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: Bright Cobalt & Royal Blue

I just took a stroll through my closet and I only need one hand to count the number of blue items hiding out in there; excluding jeans, of course! Interesting. I guess it might be safe to say that I am not particularly fond of the color blue in clothing or home goods. However, another side of me loves the blue colors that come in the form of rocks, gemstones and art glass. Chalcedony, agate, sodalite, lapis and pietersite…are a few of the gifts we get from ol’ Mom Nature! I am also drawn to a variety of vintage Czech glass buttons that are blue and gilded with gold and silver and love working with them whenever I can.

Gemstones and Ribbons and Rocks, Oh My!

With all the fashionistas tauting ribbon jewelry for fall 2009 (on both the runways and the floor at JCK in Las Vegas), I thought it might be fun to see what I could create that fits the trend; but won't be outdated when winter 2009 rolls around. I am a big believer in having the basics and then playing with them to see what I can concoct that makes it uniquely my own. With my jewelry designs, that is what I want for all of you. I think it is much more fun to have a style that is all you own -- not something that 30,000 other people have. Unless, of course, you are in junior high school -- then you want to look like everyone else, thank goodness we outgrow that.

Anyhow, these pix give you a few ideas of how you can take your somewhat basic necklaces (although I hate thinking of my pieces as basic), and by adding different types of ribbons (I used organza and grosgrain) you can tie away to your heart's delight. Above, the green aventurine tied with the blue sodalite is soft yet bold. Then the combo of the clear crystal quartz tied to the black crystal quartz takes both of these necklaces to a different place. And, layered up with a bold black chain -- well, forgive me for saying it but "it just rocks in that downtown kind of way!"

I hope this encourages you to not think that there is only one way to wear your jewelry. Especially in this day and age -- mix it up in the most unexpected ways and get joy from it all. Life is too short to just wear a single strand of pearls -- don't you think?

A Real Boardroom Statement

I don't know what came over me today -- just thought I would go out on a limb and make a statement about some real boardroom jewelry. With all the hoopla these days about the boardroom (and you know which one I am talking about), I thought it would be fun to post a few real gemstone statement pieces from my TRL Jewelry Trunk Show Collection. The faceted carnelian gemstones on this necklace are big and bold and mixed with the "melting ice" look crystal quartz you are sure to get the attention of everyone in the place. Remember red is the ultimate power color!

Maybe you want to wow them in a more subtle fashion -- nothing says calm like the beautiful green color of natural aventurine. The gemstones are amazing placed with natural crystal quartz and big freshwater baroque pearls. The aventurine rondelles are hefty; but the design and color make the necklace look feminine -- in a powerful way. Let's hear it for women in the boardroom!

Click on the images to get a BIG look!

Little Red Hen

Some days I feel like the Little Red Hen or the Dunkin' Donuts guy ("gotta make the donuts"). I'm not complaining because I absolutely love every part of it; but sometimes I just have to laugh at myself. I design the jewelry, make the jewelry, photograph the jewelry, promote the jewelry, process orders, pack up and mail the jewelry and then start all over again. But, I love it and I have all of you to thank for giving me the opportunity to do what I absolutely love and to share it with all of you. Today the challenge became on of capturing the beautiful color of the sodalite beads that make up this bracelet. I'm a bit closer, but still not there yet. This is definitely one of those pieces that you need to see to really get the color -- or that is my excuse for being a not-so-great photographer. Mixed with the Montana blue Swarovski crystals the sodalite is really nice. If you click on the image you'll see an bigger image -- I think the blue comes across better on the larger pix. For all of you who love the calmness of the color of blue, this is the bracelet for you.