SD:When did you start designing jewelry?
Dionne Mcgraw, Beryl Blush Blonde:I started designing jewelry back in 2004 and have been hooked ever since. After complimenting a co-worker on a necklace she was wearing, she advised me she had made it herself. Immediately I asked, “Where can I sign up?”
SD:What inspires your jewelry designs?
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blonde:Women on the go. I make practical jewelry that can be worn any day of the week with any outfit. Although my pieces are meant to be seen, they are simple. They can be the focal point and you don’t have to worry so much about the outfit itself.
SD:What is your background—where were you born and raised and where do you live now?
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blond:I was born in Seattle, WA and traveled down throughout Northern and Southern, CA. Some how I ended up in Atlanta, GA, which has been great for me. Believe it or not, minus all the rain, it reminds me of home - Seattle, and that’s nice.
SD:What are your other interests and hobbies?
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blond:I’ve really been on an alternative exercise kick lately. I’ve signed up for and taken all kinds of different dance classes, such as belly dance and exotic dance. It’s really hard and gave me a new respect for the art. It’s great cardio though and I never get bored.
SD:Were you creative as a child?
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blonde:I was very creative as a child, but as I grew up I became “lazy”. I purposely turned off my creativity so no one would ask me to do personal projects for them, like throwing birthday parties, help with painting or such - I know terrible! Once I started making jewelry, I was surprised at all the different ideas I could come up with and how I had locked my creative side away for all these years.
SD:Why have you chosen jewelry design as one means to express your creativity?
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blonde:I didn’t do it on purpose, but once I picked it up as a hobby, I realize how much I enjoyed once again being creative. It brought back memories as a child when I would make pottery out of mud or flour and water.
SD:What is your favorite jewelry material to work with and why? Do you have a favorite gemstone or precious metal?
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blonde:I love working with brass. It’s something different other than gold or silver and a lot less expensive to work with, which is an added bonus.
SD:Describe for us one of your favorite pieces of jewelry from your collection.
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blonde:I really love the “Wonderland” necklace. It’s great with a nice dress or a pair of jeans. It’s big and bold and makes a huge statement by itself. You don’t have to wear any other accessories with it, no earrings, bracelets, rings, nothing. It speaks for itself.
SD:Do you offer custom-made jewelry?
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blonde:Yes, I especially enjoy making rings. I recently took a metal-smithing class and will be introducing a bunch of different varieties to my collection very soon.
SD:Upon placing an order, how long before delivery?
Dionne McGraw, Beryl Blush Blonde:Depending on the how large the order is, I can usually make a quick turn around. One or two items only take a day to make, so it’s usually shipped out the following day.
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