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...]
How do I create Pure Metal Earrings?
I love working with metal. Can you tell? Creating my collection of Copper and Sterling Silver PURE METAL earrings requires lots of elbow grease. First I texture the raw metal. This is usually done by hammering but can be done with a rolling mill as well. The metal must be softened (heated) before starting the texturing. Since the metal becomes distorted from the … [Read more...]
The Nitty Gritty on Jewelry Patinas
Patina is a term widely used by jewelers who work with metals. After reading the real definition, I see that I was loosely defining this word to include colors other than the natural color that comes from oxidation. So perhaps I need to re-title this blog as 'The Nitty Gritty of coloring metals' I LOVE seeing the different ways I can make the metal colors shine and … [Read more...]
Tools of the Jewelry Trade; Pipe Cutter
The other day I decided to play around with a new process... using copper piping to create a jewelry design. I had seen some designs recently that started out as tubing/pipe and then were chased with a hammer to create some awesome results. I had some 1/2" pipe and 1/4" flexible piping that I had purchased at a local Home Depot. As I brought out my Jewelers Saw to make the … [Read more...]
