Friday, April 29, 2011

My Biggest Fear

So if you were to ask any of my Friends or Family what my biggest Fear was, they would undoubtedly, unanimously and very quickly say, "SNAKES"-creeps me out a little just typing the word...SHIVER

And while it is true that I am afraid of snakes-PETRIFIED of snakes-there is one thing that can paralyze me even more...FEAR OF NOT BEING PERFECT.

It has kept me from trying many things in the past.
It has even made me doubt my Talent in Jewelry Design.

Well, No More.

I faced those Fears head on.  I started slowly with tables at Art Markets, displaying at any small store that would carry my Jewelry. And most recently, as you have been following-I hope-the opening of DeAndreaDesigns in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Grand Opening Celebration was 2 weeks ago. I think that I have fully recovered from the Excitement.  After seeing the support from my Friends, Family and Strangers even, I cannot deny the fact that I am on the Right Path.

I know I cannot be PERFECT, not even perfect. I am learning I don't even want to be. Who would?

Perfect. Predictable. Boring.

So maybe my Family and Friends are right. SNAKES ARE my biggest fear-not facing that one head on AT ALL.

Friday, April 15, 2011

The ONLY PERFECT DIAMOND EVER

I am at a crossroads. I started this Blog to document my Trials and Tribulations of getting my Store open.

Well, tomorrow evening is my Grand Opening Party. I have been open for 2 months, have paid bills for the Store, had repeat customers and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

I am sure that there will be issues that come up-both Good and Bad-that I feel that I need to go on about.  And, trust me that I will-I hope you stick with me...LOL

Until that moment, I think that I will talk about some of the things that I Love. STONES. From time to time I will talk about what metaphysical properties different minerals have, or Specific Stones.

Tonight, the ONLY Perfect Diamond ever found and verified on Planet Earth.

Strawn-Wagner Diamond

A 3.09 ct Stone found not in any of the usual locations.
 Not South Africa-or any where on the African Continent at all.
Not India.
Not Australia.
Not even Siberia or Canada.
Nope this one was found right here in the United States, in Arkansas to be exact.

And to make it even more sensational, in a Public Search Field.  Someplace you or I could go to and sift, pan or dig for raw Gemstones.

In 1990, Shirley Strawn was digging around in the Crater of Diamond State Park in Murfreesboro, AR where she unearthed the RARE Stone-I used all capital letters because the Strawn-Wagner Diamond is a 1 in 1Billion Stone.

Only 3.09 carats but something extremely special, the stone-later too be called the Strawn-Wagner Diamond-was cut into a 1.09ct  "Ideal Cut", maximizing light refraction, and placed in a setting of Platinum and 24kt Gold.

Purchased by the Arkansas Dept of Parks and Tourism for $34,700 where is often on display at the Crater of Diamonds State Park...

Imagine watching a movie with a plot line like this. You would change the channel because it is so unbelievable.

You cannot make this stuff up!!!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Grand Opening

WOW!

This Grand Opening is really turning into something Big.

I always knew I had some Great Friends and Family, and part of me thought that this party would be just to say, "ThankYou" to them.  And, of course, part of me Fantasized that it would end up be SRO.

Only  time will tell. Not a lot of time either. Saturday is the Big Night.
Tomorrow I have to start cleaning the Store-really cleaning-so I won't be too stressed come Saturday afternoon. I really want to be able to relax and enjoy the Evening.

There will be Friends and Family-that I know-of course. But looking at the RSVP list, there are quite a few people that I have never met, and many that I have gotten close to only through Facebook.

This is really going to be an Amazing night.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Back to Work

So I am started to get a little nervous.  I have been Open for 2 months now, and it is time to have a Grand Opening Celebration.

Grand Opening Invite


I have decided to take advantage of my Social Media Network-Twitter, Facebook and now here-to promote it.  I have  connected with over 400 people. Some I know just cannot make it because they simply do not live in the City, but I still have had over 40 confirmed guests.  And from what I remember about my Corporate Retail days, 10% is what you hope for.  Seems like I am definitely on the right track so far.

I have a little over 250 sq feet of floor space. That is not what is making me so nervous.

I have been selling some of my Statement Pieces-I am complaining about that.  It is like those episodes of Project Runway where they challenge the contestants to do an Avant Garde Piece and then ask them to do a Commercial version of it.
My "Avant Garde" Pieces are selling as well as my "Commercial" Pieces.

So I keep working a little more everyday. Because to do otherwise, is SIMPLY NOT an option.

Back to Work

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Large Diamond Found in West Virginia

OK, so it happened in 1928.

The Jones Diamond.
Ever hear about it?
It is ONLY the Largest Diamond ever found in the United States.

In 1928 William "Punch" Jones, then only 10, and His father, Grover, were playing Horseshoes at their home in Peterstown, West Virginia.  At some point in the afternoon Punch noticed what he thought of as a shiny pieces of Quartz-which is abundant in the area.  They proceeded to put it into a cigarbox and placed in the toolshed all through the Great Depression until 1942 when Punch brought the stone to a Professor at Va Tech.
He discovered the Truth of that afternoon with his Father...34.48 carats of Genuine Diamond. The large Diamond was placed in the Smithsonian where it was displayed until 1964.
In 1945 Punch, the eldest of 17, was tragically killed in WWII.  He left the Diamond to his Wife, infant Son and Parents.
After It's stint at the Smithsonian, It was removed and placed in a safe deposit box until 1984-with just a quick appearance at the 1968 World's Fair, when it was auctioned for $74,000.
During all this time, Grover, a school teacher in a one-room school house, never considered selling the Diamond out of respect for his Late Son.

Jone's Diamond

Friday, April 1, 2011

April Birthstones...DIAMONDS!!!

The Birthstone for the month of April is Diamond. 
It is also the traditional gift for a Couple's 60th Wedding Anniversary.
Ever wonder why?
This is my theory...Based on History, Myth and Legend.

Being a Symbol of Purity, and having the Ability to Bring Love and Clarity to Partnerships and Helps to Bond Relationships, it only makes sense to use a Diamond to join two Lovers as they begin their Commitment to one another. AND 60 years later as a Celebration of that Bond...

Now what Color Diamond do you want to use for the Start of your Journey together?

White Diamonds...Bring Abundance to the Relationship
Yellow Diamonds...Increased Consideration and Thoughtfulness
Blue Diamonds...Strengthens One's Willpower
Pink Diamonds...Bring about Enhanced Creative Expression
Black Diamonds...The Ability to Look within one's self minus Illusions

Just remember that size does not necessarily matter here. 
If it does focus on Carat weight. 
Also look for the Cut-or faceting-of the Stone. The Cut give the Diamond it's Fire.
Clarity. Inclusions, or Flaws, within the stone that can mar the Sparkle.
Color. Intensity of color makes a HUGE difference in value of the Stone.

Now you just have to make the Decision to Ask the Question, or to Say Yes.