TURQUOISE

December.
Already.

Turquoise is one of the Birthstones for this month. One that always conjures images of warmth-Probably since most of the places that I know that Turquoise is mined is HOT. Arizona, Persia, Egypt.

Turquoise is a Powerful Protection Stone. It is said that if you look down at your piece of Turquoise and it is cracked that “The Stone took it”. As if the Stone absorbed the energy of a blow that was meant for you.

Now that is Protection.

Native Americans believe that when the Rains would come, bringing Rejoicing and tears of Joy. When those tears of Joy mixing with the Earth, Mother Earth created Turquoise. 

Follow along on Facebook
DeAndreaDesigns

“If cold December gave you Birth,

 The month of snow and ice and mirth, 

 Place on your hand a Turquoise Blue, 

 Success will Bless whate’er you do.”

I am sitting here watching the December rain, and waiting for it to change over to a December snow. It should not get too bad here. Nothing at all like what the MidWest has been dealing with-Thankfully for us, but Hoping that everyone there is safe.

Something Special for Someone Special

As I sit here waiting for Project Runway AllStars to start, I am ticking off everything that I need to do for tomorrow. As well as prepare my mind.
It is that time again. Time to start thinking about who is getting what for Christmas.

7.5ct total Amethyst Earrings by DeAndreaDesigns

10+ct Amethyst Necklace by DeAndreaDesigns

Holiday Shopping!

One of the most stressful things that I can think of-that is not Important, but can mean Everything.

Ruby Ring and Pendant by DeAndreaDesigns

So here are a couple of things that I have learned over the years...
1. Listen to your Partner. He/She WILL tell you what they truly want.
2. Pay Attention to your Partner.  What does he/she use daily?
                                                     Are they running low?
                                                     What is their favorite color?
                                                     What is their style? Classic?
                                                     Trendy?
3. What Jewelry have you bought for Him/Her?  Buy something to Match.
Just a couple quick ideas to HELP.

Now I have to be able to help you answer those questions for you.
Be ready for Me to ask them to You.  I Want you to get Your Someone Special That Something PERFECT

Prasiolite-Green Amethyst(?)

My Prasiolite

I think I told you that a few months ago that one of my customers, from out of state, sent me a couple of Gems to use “FOR ME”.
Well, one stood out above and beyond the others. A Large Marquis pale minty green-almost clear-Gem.
I immediately knew that this one was truly meant for me. I also knew exactly what I was going to do with it.
A Necklace with the Gem-which I later learned was a Prasiolite-worked in as a link instead of as an expected pendant.
I have not taken this piece off-except to show it to others up close. I have also sold quite a few of this same Design, but with VERY different Gems-Faceted and Rough.

Smokey Quartz Link Necklace
Available on DeAndreaDesigns.squarespace.com

Well, lately I have been experiencing a burst of creative energy-as well as just energy in general. I wondered if the Prasiolite could have anything to do with that?
Off to one of my Favorite things-GOOGLE
Here is what I found out...

Kyanite Rough-SOLD

Prasiolite is a naturally occurring form of Quartz, mostly out of Brazil, but also Canada and Poland. Although fairly rare, Mother Nature has given Mankind that ability to “enhance” on Her Creations. By heating Amethyst, we can get Prasiolite-sometimes-and Citrine. This may be why Prasiolite is sometimes mistakenly called “Green Amethyst”-something that I have been guilty of.



Prasiolite Inspires Creativity(Hmmm), Success, Prosperity, and Abundance.
Prasiolite Helps to link ones Spiritual being with your Physical Being.
Prasiolite Fosters a deeper appreciation of self.
Prasiolite, when used in conjunction with other Stones strengthens them.
Prasiolite Transmutes negative energies into positive.

Even if what I had found out was not as good as this, I would not be taking off my Necklace. It just means WAY TOO MUCH to me that they thought to Gift this Gem to me.

Moissanite???

What?

