June – The Month of Switcheroo

As our weather seems to be settling into more familiar summer patterns, we are heading into a month characterized by various options and shifts.

In the Zodiac, June is mostly for Gemini, the twins. People under this sign can be called indecisive, or impulsive, but having a Gemini dear to my heart, I prefer “flexible” and “innovative” and “spontaneous”.

It is no surprise then, that the birthstone for June is one of three options, and one of those options can change colours depending on the light in which it is seen.

A pearl has often been the traditional choice for a June birthstone, but its soft nacre can make it a delicate choice for everyday wear. These earrings by our Edna Milevsky are perfectly protected and showcased in her handmade designs.

Moonstone comes in different shades and shapes and can be a gorgeous, ethereal addition to any jewellery. Its white clouds and shadows will wave just below the surface as the piece is turned and moved to different angles.

Personally, I love Alexandrite. It is possible to get high quality, natural stones that change colour depending on whether they are viewed in natural light or not. When I say change, I mean big changes – reds, greens, purples, blues. They aren’t “moody”, they just seem different in different situations. It is also possible to get beautiful natural Alexandrites that do not change, and synthetic stones that change colour, at more accessible availability and prices.

Here at Jewel Envy, we have gorgeous pieces ready for your Junebug’s birthday, or have a chat with one of our goldsmiths about creating something new and unique!

Student Projects

My most recent classes have all had such enthusiastics learners that have inspired my general outlook as of late. I try my best to snap pics (not every piece photographs well) but there has been such a range in ideas and skills that have me excited to teach, interact and share more than ever.

Below is an array of images from the last few classes taught by me; resident goldsmith, Manager, new ukulele owner: Alexis.

1) Advanced Casting: mold making multiples, attaching findings, setting gemstones 2) Intro Casting: Ring 3) Intermediate Casting: making multiples, attaching findings 4) Intro Casting: Cuttlefish Casting


Intermediate Casting goals! using a piece in multiple to create a one of a kind standout pieces. Made with recycled silver, reused chain.


1) One Day Intro Enamel: using enamels wet 2) One Day Intermediate Enamel: cloisonné 3) One Day Intro Enamel: using threaders/using enamel wet 4) One Day Intro Enamel: Using stencils/colour blocking 5) One Day Intermediate Enamel: cloisonné/champlevée


Statement Piece- Earrings

Well, winter has definitely disappeared (okay, I won’t tempt fate, so I’ll say-for the moment). It’s supper sunny, so you’re probably all outside! In any case, I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you about a new piece I made, that is currently on exhibition in BC (yes, it’s done some traveling!), at the annual Craft Council BC Earring Show (you can browse the exhibition catalogue here, extra points if you spot fellow member goldsmith Edna Milevsky’s contribution too!).

I made these specifically to put forward for the Earring Show. In fact, I had intended to put them in last year, but I had some serious Covid malaise going on, and didn’t manage too. That’s okay, it meant my motivation this year was even higher to get them done!

Introducing Tumbling- sterling silver, cast and fabricated, with garnets, roller-printed texture and needled felt. They’re pretty epic at almost 12 g each, and about 3 inches long-they make a statement!

I’m guessing you all are acquainted with my immune cell obsession by now, so I’m sure it’s no big surprise that my piece is science-inspired!

All species have some form of immune system, however, the details are subtly different. The base of my Tumbling earrings is inspired by the shape of chicken red blood cells (which are nucleated, unlike mammalian red blood cells), and mammalian lymphocytes and monocytes. Each earring is constructed in two parts, joined by a hinge. The kinetic movement, and their asymmetric design are meant to give the impression of flow, reflecting the idea that cells in the blood are constantly on the move, and also attach and “tumble” along the inside of blood vessels.

Wax forms before casting for the individual base components.

Auditioning placement of the fabricated components.

I had to get a bit creative when I set the garnets to make sure the piece was supported enough! Lots of improv and making your own widgets in jewellery-making!

So, like I said, they’re currently on the other side of the country, but they’ll probably be back in June, so you can eyeball them in person! In the meantime, if you like the concept, but think something on a slightly smaller scale would suit you, come in and browse other work, or let’s have a conversation!

Enjoy your Saturday!

Robin (House of Cassady)




×
Product added to cart

No products in the cart.