Shining Through The Eclipse

"It's just another manic Monday." The iconic Bangles' song is a fitting start to next week -- when afternoon twilight will truly mark a manic mid-day Monday. Luckily, we have everything you need to shine and sparkle through the solar eclipse. Let's take a look!

 

Nothing brightens our day more than a 40% off SALE! Stop in, see what's going for deep discounts, and stock up on home decor, desk sculptures, pretty rings, shiny things, and whimsical delights.

Essential for the eclipse, and anytime: candles in sun-splashed colors or irresistible fragrances, like our new Aromatic Votivo line. You need all your senses in the dark! These candles are the perfect way to warm your home as fall settles upon Rochester. And there's no need to pop a pie into the oven; the scents alone will beckon your company into the kitchen.

 

Our perfect gifts for "her, him and home" pack punches of bright, bold color that catches both sun rays and moonbeams! We have bar ware, bakeware, and bracelets to keep your spirits bright and your heart warm, long after summer's over.

Do you know what else brightens our day? BABIES! We have the perfect gift for that bundle of joy. Stop in and see us before summer's over!

Who Needs a Night Out?

As we flip the calendar to August, we hope you all had the chance to enjoy our latest Pandora promotion: a tote bag to complement the newest crop of Glam Night Essentials, from bold stackable rings to sparkling charms to stunning friendship bracelets. Wait till you see the new "fruity cocktail" and "stiletto heel" charms...you'll be planning a Girls' Night Out before you know it.

Discover your PANDORA Glam Night Essentials

If you're looking for more ways to share the good vibes of summer with your nearest and dearest, look no further than our Made By Maia notecards. Our young local artist Maia has connected her passion for art and animals with her wish to help people. Her pastel, acrylic and watercolor masterpieces are now available here in-store as limited-edition notecards. 

Maia's "Rainbow of Joy"

With every set of notecards that you purchase, 100% of the proceeds will support EquiCenter, a therapeutic equestrian center for children and adults with disabilities, at-risk youth, and veterans to defy their limitations. 

Stop in and add that sparkle to your soul, and your style, before the solar eclipse happens in three weeks. It'll be our way to power through the darkness!

Send Me Love (and Glamour and Ice Cream)

"Please Mr. Postman," move over.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) just rolled out a service called "Send Me" that lets you text requests for a place, color, mood, object, feeling, or even emoji; the museum replies within seconds with a piece of corresponding art from their collection. Try it here.

In the spirit of our favorite things, we texted the museum to send us love, glamour, jewelry and ice cream. Here's what we got!

Robert Indiana, "Love," 1973

Valerie Belin, "Untitled," 2002 

Weegee, "The Critic," 1943

Bill Owens, "Untitled [ice cream man]," 1975 

On that note...this week is an exciting one for our store and city. Our PANDORA Girls' Night Out promotion kicks off on Thursday with the offer of a free Tote bag with a $125 PANDORA purchase.

Now -- where to go with your girls (and tote)? May we suggest the traveling VoteTilla celebration -- 100 years of women's suffrage! -- that happens this week and weekend with stops in Fairport, Pittsford, Corn Hill, and of course the Susan B. Anthony house. Because songs were a powerful tool of suffrage, there will be plenty of music; and of course food, festivities and fun...the perfect ladies' night to celebrate the ladies' right.

Stop in to get styled for the summer, find the perfect gifts (for brides, babies, and beyond), and bring a little piece of home on the adventures that lie ahead.

Some Like It Hot...

Some like it hot...and some of us like to chill in the lake (or in the A/C). Some like to cruise on water, and some of us on land. Some travel with seven pairs of shoes; some with just a carry-on bag.

No matter what your travel style, we have the color selection that suits your unique personality. Come visit our PANDORA store-within-a-store to "pick your paradise" and set your style GPS to its true destination!

The Explorer: The new blue leather from PANDORA represents your cool, laid-back presence; your love of the ocean; and your connection to nature.

The Adventurer: If pink calls your name, adventure awaits! The new pink leather bracelet encapsulates your passionate spirit. You are fiery, feminine, and a true lover of life.

