When Inspiration Finds You Through a Friend

Over the past year, I’ve realized how much the small moments in our lives quietly shape the things we create. So much of my work at Juliana Studio has always come from nature—the colors I see on a morning walk, the light on the water, a tree turning a new shade overnight. I’ve always thought of gemstones as an extension of those colors, like tiny pieces of earth carrying the same grounding energy I feel when I’m outside.

But the other day, a close friend—someone I’ve had the honor of working with for the past nine years—asked me a question I had never considered. She had been looking at my pieces and casually wondered if I would ever design something based on birthstones. I loved the stones themselves, but I had never approached them that way. To me, they were always connected to nature, not months on a calendar.

Her question opened a door I didn’t even know was there.

Her birthday is in November, and she asked whether I would create something with citrine. As soon as she said it, I immediately thought of the ginkgo trees in our area—how they turn the most brilliant yellow in late fall, like they’re lighting up the whole street. I made her a piece inspired by that moment, and it unexpectedly became the beginning of something new: a gemstone collection shaped by both nature and meaning.

Here is the ginkgo tree that inspired her piece—standing there like a little girl twirling in a bright yellow dress.

After November came December, and choosing turquoise felt natural. I’ve loved turquoise for years—the way it carries a calming, protective energy, and how its grounding color feels like both sky and stone. It’s always been a personal favorite, but it became even more meaningful this month.

I recently had to navigate a difficult, stressful conversation in my professional work. I prepared thoroughly, asked for support, and handled it with care. But on the day I finally sent the email that needed to be sent, I realized I was wearing three different turquoise pieces I put on without thinking. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe not—but it felt comforting to carry that grounding energy with me. And the outcome turned out beautifully.

Of course, the result was because of the preparation and the professionalism behind it. But I also felt a certain steadiness wearing those stones, almost like a tiny reminder: you’re capable, you’re supported, you’re ready.

December Turquoise jewelries are coming soon.

So now, because of that simple question from a friend—and because of the moments life keeps handing me—the birthstone-inspired collection is beginning to take shape. November was citrine. December will be turquoise. And each month going forward, I’ll continue following this blend of personal meaning and the natural world I love so much.

I’m excited to share more as these pieces come to life.

With hands and heart,

Juliana