Sophisticated Stones Jewelry

SOPHISTICATED STONES OUTREACH "SHOW"

2011-11-06T01:06:00.001-04:00

An "Impromptu SHOW" Saturday, Nov. 26, 12:00 noon-5:00 pm

Sophisticated Stones Studio
1427 Harwick Rd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC
843-881-9642
betty@sophisticatedstones.com
www.facebook.com/bettyholland.60

Please help us raise money for SOPHISTICATED STONES OUTREACH this year. We want to buy sweaters, shoes & socks for children of the additional 3 schools of the 8 we are helping. It is cold in India from Nov.-Feb. & some of these children have never owned a sweater, only cotton shirts. Since there is no electricity in the villages, the schools are very cold. During my last trip to India, one of the teachers said, “It breaks my heart to see the children shivering.”

JEWELED ELEPHANT made from sterling silver & almost every gemstone you can think of! Approx. 3" X 4"

BRIEF BACKGROUND of “Sophisticated Stones Outreach”:

SOPHISTICATED STONES OUTREACH (SSO) is a program that I, along with my partner Ateeq, created to provide village children of Northern India with the tools they need for an education. Since 2009 we have bought more than 1000 sweaters, numerous shoes, socks, uniforms, school supplies and paid for tables & benches to be made for 3 schools. In most village schools, the children sit on the floor.

SSO is a small organization…2 people, Ateeq & me! 100% of the money we receive goes directly from me to Ateeq to purchase the goods needed. Neither of us takes a salary & all start up expenses have been covered.

These children are so dear to me & I see the importance of an education for them. I believe that “Education is their DOOR out of poverty”. This is true of poverty in ALL countries, including our own.

I have an interesting story for you of how SSO was inspired from a bird watching tour, a cow in the road & a photograph! Go to this link to read:

https://www.facebook.com/india.60#!/india.60?sk=notes

Thank you!

Betty Holland

Items to be sold at the SHOW: credit cards accepted

1) Goods I purchased in India during my last trip:

Scarves, shawls, pillow covers, purses, statues, etc., etc. Also, journals & other paper products made from cotton. (I watched this process & was fascinated.)

2) My SOPHISTICATED STONES jewelry. ALL of the proceeds from my jewelry will go to SSO.

Silk & cotton scarves: hand-blocked, hand embroidered, tie-dyed, etc.

SOPHISTICATED STONES by Betty Holland.

SOPHISTICATED STONES necklace by Betty Holland made from oyster shell, feathers, silk ribbon, etc.

SOPHISTICATED STONES necklaces by Betty Holland.

These are a few of the beautiful handmade accessories from India.

Credits

Photographers: David Despeaux, Eric Gaffin, Dave Jackson
Model: Courtney Pierce

All proceeds from jewelry sales go to SOPHISTICATED STONES OUTREACH.

2011-09-14T00:08:00.000-04:00

I created SOPHISTICATED STONES OUTREACH in 2009 to assist village school children in India for I believe that "Education is their DOOR out of poverty". We have provided shoes, sweaters, & uniforms as well as funding the construction of tables & benches for 3 schools. Presently we are assiting 8 schools with more requesting our help.

Our ultimate goal is to build our own school that will house, feed, educate & provide medical care for children.

SOPHISTICATED STONES JEWELRY is availble for purchase by appointment: betty@sophisticatedstones.com or 866-535-5895

Please follow me on FACEBOOK

SOPHISTICATED STONES JEWELRY for sale by appointment

2011-08-31T15:37:00.001-04:00

I am happy to announce that my jewelry is now for sale from my studio. All proceeds go to my SOPHISTICATED STONES OUTREACH program, helping village school children in India. For more information, click on the OUTREACH link. It is my belief that "Education is 'the door' out of poverty!"

Please call or email to make an appointment: betty@sophisticatedstones.com 866-535-5895
I look forward to hearing from you!

Join me on facebook: www.facebook.com/bettyholland.60

ANGELA'S DREAM...A Short Film

2011-06-21T02:10:00.001-04:00

I am honored to be the sole Jewelry Designer for the ANGELA'S DREAM movie. All of the jewelry used is presented as a reward in the Kickstarter.com project. Please go to the website & lend your support! Below is the information explaining the process. Thanking you in advance!

This link takes you to the site: ANGELA'S DREAM

The script for "Angela's Dream" came about as the result of an actual dream. A young woman is struggling with her "duality": that which she knows instinctively as her natural state versus what her friends and family and what seems like society as a whole want her to be.

