Kelly Graham Wedding Headpieces, Circlets, Crowns and other Inspired Jewelry

Tipping the Velvet

2011-12-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

I'm going back...to the velvet...underground....

I'm loving Victorian dress. For both men and women. As in both for me. I think I am going to bring a little steampunk vintage Victorian back into my every day life. Trousers, vest, granny boots, a pocket watch with a lovely ladies frock coat...perhaps tapestry coat.

I'm going to merge both sexes into one.

Yes!

The perils of raising twins....and boys.

2011-12-21T15:22:00.001-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that I suck at writing. I really do. So, this isn't really some fancy-pants article contrived of grandiose articulation and deep-provoking thoughts from a wise soul. Hardly. This is the day to day horrors and joys of trying to raise twin boys without maiming them emotionally. I do want them to come home for Christmas periodically. (As I type this, one of them is growling like a black bear and the other is banging his head on the cabinet.) Yeah, I have the midas touch.

So, they came home from the hospital 14 months ago. (Where the hell did the time go??) I carried them to term and they were carved out of me weighing 6.5 pounds each. Big fuckers! They were the sweetest little beings to me. Hardly a cry nor a peep from either - only when they were hungry. My role, at this stage, is to be a giant boob. It was non-stop boobapalooza in this household. Trying to nurse two is quite a feat. I had one of those ginormous twin boppies and positioned each to where they could sleep, I could watch TV, and then stick a tit in their mouth when hunger woke them from their precious baby slumber. This was the first three months. I sat on my fat ass, ate as much as what I imagine Chewbacca could eat, and grew fat. I weigh more now than I did when I was pregnant. (But that is another blog.)
Now, when they arrived on this planet of ours, one had club foot and the other torticollis, which is basically a bent neck. Have any of you undergone holy hell with quad panels and lab results?? We were given initially a 1 in 20 chance of a Down's child. No matter what, I chose to accept whatever may be, so while scary, I made myself as prepared as could be. I went in for the 3D ultrasound scan. Two soft markers on Baby A. While the doctor informed me that one soft marker is fine, two *could* signify a problem. There were no hard markers but still, this bumped the chance for Down's to 1-17. If I ever were to get pregnant again, to hell with the tests. They cause nothing but stress and worry. Simply and absolutely NOT worth any of it.

So, back to the one with club foot. We had him in a cast at 8 days old. Bless his tiny little clunker self. The other one had a burp cloth wrapped around his neck. I was horrified to take either anywhere. The tackiness of other parents is upsetting. Once, in Babies R Us, a man asked me if I dropped Xander, implying I broke his leg. Where do people feel they have the right to ask these kinds of things to complete strangers? I did, however, want to take Xander's casted leg and smash that man in the face.

(Really, I'm a good person, mostly.)

Looking for potential markets for bridal circlets

2010-05-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm interested in branching out. Finally. I've been a one person show for over a decade now, but realize that word of mouth only goes so far.
So, I'm seeking potential markets in which my bridal circlets and headpieces would be a solid hit.
It's one of those times where it takes money to make money...the cost of advertisement can be sky-high and not a guarantee that the product will move. I've done this with several niche bridal magazines only to find lots of "ooohs" and "aaaahs" but no solid gains.
Perhaps pounding the pavement to bridal boutiques is the best option. Any of you out there in a similar position find positive resources for your growing business?

Quote of the Day

2009-09-30T23:14:00.001-07:00

"The only place you'll find success before work is in the dictionary."
- May B. Smith

Bored Outside with a Ghastly Creamy Center

2009-09-30T15:20:00.001-07:00

This would describe the awkward thoughts that go through my head per a daily basis. I often wish I could release a blood-curdling scream but socialized behavior has "taught" (I say loosely) to control the id/ego/superego in one tightly wrapped package.

I want to be on The Guild. I heart Felicia Day and what she's done for herself. I want to be so extremely nerdy/geeky that I bring a sense of humility to the likes of Wil Wheaton. Unfortunately, I'm lacking enough geek cred to not fit in and too much geek cred to fit in with the settled, boring folk.

A land of betweens. Someone...please....help me! Send me Warcraft and X-Box and let me shrivel away to nothing, in my bedroom, gaming myself in 9 hour chunks. See, that, a happy life is I!

Bridal Headpiece - She looks mystical!

2009-09-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had made this for a customer and she had sent me this image from her bridal photographer. I thought it resonated well with her dark hair and fair skin.

Any insights?

Peridot and what it represents

2009-09-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Peridot Gemstone meaning

A tiny island known as Zabargard (owned by Egypt) is documented as the first source of peridot, dating back as far as four thousand years. Early Crusaders who visited St. John's Island (now called Zabargard) introduced this gem to Europe upon return from battle.

Peridot is mentioned in many ancient references as chrysolite. It is mentioned throughout the Bible, and early Christians considered it sacred. Today still, Catholic Bishops traditionally wear a ring of peridot and amethyst as a symbol of purity and morality. (Morality...chuckle...)

