Teodora-God'sGift

Are you as intrigued by large stones as I am?
What about HUGE? I actually wish I could make the font on that Bigger.
Well, if you are in Canada later this month, 28-Jan to be exact, you will have the opportunity to bid on something that NOBODY else in the World has.  On that day the World’s LARGEST Cut Emerald goes up for auction.

Weighing 57,500 ct, this watermelon sized Emerald is stunning.
57,500ct? Just how big is that?
11.5Kg.
25+pounds for those of us in the States.
AND you will only need about $1.15M-that is what it is estimated to sell for, it could easily go higher depending on who is there.

Most likely too large for a Ring or Pendant, but I am sure that Someone Special is going to be excited for Valentine’s Day.

Hard Work and Passion for the New Year-AGAIN

This upcoming year is going to bring a lot of the same from DeAndreaDesigns...Hard Work, Passion for what I do, and Admiration for you guys sticking with me.

Garnet wrapped in FineSilver by DeAndreaDesigns

As I was reading up on the History of this Month’s Birthstone, I discovered that Noah-yes of the Ark-used a Lantern of Garnet to guide him through the long Dark nights while adrift, Faithfully awaiting the Promise of Land and a New Beginning.

I may not have a Lantern carved of Garnet, but I do have Faith that I am on the Right Path, and am surrounded by Beautiful Garnet Jewelry.

I was going to make a list of my Resolutions and Goals for the Upcoming Year, but we are all tired of hearing how someone wants to be Financially Stable, or Lose 10 lbs...etc

I want to Thank Each and Everyone of you, my readers, from ALL over the World for following my ramblings.  I have over 2000 readers in Countries from the Far East to the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Australia. 

It amazes me how You have found me.  Please continue to read what I have written, and continue to Enjoy the Jewelry that I have made. 

More Ramblings of an Overly Tired Mind...

In the past, I have run businesses for other people.  Worked in commission-based environments where it imperative to manage/develop a clientele. Maintain relationships with people.

BUT...

As I approach the end of my First full year of running DeAndreaDesigns as an actual brick and mortar store, I wonder why it has been so difficult for me to call myself a “Business Owner”?

I have finally gotten used to referring to myself as an “Artist”-that one took a very long time.  “Jewelry Designer” came along a little more easily. It was easy-very easy- to say I made Jewelry in my spare time, as a hobby.  It was said with Pride, almost boastful, I am ashamed to say.

But why the problem with identifying as “Business Owner” or “Artist”?  Even though I know that is what I am.

No lack of Confidence here...
Ruby Pendant and RubyQuartz Earrings

“Artist” sounded pretentious to my ear.  But, honestly, it was a lack of confidence in My Art...Was.


“Business Owner” sounds like I am putting on airs when I know that I have to continue to wait tables to make sure all the bills are paid on time.  I guess I get tired of answering the question of “why I am waiting tables if I own a store?”

In the past I was a waiter full-time who played with making jewelry. Mostly just as a hobby.  TODAY, I am a Business Owner trying to get established in a hostile economy while waiting tables on the side.

Sparkle Between a Rock and a Hard Place

In everyone’s Life there are days that make us look back to see how far we have come. To look inside to see how much we have Grown. To look around and see where we are going.

Today is one of those days. It is my Birthday. I am 44 today.  How it happened that I am suddenly in my mid 40’s, I have no idea. Honestly, I would not trade it for anything-well, I might trade away waking up without all the creaks and cracks.

A lot has happened in the last 2 years that have brought to this point in my Life.  Some of them devastating at the time, but each and every event exactly what I needed to be sitting right here where I am.   In my own Store, surrounded by my Creations and New Inspiration Daily

I will start with the best.  I have to go back a little over 3 years for this one. I met my Partner-a Wonderfully Supportive person that allows me to be more than a little controlling, more than a little neurotic.  I would not have survived this well without Him.

New Home of DeAndreaDesigns and Me

Now for the two Biggies that could have destroyed me if I had not fought and looked for the Silver Lining...
In order...
First, a year and a half ago, our Home was broken into, ransacked, burglarized. Not just once, but 3 times in the space of a Month...This got us to move to Mt Washington and see potential of such a Vibrant Neighborhood. Creating a Home in an area of the City that I would never have looked at before
Secondly, I lost my job unexpectedly-it happens to everyone. I always put off opening my Store because I did not want to give up the Security of a steady paycheck.  Guess what?  I did not have one anymore.  With the help of a Friend in the Community Development Corporation of Mt Washington, I found this Perfect abandoned space and made it all my own.

