As I reflect on 2007 and my glorious gem & jewelry path, many wonderful & fruitful joys are to be celebrated! In 2007, we committed to creating an incredible sterling silver & gemstone line. It is intricate & detailed yet new & stylish…I am very excited about launching this in 2008! I was honored to be invited on PRASADS Honorary Committee to better childrens dental programs in New York state & internationally.

We committed to give proceeds from our Beauty of Peace Dove Collection to help with PRASAD’S generous service to children. And we were excited to present Steve Forbes of Forbes Magazine, NY Senator Malcolm Smith and Ron Brent President of PRASAD with our Beauty of Peace Dove Lapel Pin. We are continuing at add to our collections…and always researching ways to create better value & bring more enjoyment to our clients. And finally, I wrote my first children’s adventure book entitled The Adventures of Julia the Generosity Genie & the Hunt for the Green Jade Mask. It is the 1st of a book series exemplifying the generosity of spirit in our world through displaying Peace, Play, Prosperity, & Passion. Please go to www.generositygenie.com to learn more. We have a “Wishing Well” on the website were we encourage you to place a wish for someone in need & we will do our very best to make it happen. 2007 ended joyfully with a visit to Boys & Girls Club of America in San Diego, we are thrilled to be working with them to connect children throughout the world. Our first cultural connections are with the San Ignacio Scouts of Belize. I could not be happier….And with a bit of Gem Adventure to Top off the year, I trekked deep into the jungles of Belize:

The jungle is full of amazing Mayan temples & ruins…visiting Caracol, Xunantunich & Tikal in Guatamala.

Drove for miles into the jungle to come upon Actun Tunichil Muknal Caves - The Sacred Mayan Caves. There are two entrances - one through water, the other repelling in - we chose swimming in through this entrance in very cold water - refreshing! We went in for about 3 miles and came upon an amazing cathedral like space full of stalagtites and stalagmites. It was truly breathtaking. The Mayans held ancient ceremonies and human offerings in this cave…the pottery & human remains continue to be left untouched.

As we welcome 2008, I want to express my gratitude to my family and friends…Thank you for your generosity of spirit & pocket and for your continued patronage and friendship! Here is to an abundant & prosperous 2008!

Love & Cheers!

Deborah

From the desk of PRASAD’S CDHP President Ron Brent: 

On September 10, 2007, a charity golf tournament was held at Brookville Country Club on Long Island, New York. The event was held to raise funds for the work of the PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program (CDHP) - a foundation delivering dental care to underprivileged children in New York.

The day began with a hearty brunch - continued with an afternoon of golf – and ended with a sumptuous lobster and beef dinner. During the evening meal award-winning actress, Phylicia Rashad – best known for her many years on the Cosby Show, as well as her Tony Award for Best Actress, addressed the crowd. Phylicia spoke of the importance of dental care for children – both for health and self-esteem - and the fact that a child’s smile is one of the most precious things on Earth. She related how every time she visits CDHP’s mobile clinic, it reminds her of her youth and the many times she visited her own father’s dental office. Phylicia has been CDHP’s spokesperson for a number of years.

Among the distinguished guests were New York State Minority Senate Leader, Malcomb A. Smith, Senator John Sabatini, several New York State Legislators, and Deborah Blohm, who also addressed the dinner crowd. She presented her Beauty of Peace Dove pins to Senator Malcomb Smith and actress Phylicia Rashad from her elegant Unity Collection - with proceeds benefiting CDHP. Deborah lit up the event with her infectious smile – both at dinner and on the golf course. Along with Phylicia, Deborah is a member of PRASAD’s Honorary Committee.

For more information and how you can support the PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program, please visit their website at: www.prasad.org.

Senator Malcomb Smith,               Sen Smith            Actress Phylicia Rashad   Pres. Ron Brent &

Senator John Sabadini                   Deborah                                            Stonewall’s President

                                                                                                                        Danny

Article by Cindy Edelstein in her Jewelry Business Guru Newsletter

August 14, 2007  

30TH Anniversary of JA New Designer Gallery - what a party!   

 

This was the 30th anniversary of the JA Show’s New Designer Gallery and we threw ourselves quite a fete! First came the ceremony - nearly 50 of the 300+ alumni came to celebrate and remember old times with each other… seen in the photo is Janis Savitt (M+J Savitt) Steven Lagos, Beth Moskowitz, David Yurman, Sheila Kahn, Frederica, Karen Gerstl, Deborah Blohm, Kristin Moore and Esther Gallant.  Each having been in the New Designer Gallery when they debuted in the industry. It was a GREAT time. Next came a reunion dinner I organized for all — we had more than 120 people there — all laughing and telling stories and genuinely having a ball.

I am inviting all of my gem hunting mavericks to come play and share Gem Adventure Stories from your travels.  I would love for you to share a couple memorable stories traveling hunting for a specific gemstone ie. diamonds, sapphires, pearls, emeralds, ruby, tourmaline, coral, amber, etc.  It would be a story that included helping, making a difference or positively affecting a child, person, or family in that area.  It would be great if it was a grand adventure.  This is your story and you will receive the credit by name or you may choose to be anonymous.

I will be happy to call you, record the story then send the transcript back for your approval.  These stories will appear on my website and in my new book.  

I look forward to hearing from you!  Have another miraculously adventurous day!

