Introducing the new UNICAS, LLC

UNICAS is proud to announce that we are now UNICAS LLC. UNICAS LLC is now a registered corporation with headquarters in the state of Michigan. We also do business in Maryland.

Although the name has changed, our commitment to quality, service and customer satisfaction remains the same. We are as committed to our clients as ever before, and we look forward to providing many more years of service. We continue to create the handcrafted jewelry our clients have come to expect from UNICAS. The new UNICAS LLC is proud to carry on that tradition of quality, affordability and attention to detail.

Let us know what you think of our new logo! 

Valentino and Soutache

Here at UNICAS, we have known about the beauty, charm and versatility of Soutache for quite some time. We have invested considerable time, effort and resources into creating some of the most beautiful and most unique pieces of Soutache jewelry in the world, and we have been extremely pleased with the warm reception those pieces have received.

Valentino Intricate Soutache

Now it seems as if even designers far removed from the jewelry scene have also discovered the beauty of Soutache. Handbag enthusiasts from around the world are buzzing about the latest Valentino entry in the market – a beautiful designer bag complete with Soutache accents.

As longtime Soutache enthusiasts, we understand the timeless appeal of this special art form, and we see big things for the new Valentino Soutache creation. With its generous size, stylish good looks and Soutache accents, women around the world are sure to notice this new designer creation. But unlike so many luxury handbags, the new Valentino Soutache bag is meant to be used and enjoyed every day. In fact, the Valentino Soutache handbag is the perfect combination of good looks and practicality – a combination that is often hard to find in the world of high-end luxury purses.

The folks at UNICAS are always thrilled when a new designer discovers the beauty and style of Soutache, and we wish Valentino all the best with this new creation. This new Soutache handbag is sure to be a big hit on the runways and the city streets – and we can’t wait to see it in person.

Check Out the UNICAS Designs at Fashion Designers Expo Florida

UNICAS is proud to be showcasing its designs at one of the premiere fashion events of the season – the Fashion Designers Expo Florida. This exciting event takes place the first weekend in October, and it brings together emerging fashion designers from around the world.

UNICAS is one of the designers chosen for this event, and our company will be using the expo to showcase our line of handcrafted and hand designed jewelry creations. We invite you to attend the expo – and to stop by our booth and see our jewelry for yourself.  No matter what you are looking for in the world of fashion, there is something for you to love at the Fashion Designers Expo Florida. This event has been designed from the ground up as a showcase for up and coming fashion designers, and it brings together some of the most exciting new designs in the world of fashion, accessories and fine jewelry.

The Fashion Designers Expo Florida was created to give the world of emerging fashion a secure platform on which to show off their designs and make their dreams a reality. This great event brings together the power of the runway while helping to bring awareness to the issues facing communities throughout the world.

We at UNICAS are looking forward to the Fashion Designers Expo Florida, and we are looking forward to seeing you there and meeting you in person. We are especially thrilled that this event has been specifically designed to show the world who’s next in the fashion world. The world of fashion is always changing, and events like this offer new designers the opportunity to make the connections and get the exposure they need to make the most of their designs and succeed in this highly specialized and competitive industry. The show also helps to expose the emerging talents that will be part of fashion tomorrow and into the future.

In addition to the fashion shows, featuring some of the finest designs and most beautiful dresses in the industry, Fashion Designers Expo Florida educational seminars and other special events. UNICAS is proud to be associated with such a great organization – one that is dedicated to keeping its runways fresh and exciting, and to representing all cultures from around the world. We invite you to stop by our booth at the Fashion Designers Expo Florida and take a look at our unique jewelry designs.

Lessons for Business Owners – Managing Expectations and Evaluating Sponsorship Opportunities

As business owners, we are always anxious to get our products in the hands of customers and in front of the public. The tactics used may be different – from free samples at the grocery store to promotional tie-ins with movies and TV shows – but the expectation is always the same. We know our products are the best – and we want as many people as possible to see how great they are.

