Gemology Pursuit

Today's challenge is to see how much I can get written with my toddler competing for my attention. It's been difficult to write lately with daily demands of appointments, school, working and full time with my kids, still making time for my husband... but I really want to give an update.

With my latest store sales I've been able to pay for some of my classes to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) "The world's foremost authority in gemology." Recently I received my AJP which stands for Accredited Jewelry Professional. Currently I'm studying Diamonds and Diamond grading with the intent of completing the program to gemologist.

I've been studying gems since I was about 16 years old and as I'm sure I've mentioned before, have built my own gem lab more recently. I've always had a love for fine jewelry especially. While in high school I would save portions of my lunch money to buy jewelry at the local pawn shop. From there I would trade items up as I had money and ended up with a nice collection of gemstone jewelry, much of it in karat gold.

My grandma had a love for jewelry and perhaps influenced my early appreciation for fine pieces. She has since passed on but I'm sure she'd be proud of me pursuing my interests.

Well, it only took me 45 minutes to write this.

Thank you for your support in helping me do something I've always wanted to do.

THANKSGIVING SALE!!! Preview

This is the biggest sale of the year for me and for the first time, I will have great sales in ALL THREE stores! Etsy (the site my stores are on) has made it so we can issue out coupon codes. The reason this is so great is you don't have to wait for me to refund savings any longer. You get your savings immediately at checkout.

So, onto the sale specials. These specials will begin on Thursday. This means the coupon codes you see here will not work until then. These codes will all expire Cyber Monday.

Embound (jewelry store)

Use coupon code "thanks201" for 20% off your entire order. This includes chains that never go on sale (nor should they with today's silver prices) as well as the already discounted items in my clearance bargains catagory.

EmBoundArt (my paintings shop)

Use coupon code "thanks102" for 10% off your entire order. PLUS, buy 3 of my necklaces in this store, get 1 free. Just enter your selection at checkout and please allow up to a week for shipment. THERE'S MORE! With any $30 purchase (after savings, not before) get a free "thank you" gift! This is a sample pack of my work. It includes a blank card, 2 stickers, a glass magnet, and a metallic ACEO signed print. Your pack will vary slightly. One per customer while supplies last.

EmBoundGem (my store for loose gemstones)

Use coupon code "thanks103" for 10% off your entire order in my shop. This is really special because I've never done a sale in this shop. I price my gems competitively anyway and often find I've priced them lower than I can replace them for. Nonetheless, they are overstock of my personal collection and are great for creating your own jewelry or just adding to your own collection.


So, there it is. Please know I really appreciate all your support :). Happy Thanksgiving!!

How I Got Started On Etsy

I first learned about Etsy at a local gem and jewelry show. I had gotten many compliments on a pendant I'd made and was asked if I sold my work anywhere specific. While I'd accumulated quite a few pendants and was so flattered by the interest of others, I really hadn't thought about starting up a business.

For one, I have a bit of a self-confidence issue when it comes to my art. I was creating styles I liked, not what I thought others would enjoy. Also, what if I put out money to start a business and no one was interested in purchasing my pieces? I questioned too if the compliments I'd received were just flattery or indeed sincere.

While talking with an opal mine owner (the same mine owner most of my opals came from), 2 other vendors from nearby tables jumped into the conversation about selling my wire wrapped pieces and suggested I check out Etsy. That's what I did and here I am!

I'm getting sales inside and outside my Etsy store. I am really enjoying what I do and meeting others with the same passion to create, as well as chatting with those whom I am honored would invest their money in my carefully crafted jewelry.

Unlike many pieces I've seen in markets, my pieces are made with solid sterling silver, and I don't skimp on my wire. I do my best to keep my pieces clean and ends tucked and trimmed. I mostly use genuine stones. If you shop around I think you'll agree you're paying a great price for your piece.

If you should ever have questions, please feel free to convo me in my EmBound store. Please check out my customer feedback regarding my wire wrapping as well. Thank you as always for your support and taking the time to visit my blog.

The "Em" In EmBound

I am a super proud mama of 3 children adopted through my state's foster system. Well, I should note, we are in the process of adopting our third child, "Em". We're getting there, but she's ours anyway in our hearts.

In a few weeks she'll be turning one year old. It's hard to believe as one year ago my husband and I felt our family was complete with our two boys. No doubt God had different plans for our lives. Now, truly, we feel we are finished adding to our family. Having three special needs kids, albeit mild special needs, has been challenging and kept me busy.

Having an outlet for me has been so important in retaining my sanity. I have always loved gems and jewelry. Getting to work with, and even sell my pieces has been so much fun. The name "Embound" means so many things to me (describes what I do, devotion to my faith, and where I'm at in my adoption journey) but the photo you see here is just three of the many gifts from the Lord that inspire me and brighten my day (not to mention wears me out-LOL).

If you have an interest in foster care or adoption, there are many children in the U.S. in need of temporary or permanant homes. Contact your local social services department for more information on the program in your area.