Deborah 

We celebrated in style with Steve Forbes, family and friends on the Highlander Yacht.  Champagne and hors d’oeuvres flowed freely as we wandered about the magnificent yacht.  I presented Steve Forbes with my 18kt yellow gold Beauty of Peace Dove Lapel pin…he loved it! 

Friends James Selwa CEO of Maserati, Glen Davis famed photographer, Jeff and Daryl Devlin CEO of Media Logic, David winner of the 2007 Le Manns and many other car races, Captain and authentic Scottish bagpiper.  The dinner was elegant and fun was had by all…the light rain did not dampen the lively entertainment and firework display - truely a magnificent evening. The Forbes certainly know how to entertain!  Thank you!

Glen Davis -Forbes     David, Jeff       Mr. Forbes, James Selwa   Sharon, Daryl     David, James

Photographer 

     The Beauty of Peace Dove Collection….

Glen Davis and James Selwa both wear the 18kt lapel pin…and as Glen shares “I wear it proudly”.        Visit Glen’s beautiful photo gallery at    www.ishootpictures.com   Enjoy!

   Celebrate Christmas at Macy’s Herald Square NYC …    Gorgeous Black Tahitian Pearls, Special Sea Shells and Gold!

    Working hard making beautiful Silk Cord Necklaces.             

Wonderful Brenda Waites Bolling!

It was very exciting venturing deep into the mountainside hunting for the blue-green, deep pink and other variations of the tourmaline gemstone! We began at Pala International and The Collector in Fallbrook with a tour by owner/gem and mineral connoisseur, Bill Larson. In 1968, Bill purchased three mines in the San Diego County area. Mining began there in the 1800’s though it was not until 1972 in the Tourmaline Queen mine that large gem crystals were unearthed.

Getting the lay of the mines by three world renowned Gemologists.

Very interesting and rare specimens of tourmaline and other gems and minerals….

Blue owner/Gemologist of the Stewart Mine gave us a personal tour of gem tourmaline deposits…what a spectacular day!

Hundreds of the worlds top gemologists, geologists, jewelers, designers, retailers, manufacturers convened at the San Diego Hyatt for the 4th Gemological Symposium…what excitement and controversary unfolded!  Symposium is a rarely held gathering of the international gem and jewelry community to debate, discuss and learn more about the latest technical, economic, and geopolitical factors affecting the industry.  The first was held in 1982 in honor of GIA’s 50th Anniversary, with subsequent Symposia held in 1991 and 1999.  The 4th is being held in conjunction with GIA’s 75th Anniversary.   The Symposium opened with former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright.  She gave a thought provoking perspective on today’s global political climate mentioning that she used her “famous” brooches as a political tool in meetings to show her current feelings of a situation.  What brilliance!  Her “brooches” book will be coming soon….   Deepak Chopra spoke about unlocking the hidden dimensions of our lives, Frank Abagnale of Catch Me If You Can fame shared amazing stories… and ways to protect our businesses and self.  There were many presentations such as mapping the future of diamonds, the great synthetic diamond debate, the changing landscape of jewelry, gemstone treatments, locality of gemstone origin, appraisal issues, ethical dilemmas and many more topics.  What I found interesting is that though some discussions became very heated, and topics were left unresolved, the feeling of unity for a greater world good was pervasive and inspiring.          This famous 4 ft, 7″ tall, 602 lb Bahia Quartz was carved by renowned gem artists Glenn Lehrer, G.G., and Lawrence Stoller and resides in the GIA Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad, CA.

We celebrated the GIA’s 75th Diamond Anniversary in style on campus with live women fountains, overflowing champagne, incredible dining ala Celebrity Chef Paul Marshall and wonderful musical performances by String Theory and Chris Isaak complete with a firework extravaganza.  And, of course, the evening was not without an incredible rare gem & jewelry collection to delight our senses including the 108ct D Flawless emerald-cut diamond! 

It was a perfect week…so stimulating and creative…and of course, ending with an Italian Evening of Fashion & Jewelry.  Maurice Templesman closed our Symposium; and Ralph Destino, the former President of Cartier, replaced Bill Boyajian as President of the GIA. 

The GIA is regarded as the world’s foremost authority in gemology.  Their mission is to ensure the publics trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.

Watching this artisan carve a cameo was such a treat!  This is a true art that is to be admired…the hours sitting at his work bench…his fingers and palm hardened and calloused.  He carved my name on the back of mine….            

      I look forward to returning to this amazing site & to watch him create!

Mt. Vesuvius unexpectedly erupted in 79 AD; many people were killed trying to escape to safety.  After the disaster, Pompeii remained buried under a layer of ash more than 6 meters deep.  First contact of the remains came in the 1590’s and excavation began in the 18th century.  Today, we may walk the city imagining what daily life was like before the eruption.  Romans ruled the city at the time and for sport Gladiators brutally dueled in the amphitheater.  The wealthy dined in their villa’s after spenting the day at the gymnasiam taking steams, bathes and  exercise.  Many people were shop keepers selling breads, wines, vegatables; and others were laborers ironing, doing laundry and attending to their patrons.  The city is vibrant and alive with colors, temples, statues, dieties, tiles and mosaics.  It is easy & rewarding to take in the life there!

   This strong vibrant tree grows alone in the desert sands…the islanders revere this tree as a miracle of life.  One will find families praying amongst the branches.  It was wonderful to experience such a family there that afternoon!

                       This family in the car became stuck in the loose sand…