These 4 metals are my raw materials! (along with my gemstones of course). When I first began my jewelry designing journey, I worked exclusively with Copper and sterling silver. We were trained on copper since it’s value was much less than silver, yet it reacts very similar to silver when heated or textured. I fused silver to copper as an experiment and fell in love with the process and the result.

As you can see from this example, the vibrancy of the copper melds so well with the richness of silver. I still use this technique often in the creation of my jewelry designs. As I gained confidence working with silver, I created more and more one of a kind pieces. Many are considered heirloom designs.

This design highlights my love of texturing and especially my love of gemstones. This druzy quartz is pure white. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. It really is a gorgeous piece of art. My journey took me inevitably to gold. First I experimented with Gold Fill. I created many designs combining gold with silver. Another Stunning combination.

This year my journey continues with the addition of steel. Yes I said steel! I am mesmerized by the brilliance of 18k gold on steel that has been blackened. Truly statement jewelry at it’s finest. I have spent hours getting up to speed in working with this new metal. It requires many changes to my routine. Now I feel more comfortable with the process. You will see LOTS more designs in the near future.

I invite you to follow me on my design journey by becoming a collector. My collectors receive first look at my newest designs plus Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. And you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs.

The post A Tale of Four Metals appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Have you been shopping on the web more these days? Join the crowd. Sometimes it’s easier to find exactly what you want this way. Under current Covid-19 conditions we are all spending more time at home and shopping online has become a necessity. If you are like me you already love browsing online looking for the perfect accessory.

Finding a ring that grabs your attention.. that speaks to you and says. “I would look awesome on your finger.” That’s terrific! But what if you do not know what size ring fits on which finger?

• What are your options?
• Stop at a local jewelers and ask them to give you your size. However, they are in business to sell you jewelry too, so this option is not suggested.
• Purchase a ring sizer online and wait for it to arrive before purchasing.
• OR use this handy ring sizer. It is ready for you to download and print! If possible print this on a heavier card stock. It will be less apt to rip that way. Don’t forget to print an extra copy for another family member. And remember to share this blog with others you know that want to buy rings.

This handy paper guide will give you your ring sizes for every finger. Now it’s time to SHOP FOR RINGS!

Shop Alene’s Adornments For Rings, Earrings, Cuffs and Pendants.

Join my Collectors List Today. Provide your first name and email to get first look at newest designs plus Collector-only discounts and specials

The post How to Find Your Ring Size appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Stay At Home time during the pandemic has been quite the experience. The first week I was just excited to have more TIME to get things done! By week two I was starting to wonder when this would end. Now into week 4, I am finally settling in to the reality of the situation. Since I am stuck here I am designing something new.

Early in my jewelry designing life I learned to work with copper metal. Copper is pliable and less expensive than silver. So all my mistakes.. and there were LOTS of them were a little more affordable. I have gotten away from using pure copper as my designs incorporate silver most often.

But NOW with all this time on my hands, I am playing around a bit with the copper that I love so much. So much FUN! This pair of earrings not only shows off the beauty of copper but also is enhanced by deep rich onyx gemstones.

Shop all my designs in copper or sterling

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector

Provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts

The post Back to my (copper) roots appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

This newly designed earring might be ‘just what the doctor ordered’ Yes I know it will not cure any ailments but wearing them will make you feel happy!

The NATURAL: Marilyn Earring.

My big sister Marilyn is the original ‘Natural’. Her interest in others is genuine. I have personally watched her meet someone new & within minutes know who they are and what they love.  Her natural state of being is one of going above and beyond to make others feel special.

Features my signature Sprinkled Silver process. (silver fused right into the copper) and a vinegar/ammonia blue patina. Swarovski crystal and sterling silver links add the finishing touches. Copper is treated to maintain the finish

Now available in my online shop.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector

Provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts

The post Make Way for the NEW Marilyn Earrings! appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

My friend Peggy is elegant. There is really no other way to define her! She even makes wearing blue jeans (yes the old fashioned kind) look classy. Her hair and makeup are always perfect. (How DOES she do that?) Ever since she moved to Montana I have watched her absorb some of the rustic environment.. AND maintain her classic demeanor. She is clearly the best dressed person for any event.

Setting about creating the perfect earring for her meant combining these two elements into something that could enhance an earlobe. Voila the Copper and sterling diamond shaped earring with cultured pearls and Swarovski crystals. Classic AND Rustic!

Want a pair ? Shop here.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector

Provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts

The post Rustic Elegance; The Peggy Earring appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

My kid sister is a lover of all kinds of jewelry.

Lately though she has become obsessed with super long designs. Of course this inspired me to create a design just for her. These earrings are created using copper with sterling fused into the metal for many of the components. the remaining part of the design is sterling silver. And the best part.. They are SO lightweight.

Shop my earring collection here.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector

Provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts

The post You Gotta see these earrings! appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

The OPEN SPIRAL Pendant! I have been playing around with new pendant designs centered around the Sacred Spiral. From all this playing emerged the Open Spiral concept. The frame is copper with a sterling silver spiral. And of course I have to add gemstones! These natural turquoise beads are from the Sonoran mine in Mexico.

The neck chain in sterling silver is 36″ long! this means you can wear it doubled up as shown here… or Super long as shown below.

The Spiral is an ancient symbol representing growth and evolution. A Spiral starts as a smaller tight circle expanding quickly to infinity. Each of our actions.. a quick smile to a stranger, holding the door for someone, a kind word to a friend..seem like small gestures but the ripples of joy created is infinite.  “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” Aesop

Shop my entire Sacred Spiral collection here.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector

Provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts

The post What’s New in Spirals? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Ear candy that is! Select a scrumptious pair of these earrings to wear and forget all about munching on candy this Halloween.

Have some Spooky Scary Fun today. Shop Alene’s Adornments for your favorite designs.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector

Provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts.

The post Calorie-Free Halloween Candy appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Here is the 2nd in a series of posts about turquoise. The cuff shown here features a bright blue turquoise gem from the Bisbee, Arizona mine.

I am sure you have seen many types of turquoise stones over the years. The colors vary from blue/green to deeper blue. What is the reason for the different hues? It all depends upon what other minerals are found with the particular deposit. If there is more copper, the colors tend to be deeper blue such as the gem on this copper/silver cuff bracelet.

If the deposit contains more iron, then the colors tend closer to green. This ring gives you an idea of the green hues.

The greener hue is very popular in Tibet, where turquoise is treasured as the national stone. The bluer tones tend to be more popular here in the United States… particularly in the Southwest. Other inclusions found in some mines include Pyrite (which adds luster), quartz and chalcedony. Each of these minerals will alter the turquoise. When you get ready to buy, look for the design and the hue that speaks to you. This way you will wear your individual design with the knowledge that it is truly one of a kind made especially for you.

Stay tuned for my next post and more tidbits on turquoise. You can check out my turquoise designs here. All designs are handmade by me in my Arizona studio.

The post Tantalizing Turquoise appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

The Sacred Spiral collection ‘Because Kindness Matters’
The Spiral is an ancient symbol representing growth and evolution. It has been found in cave carvings, shells and the Milky Way. A Spiral starts as a smaller tight circle expanding quickly to infinity. Each of our actions.. a quick smile to a stranger, holding the door for someone, a kind word to a friend..seem like small gestures but the ripples of joy created is infinite.

Each time you wear one of these designs, whether it be a pendant, a ring, earrings or cuff… please carry the thought behind the creation of the piece with you. 
“No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” Aesop

The post Because Kindness Matters… appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.