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: Aluminum

Yippee, yahoo and gadzooks! Let’s hear it for the Pantone Fall 2014 Color Report. Aluminum – Pantone simply described it as a cross between silver and gray -- heavenly is how I describe it. Yes, I am one of those people that absolutely loves the soft mysterious hues of the color gray. I am a bit of a purist, in that I like my gray, plain and simple. So, I'm conflicted as to how I feel about the color combinations highlighted by various designers in the Fall 2014 Color Report.

Loving the Necks!

I finally got around to watching the new episode of Ugly Betty. For some reason, I love watching the show -- for one, having lived in NYC, it's fun to see the location shoots. Along with that, the fact that I have a few friends in fashion and publishing, make it fun to see a show that is so over the top about both of these industries. What I like most about the show, however, is...you guessed it...seeing the jewelry.

Dolling up the Shorts and Polo

So, I am walking around the studio and house wear-testing a new bigger than life multi-layer gemstone necklace based on the one shown here. It is stunning and really dolls up my shorts and polo! Luckily the neighbors have adjusted to my strangeness -- but when I first moved in they were a little shocked when they would see all the glam with a t-shirt and shorts or sweats!

Seen on the Most Famous Women -- That Would Be You!

Why is it that I want to shout "I don't care what celebrity wore what necklace in the movie du jour?" But, I fear that saying so will come back to bite me in the butt! Am I jaded from the years I spent in marketing and advertising and fully understand the "product placement" equation; or am I simply becoming a grumpy old lady? Maybe a little of both.


I will say that when I design my pieces, I am thinking about how they fit into the lives of famous people like you and how they work in real life. While I know it is fun to be trendy -- I like the fact that you can "doll" up my designs in lots of different ways -- but I also like the idea that, at the end of the day, you'll have a collection of jewelry that will stand the test of time and not be dumped as each new season and it's trends arrive or only be able to use it as part of your costume at next year's Halloween party. That being said, I will step back down from the soapbox, eat a big old piece of chocolate and, from this day forward, cautiously enter all rooms with my butt fully protected -- just in case there is someone out there ready to snap!

Black, Grey and White -- A Stylish Combo

These black, grey and white striped sardonyx beads grabbed me when I was least expecting it. I was looking for something else totally not related in any way, shape or form to sardonyx and POW! -- there they were. Just two lonely strands of beads -- medium and large sized -- just tempting me to pick them up and see what I could create. Always one to accept a challenge (why do I think of Peter Sellers when I say that word? And, not the cheesy Steve Martin version of PS -- only the original PS.) I bought these beauties and brought them home. I must admit that they sat mocking me for a bit from their perch on my studio work bench -- then one day the inspiration hit. Here is what those beads morphed in. This bracelet now on my site and a necklace (and oh my what a necklace) still in the works. The bracelet just looks so sharp and classy to me -- it gives a twist of the "basic black" theory. I load one with some of my silver bangles and it makes quite a look. Now that the season is changing (well, hopefully some day it will change) you will wear this bracelet to punch up neutrals and pastels. Black is a nice change from the ordinary when it comes to pairing it with the lighter colors of spring and summer. So, for all you black fans -- this one's for you!