Moissanite Black Diamond pictured in front

I have recently been seeing Moissanite Jewelry more and more often-Well, on the shopping networks. I have yet to see it in a Jewelry Store, but that does not mean anything. There are a few Gems that I LOVE that I have not seen in stores. Not because they are not Beautiful and Desirable, but mostly because the general public simply does not know about them yet. YET

So, just like any other time that I don’t know something...I google it. I must have been tired because I could not find anything. Maybe because I was looking for healing properties of Moissanite. No matter the reason, I just could not find that much info.

Well, the other day-after my posting about Black Diamonds-I was looking online for one for myself. I found a listing for a 10+ct Gem...AND AFFORDABLE-if not cheap.
I bought it, only to find out that in the fine print it was a “Black Moissanite Diamond”.
Now I HAVE to find out what Moissanite is...

A VERY Rare Gemstome found amongst meteor craters mostly-like the Black Diamonds, from OuterSpace. Discovered in 1893 in Arizona, and named for Henri Moissan, usually only small crystals were found-not really large enough for any practical applications...Until years later when laboratories were able to synthesize the mineral.

Because of it’s similarity to Diamonds in terms of hardness, mostly just in industrial applications was it used.
Then in 1995, some larger material was sent to Diamond Cutters.
What was found is that Moissanite when faceted and polished is VERY Similar to a Diamond-but with MORE SPARKLE.
In 1998, Moissanite emerged on the Jewelry scene as a Diamond simulant.  Because it was visually indistinguishable to Natural Diamonds-except for that better Sparkle...
Because of today’s economy and Market, Diamond prices being what they are, many people are opting for Moissanite Jewelry. More affordable, every bit as Beautiful, AND more ethical.

Diamonds From Outer Space

Black Diamonds-or “Carbonado” Diamonds-are some of my Favorites.
I do LOVE a colored Gemstone, and fancy colored Diamonds are right up there.
BUT there is something extra special about Black Diamonds.
I had never thought about it before until I happened upon this article about Diamonds that came from Outer Space...

The Spirit of de Grisogono

Conventional Diamonds, as we all know, are formed over millions of years with intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. Brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, Diamonds are found all over the Earth-BUT not Black Diamonds. They are found in Central Africa and Brazil only-in non volcanic regions.

What? How?
Carbonados, being such an anomaly, had to be tested. Scientists found that they are hydrogen rich. Suggesting that they were formed in Outer Space, and deposited on Earth up to 4 Billion years ago-at a time before Pangea broke apart. That would explain how Carbonados are found in 2 areas that are not volcanic.

Black Diamonds are among the MOST RARE of Diamonds...This may explain why I am SO attracted to them. I cannot wait to get one for myself.

Another Sleepless Night...

Yes.
Another night of sleep eluding me.

I sometimes wonder if the SandMan received my change of address form. He is probably wandering around Pike St in Seattle looking for me.

Oh well, on the bright side, my mind is free to flow with New Ideas.

In my mind these elements turned into a pretty cool Ring. Right now I am struggling a little bit...BUT that is pretty normal with a brand new idea.

I do have to say that something pretty Amazing is happening with this one, and I do not think it is going to look anything like what I thought it would be when I was in bed...

Back to work for now. I will check back in a little bit. Maybe I will have a finished photo for Y’all...

An hour later and I think that I see the band coming together.

I had started wrapping the Amethyst into place and it was getting too over-worked with way too much of the RoseQuartz accents. Accents should not overpower the Focal Piece.

Maybe a cup of coffee? It is 5:30 AM after all...

6:30AM Update...

A few tweaks are needed once I get some sleep. I can barely keep my eyes open at this point. 

Overall, I am happy with the direction of this Design.

I wonder who will be the one to “test drive” this Ring to see just how durable it is???

