Design Challenges

Sometimes we are faced with challenges in our jewelry businesses, from taking custom orders or in determining what to do with beads purchased by mistake.

I normally keep a ruler in my desk drawer so I have a visual of the millimeter size before placing a bead order. But sometimes I am in a rush and don’t check. Or maybe you’ve seen a great strand of beads on an auction getting ready to end at ebay. You quickly buy the item only to discover they are 25 mm. You think to yourself “It just didn’t look that big on the screen” and then “what in the world am I going to do with these??” You then have yourself a design challenge!

Another example - a beading friend of mine was asked to create a bracelet with large gold focal beads. The customer also wanted red and blue bicone crystals with it. The color combination was not something we would normally put together and the results were pretty much what we expected. We looked at each other and agreed that we did not like it. However, the personality of the customer came to mind and we knew better than to question her wishes. Although the color combination was not pleasing to us, the buyer loved it. And that’s the important thing; that the buyer is pleased.

I love taking on custom orders, but they are also intimidating at times. Sometimes we need to learn a new trick to accommodate the request. When someone asked for a necklace with a beaded drop for the first time, I needed to figure out how to do that. Custom orders help us grow as artists by making us do new things, or see things in a new light.

What we’ve learned too, is that there is pretty much a buyer for everything! We’ve made things we don’t like and think “this piece will never sell” only to see them move quickly. Much to our surprise! So if my friend makes something that she doesn’t like, I remind her there is a buyer for everything. I may not like huge chunky 25 mm beads on my petite frame, but others may love them, are taller than me, and can pull off the look. It’s important to think beyond what WE like.

Have you considered your own jewelry style as it evolves over the years? Most of us can look back at particular pieces or photos of past work and realize how far we’ve come. We want to move our older inventory because our style and techniques have changed. Or we tear apart old designs to reuse the beads in a new creation.

So remember, it is pretty easy to make something that we like. The challenge is to create something outside our comfort zone that is pleasing to someone else. This helps us to grow and learn from the experience!

If anyone on our team has any design challenge stories, please share them with us. We would love to hear about your experience. And we can learn from it too!


Kim Ries
Creative Eye Studio
http://kimberlyries.blogspot.com/

Introduction - Kim Ries

My name is Kim Ries with Creative Eye Studio and I am from Louisville, KY. I have been creating jewelry for the past two years, but have enjoyed being creative all my life. I took drawing and painting classes in high school and college, but had a long span of non-productivity. In the late 90’s I rediscovered my interest in art with photography, rubber stamps, collage and altered art. I always purchased beads when something pretty caught my eye and I would hoard them for future art projects like tags or handmade books. Even when I was not creating jewelry I was buying beads. After taking a basic jewelry making class with a friend, I was hooked. This led to a 6 week metalsmithing class, a silversmithing class and a lampwork bead class. After taking the lampwork bead class, I must admit I have a new appreciation for this art form. It takes a great degree of patience and skill! I am anxious to work with metal clay, but need to convince my husband exactly why I “need” a kiln.

With these classes, I have learned new techniques and styles to integrate into my designs. In April of this year, I received a BS degree in Marketing. I plan to use this degree not only in my regular day job, but also to help promote my jewelry business.

Inspiration for my designs is found in different color combinations, items found in nature, earthy elements, etc. I would describe my design style as elegant, feminine and classic. I like to use sterling silver and copper, natural gemstones, furnace glass, fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystal in my designs.

I love photography and am learning to use a new Nikon digital SLR camera. I can't tell you how many perfect photos I've captured with my eyes but did not have the camera with me. It's hard to turn off that moment when you see a perfect picture in architecture or nature. And it’s a lot of fun to combine my love for photography with the jewelry. Two art forms in one! I just started a Photoshop class this week and am hoping to learn more about editing my pictures. It seems I will always be taking a class in something, and the retreats that Auggie described this week in our team blog sound very intriguing. I feel ongoing learning is a part of the process where we grow and get better at our craft, and have some fun along the way.

