Since I am not David Yurman- Who am I??

I had an incredible experience learning from David Yurman for three days! He had many many interesting stories to share and worksheets to get us thinking. The class was very emotional for me because it made me think of myself and my business in a whole new light.

So far, my jewelry journey has consisted of me designing and making one-of-kind pieces. However, Yurman really got me thinking about production and creating my own jewelry line. He told me that my designs were "delicious and strong" and questioned my reasons for making individual pieces.

With that said, I have A LOT to think about!!! Starting with " Who Am I as a Jewelry Designer?"

Below is a picture of me receiving my certificate from Mr. Yuman for completing the class.

What an amazing experience!! Thank you Mr. Yurman!!!

Celebrities of the Jewelry World... Which happens to be my world

I am currently in San Francisco taking a couple Master Symposium Classes from the Revere Academy. I had the opportunity of a lifetime studying under Michael Good. And next week I will have yet another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of studying with David Yurman.

I am having a fabulous time and have so many fun stories to share, but for now I will just share some pictures- Enjoy!!

Alan Revere signing my shirt-

(a Really, Really, Really funny moment)

Michael Boyd-

master jeweler

Bernd Munsteiner

master of lapidary- father of a movement
Incredible man!

The Masters!

Alan Revere, Berd Munsteiner, Michael Good

My teacher- Michael Good
I had the privilege of learning from Mr. Good for 5 straight days!

It was an incredible learning experience- one that I will cherish for the rest of my life

Graduate Jeweler

After 3 months of being away from my family and friends- I finally graduated!!

Alan Revere handing me The Diploma!

Theft is a nasty thing!

My apologies for being out of touch... I was the victim of hotel burglary! A few weeks ago, while I was in class, my hotel room was broken into and most of all my belongings were stolen (including my laptop).
I am just now getting the opportunity to finally blog again on my new laptop. So, get ready for many blog entries!!
xoxo-
alana

It's Bling'n TIme!!!!

When I visit my Dot-Dot (grandmother) she always says,

"It's Hug'n Time!!"

I love how she says it every time when we hug---

So, I am adapting the phrase to my jewelry...now when its time for me to show you some Jewels-I'm gonna say, "It's Bling'n Time!!

Here's my Bling for the week--------Rings and Earrings are always my favorite things to make!

This ring is Sterling Silver with a Druzy Quartz that has developed on a piece of petrified wood. I wanted to make the back fun so I added some squiggles. This ring is probably my most favorite so far. It is a show stopper for sure. Really different- but totally gorgeous!!

These are Sterling Silver Earrings that I made for myself. I am going to be making about 5-7 pairs of these (of course each pair will be different). Some will have stones set in them and some will have something dangling in the middle.... I am loving Ovals lately--- So you will just have to wait and see what I create :)

This is a hollow box ring that we were required to make in one of our Fabrication classes. I thought the ring was a bit masculine and perhaps a little boring- so I added this beautiful Druzy Quartz and textured the ring shank. I think the ring is very unique-

I do Crack

No no no- not the drug! My fingers crack! Can you see how nasty they are!!??

Jewelry can be very glamorous- but making jewelry is far from it! I always have charcoal on my face, cracks in my fingers, dirt on my hands-

But you know what?? - I love every minute of it!!

So repair class has not exactly been my favorite class- but I have learned a great deal! Below are the links to a Tennis Bracelet- I had to "prepare" the links, rivet the links together, and set the stones... The three links are about the size of my small fingernail.

This ring was the last project we worked on today. First we set the stone- and then when it was all nice and pretty, we had to file one of the prongs down so we could learn how to re-tip. The prong on the bottom left is the one I filed down. Since this picture, I have re-tipped the prong. (but forgot to take the final pic- you get the point though- right?)

Well now that I have shown you my dirty side- I am off to get some shut-eye!! I have one more day of repair class. Yay!!

One thing is for sure, I do not want to pursue a career in the jewelry repair industry!

But at least I am learning!

Night Night

Don't trust me with your diamonds just yet....

Ready and Eager to start stone setting....

I learned how to use a Graver. This tool helps with many aspects of stone setting.

Food for thought: This star that I carved is smaller than my pinkie nail

What I see through my optiviser:

Before:

After:

(Forgot to take the final picture- after the middle stone was set-ooops)

Doesn't take long for me to get unorganized!!!

Happy Me

Just a few of the projects I worked on in Stone Setting ....

The INCREDIBLY sweet delivery I received while in class on Valentines Day! My Hubby is the BEST!! Thank you sweety!!!!

Stone Setting was an Amazing experience. But the skill isn't learned overnight! I have a lot of practicing to do- and I can't wait to begin!