Prestige Promenade pearls and sweets
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/252925
48 W W W.thejeWelrybook.CoM When Deirdre took her first GIA class, Fundamentals of Platinum, in 1998, she'd already been working with the material for years. Learning the academic angle bolstered her passion, and platinum remains her metal of choice for the major- ity of her designs. You'd think she was a spokesperson for Platinum, the way she gushes about the virtues of superior con- ductivity and how the metal "wants you to work with it." She's also extremely passionate about gemstones, attending her first gem show in Tucson back in 1989, and has looked forward to AGTA ever since as an oppor- tunity to covet and collect unusual stones. She gained a practical education over the years by working with various dealers, and she cultivates those relationships by always sharing the finished design with the dealer who provided the stones. That kind of approach, the reciprocity, is rare in such a commodity-driven industry, and is part of Deirdre's particular charm. In return, her favorite vendors take care to set aside important pairs of her preferred gemstones for Featherstone Design – particularly opal, imperial topaz, colored sapphire, tsavorite and spinel – that they know she'll be keen to acquire. When her team first suggested that she enter the AGTA Gem Awards in 2012, Deirdre had her doubts that it would be worthwhile to send out any of her unique pieces for an extended period of time. However, she went on to win "Best Use of Color" and has garnered consecutive wins in other categories for 2013 and 2014. She's looking forward to the 2014 awards celebration to catch up with the many friends and colleagues that come together in Tucson each February, and of course to scope out the latest gemstones to inspire the coming year's creations. Featherstone Design is located in Tribeca, in New York City. Deirdre is available for commissions and trunk shows upon request. To see more of her work, check out her website: www.featherstonedesign.com. Examples of Deirdre's custom bridal work. AGTA 2013 Spectrum Award winners – "Shangri-la" Earrings, Best Use of Color and "Scheherazade" Earrings, Platinum Honors, Bridal Wear. 2 0 14 t r e n d s