Jewelry charm to be sold for college scholarship endowment

Dairy veterinarian, artist and owner of Cow Art and More, Dr. Kathy Swift is donating a portion of profits from her brand-new sterling silver jewelry charm for the National Holstein Women’s Association Scholarship Organization (NHWSO) at 2011 National Holstein Association Convention in June.

Swift is personally interested in assisting NHWSO since she grew up in Virginia where she spent most of her time in her family’s registered Holstein farm. She is devoted to the Holstein industry, as a teenager she earned Distinguished Junior Member and was recipient of the National Holstein Women’s Association scholarship in 1990.

Ida Ruby, president of NHWSO, contacted Swift for assistance in fundraising. Swift has been an active participant in the past by donating jewelry and gift certificates in silent auctions. Swift agreed to donate a portion of her profits on the much-anticipated new charm that will debut at this year’s convention. “When Ida (Ruby) called to ask if I would help with their next fundraiser, I didn't hesitate to answer, ‘of course!’ Winning the NHWSO scholarship was something that made a big difference in my life and I am happy to help others with their education." Swift added, “I believe strongly in helping the next generation along with their many endeavors. I know, without a doubt, that I wouldn't be where I am today without the same help at that time in my life."

Swift’s avid fan base will have to wait until the convention to know more details about the upcoming debut of the charm. Swift wanted to tell everyone, “I am very excited about the newest charm. It is something customers have requested, and I hope everyone will love it as much as I do."

Blunders men make when buying mother's day jewelry

*By popular request, I am resharing this blog post, originally posted in May 2010.*

I know Mother's Day is a very popular time for men to be buying the mothers in their life a special piece of jewelry. These are a few of my observations about the biggest mistakes men make when buying jewelry for a gift.

1. Not knowing the details. I have actually had men buy earrings for a gift and not know if the woman had pierced ears. Wow! Major gamble! Find out as much information about your lady as possible. A good start is to find out a ring size, bracelet size, preferred length of necklaces, color preferences, metal preferences and any allergies.

2. Getting her something she doesn't have. This is only a good thing if you have heard her say that she wants a ".....". For example, if she doesn't own any bracelets, there may be a good reason why. Maybe she has a job where it gets in the way or she would have to take it off frequently. Take a quick inventory of her jewelry and get an idea of what she prefers or take notes the next time you are window shopping together.

3. Not considering the "what ifs". Is your jewelry purchase sizable? Can you return or exchange it if she doesn't like it? What if she likes the pendant but wants a different chain? Understand the exchange and return policy on the jewelry BEFORE you purchase it.

4. Buying something that doesn't go with her body type. Believe it or not, how a piece of jewelry is shaped or formed impacts how it looks on a person. For example, round earrings do not look good on a woman with a round face. A small pendant on a short chain isn't particularly flattering to a curvaceous woman with a large bustline. When you're buying the piece, get the person helping you to give suggestions or even the model the jewelry if necessary to help with the decision making process.

5. Buying something that doesn't go with her style. Buy her something she will wear! If she doesn't go to a lot of fancy occasions, she may not get a lot of wear from a big, fancy cocktail ring. Inexpensive earrings may be a better fit for daily wear. If she does a lot of work with her hands, a ring may not hold up to her rough schedule, but a necklace might fit the bill.

I am always happy to help shoppers with their gift purchases! There is also a group of articles on the Cow Art and More art resources page that art collectors, enthusiasts and jewelry collectors may also find helpful.

Packaging cow jewelry orders

Wonder what happens when you place an order for cow jewelry? See how it is carefully packaged and shipped to customers in a timely fashion in this 2 minute video.

Cow Art and More to support dairy youth

Cow Art and More is partnering with the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) to fundraise for jersey youth. Jewelry artist Kathy McComb Swift has created a charm replica of the traditional Jersey jug, honoring the heritage of the Jersey breed. Cow Art and More will donate 15 percent of the selling price to AJCA to help support future Jersey milk producers through youth scholarships.

“I realize now what impact adult supporters had when I was also a youth involved with cattle. They gave their precious time and monetary support to provide the opportunity for me to grow as a leader in the dairy industry,” states Swift. “I am in a position now to help the next generation and am excited to be able to do so with my artistic abilities."

The charm is available for purchase in the jewelry section of the Cow Art and More catalog or by calling the toll free customer care number, 888-613-6019. Charms will also be available for purchase at the All American Jersey show and sale in Louisville, Kentucky, November 8 and 9.

Picture credit: sterling silver Jersey jug milk can charm

Click here to go to Cow Art and More to learn more about this piece of cow jewelry

Rosette charm in 18 karat gold

I had the pleasure of filling a special order recently of one of my rosette ribbon charms in 18 karat yellow gold. I usually only get to do gold orders around the holidays, but this particular customer was treating herself!

Gold charms require an additional 2 to 3 weeks for delivery, while sterling silver charms are always in stock.

Click here to see more information about the rosette charm

Click here to see the complete line of cow jewelry

Cow charm in 14K yellow gold

I had the honor and excitement of doing a couple of cow charms in 14K yellow gold for a couple of lucky ladies for Christmas. One was commissioned by a husband for his wife, both of whom my husband and I went to college with. I hope she is very surprised and happy! I've included three picture of the charm here. The cow charm can be purchased as just a charm or purchased as shown here, on a diamond cut, 14K yellow gold, 18 inch snake chain. Price for the gold charm is $210 and is based on a $750 gold market. Prices change weekly, so anyone interested in encouraged to call us (888-613-6019) to get the latest price quote. Chain prices are quite variable based on the length and style. These pieces are also available in 18K gold as well.