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...