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...]
An Inside Peek… How I create my Designs
Did you ever wonder how a design is born? Is there some secret to the way artists create and conceive their designs? I suspect every artist has their own unique process.. After all by definition we think outside the box mostly and are constantly morphing with some new concept or idea. Many start with a sketch or drawing. I for one am challenged in that regard. My sketches … [Read more...]
Tools of the Jewelry Trade; Pipe Cutter
The other day I decided to play around with a new process... using copper piping to create a jewelry design. I had seen some designs recently that started out as tubing/pipe and then were chased with a hammer to create some awesome results. I had some 1/2" pipe and 1/4" flexible piping that I had purchased at a local Home Depot. As I brought out my Jewelers Saw to make the … [Read more...]
Photographing Jewelry… Harder than it looks!
I am a jewelry designer and yes I do my own photography. As in the case of most artists who create limited Edition and one-of-a- kind pieces.. It is not cost effective to hire a professional to photograph each design! So I decided early on to take my own photos. And I can tell you that this became a whole new learning curve for me. I read lots of comments and tutorials … [Read more...]