Reunion Brunch Recap

WOW!!!
The votes are in...
I did not make TOP 3
I am OK with it...
Now, last night when the Finalists were announced was another story...
I discovered that my psyche is not set up for Competition.
I had a little breakdown last night. This morning I realized that it was because of PRIDE-one of the Deadly Sins.
Last night, once I was finished feeling Sorry for myself. I took a moment to Congratulate the Finalists and get everything ready for this afternoon’s Brunch. AND I hopped into Design Mode.

Functional/Decorative Clasp

If you have been following me, you know I have a thing for clasps-a necessary evil. So, whenever possible I work them into the Design. This time not only as a Design element, but FUNCTIONAL.







I may not be cut out for competition but I KNOW how to focus my attention.

Good Food, Good Friends, And Jewelry.

Brunch today was an Unrivaled Success. Anytime I get to reconnect with Friends/Fans is a GREAT Thing.  I truly Love this part of what I do.
Seeing a person’s eyes LIGHT UP when they try something on. OR when they find that PERFECT Gift for Someone Special...THIS is why I do what I do.
Not because of the Awards, accolades, or money...BUT because of the Feelings my work evokes.

AND for that I thank everyone that has even looked a DeAndreaDesigns Piece

TOP 5

Thank you to all of Y’all that took the time to Vote for Me for the RAWards.

Click for video of Event
 

I made it to the TOP 5 of Jewelry Artists in Pittsburgh.
All thanks to Your Votes.
Now it is up to the Judges to decide TOP 3...AND the Winner.
BUT one step at a time.
DeAndreaDesigns did not come about overnight. It will not go away any time soon. DeAndreaDesigns will just continue to grow...
Each step brings me closer to realizing My Dream of being a Full-Time Jewelry Designer.
Of Designing from the time I wake until the time I fall asleep.
Of not sleeping well because I have Designs bubbling around in my head.
I AM LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT-even the shifts at the restaurant...

RAW Artist of the Year???

In one of my previous posts I mentioned one of the Events that I participated in earlier this Summer, RAW Pittsburgh-for emerging Artists.

VOTE HERE

Well, they have an Awards Show for ALL Participants. For each category, in each City, there will be a winner that will be advanced to Nationals. You can Vote once a day for until 8-October.  This is another opportunity to have my work viewed Nationally, if not Internationally-AND to get out of the restaurant.
Here is that link you will need to vote for DeAndreaDesigns...http://www.rawartists.org/deandreadesigns

The Pink Star Diamond

Time to start breaking open your Piggie Banks-and if you have enough in those banks, I want to be your Jeweler.
The “Pink Star Diamond” is set to go to auction on the 13th of November.

The Pink Star Diamond

This 59.6 ct Flawless Pink Diamond is expected to bring in 60 Million Dollars-Yes, that is almost $1M per carat.
Found by the DeBeers group in Africa in 1999, it took the Steinmetz Group 20 months to cut and polish this Treasure.

Now that we have admired, drooled, and coveted this Gem...Why is it Pink and not Clear?
This is a Type ll stone, meaning that it is the product of “plastic deformation”-pressure changes that result in structural deformities resulting in the coloration...The most intense, and numerous, Pinks come from the Argyle mines in Australia, but have been known to be found in Africa-obviously-and Brazil.

Summer 2013

As I sit here, relaxing on the sofa with a cup of tea, I am suddenly aware that Summer is all but finished for 2013.
For as HOT and humid as this Summer was, it feels as though it just began.
What have I accomplished this Summer?
I worked A LOT at the restaurant-probably more than I should have, maybe to the point of detriment of the Studio. I had very few days off, because when I was not at the restaurant I was in the Studio-No tan again this year.

Me standing under my NEW Sign

A few Happy Hours in the Studio introduced me to more people in the Neighborhood.
A New Website for DeAndreaDesigns.
A NEW sign outside the Studio has helped increase foot traffic to Locals AND Tourists.
A few Events outside at different venues helped to bring DeAndreaDesigns to different corners of Pittsburgh.




Two in particular stands out.
One Art Market Event in the area where I spent a lot of time growing up brought back AMAZING Memories. I was relive moments with my Grandparents. It was Magical...