The peridot was believed to be a stone of springtime by ancients who considered it a gift from Mother Nature. Napoleon once made a gift of peridot to Josephine as a symbol of undying love and admiration. In ancient times, it was said that a dream about peridot foretold impending danger.
Healing qualities of peridot

Peridot is a stone of lightness and beauty. Only spiritual or clear-minded persons should use peridot. The person with too many earthly problems will not be able to understand the beauty of the Peridot. The very spiritual can wear peridot in a necklace with the stone at the base of the throat to feel its soothing effect. Used in a necklace, peridot is a protector against negative emotions.

Peridot has been known to have healing effect on the gall bladder and liver.
Sources of peridot

Peridot is a gem variety from the olivine mineral group. The bottle green color is called peridot. Yellowish green is chrysolite. Olive green is olivine. Sources of peridot include: St. John's Island (Egypt), United States (Arizona and Hawaii), Myanmar, Burma, Australia, Norway, South Africa and Brazil.

I'm srrrious!

2009-09-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

It just don't get no better 'dan 'dis, sumtimes....

It was not that long ago...

2009-09-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

When I awoke for work, similarly as I am now, preparing my homemade espresso mocha drink that I'd take with me (vs. spending it at StarYucks) is when I flipped on the news and saw the devastation unfolding. At the time, I lived in Virginia Beach, near Norfolk, and only 3 1/2 hours from D.C. I saw the planes hit, on live television, and it gave me an unsurreal sense of being there.
I have friends who work near the Pentagon. I called trying to get a hold of them, hoping they were safe. One rolling wave of horror and disbelief after another, coupled with shaky nerves and butterflies. I couldn't move myself to go to work that day. I was glued to the television, watching the telecasts, the national coverage that was on every channel. In disbelief and shock, I felt fear like I hadn't experienced before.
I'm grateful to live in this country where we are usually so protected compared to other nations. In spite of 9/11, the journey of getting through that day has carried on and resonates on each anniversary. I'm quite proud to be an American. I hold the memory so dear to serve a justice, if you will, for those who lost their lives.
In remembrance....

Where no dog has gone before....

2009-08-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

omg. Seriously, this poor creature had to endure this crap from some sordid human being with too much time on his/her hands. And, yes folks, I did enjoy it anyhow so kudos to the guy who made good use of his beer cans!

A peaceful easy feeling....

2009-08-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to send a positive vibe your way...if you're reading this, may you be blessed with fortune and happiness and, if something is wrong in your life, may you be given the sight, wisdom and strength to handle what hurts you.

A Bridge to Somewhere

2009-08-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

After visiting Costa Rica last year (mi Madre is a permanent resident now), I decided I was a fan finally but it didn't come to me at first. Perhaps living in Southern Ca., the scenery wasn't all that glamorous in the city of Escazu, right outside San Jose. I've got plenty of palms all around me already! However, it was when I went into the forests, down in Manuel Antonio, on the South Coast, that I fell in love.

This rustic bridge was one of the reasons why. It's a handmade bridge made for the locals, who live in the rain forests, to transport their goods to the local markets. A step back in time yet so enrapturing and beautiful!

Gourmet Pizza Time

2009-08-16T10:54:00.001-07:00

A new design I've been working on...:)

Meanwhile, between making jewelry, I've been trying my hand at gourmet pizza! On the grill! This is a capture before it went on the grill...I didn't get a photo of it afterward because it was devoured before I could even *think* about nabbing the camera. It does my heart good!

Diamonds are Forever... and are virtually worthless.

2009-08-08T02:46:00.000-07:00

Diamonds Are Forever

"Diamonds are virtually worthless."

Or at least, they are worth a lot less than you might imagine. The story of how the diamond came to be viewed as the rarest and most coveted of gemstones, found on the fingers of married women worldwide, is a story of insatiable greed, ruthless strong-arming, and most of all, brilliant marketing.

Today when a woman gets engaged in most of the developed nations of the world, she expects a diamond engagement ring and most likely will also have some sort of diamond setting on her wedding ring as well. After all, the diamond is the rarest of gems, and what better way to show a women exactly how much you love her than with the gift of a diamond. Right?

But this was not always the case. In fact, as recently as 100 years ago a woman whose husband-to-be could afford one was at least as likely to wear a ruby, sapphire, or emerald on her wedding ring as a diamond. Indeed, in countries as far apart as India and England, it was the ruby, not the diamond, that was exalted as the most beautiful and rarest of gemstones, and thus it is not surprising that in India, the word "lal" means "red," "ruby," and "beloved" as well. Indeed, statistically speaking, the ruby is the rarest of the major gemstones, followed by the emerald.

The Rise of De Beers

Enter a family of South African of Afrikaner heritage who in the early 1900s owned a small but productive diamond mine - The De Beers. Through a combination of business acumen, worker exploitation, and large quantities of luck, the De Beers corporation had become one of the world's biggest producers of diamonds by the 1930s. At first openly in the 1930s and then secretly during World War II, De Beers gained a leg up on the competition by selling industrial diamonds to a desperate Adolph Hitler, with whom other more principled diamond producers refused to deal.

By the 1950s De Beers controlled a majority of the Earth's diamond supply. Over the next three decades, the company went on a massive buying spree, acquiring mines in South America, the United States, India, and the rest of Africa, asserting one of the world's largest and most successful monopolies over one of its most coveted items.

With its monopoly power, De Beers has been able to control diamond prices worldwide by dumping or withholding diamonds in its private stockpile. As a privately owned company not traded on any stock market, De Beers is not required to divulge its assets, profits, or the size of its diamond hoard, although it has been estimated that even if all diamond production were ceased tomorrow, De Beers has enough diamonds secreted away to maintain current rates of diamond consumption for 15-20 years.

This stockpile has been the key to maintaining the De Beers monopoly. Whenever a new mine was discovered or a competitor attempted to undersell De Beers' inflated prices, the company would simply flood the market with diamonds, driving prices so low that its rivals would be brought to their knees, either forced to sell out to De Beers or to sign agreements agreeing to follow De Beers' orders on pricing.

Just remember there are other investments and choices when it comes to laying down huge money for a hard mineral. I, for one, would support my local artisan, pay not nearly the amount a small round rock would cost (just because I'm supposed to and it's operated by a cartel) and give back into my artisan community.

Just think about it!

I heart Enya

2009-07-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

I really do.

Comic Con

2009-07-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so jealous of everyone who gets to go. I missed the ticket deadline months ago and am tempted to whore myself outside the coliseum just to nab some partly chewed ticket. I had a few friends attend, in 2006, and they dressed as snowtroopers, fresh out of the 501st Legion...so these guys are hard core but their costumes were stunning and authentic props. That's what I love about these conventions. I love the creativity walking around, hiding in various disguises. They *become* their characters. I think Dragon*Con is the next closest thing (east coast version). Maybe, one of these days, I'll get my femme trooper outfit in gear. For anyone who's curious what that is, it's a near replica outfit of the storm trooper (Star Wars) but with boobs. It don't get any better than that!

Anyone going to Comic Con this year?

Anyone have a spare ticket they want to sell?

The new Harry Potter movie

2009-07-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

I went to see it last night. A 10:15 show at the Arclight theaters in Sherman Oaks. Apparently, the jeans, tee-shirt and Chucks outfit of Harry's was displayed in a glass case right outside the theater entrance. Let me say, Daniel Radcliffe is a tiny guy!

I'm still digesting the movie. As far as the way it played out over 2.5 hours, I enjoyed the way it was done, while slow in spots, kept me moving along. No unnecessary wriggling in my seat which tends to happen if a movie doesn't grab me in the first 30 minutes. The imaging, the graphics, the CGI were all stunning. The actual storyline? I'm sure it followed the book well enough but it seemed lackluster compared to the other movies. Perhaps it's the build-up for the last two books...but something seemed missing. I will add that for as long as it was, I didn't necessarily 'feel' that I was in my seat for two and a half hours. Given that I even knew how it ended, I expected it would move me more. Either I'm just a shat with a heart of stone or the ending didn't surprise me enough to tears. I didn't feel that emotional pull. I grew watery-eyed when Cedric bit it in Goblet of Fire, so, for whatever reasons, the film didn't hit that sweet spot.

Anyhow, did you see the movie? Did you like the movie? Any thoughts? Do I just need to sit with it for a few more days and then it will grow more on me? I welcome your thoughts!

The day after vacation -

2009-07-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

The day right after vacation is always a difficult one to negotiate. I would prefer doing nothing, or doing nothing especially work related since my brain is still wrapped around the casinos and penny slots. (I did pretty well, by the way.)

Today I need to get back into the studio and crank it into gear. I've got a bit of work to finish so in order for me to be inspired, I am going to post a picture of my shop for all to see. Going to put on some decent music, grab a cold iced coffee, and be on my way!

Anyone recognize the tools of the trade? :)

Everyone have a wonderful day ahead!

Casino. Without Robert Deniro or Joe Pesci.

2009-07-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving the blog world for a few days to head to Vegas. I enjoy 'this town' for what it is, but more than two days and it's just too much bright lights, noise, cigarette smoke and obnoxious carpet patterns that make you swoon with nausea.

With that being said, and being the conservative gambler that I am, I'll be sitting my arse at the slot machines trying to enjoy myself. OR...I may just play that roulette thingy too.

Off I go to the baking desert of sin! Wish me luck!

omg omg omg

2009-07-14T00:38:00.000-07:00

I just had the best Korean BBQ this side of...the west coast. Let me just sample a delicious photo of what I had to enjoy this evening...let your eyes feast while I slip into a food coma and head to beddie bye...

Sent my bow and baby classical poor Celts axe back ~~

2009-07-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Yep, so the fiddle is going back. It's a dud. Of the hundreds of fiddles this company sells a week, I received a throw away, a dud, a spit back, a none too gooder, a financial waste of time but a lesson well learned.

I am happy to report, however, that I am feeling much better than in recent months and I still have all my fingers after having been a jeweler for 15 years. Go me!

A must see!! Trust me....

