“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Janice Davis of Brixton Studios
Say It Like You Mean It. Our talented customer Janice creates handmade cards with plenty of pop (culture) and snark!
MR: So Janice, what are your hands doing? Tell us a little about Brixton Studios…
JD: After graduating from college a few years ago, I needed a creative outlet so I founded Brixton Studios, named after a nearby street. Though the shop used to be very “all of the above,” a year ago I switched to greeting cards after working with InDesign a lot as a journalist. I’ve always had a love for design and fonts. And sarcasm, of course!
MR: Where’d you come up with your ‘so-not-hallmark’ trademark style? What inspires your witticisms?
JD: A year ago, I started looking through Etsy cards for a good wedding card for a friend. I found a hilariously snarky, completely inappropriate card which sparked my curiosity. I didn’t know people made them, so I started exploring. I’m a writer and most of my protagonists are sarcastic and inappropriate so I like to put that into my cards. That and plenty of popular culture. I just design what I think people would like to see but definitely don’t when they go into a store.
MR: What are a few personal and customer favorites? Ever had any strange requests?
JD: One of my overall favorites seems to be the “Thanks, bitch” card. A lot of brides order them for their bridal party. And let’s face it, swear words are such a good way to say thanks. One of my newer cards, “You’re the ring to my Gollum, precious” is flying really fast. I had a funny request for a card that reads, “Here’s to hoping your mother-in-law doesn’t slash your tires for stealing her baby boy” as a bridal shower card. It came from a true story and was used as a way to point it out without “pointing it out” at the shower. Very White Collar of her.
MR: Why should people still send cards and letters?
JD: First of all, who doesn’t like mail? Come on. You know you get giddy every time something comes in the mail with a handwritten address instead of the usual Times New Roman bill request. Secondly, it shows people you care about them — about their wedding or birthday or Tuesday; at least more than if you sent one of those flash-powered e-cards with the horrible elevator music. And it also keeps the post office in business. And people like me (hint, hint).
MR: Any good anti-valentine’s day cards in stock for all of our alternative and ironic sweethearts out there?
JD: I have a “Screw this holiday & the cupid it rode in on” card for the very anti-Valentines person, but I also have quite a stock that are perfect for friends. Who says the big V-Day has to be for couples smoozing in the corner of a dimly lit restaurant? I don’t. Plenty of popular culture quotes and cards are perfect for friends, co-workers, or that slightly awkward guy you can’t figure out if you’re attracted to or not.
Happily Ever After… Janice’s Sweetheart slipped “Pink Lady in Satin” titanium wedding band on her finger when they said “I do!” last year.
Thanks, Janice!
We Want to Send You Chocolate!
Our Blue Box Elder Ring Box is a lovely gift and keepsake for your wedding and engagement rings. Purchase one between January 14th – February 14th and we’ll add in a second box – of chocolates – to sweeten the deal!
You will receive the Sea-Salted Chocolate Collection from Boston’s Oldest Chocolatier!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Top Wedding Trends for 2013
If you’ve been to a wedding lately but might have mistaken it for a music video, circus, or mountain expedition, you’re not alone! Weddings have gotten freaky, fantastic, and far-removed from the traditional little white chapel occasions that dominated generations past. Weddings have gotten a little less fit-the-mold and a little more be-yourself. DIY has become the norm, and that’s why wedding galleries like these never get boring!
iPhone Groom & Bride
2013 is going to be an exciting year – we’ve outlived the rapture and Mayan apocalypse and more states are legalizing same-sex marriage! Here at Minter & Richter we’ve got an inside look at what may prove to be some of the year’s hottest wedding trends. Check it out!
1. COLOR: What’s cool and refreshing in summer and spring (think mojitos), yet can also provide comfort and warmth in winter or fall (hot cocoa) …?
MINT is the new green.
Mint is what you make it: retro, girly, clean, classy…
Mint Rapunzel doesn’t let her hair down for just anybody.
Minter & Richter – “When the Light is Gone, Love Remains” Titanium Wedding Band
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the one who doesn’t want to blend in with the walls?
Minter & Richter – “Midori” Sandblasted Titanium Wedding Ring
2. BEAUTY: What happens when simple knots and twists are taken to the next level…?
Back to the basics with BRAIDS.
Elegant, Romantic, and won’t sneak into your cake or kiss!
Go with the flow on your wedding day…
DIY wow.
3. DECOR: Did you ever cut out a paper heart in elementary school for somebody special…?
CUT-IT-OUT. Laser Cuts wow by adding a modern or vintage look to dress, decor, invites, you name it.
Vintage Lace gets a modern twist.
Bold design.
Honeycomb-cell bracelet.
Elevated. Overstated.
4. FOOD: What’s often fruit-filled, and always fantastic….?
PIE takes the cake!
Cuts like cake, smashes like pie.
Eat your heart out!
Hap-pie-ly Ever After.