RAWPittsburgh

The other, a RAWPittsburgh Event.
Designed to help emerging Artists make contacts in their home City. RAW brought out Hundreds-if not Thousands-of people to see DeAndreaDesigns for the first time. AND will bring about opportunities to show in Cities all over the Country.
RAW brings also a chance to vote for One’s Favortite RawArtist...
Click on the link to Vote for me starting on 1-Oct-2013
What does all of this mean? Other than one very exhausted Artist?
Well, a reduction of debt by 50%!!!
That also means that I can finally drop one day a week at the restaurant, AND ADD another day to the Studio.
WooHoo!!!
Just in time for the Holidays!!1

Large Tanzanite Found

As I was going through my Facebook news feed this morning, a photo of an absolutely GORGEOUS Tanzanite popped up. And even though it was still in it’s rough state, I could see that it is going to make someone-or a bunch of someones-extremely happy.

Third Largest Tanzanite, 12K+ct

Reportedly it is the third largest Tanzanite ever found. At more than 12,000 cts, it is only the THIRD Largest







Well, that got me thinking...Just how big was the Largest???

Largest, to date, Tanzanite.

 ”16,389 carats which is 3.2778 kilograms, which is 7.21116 pounds!” 

That is about the size of a brick!!






Then I was thinking. What is the Largest Faceted Tanzanite?

737+ct of Tanzanite

737+cts!!!  I can only imagine what that one will look like once it has been set.







Tanzanite is a relatively new Gem to collectors. Only having been discovered in 1967, and then made famous by Tiffany & Co marketing.

Only found in one spot on Earth, the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzanite is extremely rare-and reportedly all but mined out. The finding of such a Large piece of rough gives me hope that new Stones will continue to be found-BUT, I am a Hopeless Romantic. Maybe we will see more of pieces like this...

The Queen of Kilimanjaro, 242 st surrounded by Tsavorite and Diamond.

What is Peridot?

Peridot Earrings

What is Peridot?
Other than a Beautiful Green Gem?
Other than August’s Birthstone?
Other than the traditional Anniversary Gift for 16 years together?
To me it is one of the most Beautiful Gems-with it’s untreated Natural Green Sparkling Beauty.

Maybe because of it’s resemblance of the first and most tender leaves of Spring, is that enough to make it the appropriate choice for Birthstone of one of the Hottest months of the year?
In my mind it does.

Peridot is actually Magnesium Iron Silicate-technically...BUT...
It is Gem Quality Olivine.
Olivine, being one of the World’s most common minerals is brought to the surface from deep below the Earth's crust.  Or delivered to the Earth by meteorites.

Peridot is relatively inexpensive in smaller sizes. Though Gem Quality stones over 5ct are rare. 10-15 ct Stones are even more rare and VERY expensive.

An Evening of Surprises

WOW!!!
Another scorcher out there.
I don’t know if you have been following the weather, but here in Pittsburgh we have been having a stretch of 90+F temps-I am a Delicate Flower, don’t like excessive heat at all. Then pair it with the HUMIDITY, I just wilt.
Good thing that the last couple of days I have been in the Studio.

Green Quartz Ring 

Working on New Designs.
Prepping for another Event here.
Answering emails about specific pieces.
Planning upcoming shows.
Adding items to DeAndreaDesigns.
Basically keeping myself busy inside so that I do not have to go out.

Tomorrow evening’s Event is going to be fun.
A couple of weeks ago I was waiting on this couple at the restaurant-slow night so we were able to talk, and talk, and talk...
I was offered their cottage in exchange for my apt here overlooking the City. They told me where to stay in New Orleans, Grand Canyon, and Key West.
They told me to make sure that I travel and take advantage of everything that I can while I am still young-LOL...

