See what's going on in the neighborhood by clicking here.
What's on YOUR Wish List?
Our Wish List event has come and past, but our Wish List service is still available year-round!
We've always gotten a great response from our customers who use the Wish List service- both the Gift Givers and Gift Getters think it's a hit. It's a way for us to provide a guess-less guide to shopping that can take some of the stress out of jewelry buying.
Here's how it works:
- STEP ONE: Come in and browse! Take a look around the store, try things on, and see what catches your eye.
- STEP TWO: An Art Metals Studio associate will take notes on the pieces that you decide on (the specific items -of course- but also the colors and metal types that you're drawn to, your ring size, preferred necklace and bracelet length, etc.).
- STEP THREE: Drop a hint! Let them know you have a wish list at Art Metals! If you'd like, we can even send a reminder to a person of your choosing. (It may seem strange, but this is generally the Gift Giver's favorite part. Most folks just want to know that they're getting people the things that they truly want. [Hint: add multiple items to your list- that way your shopper can still have input on the gift and is more likely to surprise you!])
- STEP FOUR: Prepare for nothing but honest smiles at the gift opening!
Again, this is a service that we offer year-round. It is particularly helpful around the Holidays, but we'll keep all of that information on file as long as you like for any future Anniversaries or Birthdays. Come check it out!
Gallery Night This Friday!
We're hosting a Gallery Night this Friday, November 14th from 6-8p.m.
In addition to the artistic hand-made jewelry collection already on display, this weekend Art Metals Studio will be featuring brand new work from the store's owner and head metalsmith, Christopher Sklba.
Chris Sklba's specialty is Mokume Gane, a traditional Japanese metal technique that produces a wood-grain-like pattern. Chris has been working in this material for over ten years, most recently completing an intensive in New Mexico, perfecting working with larger pieces of the material. The results are a fabulous display of one-of-a-kind forged bracelets for men and women, plus new arrestingly creative and beautiful earrings, rings, and pendants; a great addition to his already stellar collection of unique Mokume Gane jewelry.
Click through the image gallery below to see more! See you Downtown!
First Friday Wish List Weekend!
It's almost winter again and you know what that means- WISH LIST TIME!
Have you ever wanted to spend an evening at Art Metals Studio trying on absolutely everything that catches your eye?? Your wish can come true this weekend! Join us for our annual WISH LIST EVENT, "First Friday" November 7th from 10a.m.-9p.m. and Saturday November 8th from 10a.m.-5p.m.
- Spend your time enjoying refreshments, trying on beautiful jewelry, and making notes about the A.M.S. pieces that you covet.
- Wish the Gift Giver in your life could read your mind?? Allow us to help. We can send hints and reminders on your behalf, or just keep your list on file for when your Santa stops in to shop.
Enjoy yourself in our relaxed Gallery-Styled Jewelry Store as you try on unique hand-made jewelry, fine watches, and wardrobe-staple classics. This is a fun event meant to help you make sure that you get exactly what you hoped for this Holiday Season.
Everyone who signs up for an A.M.S. WISH LIST on November 7th and 8th is automatically entered into a raffle to win $100 towards something on their list!
Enjoy a great night in beautiful Downtown Racine, and take some of the guess-work out of the Gift Season!
"How eco-friendly is your store?" Pretty darn friendly!
We recently came across an article in a trade publication titled "The New Normal: How eco-friendly is your store?" The article consisted of a brief survey of industry professionals. We perused through and saw some great ideas on places to improve (paperless back office and solar roof panels), but mostly found a great reminder that we've been moving in the right direction here at A.M.S.
- Use fair trade diamonds/gems -- check! (for more on World Diamond Council, click here)
- Low-energy lighting -- check! (LEDs everywhere possible)
- Use recycled materials -- check! (for more on our Harmony Program, click here)
- Actively support local environmental causes -- check! (look for Chris each summer at the local gardens and Wild Root meetings)
The jewelry industry has been making some great strides and we're happy to be on board! Our goal is to make your jewelry buying experience as satisfying as possible, and we believe that ethical material sourcing is a big part of that.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
It's already almost Halloween, so here's some orange beauties to help put you in the mood. Click through the gallery to see them all.
NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS!
Looking Forward to our October Gemstone Event!
We're hosting a Gemstone event on Saturday, October 25th, from 6 to 8 p.m. with an Informative Gemstone Presentation with Chris Sklba at 7p.m.
20% off of any in-store Gemstone purchase for just two hours -EVERY LOOSE STONE IN THE STORE- from Diamonds and Sapphires to fancy-cut Quartz and semi-precious Gemstones. Take this opportunity to learn about and choose the Gemstone for your next fabulous jewelry project! Feeling generous? Any Gemstone can be packaged for gifting with a beautiful box from our collection- a perfect gift for the creative one in your life!
Stop in to find a Gemstone as rare as you are! See you Downtown!!!
And just for fun, here's a gallery to click through with some great Gemstones and custom jewelry ideas for unique shapes and pieces:
It's Our 10th Anniversary!
Join us September 26th and 27th to celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary!
We have the best customers and we can't wait to celebrate with you! The party begins with a special after-hours in-store event from 6-9p.m. on Friday, September 26th. Join us for a fun night full of food and beverages, drawings for gift bags, and more! We'll keep the celebration going Saturday, September 27th, from 12-7p.m. during Party on the Pavement. All day Friday and Saturday, enjoy 20% off of in-store items, up to $500 in savings! And everyone who makes a purchase on Friday and Saturday will be entered into a drawing for a $500 Art Metals Studio gift certificate!
Chris and Stephanie Sklba, along with the entire staff at Art Metals Studio, want to show our appreciation for your 10 YEARS of continued support and love- so come party with us!!!
See you Downtown!
Sapphire Savings in September
Take 20% off all in-stock Sapphires and Sapphire jewelry this September 5th! Stop in on First Friday to see favorites from our collection of beautiful Sapphire pieces in a rainbow of colors!
Click through the image gallery below to see some of our favorite in-stock Sapphire pieces:
New Diamond Trends
Diamond trends seem to change constantly! Here are just a few examples of some of our favorite new twists on the diamond classics. Click through the images to view each gallery.
The Prismatics
This grouping shows how much fun color diamonds can be! Every ring in the gallery above is set with only diamonds (the yellow, champagne, green... all of them!). Yes, even those bright blue side-stones are diamonds! Both natural- and treated- color diamonds are the perfect way to add a lot of personality to a piece without compromising durability.
The Unique Halos
The Halo Diamond ring is one of the most timeless designs and is (arguably) more popular now than ever before. We're adding new twists to this classic design and loving it! The rings in the gallery above show a glimpse of just how much individuality you can add.
The New Vintage
More and more we see a return to time-honored, vintage diamond design- but now with a modern, industrial edge. We're having a lot of fun designing with the juxtaposition of our contemporary style against the classic, dainty diamond set. The result has been a successful eclectic diamond style we never expected! Bead settings, micro-pave, and milgrain make appearances in this new-vintage diamond trend. It's diamond fashion that is easily added to (stackables!) and highly customizable!
Monumental Squares People's Choice Award
Monumental Squares, the 13th Annual Art Project for Downtown Racine, will end with a "People's Choice" vote for the favorite square. To submit your vote and browse the more than 400 one-of-a-kind 8x8" artworks, visit the official voting page by clicking here.
MAKE SURE TO HURRY! VOTING ENDS SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 AT MIDNIGHT.
Everybody ready for FIRST FRIDAY?!
It's your favorite time of the month again...
......tonight, August 1st, join us Downtown for what's sure to be another great First Friday night on the town!
The party kicks off at 11:30a.m. with Music on the Monument, presenting Mean Jake! Get there early to claim the perfect viewing spot at the beautiful Monument Square, located on the west side of Main Street between 5th and 6th.
There will be even more live music throughout the night, plus carriage rides, dining, and shopping. Check out the First Friday official site for more information by clicking here.
Spend the day downtown! The party doesn't stop until 9p.m.
It's Time to Vote for Best of Racine 2014!
Click here to vote for the Best of Racine County 2014!