I could have sat and wallowed “Woe is me” and just moved into another apartment, in a neighborhood that I was comfortable in...Nope, we made a Home again.

I could have gone and found another well paying Retail Management Job and put off my Dream until I had what I thought was enough money to open the Store...Nope, I listened to the Universe and CREATED my Dream.

Now, with a new year dawning, I have the opportunity to bring together my HomeLife and My Art. The Construction has begun on the New Home of DeAndreaDesigns and myself. A gorgeous Live/Work space perfect for the Store and Entertaining. Perfect for me to Chill, Relax, and be surrounded by all that makes me Happy.

Although I still have to wait tables at night to make ends meet, and I still cannot travel to all those Exotic Locales that you, my readers, live.  I would not change the Struggles, the Catastrophes, and ultimately the Triumphs...

I am truly able to “Sparkle Between a Rock and a Hard Place”.

Merry Christmas? Happy Holidays?

I am going to start with saying, I was brought up-and still consider myself Catholic. I have no problems with saying “Merry Christmas”.
I was brought up saying “Merry Christmas” to most and “Happy Hanukah” to those I knew to be Jewish. Only one person that I remember had an issue with “Merry Christmas”.

Happy Holidays from DeAndreaDesigns

That being said, I now say, “Happy Holidays” to most people.
BUT I will take my cue from you...If you say, “Merry Christmas” so will I.
If you say, “Happy Holidays” that is what I will respond with.
NOT because I am worried about offending someone, but because I want to encompass the ENTIRE Holiday Season.

From Halloween, to Valentine’s Day-or pushing it through to St. Patrick’s Day, and everything in between no matter what religious affiliation you are-or are not.

I Love this time of year. Not only because of the Birth of Jesus-and yes I know that with the Study of the Stars, Jesus was born in Summer-but the essence of Good Will and Celebration that permeates this time of year.
Also because the weather is changing so that I can break out my favorite sweaters, boots, and coats...
Everything is so Sparkly-the lights, the frost, the snowflakes...
People seem to remember to be pleasant to one another-whether it is genuine or not? I don’t care. It is still nice.

The Holiday Season seems to bring out the Best in most people.

So if I see you on the Street and tell you “Have a Happy Holiday” please do not be offended-or think I am too PC...I just want you to enjoy the Season completely.

From the start of this Season until the end of it.

Holiday Kick-Off

Another week is drawing to a close.

It is really remarkable how quickly these weeks go by. Before we know it Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice will be upon us.

Friday Night I am going to be taking a night off from waiting tables to Celebrate my First “Holiday Kick-Off Sale”. I chose this particular night because it is the City of Pittsburgh’s official start of the Holiday Season, celebrated with events all over the City and culminating with Fireworks. As a draw to my Event I did “spin” that a little, saying that the City was providing Fireworks after my Event...LOL...I figure it is the least that they can do, seeing how I am obligating myself to stay in Pittsburgh for at least another year.

Somedays, it takes everything I have not to run down to the Amtrak station with my Jewelry and Display stands-and only my Favorite Jeans, Sweaters, and Boots-and head anywhere West.  Then I realize that I am not 25 anymore and that I really want to make DeAndreaDesigns, the Store, a success before deciding what the next step is in my plan of World Domination-well I would settle for paying the bills without having to rely on a restaurant to help.

I think my mind is wandering again.

It will happen. Hopefully sooner rather than later, but no matter how long it is going to take I am in it for the long haul. AND I am going to Love being able to sleep all night long-or rather staying home all night, or going out because I want to not because I have to.

Citrine...A Gift from the Sun

Citrine with Button Pearls and Swarovski 

November is here already.
New Month. New Birthstone...CITRINE

This month’s Stone is a “Gift from the Sun”.  Now I came across  that reference a couple of times, but never with any explanation of it’s origins.  So I am going to make something up.

I figure that it is because of the Gorgeous Golden tones of a Citrine are so reminiscent of the Sun, and much needed on these shorter colder November afternoons.

Also know as the "Merchant Stone”, legend has it that Citrine has the ability to attract money through sales. If you are to keep a Citrine in a cash box, your wealth is sure to increase.
Guess what I keep in my cash register?
That is right, a Beautiful Golden Citrine.
I suppose it is working, as I still have my doors open.  There is no way that I am not going to risk taking it out of there.  However,  I am also still in need of waiting tables overnight.