5. JEWELRY: What could be more traditional than a ring that will maintain its shining strength and beauty generations beyond gold and silver?
TITANIUM is getting hot, hot, hot! Extremely durable, 100% hypoallergenic, and with a lower price point than many other metals, titanium wedding bands continues to surge in popularity. MOKUME meets titanium:Featuring uniquely patterned metal-stock styled in the Mokume Gane tradition of Japan, our new M3 line of titanium rings are a modern interpretation of an ancient metal art. Originally created in 17th century Japan as adornment for samurai sword handles and sheaths, Mokume Gane reflects the finest hour of craftsmanship – reproducing the intrinsic beauty of mother nature herself. Bold!
Minter & Richter “Lava”
Mokume
Minter & Richter “Into the Universe”
Mokume earrings
Minter & Richter “Katana”
What do you predict will be big in weddings for 2013? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Win a $200 Minter & Richter Gift Certificate!
Okay, so we’ve pinned. We’re on board. We get it! Now we want to mix it up and have a little fun. We want to know:
Enter our Pinterest ‘Ring-spiration’ Contest Today!
WINNER WILL RECEIVE A $200 MINTER & RICHTER GIFT CERTIFICATE!
RULES FOR ENTRY:
1) Follow Minter & Richter Designs on Pinterest.
2) Create a board inspired by a Minter & Richter Titanium Ring (maximum of 6 pins including ring).
3)Title the board Minter & Richter ‘Ring-spiration’ Contest/ Your Name.
4) Submit your board URL to lynn@minterandrichterdesigns.com by DECEMBER 13.
4)We will select and re-post our five favorite boards on the Minter & Richter Pinterest page on DECEMBER 14th and open voting to the public for one week to determine a winner.
5) The winner will be announced on DECEMBER 21st at NOON.
**Limit One Entry Per Person**
Thanks for Playing!
Favorites Photo Gallery: ‘Ring-scapes’
Receiving photos from our customers is like having a fresh bouquet of flowers delivered to the office…
Bringing light, color, passion and…. pumps!
We’re an online business, so it’s not often that we actually get to meet our customers face to face. They come from Poland and Pennsylvania, Bhutan and Boston – with love stories as varied as the landscapes and languages they live in.
Kiwi Couple
Sometimes pictures are the simplest of translations.
Here are a few of our favorite “Ring-scapes”…
Ring’s Best Friend
Wild Thing
DJ Love
The Sword and the Ring
Thank you kind and beautiful customers for sharing your happiness 
“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Adam Payne of 2ADAM12
“What Are Your Hands Doing?” is a monthly feature here on the Full Circle blog, highlighting some of our most creative customers…. We met Adam and his fiancee (now wife) Bailey in 2011 when they came to us for wedding bands. We found out that he is a talented singer-songwriter and we’ve been rocking out to his music here in the office ever since! Enjoy!
These Rings are made for strummin’.
MR: So Adam, what are your hands doing? Tell us a little bit about your music.
AP: My hands have been busy making music for a while now! My music takes many different shapes, styles and forms, but overall, it is a representation of thoughts and feelings I have had throughout the course of my life. Love always gets top-billing!
MR: Your musical genius took root at age 8 when you began to mimic music from cartoons and video games on the piano. Where do you draw inspiration these days?
AP: I am inspired by so much, and have learned that inspiration is everywhere and anywhere if you allow yourself to see it. Human behavior has always been a major influence for me, so having the opportunity to see people interact with one another does a great job of putting the inspiration into action in the form of a song.
MR: I just watched your music video for “Chiclets in My Pocket” – love it!
You have a great mix of the serious and the silly going on in your songs. Do you get more of a response from one or the other?
AP: Thank you! I would say that the responses vary depending on the crowd and nature of the performance, but people always seem to enjoy a silly song! The serious subject matter seems to get more of a response out of individuals, where songs like “Chiclets” allow for people to lighten up when in groups!
MR: You’ve garnered comparisons to everyone from Ben Harper and Ryan Shaw to the Neville Brothers. As a rising artist do you think the comparisons help or hinder?
AP: Depends on what a person does with their comparisons. I think there is a danger in trying to fit exactly into the mold of someone else, whether you are an artist or just in general, as you sacrifice that which defines you. Comparisons allow other people to get an idea of what to expect, so I think it’s something that, as an artist, one needs to accept.
MR: What is the music scene like in Boston these days? Has social media created more opportunity and community for artists?
AP: There are so many talented musicians on the Boston music scene, which is great. Some venues have closed down, and new ones have opened over the years, so naturally things shift, but ultimately the talent plays through these changes. I really dig what people are doing here, from all angles, and feel very fortunate to know and have played with some amazing musicians. Social Media has made the first step in ‘getting out there’ a whole lot easier, which is great. However, I think we all have to work that much harder for people’s attention due to the fact that it is so easy to create an event and invite people, so really almost anyone who wants to can have a go with it. As a result, those who are truly in it for the right reasons have to work a little harder to establish themselves, but I see this as a good thing that helps keep stagnation at bay. So the opportunities are there, but I would say that the community is an on-going work in progress. Plus, we have to compete with whatever game is on, so this is a great humbling element!
