Blog - Cecile Raley Designs

Design with us Inside the industry

Jewelry 102: Bringing Custom Jewelry to Life

Yvonne Raley – Sep 10, 2026

I recently got a request to make a custom pendant for a birthday. The request came in on a Friday …

Design with us Inside the industry

When Gems went Retail: The High Cost of Saving Money

Yvonne Raley – Aug 10, 2026

It is an extremely common phenomenon these days: an individual buys a loose gem directly from a manufacturer with the …

All about gems Inside the industry

Paraiba Tourmaline: Some of My Investment Gems

Yvonne Raley – Jul 2, 2026

Having blogged about investment gems several times this year, I would now like to share with you some of the …

Inside the industry

Buying with Confidence: The AGTA Advantage

Yvonne Raley – Jul 2, 2026

We joined the American Gem Trade Association about a decade ago, but we’ve rarely taken the opportunity to advertise the …

How to value magic Inside the industry

Inside the Rising Market for Colored Gems

Yvonne Raley – May 21, 2026

The secret seems to be out: colored gemstones have made significant progress catching up to the diamond market in the …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Bogota 2026: Emeralds, Investments, Inflation

Yvonne Raley – May 14, 2026

I was actually going on vacation in the Atacama Desert, Chile, on a farewell journey with my gem buddy Jochen …

All about gems Inside the industry

The Other Green Garnet: Mali

Yvonne Raley – Apr 30, 2026

In contrast to the green of emerald or even Paraiba and other tourmaline, green garnets generally have a warmer tone …

All about gems

Demantoid 101: Origin, Color, Value

Yvonne Raley – Mar 25, 2026

Demantoid Garnet is a gorgeous stone, isn’t it? It has such high dispersion that its diamond-like name is perfect for …

All about gems Design with us Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Match as Match Can: Finding a Topaz for a Missing Earring

Yvonne Raley – Mar 25, 2026

It’s not an uncommon demand for a jeweler: “I lost an earring, can you find me a matching gem to …

All about gems Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Our Tucson HAUL: Broke but Happy

Yvonne Raley – Feb 25, 2026

Like so many of us, my expectations for Tucson were fairly “thumbs down”. Tariffs deter vendors from traveling with merchandise …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

Who Pays for My Broken Stone? The Risks and Realities of Gemstone Setting

Yvonne Raley – Feb 25, 2026

Jewelry setting is a precise craft that requires skill, patience and delicacy. Yet even the most experienced setters occasionally crack …

All about gems Design with us

How Many Stones Do I Need?? Calculating Halos – the Nitty Gritty

Yvonne Raley – Feb 24, 2026

I probably get a version of this question once a week: how many 1.5mm stones do I need to go …

Inside the industry

The New Gold Rush: How You can Profit!

Yvonne Raley – Feb 24, 2026

Let’s put this title into perspective first. Gold has gone up 60% in 2025, which is likely to be the …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Tariffs Hit Tucson: Inside the 2026 Gem Shows

Yvonne Raley – Feb 24, 2026

Late January is approaching fast, and so is my Tucson trip. I cannot wait to go as this month its …

Inside the industry

Let the Games Begin: How to Buy Gems Cheaply in a Bargain Culture

– Sep 25, 2025

For most people who are born into a fixed price culture, it is an entirely new experience to make purchases …

All about gems

Lab Grown Gems: The Ups and Downs…

– Jul 31, 2025

Lab grown diamonds are all the rage these days. In recent years, their market share has increased to 20% of …

Inside the industry

The Unofficial JCK Report: Prepping for the Tariff Hikes

– Jun 19, 2025

This year I went to Las Vegas for 3 days only. A few of my usual vendors decided to sit …

Inside the industry

How Tariffs Affect the Jewelry Industry

– May 8, 2025

As you probably know by now, at CRD we make all our jewelry here in the United States. Each of our manufacturing partners – …

Design with us How to value magic

Dainty is Big: How to Make Jewelry More Affordable

– Apr 17, 2025

Let’s face it. The world economy is totally topsy turvy these days. Gold has become so expensive that making platinum …

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Spring into Bling: A Sneak Peak at our New Collection

– Mar 27, 2025

Finally, spring has sprung, Easter and Mom’s day are around the corner, and we are ready to go with our …

Gem Show Shopping

Out with the Old, in with Tucson 2025

– Jan 23, 2025

Cecile Raley Designs had a fairly busy holiday season and, if you notice our total listing numbers, they have gone …

All about gems How to value magic

Ruby or Sapphire, Emerald or Green Beryl? Borderline Cases and Gem Pricing

– Dec 5, 2024

A few years ago I treated myself to a two carat Merelani mint garnet, a gorgeous pear shaped gemstone that …

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Gifts, Gifts, Gifts: Treat Yourself if Nothing Else!

– Nov 14, 2024

2024 has been a tumultuous year, not just for me but for everyone else too. It’s nearly 80 degrees here …

All about gems

November’s Yellow Gems: How to Make Them Sparkle!

– Oct 31, 2024

While CRD is not particularly known for selling birthstone jewelry, most of our curated gems do fall into a birthstone …

Inside the industry Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Etsy’s Identity Crisis: Fulfilment Center or Meta-Brand?

