Have you taken a peek lately at your jewelry? How are the stones and gems set (or held in) on the design? There are a variety of ways to set stones in metal. Bezel setting is perfect for cabochons (gemstones that are cut flat on the bottom). And it is my GO-TO process! I start with a bezel strip. This is normally fine silver but I have also use sterling silver when I want … [Read more...]
The Nitty Gritty on Jewelry Patinas
Patina is a term widely used by jewelers who work with metals. After reading the real definition, I see that I was loosely defining this word to include colors other than the natural color that comes from oxidation. So perhaps I need to re-title this blog as 'The Nitty Gritty of coloring metals' I LOVE seeing the different ways I can make the metal colors shine and … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Recharge and Energize
Did you have one of those kind of weeks? I did! Lots of projects needed to be addressed and I had so little time . It happens to all of us. We reach the point when we just need to 'chill' and re-energize. Here are a few tips that help me. Give them a try. 1) Compliment a stranger. Do you like what they are wearing? Or perhaps you like their haircut.. Doesn't matter. Just … [Read more...]
Do you love Copper Cuffs? See my newest collection.
I have been playing around with a new technique I learned from a recent class with Eva Sherman. (instructor extraordinaire). Once we had learned this process of crimping the metal, I put my own spin on it.. Because that's the way creative people think. So I combined the crimping with corrugation, forging, mixed metals and different patinas. Voila! A collection is born. I … [Read more...]
CZ: Do you LOVE IT and WEAR IT?
Cubic Zirconia that is! This stone is often used as an alternative to diamonds. The price range is less but the quality is top knotch! All the gems in this collection are cubic zirconia. A few facts: Cubic zirconia was discovered as a natural mineral from in 1937 The form you see today is a synthetic (man-made) version Cubic Zirconia is an 8 on the Mohs … [Read more...]
