The perfect gemstone colors for fall, don't you agree? I discovered this gem a few years ago while shopping at the Tucson Gem show. Instant love! The color range includes hunter green, bright orange, burgundy red, caramel , and soft yellow. This provides me with endless design options. Red creek jasper is also known as Cherry Creek Jasper. The gem hails from Mainland … [Read more...]
A Play Day at the Jewelry Bench
Most of the time when I am at the jewelry bench it is with a plan in mind. Either I am creating components for my wholesale line or pondering over what to design with new gems I have purchased. However, once in awhile I have a day that is just plain fun. There is no plan in mind. I just pull out some random metals and gems and play! This week I had one of these days. Want to … [Read more...]
Easy tips for wearing your cuff bracelet
Cuff bracelets are my life.. OK maybe not my life's goal or purpose... however I do adore designing and wearing cuff bracelets. Over the years I have designed using copper, brass and sterling. There are virtually hundreds of ways to create.. and they are all energizing and fun for me. Do YOU love cuffs too? Have you struggled with placing them on your wrist without fear of … [Read more...]
What is a Geode?
Geodes are one of nature's finest gifts to us. Officially a geode is defined as a rounded stone with a hollow center that is lined with crystals. The word geode comes from the Greek 'geodis' meaning earthy or earth-like. So how do these crystals form? First keep in mind that this process may take thousands of years.. or longer. Basically water or mud gets inside a hollow rock … [Read more...]
Tools of the Trade: Ring Shank
Ever wonder how we Artisan jewelry designers make our rings so round?? How do we determine the sizing? I use two secret weapons. OKAY actually these are specialized tools. The first is this ring shank (officially called a mandrel but often referred to as a shank) The mandrel is made of the finest quality steel. It's calibrated along one side so I can determine the size of the … [Read more...]