2009-07-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, for any of you who have been shamefully RickRolled, this one's on me.

I wonder how many other cyber nerds understand the meaning of this? If you don't, let me know and I'll be happy to fill you in.

Real vs. Faux Gemstones: A lesson learned

2009-07-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Call them what you like: faux or fake gemstones, imitations, or simulated gems -- they all have one thing in common, they can look just like the real thing, but they do not have any of the physical characteristics of the natural or synthetic gemstone they are meant to represent.

Faux gems can be a very good option, because they give us an inexpensive way to wear colorful, lush-looking jewelry without the hefty price tag that comes with the real thing. There's no reason to avoid faux gems -- what you do want to avoid is paying too much for misrepresented merchandise.

Materials Used to Make Faux Gemstones

Today's imitation stones are often made of glass or plastic. A jeweler can easily detect those materials, so have the jewelry inspected if you think you might have purchased a fake.
A real gemstone can be mounted in a solid-back setting, with foil placed underneath the gem to make it look more brilliant or change its color.

Composite Gemstones

Composite gemstones are made from a small piece of a desirable, genuine stone that's combined with an inexpensive or imitation gemstone. Most opal jewelry is often with composites.

Doublets are composite stones made with a large, inexpensive chunk of some kind that's topped by a thin slice of a desirable gemstone. The division usually isn't obvious until you look at the piece under magnification.

One type of doublet is assembled by sandwiching a colored bonding agent between two clear, inexpensive stones -- the added hue makes it look like a colored gemstone. Again opals are usually fabricated this way.

Triplets are composites that are assembled in three parts instead of two.

Creative Gemstone Names Can be a Signal

Descriptive terms are sometimes used before the name of a gemstone, like Oriental emerald (a green sapphire). An American ruby is a garnet. Australian jade is treated quartz. Question the authenticity of any gemstone that's advertised with an extra, descriptive name.

So, just some basic tips for when you're out on the search for something unique and creative, or whether you're just beginning your own line of gemstone work.

I'm working on doing the act of doing. Huh?

2009-07-13T02:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a bit slow around these here parts lately. I blame summer. And the economy. And the fact that I'm too chicken to sell myself on the corner for extra cash.

Aside from those little peskery things, I am working on the art of doing and the act of being. I've been reading books on buddhism and trying to follow the simple (yet complicated) mode of thought. Not living past, nor future, but simply living in the now.

"Tomorrow will be better!" I say in the present. (Does that count?)

Until tomorrow, to which I write in the present, knowing I will come back to this soon, and therefore it keeps my thoughts in the now and the near future, I sign off to bed....see how uncomplicated I make things?

Is it a violin or is it a fiddle?

2009-07-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's both, they say. No difference at all.
So, when I went to the music store (you know, the one that specializes in *only* violins) and I said I was a beginner, I was received with with luke warm reproach. To which I understand amongst these stringed elitists as they are the experts. They are violinists classsically trained and I respect this.
But no.
I then just had to take it one step further and announce that I was learning to play the fiddle. Silence. Eye rolling. Was shown the door.
Okay, I wasn't shown the door exactly but the gentleman, who ran is little studio shop, sorely recommended that I begin with the basics of lessons, to which I agreed. Then he told me my fiddle...um, violin...was a piece of crap. No, seriously, he did. First thing he said to me was, "Did you buy this off the internet?" I said, "yes." He said, "I can tell." I said, "How am I to know what is a superior fidd...violin for a beginner? I made my phone calls, checked on the internet, and was recommended this brand for newbies." He said, "Don't ever buy a new instrument off the internet without coming to a specialty store to try one on, so to speak." He told me that any decent newbie violin will be no less than 250-300. And you know, I get that. I got mine for about half that price and the moment I received it, I knew something was wrong. The E string would never tighten and tune to pitch, and the moment I happened to get it there, a minute later it would fall out of pitch again.
I am off again, on Monday, to that very same violin shop, to purchase a better instrument so that I can learn to fiddle appalachia music like no one else. :)

2009-07-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Oh, I've been so terrible-ish at keeping up with this thing. As much as I want to share with the world all my lovely viewpoints and crazy thoughts, I fear that you, meaning everyone that exists outside my head, would find it boring.
What have I been up to....
Starting many journeys lately. I've taken up playing the violin! Actually, more fiddle style as I love Celtic music...and want to annoy everyone with my pre-school knowledge of playing. I'm a success! I've already managed to break the bowstrings so I must be good.
As soon as I can bang out "Old MacDonald", I'll be sure to report.
Hope all is well in the cyberverse and I'll try to keep up with the daily shennanigens of yours truly. Oh, and the jewelry. I have got to whore myself somewhere....

A new day; another one of procrastination

2009-03-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hello? Blog? Do you remember me? I know it's been a while...I didn't mean to leave you high and dry for all these months. I hope you will forgive me and know that it's not you. It's me.

I'm going to make a concerted effort to be more present in your cyberlife now. I realize how important you are to my little old corner of the land of pixels and shopping carts... and, without you, I wouldn't have some presence on the search engines. Let me buy you a drink, and we can start over again.

