Who knew that perforated steel, which is used in a variety of construction and manufacturing applications, is also good for designing jewelry? I found this out earlier this year when I took a class on working with steel and gold. Since that time I have been experimenting with lots of ways to use this amazing material.

these earrings were designed with expanded steel. Of course I had to add some bling. The bright metal you see is gold. I love that these are so lightweight and easy to wear. More of this design will find it’s way into my online store in the near future.

Here’s another example of how I am using perforated Steel. This cuff bracelet features a new gem I love.. solar quartz. The steel is fused with 22k gold. You can find this design available for purchase now. It is a limited Edition of ONE

As you have probably guessed by now, the possibilities are endless. This design features perforated steel in a honeycomb pattern. 22k gold is fused into the design.

If you are intrigued by these designs and want to see more.. please join my Collector’s List.

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 Fun with Perforated Steel appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Yes you heard Correctly. In Ancient Egypt malachite was ground up and used in eye makeup. I don’t recommend you try it though. Malachite dust can be toxic to humans. The designs I create use stabilized malachite so you need not concern yourself if you love to wear these gorgeous green gemstones.

Craving more legends about malachite? Russian legend tells us that malachite gives us the power to understand the language of animals. (I sure wish it would help me understand what my kitty is saying Malachite is also said to alleviate depression and anxiety. Cool!

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So you found this pendant in my online store and fell in love with it. Terrific! then you began to think about a matching earring, ring or cuff. Now what! I just made this process EASY.

Go to the Drop Down box at the top of my home page and click on GEMSTONE The drop down box will lead you right to JASPER and pull up all designs currently available.

OKAY, One more example. Turquoise is your GO-TO gem. You adore everything turquoise. These earrings speak to you in a big way. You love the natural free form shape of the gems, too.

Now you want something to wear with these earrings. A pendant perhaps? A ring? Click on the GEMSTONE link at the top of the HOME PAGE and go to Turquoise

Voila. All the turquoise designs magically appear.

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The post A Search for Gemstone designs- Made Easy 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.

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Creating Designs using metal components does tend to generate some waste. Jewelry needs to be shaped and finished properly. this means the tiny (or larger) non essential components are cut or sawed off.
I was taught early on that these scraps should NOT be thrown out, but rather saved.
There is a Refinery where the silver or gold scraps can be sent. there they are weighed, processed and reformed into usable wire or sheet metal.
Yes all the metal I purchase IS RECYCLED!

When I first started saving these scraps, i intuitively thought there must be a better use for them. I began experimenting with fusing and found a process that is stunning and fun to create . Plus I can reuse the scrap metal! A Win-Win.

This is just one of the finished designs created using scrap silver. You can check all more designs here.

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Yes there is a difference in types of turquoise! This gem has been imitated often. For instance, African turquoise is really a quartz agate stone that is a turquoise color. Furthermore the gemstone called Howlite (which is white with black inclusions) is colored blue and sold as turquoise. And lets not forget the other stones, or resins that are colored blue and sold as turquoise.

It pays to work with a reputable jeweler who will disclose where the gems were mined and what the materials are!

I work only with natural turquoise, no fakes! While I do have some inventory of natural Chinese turquoise from Mines in China, the bulk of my designs feature natural turquoise from Arizona, Nevada or Mexico.

Shop my turquoise designs here.

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One of my original Collections is still a strong part of my line. The SACRED SPIRAL story is near and dear to me. I strive to live my life employing it’s principals.

Sacred Spiral Collection; Because Kindness Matters

Each design is created by me in my Arizona Studio. The Spiral is an ancient symbol representing growth and evolution. It has been found in cave carvings, shells and even in the Milky Way.

 A spiral starts as a smaller, tight circle and expands quickly all the way to infinity. Each of our actions…a quick smile to a stranger, holding the door for someone, a kind word to a friend.. seems like a small gesture but the ripples of joy it causes is infinite.

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”      Margaret Mead

My hope is that all of us follow these principals. What a wonderful world we would create.

Shop Sacred Spiral Designs Here

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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 bracelets on Pinterest for example and see how many different styles you can find.

Personally I love working with copper and silver. Gemstones evolved naturally somewhere along the line. I want your wrist to SING when you wear one of my cuffs!

The gemstones I use are hand picked. No two are the same shape or size. This means YOUR cuff is one of a kind. Relax knowing you have a unique, classic design that will stand the test of time.

Shop All my Cuff Designs Here

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The post Crazy About Cuffs appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

It is comforting to have my feline helper. Button often weighs in on my decision about which designs to keep creating. Sometimes she uses her paw to select one that she is especially enamored with. It’s very clear when she is not enthused about a design as well. She just Sits on the jewelry so I cannot move forward. Pretty clear message don’t you think?

Button’s expertise in selecting the right gemstone for a new design is invaluable. She hunkers down and stares at the gem that will be used in my next project. I am one lucky jewelry designer!!

Want to see my latest Kitty Approved jewelry? Shop Here.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector

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Ever since I can remember (long before I started designing jewelry)  I have been frustrated by the tiny clasps on jewelry. Seriously, how are we supposed to get these hooked?  Especially since they are on the back of our neck. 

I used to move the mechanism to the front and look in a mirror. Not an ideal situation.. and sometimes this does not work. Even having a spouse or significant other that can perform the task is not a great alternative. Is this person always handy when you are getting dressed?  Do they have delicate fingers to perform this task? Way too many variables. What happens if you are single (as I was much of my life?) Do you call a neighbor over? or wait to put on your necklace until you get to work?  Silly, right?

Once I started designing my own jewelry, I knew that larger, easy to use clasps were essential. Huge toggle clasps, Gigantic lobster clasps and easy to use hook clasps create less stress and make the task of donning  jewelry fun again. The styles here are examples of what I use instead. The clasps at the top are the typical smaller lobster clasps you see on most jewelry.

Next time you purchase jewelry,  Pay attention to the size of the clasp.

Shop for my designs 

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector today.

Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts.

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