I am so grateful to the eSMArtsteam for the encouragement and knowledge about online marketing. My head is swimming most days with all the new things I have learned about blogs, etsy, technorati, squidoo, etc. And to think last month I had never heard of technorati and squidoo. When I lay down at night, my head is filled with all the new things I’ve learned in just the past month or so. I know that I need encouragement to motivate me to move forward and am so happy to be a part of the team. In the individual member blogs, you will notice that the talent level of the team is quite high. This too, gives the rest of us motivation and inspiration in our future designs…to be the best we can be!

In tomorrow’s blog, we'll discuss design challenges for artists and how to get beyond our comfort zone. Stay tuned!

Kim Ries
Creative Eye Studio
http://kimberlyries.blogspot.com

A Jewelry Legacy

Hi! My name is Kari Bryde and I am a member of eSMArts and the owner of Novel Approach. My formal education is in Interior Design. I feel like jewelry pieces are mini architectural structures. I decided to make a change from designing environments that enhanced my clients’ lives to designing adornments that enhanced my clients’ personal images.

Many of my designs have a commitment to “Repurposing.” “Repurposing” follows the school of thought of Sustainable Design; i.e. finding what you have in your environment that is usable and choosing to redesign a piece in order to give it new purpose and a revived enjoyment.

My style employs crafting contemporary jewelry built around vintage components. I love the idea of time creating an energy continuum. I think about what a woman must have felt and thought when wearing a piece of jewelry and I like the idea of passing that energy along. Every time a woman wears a piece of jewelry she adds a layer of experience; I like creating pieces that can bridge past experiences with new ones.

New collections are in the works – please view my work on the following sites:
http://www.novelapproachdesigns.com/
http://www.novelapproachdesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.novelapproachdesigns.etsy.com/

Thank you! ~Kari

Earrings- the L O N G and short of it

I've noticed that sometimes a woman will pick up a pair of earrings, hold them up against her face and they just don't look right. It can be frustrating. Not as frustrating as finding the perfect pair of jeans....but frustrating none the less. The shape of your face will determine what kind of earrings look good on you. Why? Because earrings highlight your face. So what's the right style for YOUR face?

Oval- if this is your shape then you look best in earrings that widen and balance the face. Stay away from super long looks that weigh the face down. Gravitate towards hoops, studs, long ovals and round shapes.

Round- if this is your shape then you look best in earrings that create balance. Stay away from tiny studs and button earrings. You look best in angular shapes, wide dangling earrings and long narrow earrings that will draw one's eyes downward.

Triangular - if this is your shape then you look best in small circular earrings or long dangly ones. Stay away from earrings that come to a point, look for curves that will soften the angles of your face.

Heart- if this is your shape then you want balance at your cheekbones. Stay away from earrings that come to a point or mimic the shape of your face. Gravitate towards large earrings, a dangle with a large object at the bottom or oval shaped pairs. Dangling earrings that form a triangle are flattering for this shape face.

Rectangular- if this is your shape then you want to soften your angles. Stay away from squares and rectangles opting instead for round. Hoops and medium to long styles will look best on you.


With so many choices out there, it's easy to find a pair that you love and that flatter your face. Let's take a peek at what some of the team members have available....

Click here to see more about this pair by unicorngem1994.




Click here to see more about this pair by Annette Piper.




Click here to see more about this pair by Orange Starfish.

I hope I've offered you something to consider when purchasing your next pair of earrings. Click any of the stores in our sidebar for some wonderful possibilities!



Stacie Williams- Creative Junque
My Blog

Featured Artists

I’m so proud of the members of this etsy team! They’re working like mad, each developing his or her professional online presence. This hard working crew is adapting quickly to the rigors of regular blogging, social networking, social linking, honing their craft, helping each other, and well we’ve come together into one heck of a cohesive, productive team.

eSMArts has been blessed by the addition of several new members over the past few weeks.

Michele Cook of Michele Cook Designs is one of the newer team members.

