METAPHYSICALLY INSPIRED DESIGNS
Bon Chance jewelry and accessories feature crystals and minerals believed to promote a more joyous, healthy and stress-free life and to empower bold, feminine energy.
The Designs
Bon Chance creations are all one of a kind. The pieces you see on this site were designed and created from sketches inspired by the stones and may be part of a Bon Chance collection or a commission.
When I begin a piece, it is all about the stones. What emotions do they evoke? Which Chakras to they touch? How should they be showcased to bring out their natural beauty? Each stone inspires the design by its shape, coloration, and unique characteristics.
I feel the energy of the stones. They become friends. I hate to part with them. But we all have a journey — including the beautiful gemstones that pass through Bon Chance. And I know that they are blessing me as I create the jewelry and accessories that I hope will bless the lives of my friends, and you and yours.
Inspiration
Each piece begins with an inspiration. It may be a person, an intent (I want to feel more creative, I want to feel grounded, I want clearer communication), or the stone itself.
Designing for a person is particularly enjoyable. I think about their energy and personality, any health concerns, and areas in their professional and personal life they would like to strengthen and look at the aspects of their astrological sign. The stones and metals are chosen with that information in mind.
There are times that I don’t have a particular person in mind, but feel the need to follow a specific intent. These pieces are based on that intention and the metaphysical properties in the stones that are believed to enhance that chakra, emotion or ability.
And sometimes a stone seems to call out to me that it is ready to offer its blessings. Often, as I tap into its energy I find that there is something I needed and didn’t even realize, or in a few days a friend will mention a desire for help in a certain area.
About
My infatuation with jewelry came at an early age. As a young child living in Greenwich Village, New York, I enjoyed my parents and their many interesting friends. One of my favorite couples lived next door. Ben was an artist and Patsy was a poet with impeccable flair. One wonderful day Patsy gave me her childhood charm bracelet — my first piece of jewelry. Not only did it have beautifully colored enamel charms in the shapes of animals and a silver horseshoe, there was one special charm that you could spin, and when it spun, it spelled “Good luck”.
Bon Chance Accessories was born that day. Of course, I didn’t know it then. That powerful charm is still with me, and it brings me joy to this day. “Bon Chance” is a play on the French good luck with a little yin yang twist. If it is true that good luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, then whatever we can do to be prepared seems wise.
I believe that the phenomenal metaphysical properties of gemstones and metals can pave the way for that rare combination of preparation and opportunity. And that is what Bon Chance Accessories is about.
The Process
Before beginning any creation I meditate — asking the good spirits, angels and guides for inspiration and insight. I believe that the wisdom of the ages is there for the asking and that we only have to reach out.
If I am designing for a specific person I like to have their photograph available. Of course when I know the person it’s easy to tap into their energy and personality, but when I’m creating a commission piece for someone I haven’t met then I ask for a little extra information to help make the piece special to them. For instance if this person is in a profession where public speaking is essential, but they have trouble finding their voice, we will focus on stones that awaken the related chakras and that encourage confidence, communication and clear expression. Or for an artist I’d choose stones associated with the creative vibration, I also like to know the birth date in order to incorporate any astrological elements that may allow more effective energy.
And since it doesn’t do any good to design a piece for someone if they won’t wear it, it’s good to know about any aversion to particular stones or metals. I had a friend who got headaches when she wore, or even held Tanzanite. She felt that the energy vibration of the stone was too high to work with her own energy vibration.
Then it is time to sketch design ideas, select stones that resonate with the intention of the piece and get into the details. There are many types of chains and closures to consider, is it a piece I want to create a woven, reticulated or hammered element for — the small things that make the design special.
The Artist
I’m Julie Casper and I hope you enjoy the designs and stories I share on this website. I began a fun career in graphic design many years ago for some of the same reasons I’m now designing jewelry — color, form and visual beauty. I was originally drawn to the elegant lines and stunning colors in graphics — and I still am! Graphic design led me to my soul mate and wonderful husband, Paul, who is ever-encouraging and champions my artistic journey.
Taking design down a new path holds great appeal. It’s like learning new forms of dance — while you still need all the balance, grace and strength, it’s an exciting world of new movements and music. And so it is with designing jewelry. I still need that essential sense of design, but it is woven into different forms and materials. While I started Bon Chance almost a decade ago, it still provides an exciting path that feeds my desire to create, work with my hands and indulge in the beauty and energy of crystals, gemstones and metals.
“I have commissioned pieces from Bon Chance for three of the special people in my life. The jewelry is beautiful and the presentation packaging amazing. A wonderful experience!”
“For all my long-time friends’ 50th birthdays, I worked with Julie to create special necklaces that were unique to each personality. They were all beautifully wrapped with a message about the stone chosen. It was the perfect way to celebrate this special birthday and the treasured friendship.”