Road Trip

Yesterday, I had a trip planned with a jeweler friend, to go to one of my suppliers in Massachusetts to see some of their new inventory and introduce her to their shop.  400 miles, 10 hours, 2 stops at the Beach Pea --YUM!!, 1 traffic jam, and great conversation the whole time, I arrived back home with some new goodies.  Before a trip like this, I make a list of the things I really want to look at, because once I get inside, it's like I'm a kid in a candy store and run from cabinet to cabinet getting more saturated and confused as I go.  One of my favorite things to buy and keep in inventory are South Sea pearls, so this was my first stop.  I found it hard to control myself, and selected 5 strands and then narrowed down my selections to the two strands seen here.  The photo doesn't do them justice, but the top strand is 8-11mm graduated Tahitian pearls that are multi-colored silvers and blacks with lovely overtones.  The bottom strand is 10-12mm and a mix of white and golden yellow pearls with beautiful lustre.  I'll be stringing them up as soon as I can! 

Also keeping in mind some projects that I have going on in the studio, I sought out 4mm gemstones to include in some new ring designs.  These yellow, blue, and apricot sapphires caught my eye and had to come home with me. 

I can't wait to get back in the studio.