Hand stamped custom keepsakes at juliethefish designs {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

Like a lot of women, I love jewelry. A beautiful necklace, a stunning pair of earrings, a delicate bracelet... they have the ability to give the wearer a boost of confidence while at the same time completing an outfit or a look.

However, even with the variety of pieces in my jewelry box, I always wear the same three, no matter what, and have for years: my engagement/wedding rings on my left hand, a custom double ring on my right hand and a silver locket that my husband gave me for Valentine's Day back when we were still dating. That's it. Maybe if I'm getting dressed up I'll toss in a pair of earrings, but otherwise those three represent classic, simple, meaningful, beautiful jewelry to me... so why change?

It goes without saying that for me to retire my locket and start wearing a different necklace, that new one would have to be pretty darn amazing. More than that, I would go so far as to say it would have to be incredible. Honestly, I assumed that day would never come.

But then, I had never been introduced to juliethefish designs before.

I was extremely tempted to not blur my daughters' names so that you could see the full beauty of this necklace, but you can get the idea from the sample as well:

Before I tell you just how much I love my hand stamped silver circle washer necklace (and oh, do I!) you've got to just go check out juliethefish designs right now. Yes, stop reading this review and go see the huge variety of absolutely gorgeous hand stamped keepsakes that are listed over there immediately, because then you'll really know what I'm talking about when you come back to finish reading. Don't worry, I trust that you won't get so caught up in how many beautiful things that you see that you'll forget all about me. (Right?)

Go ahead. I'll wait.

You love it, don't you? How could you not?

The first time I visited juliethefish designs, I spent... forever looking through Julie's selection. Unsure as to where a mom who stays home with her boys during the day and teaches at night finds the hours in the day to create so many custom, handmade pieces, I was instantly drawn to just about each item shown.

Sure, I've seen hand stamped jewelry before, but there was something about Julie's style and the way each piece could be so simple yet so elegant at the same time. How each design was unique and different and could be personalized to your specifications or the way that she had individual or multi-tiered items... or how there were so many options in silver, brass or copper - or even a combination of the three. The worst part was definitely trying to narrow down my favorites.

When I finally decided on the silver circle washer necklace, Julie was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, which I appreciated. I knew I wanted some sort of dot or symbol to separate my daughters' names and she suggested the * which ended up the perfect choice (the finished piece has their first and middle names on it with the * in between). I was also able to choose the length of the chain, whether I wanted it looped or through a hole in the washer and if the stamped letters were darkened or not.

After only a very short time, the cutest little gift box showed up at my door and it was all I could do to not tear it apart my excitement to get it open. And from the individually stamped letters to the delicate yet sturdy chain, I was in awe. I put this necklace on that afternoon and have worn it every single day since. It looks classic and fashionable and is prominent enough to be noticed but not so unusual that it can't be worn with a t-shirt, tank top or dress. In short, if I haven't mentioned it already, I love it.

There is something for everyone at juliethefish designs. Whether your taste is simple or intricate, small or large, the prices are affordable and the results are stunning. Even though hand stamped necklaces are the largest feature, the bracelets, earrings, rings and gifts are just as wonderful. There is even a great section of unique hand stamped gifts for men that would be a distinctive present for any occasion.

Not sure what your loved one would enjoy most? A juliethefish designs gift certificate ensures your recipient will be able to customize their item and choices perfectly! And if I'm any indication, they'll be more than happy to cherish their completed keepsake. Also, thanks to Julie's generosity, one person will get to experience the beauty of juliethefish designs in person, because...

One lucky person will win their jewelry or keepsake of choice from juliethefish designs (up to $40)!

To enter to win: Visit juliethefish designs and tell me which of her amazing pieces is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you Like juliethefish designs on Facebook and/or follow the juliethefish designs blog with Google Friend Connect.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

juliethefish designs has amazing hand stamped jewelry! WIN a piece of choice (ARV $40)! @thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/bD2173 #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and juliethefish designs. Please leave an address where it can be found.


Giveaway will end on July 15th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open worldwide! If you're reading this, you can enter!

A massive thank you to Julie at juliethefish designs for providing a custom hand stamped washer necklace for me to review as well as a piece of choice (up to $40) for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.