Malachite is the rich deep green gemstone that is often seen in Southwestern Designs. It is always found mined with copper.... which is why you often find malachite settings in copper. The two are just meant for each other. Malachite is derived from the Greek malakos, meaning soft. This gemstone is one of the softer stones so it needs to be set into pieces that won't … [Read more...]
What Is Sprinkled Silver?
My signature design process (copyrighted finally!) is called Sprinkled Silver. Which means what exactly? I KNOW this is what you are thinking! Sprinkled Silver is my name for the process of fusing sterling or fine silver into copper. How and Why did I create this process? The basic answer is... because it was fun! I have been playing around with copper and silver since I … [Read more...]
Corrugated Jewelry? Yes!
If you haven't guessed by now. I love to texture my metal as I create my designs. So when I became aware of the corrugation process, I was intrigued. First of all I purchased the book. Metal Corrugation by Patricia McAleer. This colorful book introduces the metalsmith (that's me) to a new method of creative expression--metal corrugated jewelry designs. I read it cover to … [Read more...]
Hematite Gemstones; Gorgeous but NOT Magnetic
Yes that's right. Contrary to popular belief, hematite is metallic but NOT magnetic. However, many specimens contain enough magnetite to be considered such. What is so special about Hematite?? A lot! Hematite is a dense material with over 70% iron content. it's metallic luster when polished is beyond beautiful Many suggest that this gem will stimulate our … [Read more...]
Peek into my Design Process: Texturing
Texturing Metal is one of my favorite ways to create designs. I love the way texture adds to the basic metal. It gives it dimension and makes the designs more interesting. There are LOTS of ways to texture metal. Here's a peek into two of the ways I use most frequently. Corrugation. This means literally, to shape into folds or parallel and alternating ridges and … [Read more...]