Thank you, Blog, for being patient and understanding. Smooches.

I feel the earth...move...under my feet....

2008-07-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

In doting memory of that classic 1970 something song, I did feel the earth move right under my own this morning, here in grand old Pasadena.

Having only lived here for about 4 years, I've felt two and this, by far, was a good one!

I'm glad nothing serious happened and obviously a hat's off to the savvy construction crews who have built up surrounding Los Angeles to withhold a decent rumbler when they do happen!

Back to the originally programmed scheduling now....

I went running today

2008-07-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

for the first time in a long, long, long, long.........long, long......long, long, long.....time.

Can we say Hurt Like a Sommabitch?

The only thing that isn't sore are my finger tips. Actually...wait...yes, they are.

Blech.

Oh, the air we breathe....

2008-07-08T00:33:00.001-07:00

I live in the area of Los Angeles.

Let me say.

The air outside looks like the color of my widely known obsession for triple shot iced mocha beverages. Can we say just slightly brown? If only it smelled like my coffees tasted.

A tree snail moves faster than what I accomplishing this day. I'm over-heated, I'm tired, and I'm sure my lungs are devalued by 50 percent.

I'll explain that.

See, I run a cash system on my lungs given that, at any moment, I'm sure I'm carrying enough precious metal to pay for any future college educations for my future kids. Bar any coughing from particulants within my system, I should be more valuable especially in this high priced precious metals market. Unfortunately, after coughing, wheezing and hacking miserably, I'm now losing in the stocks. Sigh.

Please rain here. I must sign off to perform a rain ritual which may involve naked dancing.

My Journey into the Abstract....

2008-07-04T12:25:00.001-07:00

May as well begin here. I am typically known for making bridal headpieces, which are themed yet elegant and dare I say on the side of non-traditional.

I have begun a wave of making abstract, freeform pendant designs to which I love the play, the diversity and the texture of them all.

For example:

and another recent creation featuring a blue sapphire and gold beads:

I will feature more as I get these in action and uploaded...but feel free to share your thoughts!

The most AMAZING place in the world....

2008-07-04T02:08:00.000-07:00

Was, for me, my recent trip to the Grand Canyon, Bryce National Park and Zion National Park. There just wasn't enough time to fully see and explore all the nooks and crannies the parks have to offer.

To hike amongst these canyons puts a new perspective on your own size in life. Even the way these structured and large trees found life amongst high wall embankments makes you feel so...well...small.

The Grand Canyon, while breathtaking and beautiful, was actually not my favorite. It was surreal, like a painting, and you lose much perspective whilst staring out for over 15 miles of foreign cavities and ridges of prehistoric time. It's something you lose yourself in and quickly find you need to turn away to get your head back to square. Wicked history, right there.

I will post more but I wanted to capture a beaming me, on my trip, and these waterfall shots at the canyon of Bryce, where it's desert, dry as a bone and no water to be found except the remnants of sponged rainwater coming out of the rocks...some water as old as 4000 years!

It was an amazing and gorgeous trip...one I will remember for the remainder of my life. Y es, it was that profound and powerful. A spiritual moment that we all need from time to time. It's nothing you can get from a book, per se. It's all right here, under our very noses, in our own backyards.

2008-07-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

How friggin' cute is this? You see, I've been "looking" at pop-up trailers for a while now. Ever since my near death camping experience in a two seater tent, from REI, really meant for a small...no...miniature toy poodle.

Anyhow, I'm devouring my sites at these wonderful contraptions to which embrace the idea of RV'ing in a more earthy way. You could call it a poor man's RV or a rich man's tent...either way, I'm all over this idea and think it's a perfect investment!

eBay is shooting themselves in the foot

2008-07-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have a gripe. A formal complaint against this company. I have been with them for over 7 years and recently, I was in "violation" with keyword spamming in my listings. I make hand-crafted bridal circlets with a very Celtic, Renaissance and Medieval feel and I had about 25 listings wiped away due to spamming? How does one describe their product without using words like Celtic, etc, if that's what it truly is? I'm feeling a bit miffed and hope, eventually, that all the hard work I did on eBay will migrate over to another forum, such as Etsy, or my personal website.

Should I close my store front account with them or leave it up with a link directing here? Anyone know if that's doable?

Again, this is so frustrating. I pay outrageous fees, been a loyal and 100 percent feedback seller all this time, and this is how they repay me? I feel like I'm being targeted. It especially upsets me given that I see other merchants doing the same thing and they're not being targeted at all.

Perhaps, given this recent activity, with the French Connection via fraudulent watches, and in this sue-happy era, ze Francois won a 60 million settlement from eBay...which means that any of us who use indicators to describe our listings which may seem suspicious, to eBay, will get pulled. Still...totally not fair.

Heaven's Blevins...What a glorious view from here!

2008-07-01T21:32:00.001-07:00

I just came back from an *amaaaaazing* 5 day quick trip to Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.
5 days isn't enough for one park let alone three...but wow. For anyone needing a bit of spiritual restoration, please...I cannot stress this highly enough...please make time to see one of these!

