Romeo and Juliet

For some reason, when these turquoise and vintage Swarovski crystals came within a close distance of each other in my workshop, I could not help but think they were made for each other. But like the parents of Romeo and Juliet, I felt strongly that I should keep them apart. Just as the Capulets and the Montagues really had no good reason for keeping the star-crossed lovers apart, I don't know why I resisted the stunning turquoise and rare crystals being together. The more I thought about the two of them together, the more I liked the idea. Like all good romances, love won out and they are now happily married in this two strand union :)


I really do love the way the unexpected 24k gold plated crystal adds that special something to the uncommon faceted turquoise. The shape of the crystal is such that it doesn't lay perfectly flat all the time, but flips around so you are sometimes looking at the solid gold side and sometimes looking at the gold through the crystal side. Sparkles a plenty, either way. It is a very tasteful sparkle that works with a laid back casual look or evening wear. I imagine this necklace sparking up every possible outfit...

You have a classic, crisp white shirt on with your jeans to go shopping in the city on a Saturday afternoon with your girlfriends, but you want to add a little pizazz to your look. This is the perfect piece.

You're leading a meeting at work and you're wearing your best but sedate power suit and you need a little touch of something more to show off your bold style. This is it.

Wearing that LBD again and want an eye-catching accessory to add that jazzy touch? Try this piece.

I can even see it with that classic one piece maillot on the deck of the cruise ship sparkling away in the sunshine while you relax in your giant sunnies, wispy chiffon cover-up and large brimmed floppy straw hat. It is very versatile, no?

One word of warning ... those vintage crystals are almost impossible to come by anymore, so if you have fallen in love with this necklace, do not wait to make it a part of your wardrobe or it will end up in someone else's. ;) For more info, or to purchase, click on either of the pictures.

-Ann Marie

Filigree Fantasy Necklace

I've recently completed my second necklace in the Filigree Fantasy series. I spent hours selecting the filigrees from my collection and piecing them together. The process was as challenging as if I was putting together a monochromatic jigsaw puzzle.

I have a large collection of vintage brass parts that I have acquired through the years. Most of these parts have been hidden away in a dusty old jewelry manufacturer's warehouse for many decades - usually in Providence, RI. When I see a part that is intriguing, I grab it and put it in my collection for future use. On this particular day, I spread all of my filigrees out in front of me and tried them in various positions. When they fit right, it just feels right.

This is the second in a series of filigree necklaces. I can not tell you where the first one is. That is a surprise to be revealed later this year. Stay tuned ;) You can find more pictures and info about this piece

by clicking here.

-Ann Marie

Proud as a Peacock

I have always been captivated by peacocks.

As a young teen, I worked in the concession stands of my local zoo where there were peacocks that roamed the grounds. I loved their elegant strut and brilliantly colored iridescent plumage and found them irresistibly alluring. I always had to stop whatever I was doing when they walked by just to stop and stare in awe. I have never lost that fascination with them.

That could be why I was so thrilled to read an article in a recent fashion magazine that named the colors of the peacock the hottest fall color trend. Looking at the pictures of the trendy fashions inspired me to pull out all my bright blues and greens to create this glamorous necklace.

For more pictures and info on this piece, click here

-Ann Marie

Pink Tourmaline Necklace

I was able to add a Pink Tourmaline necklace to the site in honor of the October babies. I love this necklace. It is so delicate and feminine, but not stuffy or serious. Each of the sticks or pencils of tourmaline looks to be an untouched organic crystal of the gemstone. They vary in size and shape. Some are ovals and some are hexagons. They fascinate me. For more pictures, check out the necklace on our site - http://www.heartsdesirejewelry.com/item.php?item_id=266&category_id=46

I am working on getting a nice enough picture of an Australian Opal piece, but for some reason the brilliant multi-color flashes that make an opal so endearing is being very elusive for my camera. I need to research my techniques and will hopefully have a good enough picture before this month is over! - Ann Marie

October's Birthstones

Happy Birthday to all of you born in the month of October!

Opal is the modern gemstone for this month, though it dates back to prehistoric times. The Opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel. One legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning. Ancient Greeks also believed the opal had the power of giving foresight and the light of prophecy to their owners. The Romans believed opal was the symbol of hope and purity. A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence.

Pink Tourmaline is the traditional gemstone for this month. Considered the "stone of the muse," it was believed to stimulate the creative process of its wearer. Compared with other gemstones, tourmaline is a relatively recent discovery. Because of that, it lacks the rich lore that accompanies many other precious gems. However, among some people, the stone is known as the "peace stone," believed to dispel fear and make its wearer calm. A gift of this stone is symbolic of hope.

I hope to get some of our designs with these gemstones on the website over the next few days.

-Ann Marie