The Sun Goddess: Is white your summer style selection? Celebrate your sun goddess essence with inspiration from Santorini! The white leather bracelet from PANDORA will show off your bright outlook on life.

The Night Voyager: Show off your destination style with PANDORA. The black bracelet speaks to your confidence, sophistication, and love of nightlife. Add your favorite charms to create a look that will shine!

Where will you take your PANDORA jewelry this summer? Share a photo with us!

Whether you're celebrating brides, bachelor's degrees, birthdays, or babies...beat the heat (or should we say the rain) by stopping in to see Carla for the perfect gift: one that celebrates signature style and summer sizzle. As always, our gift wrap is as gorgeous as the gift; and we ship anywhere on the world. That's one less thing to worry about - so you can explore the world instead of the post office.

What We Do For Dad...

Rain drops...or ring drops? Benchmark rings fit any forecast!

It's Dad's day this Sunday, and we haven't forgotten him! Whether he's a new dad or a new grandpa; whether he's walking you down the aisle this summer or running in a marathon; fishing in the lake or grilling in the yard, or just digging through endless piles of work (and needs to take a well-deserved break), we have just the gift to honor him this weekend and every day throughout the year. Stop in and see the conversation-starting cuff links, unique desk sculptures, striking Benchmark rings and keepsake NanoRosetta medallions that synch up with his style while carrying special meaning. Surprise him in person or send joy in the mail; we ship around the world!

Fifty shades of Nano.

Speaking of around the world: Global perspectives enrich us all! In the spirit of Father's Day Fun, We jetted around the web to bring you this quiz on different ways and means to celebrate dear old dad. Submit the right answers and we might feature you on our blog and Facebook page!

Name the country in which:


1. Families wear yellow or pink on Father's Day; and present canna lilies to dads and grandpas.

2. Dads fish for their dinner on Father's Day - ideally catching enough for the whole family.

3. Kids present their dads with handmade beer glasses. (We like this idea...stop in for a selection you  don't have to craft!)

4. Boys touch their heads to their father's feet and girls touch their heads to their father's hands.

5. Dads run in a city-wide race, refueling with a feast.

6. The holiday is known as "Vatertag," with dads pulling wagons of beer and liquor into the woods. (Cue the Imperial March...)

History in the Making

"There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories." -Ursula LeGuin

Keep your loved ones close to your heart.

"Grandma, tell me again about the time when you were little..."

"Dad, will you show me that newspaper clipping again?"

We all have family stories that we treasure. We listened to them as children, amused and even awestruck that our parents and grandparents were once our age. And as parents or grandparents, aunts or uncles, we share them with our little ones. Sometimes they were illustrated, literally and figuratively. This blogger still treasures her great-grandmother's wedding portrait, her grandfather's dog tags from World War II and her grandmother's yearbook from 1944, her photo captioned "Charming, Sweet and Debonair" -- all cherished not just as objects, but for the stories they inspire.

This article from The Atlantic discusses the rich benefits of "family storytelling": the more detail and interaction, the better. In fact, studies show that when parents reminisce with preschoolers in detailed ways, the children learn to share "richer, more complete narratives to other adults one to two years later." And these enhanced narrative skills serve them well throughout their young life, from processing complex academic material to bolstering their self-esteem and coping skills.

In that spirit, we treasure our line of NanoRosetta custom medallions, capturing your stories in 3-D optical difractives. Family photos old and new. Yearbooks. Certificates. All etched in a beautiful keepsake that will last forever, sustaining family stories through every generation.

Stop in and see us for our beautiful design options, including collages and custom borders.

And stay tuned for Father's Day ideas!

Wacky Wedding Round-Up!

We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day!

Perfectly Pandora!

Good Ol' Mama Nature surprised us here in Rochester with hailstorms, but we hope the Sunday surprises poured upon you were more pleasant - and we hope they didn't include any spilled coffee from young hands bringing you breakfast in bed! Did you receive something special from People's Pottery from your husband, children, or mother? Perhaps a Pandora keepsake, Kiss & Dream diamond, NanoRosetta medallion, serving piece for the kitchen, accent piece for the living room, souvenir for the nursery...or a gift certificate that gives you a reason to stop in and see us? Comment below or send us a Facebook message!