I told them about my Jewelry.
My Studio.
Why I am working at the restaurant.
Basic Conversation.
THEN, He shows me a couple of pieces of Jade that he conveniently had with him, and asked me if I knew anything about Fibonacci Numbers. I did not at the time, and he explained quickly. Well, he requested that I work the Jade into a Necklace using Fibonacci Series.
I sent him photos of the Final Design...

 "you are in mastery mode, your links sublime

delicate yet strong. thrilled would you consider presenting it to her at your open house she will no shall be thrilled...'

They will be attending tomorrow among other Surprises that I have planned.

Hard Work...

It is still only May, and the heat has been turned up in my beloved Pittsburgh.

Perfect for Spring-Emerald and Jade Earrings

In more ways than just the daily temperature.
With the nicer days, come more foot traffic in Studio.
More customers at the restaurant,.
More Events in neighborhoods around the City-I was just accepted into another one next month.

Recent Event-actually at the restaurant I work at

Again, I am wondering how to balance everything....
BUT, I know that everything that I am doing is allowing me to cut back at the restaurant.
Allowing me to focus more time in the Studio.
Allowing me to follow my Bliss.


These are not complaints, because I am LOVING every minute of it.

Hard work has yet to kill me. This Hard Work is allowing me appreciate everything that is happening.
AND that appreciation will allow me to CONTINUE the Working Hard...

DeAndreaDesignsDiamond???

Have you ever wanted to have a Diamond named after you???
Well, now is your chance.
Going to auction 15 May 2013. This 101+ct Flawless White Diamond is at Christie’s now.
This GEM is AMAZING. I am not going to say anything more about it. Just watch the video, and collect your pennies...

DeAndreaDesignsDiamond???

I would LOVE to work with the DeAndreaDesignsDiamond.

ORANGE-A New Favorite

Lately I have been attracted to Orange Gemstones-as well as clothing and stuff.
Why? All of a sudden everything I want is Orange.
Could it be that a couple of months ago while cleaning my Rings I accidentally threw away my Mexican Fire Opal Ring? Still makes me sick to think about it.


So I started thinking about what the color Orange may say about a person.
And seeing how it is a new-ish attraction, I was curious to see if maybe my subconscious was trying to tell me something...Maybe?

Orane People tend to be...
Fearless-So long as there are no snakes around
Curious-YEP
Restless-YEP
Fickle-Sometimes
Good Natured and Popular-I like to think so
Flamboyant and Fun Loving-No and YES
Need to Socialize-I do enjoy my “ME” time a lot
Free Spirit/Follow One's Gut-OH YEAH!!

Maybe the Universe is telling me to get out more...OR have more Events in the Studio.
Come by next Friday evening. Bring a Friend.

Mother’s Day Happy Hour, 3-May

Cultured Diamonds

Or Lab-Created Diamonds...

Socially and environmentally ethical.
Chemically identical.
Physically identical.
Optically identical.

Eureka Diamond. Natural Diamond

Cultured Diamonds are “grown” from carbon and seeds of preexisting diamonds, and then undergoing Man-created high pressures, high temperatures, and Chemical Vapor Dispersion (CVD)...Similar to what would take years-MILLIONS of them.

Alright, that is all too technical for me. It is enough to know that these are NOT Simulants, or replacements.  They are for all technical purposes REAL. They are not CZs. They are not replacement stones.

I have been hearing about these lab-created gems for quite awhile now. Gems that are virtually indistinguishable from the “REAL” thing. The Cultured Diamonds are a recent discovery for me, although they have been around for a very long time-as early as 1879 when the first diamond was created, documented but not confirmed.

Recently, “Memorial Diamonds” have caught my attention...
We have all lost a Loved One. Someone that meant so much that we could not bear being apart from them.  Now there is a way to keep them with you at all times. By using a lock of their hair, or cremated ashes.  There is enough carbon available to create a piece of Jewelry that you will never want to take off. Something that becomes a Family Heirloom.

Just Me

I am going to take the easy way out of writing this one...
Just a video of Me talking about my two Favorite subjects-My Jewelry and Me.