It's food for the soul.

Divine - Pleasure - Oral - Intoxication

2008-06-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

These words describe the insatiable lust I feel for my mocha at this moment in time. I have NO shame in declaring my utmost confession of the true addict I have become over a quad mocha, 2.5 pump, easy whip decadent delight.

I'm off to worship my straw.....

Silver Nugget Bracelet Cuffs and Nugget Pendants

2008-05-15T10:36:00.003-07:00

Tell me...I've been making a lot of sterling silver nugget pendants and bracelets lately. Okay...I lied. I said a lot but that really means, in hand made jewelry terms, that I've made two. Which can feel like a lot when you spend hours crafting them. :)

At any rate, I like this concept...again.... a lot.

And they are a more affordable alternative to the gold nugget variety. I make these all by hand, and I forge and mold and forge and texture... a lot...to get these looking as much from the Earth as possible.

Any thoughts?

What's your Goddess Birth Sign?

2008-05-14T01:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, mine could not be more perfect for me, considering I'm a HUGE Stevie fan. If anyone reads this who knows me, would surely know this!

It says....

Nov 23 - Dec 21 ...RHIANNON... A maiden of ethereal beauty, Rhiannon was the Welsh goddess of fertility and rebirth, transformation, wisdom, and magic. She was born with the first moonrise, embedding her with an inner urge for adventure and travel. As such, she rode her unearthly white mare between this world and the Underworld to satisfy her thirst for discovery. Rhiannon-inspired women can be so focussed on the horizon, they forget about being sensitive to those around them. They could learn a little tact occasionally, and anticipate others' needs rather than waiting for them to ask.

Do this: Identify someone who needs your help, and assist them without thought of payment or thanks.

To see your birth sign, click this!

Insert graphic chomping noises

2008-05-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm. in. dire. need. of. this.....

If you're considering that diamond purchase...

2008-05-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Then please consider this:

Diamonds Are Forever

"Diamonds are virtually worthless."

Or at least, they are worth a lot less than you might imagine. The story of how the diamond came to be viewed as the rarest and most coveted of gemstones, found on the fingers of married women worldwide, is a story of insatiable greed, ruthless strong-arming, and most of all, brilliant marketing.

Today when a woman gets engaged in most of the developed nations of the world, she expects a diamond engagement ring and most likely will also have some sort of diamond setting on her wedding ring as well. After all, the diamond is the rarest of gems, and what better way to show a women exactly how much you love her than with the gift of a diamond. Right?

But this was not always the case. In fact, as recently as 100 years ago a woman whose husband-to-be could afford one was at least as likely to wear a ruby, sapphire, or emerald on her wedding ring as a diamond. Indeed, in countries as far apart as India and England, it was the ruby, not the diamond, that was exalted as the most beautiful and rarest of gemstones, and thus it is not surprising that in India, the word "lal" means "red," "ruby," and "beloved" as well. Indeed, statistically speaking, the ruby is the rarest of the major gemstones, followed by the emerald.

The Rise of De Beers

Enter a family of South African of Afrikaner heritage who in the early 1900s owned a small but productive diamond mine - The De Beers. Through a combination of business acumen, worker exploitation, and large quantities of luck, the De Beers corporation had become one of the world's biggest producers of diamonds by the 1930s. At first openly in the 1930s and then secretly during World War II, De Beers gained a leg up on the competition by selling industrial diamonds to a desperate Adolph Hitler, with whom other more principled diamond producers refused to deal.

By the 1950s De Beers controlled a majority of the Earth's diamond supply. Over the next three decades, the company went on a massive buying spree, acquiring mines in South America, the United States, India, and the rest of Africa, asserting one of the world's largest and most successful monopolies over one of its most coveted items.

With its monopoly power, De Beers has been able to control diamond prices worldwide by dumping or withholding diamonds in its private stockpile. As a privately owned company not traded on any stock market, De Beers is not required to divulge its assets, profits, or the size of its diamond hoard, although it has been estimated that even if all diamond production were ceased tomorrow, De Beers has enough diamonds secreted away to maintain current rates of diamond consumption for 15-20 years.

This stockpile has been the key to maintaining the De Beers monopoly. Whenever a new mine was discovered or a competitor attempted to undersell De Beers' inflated prices, the company would simply flood the market with diamonds, driving prices so low that its rivals would be brought to their knees, either forced to sell out to De Beers or to sign agreements agreeing to follow De Beers' orders on pricing.

Just remember there are other investments and choices when it comes to laying down huge money for a hard mineral. I, for one, would support my local artisan, pay not nearly the amount a small round rock would cost (just because I'm supposed to and it's operated by a cartel) and give back into my artisan community.

Just think about it!

I have a Shadow Box!

2008-05-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Just received a new shadow box to take, I hope, better photographs of my jewelry. I will be practicing like a fiend to perfect this technique.

An example below.

Before the shadow box:

After the shadow box:

Wow!

What a strange occurance...

2008-05-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Has anyone been approached by a door salesperson asking to check the contents of a particular alarm system to see if it needed an upgrade, only to NOT be part of the company that installed the system in the first place?