Some locals believe the Lilac Festival marks the unofficial start of summer in Rochester. We love summer for many reasons, but mainly because it's wedding season. In that spirit, we've compiled the best of "Wacky Wedding" wisdom from around the Web. We'd like to raise a glass to:

Private photo originally published on Huffington Post

1. This woman who wore her wedding ring for an entire year...without even knowing it. The stone was tucked into a pine necklace that her boyfriend had made her; then he popped the seal AND the question. We believe this serves as true testament to the couple's commitment: him for crafting the necklace and her for not losing it!

2. These intrepid souls and kindred spirits who got married at the top of their game...on Mount Everest. They exchanged vows and rings at 17,000 feet and minus 11 degrees Fahrenheit. If you thought your wedding was an epic adventure...check out the Instagram feed.

3. The inventor of prosecco and Rosé popsicles. We can't think of a better refresher to serve guests who are thirsty for something new (but not old, borrowed or blue).

4. The menagerie of puppies, llamas (yes, llamas...they clean up nice) and unicorns that can attend your wedding for a fee...one that's sometimes donated to animal causes.

Photo published on Brides.com

Remember, we are here each day to make your engagement and wedding just as unique and memorable...even if you scale Cobb's Hill instead of Mount Everest, or decide to go with peonies instead of puppies. From Benchmark wedding bands to dazzling Kiss & Dream Diamonds, our selection offers superior craft and quality at the best prices in town. Stop in and see for yourself!

Mom's Favorite!

Yes, we know it's still April; but this weekend is the perfect time to get a jump-start on Mother's Day Shopping...and for that matter, graduation gifts and surprises for the bride! Two enticing promotions await you at Rochester's wonderland for Moms: an exquisite Pandora jewelry box with $125 Pandora purchase; AND a 20% off sale for friends and family (that's you!) on everything but Pandora and loose diamonds.

So what's new in the world of Pandora? Lots! We'd say this isn't your mother's Pandora...except in this case, it is! Your mothers, daughters, sisters and friends will love rediscovering the line they've always loved; just with fresh style and revived personality! New motifs and designs create a signature look that's more expressive than ever. Check out the line of Loving Charms, including double dangles that celebrate the bond between mothers and daughters. Whether you live next door, in different cities, or around the globe, you can always keep Mom close to your heart.

Love me Knot!
For a new twist (literally) on stud earrings and rings, Pandora's Love Knots make your gift-giving this May a "cinch." Subtle shimmers arise from ribbons of zirconia stones set in sterling silver; and white crystal pearls bring just the right degree of luster and polish.


To paraphrase Lady Gaga, we're giving you a million reasons to stop in and see us...especially this weekend! What better way to end April than by showering you with sales? Remember, whether your Mom lives in Pittsford or Paris, we gift-wrap to her high standards and ship around the world!

Be My Baby!

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our Pandora Rose party. We hope you had as much fun as we did exploring the new Rose collection, discovering new favorites, and celebrating the *true* start of Spring in Rochester. What a perfect way to welcome the sunshine after the snow!

A Rose deserves a Rose!

Speaking of new starts and fresh beginnings...do you know anyone who's having a baby, cherishing a newborn, or celebrating a child's first birthday? So do we! We have babies on the brain here on People's Pottery; stop in and see for yourself! Our beautiful Lenox collection of keepsakes includes baby bears, elegant banks, enchanting music boxes, and gorgeous frames that are ready for those gorgeous faces.

Accents for the nursery in soothing pastels.

This musical jewelry box conceals a graceful surprise.

Whimsical design delights Mom and baby.

What better way to hold memories than a train?

And of course, we didn't forget Mom and Dad. Parents, you deserve a sippy cup too! And you can fill it with the beverage of your choice. We suggest putting your feet up and enjoying after your bundle of joy drifts off to dreamland.

Whether you're shopping for babies, birthday girls or brides, stop in to see us this week. Our spiritual NanoRosetta medallions make for precious Easter surprises; our Kiss and Dream diamonds throw brilliant sparkle for the lowest price in town; and of course, Pandora's new collection of necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and more will charm anyone on any occasion, including Mom on her special day. And we've said it before, but it bears repeating: when we help you hand-select a gift, we wrap it for free and ship around the world!