So far we have been able to shoot the dream sequence of this short film. The dream sequence plays out on a beautiful exotic and seemingly deserted island. However the "beach dwellers" and the "forest dwellers" soon learn they are not alone on this island.

We need to shoot the opening scenes that setup the conflict that arises and inevitably leads to the dream. We also need to shoot the resolution scenes and do a ton of post production editing on this film.

We did a casting call for the dream sequence in March 2011 and shot in April on "Boneyard Beach" on Capers Island, SC.

We still have to cast for the roles for the opening scenes. These scenes will also require many extras (40) as it will be shot on a college campus.

Assuming we reach our goal, we will begin casting in July 2011; shooting and post production in August with an expected completion date in September or October of 2011. Once we have a great film we will introduce it at a Premiere with a Red Carpet Arrival Show in a theatre in Charleston, SC.

We have some very special REWARDS for your pledges. Many of these rewards are truly ONE OF A KINDS since 90% of these jewelry and wardrobe items were designed specifically for this film -- Angela's Dream -- and used in the dream sequence. Below are the photos and a description of each reward. Obviously since they are truly ONE OF KINDS the limit is ONE. First come first serve.

LARRY SANDERS' Photo Shoot with model JESSICA DONOVAN

2011-05-26T01:38:00.002-04:00

Photographer LARRY SANDERS shows SOPHISTICATED STONES JEWELRY at its best with beautiful JESSICA DONOVAN. Thank you both!

"MY BROKEN DOLL" by photographer ROBYN LEIGH

2011-05-26T00:37:00.000-04:00

Photographer ROBYN LEIGH has created a meaningful story that reaches out to ALL of us.

Model: Hanna Mazyck
Jewelry: Sophisticated Stones by Betty Holland

"At many times in my life I have felt lost, trapped, misunderstood... and in these series I'm going to try and convey Me as the Beautiful Broken Doll! Inspired by my best friend and my Father God. Even in my brokenness I still have so much to offer this world! Past or no, I have a future full of Glory! The Broken Beautiful me!" by ROBYN LEIGH

There will be a PART II to this series. Please share your thoughts! These are phenominal photos that speak!

A few extra shots of Hanna......

LE ROUGE magazine photo shoot by Yaira Orellana

2011-05-23T02:32:00.002-04:00

May has been another busy photo shoot month for SOPHISTICATED STONES JEWELRY. The following are from Yaira Orellana's collection for her new online make up, hair & fashion magazine, LE ROUGE.

For information on purchasing SOPHISTICATED STONES jewelry, call 866-535-5895 or email betty@sophisticatedstones.com.

Photographer: Yaira Orellana
Model: Natasha Farrell

Photographer: Jamie Floyd
Model: Faith Melisssa

Photographer: Jamie Floyd
Model: Gabriela Vedders

Photographer: Yaira Orellana
Model: Taelor Jackson

Photographer: Yaira Orellana
Model: Breanna Taylor Christie

Hair Stylist: Stephanie Grace

Make Up Artists: Yaira Orellana, Jamie Floyd

Photographer: Jamie Floyd
Model: Clintisha Gaillard

RECENT ACTIVITIES

2011-04-27T01:31:00.003-04:00

In February I closed my website & moved my focus from retail to my SOPHISTICATED STONES OUTREACH foundation & the Fashion Industry. For inquiries regarding purchasing SOPHISTICATED STONES jewelry, contact betty@sophisticatedstones.com or 866-535-5895.

The following are some of my recent activities, from photo shoots to a movie to a reality TV show!

CHRISTINE SZEREDY PHOTOGRAPHY

behind the scenes of Native American theme shoot 4-23-11
Christine is an International Fashion Photographer. I am honored that she chose to feature my jewelry in this shoot!

Models: Xeniya Leckie, Tim Arpin

Photographer: Christine Szeredy, Jewelry Designer: Betty Holland
Playing around w/ Angela's green paint!

Hair Stylist: Lindsey Abels, Model: Tim Arpin, Make Up Artist: Angela McKee

Stylist: Brian Maynor, Model: Xeniya Leckie, Hair Stylist: Lindsey Abels

T.E.M.P.T.E.D. 4-15-11

"behind the scenes"

T.E.M.P.T.E.D. stands for Traveling Events for Models, Photographers, and Talent for Enrichment and Development. This is a documentary/reality pilot following a group of selected models and photographers that travel to different locations across the country to do photoshoots.

Again I was honored to have my jewelry used for this filming. We had great fun on this adventure & an adventure it was!

