Natural Material Care


Material Information and Care Instructions

Much of the following is common sense and there are countless variations which work well for many.  Remember, the one constant is, everybody is different!!!

Use of Organic Jewelry in particular and Natural Materials is at your own risk.

Natural materials are usually not the right choice for moist areas of the body & new piercings or stretches. On the flip side, if you have metal sensitivities, natural jewelry can be the best thing you have ever worn.  However, if you are the type of individual who reacts to everything in the world, start slowly with different natural materials.  Irritation, tissue loss, infection, or allergic reactions are always a possibility with ANY material.  Know your own body & respond appropriately if you react to a new material.  Discontinue wear, put in an Implant Grade Jewelry or Glass and treat like a fresh piercing.  Handle natural materials with clean hands and wash jewelry periodically with a mild, non-chemical soap such as Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap & water even if not being worn.  Clean with tea tree oil if something stronger is desired, but do not leave tea tree oil on your jewelry.  Make sure you do not have an allergy to tea tree oil by first performing a patch test on your skin.

To care for your jewelry oil wood, bone and horn periodically (monthly or as needed) &  before  insertion,  with either jojoba, mineral or Vitamin E oil.  Food grade oils are not appropriate for oiling, they may break down with heat & time.  Be sure to wash natural jewelry often & reapply oil as necessary.  Apply just a drop of oil,  use oil sparingly and never over oil. Use a micro fiber cloth to remove any excess oil. Frequent applications of oil may cause the material to darken.

Natural materials are sensitive to changes in heat, humidity and water.  Thus, autoclaving, hot tubs, pools, saunas, blow dryers, etc, should be avoided or used with caution. Long exposure to direct sunlight (such as on a windowsill or inside a hot car) is not suggested. All these circumstances may cause the material to crack, warp , split or the grain to lift.

Natural materials may react to and or absorb chemicals & water.  These chemicals can then be released into the skin, causing irritation or allergic reaction.  This includes, but is not limited to: cleaning & sterilizing agents, soaps, lotions, antibiotic ointments & hair products.  Please keep natural jewelry away from contact with chemicals of any kind & become aware of what types of chemicals are in the products you use for any reason.

Natural materials can be brittle, especially Stone & Amber neither takes kindly to being dropped, bitten or otherwise mistreated. Store your jewelry in bubble wrap or a padded jewelry box or case so it can't be knocked over and broken easily.  Amber is particularly sensitive & may soften, crack or even melt in contact with certain chemicals or with extreme heat.  Stone should never be oiled, dropped or mistreated.  Do not wear Stone or Glass in the shower as soap or shampoo can make your skin slippery enough for the jewelry to fall onto the tile floor.

Special caution should be taken when exposing plugs with inlays ( bone dust ) or overlays (silver caps & dyes ) to moisture as they obviously are not waterproof. Do not oil inlays, just oil the wear space.

Certain metal jewelry may cause reactions in sensitive individuals & may include nickel allergies or discoloration of the skin.  Silver jewelry may tarnish & metals containing copper, including bronze, may develop a greenish patina.  This may be removed with a hand polishing cloth or with a buffing wheel.  Brass, Copper and Bronze Jewelry if wiped down daily with a microfiber cloth before wearing will keep them from leaving a greenish hint on your skin.

Brass is generally an alloy of Copper and Zinc.
Bronze is generally an alloy of Copper and Tin.
Copper is essential to all living organisms, yet lends its germicidal properties to  Brass and Bronze.
All three of the above metals have been used in/for jewelry for ages.

Species of hardwoods which are not very dense & generally those lighter areas of the wood grain may require occasional refinishing to keep them feeling smooth & performing their best.  Wood forms the circulatory and support system in trees.  The grain you may see running up & down in hardwood plugs is what the tree used to transport water.  When the plugs get wet, they may try to absorb the water,  the cells that form the grain can swell or "lift".  This can make the wearing surface feel less smooth than when new.  The plugs are sanded, then washed, then sanded again after they dry to take off any of the cells that are going to swell up when in contact with water.   This process is repeated several times during manufacture.  However, with use, wear and exposure these cells may try to do their job again.