Unfortunately, there are always people and organizations willing to take advantage of our enthusiasm and excitement and our excitement about our products. That is why business owners need to look at every new opportunity with both excitement and caution.

Sponsorship opportunities are a case in point. Sponsoring an event or providing a valuable prize can be a great way for business owners to promote their endeavors and gain new clients. There are many great organizations out there who work hard at creating real relationships with their sponsors. Those sponsors receive real value for their money – from mentions in program materials to heartfelt thank yous from those running the event.

The bad news is that not every organization works so hard to acknowledge and thank its sponsors. As a business owner, UNICAS recently encountered an ungrateful sponsor and poorly run event. It can cost a great deal of money to provide a sponsorship – in terms of both money and merchandise – and it is not unreasonable to expect a return on that investment.

UNICAS designers Bonike and Sade in Los Angeles

As business owners, it is our responsibility to choose our partnerships carefully and to follow up on the commitments others make to us. That follow-up can take many forms, from ongoing communication with those in charge of the event to real-time monitoring of the festivities. It could mean insisting on seeing an advance copy of the program booklet and other promotional materials. It could mean talking personally with the organizer of the event.

The bottom line is that these sponsorship opportunities carry risk as well as potential reward. When handled well, such a partnership can help out a worthy cause while increasing business. On the other hand, a partnership with a poorly-run organization or one whose intentions are not so honorable can leave the business owners with nothing to show for their dedication, hard work and monetary investment.

New Partnership with Reborne Jewelry

Here at UNICAS, creating unique and wearable jewelry has always been our passion. We are proud to see our jewelry worn and enjoyed by people from all walks of live, from Hollywood celebrities to busy office workers.

That is why we are so proud of our new partnership with Reborne Jewelry. The folks at Reborne Jewelry share our passion – and our commitment to creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that make a statement.

In the case of Reborne Jewelry, that one-of-a-kind style comes from the materials from which the pieces are made. These unique handcrafted pieces of jewelry are created using zippers – certainly not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about jewelry.

Reborne Jewelry has created some of the most unique – and most beautiful – jewelry pieces anywhere. The casual observer might never guess that these beautiful necklaces had in fact started their lives as simple zippers – but that is indeed where they came from. The Paris-based artist who created and runs Reborne Jewelry is able to transform those simple zippers into true works of art – they simply must be seen to be believed.

The owner of Reborne Jewelry is a true artist, and that is why we are so proud to join with her and help her bring those winning designs and stunning creations to a wider audience. Since 2009, Reborne Jewelry has been creating exquisite jewelry from unexpected vintage materials. The stunning zipper necklaces in her collection are an example of the dedication to detail, hard work and creativity that Flora, the jewelry artist behind Reborne Jewelry, has used to build the business. We are thrilled to team up with Reborne Jewelry to bring these wonderful, unique and handcrafted pieces of jewelry to our customers. We invite you to take a look at these fine creations, pick out your favorite, and take one home today.

How to Measure Your Neck for a UNICAS Handmade Necklace

One of the chief joys of buying handmade jewelry is that each piece is yours and yours alone. Since no two pieces are alike, no one has a necklace exactly like yours. Every time you put on your handmade UNICAS necklace, you will know that it was created just for you.

You can make that handmade UNICAS necklace even more special by making sure you order the proper length. It can be difficult to know which length will look the best, and that is why it is important to measure your neck before you place your order.

Measuring your neck is easy, and the guys out there may already have a head start. While most women do not know their neck size, many men already know their collar size from buying shirts, suits and formal wear.

If you do not already know your neck size, all you need is a soft measuring tape like the kind tailors use. Simply wrap the tape around the base of your neck, place your finger where the two pieces meet and note the measurement.

If you do not have a soft measuring tape available, simply wrap a ribbon or similar material around the base of your neck and mark the spot where the ends meet. Then lay that ribbon out on a flat surface and measure it with a tape measure or yardstick.

