If you are in the jewelry business then you know how important this scale is. we use this tool to identify hardness of minerals. First a little history: Carl Friedrich Christian Mohs was a German geologist AND mineralogist. In 1822 he created the Mohs scale. He determined that you could tell which minerals were harder based upon the scratch test. Using several harder … [Read more...]
Questions I get asked… as a Jewelry Designer
Where do you get your ideas? this is my favorite question! The answer is everywhere! Pictured above is an ocotillo cactus in bloom. When I first moved here from the Midwest I was drawn to this particular plant. I love the graceful way the branches seem to reach out towards the sky. The gorgeous orange blossoms just enhance it's beauty. If you have been following me for … [Read more...]
Did Someone Say ‘Custom’ Jewelry?
Did you know that about 20% of my designs are custom created at the request of a customer? My customer wants a different size, a different gem, or even an altered design, based upon my aesthetic. I am happy to oblige. Over the years I have designed custom earrings, rings and pendants. I ask only that you as the customer, give me more time to complete the finished piece. Please … [Read more...]
Goldstone; Is it really a stone?
Isn't this gem gorgeous? I agree. Except for the fact that is is NOT a gem or a stone. Goldstone is actually made from glass. An Italian from Venice (Vincenzo Miotti) had the exclusive license to create this stone. In addition to opaque glass, this gem has flecks of copper. That's what gives it the sparkle you see here. In the 17th century the Miotti family perfected the … [Read more...]
Crazy About Cuffs
Cuff Bracelets are one of the first designs I created. Yes of course there were the earrings and necklaces.. but when I discovered how to start designing cuffs I was hooked. It seems simple doesn't it? just take a piece of metal and shape it to fit a wrist. Wrong! So much detail work and creativity goes into the design process. The variables are endless. Search cuff … [Read more...]