MR: You founded Benefit for Jane , a cause which raises funds and awareness for kidney cancer after your mother passed away. What has it been like to connect your music and personal life in this way?
AP: Starting the Benefit for my Ma Jane has been one of the best and therapeutic things I have done. It is easy to stew in sadness, and to get angry at what can never be changed, but it takes a lot more to turn a negative into something that is fruitful and positive to others. I am very proud of this Benefit, and the support from the Greater Boston Community has been incredible. Connecting the personal and musical aspects has certainly been positive, and it makes everything that much more authentic.
MR: Okay, final question – Where can we hear more??
AP: I am on iTunes and many of the other download sites, and my website is www.adampayne.biz. Thank you!
Keeping the Love Alive: Titanium Wedding Band Care
When it comes to wedding bands, titanium is one of the strongest and longest-lasting metals around. But like any good marriage, a titanium wedding band will need love and care to keep it shining as bright as the day it was put around your finger. The inevitable surface scratches and scuffs from every day wear may be particularly evident in a new ring, but over time will develop a natural, even satin patina over the entire surface. Your level of activity and wearing habits will dictate how often the band will need a good cleaning and polish. The finish, color and inlay of your titanium wedding band will determine the method you use to clean your band.
Cleaning Titanium:
It is likely that you already have on hand the common household cleaning materials to care for your titanium wedding band. Liquid dish soap can remove any dirt and grease build up, and an ammonia glass cleaner can be used for shine. Wash and dry your ring with a soft towel or lint-free cloth.
Polishing Titanium:
Apply a cream metal polish with a jewelry care cloth to remove minor scratches in your titanium wedding band. Use liquid dish soap to wash away any polish residue. For titanium wedding bands with a satin or brushed finish, use a fine nylon pad (available at most auto care stores) to restore the soft look of the finish. Avoid rubbing any surface with anodized color, as it will take the color right off.
Cleaning Rings with Wood Inlays:
Titanium Wedding bands with wood inlays can easily be cleaned and polished with a little water and vegetable or mineral oil. Applying a good microcrystalline wax polish such as Renaissance Wax will offer added protection to your wood inlay.
Cleaning Anodized Rings:
Skin oil, soap residue and other contaminants can leave a film that can cause anodized color to look dull. Revive your anodized titanium wedding band by soaking it in glass cleaner for 3 minutes, then rinsing it in warm water before allowing it to air dry. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary. Remember never to wash anodized rings with cleaners containing abrasives.
Having you and your spouse’s bands professionally cleaned and polished can be a wonderful anniversary surprise.* Some couples opt to have personalized engraving added to the interiors of their bands on their first anniversary. With a little TLC, your titanium wedding bands will continue to shine, mirroring your commitment to care for each other throughout life.
* Minter & Richter offers FREE “Spa” Treatments for your wedding band for life! Contact us for more details!
Soulful By the Sea: A Cape Cod Wedding Officiant Shares Her Inspiration
“For love keeps the stars in the firmament and imposes rhythm on the ocean tide. Each of us was created of it, and I suspect each of us was created for it.” Maya Angelou
Rev. Kathleen Geagan of Soulful Weddings
MR: You’re a wedding officiant on Cape Cod. No pressure there! What do you do when the sun refuses to appear and the winds are whipping across the sand flats?!
KG: You hope that the couple has a back- up shelter plan but if not, you keep a sense of humor and carry on. I’ve been in a downpour only once and we did just that. The couple really wanted to marry out in the elements. I’m pretty cool about it, but I don’t do lightning.
MR: What led you to take on this special role?
KG: I was hooked after my first wedding for Pete and Kathy in October of 2000. After being ordained as an interfaith minister I was also working as a chaplain. Two years ago I went full time into the wedding presider role. It is a wonderful gift to meet people in love and share this momentous time in their lives. I love to write poetry and enjoy a good love story, so weaving these elements into a ceremony makes it an enjoyable creative process.
“I believe it’s my job to listen for the theme; to sense the thematic thread, to perceive in the story what is being laid down, like a good guitar riff and I hope I get it right.”
MR: I love the above sentiment – pulled from your Soulful Weddings blog. Does meeting a couple for the first time feel a little bit like a first date? How does the process work?
KG: Definitely, it does feel like a bit of a first date. Most first meetings are like that, we get to know each other, it can be a bit awkward at first. Most couples are relieved to realize that I’m not a ‘officious’ officiant. If we can’t meet in person we can talk on the phone, communicate by e-mail. I use a wedding questionnaire that helps with getting information about the couple and what they want in their ceremony. It is a creative process that evolves as we get to know each other. Some couples just want to turn it all over, others like to have more input. I let them lead but take over when I see stress levels rising. (Years as a psych nurse help in reading people.)
