Drawn to the Light: The Moth’s Message

Symbols matter. And when I design a collection, it’s never just about making something beautiful. It’s an offering. A reminder. A spark. The newest collection, Lightness of Being, carries a symbol that’s been quietly stalking my thoughts for a while: the moth.

Let’s be honest—she’s not your flashy butterfly. She doesn’t flutter around in broad daylight hoping to be admired. She’s subtler. Braver. Drawn to the light no matter how uncertain the path. She doesn’t need a reason. She just goes.

Business Has Seasons. So Do We.

Virgins Saints & Angels has been through it. The highs? They’ve been high. Global buzz, ride-or-die collectors, our pieces on red carpets and in sacred spaces. We’ve flown.

And yes, we’ve also stumbled. Hit pause. Rebuilt. Shrunk to stretch again.

It’s the same beat my life has danced to—solo motherhood, the wild ride of marriage, the fallout, and now the reimagining of what is next.

Turns out, the business and I—we’re made of the same stuff. Built for reinvention. And if the last few seasons taught me anything, it’s this: when it’s time, you feel it.

And it’s time!

The Lightness of Being Collection features three powerful elements—each purposely named to reflect a stage in the transformation we all walk through: the seeking, the surrender, and the becoming.

Enter the Light Seeker

This is not the season to dim down or play small. It’s the season to seek the light—with both hands and no apologies.

To want more. To stop questioning if you deserve the joy, the success, the next chapter. You do. I do. We do.

And if fear wants to pull up a chair? Let it. Just don’t hand it the microphone.

Wings of Faith, Not of Fragility

Let’s be clear: faith doesn’t mean floating around hoping for the best. Faith means walking through fire with your head high because somewhere deep down, you know the other side is worth it.

That’s how VSA is moving right now. Not cautiously. Not waiting for perfect timing. But with wings of faith—strong, deliberate, and ready to take up space again.

Every piece we create is laced with that energy. Not loud. Not showy. But grounded in truth. Transformation in progress.

The Eclipse Before the Rise

Growth doesn’t always announce itself with sunshine and clarity. Sometimes it’s murky. Quiet. A little uncomfortable.

That’s the eclipse moment—where one version of you fades and another begins to take shape. You can’t rush it. You can’t fake it. But you can honor it. And when you do, you come out the other side with a clearer voice, a deeper pulse, and confidence like no other.

That’s where we are. And honestly, it feels damn good.

So yes, this collection is personal. It’s spiritual. But it’s also a call-out. A wake-up. A nudge to stop standing on the edge of your next big thing.

Wear the pieces. Feel the shift. Let them remind you that transformation doesn’t ask for permission—and neither should you.

Keep seeking. Keep rising. The light is calling. And you’re ready.

From San Miguel to Santa Fe: The Evolution of Our Brand Temple

When we first opened the doors to Virgins Saints & Angels in San Miguel de Allende, I couldn’t have imagined how much that soulful town would influence not just our jewelry but the heart of our brand. San Miguel—filled with old-world charm, vibrant color, and deep artisanal roots—was our first home. It’s where the spirit of VSA was born, where our creative ethos took form, and where our first office space became more than just a workspace—it became our “brand temple.”

So when the time came to consider relocating our headquarters, the decision to move to Santa Fe, New Mexico, felt organic, even fated. Santa Fe is a sister city to San Miguel de Allende, and it truly shares its soul. Both cities are built on tradition, history, and artistic spirit. Their unique energy—grounded yet transcendent-made it possible to transplant our identity without losing a single beat.

This move was also deeply personal. My dear friend and business partner, Julia, calls Santa Fe home. It was her vision that helped steer us here, and I trusted her instincts implicitly. Together, we found the perfect space: a freestanding building in Santa Fe’s historic Railyard district that looks and feels like a small chapel. Bathed in natural light from every direction and crowned with tall ceilings, it offers an open, airy embrace the moment you walk in.

Just like our original home in San Miguel, every element in our Santa Fe office was chosen with intention. Hand-forged metal nichos, hand-carved wooden details, and—perhaps most meaningfully—the gifts of art and craft we’ve received from clients and artisans over the years in Mexico adorn the space. Just like every bezel and every crystal in our jewelry, every detail in our office has been thoughtfully placed and carefully considered. Each piece tells a story. Together, they form a mosaic that reflects who we are and what we stand for.

