As you may know, if you visit the big blue house, approaching from the
south, we have three amazing street level windows, which we use to
showcase one of our resident goldsmiths, a special theme, or a special
collection of work from the studio group. We like to rotate the
displays, and we have just recently changed out the windows to showcase
one of our newest additions-the work of Alex Kinsey of Kinsley Vey Designs. Alex has a number of pieces from his ‘Growth’ collection available in the retail shop of the studio, like these earrings and pendant:
However, the windows showcase Alex’s more recent work, some large
exhibition pieces from his ‘Iron Identity’ collection, which you can
read more about here (as well as see some great photos of his jewellery scale pieces).
I have to admit that my photos don’t really do his fascinating pieces
justice!! Why not wander along Roncevalles and take a closer look at
his work yourself. While you’re there, check out our class list and
maybe visit us in the studio retail area, we love visitors!
For thousands of years, emeralds have been mined and considered one of the world’s most valuable jewels. The first ever recorded emeralds date back to ancient Egypt, where they were particularly admired by Queen Cleopatra. In addition to their aesthetic value, emeralds were highly valued in ancient times because they were believed to increase intelligence, protect marriages, ease childbirth, and thought to enable its possessor the power of predicting future events. An emerald is actually a beryllium stone that owes its special color to beryllium, chromium, and vanadium, all of which are chemical elements that are very scarce, and the reason for the color of an emerald.
Colombian emeralds are much more on demand, and not just because of their superb quality and color. A gem’s value depends upon its size, purity, color and brilliance. Even when they are mined in the same area, each individual emerald has its own unique look that sets it apart from the rest. Dark green is considered to be the most beautiful, scarce, and valuable color for emeralds. An emerald of this color is considered rare and is only found in the deepest mines of Colombia. The eastern portion of the Andes, between the Boyacá and Cundinamarca departments, is where most Colombian emeralds are mined. The three major mines in Colombia are Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor. Muzo and Coscuez are on long-term leases from the government to two Colombian companies, while Chivor is a privately owned mine. Muzo remains the most important emerald mine in the world to this date. One of the most famous Colombian’s emeralds are: Patricia Emerald – this 630-carat, Di-hexagonal cut was first discovered in Chivor in 1920. It is named after the mine owner’s daughter, Patricia. This emerald currently resides in the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Fura Emerald – the second-biggest emerald in the world, with 2.2 kilograms (4.9 lb) or 11,000 carat, found in Muzo, in 1999
Tena Emerald – the most valuable emerald in the world, 400 grams (0.88 lb) or 2,000 carats, found in Muzo, in 1999
Come to visit us at Jewel Envy with the gorgeous one you have in your magic box; grandma will be very proud to know you are going to enhance it! we can make an incredible design, we can resize it, we can clean it and more, and you will add even more great memories to it! Have a nice Sunday! Helena
Greetings from the Blue House in Roncy! I’ve got some exciting news for you on a sunny Saturday…
*drum roll please….
Our new website has officially launched and its filled with all kinds of goodies for your viewing pleasure! With updated bios on our in house goldsmiths, an updated gallery of our exclusive jewel envy pieces, updated workshop schedule and our NEW ONLINE STORE!
So click here and visit —-> https://www.jewelenvy.ca to check it out – I personally guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Happy browsing, shopping and indulging this weekend!
