Buy The Damn Earrings!

When I first started out in the jewelry business, my husband and I were doing trade shows all over the country.  We were grinding and hustling and building our businesses.  It honestly makes me tired just looking back at those times, because it was so much hard work. But it was the late 90's, and that is what you did at that time...shows were everything.

During this time, I was at a Houston trade show and had found a pair of diamond earrings that I loved.  They weren’t very expensive, maybe $350. But for me at that time, it was a LOT of money.

While at the show, I had a group of hilarious Houston women at my booth.  They were probably in their 50’s, dressed to the hilt in Houston style and ORNERY.   I loved these women...they were a hoot (as you would say in Texas).

I was telling them about the earrings, about how I wanted them, but shouldn’t spend the money, and on and on.  The ringleader of the group interrupted me and said (in her best Texas twang)

“Honey, are you working hard?”

I was and of course, I answered “Yes”

She said “Then buy the DAMN earrings!”

First of all, she was one of those women you did not argue with and quite frankly, she was right.  I had earned those earrings and I marched over to that jewelry booth and immediately bought them.

That was twenty years ago and I have never taken them off, except to clean them.  Over the years I have considered getting bigger diamond earrings or better diamond earrings, but I can never do it.  Because the fact is, no new pair of diamond earrings will ever hold the meaning to me that my special earrings do.  To this day, I am so proud of these earrings….not because of what they are but because of what they represent…hard work, perseverance, and me going for my dreams.

As I navigate through the jewelry industry, they are a constant reminder to me that jewelry really is so much more than an accessory.  It can represent a time in your life, a success, a change, or a journey.   For me, these diamond earrings will always hold special meaning and I doubt I will ever replace them.  

Thank God I listened to that wise, ornery Texas woman and bought the “Damn” earrings.  

Happy Venturing...

When FEAR shows up at your party!?!

I listened to a great podcast the other day.  A successful businessman was discussing how he deals with Fear.  Because here's the truth, we all have fear and it's how we deal with it that defines our path in life.

This particular gentleman explained that he deals with it almost as if Fear is a person.  He acknowledges that Fear is there, he agrees that some of Fear's concerns are valid and then he says "thank you" and moves on. I thought this was clever, smart and totally useful.
Your "party" is your dreams and goals.  It's the vision you have for your life and your future. And if FEAR shows up at your party, don't panic. Invite him in, offer him some hors d'oeuvres, get him a cocktail, maybe introduce him to some of your friends (hee!  hee!), and then politely let him know you have to go, as you are really busy building an amazing life and achieving all your goals. Let's face it, you've got better things to do with your time!h your time! :)

Happy Venturing....

The Friendship Stone

Are you familiar with Gaspeite?  That stunning, apple green mineral that is sure to catch your eye?  It's an amazing looking stone that is becoming increasingly rare and collectible.  

First and foremost, Gaspeite is known for its incredible apple green color.  The stone has only been found in two parts of the world....Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec, Canada and Western Australia. And what makes this stone so valuable and collectible now, is that the mines in these areas have been played out and depleted.  So unless a new deposit of Gaspeite is found somewhere on our beautiful planet, there is no more new Gaspeite available....making this mineral a wonderful collectors item.

Another bonus of this stone? It is known as the friendship stone, for the fact that this beautiful green gem brings people together.  Now how can that be a bad thing? 

Happy Venturing....

Easier Said Than Done.....

I was having coffee with a girlfriend the other day and she mentioned an article she'd read. In the article, it stated that only 13% of all people make their living doing what they love.  That number was shocking to me....shockingly low.

I am a total proponent of doing what you love when it comes to your career. That being said, it is a lot harder than social media would like to portray it.  You've seen it....according to Instagram, if you want to travel the world, all you need to do is get a cool, tricked out van and the rest is Mai Tai's and exotic locations!  Unfortunately, it doesn't really work that way.

Doing what you love as a career takes gumption, determination, belief, strength and perseverance.  It is hard....TOOOOTALLY  worth it, but hard.

So if you are reading this and are one of those people braving the unknown path of pursuing a career in something you love, don't give up.  You will get there, but you can't give up or let up!  It is a rise at dawn, never ending pursuit of happiness that will leave you inspired, fulfilled (frustrated at times) and challenged in a way you could never imagine or hope for.

Happy pursuing....

STACK THEM IN STYLE...

I have always loved stacker rings.  I love them for their versatility.  There is something really pleasurable about having the option to change the combination if stacker rings to essentially make a whole new look. 

These are my new stacker rings that are available in my Etsy shop, Vedeli Designs. They are available in sterling silver and 22k gold. 

Why 22k gold?  22k gold is stunning.  It is unbelievably rich in color and extremely distinct.  I have always loved it and decided to follow up this love of 22k gold by creating jewelry with it.

The good news is, I can make ANY of my jewelry pieces or ANY of my jewelry findings in gold as well.  So if you are looking for something a little special in the designs I carry, let me know.  We can make it happen!