One of the newest additions to our space is a commemorative medallion  bearing the Zia symbol—a sacred emblem of the Pueblo Native American tribe. This stylized sun, with its rays extending in four directions, carries deep meaning: the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four times of day, and the four stages of life. Bringing this symbol into our space honors the land we now call home and serves as a quiet tribute to the deep cultural roots that surround and inspire us daily.

This office is more than a beautiful space. It is the beating heart of our brand. It houses our corporate team, serves as our distribution hub, and offers a retail experience where customers can immerse themselves in the full spirit of VSA. It’s where design happens, decisions are made, and dreams are built.

But beyond its function, our Santa Fe home offers something intangible—calm. Beauty. Pride. It’s a place our team loves to be. A sanctuary where creativity thrives and community flourishes.

To me, it's more than a workspace. It's a continuation of our story, told in Adobe and light.

With love,
Finn
Founder & Designer, Virgins Saints & Angels

Mary Magdalene: My Muse, My Obsession, and the Birth of VSA’s First Necklace

The Woman Without Words — Who Changed Everything

There’s something maddeningly irresistible about Mary Magdalene.  She was the closest woman to Jesus Christ — called the “apostle to the apostles”, yet she left behind no writings of her own. That alone was enough to hook me.

How could a woman so integral to His story have so little of her own story on record?
She’s a blank canvas on which centuries have projected their own hopes, fears, and scandals.

Some saw her as the ultimate penitent sinner. Others as a healer, a rebel, a teacher of esoteric truths — or even as the woman who stood up to a patriarchal church determined to erase or rewrite the divine feminine.

Me? I devoured every scrap of text, every painting, every whisper of her legend I could get my hands on. And the more I learned (and let’s be honest, speculated right along with the best of them), the more obsessed I became.

The First Necklace — The Magdalena with the Maria Cross

It was deep in this obsession that I designed my very first necklace and medallion for Virgins Saints & Angels:  The Magdalena with the Maria Cross

The medallion shows Mary Magdalene at the feet of Jesus on the crucifix — a moment of raw devotion, heartbreak, and profound spiritual power. I remember sitting there, sketching, surrounded by books, and stories that blurred fact and folklore.

It felt like more than just jewelry. It felt like a tiny act of rebellion, a way to honor this woman who had been at once venerated, maligned, misunderstood, and worshipped across cultures.

And yes, it was controversial. So was she. That made it all the more irresistible.

More Than the Mother: A Different Kind of Mary

Mary Magdalene isn’t Mary, Mother of God. She’s something wilder, more independent, almost pagan in her allure.

It’s no surprise that witches, Wiccans, and those who celebrate feminine power often include both Marys in their rituals — the gentle, sorrowful Mother, and the fierce, enigmatic Magdalene.

To me, Magdalene was probably a medicine woman in her own right. Independent. Committed to her practice. Unafraid to be misunderstood. And honestly? We could use a few more like her today.

Modern Magdalenas: Women Who Couldn’t Care Less What You Think

Magdalene lives on — not just in dusty cathedrals, but in modern women who stand in their power and spark controversy by simply existing on their own terms.

Think of:

·   

And here’s my favorite little secret: every one of these women has worn Virgins Saints & Angels jewelry proudly — not because we gifted them or paid them, but because it made them feel powerful.

These are our modern Magdalenas — women who get called difficult, controversial, even dangerous, simply because they refuse to sit down and be quiet.

Still My Favorite Muse

So yes, my love affair with Mary Magdalene continues.
She was the first medallion, the first necklace, the first whisper that VSA might be something more than pretty jewelry — it could be a kind of silent revolution.

A reminder that a woman’s devotion, medicine, and mystery can change the world… even if she never gets to write it down herself!

San Benito - The Quiet Man Who’s Been With Me Longer Than Any Boyfriend

My Unexpected Love Affair with San Benito

So here’s the thing: when I look back at my life, there’s one man who’s managed to stick around longer than any boyfriend, crush, or fleeting entanglement.

He’s supportive, steadfast, and has this incredible power to keep the bad vibes at bay.
His name? San Benito.
(That’s Saint Benedict to the rest of the world.)

