From brooch to necklace!
So far in 2025…
Author: Jewel Envy
Tucson Gem Show!
From 1955 to current day, the famous Tucson gem and mineral show has been happening. It is currently going on right now. It runs from February 1st to the 16th in Tucson, Arizona USA.
Every year goldsmiths, buyers and vendors flock to this place to display, sell or procure special stones, specimens, gemstones, and even jewellery.
Just last year, 3 goldsmiths from Jewel Envy attended this large show and all came home with many goodies.
Gemstone sellers from Toronto are also there buying special gemstones from around the world as it is attended by people from all over the world.
Just through instagram this year, I see many Australian Opal vendors that are there all the way from Australia. This is to give you some idea about how far people are willing to travel to be at this amazing event.
I also forgot to mention you can find fossils and minerals and also estate/ antique jewellery! The year I went there was a whole booth selling mammoth tusks. There are also many dinosaur displays.
Differences Make Us Better
At Jewel Envy, our goldsmiths are independent artists.
They fulfill custom commissions through the studio,
They teach…
And they take turns greeting you in the retail space.
They all have different strengths
Different backgrounds
Different education and training
But all of these differences
Make us better artists
Better colleagues
And one of the best places to support local Toronto work.
We are very proud of who we are and what we do.
We are looking forward to seeing you again soon.
We Have Class!
Jewel Envy classes are back! From newbie intro classes to professional enhancement, make sure you get our newsletter to see what is open.
You can register on our website, and you are welcome to call or drop by during business hours to ask your questions and find the best type of class for you.
Tablet cut gemstones
I was so excited to recently work on a gemstone cut that I don’t get to see that often – tablet cuts! I also have had an increase of working with gemstones people are purchasing on their own and I get to design around them.
Some of my favourite gemstones come from Brooke’s Customs. This family run business is a wife and husband team that source interesting rough gemstones that they meticulously cut into interesting shapes that are outside of what you would typically find, take a look!
All gemstones are from Brooke’s Customs
Sunday Bench Work at Jewel Envy!
Today is a slower day in the store, but lots of great work is being made in the studio still! Like these fantastic silver hand forged earrings by Jamie Rosario. Each one of these elements is hammered out by hand and then meticulously put together to form these Alexander Calder-esk balancing earrings.
January Birthstone
The beautiful garnet is the birthstone for those born in January! Garnets are well known for their deep red hue but they also come in a range of colours, including yellow, orange, green, and purple.
Pictured is a garnet ring by Pash Jewellery Design.
Below are a couple of antique garnet pieces in green and orange!
Demantoid Garnet Snake Brooch, c.1890.
Victorian Style Spessartine Garnet and Diamond Ring.
Opals
Vandervelden, Bibi. Siren Tail. 2025. BIBIVANDERVELDEN, https://www.instagram.com/p/DEcqfGLTeAs/?img_index=2
The name opal is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word upala, which means ‘jewel’, and later the Greek derivative opállios.
There are many types of opals and countries of origin. The most popular being Australian and Ethiopian opals. However, you can find opals from Mexico, Peru, Nevada and Brazil.
In terms of cost, Ethiopian opals are cheaper because they don’t control the market like Australian opals. However, they are just as beautiful.
That said, Ethiopian opals, unlike Australian opals which are sedimentary, are hydrophane. They can absord water and potentially lose their brilliance.
Rings
Definition of ring: a circle band worn on the finger.
Rings are not only used as adornment but they are used to symbolize authority, fidelity or social status.
Earliest existing rings were found in the tombs of Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used them primarily as seals or signet rings, to identify documents from the wearer.
Ancient greeks wore rings mostly as adornment and were the originators of rings as gifts of affection.
During the Hellenistic period, bezels started being used to hold cabochon stones.
In Rome, rings were an important symbol of social status. Only certain classes could wear gold rings and everyone else wore rings of iron.
Nowadays, rings are worn as adornment and also a symbol of love or friendship. Rings nowadays are not only made with precious metals like gold and silver but base metals too for fashion jewellery like copper and silver and stainless steel.
At Jewel Envy, all goldsmiths use silver or gold to make jewellery as it can be resized and repaired, creating an everlasting piece of jewellery for the wearer.
Put us on your List!
Are you in Toronto before Hannukah and Christmas and looking to explore local shops?
Whether you are feeling topsy-turvy, on a mission, or relaxed and taking in the sights and sounds of city, you are welcome to come and see us at the Jewel Envy Studio today (until 6pm), tomorrow (10am-6pm), and Tuesday (10am-4:30).
We have lots of unique gifts and lovely pieces to look at that will have you spinning or centered, depending on your preference.
Just look for the biggest blue house in Roncesvalles, on the corner of Roncesvalles and Marion Street.
Happy Holidays!