Shine on the Bright Side

Snow may still reign supreme on the streets outside Rochester's finest shop for her, him and home (that's us!), but today is the first day of Spring! It's time to look forward to this most resplendent of seasons in Rochester. Easter, Passover, Mother's Day, graduations, weddings, recitals, birthdays, anniversaries...the best is yet to come! Close your eyes and you can practically smell the lilacs.

Speaking of loveliness in bloom, this weekend brings a sweet Pandora promotion to People's Pottery! When you spend $125 on Pandora jewelry, you receive the beautiful Pandora sterling silver bracelet pictured above.

After weathering an epic wind storm and ferocious blizzard, we are more than ready to Spring ahead to happier times. We hope everyone's life has returned to routine. And we are reminded, yet again, of the power of positive thinking. Did you know that remaining optimistic -- even (and especially) in nerve-wracking situations -- can help mitigate the havoc that stress can unleash upon the mind and body? Positive thinking is linked to longer life, lower levels of distress, reduced rates of depression, enhanced coping skills, higher resistance to heart attacks, and even greater immunity to the common cold. How does jewelry play a role in positive thinking? Because thinking of loved ones, and our gratitude for them, is one of the quickest and most effective ways to feel joy. And feeling joy is one of the best ways to avoid feeling stress.

From our Kiss and Dream diamonds to our NanoRosetta coins, the collections at our store capture the memories, joy, and love that bind us to one another.

It's why, even in the darkest days of wind and snow, families and friends and even perfect strangers stepped forward with acts of kindness.

It's why we're looking forward to another wonderful season with you. Stop in and see us!

How Does a Moment Last Forever?

This Friday, leprechauns and four-leaf clovers will mingle in the pop-culture melange with singing teapots, candlesticks, and clocks; as the national opening of Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson  coincides with St. Patrick's Day. Here's why we're excited about this movie:

1. Disney Pandora's exclusive offer. The beautiful red rose, signature yellow gown, and bubbly teapot comprise this "charming" gift set. With purchase, you receive a lithograph exclusive to Pandora and the movie soundtrack (while supplies last).

2. That soundtrack! Songs from the original 1991 film join new numbers in a sprawling, live-action, full-throttle movie musical. The title song receives a fresh update by Ariana Grande and John Legend; and Celine Dion returns to sing a new song, "How Does a Moment Last Forever?"

3. How does a moment last forever, anyway? Glad you asked! Here at People's Pottery, there are so many ways to answer that question  -- including our NanoRosetta holograms that endure for hundreds of generations (much like the original fairy tale), our enchanting Pandora boutique of sentiments and stones, and our beautiful Kiss and Dream diamond collection. If anyone emerging from seeing this dark romance in theaters feels compelled to brighten their own Belle's day with an eternity ring, we have brilliant center-cut diamonds to place into a stunning design, one that ranges from vintage to modern, simple to intricate -- always gorgeous, forever timeless.

Kiss and Dream diamonds, nestled into detail.

Stop in and see us before the snow swirls through!

The Trendy and the Timeless

"I thought it was absolutely beautiful. I've never had one sparkle as much as this one did." - Bride receiving a Kiss and Dream Diamond

"The selection was huge. It took me quite a while to find the right one, but I knew it when I saw it. Carla took me through the whole process...we went through and found the band and diamond that fit my price range." - Groom selecting the Kiss and Dream Diamond

Photo by North40 Photography. 

The Democrat and Chronicle's recent round-up of wedding trends has us excited about the year ahead. Gowns with long, billowy sleeves, perhaps tinged in blue or dusty rose. (In a year when February feels like May, why stick to a white wedding?) Playful bridesmaid ensembles, teardrop bouquets, tiered apple pies, and pop-up coffee bars to keep the party going strong, all night long. Metallic accents and watercolor palettes that combine the delicate and the daring. Think copper nails, rose-gold edging, and invitations painted (and even letter-pressed) with a personal touch.