 

Lost, Found, and a Little Bit of Magic

Flash back a couple of decades: I had just walked away from a marriage and ditched a corporate job that was slowly sucking my soul dry. I was living in that deliciously terrifying space where anything could happen — equal parts exhilaration and “holy crap, what have I done?”

Jewelry design had started calling my name, and things were beginning to click. Then came a spur-of-the-moment trip to Ireland, where I found myself mesmerized by the Celtic cross — a cross wrapped in a circle, ancient and haunting. It felt like a sign, though of what, I didn’t quite know yet.

Cut to me, back in San Miguel de Allende, where I quite literally stumbled upon a monastery devoted to San Benito just outside of town. And wouldn’t you know it — there was that same sort of cross-in-a-circle symbol. (Okay, technically the theologians say there’s no connection. But the heart knows what it knows.)

 

The Ultimate Wingman (Who Also Happens to Stave Off Evil)

San Benito himself was a bit of a mystery man: quiet, contemplative, lived in a cave, had a serious reputation for banishing evil. Definitely the strong, silent type.

His medal is unlike any other — packed with tiny Latin inscriptions (36 words in all), each one a tiny dagger against negativity. It’s basically the OG power accessory.

When I started designing with the St. Benedict medal, I decided to antique it, dust it with gold, and seal it under resin — turning up its mojo to 11. The result? A piece that felt not only gorgeous but genuinely powerful.

It didn’t take long before the San Benito medallion became a cornerstone of Virgins Saints & Angels.  Little did I know I’d put San Benito onto rock stars, movie stars, and celebrities all over the world.

I’ve always said there’s something otherworldly that draws people to VSA. Sure, the pieces are beautifully designed (I’ll take a tiny bow for that), but there’s also a pull that goes beyond what most can see — a magnetic kind of energy that whispers to your soul. Customers share their personal stories about wearing their medallion day and night, swearing it helped them get through heartbreak, illness, tough jobs, and everything in between.

 

More Than a Muse

If you’d told me years ago that a quiet saint known for outwitting the devil would become my most loyal companion and biggest brand influencer, I would’ve rolled my eyes.

San Benito was just the beginning — the first of many medallions and symbols that would find their way into VSA jewelry. But after all these years, he’s still the favorite. The quiet saint who started it all remains our most popular, proving that a little mystery, a lot of faith, and a dash of rock & roll will never go out of style.

So here’s to San Benito — the man who’s been with me longer than any other, who turned my art into something sacred, and who’s kept the chaos (mostly) at bay for over 25 years.

Thank you, San Benito!

 

“She’s a Firecracker.” | A 4th of July Chat with Lisa Valastro

Our July VSA Spotlight Angel talks family, food, and her favorite charms.

Some women light up a room—and then there’s Lisa Valastro. Known for her firecracker energy, killer meatballs, and no-nonsense heart, Lisa has always been the real deal. You’ve seen her on Cake Boss, but behind the cameras, she’s the glue of her family, the queen of Sunday sauce, and a full-blown VSA charm stacker.

We caught up with Lisa ahead of the 4th of July to talk about fiery family traditions, the power of protection jewelry, and why she never skips taking the photo.

What’s one tradition you always keep alive this time of year?

Lisa: Getting everyone together. We cook, we eat, we laugh, and then we watch fireworks. That’s how it’s always been—it’s all about family.

Where does your fire come from?

Lisa: My kids. I always say, if I can be better for them, I will be. They push me to grow and show up strong.

Who’s a firecracker woman in your life?

Lisa: My sisters, 100%. We’re really close, and we’re all totally different—but that’s what makes it work. They’re my sounding board, my ride-or-dies.

What’s your Sunday sauce secret?

Lisa: No sugar. I throw in a carrot instead. Trust me.

Most-requested dish at home?

Lisa: My baked macaroni and my meatballs. I make the best.

Describe dinner at your place.

Lisa: Loud! But in the best way. We’ve always got people over, music on, food everywhere. It’s never lonely—we share everything.

How did you discover VSA?

Lisa: I was at Nordstrom and spotted a Magdalena. It reminded me of a rosary—I thought it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. I was hooked.