Happy 4th of July!!!
Just a reminder that July's "First Friday" will be held instead on Thursday, July 3rd from 4-9p.m. Have a happy and healthy 4th!!!
Attention: Monumental Squares Auction Ends July 7th
"Don't miss the opportunity to own your choice of over 400, one-of-a-kind art squares!"
Check out the auction page here http://www.32auctions.com/monumentalsquares.
Dan Jam This Weekend
The 6th annual Dan Jam Music Festival will take place this weekend on Saturday, June 28th, at the Johnson Park Pavilion (6200 Northwestern Ave. Racine, WI 53406). This event is a fundraiser for the Racine Food Bank. Admission is $10 or $8 with two non-perishable food items. Come check out this great event filled with great music, great food, and fun activities for the whole family! Children under 6 are admitted free.
For more information, check out the Journal Times event page by clicking here, or you can check out the Facebook event page by clicking here.
Third Fridays Make Their Debut This Weekend - and more!
Third Fridays make their debut in June! The evening of June 20th, Downtown Racine will host the newest in the First Fridays series. For the months of June, July, and August, this great event will be here to add some fun to your calendar! Click here to see their Facebook page.
Lighthouse Run Is This Saturday, June 21st!
Whether you're here participating or cheering on the runners, Downtown Racine is an exciting place to be the morning of the Lighthouse Run. We recommend getting Downtown early to claim your viewing spot. Click here to visit the Lighthouse Run's official website where you can find details about the event, photos from previous years, and more!
Another Big June Weekend!
This weekend, June 13-15th, Racine is once again buzzing with activity!
- Relay for Life is being hosted by the Racine Zoo June 13th and 14th.
- EVP Volleyball is at Racine's beautiful North Beach June 14th and 15th.
It's Summer Festival Time Again!
- Greek Fest at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church June 13th-15th.
- Bohemian Fest at Saint John Nepomuk June 13th-15th.
FINALLY- Summer is Here!
Brace yourselves, June is going to be a busy one! Here at the shop we've been so excited for the Downtown summer events, and June is definitely starting with some energy.
This weekend is First Friday. Friday night, June 6th, we will be having a trunk show of Alexandrite, June's birthstone. Come in and see an incredible assortment of this fascinating gemstone from some of our favorite vendors.
That night Downtown will be open until 9p.m. Bring the family for a great night of live music, art, shopping, food, and fun! Discover what your Downtown has to offer. CLICK HERE to see the First Fridays Facebook page.
This summer, to add to the fun and success of First Fridays, Downtown will also be hosting Third Fridays. It'll be another great night to hangout late by the lake and explore Main Street and Sixth Street. The first one kicks off the night of June 20th!
Also beginning in June is the is the 13th Annual Public Art Event "Monumental Squares". Artists submitted creations in a wide variety of media on 8x8" boards that were framed up in groups of sixteen. Pictured below is the piece that will be hanging at Art Metals Studio for the summer.
With so much going on Downtown and so many beautiful pieces of jewelry to be made, we will be adding Sunday hours beginning in June and continuing through August.
So if you're Downtown on a Sunday from Noon - 3 p.m., stop in and see us! The store is looking mighty summery!
Monument Square Art Festival 2014
This weekend, May 31st & June 1st, Downtown Racine will host the Racine Art Council's "Monument Square Art Festival". This juried art fair is the perfect way to have some family fun, feel inspired, support the arts, and kick the summer off right!
For information about the event, including a complete list of exhibitors, check out their website www.monumentsquareartfest.com.
The Color Run Returns Downtown
This weekend, Racine welcomes back The Color Run! The run begins Saturday morning, May 24th, at 9:00 a.m. and continues throughout the afternoon.
We will be open on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
We look forward to meeting the many participants and supporters that travel to our Downtown from near and far ...perhaps you need a new piece of jewelry to match your colorful new shirt?
Spectators should arrive Downtown extra early to claim their viewing spots. If you've never witnessed the race, we highly recommend it!
Check The Color Run's official site for more details: http://thecolorrun.com/racine/
SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND!!!