– Oct 17, 2024

Cecile Raley Designs has been on Etsy since 2009. I didn’t even know what Etsy was back then, but someone …

Gem Show Shopping

Denver Show Report: New Gems, New Cuts, New Prices

– Sep 26, 2024

While sparsely attended by a semi attentive “just looking” crowd (probably due to a new venue and location), for me, …

All about gems

The Perfect Purple: Hunting for the Right Hue

– Jun 6, 2024

Purple is definitely the gemstone color of the year! Although it’s not just one color… I’ve received requests for specific …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

When ‘Rare’ Goes Mainstream: Colored Gems' Market Share

Yvonne Raley – May 15, 2024

In the spring of 2022, everyone wanted to buy emerald cut teal sapphire. This year it is blueish purple and …

Adventures abroad All about gems

Namibia’s Gems and Crystals Today

Yvonne Raley – Apr 17, 2024

If you read my last few blogs, then you know that I traveled to Namibia for a fact finding mission. …

Adventures abroad Life beyond the sparkle

The Inner Working of Hospitals, plus a Safari: A Broken Foot Travels to Germany

Yvonne Raley – Apr 1, 2024

I wake up to the sound of birds chirping, the sun shining onto my cozy comforter in my cushy bed. …

Adventures abroad Gem Show Shopping Life beyond the sparkle

Adventures of a Broken Foot: In the Middle of Nowhere

Yvonne Raley – Mar 25, 2024

As you read in my previous blog (you didn’t? Go back!), a playful dog plowed into my left leg as …

Adventures abroad Life beyond the sparkle

Adventures of a Broken Foot: Namibia

Yvonne Raley – Mar 20, 2024

I didn’t advertise my upcoming trip to Namibia because I had been forewarned. Yes, Namibia has a wealth of minerals …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

The Rise and Fall of Grandidierite

Yvonne Raley – Feb 28, 2024

One of the ten rarest minerals on earth! That’s how grandidierite has been advertised in the last decade or so, …

All about gems Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Tucson Gem Market: What's In and What's Out – February 2024

Yvonne Raley – Feb 12, 2024

For the gem dealer, gems are exactly what the title of this blog suggests: a financial instrument which, if purchased …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

Benitoite: A Rare Prize for Gem Collectors

Yvonne Raley – Jan 22, 2024

Somewhere about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, along the coast of California, you will find the rolling …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

How We Shop in Tucson on a Budget

Yvonne Raley – Jan 10, 2024

2024 marks my 9th annual trip to Tucson, and there have been a lot of changes since I first started. …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Dedicated to Those Who Left Us

Yvonne Raley – Dec 21, 2023

Sebaj died from metastasized colorectal cancer on November 20th, 2023 at 10 a.m. The 4th Hour Right now, you are …

All about gems Inside the industry

Kornerupine: One of Our Best Kept Secrets!

Yvonne Raley – Dec 18, 2023

Kornerupine is a gem that had a very short heyday, and mostly in my own shop. This tells you a …

All about gems Inside the industry

Cameras are not Eyes: How to Buy Gems Online

Yvonne Raley – Dec 6, 2023

As a fully online seller, you can imagine how often I am asked for more photos and videos of my …

Life beyond the sparkle

Holiday Shopping: Ready, Set, Go!

Yvonne Raley – Nov 1, 2023

I’m actually writing this blog on Halloween. This weekend, purple and orange décor will come down and green and red …

All about gems

Should your Gem Purchase Come with a Certificate of Authenticity?

Yvonne Raley – Sep 25, 2023

Does this gem come with a certificate of authenticity? This is a question we are being asked almost every week, …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry

Buying on Location: Gem Shopping in Sri Lanka

Yvonne Raley – Aug 20, 2023

My clients say this to me all the time: “it’s cheaper to buy on location, right?” And I have heard …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry

From Mining to Markets: Sri Lanka’s Gem Industry

Yvonne Raley – Aug 14, 2023

Gem mining has always been a rugged business. It involves hard and uncomfortable physical labor, high risk of injury, and …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry

Sri Lanka: The Treasure Hunter’s Holy Grail

Yvonne Raley – Aug 9, 2023

For over 2,500 years, Sri Lanka has been known for its wealth of precious gems. In particular, the Ratnapura area …

All about gems Design with us

Cobalt Blue: The Other Jedi Spinel

Yvonne Raley – Jul 5, 2023

They were never cheap, at least not since I have been in this trade. But now the red Jedis, the …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

What Happens in Vegas Doesn’t Stay There!

Yvonne Raley – Jun 14, 2023

This is probably the first question you have and so I will answer it right away: Yes. Prices are up. …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Glamor, Glitz & Gems: JCK Las Vegas

Yvonne Raley – May 15, 2023

I almost decided not to go. Flight and hotel together will run me 2K, never mind food and drink, plus …

All about gems Inside the industry

Gem Hunts and the Law of Diminishing Returns: How and When to Compromise

Yvonne Raley – May 1, 2023

I’m sure you have noticed this too but prices in the gem world have been nuts lately, and while the …

All about gems Design with us

Why Small Gems Rock, No Pun Intended

Yvonne Raley – Apr 17, 2023

Everyone wants big gems. I know this all too well because I get asked for bigger almost every day – …

All about gems Inside the industry

Ethically Sourced Gemstones and Artisanal Mining: A Contradiction?

Yvonne Raley – Apr 5, 2023

Etsy recently implemented a sustainability feature that allows sellers to click on an attribute that marks an item as ‘recycled’ …

All about gems

Fracture Filling in Paraiba Tourmaline: A New(ish) Problem

Yvonne Raley – Mar 22, 2023

With Paraiba tourmaline prices through the roof, more and more clients request that the stones are fully certified by an …

Inside the industry Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Is Etsy Worth it Anymore? A Comparison to Shopify…

Yvonne Raley – Mar 6, 2023

A very long time ago I wrote a blog entitled “Can You Live off Etsy?” It was one of my …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Tucson Treasures 2023: Catch Them if you Can…

Yvonne Raley – Feb 15, 2023

This year I went to Tucson with very low expectations, and a correspondingly low budget. As I’ve previously reported, supply …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

The Art of Sourcing High End Stones: Tips and Pitfalls

Yvonne Raley – Jan 16, 2023

Yes, from the retail perspective, 2022 was a relatively quiet year. People got the message about prices for everything increasing …

Gem Show Shopping

Stay Tuned for Tucson: Gems and Pricing in Spring 2023…

Yvonne Raley – Jan 3, 2023

Do you have any gem related New Year’s resolutions? Are you saving up for that special stone, planning to make …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry

Gemstones Travel the World: New Gems from Madagascar and their Many Adventures!

Yvonne Raley – Dec 21, 2022

I announced their arrival somewhat prematurely in the fall of 2021, right before all exports from Madagascar stopped because of …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Knowing When to Sell Your Colored Gemstones (& When to Wait!)

Yvonne Raley – Dec 5, 2022

A couple of months ago I asked one of my gem sellers if I could “memo” (i.e. the jewelry trade …

Life beyond the sparkle

CRD's (Non-Jewelry) Gift Ideas for the 2022 Holiday Season!

Yvonne Raley – Nov 21, 2022

Every year I devote a blog to other shops to give you some ideas for your holiday shopping. This year …

Life beyond the sparkle

Winter is Coming… Get Ready to Start Shopping!

Yvonne Raley – Oct 31, 2022

Yep, it’s November, and we are gearing up for you as we speak. If you have any custom orders, please let …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

The Magic of Highly-Skilled Gem Setters

Yvonne Raley – Oct 12, 2022

‘Prong pusher’ is a rather derogatory term and not entirely fair, as 99% of jewelry sold on the mass market …

All about gems Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Sparkling Treasures from Denver: Pinks, Purples, Blues… and Color Changers!

Yvonne Raley – Sep 29, 2022

You might think that Denver’s all about the Rocky Mountains and hiking, right? Not about going to gem shows. However, …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Putting the Color in Colorado: Denver Gem and Mineral Show 2022

Yvonne Raley – Aug 29, 2022

Yes, CRD is travelling again, to Denver this time. The gem shows there in September have become a staple of …

All about gems How to value magic

Precious Gems: Pricing for Propriety and Profit

Yvonne Raley – Aug 18, 2022

During the height of the pandemic, a young woman started purchasing gems from me in the hopes of making a …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Investing in Precious Gems: What You Need to Know

Yvonne Raley – Jul 6, 2022

If you feel the way I do about 2022 so far, then you’ll agree we live in very unpredictable times. …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Desert Treasures: Juicy Gems from Sin City

Yvonne Raley – Jun 23, 2022

This was my first time back in Las Vegas since 2019. In 2020, the JCK and AGTA shows were cancelled, …

All about gems Inside the industry

Return to Emerald City: A Tale of Two Mountains

Yvonne Raley – May 31, 2022

I really longed to go to Colombia again, even though I didn’t have a pressing reason to spend any more …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

A Cut Above: The Decision Making Behind Colored Gemstone Shapes

Yvonne Raley – May 19, 2022

It’s schizophrenic really, and it’s true of 90% of colored gems; they don’t fit into prefabricated settings, so you end …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

The New “Gold” Rush: Colored Gems

Yvonne Raley – Mar 28, 2022

If you’ve been buying gems in the last few months, you will have noticed that gemstone prices have been sharply …

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The Third C – Using Color in Design

Yvonne Raley – Mar 7, 2022

Finally, let’s get back to talking about color. In this final entry in our discussion about color and gemstones, I …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Show & Tell: 2022 Tucson Treasures Revealed!

Yvonne Raley – Feb 17, 2022

Everyone wants to know about what I saw, how it was, who was there, how busy it was, etc. in …

All about gems Design with us

The C that Really Matters: Judging Gemstones by Color

Yvonne Raley – Jan 22, 2022

So they tell you that you have to judge the value of a gem by the four C’s: Carat, Clarity, …

All about gems Design with us

The Three C’s of CRD: Color, Color, and Color

Yvonne Raley – Jan 19, 2022

What is the one thing, the main thing, that draws people to my shop? I think it’s color. Any aspect …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Too Soon for Tucson? The Reality of Gem Buying in 2022

Yvonne Raley – Jan 12, 2022

I either have antibodies already, or I am the luckiest person on earth, having traveled to Germany 7x since Covid …

Design with us Life beyond the sparkle

RINGing in the New Year!

Yvonne Raley – Dec 13, 2021

Something odd happened this fall season, and it gave us a little bit to think about for the year to …

All about gems Inside the industry

Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Who is the Rarest of Them All?

Yvonne Raley – Dec 2, 2021

Last week I received a request to make a rare gemstone pendant for a birthday girl. The buyer provided me …

Design with us Life beyond the sparkle

The Early Bird WINS this Holiday Season: Tips and Inspo to Help You Get Started

Yvonne Raley – Nov 10, 2021

Earlier this year – earlier every year – we help you get ready for holiday shopping. Why earlier this year? …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Adventures in Emerald City, Part II (Muzo, Cosquez, Guataque & Chivor)

Yvonne Raley – Oct 28, 2021

So here we were, the three of us, in the dark in a small foreign town, just following two total …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

OUT- Adventures in Emerald City, Part II (Muzo, Cosquez, Guataque & Chivor)

Yvonne Raley – Oct 21, 2021

So here we were, the three of us, in the dark in a small foreign town, just following two total …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Adventures in Emerald City: Gem Hunting in Bogota, Part I

Yvonne Raley – Oct 17, 2021

TWO years! That’s how long I had to wait to go to Colombia again. But I did it, and with …

Adventures abroad All about gems

Fifty Shades of Green: Colombian Emerald Origins and Varieties Explained

Yvonne Raley – Oct 8, 2021

This Colombia trip was my first real adventure since COVID hit, but after a few days in Bogota and on …

All about gems Inside the industry

The Hidden Jewels of Afghanistan

Yvonne Raley – Sep 13, 2021

Ravaged by decades of off and on war and religious oppression, Afghanistan is getting a lot of negative attention lately, …

All about gems How to value magic

What You Need to Know Before Buying Gems Overseas

Yvonne Raley – Aug 25, 2021

A couple of weeks ago a new client asked me if “sellers from India have genuine natural gems at low …

Design with us Inside the industry

From Start to Finish: Fine Jewelry Production in the Diamond District

Yvonne Raley – Jul 15, 2021

So yes, I operate out of the basement of my house. I’m the creator, designer, inventor, and owner of Cecile …

All about gems Design with us

Opal Options: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Yvonne Raley – Jul 1, 2021

Though I rarely wear opal jewelry (because I like faceted stones), I find opal to be one of the most …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic

Paraiba Tourmaline: from Beads to Unicorns

Yvonne Raley – Jun 14, 2021

I got into Brazilian Paraiba tourmalines during my first Tucson show in 2015. I had heard all the lore about …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

The Great Padparadscha Debate PLUS Sapphire Tales from Denver

Yvonne Raley – May 27, 2021

The May Denver gem show is actually fairly tiny, even during non-covid times. But with nothing else big coming up …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Sea Change in the Desert: True Signs of Gem Show Recovery in Tucson

Yvonne Raley – Apr 22, 2021

I really didn’t expect it but Tucson was hoppin’ this year! Yes, there were fewer shows, fewer vendors and virtually …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

A New Year, a New Dawn… And A New Tucson

Yvonne Raley – Mar 30, 2021

Ok so it’s a kind of mini-Tucson. There will be several shows: 22nd Street Show, Mineral City, Pueblo Show, JOGS, …

Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

How We Source Stuff: Hunting for Gemstone Treasures

Yvonne Raley – Mar 11, 2021

Since Cecile Raley Designs started selling gems on Etsy, the number of shops offering cut stones online has pretty much …

Design with us Inside the industry Our story

How we Make Stuff, Continued: Wax Model, CAD Model, or Hand Fabrication?

Yvonne Raley – Feb 18, 2021

As I briefly discussed in my previous blog, Cecile Raley Designs primarily designs jewelry using CAD. This is probably the most …

Design with us Inside the industry Our story

Colored Gems are not Diamonds: How We Make Stuff, Differently

Yvonne Raley – Feb 5, 2021

It happens to us at CRD all the time: a client with a low budget asks for raw castings so …

All about gems Design with us

Loving Lavender Spinel: Where Can You Get That Color?

Yvonne Raley – Jan 21, 2021

Oval Vietnamese Lavender Spinel Surrounded by Afghanistan Lavender Spinel So I announced lavender as one of the colors of 2021, …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

2020 Kicks the Bucket. A New Year, a Fresh Start

Yvonne Raley – Jan 3, 2021

Well, I can say this much: 2020 has decidedly been the most bizarre year of my entire life. Granted, …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

The Year of the Pod: A Very Different Holiday Season

Yvonne Raley – Dec 10, 2020

Last week I decided to take a stroll up 5th Avenue at the end of my very busy day in …

Life beyond the sparkle

Etsy Holiday Guide: Gift Ideas from Etsy Shops

Yvonne Raley – Nov 19, 2020

Every year I release a blog in which I recommend some other Etsy shops that have nice gifts. To spice …

Life beyond the sparkle

Tips for Finding the Perfect Holiday Gifts… on Etsy!

Yvonne Raley – Nov 19, 2020

Every year I release a blog in which I make recommendations for holiday shopping. This year is no exception, with …

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Ho Ho Holiday Sales Alert: Ready, Set, GO!

Yvonne Raley – Nov 4, 2020

Yes, seriously. In mid-November, not in early December. And here’s the math behind it: [Covid 19 = (Increased Online …

Life beyond the sparkle

What You Need to Know: Shopping Online for Holiday Gifting in 2020

Yvonne Raley – Oct 25, 2020

I thought I’d spare you this time by not putting “COVID” into a headline, yet again. But it is undeniable; …

Adventures abroad Life beyond the sparkle Our story

The Real Deal: Traveling Internationally During COVID-19

Yvonne Raley – Oct 19, 2020

This will probably be the last COVID-related travel blog for 2020 since it is likely the last time I travel this year …

All about gems Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Fortune Favors the Brave: Treasures Unearthed at The Denver Show During a Pandemic

Yvonne Raley – Oct 1, 2020

Somewhat belatedly, here’s my review from the Denver gem shows: I arrived two days before the shows started because I …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Travel During a Pandemic: How I Got Around the Denver Shows Safely

Yvonne Raley – Sep 16, 2020

Travel certainly has changed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in certain respects, this has been for the better. …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

The Shows Must Go On: Heading to Denver Shows During COVID

Yvonne Raley – Aug 28, 2020

Yes, I’m going to actually do this! I am heading out to Colorado on September 9th for four days to …

Design with us Inside the industry Our story

The Small Apple Inside the Big Apple: The Web of Cultures in the Diamond District

Yvonne Raley – Aug 6, 2020

Midtown Manhattan is quiet these days; subway rides are down 85%, restaurants are shuttered, food carts diminished or vanished entirely, …

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Working with Stuller: New Options for Custom Designs

Yvonne Raley – Jul 13, 2020

After many requests we have finally managed to make Stuller settings available for custom options. If you click here, you …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

Spinel Spinel Spinel: Origins and Colors Explained

Yvonne Raley – Jun 18, 2020

I’m not sure if you know, but about two years ago spinel was added to the list of birthstones. It now …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

The Show Must Go On: Vegas in New Jersey

Yvonne Raley – May 20, 2020

As advertised in our previous newsletter, we have decided that even though the Las Vegas show is cancelled, we will …

Design with us Inside the industry Our story

Logistics for the Longer Haul: The New Normal at Cecile Raley Designs

Yvonne Raley – Apr 30, 2020

I could probably make this a one-line blog: where we are at right now is where we have been over …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry

Buckle Up; It's Going to Be a Bumpy Ride…

Yvonne Raley – Apr 16, 2020

COVID-19 and the International Gem Business As the world continues to be on pause, I’ve checked in with everyone overseas …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Fiction vs. Fact? How to Evaluate What you Read about COVID-19

Yvonne Raley – Mar 30, 2020

Are you overwhelmed by all of the different information you are getting about this pandemic, and not sure what to …

Design with us Inside the industry Life beyond the sparkle

What New York City On Pause Looks Like: The Diamond District Shutdown

Yvonne Raley – Mar 26, 2020

Covid-19 Week 2: How the Jewelry Industry is Coping with the Shutdown A week seems like a lifetime ago. …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Keeping Calm and Carrying On Amidst the Chaos of COVID-19

Yvonne Raley – Mar 18, 2020

What’s going on in the world?! And what are we doing here in Jersey City? Well didn’t I get back just …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Travel or Not? Possible Plans and Some Corona Induced Industry Challenges

Yvonne Raley – Mar 5, 2020

Ring Featuring Colombian Emerald from Chivor So this was supposed to be a blog about my upcoming trip to …

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Tucson Gem Haul: Find Out What's Coming to the Shop, Before it Gets There!

Yvonne Raley – Feb 13, 2020

My panshir emerald melee is now sorted (see below,) I’ll be offering sizes from 1mm-2mm in small batches. Some small …

All about gems Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Greetings from Chilly Tucson!

Yvonne Raley – Feb 6, 2020

Hello from frigid Tucson where the last two days have been colder than they are in NJ! Still we are …

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NEW NEW NEW: Rings, Pendants, & Earrings for Alternate Stone Shapes

Yvonne Raley – Jan 27, 2020

With Tucson around the corner, I’ve been thinking long and hard about what new items I could make that would offer up …

Our story

You may have noticed, the blog looks a little… different?

Yvonne Raley – Jan 23, 2020

Not to worry; all of the good stuff is still here, we’ve just shifted it around a bit so that our …

Adventures abroad Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Pack your Virtual Bags: You’re Coming to Tucson with Us!

Yvonne Raley – Jan 20, 2020

Hooker Emerald Brooch, designed by Tiffany & Co, previously exhibited at Tucson Gem & Mineral Show & worth $5,000,000 USD!!! …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

2019: The Year of the Grey Cat

Yvonne Raley – Dec 28, 2019

Take a moment, and… just… breathe! Keep in mind while reading this that 2019 is The Year of the Grey Cat. …

Inside the industry Our story

On the Meaning of "Family" in the Gem Trade…

Yvonne Raley – Dec 19, 2019

This is a sort of holiday blog entry because the holidays are when we gather around family to celebrate. It’s …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

A Selfish Guide to Gift Giving

Yvonne Raley – Dec 5, 2019

A Selfish Guide to Gift Giving: A Gift for the Boyfriend, a Gift for Me, One for Mom, One for …

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Unwrapping the Holidays with New Stuff from Cecile Raley Designs

Yvonne Raley – Nov 14, 2019

Holiday season really IS my favorite season. While I’m not a fan of winter, holiday traditions are the best way …

Design with us Inside the industry Our story

The Story of Cecile Raley Designs: Tucson, Africa and Colombia

Yvonne Raley – Nov 6, 2019

The year was 2013. I was driving to work, and just as I turned off the highway, a huge billboard …

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Wish You Were There: Cecile Raley Designs Celebrates 10 years

Yvonne Raley – Oct 7, 2019

It’s odd to have a celebration that has to be virtual as much as physical because most of our clients …

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Ten Years of Cecile Raley Designs, who would have thought?

Yvonne Raley – Sep 26, 2019

So you’ve heard us talk this up for a few weeks now, our ten year anniversary on Etsy, which was …

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Design your Ring with us: which settings for my gem?

Yvonne Raley – Sep 5, 2019

Ok this may not be the most exciting blog entry ever, but I hope it is a very useful one. …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

The Emeralds of Chivor

Yvonne Raley – Aug 7, 2019

On Thursday, our 6th day in Colombia, we got up early with the intention of managing the drive from Muzo …

Adventures abroad All about gems Our story

In the Muzo Emerald Mines: Getting Down and Dirty

Yvonne Raley – Aug 2, 2019

Take a tour with Yvonne of the emerald mines of Muzo, Colombia! It’s interesting to see that the gem trade works …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Colombia Part I. Bogota and Muzo

Yvonne Raley – Jul 28, 2019

A lush countryside, a rich history of gold and conquest, delicate indiginous art, well-preserved ancient Spanish towns, and the lure …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

New Travels Ahead: Emerald Hunting in Colombia

Yvonne Raley – Jul 9, 2019

It’s summer again and I am ready to explore a new location for gems: Colombia. On Saturday July 13th, I …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry Our story

Setting Secrets Exposed: What Happens to Your Custom Project in Setting

Yvonne Raley – Jun 27, 2019

I don’t know if you have noticed but the diamond district tends to be very secretive about what happens behind …

All about gems How to value magic

Why Buy Gems at Retail Price?

Yvonne Raley – Jun 13, 2019

Once upon a time – in the not too distant past, in fact – jewelry shopping was so easy and …

Adventures abroad Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

From Venice to The Venetian: CRD Heads to Vegas

Yvonne Raley – May 23, 2019

Still jet lagged from my recent trip to Venice, I am already packing my bags again! The Las Vegas AGTA …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic

Padparadscha – Lab Certification Roulette

Yvonne Raley – May 9, 2019

Guest Blog by Inken Krause, Enhoerning Jewelry Entire book chapters and countless longish essays have been written about the ideal …

Design with us Inside the industry

Alternative Engagement Rings: Five Reasons to Opt Out of the Diamond Market

Yvonne Raley – Apr 22, 2019

So you may have noticed that we started a bridal section on Etsy where we are in the process of …

All about gems

Hunting for "Diamonds" in Herkimer

Yvonne Raley – Apr 11, 2019

I assume you’ve heard of the Herkimer diamond? It’s actually quartz and but nicknamed “diamond” because of its shape: double …

Design with us Inside the industry Our story

New Season, New Items, and We Welcome Your Contributions

Yvonne Raley – Mar 28, 2019

So with the spring season under way, we’ve been busy developing new pretties, mainly for your fingers, but also for …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

What’s up with all these “new” Emeralds: Emerald Origins Revisited

Yvonne Raley – Mar 14, 2019

As you may know, emerald is one of my favorite gems. So, it should be somewhat surprising that I have …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Tucson: The Aftermath

Yvonne Raley – Feb 21, 2019

Initially, it looked like our office had been bombed by dozens of small gem jars, miniature plastic bags holding valuable …

All about gems Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Tucson is ON: Where we are going and what we are buying

Yvonne Raley – Jan 31, 2019

By the time this blog is up, the final countdown is on. Monday the 3rd we are leaving for our …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry Our story

What's Ahead for 2019?

Yvonne Raley – Jan 10, 2019

Our Newly Minted American Gem Trade Membership, and YES, CRD’s Ten Year Anniversary Bash I hope all of you had …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Our Own Christmas Story

Yvonne Raley – Dec 3, 2018

In the spirit of this season of giving, we would like to dedicate this blog to our friends in Madagascar, …

Life beyond the sparkle

Sparkle the Holiday with a Gift

Yvonne Raley – Nov 13, 2018

Yes, it is that time again. Are you ready for the holidays? Our Thanksgiving sale starts this weekend with 10% …

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Custom Inspirations – Earrings

Yvonne Raley – Oct 17, 2018

Do you realize that, as a retail business, I am already getting holiday advice emails from our industry? Etsy, Manta, …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Finding New Minerals in Kongwa

Yvonne Raley – Oct 2, 2018

So this is going to be a longer story, and it starts a few billion years ago. As my geologist …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Gem Buying in Tanzania: Rubies Rubies Rubies

Yvonne Raley – Sep 5, 2018

As promised, let me tell you about the gems I saw, or didn’t see, in Tanzania: on my second day, …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry

Visiting Kenya and Tanzania

Yvonne Raley – Sep 5, 2018

Kenya Our next destination after Madagascar was Nairobi, Kenya, where I planned a long overdue reunion with my friend Doreen. …

Adventures abroad Inside the industry

A Little Trip (Madagascar Part IV)

Yvonne Raley – Aug 19, 2018

Thursday afternoon two interesting bits of news reached us. The first: There had been a new find of tourmaline near …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Madagascar Gem Shopping (Part III)

Yvonne Raley – Aug 15, 2018

On my second day gem shopping in Antsirabe, I bought one piece of purple spinel from Ilakaka, 1.1 cts, and a …

Adventures abroad All about gems

Travels to Antsirabe and Local Gem Buying (Part II)

Yvonne Raley – Aug 15, 2018

After a 4:30 a.m. morning rise (for which neither of our alarms rang but Jochen appeared to have an internal …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Madagascar – A New Trip, New Experiences, New Gems (Part I)

Yvonne Raley – Aug 7, 2018

The first destination on my most recent trip to Madagascar was the Island of Nosy Be, slightly to the northwest …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

Africa Revisited – A New Trip

Yvonne Raley – Jul 1, 2018

I can’t believe it came upon me so fast. This coming Monday I am leaving on my second trip to Africa. I …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic

Padparadscha Sapphire – What’s the Story?

Yvonne Raley – Jun 20, 2018

Every since Britain’s Princess Eugenie has been sporting a Padparadscha sapphire engagement ring valued at over $130,000, these lotus flower …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Emeralds Revisited – New Arrivals, New Origins and A Word about Treatment

Yvonne Raley – May 24, 2018

I haven’t talked about emeralds for some time and with the Las Vegas Gem Show coming up I should do …

All about gems How to value magic

What is Retail and Wholesale Pricing – Really? An Unofficial Opinion

Yvonne Raley – Apr 16, 2018

You must have asked yourself this question as well. What (on earth) does it mean when someone tells you that …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Sapphire Treatments: What Matters and What Doesn’t (By Yvonne Raley and Inken Krause)

Yvonne Raley – Apr 5, 2018

Every month I give sapphires to my lab to certify that a sapphire is unheated, which is essential for my …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic

What Color is this Gem – really? Commonly Asked Color Questions and Difficult Answers

Yvonne Raley – Mar 15, 2018

Nature doesn’t make it easy, does it? Is it a ruby or a sapphire? Is the Paraiba more greenish or …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Gem Lab Reports: Some FAQs

Yvonne Raley – Feb 28, 2018

As you’ve probably noticed, Cecile Raley Designs provides certificates with certain gems, or we offer to provide one upon request. …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

The Year in Review: Milestones of 2017 – Good and Bad

Yvonne Raley – Dec 18, 2017

This year has marked an exceptional number of changes, both for Cecile Raley Designs and for me personally. As many …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

Jewelry Laser Surgery: The Alternative to Solder

Yvonne Raley – Dec 7, 2017

Many of you have heard me talk about lasering jewelry, or laser soldering, over the years. Time to devote some …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Are you Getting Ready for the Holidays? We Are!

Yvonne Raley – Nov 9, 2017

Yes, it is almost here. As I am publishing this blog, it is a mere six weeks till Christmas. I …

Adventures abroad All about gems Inside the industry

A traveler's report on the world of gems

Yvonne Raley – Nov 2, 2017

A German traveler’s report on the world of gems Manhattan’s 47th Street rightfully deserves the name “Diamond District”: shops for …

Design with us Inside the industry

What does “recycled metal” really mean? What we do and don’t do when it comes to recycling

Yvonne Raley – Oct 26, 2017

This blog entry is prompted by a couple of recent questions about working with recycled metals. Etsy now offers a …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Rare Gemstones – A Seller's Market

Yvonne Raley – Oct 5, 2017

Anecdote: in late summer I got a call for a 4+ carat lagoon tourmaline of a very specific cut and …

Design with us Our story

Newest Items: More hexagons and Lily Designs

Yvonne Raley – Aug 28, 2017

It seems that it’s time for a somewhat overdue blog entry on some of my new items that have come …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

Opals: Some thoughts on their special allure and their challenges for the jeweler

Yvonne Raley – Aug 17, 2017

Opals: Some Thoughts on Their Special Allure and their Challenges for the Jeweler If you’ve been following my shop for …

Design with us

Forgotten Beauties: Some Jewelry Highlights from my Shop

Yvonne Raley – Jul 13, 2017

In this blog entry, I want to focus your attention on a few pieces of finished jewelry from the shop …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

Russian Demantoid: What’s the Deal with Horsetail Inclusions?

Yvonne Raley – Jun 26, 2017

As many of you know, I have been selling quite a few Russian demantoids on my site in the last …

Design with us

Earring News: More Ear Wire Options for Exciting New Designs

Yvonne Raley – Apr 27, 2017

You might have seen some of the new leverbacks that I offer in my shop – either as stand alone …

All about gems Design with us Our story

How to Get Inspired

Yvonne Raley – Mar 2, 2017

With spring just around the corner and winter being ridiculously mild this year, it’s time to think about some inspiration …

Design with us Inside the industry

Pave Setting – Hand Set versus Pre Cut

Yvonne Raley – Dec 23, 2016

I thought I’d devote this blog entry to my why my setter Pierre has lost his hair. Or so he …

All about gems Our story

The story of my emeralds, and how it actually started with a strand of rubies

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I thought I’d begin this blog by going back a bit – back to my first emeralds and how I …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

From Kashmir to Tanzania: How to Pick a Sapphire

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

September is sapphire month, and although I personally think that birthstone jewelry is just a sales trick, I will start …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

A word about natural gemstones

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

So I practically got yelled at. This was by a gemstone dealer at a jewelry show last spring, in response …

All about gems Design with us

I like this color – what’s my gem?

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I know a lot of us women (and some men, even) strive to be color coordinated. And this puts certain …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

On Cutting a Stone: Chronicles of a Tsavorite

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Some of my fellow jewelers have been asked if they cut their own stones. And a friend of mine once …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

Chronicles of a Tsavorite: Part II

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

In my previous entry, I started to take you through the process of cutting a gemstone. I picked a Tsavorite …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Dime a Dozen or Hard to Find?

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

It really took me a while to get the hang of determining which gemstones are rare and which aren’t. This …

All about gems Inside the industry

Rubies for the Masses – Glass Filled!

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

You might have heard about glass filled ruby scams on the news, they were a big story last year. Or you read about them …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

December Birthstones: Is Tanzanite a Good Buy?

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

As most of you who read my blog know, I don’t think much of birthstones. My own birthstone is pearl, …

Our story

New Ideas for a New Year

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

After a first full year on Etsy, I have lots of new ideas, and I want to drop those ideas …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Garnets and the other Garnets

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

January is garnet month, or so the Jeweler’s Association says, at any rate. And if you are thinking red or …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

Emeralds: Before the Oil, After the Oil, and After That

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

So my gemstone dealer D. and I decided to conduct an experiment. It was an ancient one, and he’s done …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

The Green Diamond

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

So this is the story as it happened. I am got permission to write about it, but there will be …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

“Could This Gem be a Little Bigger?” (How Big is Your Wallet?)

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I get asked the question posed in the title about once a week. Two out of three times I don’t …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

What is an Old-Mine Gem?

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I’d heard the term many times, but couldn’t make much of it initially. I looked it up online, but the …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

How to Judge a Ceylon

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

It’s been an interesting year for Ceylon sapphires. Last summer, they were fairly reasonable in price, and I bought one …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

Can You Get a Gem Like This? Some Brief Notes on Odds

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I periodically get questions like these: can you get a 5mm princess cut blue tourmaline? Or: do you have a …

All about gems How to value magic Inside the industry

Addicted to Spinel

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

You must have wondered: how much more spinel can she list on her Etsy site? Well, instead you should ask: …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic

Topaz: Worth Having?

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Topaz is one of the birthstones of November, aside from Citrine. But it has kind of gotten a bad rep …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic Inside the industry

The Other Tanzanite

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Last December I pooh-poohed Tanzanite as a bad investment. I guess I always say what I think, even if it …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Merry Christmas to ME

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Sometimes, you have to think of yourself. After a very successful Etsy December, and a busy sale still running, I …

All about gems Inside the industry

How to Heat a Zircon

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

My friend Anya and I were buying some stones at a gem dealer friend’s house last weekend. When we got …

Design with us Inside the industry

How much would it cost in Gold?

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

This is a common question, but it has a disappointing answer: too much, for the most part. 14K gold is …

All about gems Design with us

The Story of a Sapphire

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Sapphires seem to have disappeared from the face of the earth. Literally – because we can’t get very far below …

All about gems Inside the industry

Getting Cheated: How to Avoid Buying Fake Alex

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

It happens; it can even be unintentional. You buy some alex, you and the seller think it’s real, and then …

Our story

A Typical Day

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I wake up at around 7:30, to Toby’s loud and demanding purr hovering above my head. My long haired 13 …

All about gems Design with us

Color Change Gems

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Color change is a fascinating phenomenon in gems. I have seen strong color change phenomena in three stones: alexandrite, garnet …

All about gems Design with us How to value magic

Inclusion or Crack? A Fine Line

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

We’re getting sucked into the lore together, my customers and I. Once you own a couple of pretty pieces, you …

All about gems

The Fading Beauty of Spodumene

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

With so many interesting and neat gemstones on the market, knowing what’s what can get very confusing. But some information …

All about gems Inside the industry

Buying Sphene

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I usually try to stay away from the softer gemstones – after too many experiences of them falling apart on …

Design with us Inside the industry

Working with CAD

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Have you ever wondered how it is that some Etsy shops carry designs that look commercial but claim to be …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Hurricanes and Jewels Don’t Mix

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

With much of Jersey City still without power 5 days after Sandy, the Holland Tunnel closed to regular traffic and …

Design with us

Converting an Antique Pin

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I’ve now converted an antique stick or bar pin into a wearable piece of jewelry several times, and I’ve learned …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

Vintage Diamonds

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

If you read my blog, you know that I am infatuated with old stuff. I like old mine colored gems, …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

The Confusing World of Garnets: Varieties and Availability

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Garnets, to me, are some of the most “disorganized” gems available on the market today. Their sheer variety, but also …

All about gems How to value magic

How to Sort Through Diamond Prices

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Diamond pricing is tricky business. You may have noticed this when you browse different listings and you see two stones …

All about gems Design with us Inside the industry

Where does my Tanzanite Come From?

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

It is rare that one gets much insight into the actual method by which gemstones arrive at the gem dealer’s …

All about gems

Gemstone Underdogs: My Favorite Under-Appreciated Gems

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I’ve been buying beads and gems for about six years now, not as long as other addicts, but I buy …

All about gems How to value magic

The Intricacies of Gemstone Pricing

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Gemstone pricing can seem to be all over the place. Quotes on the same stone fluctuate depending on the seller, …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

My New Website

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

As many of you probably know, I will not be going back to Felician College in the fall. It will …

Our story

If I May Say So Myself: What I Would Buy from My Shop

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

With my semi-annual 15% sale coming up on July 13th, I thought I’d assemble a shortlist of my own favorite …

Design with us Inside the industry

Some Thoughts on the Challenge of Making Custom Quotes

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Now that I have so many gemstones for sale, I get considerably more requests for custom quotes than I did …

Life beyond the sparkle Our story

Cecile Raley Holiday Buying Guide

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

My assistant Debbie actually put me on to this blog entry. She thought it would be a good idea to …

Design with us

How to Price Custom Earring Projects: Collections & Price Lists

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I have been working on this all month and I am still not done, but given the insane number of …

Our story

My Favorite Etsy Shops

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

As you are looking for holiday gifts, I thought that instead of focusing just on my shop, I’ll tell you …

Our story

Cecile Raley Designs: Behind the Scenes

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Perhaps some of you are wondering how it works. How things get done so fast – sometimes, and then painstakingly …

Design with us Inside the industry

The Trouble with Photos

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

One of the criticisms I hear the most regarding my shop is that my pictures, well – suck. Ok, nobody …

Our story

Holiday Shopping on Etsy

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

I don’t know how many of you do holiday shopping via Etsy but I do my bit every year to …

Gem Show Shopping Inside the industry

Preparing for Tucson

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Even though right now I am sitting in small hotel in France, sipping red wine and enjoying the holiday markets …

Adventures abroad

Yvonne Goes to Africa

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

Yes, this is really happening, a dream come true. On August 17th, in just a few days, I’ll be flying …

Adventures abroad

My Trip To Madagascar – Part One

Yvonne Raley – Dec 14, 2016

We arrived safely in Antanarivo, Madagascar, after a few hiccups: baggage not checked through, plane delay, long lines upon arrival …

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