Inspiration

Mindi is an ocean gal, an avid bird watcher who lives on a saltwater estuary along the South Georgia coast. At her invitation we met at her home, the Moon Dance Studio, to talk about a custom [...]

Zach had never purchased an important gemstone and wanted to make certain it was a conflict-free stone for his beloved Marlene’s engagement ring. I found this reliably-sourced exquisite oval [...]

I met Kay Betts and John Sibley at a book club 15 years ago and we had lost touch until, two months ago, John emailed me about diamond earrings for Kay. What ensued was a delightful, creative, [...]

If you’re in Ithaca, please visit! Green Door Open Studio Sale  Saturday, December 4 from 11AM-4PM Elaina Designs is part of the Monthly First Saturdays on the Greater Ithaca Art Trail. The [...]

Marika had just finished her new kitchen with the palest of pink cabinets when she fell in love with this luscious lavender pearl ring I had designed Spring 2021. My inspiration was tender apple [...]

The changing light of Autumn is upon us, and with it daylight savings time arrives on Nov 5th. Rising in the darkness to meet the coming day has the added benefit of watching the night sky fill [...]

Founded in 1789, the storybook Village of Aurora, New York, is situated on a picturesque inlet on the north shore of Cayuga Lake.   This spot has always been favored, originally by the peoples of [...]

I’ve been a member of the International Light Association for 20 years due to my interest in color and light as seen through the lens of precious gems. In 2018, I was invited to present [...]

I design a few pieces of jewelry on Earth Day each year to pay homage to our ‘Blue Dot’ spinning on its axis in an infinite vastness.  I can’t sense the turning, but I do feel the changing light, [...]

Allowing elation then deep sighs of relief to sink in, the Muse finally landed on Inauguration Day. The vibrant colors worn by powerful women on the Capitol veranda shook me from my [...]

Still mesmerized by my first love of common rocks glittering brightly in the waters of my childhood play, I use the Mineral Kingdom to adorn beloved friends and clients. They have become my [...]

To go in the dark with a light is to know the light. To know the dark, go dark. Go without sight, and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings… —Wendell Berry I’m pondering this [...]

Blue as the summer sky or a robin’s egg, people the world over have revered this particular shade of blue as a good luck symbol. The color turquoise is inspirational and transformational. A [...]

An unusual Bluebird visitation occurred early this morning as I began to design jewelry at the Green Door Studio. Was this family confused by the springtime like temperatures?  Or just visiting [...]

Rudi Jaeger and Alize Carrere, wedding photo by Sheryl Sinkow, 2019. Rudi surprised Alizé on their wedding day with a white gold and diamond ring made by a jeweler in Denmark. Alizé loved the [...]

Stretching on the yoga rock. The North Rock in my Stone Circle is a luscious lichen green. The symbol, “OM”  vegetable garden has now been weeded and prepared for early spring [...]

Behind the Workbench at Elaina Designs Many may wonder what happens “behind the scenes” at Elaina Designs. Lainey specializes in designing one-of-a-kind jewelry tailored to her [...]

Anni Stokes is one of my oldest and dearest. We met at Emory College in 1972 where we were both Educational Studies majors. We also shared the memorable experience of being members of Kelly’s [...]

Jenny Kapella is a new client that found me through a Google search, even though she lives only a mile away. I was very happy to know my website and social media efforts led her to me and I was [...]

As the Holidays approach we reflect on the many things that bless our lives. For me, its been my family and my women friends. Here’s a story of enduring female friendship expressed in three [...]