Make Up Artist: Angela McKee, Model: Kacie Conner

Associate Producer: Michelle Jones, Executive Producere: Jason Wesley

Jewelry Designer: Betty Holland
"with a sore throat"

ANGELA'S DREAM MOVIE 4-2-11
Angela’s Dream™ is a short film. It will be distributed on Social and Broadcast Media (TV). It was shot on April 2nd and 3rd, 2011 on Caper’s Island, SC with additional in studio work on April 5th. It will be released on Television in May 2011 and then on Youtube©.
Jennifer Gheraldini was the Fashhion Designer & I was the Jewelry Designer for this film. This was another production that was LOADS of fun!

Actress: Courtney Stack Slutsky, Photographer: William Dunlap

Actress: Cecilia Johnson, Photographer: William Dunlap

BAZAAR 2010 Sweaters for Village Children

2011-01-15T23:34:00.001-05:00

The funds raised from the "TO INDIA WITH LOVE BAZAAR" Nov. 9, 2010 enabled us to buy sweaters for "800 village school children" in the Ranthambhore area of Rajasthan, India.

THANK YOU to ALL that made this possible. These children are very dear to my heart & I appreciate your support more than I can say!!!!

Ateeq, co-founder of Sophisticated Stones Outreach, distributing sweaters.

To India With Love Bazaar

2010-11-19T04:02:00.002-05:00

The TO INDIA WITH LOVE BAZAAR given by Sophisticated Stones Outreach November 9, 2010 was a huge success! For our First Annual Event we offered an Indian themed event with Indian food, dancing, music & a shopping extravaganza with goods brought from Betty Holland's recent trip to India.

All proceeds went to the OUTREACH program assisting village school children in the Ranthambhore area of Rajastan, India. For more info: www.facebook.com/india.60

To DONATE: www.sophisticatedstones.com/outreach
Thank You!
Betty Holland

Enamel elephant statues were just a few accessories

Indian dancing performed for the crowd

Jewelry from India & by Betty Holland of Sophisticated Stones

Betty Holland (center), founder of SSO....Avery Edwards (right), Event Cooridinator

FABULOUS Indian food by Eric Gaffin of NEW DREAM CATERING

Scarves, shawls, sarees for ALL

Avery Edwards, Monica Emannuel, Betty Holland & Indian musicians

Blouses & Salvaar Kameez

Indian shoes.....joots

JEWELED ELEPHANT
every gemstone you can think of is on this sterling silver elephant statue

Thank you,
Betty Holland http://www.sophisticatedstones.com/

Sophisticated Stones by Betty Holland showcased by Celebrities at 2010 p...

2010-09-19T01:16:00.001-04:00

More video of "gals & guys" having fun! The guys were good sports. I kept telling them that Native American men wore necklaces all of the time!!!

LA 2010 Emmys Gifting Suite PHOTOS

2010-09-10T03:11:00.000-04:00

My trip to LA for a charity event given by KarynMarie de Palma turned into participating in the EMMYS GIFTING SUITE. Fun, fun, fun!!!!!!! And it was great to meet so many wonderful people. Here are a few.

Sophie Turner, Australian Supermodel

wearing feather bracelet, "Flutter"

Anthony Duval & Luke Kleintank being good sports!!!

NEW!!!

Pheasant feather Headband

Lynn-Ann Cuminotto with her Wheatgrass Juice and wearing my feather pin "Swooping".

LA Emmys 2010 Gifting Suite

2010-09-10T02:36:00.000-04:00

I've just returned from LA where I participated in the 2010 Emmys Gifting Suite! Great opportunity! I was thrilled to meet so many wonderful people. This video shows the fun we had! Take a look!!!

SOPHISTICATED STONES GALLERY

2010-07-16T04:22:00.004-04:00

I am honored to have worked with some amazing models, photographers, make-up artists & stylists. Please visit my GALLERY on facebook! www.facebook.com/sophstones.60.

Model: Jennifer Tokarev, Photographer: Jeni Rone

Model: Brandis, Photographer: John Hethorn, Stylist: Dillon Pasterski, Hair & Makeup: Jai Schmidt

Model: Melissa Vanden Heveul, Photographer: John Hethorn, Hair & Makeup: Jai Schmidt, Stylist: Dillon Pasterski

Model: Catherine Chase, Photographer: Mahmood Fazal

Model: Michelle Ewing, Photographer: David Despeaux

Model: Ashley Thomas, Photographer: John Hethorn, Makeup & Stylist: Jai Schmidt

Model: Eleanor, Photographer: John Hethorn, Stylist: Dillon Pasterski, Hair & Makeup: Jai Schmidt

Visit http://www.sophisticatedstones.com/

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES of MINERALS

2010-07-12T23:32:00.002-04:00

Throughout the ages minerals have been known to have therapeutic properties. Here are the qualities of a few commonly known minerals you might find interesting. Photographs are from Joseph Freilich, http://www.freilichminerals.com/ . Take a look at his website! He has some REAL beauties!

