Bees create and store their honey in honeycomb matrixes. The honeycomb is seen as a symbol of safety and protection for those who wear the design. As the bee is all-important in this process, the symbols of hope, hard work and rewards enhance the wearer as well.

My Honeycomb collection

About a year ago I began working with steel in my designs. The discovery of perforated steel opened my eyes to so many possibilities. The honeycomb style is so enchanting. As I play around with it and start designing the ideas just flow forth.

I love the idea of equating the honeycomb to bees. After all, this is normally the first thing we think of when we hear the word!

These first few designs are just the beginning. Right now explore my shop for these designs (under the Golden Steel collection) to see what is currently available.

The Golden Steel Process

Once I get the honeycomb to it’s desired shape and the finished design is decided upon, I make sure the steel is VERY clean. I also file it to remove any rough edges because I want the design to be wearable. Then it is time to apply the gold. I use 18 or 22K gold flakes or pellets (cut from very thin gold sheeting) and apply heat. As a result, the gold melts around the steel and VOILA, the design is almost complete.

I then clean it again. Yes I know there is LOTS of cleaning needed. I apply the blackened patina because it creates a dramatic and finished design. I adore these designs and I hope you will too.

Follow me on my design journey and become a collector. Not only do my collectors receive first look at my newest designs but the also have the advantage of Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. In addition you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs

The post Golden Honeycomb Designs appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

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.

These 4 metals are my raw materials! (along with my gemstones of course). When I first began my jewelry designing journey, I worked exclusively with Copper and sterling silver. We were trained on copper since it’s value was much less than silver, yet it reacts very similar to silver when heated or textured. I fused silver to copper as an experiment and fell in love with the process and the result.

As you can see from this example, the vibrancy of the copper melds so well with the richness of silver. I still use this technique often in the creation of my jewelry designs. As I gained confidence working with silver, I created more and more one of a kind pieces. Many are considered heirloom designs.

This design highlights my love of texturing and especially my love of gemstones. This druzy quartz is pure white. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. It really is a gorgeous piece of art. My journey took me inevitably to gold. First I experimented with Gold Fill. I created many designs combining gold with silver. Another Stunning combination.

This year my journey continues with the addition of steel. Yes I said steel! I am mesmerized by the brilliance of 18k gold on steel that has been blackened. Truly statement jewelry at it’s finest. I have spent hours getting up to speed in working with this new metal. It requires many changes to my routine. Now I feel more comfortable with the process. You will see LOTS more designs in the near future.

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 A Tale of Four Metals appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Rhodochrosite was first discovered by the Inca’s. They believed that this gem was actually the blood of ancient rulers. Pretty cool! This gem is found primarily in Argentina and Colorado. So it is somewhat rare. In fact certain Indian tribes considered it more precious than gold!

This rich pink gemstone will feature white bands as shown in this pendant.

Want to find out more? Here is the link to my Video on this gem.

Purchase from my online shop HERE

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The post Rhodochrosite; Gemstone of Love appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.