I think my place was trying to be cased!

So, I alerted the local authorities just to be sure.

Go me.

Stumble Me!

2008-05-09T23:16:00.001-07:00

My StumbleUpon Page

Featured at this site for Unique Jewelry Designs

2008-05-09T10:55:00.001-07:00

I have been featured here! Slowly but surely....

Is what they say.....

Please leave a comment. It makes me feel warm and I will do tricks.

I'm on an Etsy Treasury

2008-05-09T08:33:00.001-07:00

I am featured on an Etsy Treasury. Have a look!

Etsy Treasury of Bridal Goodies

Well, so now what?

2008-05-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Gotta say. I'm slightly discourage with the overall results of my hard work and efforts this week. I can't get my application accepted for major bridal sites such as the Knot, or artsy sites such as Trunkt. I'm feeling discouraged because while people seem to like my work and the quality of it, this does not translate into marketability for me. Or them.

Yeah, I'm down.

Time for a coffee and a breather.

New angles of Headpiece pictures!

2008-05-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

I'm trying new angles and new backgrounds since my headpieces need to really look more elegant and organic...especially, because it does zero justice on plain white background with a poor photographer, (meaning me, cuz I really suck at taking pictures) and some background will add, I hope, to the mystique.

Could use some opinions...feel free!

Need my Triple Shot, 2 Pump Iced Mocha w/Easy Whip

2008-05-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on!

After I type these few, short words, I shall proceed to the nearest cafe and pay exorbitant amounts of cash for a smallish plastic cup with a few shots of espresso, two solid squirts of hershey's syrup for effect, a splash of hormonal milk tossed with a few ice cubes for good measure, and finally, aerosol a good dollop of ultra fattening whip cream to which never 'melts' properly into the drink and has me question what exactly it is I like about this stuff.

Yay!

Off Beat Brides: My Feature TidBit!

2008-05-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

I have an advert in The Offbeat Bride and I've had lots of hits so far, and it's only 8:15am! Yay!

Come see

Palladium vs Platinum in the Jewelry markets

2008-05-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Palladium was considered the “wonder child” of the industry a few years ago as manufacturers touted the benefits over platinum. The main benefit cited was price. And in truth, the price differences in palladium and platinum are substantial. The paragraph below tell part of the reasons why, besides the fact that on the metals market palladium is priced closer to gold than the platinum, a lower price to begin with.

MORE FOR YOUR MONEY FOR RINGS OF THE SAME DIMENSIONS
Specific Gravity, what we would call the “weight” of the metal is not exactly weight but is an easy way to compare the heft of metal. The higher the number, the heavier is the metal. You will see that platinum is almost but not quite twice as dense (say heavy) as palladium. This weight difference makes a huge difference in the weight of a ring. The weight also make a difference in price. Even with platinum much more costly than palladium, the mere fact that the item will weigh more make the price even higher since you pay for weight of metal used, not volume. You pay for less weight in a ring of the same exact dimensions made of palladium than one made of the much heavier platinum. On the finger, a palladium ring will feel much like one of 14k gold while the platinum ring will feel heavier (because it IS heavier).

Palladium 12.02 sg
Platinum 21.5 sg

Palladium will cost more than gold but substantially less than platinum.

WEAR CHARACTERISTICS
Platinum in the popular trend is finished with a bright shine. So is palladium and white gold. Be aware that the shine will not last with platinum. Platinum does not scratch like gold but the metal behaves differently, more like a “rubbing” or “scuffing” effect than gold. The result is that in a fairly short period of time a platinum ring will be dull and not shiny. This is a characteristic of the working properties of the metal. Palladium appears to fall somewhere in between white gold and platinum in ability to retain a shine. We have sold several palladium rings but our experience of the wear characteristic is limited. Still, palladium appears to stay shiny longer than platinum and not as long as white gold. White gold, palladium and platinum can be refinished by a jeweler to bring up the original shine. With either platinum or palladium the process is much more tedious and time consuming than with white gold. Platinum take the longest and will cost the most to refinish, keeping in mind the dullness will return. Palladium takes perhaps half as much time to refinish as platinum. Platinum takes about 5 times longer to refinish than white gold.

SECURITY OF STONES
Both platinum and palladium offer quite superior stone setting security than white gold. The reason is called “spring back”, a tendency of metal to spring back to its original position and not stay in the place it was bent. When a prong setting is pushed over a diamond with platinum or palladium, the prong shows no spring back and stays in place. Gold take a bit more push and nudging to get the stone quite tight in the setting.
Prongs on platinum and palladium rings appear to wear about the same degree, still working from limited experience in this statement! : ) Both wear better than does most white gold, even if the prongs are dull and not shiny anymore from wear.

Hope this helps anyone unsure as palladium is the 'new' platinum today!

Lookie here at this feature!

2008-05-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

I got a feature on this blog and I'm thrilled! Thanks to Miss Tique who took her time to be so thoughtful and helpful with the feature. :)

Limited Special -- May Give Away!

