Earring materials tell you what people prized, what they could reach, and what they believed. Bone, shell, copper, silver, gold, glass, and steel are all part of the history. The story begins close to the ground and ends in a world full of new options, but the old meanings still cling to the surface. The earliest earrings were made from what people could find nearby. Early … [Read more...]
Images of the Heart; Ancient to Modern Symbols
An Icon We See Everywhere Think of the heart shape. It’s everywhere—on greeting cards, emojis, and signs of love. But this simple image has a rich backstory that stretches back thousands of years. The heart as a symbol means more than just romance; it stands for emotion, spirit, and connection across many cultures. I am drawn to the heart shape and use it in many of my … [Read more...]
Turquoise; Legends & Facts
Did you know that turquoise is one of the first gemstones to be mined? In fact, turquoise beads were found in Mesopotamia dating back to 5000 BC! Turquoise was found in Egypt from the reign of Pharaoh Semerkhet in 2900BC. This ancient gemstone is still prized today and used in many different cultures including the American Indians. This blue/green stone varies in … [Read more...]
What happens to the Scrap Silver?
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, … [Read more...]
Jewelry Clasps; the bigger the better!
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 … [Read more...]