But for every industry-rocking trend, there's a balancing element of timeless elegance and classic beauty. Diamonds really are forever; and our certified, center-cut stones make dreams come true...with prices to match. Whether you'd like a simple style or a more intricate design, Carla will guide you through our unmatched selection of engagement rings, diamond rings, wedding bands, and upgrades. If you want to modify an existing style, perhaps by integrating a heirloom stone, we will show you how. Or, we can help you create the ring of your dreams. Stop in and see us for a stone that transcends trends, sparkles through all seasons, and captures your hopes, dreams, and lasting love.

These Special Days Go On!

The beauty of Baked Beads

As we write this post, snow has melted, and fallen, and melted again in one of those Rochester wintry-mix weeks, where white yards mingle with sunny skies. Speaking of falling, melting, mixing and mingling: how was your Valentine's Day? If you received a heartfelt token of affection from People's Pottery, we'd love to hear about it! A NanoRosetta medallion etched with sentiments to savor for eternity? A Pandora bracelet as "charming" as you? An Intuitions bangle that speaks your heart? Wine glasses or champagne flutes for that "toast for two"? That long-awaited Kiss and Dream diamond or upgrade? Share your stories with us! We'd love to hear how we played a role in your unforgettable V-Day.

And now that Cupid's merry mayhem has subsided, we'd like to turn our attention to sustaining the celebration for your Special Days all year long - whether they're public holidays or private milestones. 

The day you met; the day you married. Your daughter's birthday. Black Friday. Secretaries' Day. When you sign up for the free My Special Days program, you select the days on which you wish to receive surprise promotions, delightful discounts, and enticing offers. It's our way of thanking you for making us part of your special moments and memories.

Pretty in pink.

Whether you're preparing for departure (to warmer climes, perhaps) or welcoming a new arrival, we hope to see you soon in-store or online. Stop in and see us to select the perfect gift to chase away the winter blahs with color and style. We gift-wrap beautifully and we ship around the world. 

Show the Love, Share the Love

Can we share a secret? In last week's mild weather, we were a little sad to see the beautiful snow melting away. We're glad to see that Rochester has again become a winter wonderland. Snowflakes gently falling on blankets of white just makes cuddling, cooking and creating new looks that much more appealing. Host a dinner party, try a new champagne, liven up a room, and surprise the ones you adore with special gifts for Valentine's Day. From Pandora charms to whimsical clocks to elegant serving ware, we help find the perfect present and we gift wrap it beautifully. And for long-distance love, we ship around the world! Stop in to fall head over heels with something new for her, him or home. Here are ideas to "spark" your imagination:

Fifty Shades Darker - not just for the movies!

To Mom, and Daughter, and Aunt...with love

 I choo-choo-choose you!

Here's to us! Sparkling conversation awaits. 

Cinda b inspires romantic getaways.

Bold, beautiful bangles help use your Intuition.

Newly Minted!

Who knew a coin collection could look so elegant? Today we're focusing on our beautiful Mi Moneda line of jewelry that matches every outfit, in a rich variety of colors, styles and sizes. Translated as "my coins," these vintage-inspired pendants signify love, strength and hope through stunning design and striking combinations. Whether you go Art Deco, two-tone edgy, or all-out glam; we will help you create a unique look to shine bright during this stretch of gray days. Because what better way to make a personal statement than to coin a phrase?

Jewelry that matches every outfit, every mood.

From rose gold to ice blue, this season's "Monedas" steal the show.

While you're finding time to stop in and see us, mark your calendars for an important holiday next month involving hearts, acts of love, and the color red. You guessed it (maybe): Go Red For Women's National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3, an occasion to celebrate and support heart health for yourself and the women you love (moms, sisters, friends, daughters). By wearing red and spreading the word, you can support education, advocacy, and critical research into cardiovascular health. See the website for the five numbers that all women should know to save their lives.

Stones of Color by Pandora

As for that *other* holiday in February, we've got you covered. Our Pandora collection of seductive charm(s), our Kiss and Dream diamonds (the highest quality at the lowest price), our NanoRosetta medallions that declare and capture eternal love, our serving pieces that perfectly suit candlelight dinners...all of these await you when you stop in and see us.