Choosing the Right Length

Once you know your neck size, you can use that measurement as a basis for choosing the right length UNICAS necklace. A good rule of thumb is to choose a length at least two sizes up from your neck measurement. For instance, if your neck measures 18”, a chain length of at least 20” would be recommended.

It is also important to think about how that particular necklace will be worn. If you need a choker to wear for formal occasions, ordering one close to your actual neck measurement makes sense. If you prefer a longer necklace for casual wear, it could make sense to order the longest one available. Many women have necklaces of varying lengths in their wardrobe – this assortment of sizes makes it easier to find the perfect look for any outfit.

No matter what size you order, we are sure you will find a handmade UNICAS necklace that is perfect for you. We have a wide selection of sizes and styles available. Just take a look and we are sure you will fall in love.

Cufflinks for Men – a Great Addition to the UNICAS Collection

The cufflink has been an integral part of the male wardrobe for over a thousand years, and it shows no signs of fading away anytime soon. Members of the royal families of Europe used to commission custom cufflinks for weddings and other special occasions, and these fine pieces were often used as symbols of status, nobility and social standing.

In the modern world, cufflinks are no longer the exclusive privilege of those born into royalty. Men from all walks of life can dress up their favorite outfits with a fine pair of cufflinks. Whether the occasion is formal – like a wedding or dress ball – or more casual – like a meeting with clients or another day at the office – cufflinks can make any business suit or formal wear look even better.

That is why UNICAS is so proud to be adding a fine line of men’s cufflinks to our already great collection of jewelry and accessories.  No matter what you do for a living or what your style of dress, adding a pair of stylish cufflinks to your attire will make you stand out from the crowd and get the attention – and the compliments – of everyone you meet.

At UNICAS, we are proud of what we do, and we are especially proud of the new line of cufflinks we are introducing. If you have been looking for he perfect way to dress up your everyday outfit or make your formal wear look even better, we invite you to look around our site and choose a pair of stylish cufflinks. We are sure you will love these great cufflinks as much as we do.

The UNICAS Collection and the Agents of Hope Benefit

Necklace by UNICAS
Photgraphy by Terance Drake

If you have been looking for unique jewelry, chances are you have been disappointed with the quality and selection at your local jewelry store. Those mall stores may be popular with many shoppers, but they tend to carry the same selection of pendants, necklaces, rings, bracelets and charms. If you are looking for something truly original, you need to get out of the local mall and find a more suitable venue.

This August the place to be was the Agents of Hope Benefit Arts and Cultural Show. This great show is much more than just another place to buy fine jewelry, great art and designer crafts. This show is designed to give back to the community, so customers can feel good about every purchase they make.

UNICAS Co-founder - Bonike Odegbami
Photography by Terance Drake

UNICAS was extremely proud to be an integral part of everything that makes this show one of the best and most well respected events in the industry. We were proud to show off our line of fine handmade soutache jewelry, and we were thrilled to participate in such unique events as the Agents of Hope fashion show. We are also extremely excited about the great new friends we made, and the new customers we were able to meet. The feedback on the event was great, and we are looking forward to many more great shows in the future. If you missed this event, we urge you to check back for details on upcoming shows.

The recently completed Agents of Hope benefit event featured everything from fine jewelry and crafts to musical performances, dance presentations and artistic displays. Visitors were treated to a wide variety of experiences, and they made the most of every one of them. We were thrilled to have been a part of the festivities, and we look forward to going back in the future.

There were many great moments at the recent Agents of Hope benefit show, but the fashion show had to be one of our favorites. We were proud to have those beautiful models wearing our pieces during the fashion show, and we were thrilled to see our fine soutache jewelry paraded across the stage.

Jewelry provided by UNICAS
Photography by Terance Drake

Jewelry by UNICAS
Photography by Calvin McDaniel Sr.