What kind of jewelry do you gravitate toward?

Lisa: Anything that protects. I love the San Benito and the cross. If I’m wearing it, it’s gotta feel powerful.

How do you stack your pieces?

Lisa: Depends on my mood. But I always include something protective—it’s just who I am.

What’s your go-to power outfit?

Lisa: Rocker-chic with a little girly bling. Think leather, band T-shirts, and sparkle.

Favorite VSA piece?

Lisa: Easy. My San Benito rosary and my Magdalena. I never don’t get a compliment when I put them on.

Favorite saying?

Lisa: Take the picture. Doesn’t matter what anybody thinks about how you look—how you feel about yourself, that’s what matters. So don’t miss out on enjoying life and yourself!

Here’s to the loud tables, strong women, and their jewelry!

Lisa, you’re a real one and we love you for all that you are and more!  Happy 4th, Angel.

Lisa’s Firecracker Picks | Product Spotlight

Powerful, sacred, and bold—these are the pieces Lisa stacks again and again.

1. San Benito Magdalena Necklace (Black + Gold Combo)

A layered stunner made with shimmering jet-black crystal beads, dotted with radiant San Benito medallions. Lisa’s signature protection piece. She wears it day or night—every compliment proves why.

2. Sacred Heart Cross Earrings

Romantic and reverent. Featuring intricate gold crosses beneath mini sacred heart cameos. A favorite of Lisa’s for Sunday dinners and statement moments.

3. Smoky Crystal Magdalena Necklace

A softer take on the classic, these smoky quartz-hued beads add a cool contrast to her bolder stacks. Gold framing adds warmth and protection energy.

4. Virgin Mary Charm Pendant

Lisa’s original VSA find. This delicate gold-framed medallion surrounded by crystals is reminiscent of vintage rosaries. She spotted it in Nordstrom and never looked back.

5. Toggle Magdalena Necklace (Black Crystal)

A minimal, everyday power strand with a front toggle clasp. Lisa wears this one solo or layers it in to ground her heavier stacks.

6. Crystalized Cross Earrings

Elegant and timeless, these medium-weight earrings make any outfit feel sacred and strong. A go-to when Lisa’s dressing up for family celebrations.

7. Black Bead Cross Hoop Earrings

For extra drama. Featuring gold hoops, black bead drops, and a central dangling cross, these earrings are Lisa’s version of bold protection.

8. Madonna Retablo Ring

Framed in sparkling crystals, this portrait-style ring is a spiritual showstopper. It adds power and elegance to Lisa’s rocker-chic fits.

9. Retablo Charm Bracelet

A full story on the wrist. This bracelet features multiple spiritual images and a bold center cross, making it Lisa’s favorite conversation starter.

10. Double Cross Drop Earrings (Medieval Gold)

Intricately detailed with an antique finish, these double-layer cross earrings embody everything Lisa loves: faith, craftsmanship, and a little edge.

 

SHOP LISA'S PICKS HERE

Believing isn’t just for Sunday mornings—it’s your soul’s way of saying, “Let’s do this!” even when logic’s still in bed. Faith throws glitter on the ordinary and dares the universe to keep up.

Download Our Playlist & Believe!

 

Let’s talk about Lilith—the original rebel, the unsung goddess of the night, and honestly, a woman after my own heart.

Before Eve was busy offering up apples and apologizing for existing, Lilith was already out here setting boundaries and refusing to play second to anyone. She was smart, independent, unapologetically bold—and what did she get for it? Banished. Demonized. Turned into a cautionary tale.

Classic.

But here’s the truth: Lilith wasn’t the villain. She was the blueprint. And she didn’t need a garden to know her worth—she had the whole damn night sky.

That’s what inspired this collection.

Every piece—every stamped moon and star—is a little nod to her cosmic energy. The owl, one of her sacred symbols, represents her ability to see through the darkness and into the truth. It’s wisdom. It’s clarity. It’s the quiet confidence of a woman who doesn’t need permission to be powerful.

This collection is for every woman who’s ever been called too much… and owned it.
For every woman who’s walked away instead of shrinking.
For every woman who knows that being soft and strong isn’t a contradiction—it's magic.

