History
Introduction
Welcome!! I am so happy that I finally launched this store to share my jewelry designs with the people that have encouraged me to develop a website, and who have purchased and enjoyed my jewelry designs over the years. Developing a website has not been easy, but in order to keep making my jewelry I have to show my pieces and offer them up to the public. I have sold my jewelry at my town's local Arts and Crafts shows, and initially had a few in-home jewelry shows. I’ve given away pieces as gifts, sold many pieces, but my inventory was piling up so I had to develop this website, because frankly I can’t stop making the jewelry. I have a passion for making jewelry, and I hope you find something you like. I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me to move forward with selling my jewelry and starting this website. Welcome to my page!!
History
I began making jewelry about 16 years ago and did so because I couldn’t seem to find colorful pieces of jewelry, that weren't plastic and that everyone didn’t have. In most cases the big pieces of “costume” jewelry out there looks like it is costume jewelry. Because of this, I decided to make my own. Initially, I used various metals, glass and other materials, along with semi-precious gemstones “Gemstones” when making my jewelry. I later determined that as women, if we have to shine our jewelry before putting it on, we probably won’t wear it. Too much of a hassle. So that piece would go back into the jewelry box. Therefore, I decided to eliminate the metal in the designs and just work with Gemstones. Initially, I purchased Gemstones, from the neighborhood craft stores. I later determined that a large portion of those Gemstones are either dyed, enhanced or just not good quality. Although that is fine if you just making some jewelry for fun, but when you plan to sell pieces, you must have quality stones.
I have a passion for making jewelry, and it’s a great way to relax. It took me years to offer up my jewelry, the pieces were special to me, and I took my friends to make me sell my designs. My designs come straight from my heart. Hence, my website is “Straight from the Heart Designs” By Diane
Gemstones
My motto for my designs is “one-of-a-kind handmade designs, made from semi-precious stones freshwater pearls and crystals”. I make only one item per design, there are no duplicates, so you will never see someone with the same necklace you have. I don’t buy my Gemstones in bulk, I purchase Grade AAA stones from the International Gem and Jewelry shows, that comes in my area twice a year. At one point in time, I traveled for a living and would find some of the nicest carved Gemstones in the specialty shops in small towns, and still have some of them to this day; eventually I will find the right design for the stones. Most designs are not too fancy; the stones are the focal point, and you will get many compliments on your items. I look for the quality and luster of the stones. The Gemstones are gorgeous, and the pictures on this website doesn’t do them justice.
My designs are made from Gemstones, Freshwater Pearls and crystals. I use metal findings i.e., connectors, hooks, and clasps etc. I use sterling silver findings when necessary, and all my earring hooks (that are silver tones) are sterling silver. I can’t use gold, too expensive, but when I need gold tone for a design, I try to ensure that the gold metal is gold plated or highly unlikely to tarnish; I only use metal, when necessary, for closures and connectors and when it will enhance the design. Therefore, my designs are stone intensive. Of note, real Gemstones are naturally “cool” to the touch. My designs will always feel cool on your neckline. This is one way you can tell the difference, if you are out there looking in the stores for a colorful necklace, if it is not cool to the touch it is not a real gemstone, probably plastic. Gemstones are known to have certain metaphysical properties. I have included a description of these properties, for each Gemstones used in the designs and this information which can be found on any search engine.
Designs
In general, there are around 1,000 types of Gemstones, but only approximately 100 can be cut, faceted and made into a sellable product for making jewelry. That is why you may see, for example, Carnelian faceted, carved, polished, in different millimeters, shapes and sizes. So, since I don’t sketch out designs, I’ll take my tray of Carnelian, with all its shapes, cuts and sizes and make a design. I may add some other Gemstone that looks great with Carnelian, determine what color metal for the findings and work with the stones until I make something I absolutely love.
Everyone asks me which one is my favorite. I have no favorite, because I put my heart into all of the pieces, again this is where I came up with my name “Straight from the Heart Designs” By Diane. Some are strung on wire, hemp, knotted, but I always try to make the piece beautiful. I make sure the necklaces and earrings fall just right. The earrings are complementary and are not meant to over shine the necklace, they are basic, as it would be hard to find an earring that matches the necklaces. The necklaces are meant to be touched, handled, played with and enjoyed. My pieces are not delicate and meant to be enjoyed and admired. These are real semi-precious stones, if you need to, you can just wipe them with a cloth.
Warranties
These are all handmade pieces, and I give a lifetime warranty on my pieces. I want you to keep wearing them. These sells are all FINAL! I will not make alterations. If the craftsmanship of the product fails, (for whatever reason, things do happen) I will fix it. I take pride in my work and have never had anyone mention that they had a problem with my jewelry. Unfortunately, I get friends saying they lost an earring. Please note: the earrings are delicate small earrings; you need to keep backs on the ones with the fisherman hooks.
The necklace and earrings are a set, and if you decide you don’t want the earrings, the price is still the same. The suites are sold as one, you can not break the set up i.e., not buy the bracelet. If I can, I will adjust the bracelet, make it an inch longer, once its purchased. Again, these Gemstones are not purchased in bulk.
Shipping
I will ship orders out within 2 business days, regular USPS mail, you should receive them with 5 business days. NO SHIPPING charges, if shipped within the United States, Unfortunately I will have to charge shipping for international orders. I will respond to all chats and emails asap.