2008-05-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

I am offering a free wirewrap pendant with every purchase over 195.00 dollars. (Chain is not included) This is a 50.00 value! A great steal and deal!

In order to receive this gift, with your purchase, email me, through this blog, and I will send it with your order. But you MUST let me know you found me here with your full name and order confirmation request.

(Please note the pendant is 1 1/4 inches in diameter and features an 8mm moonstone, which is a fabulous matching gemstone for any outfit and accessory! Each are handmade so please expect some variations from the image shown. The overall look and composition will be the same.)

Thanks!

***all images copyright protected by Camias Jewelry Designs and may not be used, distributed, or copied with express written consent***

Celtic Ivy Leaf Bracelet Cuff

2008-05-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

So, I'm working on some new pieces with a nature and Celtic infused feel. This is a bracelet cuff, designed in all sterling silver, with a total of 4 leaves and three Celtic trinity knots, with a sterling wire twist down the front and center. I've set a 10mm moonstone in the center as I feel it's a beautiful stone which compliments the silver well with an elegant quality.

**all images are copyrighted under Camias Jewelry Designs/Kelly Graham** Please do not use without written consent

Real feedback!

2008-05-05T01:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm working on staying focused, positive, and mostly PATIENT! So, thanks to some good Etsy members giving me some sound advice, I will slowly work on uploading content, and some zing to this rather lackluster effort of a blog.

It will be good times and certainly a learning curve!

Down the hatch and bottoms up!

I need a push

2008-05-05T00:55:00.000-07:00

Really, a push. I will yammer my arse off...just need a good old push. So, kindly entice my fingertips into trying to engage in something more fascinating than jibberish. Yammer is much, much better!

What's the secret?

2008-05-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

M'kay guys and gals, what is the trade secret to getting your blog hooked onto others and so on and so forth, deep into the cyber spider web of tangled goodiness? How about mini-Etsy trades? Any other people want to get some exposure and vice versa?

Let me know!

Ever wonder why you're allergic to sterling silver?

2008-05-04T15:39:00.001-07:00

The truth is people are not usually allergic to silver or sterling silver. Rather a metal known as nickel, which has been used in sterling silver. Sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, traditionally copper, and sometimes some manufacturers will use nickel in sterling silver as a less expensive alternative to other metals.

Why Sterling Silver?

Pure silver is too soft to produce any functional pieces and loses shape too easily. Other metals are added to improve qualities such as ductility, firescale, tarnish resistance, and reducing casting porosity.

Why Nickel?

Nickel, is a hard and ductile, silvery white metal that has been mistaken for silver in the past. Nickel is commonly used in jewelry including with precious metals jewelry such as gold, white gold, sterling silver and platinum and also most cheap or costume jewelry. Nickel is what gives white gold it’s white color by alloying more of it with yellow gold, as gold is not found naturally white or any other color than yellow. Other metals are used to make other colors of gold, for instance silver is used to make green gold and copper is used to make rose gold. Nickel adds many other properties besides color, such as strength and durability, and it has a strong lustrous effect.

Metal Allergy Occurrence

Allergies to nickel occur in approximately 10% of the population, it is known as contact dermatitis, and nickel is the most common metal to cause an allergic reaction. An allergy to nickel used in jewelry usually causes a reddening of the skin, as well as itching or burning in the area of contact and sometimes blistering of the skin, or a rash. There are differences in severity of metal allergies and sometimes if you do not have a severe allergy to a certain metal then a piece of jewelry containing a very small portion of that metal may not cause a reaction, whereas a piece of jewelry containing a high amount will cause a slight reaction.

Off beat brides...

2008-05-03T00:41:00.000-07:00

I guess I spammed and then was banned, and not so much of a warning. I admit I'm frustrated with being able to provide these gals a quality and quirky product if I can't lead them to me to see my wares.

BUT, with that said, me being a glutton for punishment, just got an ad in the blog...so, well see how that goes!

Will provide link.

Etsy People Can Be So Nice!

2008-05-02T21:44:00.001-07:00

I am thanking someone from Etsy for taking such extreme care to detail to write me of tips and suggestions for promoting my site and my work!

I feel safe writing it here as no one checks or leaves comments anyway...or yet. Damn it, how do I get these things blasted in cyber space anyway?

I digress.

Of course.

So, thank you, Dear Etsy Member, whom shall never see this!

Yarr Yarr Yarr

2008-05-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

I'm eating cashews and staring at an empty blog. Wish it were a full beer instead.

The Knot

2008-05-02T12:44:00.001-07:00

I'm hoping I may get a few pieces, as a vendor, on The Knot's site. It's got to be one of the highest ranking networks for bridal needs. Fingers crossed to some success!

On the Food Network...

2008-05-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

I was watching the cake guy from Maryland do his magic. He's amazing as well as his crew! Duff...is that his name?

You may as well visit here, too

2008-05-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's my website. Visit. Enjoy! Tell me your thoughts! Oh, come on....

Tiaras, Headpieces, Circlets, Oh My!

2008-05-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

I welcome my first blog entry...more to come!