It is suggested that all hardwood jewelry be sanded periodically-especially Maple & Chaktekok; frequency depends on how often they are worn, where they are worn & how often they come in contact with moisture.  Give them the following attention when they feel a bit textured.

Sand gently with a dry piece of 400 or 600-grit sandpaper, then polish with a piece of cloth.  The idea is to remove the swelled grain, not just push it down.  Wrap the sandpaper around your finger or a pen to sand the inside of flared or drilled plugs.  Wash the plugs with water and a mild non-chemical soap to eliminate any residue & re-oil prior to insertion.

With minimal care your natural jewelry can last years and years.
    
Let us know if you have any suggestions, comments or tips you have discovered through
experience next time you are at our studio.  Enjoy!

Why Buy Local

Shift to a locally owned business and help your local economy.
When you spend here, your money stays here.
Whether you're shopping for food, grabbing a quick item from a store, or searching for a local service provider, a simple shift on your part can help support and improve the quality of life for everyone.

Follow the link to see how a small change in your spending benefits the Arizona economy.
Your pledge will also be part of our Shift Arizona leaderboard, which tracks Arizona cities with the most pledges.
Shift Arizona
Here is a list of some of the LOCAL businesses we love: 

The businesses in Medlock Plaza 
Arizona Hi-Fi
All About Books & Comics
Blood Thirsty Tattoo
Brand X
Cherryblossom Noodle Café
Cowtown Skateboards
Churn
Dr. Diabolic Show
Fashion By Robert Black
Film Bar
Four Peaks
Green
Healthy Habit Health Foods
Immaculate Tattoo
Inside The Bungalow
Japan Acupuncture
JB Water Distillers
Living Ghost Tattoo
Liberty Market
Melrose Phamacy
Nobu @ Teeter House
Muriel Zao Tattoo
No Regrets Tattoo
Noble Beast
Off the Grid Fitness
Postino
Painted Ladies
Phoenix Scuba
Rage Cycles
Samurai Comics
Scosh Makeup & Skincare
Short Leash Hot Dog Truck
Stockyards
The Coffee Shop 
The Heard Museum
The Hike House
The Relief Source
Think Printing
Urban Beans
Urban Cookies
Windsor
Zookz
27 Tattoo Studio

Basic Tips & How Your Jewelry Works

We do not pierce with clear jewelry. A

lthough the glass we offer is the strongest glass available, it can break. We suggest only wearing clear glass retainers when absolutely necessary. We do not pierce with plastic (acrylic) jewelry either and suggest you only wear it in healed piercings and for no longer that 12 hours at a time. 

Amethyst the Birthstone for February

am·e·thyst

ˈaməTHəst

noun: amethyst; plural noun: amethysts

1.  a precious stone consisting of a violet or purple variety of quartz.

Middle English: via Old French from Latin amethystus, from Greek amethustos ‘not drunken’ (the stone was believed to prevent intoxication).

Amethyst is the birth stone for February. The Amethyst birthstone meaning is of spiritual growth and protection. If you were born in February, the amethyst powers for healing will vibrate more strongly for you. This is especially true as you hold an amethyst in your hand or wear a piece of amethyst jewellery against your skin.

The Amethyst meaning is spiritual growth and protection. They are also known for bringing clarity of the mind to the owner.  By wearing Amethyst, you can become more in tune with your own feelings and get to know your inner self on a much deeper level.  It can bring you calmness, inner peace and is thought to heighten your natural intuition.

Amethysts are known for their ability to reduce addictive traits.  Goblets made of amethyst or in the colour purple were used to hinder inebriation. Today, amethysts are used in alternative healing practices for reducing addiction.

