Sterling Silver Archives - Alene's Adornments Blog

My 4 Favorite gemstone rings

Alene Geed — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 23:07:23 +0000

amethyst, ruby, malachite and red creek Jasper rings

Creating and designing new rings is one of my passions. It’s invigorating and enlivening to see the finished design. So of course I do have my favorites! I am partial to sterling rings and of course the MUST feature a gemstone!

My favorites are:

Amethyst Geode. I discovered these amazing geodes 2 years ago during the Tucson Gem Show. What a find! Every Geode is one of a kind. They were mined in Uruguay
Ruby gemstone ring ..2 lab grown rubies..sterling silver from the Dare to Dream collection
Malachite gemstone ring with Sacred Spiral designed ring shank
Red Creek Jasper gemstone with Sacred Spiral ring shank. This gem was another of my finds from the Tucson Gem show

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Here we go a Bezeling…

Alene Geed — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 21:51:58 +0000

Yes it’s true. I am addicted to jewelry design. Moreover I consider this a good thing!

One of the processes I use a lot is called bezeling. Basically this means putting a rim around my gemstone so it stays in place.

However for me it is much more than this. Of course I like the security it provides for the gemstones. But mostly I adore the options it gives me to add some pizazz to the design. There are some bezel wires that feature scalloped edges and even some with more intricate options. I also create my own bezel wire in order to texture the design.making each piece just that much more unique and truly one of a kind. ‘In this amethyst design I corrugated the silver to create the texture. So many possibilities!

Steps to my final design.

fit the wire to the gemstone. This must be precise or the whole process is doomed)
solder the wire and then solder the rim to a backing
sawing and filing. This step is very time consuming, but vital to the overall finished design. This is where the quality of the work really shows through

Sounds daunting doesn’t it? In some ways it is, but for me it is part of the fun of creating. The final stages of sawing and filing are meditative too. All these experiences in one little process. Cool huh! The finished product is a sight to behold. Here are a few of my finished designs.

View my whole collection HERE

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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Tips for Buying Artisan Jewelry

Alene Geed — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 19:26:03 +0000

Do you love jewelry created lovingly by an artist? Do you visit all the jewelry booths at Arts Festivals? Do you scour the internet looking for something unique and handmade?That makes me very happy. Especially since I AM a jewelry artist! But before I started creating my own designs I was right in the thick of it looking for treasures for my wardrobe.

“Artisan jewelry allows you to show off your fashion sense. More importantly, your selection is infused with the love used to create it. After all every piece comes from the heart.” Alene Geed

Tips to help you select wisely.

1) Does the design SPEAK to you? Did you feel like it just jumped out and picked you? If you have had this happen then you know this experience is not as silly as it sounds. Over the years I’ve had the experience at least twice. I was attending an art festival in Arizona. A pair of earrings I spotted were dying to be worn by me. They were MINE. I still have that pair; still love them; and remember the exact festival where I purchased them.

2) Do you like the clasp or the ear wires? I have always been partial to LARGE clasps that my fingers can work easily. That’s why my designs are all about ‘BIG’. IF these are earrings, then what is your preference? Ear wire, French earwire, or post? This could be a determining factor in your decision

3) What are the components? If the piece is silver, be sure it specifies STERLING Silver (which is 92.5% silver) or FINE Silver (99.9% silver, usually seen with heavier designs since it tends to be softer). If it mentions ‘silvertone’ or silver plate, this is at best a coating of silver over a base metal. And if you happen to be allergic to nickel ; a common allergy, then this will not be a good fit for you. Just so you know I work only with Sterling or fine silver findings.

4) Is the designer reputable? Have they been around for a few years? or is their first Rodeo? Just google the Jewelry company or designer’s name to see what you can discover. Of course there are terrific artisans entering the field every day. So just use this search as a guideline.

5) Don’t second guess your decision to buy. Refer to #1 again. If this piece SPEAKS to you.. then BUY IT now. About 20 years ago I was at an art festival with my husband. I spotted a pair of earrings that I liked and that were in my price range. I hesitated, stating that I really didn’t NEED these anyway. My husband said something that stuck with me. “If you like this, buy it now. You may never have the chance again” I use this little bit of advice all the time now. Keep in mind too, that artisan jewelry is most often ONE-OF-A-KIND or Limited Edition.

Take a risk. Leap forward and Enjoy your new piece of Jewelry!

I invite you to check out my line of artisan jewelry.

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.

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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Is Silver the New Gold? Is Copper the new Silver?

