Month: May 2026

Ipsa brooch by Hyewon Jang

The oldest method of inlay developed during the Goryeo era (918-1392). This time, thin grooves were engraved into metal surface using a chisel. Then the artisan also known as ipsajong inserts silver or gold thread into the groove.

Geometric patterns are a popular motif, as are floral and animal motifs such as apricots, orchids, chrysanthemums, bamboo, cranes, deers, bats, tigers and pines.

To do ipsa, it requires so much patient and dexterity.

Following up on one of our April Posts on Cleaning Jewellery.

Another product that is often used to remove tarnish is a chemical dip. This is the harshest home removal method and proper care and consideration should be taken before using it. Dips are strong chemicals that can take off a fine layer of the metal (be aware they can remove plating over time and corrode some gemstones) but can also deposit a thin layer of chemicals that are difficult to remove.

If this thin film is not removed in the cleaning process the jewellery will tarnish faster than before, creating a cycle that will necessitate more frequent cleaning of your pieces.

To remove this layer of cleaner, pieces must be rinsed for a long period of time under clean water until the film is gone.

Chemical dips are corrosive, and gloves should always be worn when using them. As they are a strong cleaner for jewellery, they can damage some stones.

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’20 Tips on maintaining our Jewellery’, Gillian E. Batcher, 2013

Hi everyone! My name is Ruby, and I’m currently interning at Jewel Envy this summer. I’m enrolled in the Jewelry Program at George Brown College, where I’m learning different casting and goldsmithing techniques and beginning my journey as a jewelry maker and future business owner.

So far, Gillian has taught me so much about the industry here at jewel envy, and I’ve been learning a lot throughout this internship. I’m excited to continue growing here and look forward to sharing updates on projects at Jewel Envy, along with my own work. Talk to you soon!

Wax carving is among the more customizable aspects of goldsmithing. Lost wax casting is useful in producing solid three-dimensional volumes and sculptural work. Anything carved in wax can be turned into metal! Here are just a few examples by our goldsmiths here in studio of what can be accomplished with wax carving.

Earrings by Handmade Revolution (Aurora Simmons); producing a volume and carving adjacent to each corner to create a dynamic pair of triangles.

Ring by Glaciale Goldsmith (Alexis Kostuk) using both gold and silver to cast.

Earrings by House of Cassady (Robin Cassady-Cain) combining wax carved blood cell motifs with textiles and fabricated domes.

Stacking rings date back centuries with evidence of them being seen in Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. Although the cultural significance varies between the civilizations, the adornment of these rings has lived on. In Ancient Egypt stacked rings were worn to represent someone’s social standing and connection with eternity, often made of precious metals with intricate engravings. Romans wore stacking rings as a symbol of authority with the number of rings representing an achievement or accomplishment; more rings, more power. The Greeks wore stackable rings that interlocked and could be worn separately or together in different configurations to represent aspects of a relationship, i.e. friendship, love, marriage.

Ancient Hellenistic rings – Roman

Stackable rings have become a staple in modern jewellery as they allow the wearer the ability to personalize their look by donning these rings individually or together in a variety of ways. The wearer becomes the curator of their jewellery design with the ability to not only mix metals and styles but gemstones as well. There are a variety of ring options to check out next time you visit us, looking forward to seeing what combination you come up with.