I like Michele’s new sterling silver bracelet with these patterned square links called "All Squared Up". With great details and retailing for only $37, I love this piece so much that I simply had to feature it.

Pat Baker of SilverRabbitStudio creates lovely lampwork beads and metalwork and she’s a wonderful addition to our roster.

Here we see some of Pat's Green, Black and White Lampwork Bead Bracelet as well as her cast sterling Dots Ring. Below is Lavender Turquoise Lampwork Bead Necklace. Maybe if I'm lucky, Pat will create a set of custom lampwork beads for me! I'm a handmade glass bead addict too.

Things are beginning to run very smoothly with our team, so recenlty I've had time to browse many of our team shops and blogs. It's apparent we all have improvement areas to work on, but overall, our photo quality, listing descriptions, artist profiles and mini bios are beginning to take shape.

And at the bottom line, we've started making a few sales. These results are encouraging and further proof that our hard work will pay off in the long run.

Diane Geisel’s UnicornGem1944 store features unique wire wrapped treasures such as these original design Sculpted Birthstone Pendant Necklaces.

Diane has volunteered to apply her management skills to the post of eSMArts Social Marketing Director and I’m certain we’ll all benefit from her contributions.

On a personal note, I’m making headway restructuring my etsy shops into their three themes. I used to have all my offerings lumped into one rather messy looking shop. Soon Gahooletree will feature only precious gemstone one of a kind creations and ensembles like the Lilith earrings shown below.

In the fun & flirty boutique called SassyDLite, I’m moving all my casual, everyday and older collections. As items expire from the flagship store, I’m slowly adding them to this venue – many things going on sale I might add, so we do have lots to offer the value conscious jewelry buyer too.

Watch for fabulous additions to the supplies outlet as we feature several cuts of Swiss Blue Topaz, London Blue Topaz, Lemon Topaz and more over the coming weeks! I'm trying to keep my gemstone overstock priced at or below wholesale.

If you'd like to be featured on this blog, please contact me!
-AnnaLee
http://gahooletreedesigns.blogspot.com

Beaders getting together

Yesterday I talked about our economy, how it is affecting us, and some things we can do about it. Today I want to talk about an alternative to the expensive bead classes at the large bead festivals. Don’t get me wrong; if I had the extra money, I would be there! I love seeing all the beads, the designers, and participating in the classes. They are amazing! But in today’s challenging environment, for some of us who still want to be active and enjoy the company of other beaders, there are some great alternatives out there.

First let me tell you about the Bead Retreat group I belong to. We had our first get together this past June right outside of Gatlinburg, TN. We rented a “Quilters Lodge” with the most beautiful view of the Smoky Mountains. There were 9 ladies and most of us had never met before. You would never know it by the way we all felt immediately connected. Even though most of us live in the Mid Southern States, some traveled from as far away as Florida and Indiana!

Everyone had a part in pulling it together. We prepared a menu and decided who would bring what, as the house was fully equipped for us to cook. There were cocktails and appetizers, candy and cake, and of course we had real food too! Within our group there were many who taught us their specialties

and we even had Jim McIntosh come and teach us Wire Wrapping. He and his lovely wife dined with us on my homemade pork burritos and Texas Margaritas! We didn’t have to leave the house; we didn’t want to leave the house! You got up when you wanted to and went to bed when you were tired. It felt like home and everyone became an instant family. We learned so much that long weekend. It was such a pleasure to meet the folks you are in groups with and leave with new friends. We areplanning another for late October just outside of Nashville.

Another new thing I am getting involved in is a Beading Circle. It’s just like a Quilting Circle but with BEADS!!!!!!! Some members from some groups I belong to tracked me down and we only live like 10-15 minutes from each other. We have even been going to the same Atlanta Bead Society meetings every month and had never met. It is a small world but if you don’t speak up you will never know what you are missing. The next Circle hasn’t been scheduled yet but I will be there for sure.

And I mentioned, we have a Bead Society here as many cities do. The Dues are not much; I only pay $25 for a year and that includes taking a friend or family member with me. We always learn something new and there is much to look at and buy.

Some of us go for pizza afterwards to know each other better. We have 40-50 members present and when you’re learning a new beading technique you don’t take time to chat.

Hopefully I have given you something to think about and you can come up with some ideas of your own to socialize with fellow beaders without using too much gasoline or spending a lot of money and still have a great time!

Here are some pictures from our Bead Retreat. Check out your local area for If you live in TN, GA, AL, NC. SC or Lower KY & IN or are willing to travel, send me an email and I will invite you to our group.

Take care and bead well, Auggie

The Holloway's Quilters Lodge

Susan taught us Viking Knit

Jim McIntosh teaching us Wire Wrapping

Kelly taught us Polymer Clay

Susan showed us the art of Kumihimo

We’re all working on projects and having a great time!

Don’t think we brought enough to eat though!

Genny taught us Flat Cellini, Annette taught us Bead Crochet

And Paula taught us how to do the Colorblock Cuff from:

Bead Daily

How is the economy effecting us all?

 

This is me, Auggie Parker.  I am a proud member of the eSmarts street team.  Visit my personal Blog for links to various jewerly tutorials.  I also have my own Etsy store and have just recently started adding items.  I hope you will stop by and take a look. 

 

I have been thinking all week about what I would write, and have gone back and forth on a few different subjects.  My decision was our economy here in the U.S. and how it is effecting the sales of non-essential items.   I realize this does not apply to everyone but even in our home we are really cutting back where we can.  The cost of oil effects more than just the gas tank, which is outrageous!  Almost every industry is being effected and the cost is being passed on to all of us in numerous ways.  I make candles as well as jewelry and the wax I use comes from petroleum.  The cost is so high right now that if it does not come down by fall I won’t be making candles this year.  Hopefully Oil prices will start coming down and all will be well again.

 

But, right now how does this effect us; the artists, crafters and suppliers and more importantly, how does it effect our customers?  Personally I have cut back on supplies unless it is a deal too great to pass up.  I am looking at all of my inventory and seeing everything in a new light.  I am searching my creative mind to think outside the box.  I hope the result will be some exciting, innovative ideas.   Also, instead of only designing higher end items which for my area is $100+, I am designing in several price ranges.  Hopefully this will still attract my clients and grab the attention of some new ones.

 

As a consumer, who loves to give gifts to friends and family “just because”, I am staying close to home and hand making more gifts than I usually do.  I would like to think my receivers will appreciate the time and thought put into these gifts.  I also think that many of you may be thinking the same way and will be looking for supplies to make these special gifts.

 

If you take a look at my team members sites you will find exactly what you are looking for and at the price range you have in mind.  We have so many talented and diverse members that there is sure to be a treasure with your name on it!    

Take care, Auggie Queen-Parker

 

 

 

We've Got The Whole World On Our Team (well, getting there!)

Hi, I’m Teresa from Inspired Designs by Teresa. Please come visit my Etsy store or my blog. I started making jewelry about two years ago and had just begun selling it last summer when I got my first teaching job. So my marketing efforts were put on hold for the school year. Just as I was beginning to think about getting back into the online marketing world, Anna Lee of GaHooleeTree proposed starting a new street team on Etsy to learn the ins and outs of social marketing on the internet. I jumped right on the bandwagon, and it has been quite a ride. Although it has been only a few months, we have 90 members in our Yahoo group and represent 49 Etsy stores!

One of the challenges of growing so quickly is keeping up with all the members. Most of our members are from North America, so I thought I would use my blogging time to highlight our members from across the pond, or, in one case, across the world.

Jackie and Lara are a mother and daughter team from Devon, England. In their shop they offer elegant handcrafted jewelry.

Lara (the daughter) also has another store where she offers adorable creatures made from polymer clay or felt. She also offers a banner and avatar design service, so contact her if you can use her services.

Morna is a self-taught jewelry designer from Perth, Scotland. Visit her Etsy store, to see both her finished jewelry and surplus components. She has some lovely copper components, and we all know that right now copper is hot, hot, hot!

Wezz lives in Kessel-Lo, Belgium. Her store currently features handcrafted jewelry, but Wezz admits that all kinds of crafting is in her genes, so who knows what will pop up in the future!

And, from the other side of the world, we have Annette from Coolah, Australia. From her rural oasis Annette handcrafts refined and classic pieces which she offers for your viewing, and if you’re lucky, wearing pleasure. Take a look at her beautiful store.

Team "Work"

Today I tried to improve my presence on the internet so I could support eSMArts members more and promote our team and my business. So I created accounts on various websites and have been trying to figure out how to link my photos on my website to my sales pages on etsy, and cross-linking blogs, favorites, friends, etc. Still want to learn how to do video, like youtube or squidoo--I'm not ready to create a tutorial yet, but that would be a great start.

Since few of you really know me, I gotta confess--I have always absolutely hated having my picture taken, and never liked taking photos either. So, here I am talking about going way beyond a still photo to active video clips!!!!! Wild, to me anyway.

It has been great to read posts from other team members to see how we type/write/webspeak differently; sometimes I think my writing sounds stilted and not as "fun" to read as others, so guess I can work on that too---let's see, learning web processes, changing how I write on blogs, improving my pictures, creating and uploading video, oh----actually, possibly, making some of those projects in my head----yep, self-improvement time is here!

Thanks for listening/reading! I'm gonna go off and learn something else.........
Teri
www.sandtcreations.com
sandtcreations@insightbb.com

Excellence at eSmarts!!

Big things happening this week for the eSmarts Team members participating in a social marketing team on Etsy. Three of our members Tortoise Treasures, Inspired Designs by Teresa and Willow's Beads have had sales, for some their very first and our very own Vamp Kitty has posted for the first time.

Starting us off was Tortoise Treasures with this charming German Silver wire wrap of a turquoise blue agate with a crystal in the center of the stone. Nice work Shelley. Check out more of Tortoise Treasures creations and watch for more turtles to come.

Next off was Inspired Designs with these two lovely pieces "Copper Swag Choker", truly a beauty with rich copper and garnet beads and "Red Porcelain and Copper Drop Necklace". Those beads are one of a kind. Way to go....two sales in one day, you may be the Seller of the week but the week isn't over yet.....keep marketing. Don't miss seeing more of Teresa's Inspired Designs.

Last but certainly not least, take a look at the shop of Willow's Beads who also had her first sale this week. Those "Beautiful Green and Brown Swirled Lampwork Beads" should make her buyer very happy indeed. Check out many more select beads from Willow's Beads on Etsy

Vamp Kitty impressed us all with her first postings on Etsy. So glad you did. Your pieces are wonderful. I'll be watching your shop for many more postings to come. My favorite is "Mermaid" in Seafoam Amazonite, Chrysocolla and antique copper bali beads. Check out Vamp Kitty for all her new postings.

These team members are proof eSmarts works. Check out eSmarts for a team that makes things happen.............fast!

A Beaded Affair

Copper wrapping wire

Hey Kid, Wanna Try Some Peyote?

Hi, my name is Elayne of ChezChani and I am a peyote-aholic. It started innocently enough, a picture of a peyote stitched ring on a bead store website offering a class. "Oh" I said to myself, "that ring is reminiscent of the Tiffany mesh band I’ve always wanted." I’d never gone to a bead store and taken a class but off I went. I was the only one in the class and lo & behold, in approx. 1 ½ hours I had made my first ring. I was so proud but so naive. I thought maybe I’d make a few more rings and it would end there. I could stop anytime...well cut to one year later and I have not stopped. It’s all peyote stitch, all the time. I have not done ONE other bead-related thing. And you know what? I don’t feel I’ve even touched on all the amazing things that can be made with this one little stitch. Is it the stitch? Is it the tiny, perfectly matched little beads? Is it the break from the evil thoughts usually running through my head? I don’t know. All I can tell you is once you’ve tried peyote, you may never put it down. So, if you are in the bead store and someone comes by and says "Hey kid, wanna try some Peyote?" think long and hard. The first try may be free, but you will pay, oh yes, you will pay.

So now you know what I do with every spare minute of my time and why my house is such a mess. I encourage you to check out the blogs and Etsy stores of all our team members to see where their madness lies. I have never met a more talented, friendly and supportive group. Prepare to be amazed.

Chezchani can be found on Etsy or at our Blog. Stop by and visit some time!

I Just Love Swaps!

My name is Jill Milan of Jewelry Elegance by jill and "I Just Love Swaps!"

Today I thought I would blog about my love of swaps. I love the idea of creating for others, and just love the excitement of receiving all the pretties in the mail, it’s just like Christmas… . A very unique way to remember all the artisans, each with there own style, yet always created with the same theme. As I continue to participate in swaps, I will eventually make a wire wrapped bracelet where I can display all the unique charms, remembering each and every artisan that lovingly made their treasures. So today I thought I would share Stacie Williams charms which were created for her BookArtz charm swap. Copper is my favorite medium, and her unique style shows the warmth and essence of creating for a swap. The combination of copper and the old book pages from the 1920’s created unique charms. Stacie is a very talented mixed media artist and her work can be viewed at Creative Junque Jewelry or follow her muse Creative Junque by Stacie

I must say I will not be a recipient of one of these beautiful and unique charms, Stacie and I belong to different swap groups, but she has given me much inspiration.

Stop by my Etsy Store or My blog and see what I've been up to....

And don't forget to stop by a visit the eSMArts Team Gallery...

An introduction from Annette Piper

G'day all!

My name is Annette Piper of Annette Piper Dip. Gem. Handcrafted Jewellery and I am the token Aussie member of eSMArts! (I'm sure we'll gain a few more Australian members in time).

I am situated in rural New South Wales a couple of hundred kilometres inland from the east coast of Australia, in a long established farming and grazing area. Perched, as I am, on the Great Dividing Range, I have magnificent views of the surrounding farmland, distant hills and the wide blue Australian sky above. I live here with my aviator/farmer husband and our three children in a passive solar home that has my studio attached. Oh, there are also a few hundred head of cattle, two very lazy cats, a working dog and abundant birdlife surrounding me, but it's very quiet...really!

I have a strong background in the jewellery trade - my first full time job out of school was as a junior for a jewellery manufacturer and when I was managing a retail jewellery store in Sydney I undertook my Diploma of Gemmology. This was 20+ years ago. I continued to work in the jewellery field for a number of years before stopping due to location restraints and raising a family. When my youngest children (twins - which is why I use the plural) were two years old I really felt the need to do something for myself and soon fell into the world of gems again. This time it was by making jewellery with my beloved gemstones and pearls and I finally found my passion in life!

The popularity for my jewellery has grown over the last five years and I am now known as the "local jewellery maker". I have extended my client base into neighbouring districts as well as gaining a few loyal overseas clients. In an effort to continue this trend, I opened an Etsy store and have joined the talented group of artisans at eSMArts to help me on my journey.

I make mostly one of a kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings and a few limited edition rings and earrings. Most of my designs are simple and bold - but in a very classic and elegant way. I use only the highest quality gemstones and pearls that I source from all over the world. All items are made in my studio by me and have to get past my very high standards to ensure you get a piece of jewellery that is worthy of being worn for decades. Please visit my Etsy store and pop into my blog "Under the Loupe" to hear more of what I am up to.

I look forward to sharing my journey with you all!

a Time to Organize

Ah, it's finally QUIET! I can think for a minute to post.

My name is Carlotta Pengelley, and I am the owner of Carlotta's Celebration Creations. I am a jewelry designer and creator, bookbinder and altered book artist, mixed media artist, and I dabble in lots of other media. My favorite jewelry items include using gemstones, metals, wire, and Artist lampworked beads.

It's well known among the people who are acquainted with our family that I make jewelry. "It must be so nice, now that your children are older," commented one typically unenlightened person, "you must be able to get so much more jewelry made with them to take care of themselves."

Huh?

Suffice it to say that none of my 3 kids drive, the 20 year old works part time and so I drive him, the 16 year old girl is in summer school and softball and I drive her, the 17 year old- well, I wish he had a job. I would gladly drive him. Instead he is home for summer break with his friends coming by to play Metal Gear 4 and Grand Theft Auto VERY LOUDLY until 1 AM, with the blessing of Dad who said at least they are here and not out on the street. A few more weeks of this and someone will be on the street.

(As a side note, even though my children are almost grown I am learning I still cannot leave my tools and chemicals out where they can get to them; this same 17 year old has ruined my mini butane torch this week by forcing the starter button without first depressing the safety. Yes, he managed to light it. Now it no longer auto shuts off; when you do shut it off you have to push the flame control lever up to high to stop the leak of butane from the nozzle afterward. I still cannot believe he DESTROYED the safety on it...)

So, with the major gathering of fine Teen Male Testosterone and the rising decibel level in the main room of my home, I did what every sane woman and frightened animal does- retreated to the quiet of my personal lair. In my case, I took my box of bags of smaller bags of stones with me.

For the past few years I have stored my beautiful gemstones in little baggies in a plastic bag. When that bag filled I started another. And another. Then I had to start storing those in a box. This system proves inconvenient in many ways. And so while I continue to inventory all of my supplies into a jewelry making program, I have started to store my gemstones in individual little translucent boses that store in stackable translucent containers.

Not only did I find this activity to be very relaxing for me today, but it helped me come up with a few new gemstone combinations; some of which you will see in the next few weeks in my jewelry store.

I admit, it did not help me fill my Etsy store or do anything to photograph or add descriptions to listings ready to be uploaded, but we all need some way to relax once in awhile. And organization does, however indirectly, help in the creative process. And for me, every little bit helps.

Besides, it got my blog homework done for tonight.

Smiles,
Carlotta
Carlotta's Celebration Creations
Jewelry~Journals~Soaps~Sundries
My Creative Circle: My Circle of Friends
Carlotta's Creations: My Creations
Carlotta Creates: Ramblings of a Madwoman

A Gem by Any Other Name

With profound apologies to Mr. Shakespeare, the title of my post plays on the famous line, "a rose by any other name".

Juliet says to Romeo, because their families hate each other, "What's in a name? that which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet". Oh, how I wish that were true for the incredible Russian Chrome Diopside. My pictures can't begin to do justice to this incredible gem.

Gem quality chrome diopside could make emeralds weep and green tourmaline envious. It's deep rich kelly green in color with luster and brilliance to rival Tsavorite Garnet. But this poor gem shall probably never achieve the notoriety of any of the other green gems with a name like ....Chrome Diopside...no savy, no panache, no savoir faire. So sad for a gem which should be able to rival the best of them.

And the poor little gem, and I do mean little, since it's colored with chromium which inhibits growth, is rarely found in large sizes, suffers from, another problem. Mother Nature decided to hide this beauty in Russia.....Siberia in fact. Mining can only take place 6 months out of the year. The rest of the time it is buried beneath snow and ice in the perma frost. So, sadly, there is only a small amount of rough mined each year.

Doomed to a life of obscurity, buried in the ice, this gemstone is not well known and that has kept the price down. Of course that makes me happy since I intend to buy a lot of Russian Chrome Diopside.

Watch for faceted Chrome Diopside pendants coming soon to my store, A Beaded Affair , in sterling silver or custom order one in gold. This stone is worthy of it.

http://www.abeadedaffair.blogspot.com/

http://www.abeadedaffair.etsy.com/

http://www.abeadedaffair.com/