MR: Can you share a few of your favorite wedding/love/marriage quotes?
KG: “True love is unconquerable and irresistible. It goes on gathering power and spreading itself until it transforms everyone it touches.” ~ Meher Baba
“For love keeps the stars in the firmament and imposes rhythm on the ocean tide. Each of us was created of it, and I suspect each of us was created for it.” ~ Maya Angelou
MR: You perform many ceremonies on the public beaches of Cape Cod. Any interesting stories about odd spectators (sea specimen, tourists?)
KG: I’ve had some great ones- a tourist who stood behind me snapping pictures over the hedge. I wasn’t even aware of her but the bride kept looking over my head with a look of concern on her face.I’ve also had couples who elope then become friendly with the people at the B and B where they are staying or folks they met on the beach that day. They end up with an impromptu wedding party and guests. Once I did a wedding in Hyannisport and I had some young Kennedy children on a trampoline jumping up and down to get a look at the wedding. The bride loved that at her wedding the Kennedy clan’s youngest were her wedding’s paparazzi.
MR: What is your advice for couples hoping to have the ceremony go as comfortably and smoothly as possible?
KG: Nourish each others’ sense of humor, keep communicating, have a rehearsal and or a point person who likes to be in charge and knows all the players. Don’t burden yourself with the onus of creating your own ceremony from scratch. Find an officiant you trust and turn things over so you can focus on the essential vow and promise you are about to make to the one you chose above all the rest. Have fun, don’t expect everything to go perfectly. Perfect weddings are boring.
Thank you, Kathleen!
Before there were Rings…
Rumor has it that the man behind our titanium rings has a secret past…
Scott sands a ring on the lathe (Fall 2011).
Scott’s knives as featured on Knife Legends (1999).
Scott became fascinated by custom knives as a teen and quickly made them his personal study. Beginning with only the most rudimentary of tools — a file and hacksaw — he took on the challenge of creating a fully functioning folding knife.
Scott’s 1st knife – made at Age 13 (black resin, stainless steel) and 3rd knife (California Buckeye, titanium). (He sold the second one at a knife show for $20.)
Working in a Boston knife shop, Scott continued to hone his craft and acquire the sophisticated machinery which would allow his obsession to truly flourish.
“Making knives is a natural response to an ancient impulse.” – Scott Richter
“Knives divide THIS from THAT…Knives allow man to make the world he wants out of the world he has.” – Scott Richter
Above is an example of the intricately carved and colored folding knife that became his trademark style with partner Romas Benaitis. Using titanium, aluminum, Damascus steel and colored anodizing for special effects, the pair acquired a small, but loyal following for their work.
Several of their knives were featured in the limited edition volumes of”Knives: Point of Interest” and on the custom knives site Knife Legends. Carrying such names as “The Ancus”, “Spawn” and “Atlantis”, their knives present folding and dual acting blades, titanium scales, and intricate carving.
From knives to pen sets, earrings, boxes, and rings, Scott has engineered and shaped titanium into the utilitarian, fantastic, and beautiful.
“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Marie Chalifoux-Fournier of One Kind Couture
What Are Your Hands Doing ? 
My name is Marie Chalifoux-Fournier and I am
the owner and designer of One Kind Couture.
M & R: So Marie, what are your hands doing? Tell us a little about One Kind Couture?
MCF: I have been designing and making
clothing for over 12 years. All of the clothing on Etsy and on my web site have
been created by me. I love to mix art with fashion to create one of a kind designs.
My line is feminine and figure flattering. The Universe see’s women as being
beautiful and unique and that’s how I want my customers to feel when they wear my creations. I am always learning and growing. I am based in beautiful Portland, Oregon.
M & R: Where do you find inspiration for your dresses?
MCF: My inspiration comes in many forms whether
it’s watching an old Tuner Classic Movie, taking a stroll through one of the
many beautiful parks here in Portland or sometimes I sit back and allow the
fabric to guide my hands.
M & R: What are some popular dress styles right now?
MCF: All of my designs are one of a kind, so I
really don’t follow “trends,” I like to listen to my client, allow her to tell
me how she wants to feel on her special day, and I go to work creating a gown
that reflect her personality and body type.
M & R: How long does it take you to make a dress – from start to finish? What’s your
favorite part of the process?
MCF: The length of the process depends on the project. Typically, I allow 3 to 4 weeks from
start to finish.
M & R: Like Minter & Richter you perform a lot of custom work. What are some of
the benefits of working so closely with your customers?