After the fashion show was over, we went back to the vendor table, where we were able to meet the caring and compassionate people who attended the show. We made some great contacts, enjoyed interacting with customers and shoppers, and had a wonderful time. We look forward to coming back to Agents of Hope for their next benefit show. We look forward to meeting you in person and showing off our fine collection of soutache jewelry.

Soutache jewelry is known for its timeless beauty and its unique style, making it a perfect choice for those with discriminating tastes. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to fall in love with our beautiful, stylish and practical soutache jewelry.

A Horse for Summer – and Soutache Jewelry for All Seasons

Parents who are looking for wholesome entertainment for the whole family often find that their choices are quite limited at the local chain movie theater. While the occasional family movie does show up from time to time, the kind of movie parents and their children can truly feel good about is much harder to find.

Perhaps that is why parents have started to demand more from the films they and their children support. It may also be why the makers of AHorse for Summer have put so much love, time and commitment into their new creation. This timely and inspiring new film tells the story of a troubled young girl who comes to appreciate the value of hard work, faith and family when she comes to live at the struggling horse boarding operation run by her aunt and uncle.

Caring for those horses gives young Summer the structure and connection that had been missing in her life – and helps her make some very important decisions as time goes by. The uplifting message of this film is sure to resonate with both kids and parents, and this upcoming film has already been recommended by the prestigious Dove Foundation.

UNICAS is proud to play a small but important role in this wonderful and uplifting new film. As part of our partnership with the film’s producers, we will be outfitting star Sally Kirkland. When you and your family watch this great movie, you can see Ms. Kirkland modeling some of our fine soutache jewelry. We are extremely proud of the part we are playing in bringing this wonderful movie to market – and we hope you will enjoy it as much as we have.

For more information on the movie, please visit http://ahorseforsummerthemovie.com

The Universal Appeal of Soutache Jewelry

There are pieces of jewelry and other accessories that are designed and made with a specific culture in mind. These pieces tend to have a strong appeal inside of a certain culture or region of the world, but only a limited appeal outside of that unique niche.

On the other end of the spectrum are pieces of jewelry that have a universal appeal – one that cuts across all cultures and parts of the world. Soutache jewelry certainly falls into that second, more universal category.

While Soutache jewelry does have a natural appeal to those of African heritage, its appeal is certainly not limited to that culture or ethnic group. In fact, some of the most ardent adherents of Soutache jewelry have no connection whatsoever with the African lifestyle or heritage.

Those jewelry shoppers are simply looking for a unique gift – one that is as far from the typical mass-produced necklace or pendant as possible. Unlike those cookie-cutter pieces of jewelry where every piece is the same as all the others, every piece of Soutache jewelry has its own unique look – one that everyone on your gift list will be happy to receive.

In the end, it is the design and unique nature of Soutache jewelry that sets it apart from all others – not its history or its heritage. Whether you are looking for a great gift for the person who has everything, a heartfelt present for the special someone in your life or just a wonderful piece of jewelry to add to your collection, Soutache jewelry is the perfect choice.

Looking for a Unique Gift – Consider Giving Soutache Jewelry

Chances are you have at least one person in your family who is just impossible to shop for. Whether it is the aunt who already has everything or the parent who is just difficult to please, you struggle to find the perfect gift when those special occasions roll around.

For those people, a mass-produced piece of jewelry simply will not do. Buying something that everyone else already has would be unthinkable, but how do you find a gift that is truly unique and completely handmade? If you are looking for a piece of fine jewelry, a genuine soutache piece just may be the answer.

One of the best things about giving soutache jewelry is that every piece is truly one of a kind. Unlike mass-produced jewelry, which uses the same designs and the same stones time after time, soutache jewelry provides the wearer with something that is completely unique. No two natural stones are the same, and that means no two pieces of soutache jewelry are alike.