AMETHYST- bestows stability, strength & peace. It is also a "stone of meditation".

MALACHITE-helps one to accept responsibility for ones actions & circumstances, bringing understanding. It is a "stone of transformation".

CALCITE-facilitates awareness & appreciation of the creative forces of nature. It assists in studying the arts & sciences. Photo: Aragonite on Calcite

TOURMALINE-can be used to attract inspiration, to lessen fear by promoting understanding, & to encourage self-confidence.

These are just a few qualities of each mineral. More can be found in my favorite book on minerals, LOVE IS IN THE EARTH by Melody. I hope you enjoy exploring minerals as much as I do. I use natural minerals primarily in my jewelry & am in awe of their beauty!

Visit http://www.sophisticatedstones.com/

More "WILD & CRAZY" Bracelets

2010-06-24T19:55:00.004-04:00

"Boisterous"

More FUN, FUN, FUN bracelets! As a result of posting these on facebook, I have been asked by Charleston Style & Design Magazine to create several feather headbands for an upcoming photo shoot. This is for the Fall issue & will showcase wedding dresses from 6 local designers.

"Captivating"

As a jewelry designer I LOVE working with feathers so just can't wait to get started!!!

"Tipsy"

Shop at POSH in Summerville to see a few of these feather bracelets, more of my jewelry and AMAZING handbags. POSH

Visit http://www.sophisticatedstones.com/

JEWELRY CLEANING TIPS

2010-06-24T03:20:00.000-04:00

I would like to share with you my favorite jewelry cleaners & where you can buy them.

1) My first is the SUNSHINE JEWELRY POLISHING CLOTH. It is fabulous for cleaning silver jewelry as well as gold, etc. You can buy it many places but I found it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine%C2%AE-Polishing-Sterling-Silver-Jewelry/dp/B0013QQOA0
Sunshine Jewelry Polishing Cloths

2) SPEED BRITE IONIC cleaner is a machine that works beautifully to clean silver jewelry, also. And this cleans the hard to reach places that polishing cloths miss. Here is the link and info from their site. Check it out. If you want one for personal use, you would probably be happy w/ the smaller one.

http://www.shopsnstores.com/speedbrite/ionic/
Speed Brite Ionic cleaners

An amazing jewelry cleaner that utilizes an ionic process which is different than the traditional ultrasonic cleaner. Now with the SpeedBrite Ionic Cleaning Machines, not only can you clean gold and silver, but ... emeralds, opals, pearls and all other pours stones safely in only one minute. The SpeedBrite also removes tarnish. This fabulous machine does not remove metal, does not use ammonia or acid and does not require heat.

3) SPARKLE, SPARKLE!!! I LOVE this one for cleaning gemstones & pearls. I've never seen anything like it. The name says it all--- the stones truly "sparkle, sparkle". Great for rings---from diamonds, emeralds, and rubles to topaz, citrine, amethyst, etc. When you buy the set, cleaning brushes come w/ it that are very helpful. I can't say enough about this one. GREAT!!! Look at all of their products.

http://www.nventa.com/sparklesparkle/-p-56.html

4) Here are some great Jewelry Care Tips from the "Sparkle, Sparkle" company:

http://www.nventa.com/sparklesparkle/advice.php?advice_id=14
Jewelry care information

I hope you enjoy your jewelry as much as I do mine! If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them or find the answer.

Attached is a photo of my ESSENCE silver bracelet. I designed this during my last trip to India & had it made there. The stones are amethyst & topaz. India has the most amazing gemstones. The quality is fantastic!

Many thanks!
Betty Holland

www.sophisticatedstones.com

PHOTO SHOOT with MAHMOOD FAZAL

2010-06-19T02:17:00.000-04:00

Recently I have created some "wild & crazy" feather bracelets! I love feathers & love incorporating them in my jewelry. What could be more beautiful than the feathers of birds! God is the PERFECT artist!

I spent the afternoon photographing these bracelets w/ Mahmood Fazal, http://www.moodphotography.net/. We always have fun "playing" with the jewelry. It's amazing the different angels Mahmood finds to create the best image.

To see more bracelets, go to www.sophisticatedstones.com.