Gold Fill vs. Gold Plated

I sell items that are 14kt gold fill, the chain I use, the metal I use to make pieces, etc.  When I do shows most people never ask what the difference is between gold fill and gold plated.  I usually ask them if they know, and they often say "no", but still don't ask me to explain the difference.

Why do I think it is important for someone to know the difference, well because it's like understanding the difference between non-fat milk and regular milk, you want to know what your getting.

So, gold plated is a base metal with one layer of gold over it, it rubs off quickly.  I recently bought a necklace in vegas that was gold plated, and let me tell you within weeks it was the color of the base metal.

Gold fill is a base metal with layers of gold-pressure bonded to it.  It lasts for a long time and is worth more than gold plated, although many people think they are the same.

Vermeil is a layer of gold over sterling silver, but it, like gold plated, wears off quickly, but at least you have sterling silver left at that point.

So now you know.  It's important to know.  You don't want to walk away with regular milk when you want non-fat!!

Christmas Eve

I think I have mentioned that I have a little boy.  He is the love of my life and also 2 and a half years old.  What does that mean?  Well he is on top of everything, climbing, running, and just plain so active.  I love it, never dull, and thus far I have been very fortunate that he hasn't got hurt, until today.

He busted his lip, not just in one place, but in several.  Blood everywhere and that is no exaggeration.  I mean all over him, me, his mouth was full of it, my sweatshirt, his shirt, ugh, and I think that made it worse.  So then it was about stopping the bleeding, does he need stitches?, and all the other crazy things that come with it.  Not to mention that he was wearing one of his favorite truck shirts, its a crane, he loves trucks!  So far, I don't think he needs to get stitches, but I am also not a doctor, ha ha, although I like to think I know what I am doing.

The poor little guy kept saying, "Mommy I am hurt, I have coco." My heart breaks.

So, there it is, the first, of what I am sure will be many, accidents.   If I am lucky maybe this will be the last one, I will keep him in a bubble.  :)  #protectivemom #lovemyboy #loveofmylife #bubbleboy

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Instagram and RGD

I am not much of a social media gal.  Actually, I find it hard to keep up with what I am doing, much less everyone else.  But I have found a friend in Instagram. 

I love Instagram, it's quick, fun, easy to use, and I can get my point across in just a few taps/clicks on the phone.  Facebook sometimes seems so cumbersome, and let's face it, people aren't on FB like they used to be.  But with Instagram, I get to put up my thoughts, post a pic that goes with them (or not) and walla you have a little story that goes with your jewelry.  Simple and easy.

Now if I could just link my Instagram to my FB to my Twitter to my...... LOL. #instagram #socialmedia #enjoytheride

So Blessed

I have had my business now for 10 years, which is a long time.  It is something that some months I think I am doing this and others I think "why?!", but I love designing/making/crafting jewelry, whatever you want to call it.  And there are many who love my work so then I think because it's fun.

But just recently I started to get some coverage for my little business.  I have a great PR firm who sought me out and they took me on.  I believe through them I have received more exposure then ever before, but recently Glamour UK magazine contacted me and then ELLE UK magazine.  Can you say "wonderful!".  So with that here is a sneak peek at the January issue, a few more to come, but I am excited.  Just a little mention, but a big deal for RGD!!