Month: October 2021

I’ve had a couple of serendipitous encounters recently, so I thought I’d share the story of one of them with you this week. A lady came in a while ago, wanting a special 80th birthday present for a relative, including the brithstones of all the grandchildren. Now, this can sometimes be a tricky proposition, given the range of colours birthstones have, but luckily, the colours here worked nicely together!

Right, so that wasn’t the serendipity. The serendipity was that the woman happened to mention that the recipient was a quilter. How amazing-so am I! So, I immediately thought of some very classic quilt block patterns, particularly the star block, which I thought might lend itself well to including a number of stones (nice to be exact!).

There are alot of different styles, but here are a few variations. We settled on a basic sawtooth block style. Here’s the finished pendant:

It was a bit challenging to do such small cutouts (the stones are all about 1.5mm in diameter), but well worth it in the end! I love the fact that it has meaning for the recipient on more than one level, and our customer was really pleased with it! I also loved the fact that my unique knowlege allowed me to be able to suggest the design.

Anyway, that’s my story for this week! Happy Hallowe-en (or whatever other day you celebrate at this time of year :).

–Robin

House of Cassady

In between custom, redesigns and repairs I have been experimenting with creating micromosaic pieces of jewellery. I started using glass that was gifted to me after my uncle passed and I initially had more than enough colours to create some patterns and shapes after completing the metal work on them. The experimenting made me realize that larger pieces of glass work nicer, but I remain excited about the outcome of my first batch of pieces because my bomb metal work makes up for my short fallings in laying out the micromosaics. Enjoy a few pics taken during a shoot with my sister!

– Alexis

It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday shopping, in my opinion! In fact, I’ve managed to start collecting little stocking stuffer things, and putting some thought into gifts I want to give this year. In fact, this is a bit late for me, I often start in June or July. I don’t buy that many gifts, but I’ll admit that I find the bite to the pocket book easier to manage over time!!

I mention it, because it’s also never too early to think about gifts if you want to order a custom piece, or even a tailored piece from the collections offered by our goldsmiths. You can find something to suit most budgets, and it’s a great time to think about it at the moment, with the SHOP West Toronto 2 Win promotion that is happening at the moment.

What’s that, you say? It’s a chance to win $500 each week until the beginning of November, when you spend a minimum of $25 at participating outlets (including Jewel Envy!), and if you enter at least 3 weeks, there’s a grand prize of $2000 up for grabs too! Check it out in store, and browse the collections.

I’ll leave you with this pretty picture for your viewing delight!

Amorph brooch by Edna Milevsky, sterling silver, 14kt yellow gold and pearls

Have a great weekend!

–Robin

Fall colours are beautiful for their differences.  I once flew east over Canada at this time if the year.  The steady red sea of fiery maples was breathtaking, but for the most part, I enjoy how the yellows, greens, reds and oranges vibrate together along autumn country roads.  

The stones of October have similar traits – modest hues, variety, and gorgeous, breathtaking beauty.

Traditionally, Opal has been the October stone.  Its silica and 10 percentage of water brings out lovely colours the way a good rain before a sunny day brings out a rainbow over a fall feast of foliage.  We know White Opal, but there are also the deep greens and blues of Black Opal, and NOTHING does red or orange like Fire Opal.

In modern times, we also consider Tourmaline an October stone.  Most birthstone displays will show a pale pink sparkler, but Tourmaline can show an array of pinks, browns, greens, yellows, blues, and even combinations within a stone.  

Here at Jewel Envy, we can show you absolutely beautiful October stones, or find something specific to meet your wishes.  And don’t forget, we are offering $25 surprise gifts with a genuine gem in each one.  You may even score a diamond!

As someone pointed out to me this morning, it’s a lovely day, but it’s definitely that characteristic fall weather where you have to layer, and you’re cold in the morning and evening, and roasting at midday!

Autumn always makes me think of the changing colours of the trees-the beautiful reds, oranges, yellows and yes, even the browns. I think that’s one of the things I missed most when I was in the UK-the fall colours there are just not as spectacular, and the change in weather is not as dramatic.

So, in honour of leaves, here’s a wee curated collection of leaf-inspired pieces!

Inspired by leaves? Come in and have a look at what we have, or commission your very own vision of a leaf and fall!

Don’t forget that the Shop West Toronto 2 Win promotion is on now, any purchase over $25 allows you to enter, and Gillian has created a cute package of mystery gemstones (including a salt and pepper diamond), along with a small polishing cloth and loop, just for this occasion!

Also, we just love visitors! Come browse and say hi at the Blue House (after all, the holidays will be here before you know it–never too early to start your shopping!).

Happy Saturday!

-Robin

House of Cassady