Want to see how I create some of my designs? Early in my jewelry design career, I fell in love with copper and silver metals. One of my first experiments involved fusing metal components together.. just to see what would happen. OK, so I did destroy a few chunks of metal. Applying just a little TOO much heat whereas the metals became a lump of indescribable mass. A learning … [Read more...]
Jewelry Patinas- Ammonia and Vinegar
Playing around with patinas is lots of fun. I never know what to expect next! My favorite patina is the one created using ammonia and vinegar. Yes, I said ammonia and vinegar.This combination creates a gorgeous blue color. The kicker is... each time the color comes out slightly different. Isn't that the fun of creating at any rate? The unknown is nerve racking and … [Read more...]
Is Silver the New Gold? Is Copper the new Silver?
Gold jewelry has always been coveted. Even though gold prices have come down over the last 2 years, they are still over double the price of 10 years ago.[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img] Today, gold is $1267 an ounce. Compare this with Silver at $17.75 an ounce! I really feel that wearing beautiful baubles enhances our self image. In the past I eagerly wore gold designs. Now … [Read more...]
Do you love COPPER Jewelry?.
Well those of you who follow me KNOW that I adore copper. When I first started taking metals classes, the instructors always had us making the designs and templates with copper. Copper was considered a low cost alternative to silver and gold (Duh!) So we could make lots of mistakes on our journey to become designers... without the financial burden. That made lots of … [Read more...]
Silver Prices Still Rising
Precious metal prices are continuing to rise due in part to the economic issues in Europe. Silver (which hovered in the $30 range for most of the last 9 months is now at $37 an ounce! Yikes! current Silver pricing I had purchased some raw materials earlier in the year and am so glad now that I have inventory to get me through the next few months! Copper is such a terrific … [Read more...]