This is for the Liliths.
The ones who know exactly who they are and don’t apologize for it.
Wear it like armor.
Shine like the moon.
And don’t forget—being banished from the garden is just the universe’s way of saying,
“Go build your own kingdom.”

SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE

This blog is for all the single moms who leaned on their dads as role models, who looked to the man who raised them to help shape how they would raise their children.

Motherhood comes naturally—we’re wired for it.
But when you're the only parent, you don’t just mother.
You father, too.

Here’s a little bit about my dad, Bill Finnegan, and what I carry with me every day because of him.

He wasn’t the loudest man in the room. He didn’t brag or boast. He didn’t raise his voice or try to command attention. In fact, he was almost entirely the opposite. Humble. Unassuming. Quietly strong. He lived a simple life, filled with purpose and service. He was a volunteer fireman. A paramedic. He spent countless hours helping factory workers recover from addiction and find their way back to themselves. And yet, he never brought any of that home. He carried the weight of people’s hardest stories without ever asking for applause.

As a dad, he never embarrassed me, never lectured me, never made me feel small. He had this incredible way of getting his point across without saying much at all.

I remember when I kept breaking curfew as a teenager. I thought I was slick, slipping in late at night, assuming he was sound asleep. Until one night, I tripped over the coffee table that had mysteriously migrated into a new spot. He never said a word about it—but I got the message loud and clear. He knew. And more importantly, he cared. That quiet signal was more powerful than any punishment could’ve been. I never broke curfew again. Not because I was scared of getting caught, but because I never wanted to disappoint him.

That was the power he held—not through force, but through presence.

When I decided to leave a corporate career in San Francisco and move to Mexico, people had opinions. But not my dad. He simply said, “Follow your dreams.” And when I found myself pregnant, single, and staring down the unknown, he was right there—calm, steady, and certain. “You can do this,” he said. “You’ll give this child a very interesting life. Let go of the idea of how it’s supposed to look.” He believed in me so completely that it made me believe in myself.

He passed in 2013. But not before he saw a glimpse of the life I was building—of the woman and mother I was becoming, of my work with VSA, and of me trying to hold all the pieces together. He saw just enough to know that Tallulah and I were going to be okay.

My goal has always been to make him proud. And I hope, in the way I’ve raised my daughter, the choices I’ve made, and the values I’ve passed on—I’ve done that. I tried my best to be the kind of dad to her that he was to me.

If you're out there being both mom and dad—just know, you're not alone. You're doing the most important job in the world, twice over, and you're doing it beautifully!

Shop our selects for Dad..and Mom/Dads

 

What Being a Mom Means to Me

 

There are so many things in life you think you understand — until you actually experience them.
Motherhood is one of those things.
No book, no advice, no amount of imagining could have prepared me for what it really felt like to become a mom.
It’s messy, it’s magical, it’s overwhelming, and it’s the greatest transformation I’ve ever known.
This is my journey — my interpretation of what it truly means to be a mother.

It all starts with the birth.
Delivery was a kind of out-of-body experience.
I remember when it was finally over — feeling so relieved the pain had stopped that I almost forgot there was a baby in the equation. Those moments during delivery when you sound like a wild animal, pushing this baby into the world — they're wild, raw, and powerful.

And then comes the moment you see your child, and you are madly, irrevocably in love.

I wrote in my journal afterward that I felt like I was suddenly part of the tribe — an experience only women who have given birth would understand.
"Women, hear me roar" made perfect sense.
The tribe heard me — and I was one of them.

I remember crying for days, simply because I didn’t know any other way to express the love I felt.
The love was so fierce, so powerful — the kind of love that explains exactly why a momma bear will protect her cubs at any cost.
Nothing comes between me and my child.
It’s overwhelming — but unstoppable.

This is when our superpowers kick in.
We go nights without sleeping.
We survive hourly feedings, endless laundry, trying to keep ourselves fed and rested enough just to do it all again the next day.
I think back to being a 42-year-old new mom, wondering, How did I even do it?
And I get why women often start younger — it takes so much energy!

But I have to say: my superpowers worked even at 42.
Everything got done.
I survived.
And most importantly — Tallulah thrived.

As she grew up, I remember thinking: I can't wait until she's potty trained...
I can't wait until I don't have to carry her everywhere...
And then — just like that — those moments were gone.
And all I wanted was to have her tiny again.

Babies change how moms experience time.
It's not about years — it's about milestones.

Now, Tallulah is 21 years old.
No more baby talk, no more diapers, no more reminders to say thank you.
Do I miss those early years? A little.
Am I happy she’s living her life and making her own decisions?
Yes.
Do I still worry?
Heck yeah.

But I trust that I did my job — that she knows right from wrong.

No matter how grown up she gets, being her mom will always be my #1 priority.
My heart still skips a beat when, at the end of a phone call, she says, "I love you, Mom."

As she gets older, she sees me differently — not just as Mom, but as a woman.  Now she appreciates my interests, my style, my journey.

I love when she comes home and rummages through my closet, saying,
"Mom, this is so cool... can I borrow it?"
Or when she watches me work and tells me she’s proud, amazed at all that I've accomplished.

A mother-child connection is bigger than just love — it’s in our style, our work ethic, our mannerisms.  It's how we reflect each other in small, beautiful ways.

There’s no simple way to explain motherhood.
The love, the pride, the astonishment over this little person who started in my belly...

It’s truly a miracle.

To every woman who has joined this sacred, beautiful tribe of motherhood — whether by birth, by adoption, by heart, or by spirit — I see you. I celebrate you.

   

We are connected by something ancient and powerful, a love so deep it defies words.
It’s a bond that ties us together across generations, across time, across all the messy, magical, miraculous moments.  We are the tribe.

Mom Genes: The Original Style Inheritance 💋

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the women who passed down more than just good advice and killer recipes—they passed down style.

There’s something timeless about the bond between mothers and daughters, especially when it comes to fashion. It’s in the way we borrow (or steal) each other’s jewelry, the way we watch our moms get ready, and the moment we realize… we’re turning into her (and loving it).

Let’s be real—style is hereditary.

And honestly? We grew up watching that play out in the most iconic way: through the unforgettable mother-daughter duos that lit up our screens and shaped our sense of style (and a little bit of sass):

Mom Genes & Jewelry Dreams 💫
A personal note for Mother’s Day

As a designer and the founder of Virgins Saints & Angels, I’m always inspired by strong women—by the way they move through the world, by the stories they carry, and of course, by the way they express themselves through style.

With Mother’s Day approaching, I’ve been thinking a lot about those women who shaped our lives in quiet and not-so-quiet ways. The mothers who passed down heirlooms, wisdom, and maybe even a favorite necklace or two. And the daughters who took those things and made them their own.

Growing up, so many of us were unknowingly influenced by the iconic mother-daughter duos we saw on screen—women who, even in cartoons or period dramas, somehow mirrored our own stories. These were the women we watched on Saturday mornings and late-night movie reruns, who taught us that fashion

🖤 Morticia & Wednesday Addams – We didn’t know it at the time, but these two were giving us gothic glamour vibes. From their sharp silhouettes to their sharper wit, they taught us how powerful it is to own your look—even if it’s head-to-toe black.

🦴 Wilma & Pebbles Flintstone – Saturday mornings were for cereal, cartoons, and loving Wilma’s white rock necklace. Pebbles had the cutest ponytail in Bedrock, and we definitely tried to recreate that look once or twice.

🧼 Mommy Dearest & Christina – Okay, maybe a little intense, but tell me you didn’t learn something about dramatic entrances, red lips, and the fashion power move that is a silk robe.

👑 Downton Abbey’s Ladies – We grew up (and glowed up) with these women. They showed us that elegance is eternal, that jewelry tells a story, and that you can serve a look and a cutting one-liner over tea.

These duos weren’t just characters—they were part of our girlhood. We admired their wardrobes, their bonds (flawed and fabulous), and the way they taught us that style can be soft, bold, wild, or refined—but it’s always deeply personal.

So this Mother’s Day, we’re raising a glass—and maybe slipping on a fabulous pair of earrings—to all the moms who helped shape our taste, our closets, and our confidence.

Whether you’re gifting something shiny, sharing a matching moment, or just reflecting on the pieces you now treasure because they once belonged to her—here’s to the original fashion icons in our lives.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the stylish moms, daughters, and unforgettable duos we grew up loving.

With love,
Finn