Alene Geed — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 05:17:15 +0000

Gold jewelry has always been coveted. Even though gold prices have come down over the last 2 years, they are still over
double the price of 10 years ago.[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]

Today, gold is $1267 an ounce. Compare this with Silver at $17.75 an ounce!

I really feel that wearing beautiful baubles enhances our self image. In the past I eagerly wore gold designs. Now that I create my own pieces, I gravitate to silver and copper.

in 2007, when I first began designing, I took multiple classes to improve my skills. My instructors had us experiment with copper metal before creating the finished design in silver.

And guess what happened! I fell in love with copper! Copper’s rich color is enhanced when you add heat or other elements. The resulting colors can range anywhere from bright copper to deep red, teal blue, vibrant purple and more.

I love adding in Fine Silver or Sterling silver . What’s the difference? Fine silver is 99% silver. When working with lighter weight designs, the pure silver is too soft. Thicker alternatives (like ring shanks) work the best.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (needed to strengthen this softer metal).[/tweet_box]

The combination of the two colors is explosive. In fact I decided to copyright the name I use for this process. Sprinkled Silver is fun to create. Every single design is different depending upon how the metals combine.

A bit of history:

[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]Silver was used in coinage beginning around 550 BC. IT was also popular for use in photosensitive materials used in photography. .. before the digital age! And of course silver has been used in jewelry over the ages.

Copper was probably the first metal to be used by humans and is considered sacred to many cultures. Copper has a natural ability to conduct electricity so, when worn, is said to harmonize the body’s energies, clearing any blockages or imbalances.

There will always be a place for gold in our bauble wardrobe of course… But consider copper or silver for your next purchase. I think you will be surprised and delighted by your selection!

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Corrugated Jewelry? Yes!

Alene Geed — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 20:57:53 +0000

If you haven’t guessed by now. I love to texture my metal as I create my designs. So when I became aware of the corrugation process, I was intrigued.

First of all I purchased the book. Metal Corrugation by Patricia McAleer. This colorful book introduces the metalsmith (that’s me) to a new method of creative expression–metal corrugated jewelry designs.

I read it cover to cover (several times). Hooked after the first page.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, making mistakes and having fun.[/tweet_box]

I use this corrugation brake with very pliable (after lots of heat) metal. The metal sheet I use is a thinner gauge. I stick with 24 gauge or even 26 gauge to be safe. Did you know that metal gauges get thinner as the number gets higher.. 24 gauge is thicker than 26 gauge. This took me awhile to get used to this counter-intuitive method of measuring.

By the way, this process requires arm strength!

The texture created is so much fun to work with. Often my mind is 4 steps ahead of the process.. already figuring out what cool designs will result. These raw copper sheets are corrugated. The two pieces to the left are run through the brake twice at different angles. Consequently, I reheated the metal in between the two runs through the brake. Most of all, I am having fun. After all, don’t we all want to have fun while we work?

This short video on corrugated jewelry gives you peek into how this all works. Enjoy!

[tweet_box design=”box_14_at” float=”none” author=”Alene Geed” pic_url=”http://alenesadornmentsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/alene_geed_jewelry_designer.jpg”] “Corrugating metal is a creative way to create designer jewelry.” [/tweet_box]

Want to see a few of the finished designs?
I knew you would say yes!

Read my post – An Inside Peek; How I create my designs.

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Peek into my Design Process: Texturing

Alene Geed — Sun, 01 May 2016 19:06:59 +0000

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 grooves. Old-fashioned washboards were corrugated. I use a corrugation brake to create the folds. Then as you can see on the large metal piece to the right.. I turned the metal 90 degrees and corrugated again! There are endless designs using this process. I just have to remember to soften the metal EVERY time after running the metal through the brake. Otherwise it gets too brittle.

Texturing with Hammers:

Did I mention that I LOVE to hammer?? Maybe this is my positive way of taking out aggression. Could be!! At any rate I do love the feel of the hammer in my hand and adore the textures that can be created. And art is involved in the techniques too. The hammer hit needs to be precise or the texture will not be consistent. This takes practice.

Here are a few of the texturing hammers I use on a regular basis. Each one of them gives a different texture or design to the metal.

Did you know there is actually a Hammer Museum? It is located in Alaska. Wouldn’t it be fun to visit?

If I ever get back to Alaska, I will check it out. A whole building filled with hammers. Whoopee!

Several other texturing techniques including Stamping, roller mill, form folding and fusing will be highlighted in future Peeks into my design process.

A few of my finished designs.

