DesignsbyDeniseMarie's Profile

Bio

Originally from Chicago, Denise Geigner now residing in Phoenix, incorporates Chicago’s big city bold along with the colorful palette of the beautiful Southwest. Inspired by both, her jewelry designs reflect an adventurous statement through the use of bright large stones paired with metals of all types. Denise also loves the challenge of designing custom orders. For more information, please visit her website.
http://DesignsByDeniseMarie.com


Boy...Did I Get In Trouble!
By Denise Geigner

I was 7 years old and the neighbors had recently laid decorative rock along side their house. The rocks were so beautiful, I decided to take some. After the careful inspecting and selecting of each rock, I came up with an idea. If I thought they were beautiful then surely others would too.

I immediately went to work on my new rocks. After a good cleaning, I priced each rock according to the size, shape and color, then strategically lined them up along the stairs of the front porch. Once satisfied with my display of rocks, I put my "for sale" sign up. I was positive my new store would do much better in sales than any lemonade stand I ever had. Sure enough, kids stopped by wanting to buy my rocks. They went home to get money out of their piggy banks while spreading the word about my new store resulting in excellent sales. I was so excited! I knew what I was going to buy with all that money…candy!

My shining moment did not last long when my Mother found out. I had to apologize to the neighbors, return the money to all the kids and take my punishment. I learned a lesson that day, but I also had the opportunity to learn what each kid saw in those rocks…whether the rock was perfect or not, each was chosen by individual taste and the beauty only he/she saw from within. Watching their reactions from the feeling their new rock gave, it made me realize how unique our personalities were just like those unique rocks…somewhat the same, yet so very different.

I still have a fascination with rocks to this day, only now it is my husband who tells me to put them down. In 2004, I moved from Illinois to Arizona where I am surrounded by rocks, boulders, mountains & mines with gold, silver, copper, turquoise, peridot, Chrysocolla...the perfect environment for my passion. Naturally, this is where my love for gemstones comes in.

I studied Earth Science in high school (no surprise there) where I learned to tumble and polish my own rocks, making jewelry out of them. It amazed me how the average-looking rocks turned into something so beautiful. I loved the class, the teacher, the rocks…not so much the homework. In 2004, I decided to take my passion for rocks to the next level by designing gemstone jewelry.


* * * You Want How Much For That?! * * *
There are many factors in pricing jewelry. Gemstones & pearls vary in price depending on size, weight, clarity, cut, grade & rarity. Precious metal prices are a constant (more so) rise & fall. Handmade beads, pendants & hard to find items such as: lamp work, clay, antique & vintage all play into the price resulting in unique jewelry pieces. Wire wrapping & chain maille will be more time consuming to assemble. Unfortunately, overhead must also be a factor.

Etsy has many talented artists, designers, crafters & photographers who also put forth much effort, time & love into their items. I hope this helps you with your buying decisions from any of these talented artisans. Loving your unique item is by far an artisan's greatest compliment & accomplishment.

* * * Help...I Need A Gift! * * *
Purchasing a gift for someone you don't know very well can be a difficult, unpleasant experience. Here is a guide to help you with those decisions.
* A teenager will sway to the trendy side of jewelry and clothes. Trends come & go. You may want to get something less expensive such as a pendant strung on a leather cord. Try two necklaces that compliment each other such as red or pink coral & turquoise giving the option to wear separately or together. A lasting keepsake such as a birthstone or locket will also work.
* An older or handicapped person may not be able to fumble with clasps. You may want to add an optional magnetic clasp or a long necklace to go over their head.
* Silver or gold? Not sure? Jewelry featuring gemstones, pearls or glass beads are an option. Still not sure? Perhaps choosing mixed metals is the way to go.
* Stay at home mom's are usually busy with family & running the household. With family first, most mom's are budget conscious & usually don't spend much on themselves. When they do purchase a piece, it may be an item of gold they can wear daily that will last them a lifetime. A wonderful gift for a mom would be her children's birthstones in glass, crystal or cubic zirconia’s. An heirloom quality necklace which can be passed down may be cherished for generations to come.
* Career minded individuals may have to dress up for the office. Buying different styles of jewelry will change the look of the same outfit. A great style may be a long necklace which can be worn in multiple layers around the neck, as a bracelet or as a belt. Interchangeable pendants or layering different necklaces & metals are still going strong this season.

* * * Personality * * *
* An outgoing personality likes to be noticed & perhaps be the center of attention. This person may like to wear larger or bolder colors to get noticed. A necklace of amethyst & peridot, turquoise & red coral or a huge pendant may be jewelry of their choice.
* A reserved & quiet individual may not like too much attention or be quite as bold with their jewelry. Try softer or blended colors of pink pearls with a rose quartz pendant.

* * * BODY STRUCTURE * * *
* Body structure is important to consider. You wouldn't want to give a petite person a large, heavy necklace as it may overpower them. A bold or colorful necklace having small to medium sized stones may suit their body structure better.

* * * SHAPES * * *
Face shape is important for the perfect jewelry.
* OVAL shaped face--earrings in triangular shape, or a medium length dangle wil compliment you. You can wear any style or length of necklace you like. Chokers look great on long necks & longer strands tend to lengthen your torso. Shapes such as pearls, teardrops, circles & ovals will compliment the soft lines of your face.
* HEART shaped face--is widest at the forehead & cheeks, narrowing at the chin with soft curves. A necklace with a strong horizontal line, visually adds width to the lower half of the face. Chokers, multi-strands or a long necklace wrapped multiple times around your neck will work for you. Earrings that are wider at the bottom or triangular, teardrops & hoops are your best choice.
* ROUND shaped face--with the nose in the center, you will have an equal distance all around. Cheekbones & jaw line have soft curves. Longer necklaces or a pendant just above your bust will lengthen the face. The best earrings for you are oval, drop-style, any long earrings, or chandeliers.
* OBLONG or RECTANGULAR shaped face--earrings that are short & bold with lots of color for added drama are your best choice. Your necklaces should be bold chokers 16" to 18" in length. A longer necklace with a definite rounded look to it is another option.

I hope these tips were helpful in your choice of a gift for someone or even for yourself. I am here to help you the best I possibly can. Convo me anytime with questions, comments or suggestions. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Enjoy shopping!

Thank you,

Denise
DesignsbyDeniseMarie.com
email: DesignsByDeniseMarie [!at] Yahoo.com
email: DeniseMarieDesigns [!at] yahoo.com

Female, Born on April 28

Favorite Materials

sterling, silver, 14kt, gold, copper, semi, precious, gemstones, pearls, shell, coral, fossil, I LOVE Etsy