Christina Acosta
Hi, I’m Christina Acosta. I’m the creative director and owner of Blue Diva Designs, a line of stylish, elegant handmade jewelry. I’m a passionate jewelry designer with classic, but sophisticated design aesthetics. The worldly, cultured woman is in the forefront of my mind when I craft my jewelry. I design for polished women like Kamala Harris, Natasha McElhorne, and Christine Baranski.
I created Blue Diva Designs to offer women a viable alternative to many of the uninteresting, trendy, gaudy, and just plain bland jewelry styles available today.
Background
For years I worked in senior management, marketing, and research roles in the high-tech and legal arenas. I always found it difficult to locate stylish, classic, sophisticated jewelry that provided versatility. Many of the necklaces I came across lacked pizzaz, style, and versatility. The ones I liked, cost a fortune. Of course. The frustrations I personally experienced buying classic, elegant jewelry led to my creating Blue Diva Designs: a jewelry line geared to the needs of the sophisticated professional woman.
History of Blue Diva Designs
In 2006, I took my first class in handmade jewelry creation at UCLA and loved it. I decided to continue my journey in the world of jewelry creation and design. Along the way, I realized that to become an exceptional jewelry designer was more difficult than I originally thought. I quickly realized that to become an outstanding (and financially successful) designer meant that I had to get fully immersed in the worlds of art, jewelry making, and metal smithing. I had to either ditch the idea or jump in with both feet. To be the artist that I desired would mean a huge commitment from me in time, education, and finances. Starting a jewelry business isn’t easy nor cheap if you wish to do it right; it requires lots and lots of money to invest in quality equipment, tools, materials, and jewelry supplies. you must become educated in art and jewelry making. Also, it devours time like a hungry shark.
The artistic aspect was the biggest surprise for me. Originally, I thought that I just had to put a few beads together and it would be relatively easy. I was dead wrong. To be a memorable designer, it took a hell of a lot more. I had to fully understand art, design, and color theory, while also knowing beading and metalsmithing techniques. Keeping the elements and principles of design foremost in my mind when creating jewelry was crucial. Alas, I succumbed to the calling and decided to go for it!
Over the years, I took numerous classes in jewelry designing, metalsmithing, art, graphic design, fashion, interior design, and art history. Just ask any of the instructors in Art, Graphic Design, and Jewelry Making at Saddleback College. Many of them know me since I’ve become a fixture there. The broad scope of my education and artistic training has given my jewelry depth, style, and a sophisticated design aesthetic that my target audience will appreciate.
It’s been a pleasure bringing my fresh perspective to the art world in a very personal way. Yes, it’s been a wild ride, but I’ve loved every painful minute of it. I’ve loved learning all the intricacies of art and design, and then applying these principles my way. I’ve loved the many creative and interesting people I’ve met along the way.
My Design Aesthetic
My vision has always been to create a jewelry line for the busy, worldly professional woman. The key elements I wanted to address were elegance, simplicity, and versatility. A classic necklace is a smart purchase that simplifies a woman’s life. From the very beginning, versatility has been a major feature I have incorporated into my designs. A typical Blue Diva Designs necklace can be worn to a business meeting, art gallery opening, and social event.
I create all the line’s necklaces in my jewelry studio. I usually make my handcrafted metal bracelets in Saddleback College’s jewelry studio. I personally design and create each necklace and bracelet, smooth each surface, and set each element in place.
Special Thanks
A special thanks to all of you who have helped and encouraged me on my journey, especially my sister Candy, cousin Marisa, husband Phil, and best friend of a gazillion years, Meetra. You all have given me so much love and unwavering support. Thanks. Also, special thanks to the wonderful instructors at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College. I have learned so much from you. I appreciate you incessantly pushing me to be the best I can be. It has been a wild ride, but it’s been well worth it. I truly appreciate your knowledge, overwhelming encouragement, and thoughtful suggestions.
Summary
Profession: Creative director, jewelry designer, and owner of Blue Diva Designs.
Residence: Laguna Niguel, California.
Jewelry training: Otis College of Art and Design, Saddleback College, and UCLA Extension.
Artistic training: Otis College of Art and Design, Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College, UCLA Extension, and LA Trade Tech.
Degrees:
- MBA in Marketing Management, Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA
- BS in Marketing, California State University, Long Beach, CA
- AA in Graphic Design, Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA
- AA in Art, Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA (90% completed)
Custom Jewelry Designs
Should you desire a custom necklace, I can create one for you at a very reasonable rate. I design jewelry for weddings, holidays, events, activities, and special outfits. So if you are looking for custom-made jewelry at a price that won’t break the bank, please keep me in mind. I can make you a quality necklace or bracelet that is stunning, classic, and versatile, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. I will do my best to dazzle you. That’s my promise to you!
Feel free to complete the contact information on my “Contact Us” page and request a price quote. You may also reach me by e-mailing me at ca_acosta@yahoo.com.
Contacting Me
I always welcome comments, ideas, and suggestions, so feel free to share anything your heart desires using my “Contact Us” page. I read each notification and will respond thoughtfully to all.
— Blue Diva Designs is where creativity and versatility flourish. “Authenticity makes my designs uniquely mine, and memorable.” Christina Acosta
Blue Diva Designs 