Beautiful Handmade Jewelry: An Interview with Handmade by Diana

This week's interview features Diana Rauckman of Handmade by Diana. Diana is located in Tucson, AZ.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner by day and a jewelry designer by night and weekends. I was born in North Carolina, grew up most of my life in New Jersey. I met my husband while working in the hospital in New Jersey. We got married in St. Lucia. We had a small wedding with 13 close friends and family members. We decided to travel for the first couple years of our marriage in a RV traveling from New Hampshire to Tennessee and finally settling down in Tucson, AZ. We have 2 cats but no kids yet. I love designing and making jewelry, ever since I learned how I can’t wait to get home from my job to create more.

What special things do you create for weddings?
I make wedding jewelry. I do a lot of custom designs for my customers and try to make the process of finding that perfect set for the bride and her party as easy as possible.

Who or what sparked your interest in making wedding-related items?
In 2005 my sister asked me to be a bridesmaid for her wedding. I was trying my best to find the perfect necklace to match the cobalt blue dress. I met the owner of a bead shop at a craft fair and she let me pick out the beads and the supplies and design and make my own necklace. I then made a set for my cousin, the other bridesmaid, my sister, the bride and many more brides and bridesmaids since then.

What is a little known fact, or something unique about your work that is interesting?
I am extremely particular when it comes to making my wire wrapped jewelry. I use my thumb and index finger to finish off the wire wrapping to make it perfect where a lot of people use pliers. I feel I can get a tighter and more even wrap using my fingers. It has put some wear and tear to my fingers but I feel it is worth it.

If you are married, what’s the one thing you wish you had for your wedding that you didn’t?
My jewelry, I didn’t learn how to make jewelry until the year after I got married. I did make my own tiara and veil though.

What is your favorite wedding song?
I Need You by Marc Anthony, this is mostly because my husband learned this song and sang it to me on the day he proposed to me. My other favorite is “Going to the Chapel of Love” this is just a fun upbeat song that I have loved ever since I was little.

What is your favorite part of the wedding journey?
I really enjoyed getting together all the pieces of my wedding attire, shopping with my friends for the perfect dress and then picking out all the necessary accessories.

What advice can you share for all the brides getting married this year?
Don’t stress too much, it is just not worth it. Have fun and enjoy the day of the wedding. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get everything prepared.

What is your perfect honeymoon spot?
We really enjoyed St. Lucia, we stayed in a beautiful resort called Ladera. Each of the rooms had its own unique decorations. The best part was the one side of the building didn’t have any walls, windows or screens, it was just open to the fresh air and the view of the valley below. We are planning to go back there sometime for a special anniversary.

If you could pick anyone famous that would purchase your items for their wedding, who would they be?
Oprah, because she will most likely promote it and this would help other brides to learn about handmade products and jewelry like mine.

If you could choose 1 item from your shop that you wish every bride could have, what would it be?
Well one of my favorite sets right now is very basic but beautiful, it is great for bridesmaids or even the bride and it is affordable: It is the Swarovski Single Pearl with Swarovski Crystals on a Sterling Silver Chain with Matching Earrings.

Links where we can find out more about your work:
Handmade By Diana's Etsy Shop