Sterling Silver Snake ring

Copper & Sterling Cuff

Sterling & Copper Earrings

There is still time to enter the SWEEPSTAKES! One lucky person will win this Sterling and Dichroic glass pendant.

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Time for a Sweepstakes!

Alene Geed — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 16:19:02 +0000

Do you feel lucky?

I hope so. Someone is going to win this sterling silver artisan pendant . It might as well be you, right?

This Dichroic Glass pendant was handcrafted by none other than yours truly. I love the bold mix of colors. Deep reds are enhanced by the metallic golds and greens. All I could say was WOW, when I found this gorgeous glass piece. Once I mounted it in Silver and added the sterling neck stain, it became a design to love and wear!

Enter today. The winner will receive this pendant. Two runners-up will receive a pair of earrings of their choice. Selected from alenesadornments.

While you are at it, check out my other designs.

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Tools of the Jewelry Trade: Disc Cutter

Alene Geed — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 14:15:04 +0000

Do you have any idea how much fun it is to get a new tool?

OK, I know this sounds like a ‘guy’ thing… but any metals jeweler will tell you that we get so much pleasure from being able to do something creative with our new ‘toy’

This new disc cutter cuts squares from metal. So what you say?

Now I can create my own designs more quickly. Plus I now have endless ways to add new components to my jewelry. For instance, I have been purchasing a square washer piece. Basically this is a square with a square hole in the center. My one issue with these was that they were too heavy a gauge for many of my designs.

NOW I have complete control of the process. And as any Type A personality will tell you.. Complete control rocks!

This idea board shows you some of the current squares I have been either hand cutting or purchasing. Just wait until you see the new stuff.

Disc Cutter

A couple of years ago I purchased the circle disc cutter shown here. You can see some of those shapes on the idea board. So this new Square style is sending me to Nirvana.

See my current designs at http://www.alenesadornments.com

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Having a ‘Fat Finger’ Day?

Alene Geed — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:44:44 +0000

It happens to me all the time.

In the morning, I put on one of my rings; lo and behold…. it is too tight.

Seriously? it fit me last week? and I am pretty sure that weight gain or loss has marginal effect on the fingers. This ring is a good example. I wore it yesterday as shown and today it was too tight.

Don’t have a clue what all the reasons are for swelling of the fingers. Sometimes it is just the humidity that day. Perhaps it is affected by our hormones, or by certain drugs we start taking.

All I know is that this phenomenon pushed me into designing my rings so they can be adjusted up or down a size. In this example, this feature allowed me to stretch the band slightly so the ring fit my fatter finger. YIPPEE!

My Rings Collection is comprised of 80% adjustable (yet classy and rich looking) designs.

The design to the left (silver and lapis) gives you the options of pinching or stretching the band slightly to fit your finger of the day.

These wrap designs are my favorite though. The adjustable feature is more subtle. So much fun to create. Copper rings are also designed primarily in this wrap design.

So on your next ‘FAT FINGER’ day, remember this post and check out my designs at Alenes Adornments.

IF you enjoyed this post you might like. Jewelry Clasps; The bigger the better

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An Inside Peek… How I create my Designs

Alene Geed — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 21:43:32 +0000

Did you ever wonder how a design is born? Is there some secret to the way artists create and conceive their designs?

I suspect every artist has their own unique process.. After all by definition we think outside the box mostly and are constantly morphing with some new concept or idea.

Many start with a sketch or drawing. I for one am challenged in that regard. My sketches tend to look like stick figures and don’t look at ALL like what I am envisioning!

I like to start with a gemstone or metal design and work around that. So here is my process for this turquoise pendant.

I purchased an amazing turquoise gem and decided to make it the focal point of my new pendant. Here is the original stone.

I knew I wanted to encase this in Silver, so created the bezel as shown.This particular bezel features a scalloped design.. which I feel enhances the stone so much.

The next step was to create the backing. I forged (hammered) the design into sterling silver and soldered the scalloped bezel to it. Then came the creative steps. First I drew a potential shape onto the silver. I use sharpies for this since they will dissolve once I apply heat.

Then I thought that adding a smaller turquoise stone onto the bail (the part that attaches the piece to the chain). this seemed like a good option but it felt that something was still not right.

The piece felt bulky and did not have enough pizazz for me.

So I changed the entire design AGAIN! I scrapped the idea of the smaller stone, trimmed down the whole silver casing.. and then had the bright idea to add a glitzy CZ gemstone! See top of blog for the finished design.

I LOVE it!

Such is the evolution of a design.. (at least ones by Alene’s Adornments)

Would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this.. Please!

For more design inspiration check out Jewelry Processes

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