

Beyonce wearing a
Princess necklace

Princess (17-19 inches or 43-48 cm) As the most popular necklace length, the princess necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines, falling just below the throat. Typically 17-19 inches long, you can wear the princess length as a contrast to low, plunging necklines. Add a pendant for a bold, eye-catching look." Ideal for both pendant necklaces and pearls. Versatile length for both daytime and evening.

Jennifer Lopez wearing a
Matinee necklace

Matinee (20-24 inches or 51-64 cm) Longer than the princess necklace and shorter than an opera length. Compliments a higher neckline. A 20-24 inch matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or business attire.

Selena Gomez wearing an
Opera necklace

Opera (28-34 inches or 66-91 cm) Ranging from 28-34 inches, the opera necklace is the second longest of all lengths. Wear it as a single or double strand. Perfect for high or crew necklines, its versatility allows the opera necklace to transform from day to evening wear with elegant ease.

Gail O'Grady wearing a
Rope necklace

Rope (over 45 inches or 94-114 cm) Measuring at least 45 inches in length, the versatile rope necklace is a must-have accessory! Infinitely elegant and classic, this necklace dresses up any outfit night or day. Often, hidden clasps placed in strategic locations allow this necklace to be transformed into multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations.