diamonds – april birthstone

A lot is said about diamonds; that they are forever, a girl’s best friend, for special occasions etc. I say diamonds are for today and every day, and that they should be worn as often as possible!

I love to combine natural rough diamonds with hand-collected, tumbled beach glass as both of these components carry raw and real characteristics of nature’s work. I get a kick out of adding faceted gemstones to the mix, which show off man’s skill and ability to transform nature’s treasures into refined, shiny, sparkly gems. The end result is always a harmonious combination and play of natural and manmade, beautiful finishing touches fused into one work of wearable art. Here's an example of some turquoise and yellow beach glass combined with faceted lemon quartz and Peruvian opal with tiny and sparkly, rough yellow diamonds. I just designed these to complement a client's newest Anthropology spring 2011 top.

Diamonds are believed to provide wisdom, enlightenment, purity, clarity, peace and power. Diamonds help combat mental illness, encourage self-confidence and counteract jealousy.
They can act as detoxifiers, remove negativity and they support meditation and spiritual growth.

art attire - the wearable art extravaganza on vancouver island

I received a call yesterday from The Associates of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and was invited to participate in this year's Art Attire.

I'm up for the challenge. Submission deadline is April 4th...what to design?

aquamarine - march birthstone

Aqua maris means sea water in Latin. The pale blue, sometimes greenish gemstone is said to have come from a mermaid's jewellery box, as some legends would have it. Aquamarine is indeed a very soft and beautiful gemstone that I love to use in my designs.The healing properties help with throat, vocal cords, speech and thyroid problems when worn close to the neck and throat.

Aquamarine is said to promote friendship and love, to protect from harm, and to promote safe travel, especially at sea. It is also known to prevent sea sickness.

Aquamarine regulates the lymph system and reduces swelling, boosts the immune system and protects against many types of colds and allergies.