Amethyst is also for protection. The Amethyst energy stones repel negative energy and attract positive energy.  It is a gemstone of spiritual protection that will help guide the wearer on their divine spiritual path.

Amethyst healing properties can relieve pain and swelling throughout the body by calming the nervous system. Amethyst is well known for having a positive affect against insomnia and nightmares. By placing an amethyst crystal under your bed, you can dispel nightmares and encourage lucid dreaming. Many people use Amethyst in meditation to allow relief of stress and anxiety

18kt with Amethyst gem stones

14ga curved barbell for a navel piercing

Love it or hate it, we have you covered

-Happy Valentine's Day-

A perfect accent or  finishing touch goes a long ways towards showing your loved one how much you care on this day.  We have over 40 styles of jewelry boxes to put that perfect piece of Valentine's Jewelry in.  Hand Enameled, Wood, Bone, Silver, Ceramic, Glass, etc.  

The only thing better is getting pierced together;-)

Tri-Bezel Swarovski Beads

Check out our new Tri-Bezel titanium beads from Anatometal for 16ga barbells. 

These will work on any threaded barbell from Halo. 

W

e can order them in any combination you want. 

We can also order in 14ga & 12ga

Sapphire History and Lore from the GIA

Traditionally, sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. It has decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members for centuries. Its extraordinary color is the standard against which other blue gems—from topaz to tanzanite—are measured.

For centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer. Until her death in 1997, Princess Di, as she was known, charmed and captivated the world. Her sapphire ring helped link modern events with history and fairy tales.

In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and ordinary folks thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. In other times and places, people instilled sapphires with the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, influence spirits, and reveal the secrets of oracles.

In folklore, history, art, and consumer awareness, sapphire has always been associated with the color blue. Its name comes from the Greek word sappheiros, which probably referred to lapis lazuli. Most jewelry customers think all sapphires are blue, and when gem and jewelry professionals use the word “sapphire” alone, they normally mean “blue sapphire.”

A special orangy pink sapphire color is called padparadscha, which means “lotus flower” in Sinhalese, the language spoken in Sri Lanka. Stones fromSri Lanka were initially the only ones labeled with this marketable name. There’s no telling how many padparadschas have been sifted from Sri Lankan river gravel throughout history. Sri Lankans have a special affection for the color that’s traditionally been linked with their country.

Copyright © 2013 Gemological Institute of America

http://www.gia.edu/sapphire

FACTS

  • MINERAL: Corundum
  • CHEMISTRY: Al2O3
  • COLOR: Every color but red
  • REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.762 to 1.770
  • BIREFRINGENCE: 0.008 to 0.010
  • SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 4.00
  • MOHS HARDNESS: 9h

Peridot The Birthstone For August

Peridot was believed to be a stone of springtime by ancients who considered it a gift from Mother Nature. Napoleon once made a gift of Peridot to Josephine as a symbol of undying love and admiration. In ancient times, it was said that a dream about Peridot foretold impending danger. 

Peridot was used by the Pharaohs in amulets to ward off evil. 

Teardrop eyelets can be made 7/16" up to 6"

Peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the earth and is brought to the surface by volcanoes, in Hawaii, Peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Today, most Peridot comes from Arizona! This gemstone comes in several color variations ranging from yellowish green to brown, but most people prefer the lime and olive greens. 

2013 Halo Artist Reception for the Heard Show


Phoenix, Arizona, Thursday, February 28, 2013, 6pm - 9pm 
Halo is very proud to announce its annual opening party for noted Native American artists Marla Allison, Chris Pruitt, Pat Pruitt and introducing Shaax' Saani and Mercedes Jack, a mother/daughter Tlingit jeweler team.
One night only, Thursday, February 28th, 2013, starting at 6:00pm at Halo, located at 10 West Camelback, you will have the opportunity to mingle with the artists in a relaxed informal atmosphere, and check out their latest works.  Due to the popularity of the past events, you can catch glimpses of other world renowned Native American artists at the party, the likes of Mateo Romero, Maria Samora, Pilar Agoyo and Charlene HolyBear.  Along with local artists Hoss Rogers and Timothy Chapman who have been known to drop by. 

