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.