handmade Archives - Alene's Adornments Blog

Forget the Ruby Slippers Dorothy…

Alene Geed — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:13:57 +0000

Wear the ruby jewelry instead!

OK, I know that technically Dorothy needed the slippers to get her out of OZ, but none of us have that excuse do we?

A couple of years ago a customer asked me to design a ring using a ruby gemstone. I had not worked with rubies before so was excited for the challenge. When researching the options we ultimately chose a lab grown gemstone. What’s the difference?

Stones created in a lab are chemically, physically and optically identical to those mined underground — but they have fewer flaws, a lighter carbon footprint and cost less, too.

I now use several lab grown precious gems in my work. Gems such as emerald and sapphire as a mined stone are just cost prohibitive for my designs. Isnt it terrific that we now have this alternative method to all enjoy the beauty of these stones?

Did you know? The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means “red.” People in India believed that rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies.

This ring also features ruby faceted lab grown gems. See all designs for sale here

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Gem Shows Mania

Alene Geed — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 18:30:39 +0000

Yep. it’s the only way to describe a trip to Tucson for the once a year Gem Shows event.

I use the plural for shows because there are virtually 43 different shows during this 3 week time frame (late January through mid February) Each show highlights different products. Some specialize in tools and equipment, while others are known for their precious gems. Even more feature beads and cabochons or large rocks that can be made into gems by a lapidary.

Every potential venue in Tucson is Full this time of year. Just try getting a hotel room and you will soon find that this is true!

over time I have narrowed myself to 2 shows that feature primarily cabochons and beads.

Want to see a few of my ‘finds’ from the show?

I carry a list with me. Certain gems are needed this year to complete my work. Plus I am always on the lookout for something new. I want something to jump out at me and say ‘Buy me’ ‘Design with me’

this image to the left shows everything I purchased. I did go a little crazy as you can see.

Now for some closeups

Drusy Quartz Amethyst

Red Creek Jasper

Azurite

Keep checking my web site so you can see the designs I create with these gorgeous specimens. Better yet, join my Collectors Group to have FIRST LOOK at new designs, plus Collector only discounts and Specials.

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Reflections and Fond Memories

Alene Geed — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 17:02:03 +0000

Today I saw something that brought back memories of my Mom. A Facebook post was highlighting a craft that my Mom used to do. She has left us almost 20 years ago now but her essence is still part of my being.

Mom was a highly creative person who spent her lifetime imagining and making so many crafts. I grew up in this environment so it is no wonder that I chose the arts (jewelry design) to express myself.

Recently I chose to use my Mom’s costume jewelry to create a memento for each of the women in our family. Each design includes some of my creation too

Cherishing a piece of jewelry that belonged to a recent relative or long past ancestor is one way to help keep the memories alive.

My wish is that my jewelry will be the catalyst to bring back cherished memories to your children, grandchildren and beyond.

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I love turquoise

Alene Geed — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:00:02 +0000

Yes this is one of my favorite gems. I adore how it is so versatile. It looks awesome with copper or silver. Turquoise happens to be my birthstone. Lucky me

Plus I complement it with any number of other gems. It is shown here with my signature sprinkled silver metal .

Other gemstone combos include:

sunstone, rhodochrosite, citrine, peridot and ruby!

Which is your favorite?

https://alenesadornmentsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/0467AF03-0C9D-4A9E-A9D5-4AB6BE542F0F.mp4

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Evolution of Cuff Bracelets

Alene Geed — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 15:08:38 +0000

I have so much fun creating cuff bracelets. The design possibilities are endless.

Here’s an overview of how I make the magic happen.

Evolution of cuffs

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Arizona Gift Shop and Alene’s Adornments

Alene Geed — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 21:03:01 +0000

When Sibley’s West Gift Shop decided to carry my Sacred Spiral designs, they produced a video of me. How exciting, right? I am sharing it with you now.

The video was created on the fly and I had NO notice. That being said I am pleased overall with the results. If you live in Arizona, or are visiting in the near future, please add Sibley’s West to your bucket list. This gift shop features all products from ARIZONA artisans. You will walk away with a purchase. I guarantee it.

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What is Artisan Jewelry?

Alene Geed — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 21:48:57 +0000

We hear this term a lot at craft shows, museums and in galleries. Ever wonder what it really means?

The word artisan originates from the Italian word artigiano. it’s defined as a skilled craft worker who makes or creates things by hand. These products may be functional or decorative. (in the case of jewelry)

Artisan jewelry is custom made by a highly skilled craftsman.

Artisan jewelry is known to have existed as far back as 7000 BCE. These first handcrafted ornaments, necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings were made of gold and copper. Furthermore they were often sculpted to depict human and animal forms. Today handmade artisan jewelry is made of metals, gemstones, beads and many other materials. Every piece of handmade jewelry looks and feels unique.

As a result of this uniqueness, custom handmade jewelry pieces can have a high price and a high monetary value. The price not only reflects the individuality of each piece, but it also shows the high quality of the materials that are used to make each item. The best materials combined with the distinctive look of handcrafted artisan jewelry pieces often land in museum exhibits around the world.