Halo is easily accessible using the Valley Metro Light Rail from anywhere the light rail runs.  Just hop off at the Central and Camelback station, and walk across Camelback straight to Halo.

Marla Allison (Laguna Pueblo/Hopi), painter, was awarded the Eric and Barbara Dobkin Native Artist Fellowship at the School for Advanced Research for her ground breaking multi-media works.
www.marlaallison.com

Shaax' Saani and Mercedes Jack, Jewelers, a mother / daughter collaboration team with a matriarchal history.Working with the beauty of natural skins and furs, fangs combined with Swarovski crystals and other materials. Their designs are an expression of traditional Tlingit life ways.


Chris Pruitt (Laguna Pueblo/Chirachaua Apache), award winning silversmith, is becoming one of the highly collectable artists, by playing on creative usages of various stones and materials in his work. 
www.chrispruittjewelry.com

Pat Pruitt (Laguna Pueblo/Chirachaua Apache), metal smith, keeps pushing the boundaries with his commitment to stainless steel and titanium as a metal to be reckoned with in the fine jewelry realm
www.patpruitt.com



photo by Peter DaSilva @ last years party
                                We would also like to congratulate Pat and Marla on their engagement!
                                                    



MOvember

MOvember is here!!!!! We started our raffle in the shop this weekend. We will be posting the  prizes you may win all this month on our facebook fan page.Winners will be announced December 2012 all month long.

Tickets are $5 for one $10 for 3 and $25 for 7. 

See you soon.

 If you live out of state you can donate using this link

http://mosista.co/TheMoustacHALOs

NEW JEWELRY

Last weeks mini jewelry event was fun, thank you to everyone who stopped in. 

We hope you love your new jewelry. There will be another shipment of limited jewelry sometime in August for you to take a look at. Make sure you join our HALO fan Page see our jewelry as it arrives.  Here is some of the jewelry we have in right now. 

Hand carved wood 8ga to 1" in stock.

We also just added another 1/2" shelf full of Natural jewelry!

Welcome Short Leash to Medlock Plaza

Everyone at HALO and Arizona Hi-Fi would like to welcome Short Leash food truck to Medlock Plaza. 

Short Leash will be starting this Friday in the vacant lot North Halo Piercing and Jewelry and Arizona HiFi. They are calling it Sit...Stay and are inviting people to slow down a bit to try some of their menu entrees. This way you can grab a bite to eat before you get pierced and they will be just a few steps away from our door.  

They are planning to be here every Friday from 6pm to 8pm and will have seating. We want to invite you to be a part of this and enjoy. Our hope is to make a connection with the neighborhood and to also connect Medlock Plaza, the Bed & Breakfast and Short Leash.

Welcome 2012 

2011 was great year for all of us at HALO, we have a new 
addition, an amazing new receptionist, Stephanie.  Stephanie 
fits in perfectly with our piercers, Jeremiah and Ana. 
Ana continues to compete at her matches and hang out
with her dogs. Jeremiah is still shooting his photography, 
if you are at a special event you will probably see him. 


With Arizona Hi-Fi moved next to HALO we now get to see 
Dan on a regular basis. We still have the best neighbors 
anybody could wish for at Medlock Plaza. If you have not 
been to Arizona Hi-Fi, frances, Stinkweeds, frances Studio 
or Smeeks you must next time you visit HALO. 


Our big remodel that we started the 4th of July went 
smoothly, thanks to all of our employees, family and 
friends. The layout is much more open, with even more 
display space perfect for all our new jewelry. So far 
everyone loves it and it is a must see.


This New Year we are going to focus more on enjoying life 
within the local surroundings.  After years of the Light Rail 
construction Downtown/Uptown Phoenix is finally becoming 
a community again.  So many new shops, bars and 
restaurants, easy to walk, bike or take the light rail to visit.  
Finally a neighborhood destination you could explore for days.