That means each piece of soutache jewelry will be a bit asymmetrical. This only adds to the unique nature of the piece and makes it that much more special and unique. No matter how hard to buy for, those on your gift list will be sure to love their soutache jewelry. In fact, many wearers become so enthralled with their first soutache piece that they would never dream of wearing another type of jewelry. Each piece of soutache jewelry is a work of art unto itself – with its own unique style, color and setting. Once you start buying soutache jewelry for your friends and family, you may just find that your gift giving dilemmas are over. You may even find that you love these pieces of handcrafted jewelry so much that you want a few of them for yourself.

What Makes Soutache Jewelry So Special

Every piece of jewelry should be a reflection of the person who wears it, but that is not always the case. So much jewelry today, even expensive pieces, all look the same – churned out by the same makers with no real taste or style. With so much sameness in the jewelry business, it is no wonder so many people are looking for something a little more unique.

Many of those savvy jewelry shoppers have been discovering the beauty of soutache jewelry. These pieces are designed to be as unique as the people who wear them, and each piece is handcrafted using only the finest materials.

Soutache jewelry is known for its use of unique materials, with each piece designed to reflect the individual taste and style of the person who wears it. Buyers of soutache jewelry are drawn to the natural stones, corals, glass beads and other fine materials – each designed to bring out the beauty of the piece and enhance the style of the finished product.

Soutache jewelry is also known for its attention to detail, with each piece carefully crafted using age-old techniques that have been passed down through the generations. The makers of soutache jewelry carefully sew each piece by hand – carefully wrapping the end of each soutache cord and artistically enclosing those cords. The result is a handcrafted piece that is both good looking and long lasting.

Since each piece of soutache jewelry is unique, jewelry lovers can build their collections over time – selecting each piece of fine jewelry as they go. Makers of soutache jewelry are constantly updating and adding to their designs, so each new foray into the jewelry shop is a whole new experience. Whether you have been collecting soutache jewelry for years or are new to this timeless art form, you are sure to enjoy the experience of choosing the perfect pieces. Soutache jewelry is as far as you can get from the same old cookie-cutter jewelry pieces. Why not take a look at this great jewelry today and see why these pieces have become so popular?

The Beauty of Handcrafted Jewelry and the Timeless Value of Craft Markets

There are plenty of places to buy and sell jewelry, from the local mall to the high-end jewelry store downtown. But none of those venues can offer the beauty and one of a kind uniqueness of a handcrafted necklace, pendant, ring or bracelet. If you want a piece of jewelry that is truly one of a kind, you would do well to avoid the cookie-cutter stores at the mall and head down to your local craft show. There you will find vendors who know their wares, artisans who are proud of the pieces they create and friendly people eager to share their passion for beautiful designs.

Shows like the one that was recently held at Northville Square in Northville, Michigan provide a unique place for shoppers, artists, craftspeople and vendors of all kinds to meet with one anther and discuss the pieces they have to offer.

These types of shows offer a little bit of everything for all who enter their doors. Shoppers can find gifts they will not be able to find anywhere else, from handcrafted pieces of jewelry to decorative crafts for the home.

The crafters, vendors and artisans who attend these shows can find an eager audience ready to learn more about how those pieces are created and what makes them so special. Those shoppers are ready to connect with the craftspeople who create those special pieces of jewelry, and that is good news for buyer and seller alike.

Shows like the one at Northville Square also offer vendors a great opportunity to learn and share with one another. Those who are new to the business of selling their creations get the chance to learn from their more experienced colleagues. Artisans and craftspeople who have been in the business for many years can learn as well as they get an inside look at what is new and exciting in the world of handcrafted jewelry.

The artisans, craftspeople and jewelry makers who attend shows like the one in Northville Square can also learn new and interesting ways to showcase their wares. Merchandising is as much an art as it is a science, and even experienced show attendees can always learn something new. There are as many ways to display fine handcrafted jewelry as there are ways to make it – finding out what works and what does not is a big part of the craft show world.

As if this were not enough, there are also the great friends to be made. Craftspeople and artisans are a friendly bunch, even when competing for customers. They love to learn from one another and check out the many fine creations on display. With so much to offer, it is no wonder these shows are such an important part of the craft world.