Blog of Jewellery and Goldsmiths at Jewel Envy

Science meets jewellery

September 28, 2024September 28, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

My sister is a scientist! A lot of the time when talking to her about science things, I get confused and don’t know what she is talking about but I listen! This inspired me to write this post. Robin Cassady-Cain from House of Cassady is a goldsmith at Jewel Envy. A lot of her jewellery is inspired by science specifically immunology.

Immunology: Immunology is the branch of science dealing with the components of the immune system, immunity from disease, the immune response, and immunologic techniques of analysis¹

Robin starts off her designs with sketch ideas for inspiration.

Here is some of her work:

You can find some of her science inspired jewellery on her website at www.houseofcassady.ca , in store at jewel envy, DM through instagram https://www.instagram.com/hocassady_jewellery_and_kilts/ .

She also does custom orders too! Below is an science inspired star sapphire and lab grown diamond ring designed and made by her!

Have a great day!

Eunice

Editing photos, updates coming!

September 22, 2024September 22, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

Alexis here! We’ve been working away taking and editing photos to update our signage and postcards in the studio, check out a few pics I am sorting through today:

Inlay Brooch by Hyewon Jang of H Jewellery

Toi et Moi Ring by Robin Cassidy-Cain of House of Cassady

Gradation studs by Alexis Kostuk of glaciale goldsmith

It’s the Polish Festival!

September 14, 2024September 14, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

It must be September, because there is music (weirdly no polka yet that I’ve heard, but it’s early), and Roncevalles is closed to cars between Howard Park Ave and Queen. That’s right, it’s the Polish Festival! We are still open at the Blue House, so if you’re wandering this way, stop in and say hi! (And see some fun jewellery!). And we have a new windows display on our Roncesvalles side for your viewing pleasure!

Snapped a quick pic of the polka stage! There are so many tents set up on Roncevalles!

New window display of Frekkeldesigns Love Bubble Collection – must see in person to properly appreciate them!

Here’s a bit of a closer picture of some of Jen’s Love Bubbles that you can see in the studio!

Enjoy the lovely September weather we’re having and hope to see you soon!

-Robin.

Big Blue Renovation

September 8, 2024September 8, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

Jewel Envy started with partnerships and cooperation. The family and collective has grown, so too does our studio space. In our continued tradition of “all hands on deck”, Gillian’s troops are working hard to prepare the space for more equipment, more expertise, and more possibilities. We’re almost there!

How can you tell if something is well made without training

August 24, 2024August 24, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

There are a few telltale signs to look for when buying jewellery that should help you avoid disappointment later.

Are the findings the appropriate size and weight for the piece of jewellery? The findings are connectors (earrings, pin back, clasps, etc.) If they look too thin, assume they are and that someone was trying to save money on materials. Does the clasp function easily and hold the jewellery on? It should! A handmade clasp is often a sign of attention to detail and should not be overlooked just because it is in the back. But be sure that it works.

How is the metal finished? Can you see scratches that are deeper in some areas than others? If the answer is yes, the piece should go back to the emery or polishing stage. Different finishes are acceptable, but consistency is an important distinction.

Are there purplish cloudy areas in the sterling silver? That is probably not just tarnish, but something called firescale. Firescale is a growth in the metal from overheating. In most cases it can be removed, but it does take skill and practice to do this efficiently. Check with the maker to find out if removal is possible.

Are solder seams complete? There should be no pits or sections in a seam that are not filled with solder. Incomplete solder seams are weaker than full seams and create small crevices which catch debris and can be difficult to clean.

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

Get Ready, Get Set!

August 18, 2024August 18, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

Our lovely customer came in with her engagement ring missing a diamond, and the original matching band. She wanted to replace the diamond and create a duplicate, perfectly matched wedding band to create a 3 ring set. Other stores did not have the ability to hand make a very similar copy, but our Goldsmith Jennifer (@frekkeldesigns ) was up to the task. It was a meticulous process, but we are happy to say that our customer was thrilled with the result and did not expect the rings to be an exact match. Exceeding expectations is our favourite!

A (slightly) abstract tale of science

August 17, 2024August 17, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

Well, it’s a dark and stormy Saturday in Roncy – complete with warnings of hail, tornado (well, not in Toronto, but not that far off!), etc. Amazing how it can still be so humid!! Anyway, sign of the times, I guess. So, here’s a piece of jewellery to brighten your day!

This hand crafted necklace by studio member Robin (House of Cassady) in sterling silver features a hand-knotted string of beads with two colours of silk, and oval jadite beads, with hunter green needled felt. As an added touch, the clasp is hidden by a textured hollow form. The two metal elements are representative of different kinds of cells of the immune system (a common theme in a lot of Robin’s work).

Interested in knowing more? Come in and try it on, and ask some questions about it! No two necklaces are the same, and can be made to order in a specific colour palette.

Stay dry! Hope to welcome you to the studio soon!

New Member Close Up!

August 7, 2024August 7, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

Close ups of a hand carved acorn and oak leaf band by our new member Zoey Perse. Zoey specializes in hand carving natural motifs. She recently graduated from the two year goldsmithing program at George Brown College and is excited to be a part of the Jewel Envy community.

High Jewellery

August 6, 2024August 8, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

High Jewellery : Also known as Haute Joaillerie. Only the finest of metals and gemstones are used.

“High Jewellery is the Haute Couture of the jewellery world. A celebration of the art of the jeweller, working with the finest of precious materials, and meticulous, rarefied, often breath-taking craftsmanship that brings imaginative, creative visions to life,” says jewellery historian Vivienne Becker.

High jewellery is extremely unique. It is probably a One of a Kind piece.

Wallace Chan Hera 2019 ring and brooch. Black Opal, Padparadscha Sapphire, Fancy-Colored Diamond, Fancy Sapphire, Aquamarine, Tsavorite Garnet, Emerald, Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Crystal, The Wallace Chan Porcelain and Titanium.

I just love this jewellery artist with his ethereal mesmerizing pieces.

How to remove oxides and getting rid of tarnish on sterling silver.

July 28, 2024July 31, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

All sterling silver tarnishes at some point in time. The easiest method to keep your silver shiny and bright is to keep your jewellery in a jewellery box or a zip lock bag.

Rings that are worn on the fingers often, tarnish slower because of our hand oils and constant movement.

Your jewellery, if left in a washroom, will tarnish faster because of all the moisture in the air.

Now I am going to share with you 2 different methods to remove tarnish from jewellery.

The first is a silver polishing cloth. A silver polishing cloth is 100% cotton and perfect for cleaning your sterling jewellery and silverware too! It works beautifully on gold jewellery too. The cloth has anti-tarnish agents that keeps your jewellery looking shiny for years to come. It is suggested not to wash the cloth.

Last but not least is this. It is magic. Left your silver chain in the washroom and forgot about it and now its all black? No problem! Just follow the instructions on the back and it will be as shiny as ever after. I highly recommend this. BUT! disclaimer: No stones should go into this liquid. No gemstones, no rocks, definitely no opals and pearls! You will damage the stone. Come on down to jewel envy to get your own bottle!