MCF: I love doing custom designs. It allows me to really get to know my client, hear
the excitement in her voice when she describes her dream wedding gown or
special event dress. I ask questions as to the location of the wedding. How
does she in vision herself on wedding day? Will the wedding be traditional or
nontraditional? By gathering as much information as possible, it allows me to
channel her essence as I design and create her gown. Like my clients, I get
excited with each new project, through the excitement comes love and that love
is sewn into each stitch I sew, so that love may surround her on the most precious
day of her life.
When Should We Purchase Our Wedding Bands?
Meet Couple A. They want to test drive their wedding bands months before the big day, and make the purchase a priority during their wedding planning. They start looking at rings right after getting engaged and buy their dream titanium wedding band set 8 months before their summer nuptials. A month before the wedding, the Groom’s titanium wedding band is nowhere to be found!
Meet Couple B. They are so overwhelmed by the details of planning their DIY wedding that they only think of purchasing wedding bands a few weeks before the ceremony. By the time they’ve reached a compromise on which titanium wedding band set they want, their wedding is one week away. Because they are having their titanium wedding bands made custom to order, they end up having to pay extra fees for the rush. They receive the rings the day before the ceremony and the bride’s wedding band only goes on when forced over the knuckle!
So when _is_ the best time to purchase wedding bands?
According to a poll on ‘Weddingbee’:
44% of couples purchased wedding bands less than 3 months before the wedding
19% of couples purchased wedding bands 4- 6 months before the wedding
24% of couples purchased wedding bands 7- 9 months before the wedding
13% of couples purchased wedding bands more than 10 months before the wedding
One thing’s for sure – there’s a whole heck of a lot going on during the wedding planning bonanza and purchasing too early or too late can have its drawbacks. It seems like the best window is generally anywhere from 2-4 months before your wedding date. Of course there is no one-size fits all timeline….but here are a few guidelines to follow that may help to save you some sweat and tears!
1. Give Yourself Time – You probably have a basic idea of what you want, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find other ring styles you love. Give yourself time (4-6 weeks) to browse, research, price and revisit rings that catch your eye. If you will need to budget or pay for your ring in installments, work this into your timeline. 
2. Know Your Seller – Familiarize yourself with the ring maker/seller’s processing and shipping time. Read customer feedback to find out if they are generally early, timely or late with their orders. Start the conversation early if you are looking for lots of custom work or additional services (engraving, ring box etc.) Make sure the vendor you are purchasing from knows your wedding date. 
3. Allow for Alterations – By purchasing at least a month or more in advance, you can almost guarantee that you will have time to re-size or re-engrave if need be, ensuring you have the perfect titanium wedding bands to exchange when the big moment arrives on your special day!
Harry Potter and The Magic of Elder Wood
We’ve been cast under the spell of Elder wood here at Minter & Richter. Rich with burl, it creates an inlay that draws the eye like the flames of fire. Whether rich with added color or glowing au naturel, Elder wood remains one of our most popular wood inlays.
“The Elder Wand is simply the most dispassionate and ruthless of wands in
that it will only take into consideration strength…. the Elder Wand knows no
loyalty except to strength.” ~J.K. Rowling
Thanks J.K.! We like to think the same is true about Titanium!
Before there was Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, there was Harry Potter and The Elder Wand. In an interview with UK publisher Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling revealed that this was the working title for the final book in her beloved series, the Elder Wand being the first of the fabled Deathly Hallows and one of the most integral symbols in the battle of wizard good vs. wizard evil.
The most powerful wand in existence, the Elder Wand (also known as Eldruhn wand and Ellhorn Wand) is capable of performing feats of magic beyond the realm of impossible, such as mending another wand damaged beyond normal magical repair. Fifteen inches in length and bearing carvings of elderberries, the Elder Wand has a thestral tail-hair core (a tricky substance that only wizards that master death can control.)
“A red-gold glow burst suddenly across the enchanted sky above them as an edge of dazzling sun appeared over the sill of the nearest window. The light hit both of their faces at the same time, so that Voldemort’s was suddenly a flaming blur. Harry heard the high voice shriek as he too yelled his best hope to the heavens, pointing Draco’s wand:
“Avada Kedavra!”
“Expelliarmus!”
The bang was like a cannon blast, and the golden flames that erupted between them, at the dead center of the circle they had been treading, marked the point where the spells collided. Harry saw Voldemort’s green jet meet his own spell, saw the Elder Wand fly high, dark against the sunrise, spinning across the enchanted ceiling, spinning through the air toward the master it would not kill, who had come to take full possession of it at last.”
― Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Nick Cooper of Coop Deville Surfboards
What Are Your Hands Doing ?
My name is Nick Cooper. I build surfboards in San Luis Obispo, California.
M & R: So Nick, what are your hands doing? Describe a typical day in the shop?
NC: My hands build custom surfboards from start to finish. My boards are 100% handshaped. No CNC machining. I shape the board primarily with a 1950′s Skill model 100 planer.
