The end....or maybe the beginning....

The question I hear the most, when I say I just received my diploma as an Accredited Jewelry Professional, is, "What are you going to do with that?" When I started this program, I really just did it because of my interest in gemstones. But now that I have the accreditation, I check the career listings on the GIA website and dream about becoming an apprentice to a jewelry designer. Or maybe writing a book for one of my favorite designers. The next step is to learn more about how jewelry is made, maybe to take a bead stringing class, or weaving, or silver work. Who knows, they say you have three careers in your lifetime. My first was a teacher, second a PR professional and third.....to be continued.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend -- if they measure up!

Cut, clarity, color and carat -- we've all heard these terms to describe diamonds. But now I'm learning a book full of terminology including needle, pit, nick, knot, bearded girdle, etc. to describe a diamond's value and clarity. Kind of confusing, especially since I don't have any examples to study at home....but maybe someday. The GIA course in Diamond Essentials, however, uses videos and slide shows to help me learn all the finer points. Next time I go to a fine jewelry store, I'm going to ask to see a diamond ring and then ask for the "plot" on the Diamond Grading Report. I might have to get a jewelers loupe as well, so I look really official.

Queen Victoria had terrific taste in jewelry.

Just saw "The Young Victoria" and was so impressed with the jewelry. The cross necklace Victoria wears at her coronation ball is gorgeous, and I'm wondering if it is an antique. Even the pin that Albert wears in this scene to the left is the kind of glitzy item I love. And look at that tiara! Fabulous. My friend Jean and I have a running joke that we wear a tiara on our birthday (of course it's a plastic one with rhinestones, not quite this elegant.) Next time I visit London, I will have to make a stop at the Victoria and Albert museum.

Heidi Daus Belgium Disc

The Queen of Sparkles -- Heidi Daus

Heidi just made an appearance on HSN and someone dubbed her the "Queen of Sparkles." How true! This woman is a true artist with crystals. And she is the epitomy of "happy" as she shares her enthusiasm for all things glitzy. The photo here is of her Belgium Disc, a staple of her necklaces and now a pin. She specializes in critter jewelry, some of the best conversation pieces I own, like the frog ring and turtle necklace, all done in Swarovski crystals. When I grow up (or retire!) I want to be just like her. Oh, and she displays her jewelry in a glass curio cabinet in her kitchen -- how cool is that?

Almost there....

Just finished the second course in my Accredited Jewelry Professional series called Jewelry Essentials at the GIA (Gemological Institute of America.) Lots of information on alloys, design eras, ductility, quality marks, etc. One more course, and I'll have a new accreditation to add to my credentials -- the other is APR (Accredited in Public Relations).

My friends seem interested, yet puzzled when I tell them about my jewelry passion. At this point, not sure what I will do with it, but there are endless possibilities -- to design, sell, or just enjoy all that goes into making jewelry such a fascinating hobby for me. Last weekend I made six pairs of earrings, some for gifts, others to match pieces I already have. I enjoy the craft as much as knitting. Unfortunately, those little beads can get lost in the carpet if I accidentally drop one, unlike a ball of yarn.

Here's a photo of one of my newest pieces, designed by Jay King, who roams the world to find unusual stones, then creates unique jewelry with his "mine finds." I hope to visit his store, Desert Rose, in Albuquerque someday.