Copper, Sterling and Amethyst Cuff

Because each of my designs is created by hand I get to feel and see the progression of the design. Each time my hammer hits the metal to create a texture I feel the connection to artisans from centuries past. I am inspired by their work and their commitment to their craft. This gives me endless pleasure!

My wish for you is that you experience this same pleasure each time you wear one of my custom designed jewelry pieces.

Shop Here for my Rustic Yet Refined Jewelry

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector today.

Just 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.

Alene Geed

Arizona designer Alene Geed is the creator of artisan copper, sterling and gemstone jewelry. Her designs are unique, artsy and feminine with an American Southwest Influence. Designs are available for purchase at http://www.alenesadornments.com

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Tools of the Trade: Ring Shank

Alene Geed — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 18:10:57 +0000

Ever wonder how we Artisan jewelry designers make our rings so round?? How do we determine the sizing?

I use two secret weapons. OKAY actually these are specialized tools. The first is this ring shank (officially called a mandrel but often referred to as a shank) The mandrel is made of the finest quality steel. It’s calibrated along one side so I can determine the size of the ring.

The second tool is this Delrin hammer. Delrin is a thermoplastic material used in precision parts. Since it is non-marring, I hammer away to my heart’s content. This hammer does not leave any marks on the metal, nor does it skew the metal.

Here is the process I use to design rings.

Cut the metal to size.
Stamp the back with my Alene branding (and the .925 if the metal is silver).
Add texture or fuse metal to the shank
Anneal it (heat it until the metal softens)
Insert the mandrel into a vise or other holding device to keep it stable
Form the metal around the mandrel to round it properly.

[tweet_box design=”box_02″ float=”none”] “Jewelry takes people’s minds off our wrinkles” Sonja Henie[/tweet_box]

Here are two of my new designs. See all ring designs currently for sale here.

Want to know YOUR ring size?

Download the template here.

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Jasper ; Fascinating Facts

Alene Geed — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 19:56:14 +0000

Do you love jasper as much as I do?

Jasper is a variety of quartz found on every continent on earth.

It is known as the nurturing stone. Because this gorgeous stone contains takes on many impurities during it’s formation, the gem is always opaque. It’s good to note that the impurities are what create the spectacular colors and designs!

[tweet_box design=”box_02″ float=”none”]When worn, jasper aids in quick thinking.[/tweet_box]

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Endless varieties of jasper are available today. They are mined across the globe. Moreover, each variety features the design that the impurities helped create. Two of my favorites shown here: Picture Jasper (to the left)tends to be lighter in color and resemble mountain landscapes. Madagascar Jasper (to the right)has richer and more reddish inclusions.

More fascinating facts:

The Babylonians believed that jasper was a female stone and and a symbol of childbirth.
Native American cultures used jasper for rain making.
Metaphysically The stone is said to bring tranquility, comfort and relaxation to our soul.
Many believe that jasper can align all our chakras.

Lastly I mention my all time favorite jasper.. Red Creek Jasper. My online store currently features 7 designs. I love it so much that I dedicate an entire post to this one variety.

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The Gallery Collection by Alene Geed

Alene Geed — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 22:12:11 +0000

Over the years I have experimented with and designed a multitude of jewelry pieces. Since I do a lot of work in copper, most of my designs fall into the ‘moderately priced’ category.

Yet sometimes I will come across an unusual gemstone that screams.. “Mount me in something spectacular”! Not wanting to disappoint the gem… I figure out how to make it even more special and beautiful than it already appears to be.

Voila, the Gallery Collection is born!

[tweet_box design=”box_01″ url=”http://www.alenesadornments.com/gallery-collection/” float=”none”]The Gallery collection features rare and One of a Kind Jewelry designs that can remain in your family for generations[/tweet_box]

What is so special about this collection?

Each one features at least one unusual gem.
Each is designed in sterling or fine silver.
Each design was created by my hand alone.
The Silver has been hand forged, hammered, sawed and shaped to make it a very special piece of jewelry.
The gemstones were hand selected for each particular pendant, earring, ring or bracelet.
You can purchase and wear any of these pieces knowing that you alone own this original design.

As you may imagine, the price point on these beauties a little higher than my standard jewelry line. Prices for the pendants range from $200-$300 each. Rings and Earrings from $80-$150 each.

A few of my favorites:

Sterling Silver with a lab grown ruby. I started with a piece of silver. Then forged in sterling components and allowed all to meld together. The result is a lot of texture and a very substantial hunk of silver.

Sterling Ring with two Lab-grown emerald gemstones. I domed the silver band and then added the braided sterling border. Elegant and perfect for every occasion.

I found 4 of these Madagascar Jasper gemstones at the Tucson Gem Show 2 years ago. Each one is a different shape. I adore the inclusions. I decided to antique this design and add the Spiral to the piece. The Sunstone gemstone in the spiral complements the colors in the Jasper. Plus it has an almost glittery sheen. Hence the name Sunstone!

If you want to treat yourself to something special. Jewelry that you will wear frequently for many years, please stop by my store and have fun choosing your special design.

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