Do you have any idea how much fun it is to get a new tool? OK, I know this sounds like a 'guy' thing... but any metals jeweler will tell you that we get so much pleasure from being able to do something creative with our new 'toy' This new disc cutter cuts squares from metal. So what you say? Now I can create my own designs more quickly. Plus I now have endless ways to … [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...]
Stone Setting: An inside look at Bezel settings
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...]
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...]