This video was shot in my Studio by a good Friend Joe. Hopefully there will be more, but schedules get in the way sometimes...Again. all about finding Balance.

Going Live

The other day at the restaurant, one of my co-workers came up to me and said that she had been looking at my Facebook Fan Page. She mentioned that the pictures that I post of my Jewelry are-in her opinion-pretty good, but there are not many pictures of people WEARING the Jewelry.

Turquoise & FineSilver Necklace

She is a photographer-I think I forgot to mention that-and offered to set up a photo shoot with actual Live models.

It is true. I do realize my mannequin, Esmeralda, does not count. She tends to outshine the Jewelry.

I will take her up on the offer. It will be great to see what my Work looks like on-in the “REAL” World.


I am one of those Designers that will do something that, in my head, looks great. Will photograph well. YET, until I get to see it on someone, I do not know realize the FULL Vision-I love it when my Sister visits because she is willing to try on every new piece in the Studio, even the ones that are not her Favorites...Mostly because she knows that I may not have seen it on.

I have also started taking videos of my pieces as well.  I guess that a YouTube Channel is in the near future as well.

Inspiration’s Birthday

Well, today is the Birthday of my Niece.

Ordinarily I would not tell Y’all that, but she is a big part of the reason that I am here today.
Without her crawling onto my lap about 5 years ago asking,

Micro-Cascading Swarovski 

“Will you make me a piece of Jewelry?”
“Sure, what do you want?”
“I don’t care”
DeAndreaDesigns would probably would not have gotten out off the Dining Room table.


I cannot imagine ever saying,  “No” to that little girl, who is not so little anymore.

She truly does inspire many of the pieces I do. Even the Larger Bolder Pieces-they are just grown up versions of what I would do for her, or Pieces that I see her wearing once she is Older.
I have even had to grow DOWN some Designs for her.

Waiting for Spring

Waiting for Spring Sale

I am going to try it again. The “Waiting for Spring Sale” will happen on Sunday the 3rd of March. So if you are going to be in the Pittsburgh area that day between 12 and 3pm, please stop by and say, “HEY”

I mentioned that I have been having smaller events-Happy Hour Sales and Brunch Sales-here in store.
Most of the time they are extremely successful, but not all. The weather in Pittsburgh is fickle to say the least. And it just gets more fickle in winter. We can go from 60 degrees one day to 6-8 inches of snow the next.  But the opportunity to get together with Friends hanging out talking, laughing, eating and drinking, is ALWAYS worth the risk.

Mother Nature must have had plans for the 2 previous Events. She sent Snow to both-AND LOTS OF IT-keeping almost everyone at home.

Hopefully, not this time. I am getting lonely.

Here are some pictures of previous Events...

2nd Anniversary

I just realized that yesterday was my 2 year Anniversary of having my own Studio/Store. It is AMAZING at just how quickly time flies by.

I still remember being SO frustrated waiting to hear from the Landlord as to when I could get the keys. Waiting for the electricity to be turned on.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.
AND then waiting again for the new space to be completed.

New Designs continue to come in the middle of the night.
Ruby Rough and Ruby Quartz.

I still struggle. Trying to juggle everything that needs to be done.
The easy part is DeAndreaDesigns.
I still look forward to days in the Studio-Creating is what I LOVE!!!


I am still waiting tables to ensure that the bills get paid. I look forward to the day I do not HAVE to do this any longer, although I do still enjoy it.
I have had to find creative ways to spend time with Friends and Family.  I throw "Happy Hour Sales" and “Brunch Sales” here to get my Friends, New and LongTerm-never OLD, together.

I have learned that I need to ALWAYS be ON. Ready to talk about my Designs. Ready to whip out the business cards. Ready to talk.  This has probably been the most difficult part-Marketing Myself.

Now, I just signed the lease for yet one more year.

The lessons and learning continue, but I think if you ever get to a point of knowing EVERYTHING it is time to start something new.
I have too much to learn yet.