Month: February 2023

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

February 26, 2023February 26, 2023Jewel EnvyGeneral

When we craft jewellery, we begin with a small step in what may be a project that involves many different processes, challenges and new learning. Even an experienced jeweler regularly tackles things they are less comfortable with that may involve new challenges and techniques. Below you can see a selection of the numerous steps that go into making a custom 18 karat and opal necklace. Head to our instagram to see a more in depth video reel of the creation of this piece. This piece was created by Aurora Simmons of Handmade Revolution.

Just in the nick of time: Amethysts for February

February 25, 2023February 25, 2023GillianGeneral

It’s a bit wintry out today, so thinking about cheery purple stones is making me smile. Which is good, because the birthstone for February is the amethyst.

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, and its colour comes from irradiation, or inpurities of different metals or other trace elements (although mainly iron). It’s got a nice hardness, (if you read the post a few weeks ago about Mohs, you’ll know what I mean :), so it’s a lovely stone to use in jewellery.

It’s also something that is found in Ontario. I remember traveling with my dad when I was young (he was a long haul trucker), and passing through Thunder Bay area, and seeing all the amethyst crystals, rocks and finished jewellery (yes, I was a magpie even then!).

So…..here’s some purple to brighten your day!

Lovely pieces from our studio members: flower pendant from Jenn (Frekkel Designs), large optic amethyst pendant by Gillian (Pash Jewellery Design), stacking rings by Robin (House of Cassady), and large flower ring by Alexis (Glaciale Goldsmith).

We’d love to see you, why not come in and explore what else we’ve got for the person born in February in your life?

Happy Saturday! Stay warm!

-Robin (House of Cassady)

Sunday Dinner at Nonna’s

February 19, 2023February 19, 2023Jewel EnvyGeneral

Sunday Dinner at Nonna’s Collection by Merendina Jewellery and Designs

Looking for a refresh?

February 18, 2023February 18, 2023Jewel EnvyGeneral

Do you have pieces of Jewellery in your Jewellery box that you no longer wear? Come and visit us at Jewel Envy and our Goldsmiths can help you give your pieces a refresh!

This hammered finish sterling silver bracelet was tarnished and the owner no longer wore it. The decorative engraving was removed and the finish was revised from polished to a new satin finish!

The Mohs Scale

February 14, 2023February 14, 2023Jewel EnvyGeneral

Gemstones are graded by hardness, this helps jewellers choose appropriate minerals and gems based on the wear and tear they might encounter.

The Mohs scales uses 10 minerals as its reference, these are:

1.Talc

2.Gypsum

3.Calcite

4.Fluorite

5.Apatite

6.Orthoclase (Feldspar)

7.Quartz

8.Topaz

9.Corundum (rubies/sapphires)

10.Diamond

Generally jewellery appropriate gemstones fall in the 7-10 range with some exceptions being Amber, Pearl, Opal, and Coral (Organic Gem Materials)

The Mohs scale measures a minerals resistance to scratches (hardness) using a reference mineral. Developed in 1812 by German mineralogist, Friedrich Mohs. The scale uses a NON-linear numbering system from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest)

The scientific definition of hardness is the ability to resist scratching. Hardness depends on the bonds that hold the atoms together within a crystal structure. If a material is harder it will disrupt those bonds leading to what we would call a ‘scratch’.

Using this chart for reference jewellers can get a rough idea of how delicate a material is.

Alex

Sunny Sunday!

February 12, 2023February 18, 2023Jewel EnvyGeneral

What a beautiful, sunny Sunday! The birds are chirping, people are out and about, and the sun is streaming into the studio!

Although it is only February, there is an air of spring in the shop today – and I am feeling extra inspired to showcase some of our pieces that embody this feeling of warmth, nature, and renewal 🌷

*Blue Jay Earrings by Gillian E Batcher*

*Sliding Double Sided Pendant by By Edna Milevsky*

All of these beautiful pieces are available through our online shop – or, if you would like to take advantage of this beautiful day, pop-by the shop and come see them in person!

Big and Beautiful

February 5, 2023February 5, 2023Jewel EnvyGeneral

On this grey, still not ready to get out of our cozy cocoons yet, kind of day, enjoy this lovely gallery of cheery, chunky ring choices: