Inspiration: Blue Skies, Streaks of White & Roiling Bubbles of Gray

Yes, roiling – a term used in the world of gemology and frequently by rockhounds. And, that would be me! If you look at a pot of boiling water, you can see the general “roiling” effect as bubbles leave the bottom on the pot and roll to the surface. There – that’s what we mean by roiling and it does appear in gems and rocks, as well! And, without a doubt it also happens in the sky – at least in this part of the world.

Pantone Fall 2014: Mauve Mist

Lepidolite, amethyst and purple banded agate in a toss with coin pearls, crystal quartz and some old-school Judith Ripka.

With New York Fashion Week in full swing, I know that all of our attention has been thrown to Spring 2015 and the colors for that season – all of which look pretty remarkable. But, come on, if you’re a little bit like me, you live in the real world and we still get to traipse through fall and winter 2014 before those spring colors and fashions hit the arena!

34 Degrees? Hooray -- Cozy Sweater Weather!

Sing along with me..."it's the most wonderful time of the year" – yes, I know those lyrics were actually penned for Christmas – but I’m singing them today because I love the crisp cold sunny mornings and clear-sky twinkling star evenings of fall. Such a rebel, me! 

Diversity -- it's a Grand Thing

I'm in the studio today, checking inventory and doing some odds and ends -- nothing unusual for Monday. In the silence of it all, I had another one of those "it was there all the time you just didn't see it moments." While all of my jewelry designs are similar in that they have a distinctive feel to them (at least I think they do), in many ways they are really quite diverse. Case in point -- this gorgeous pearl, aquamarine and patina starfish number (which sorry to say is not for sale) keeps me company on a bust across from my workbench.

Willamette Woman -- Peek in a Purse

Well, yes it's true, looking inside a woman's bag can be a scary thing. And, so it goes with mine. When I was asked to do the "Peek in a Purse" feature for the September-October issue of Willamette Woman (part of the Statesman Journal in Salem) I thought it would be fun. Well, it certainly was -- but, now the world knows I am somewhat of a kook!

Botswana Agate

I have been working on some new designs for a darling bride-to-be. She is so excited about the fact that I am able to make a special bracelet for her in orange to wear on the big occasion. Yes, orange. Since orange is not that common of a color in gemstones -- she was thrilled when she saw the Botswana agate design I had on my site.

Things I Miss About NYC

Well, not really things, but this thing in particular. This image was borrowed from a photo taken by friends in NYC -- they were celebrating their son's birthday at one of the most spectacular places on earth -- The Natural History Museum. Talk about your inspiration!