We will be having our Annual Heard Museum Artist Event 
with artists Pat Pruitt and Marla Allison in March. Other 
artist will be attending and will be announced in one of our 
emails soon. Please make sure you join our email list at 
the shop or on our facebook fan page soon to be included. 
 
As for some of our New Years Resolution we plan to try 
Yoga at Inside The Bungalow, devour at least one piece of 
candy from Smeeks a week, explore our state parks and 
enjoy vinyl purchased from Stinkweeds on our Arizona Hi-Fi 
turntable nightly. We also will feature new artist and jewelry 
in the studio throughout the year.  
 
The New Year is a great reason to try something you have 
always wanted to do, like getting that new piercing. 
We hope to see you soon.
 
Welcome to 2012,
Kelsey and Glen

6th Annual Crafeteria 2011

Join us for the 6th Annual Crafeteria 2011! Winner of Phoenix New Times, "Best Indie Craft Festival 2010" & "Best Arts Festival 2011"

100% handmade goods by 45 local artists & crafters

Live music at Stinkweeds from Tetra String Quartet

Local food truck, Short Leash Hot Dogs

Premiere of the new Frances Studio, Holiday Shop!

Kick start your LOCAL Holiday shopping with:

-Frances

-Smeeks

-Frances Studio

-Stinkweeds Records

-Arizona Hi-Fi

-Halo Piercing & Jewelery

We will be open extended hours on the Friday the 2nd during Crafeteria till 10pm. 

Also, we will be closing at 6pm on the 3rd for the Light Parade. 

We will return to normal hours on Sunday from Noon to 6pm. 

Rest of the week 11am to 8pm

.

Please Donate to Our Movember Team

It's Movember, the month formerly known as November, which is dedicated to growing moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues; specifically cancers affecting men. To show our support for the men in our lives, we Created a MO team.

On Movember 1st, our guys will start with a clean-shaven face. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts

Why are we so passionate about men's health? 

*we have lost loved ones to cancer

*1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime

*A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 2.2 minutes

*1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime 

*24% of men are less likely to go the doctor compared to women 

Please support our efforts by making a donation online at

http://mosista.co/TheMoustacHALOs

You can even write a check payable to "Movember Foundation", reference 

The MoustacHALOs,

Registration Number 1340640 and send it to: 

Movember Foundation, PO Box 2726, Venice, CA 90294-2726

Mo Bros only have one month to grow and support these Movember moustaches, so please come along for the ride.

Funds raised will help make a tangible difference to the lives of others. Through the Movember Foundation and their men's health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVE

STRONG

, Movember is funding world-class awareness, research, educational and support programs, which would otherwise not be possible. 

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having, please click on the links below:

About Movember

Prostate Cancer Foundation research

LIVE

STRONG

Global Action Plan

Thank you for making a difference by donating at

http://mosista.co/TheMoustacHALOs

 and for helping change the face of men's health. Go the Mo!

Kelsey & Glen

Movember is a registered 501 (c)(3) charity, donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

HALOween Costume Contest

It is time for the annual HALOween Costume Contest. Plan ahead, it will be worth your while.

The winner by popular vote will get a: $100 Halo Gift Card &Halo Bat T-shirt by Aaron Coleman. A second winner will get a: $50 HALO GIFT CARD & Halo Bat T-shirt by Aaron Coleman and will be picked purely by how ingenious their costume is.

Rules:

Come into Halo wearing your costume before the end of October 31.  Let us snap a photo of you.  Fill out a consent form with your FaceBook name/contact info to go with the photo. One photo per person. 

We will post the photos after HALOween to give everyone time to enter. Photos will be posted November 5th 

and your friends will have all November to "like"

your photo on the Halo Fan Page.

 

                                   http://www.facebook.com/halojewelry