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