The boards are finished by hand with various hand planers, sanding blocks and sanding screens. From there boards go to the fiberglassing factory. The boards are fiberglassed by hand with squeegees and brushes. From there boards are fine tuned with sandpaper and polish to a smooth shine.
A typical work day for me starts in the shaping bay. I shape a couple boards in the morning. And from there I drive the boards to the fiberglassing factory. Our factory has a storefront that sells surfboard building supplies (fiberglass cloth, resin, surfboard blanks, etc) I open the store from 3 to 6 pm. After the store closes, I fiberglass into the night.
We fiberglass all “Coop Deville” boards, boards for other professional shapers, and boards for novice and first time shapers. A typical work day for me starts at 7am and finishes about 8-9 pm. But truthfully, work never really stops. I’m always thinking about it.
M & R: Like Minter & Richter you perform a lot of custom work. What are some of the benefits of working so closely with your client base?
NC: Getting to know each person, how they surf, what they like and dislike in boards, and trying to build them the best board they have ever ridden. That’s what keeps me going. Bringing smiles to peoples faces.
M & R: I assume you are not only a shaper but a surfer yourself – What stereotypes about surfers are true?
NC: That all surfers smoke weed, are lazy, and show up for work half the time.
M & R: Untrue?
NC: Some of us prove that untrue.
Nick and his wife Kristen tied the knot in Hawaii this past winter. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. “Coop Deville” !
Titanium Wedding Bands Talk Back
Before the bubbles disappear from the champagne toast to your engagement, it may seem like everyone from your future mother-in-law to your Aunt Edna is on hand to proffer their vision of your ideal wedding. While you may have to explain (more than once), your choice to hold your wedding at a zoo or why your bridesmaids will wear ties, your choice to exchange titanium wedding bands can answer for itself.
Your Aunt says: Titanium just isn’t very traditional, now is it?
Because the widespread use of titanium for jewelry has only taken off in the last two decades, some people may consider titanium wedding bands rather non-traditional. But what could be more traditional than a ring that will maintain its shining strength and beauty generations beyond gold and silver? And starting a new tradition that doesn’t fuel civil wars or destroy ecosystems sounds like a good place to start. Titanium may be a late bloomer, but many say that had it been discovered before platinum and gold, it would be the leading jewelry material today.
Your future mother-in-law says: Won’t titanium break your finger off?
While it is true that titanium is tough, (its name derived from the ‘Titans’ of Greek mythology), it is quickly and easily cut with a common ring cutter (standard equipment in hospitals) in an emergency situation. You can be assured that titanium wedding bands are made out of commercially pure titanium grades which have all the advantages of corrosion resistance and durability without the indestructible “scary”-strength we associate with aero-space titanium alloys.
Your cousin says: Titanium is kind of plain, isn’t it?
Titanium wedding bands are some of the most innovative designs on the market. Engineers, craftsmen, and artisan jewelers have only begun to explore the possibilities of this fascinating element. It pairs beautifully with wood inlays, adding durability and strength alongside the wood’s natural beauty. Reconstituted stone, horn, and resin can also add style and color against a shining titanium backdrop. Mokume Gane combines titanium with uniquely patterned metalstock, creating modern looking rings styled in an ancient Japanese tradition. So whatever your personal style, titanium has many faces.
Your co-worker says: Titanium. Isn’t that like the stuff they make spaceships out of?
Titanium has the highest strength to weight ratio of any known element, which, along with its high melting point, is why 85% of a space shuttle’s structure is likely to be titanium. This strength and durability is what allows the kind of titanium wedding band design capabilities that would otherwise not be possible. Completely corrosion resistant and 100% hypoallergenic, titanium is also the material of choice for surgical tools, implants, and pacemakers. Titanium has impacted mankind more positively and diversely than any other element out there. As an element that has taken us from the depths of the oceans to the outer reaches of the universe, it doesn’t get more romantic than that.
Live in Boston! Our Rings Have Hit the Stores!
It’s been a busy March here at Minter & Richter… with winds in our favor! We’re delighted to announce that our titanium wedding bands are now being sold through several Boston area stores:
SARIDA Sandwiched between a gourmet cheese shop and a colorful Art studio in funky Roslindale center, Sarida is a vibrant space with soft fabrics, splashes of color, and whimsical creations to decorate everyday life – the kind of place you walk into and can’t help but touch everything. And owners Tammy Schuetz Cook and Dan Cook are happy to oblige. The couple opened their shop in July 2011, providing local artists with a community-driven marketplace for their wares. We’re certainly very happy that some of our special bands have found a home at Sarida (not to mention we get an excuse to frequent Roslindale and get our cheese fix!)
UPCOMING EVENT – Minter & Richter April Trunk Show! DATE: TBA!
NOA GIFTS If walking into the breezy, light-filled shop in West Concord doesn’t win you over immediately, owner Barbara Scofidio surely will! Along with husband Ian, the couple are passionate proponents of the LOCAL FIRST movement and have an eye for beautiful handmade things (afterall, they did find us!) Boasting jewelry, handcrafts and gifts made right in your New England backyard, Noa Gifts has a second location at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA.
