Kelley Granish envisioned large hoop earrings to feature the birthstones for herself, kids, and husband: Aquamarine, Amethyst, Ruby. Contemplating the best use of gems for this delicate hoop [...]
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, [...]
I was delighted to see Chrissie and her husband Jim at my open studio during the Ithaca Art Trail last Fall. Here is Chrissie’s account of our creative collaboration. “I always [...]
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 [...]
As we celebrate this day free from our labors, I am reflecting on the intense process of birth labor and offer this touching experience. When I began writing this newsletter, the Texas abortion [...]
Watercolor illustration of design. The creative process takes time, patience, and stamina plus a precise understanding of modern technology to render a complex ring design on a budget. I [...]
I’m excited to be one of 50 artists juried to participate in the Greater Ithaca Art Trail 2021-2022. The Art Trail used to occur only two times a year, fall and spring, but now offers an [...]
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 [...]
LGBTQ+ couples have had to overcome societal and legal prejudices to live open and full lives. It was only 6 years ago that the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 [...]
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, [...]
When you have lived with someone you love for a long time, say 10 years, 30 years, 50 years, rebirth takes on a new meaning. Becoming a part of a couple’s renewal process with an [...]
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 [...]