Mokume Gane is a Japanese metal crafting technique where there is a layering of different-colored metals and in the end, you get beautiful wood grain patterns.
This technique was developed approximately 400 years ago in the Japanese Edo period.
The name Mokume Gane resembles rosewood grain.
Some of our goldsmiths here make Mokume Gane jewellery.
“Sapphire, then opal” is something many jewellers say halfway through September. In four weeks, we will say “Opal, then topaz”. It is the cycle of birthstones, and right now, we are in sapphire, aka September.
Centuries ago, gemstones were mostly identified by colour. Blue was sapphire, Red was ruby, Green was emerald, etc. Sapphires came in a variety of blue hues, and still do. Mined sapphires may exhibit telltale characteristics of their country of origin. Lab grown sapphire colours will reflect the hues most in demand.
One of North America’s claim to fame are Montana sapphires, which are unique upon first glance.
As technology became more sophisticated, we learned that all blue stones are not sapphires, and that sapphires come in many, many different colours.
Sapphire is always a favourite. If you’ve been by the studio, you have probably met our greeter pup, named Sapphire. We have many sapphires in stock, but none are more precious than her.
Drop by for a visit soon!
Now that the weather is getting cooler are you thinking of taking a fall class? We have a few 1 day workshops coming up in September and October.
If you’d like to take a more in depth class, take a look at our Introductory Fabrication 8 week course. Starting on October 20.
Visit the Take a Class menu on our Jewel Envy website to see what we are offering between now and the end of the year.
This September on Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st our goldsmiths Jamie and Eunice will be selling jewellery in Trinity Bellwoods Park for the annual Queen West Art Crawl. Come on by and have a look at their booths: 327 and 330. Markets such as these are a great way to connect with artists and learn more about their practice, their inspiration, and how their jewellery is made.
Sterling silver, garnet.
Jewellery by Jamie Rosario.
Sterling silver, opal.
Jewellery by Eunice L. Designs.
