The Beauty of Ancient Roman Glass

My desire to make unique one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces has lead me to search for unusual findings, odd shaped gemstones and rich colorful stones to enhance my designs.

I recently purchased some very lovely ancient Roman glass with many iridescent hues shimmering on aqua, dark blue and green glass chunky beads. I decided to make a Y shaped necklace with some glass dangles and a spiral charm hanging from a handmade M connector. I hammered the connector to complete the ancient Greek, Roman design I was trying to achieve. Happy with the results, I added a bracelet and earrings to the set.  Now, planning ahead I have some beautiful fluorite and amethyst raw gemstones and I am thinking

about doing a similar necklace in gold. I would love some feedback on this design. Should I do the same Y shape design in gold or try something completely different? 

The Beauty of Raw Stones

I discovered these amazing topaz organic raw stones in Tucson last February at the international gem show and couldn't wait to use them in a unique jewelry design.  this necklace is the result and I really love the result. I have been looking at raw hammered stones ever since completely this piece and of course had to purchase some additional strands. Be on the lookout here and on my website and my etsy

site for new pieces in the upcoming weeks. #organicnecklace   #rawgemstones

My New Website

I am pleased to announce my new website. I finally "bit the bullet" and decided it was time to get my very own website. I have been unhappy with all the new changes and restrictions on etsy that I decided it was time to invest in my own website. Even though I did not build this site on my own , I had no idea I would be spending 8 hours a day uploading tweeking and trying to promote this site. It has been quite a learning experience and I realize that this is an ongoing process.

I have put off this announcement beacuse I keep making changes to the site but I realized that this will be  going on indefinately and I couldn't put this off forever. Also, it would be great to get feedback from all of you . Perhaps you have struggled with this yourself and will have some great suggestions.

Saying Goodbye to Breaking Bad

What does Breaking Bad have to do with jewelry? Nothing , unless I design  a new line of jewelry for Breaking Bad fans like a lily of the valley necklace, a Heisenberg charm bracelet or perhaps dark purple amethyst hearts for Marie fans.

Those of us who are die hard fans of Bryan Cranston, Arron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, and RJ Mitte are bereft that they will no longer be our company on Sunday nights. If I could I would bake them this cake:



So my friends,I will be watching this wonderful show with you tonight with great anticipation but also a sad heart. At least we will have the next week to discuss and debate the finale.

Aah Spring!

Spring is my favorite time of year. After a long winter of browns greys and whites , I love seeing color come back to my surrounds. Seeing the trees and flowers come back to life always renews a feeling of child like wonder and joy.
Here are some spring quotes:

 O, how this spring of love resembleth
The uncertain glory of an April day;
Which now shows all the beauty of the sun,
And by and by a cloud takes all away."- Shakespeare

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" ~Robin Williams

"An optimist is the human personification of spring." ~Susan Bissonnette

"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar." ~Helen Hayes

I spent most of the day celebrating spring in my own garden planting newly purchased annuals to put wondrous colors on my deck.Whether you garden or not bring some spring into you life and visit this wonderful shop.

Here are some favorite items to put some spring into your life:

March Birthstone- Aquamarine

Aquamarine gemstones have always been a favorite of mine. The cerulean blue color of this stone, so reminiscent of the Mediterranean sea is the attraction. Take a quick look at my profile and you'll understand why. I am an April baby and don't get me wrong , I do admire my birthstone but aquamarines are up high on my list of favorites. In honor of March and this favorite birthstone , I am featuring some items created by myself and a dear friend which I believe capture the essence of this amazing gemstone.
The Romans believed that the aquamarine was sacred to the god Neptune. Early sailors wore the stone to protect them from the dangers at sea. A gift of aquamarine is said to provide safety and security especially in long term relationships. Giving a gift of aquamarine can help reaffirm a loving relationship.

This piece is one of many beautiful treasures you will find in this shop.

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

I have been away from my blog for ages and thought it was time to post a video that all jewelers and jewelry, mineral lovers might appreciate. I will be attending the annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show for a few days and needless to say, I am really excited. I found this video on a friend's blog that gives a good overview on the show. This will be my second trip to this amazing event and I hope to be better prepared this time. I am in the process of making lists of exactly what I hope to see as this show is overwhelming to say the least. Hopefully being somewhat organized will help me make the most of my limited time there. I would greatly appreciate any tips or comments that can help me try to navigate this show in a timely manner.