UPCOMING EVENT – Minter & Richter at Free Fun Friday @ Fruitlands Museum! DATE: AUGUST 10th, 2012 Free admission to the museum and grounds, plus an artisan fair – save the date!
JOYCE & GENDREAU JEWELERS A Boston landmark! Frank Gendreau opened his jewelry store in Downtown Crossing in 1910, and was commissioned to design the 1912 World Series Medal for the Red Sox (this was before rings became tradition). The business continues to be family run, now operating just outside of Quincy center by the third-generation of Gendreaus. (Great-grandson)Frank is the kind of guy who would give you the sweater off of his back and we’re tickled to be the Modern Titanium Twist to their age-old tale!
Go Sox!
“Will you be my…husband?”: The Woman’s Proposal
“Terrifying, empowering, and totally worth it.”
This was one woman’s reaction after proposing to her boyfriend, a “role reversal” trend that has steadily been picking up steam in recent decades. No longer content to play lady in waiting, many females are taking the initiative when it comes to the proposal, and almost all find themselves writing a new story in the process. From titanium engagement rings to titanium wedding band sets, women are feeling empowered by presenting to their beloved The Ring with The Question attached.
In our society it is often assumed that women just want to get married, while men must be responsible about whether or not they want to “settle down”. When women were denied social and economic agency, it made some sense that the man be the one to decide whether or not he was able to support a family. But now, with spouses as equal partners, each should be allowed equanimity in making a responsible decision to marry.
Legend has it that in the 5th century, after St Bridget complained to St Patrick that women were having to wait too long for a man to propose, St Patrick agreed that desiring females would be allowed one day in February, during a Leap Year, to take matters into their own hands. It was also decided that if turned down, the woman could then extract a fine from the man or be given a beautiful garment.
Our existing cultural narrative about getting engaged is a double bind for females, because while it insists that the proposal means everything, the woman has little to no control over whether or not it happens. Women are silenced on the subject, afraid to be labeled as a “nagging girlfriend” or worse – to be made to feel that her boyfriend proposed just to appease her. It’s more than enough to drive a woman a little crazy.
“Will you be my…husband?” Luckily, for a woman thinking about getting a titanium wedding band around her man’s finger, there’s company. According to a 2003 survey reported by USA Today, almost half of U.S. women would propose marriage themselves, and nearly 1/3 of Americans know a woman who has actually done so. Seven out of ten men welcome this trend, and eight out of ten say they would accept a proposal from a woman.
Modern jewelers are on the pulse as well, designing durable, yet fashionable male engagement rings. While most are more understated than their female counterparts, they are no less worthy for symbolizing love and commitment. Alternative metals such as titanium reflect a utilitarian male aesthetic, creating a strong band that can withstand heavy wear.
While many of the same ideas that work for traditional male proposals can also work for women, subtle differences can keep it romantic without pushing the man into a feminine role. To help assuage nerves and help things to go more smoothly, it is a good idea to find out if your man is receptive to a woman leading the proposal process beforehand. A good way to do this is by having conversations together about marriage, family, and life goals. Honesty and good communication will help a couple proceed confidently in their union no matter who is doing the asking.
Minter & Richter Launch Party Pics!
A late-winter snowstorm threatened, but in the end nothing could prevent the aerial ring displays, flowing champagne and lively crowd who came out to celebrate with Minter & Richter on Saturday evening, the 11th of February! The Distillery gallery quickly filled and sushi and shrimp were happily consumed as the crowd mingled beneath the sea of rings. Scott gave tours of his studio on the lower level to the curious and courageous – although no recipe for rings was revealed! Minter and Lynn were thrilled to meet many former and future clients from all around the Boston area.
Thank you to everyone for making the event such a success! What a fun night it was!
“How We Met” Contest Winners: Kimberly & Jacy !
What happens when a city girl on retreat to a small mountain town follows a country boy on horseback into the woods…?
LOVE
FAMILY
FUTURE
Kimberly tells their story in her own words:
“After doing autopsies for nearly ten years I needed a major break for some “life rehabilitation” somewhere quiet, beautiful, and away from city life. In the summer of 2009 I decided to go to a small mountain town in Tennessee where my dad had retired to from Michigan. I had originally figured that a month here would be more than enough time for that. During this time I was staying with one of my best friends that lives here. One night she told me that we were having two of her close friends over for a cookout. She kept telling me all about one of the guys that was coming in all this detail. I was under the impression that she thought that her friend was a really great guy and never thought that she had any ulterior motive.
