McCaskill & Company is thrilled to host Erica Courtney and her Drop Dead Gorgeous Jewelry on the 4th and 5th of November. This show will be especially exciting, because Erica will be bringing her collection of exotic and beautiful gemstones from her worldwide travels as well as her jewelry. Recognized as one of the top 10 jewelry designers, Erica is quite a celebrity in both the jewelry and the fashion world. Her Los Angeles showroom has become the go to source for stylists and celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Sandra Bullock and Sofia Vergara and for red carpet events and television productions, such as the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, Americas got talent, Scandal, Dancing with the Stars, Castle, and American Idol. Make plans to attend this Must See event.
Enjoy the following very recent article from Southern Jewelry News on her mining expeditions around the globe.
Climbing down a mountain in a Vietnamese jungle in May 2016.
I recently caught up with Erica Courtney just returning from her latest globe-trotting, gem-collecting adventure in Thailand. Ericas a legend in her own time. Boot-strapping her way to success from her roots as a single mom in need of basic income to the highest echelons of the designer jewelry industry. Shes the real deal, a self-made woman, a model creative entrepreneur. Ericas a winner of numerous Spectrum awards - including this year - and couturier to the stars. Her Hollywood A-List clients are frequently seen gracing the red carpet with her latest Drop Dead Gorgeous signature creations. (ericacourtney.com)
Im at home wherever I am, Erica states simply. Her natural friendliness and approach-ability are certainly one key to her success. Whether shes making dal (an Indian sauce made from lentils and spices) with miners in Sri Lanka or revamping a celebrity clients jewelry wardrobe with them, re-designing pieces to add a fresh twist, salvaging secondary pieces for their children and relatives, Ericas like your best friend you never knew you had. Her overflowing creativity is infectious.
Mia Katrin: Your exquisite jewelry features some jaw-dropping world-class rare and exotic gems from spectacular Paraiba tourmaline to color-change Csarite, as well as precious sapphires, emeralds and rubies. What initially sparked your interest in featuring these remarkable gems?
Erica Courtney: It all began 18-20 years ago at the big AGTA Gem show. I discovered a vendor with this incredible Pakistani peridot - a color I had never seen before - and Spessartite garnet with vibrant flashes of orange and red. I was mesmerized. It changed my world. I had to have them! I invested $10,000 - a large sum for me then - although advised against this by my gemological mentor at the time who thought I was overpaying. But when I saw my clients response to the gems I knew I had found my niche.
Learning about pearl harvesting at a Halong Bay pearl farm in Vietnam.
MK: When did you begin directly sourcing gems at the mines and with local dealers?
EC: In 2008 I went to Tanzania. Africa was incredible! We went on safari. It whetted my appetite. Ive been to Colombia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and am planning a trip to Burma next year.
MK: Ive heard from gem dealer friends that you have to be careful going to remote locations. Personal safety is an issue.
EC: The dangers are real. We hike to remote locations carrying backpacks with a gallon of water - which feels like 100 pounds! - treats for snacking and sleeping bags for sleeping under the stars. In Vietnam we trekked over acres of wet, slippery green rocks. If you twist your ankle you jeopardize the progress of the whole group. Going down mine shafts, there are no safety harnesses. Of course the real issue is getting back up. And there are bandits!
MK: What about getting taken advantage of business-wise?
EC: You can make a lot of mistakes. I go with experienced guides such as Vincent Pardieu, a GIA connection who knows how to navigate the terrain. Were careful our gems are ethically sourced. We dont give advance warning when we go to an area so we can know whats really going on there. We dont allow leeway for cover-ups. Although once youre in an area the word quickly gets around to all the local dealers.
MK: You seem to blend in very naturally with any culture youre immersed in. Ive seen pictures of you making soup with miners in Sri Lanka, preparing culinary feasts in Thailand. Do you have a favorite location?
EC: I enjoy them all for different reasons. Vietnam was incredibly beautiful. When we were cooking in Sri Lanka, they took such care with the preparation of the meal - every detail for every person. They make their own moonshine. If its served with breakfast you have to at least take a sip for hospitalitys sake!
(Next time: Part II: The evolution of Erica Courtneys signature style; practical words of wisdom from an industry leader)
Mia Katrin is an award-winning jewelry designer featured in over 100 top stores nationally. She is available for lectures and seminars. To add her Collections or book a lecture: www.jeweljewel.com, 877 539-3569, facebook.com/MiaKatrinforJEWELCOUTURELLC