When they arrived I thought, “Ok, these guys are great; they’re funny and interesting… this is going to be a fun night.” The guy she had told me all about was just beautiful to me: very tall, dark hair, and eyes. But I didn’t really notice any of that bonus until later on. He and I just couldn’t stop finding things to talk about even though we came from totally different lifestyles. I had turned into a bit of a city girl and he is an outdoorsy, country boy. But as it turned out we had many of the same interests. That night, after he went home I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I found out later on that he had felt the same way. In the next few days he kept trying to his hardest to spend time with me but I brushed him off. I figured that since I was going to be here for such a short time that there was no point in being anything more than friends. After a few days of this, I finally gave in and went to meet him at his house which turned out to be on a farm! That night we went for a night ride on the horses in the moonlight. We were both hopelessly hooked. After 10 years of nothing but emotionally stressful work; social scenes that never really made me happy; and relationships that always seemed to be missing something, I finally felt complete. After that, things just fell into place for us and we still live here on our peaceful farm up here in the mountains away from everything. The twist to our story: the reason why my friend kept telling me about this friend in such detail is that she was setting us up on the sly. My fiancée knew but didn’t really place any high hopes on something like this. If I had known what she was up to I would have NEVER went for something like that. Three years later, here we are absolutely in love with each other and are the new parents of a beautiful baby girl. We plan to be married in the fall of 2012 in the Smoky Mountains.”
Shot Through the Heart
Love it or Love to Hate it, it’s here…..
Valentine’s Day.
And we’re celebrating by offering 2-for-1 engraving* on all ring sets purchased February 13th and 14th.
Both rings will be engraved for the cost of one. Now that’s a deal you can LOVE.
* $40 for engraving on two bands. Up to 35 characters. (Regularly $80).
Speaking in Rings: Engraving
Personalized engraving can add life and soul to your titanium wedding band. Whether it is a romantic sentiment, personal joke, or date, engraving adds a special touch that can remind each partner of their unique bond with the other. There are many ideas for couples to explore as they consider what sort of engraving would be most meaningful for them.
Engraving is the process of carving words or symbols into the interior of a titanium wedding band for a personal keepsake. Modern engraving techniques include lasers and digitalized equipment that can create detailed, complex fonts and images. Engraving is the last thing to be done after a titanium wedding band has been appropriately sized and anodized with color, as any sizing/coloring adjustments would distort or damage the engraving. Engraving costs can vary depending on the length and complexity of the phrase, the tools required, the delicacy of the ring, and the type of metal to be engraved.
ROMANTIC:
Titanium wedding bands with romantic engravings are the most popular choice for soon-to-be- newlyweds. Romantic choices often serve as a reminder of the wedding vows, reference the length of the desired marital commitment, or simply convey the love of the relationship.
“Together Forever”
“Happily Ever After”
“I Do”
“Love, Honor, Cherish”
“From This Day Forward”
“My True Love”
“This Kiss”
“Friends & Lovers”
“My Wish Came True”
SENTIMENTAL:
Sentimental engraving choices often include romantic notions with personal attachments, such as the wedding date, a couple’s initials, or a special bible verse or quote. Often serious and solemn, a sentimental engraving on titanium wedding bands reflects the integrity of a couple’s commitment, the dates and symbols that give them special identity, or the higher ideals that they aim for.
“Love never ends” 1 Corinthians 13.13
“My beloved is mine and I am his/hers” Song of Solomon 2:16
Date of Wedding Ceremony-
02.02.12
February 2, 2012
Combined initials or first names-
BN + AG
Bob & Anne
PLAYFUL:
Couples with a playful side may opt for humorous engravings referencing a shared personal joke or goofy nicknames.
“Best Catch Ever”
“Heart Thief!”
“Partners in Crime”
“Skidamarinkydinkydink”
“Old Man”
“Taken”
“Put It Back On”
“Nonrefundable”
Ring 1: Peas/Ring 2: Carrots
Ring 1: To Infinity…/Ring 2: And Beyond!
UNIQUE:
Unique engravings often include a combination of symbols and letters. The infinity symbol and rune symbol speak of romance to some, while others may opt for expressing their love in French, Latin, or Chinese characters. Ogham is an early medieval alphabet popular with the Pagan crowd and those looking for something more offbeat.
French -
Je T’adore (I love you)
Mon Cheri (My Love)
Coeurs Qui S’aiment, nul Besoin de Paroles (Hearts in love need no words)
Gaelic -
Ta Gra Agam Ort ( I love you)
Italian -
Ti Amo (I love you)
Latin -
Amor vincit omnia (Love Conquers All)
Chinese -
Ogham -
Working together to choose an engraving phrase can help both partners to feel connected by the words/symbols they have chosen to represent their commitment to one another. And whether the choice is romantic, silly, or offbeat, what is most important is that the engraving phrase be as timeless as the couples’ love for one another.
Less romantic, but equally important is the reality of double checking the spelling and spacing of the engraving phrase before sending it off to the jeweler. The end result should be titanium wedding bands with the words that spark the heart and soul of your loving union.
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