If tomorrow is a manic Monday, you may wish it was still today. And what do we have in the studio today? Bangles! Gorgeous bangles and cuffs handmade by our jewellers.
Featuring the Bangles
Bird is the word
Blue Jay Earrings by Gillian Batcher of Pash Jewellery Design
Raccoon Pendant by Aurora Simmons of Handmade Revolution
Cardinal Earrings by Gillian Batcher of Pash Jewellery Design
The Basics of Jewellery Cleaning
Caring for Costume Jewellery
A different set of rules applies to caring for costume jewellery and they really start with “if it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it”.
Costume jewellery is put together using a variety of commercial techniques that include spot soldering, welding, casting, gluing, and plating. When costume jewellery breaks it cannot usually be repaired to look the same as before as a goldsmith cannot use the same procedure for soldering on softer metals as they are often toxic. Soft solder can be used in some cases, but it is never a permanent solution. The piece is most often fixed with a glue or cement, but it is only a matter of time before the piece will break again.
Costume jewellery is not made to last in most cases and is intended for disposal once it has broken. Inventive jewellery can often redesign a piece or come up with ingenious ways to reattach parts, but you must be willing to let go at a certain point or expense.
A goldsmith will do their best to save your sentimental pieces but as they were not only made in a way that allows for many traditional repairs, some pieces will have to be let go while others may be salvageable.
Consider having your goldsmith remake a design in materials that can last over time and that can be repaired as part of their natural cycle of wear and use.
These inherited costume clip on earrings had a broken clasp. The customer chose to remake these into 2 pairs of earrings in order to share with another family member
’20 Tips on maintaining our Jewellery’, Gillian E. Batcher, 2013
New Series from House of Cassady now available!
I’m adding new work to my bubbles at the studio this week, and I’m pretty stoked about it. These are a series of pieces designed around the red blood cell (yes, it’s my ongoing obsession with the immune system coming out again!).
This is an picture of a field of red blood cells. Essential carriers of iron, among other things, did you know they don’t have a nucleus (brain of the cell!), giving them that characteristic “donut” look.
These are the base series (all done in sterling silver!): a short and longer element done as: bracelet, pendants, ring and 3 earring styles. (backdrop postcard done by Leonie Schoen– don’t you love it??)
I have plans for some other, slightly more elaborate pieces in the future, but these first pieces will be available in the studio from next week. I’ve decided to call them “Rolling”, since I feel like I can see them rolling along a blood vessel.
Wondering how big they are? Here’s some scale photos:
My favourite are the half hoops, I think–how about you?
Visit the studio to see them in person, and try them on! With their simple elegance, and undulating curves, they’re sure to be a new favourite!
Happy Saturday!
August is Peridot Season
“Is it peri-dott, or peri-doh?” the inquisitive August-born asks.
The answer, just like the glowing green color of this gemstone, comes from within. What a perfect gift for those who are loved for who they truly are.
The word has French origin, so most jewellers will drop the t, but we accept both pronunciations.
Drop by Jewel Envy and start your journey to having an exquisite custom peridot piece that shows its inner beauty in any situation.
Pearls Aren’t Just for Barbie Anymore!
Barbie and her pearls have always been an iconic image, but here at Jewel Envy, we want to show you that pearls can be for everyone!
Pearls are a great way to add a little extra pizazz to any outfit!
Good quality pearls are also something that you can feel good about with wearing! Today, properly cultured pearls are ethically and sustainably sourced. The most beautiful pearls require the best living conditions which means that the environment in which they are grown in have to be pristine. That means protecting the waters in which they are grown in, and taking care of the animals that produce these marvelous little gems.
Many of our goldsmiths already incorporate the use of pearls in their work, but you can always come in and ask for a custom pearl piece as well!
Acrylic, sterling silver, and pearl earrings by Edna Milevsky and a sterling silver nautilus pendant with a cute little pearl by Aurora Simmons.
More pearl studs and earrings by Edna Milevsky.
Various pearl and gemstone necklaces in both sterling silver and gold by Edna Milevsky.
Lastly, a few tips for keeping your pearls so they last for many years!
- Pearls should be the last thing that you put on and the first thing that you take off when leaving and returning home. Spray your perfume and hairspray before you put on your pearls in order to protect the nacre from harsh chemicals.
- Pearls love moisture! So do not store them in an airtight plastic bag or in a safe or safety deposit box! The best place to keep them is wrapped in a soft cloth and then stored in a soft pouch.
- Maintenance! It is important to restring your pearls every few years in order to keep them looking their best and so you have less chance of breakage. (We offer pearl re-stringing here at Jewel Envy!)
Hydrostone
Hydro stone is a light weight plaster which can be used to create very tough wearable objects with a very similar feel and working properties to stone. It’s similar to the investment compound we use in casting. Mix with water and let set and it quickly becomes a stone like material.
Check out these jury-rigged molds I’ve been playing around with! Simply created using foam board and a glue gun.
They look pretty rough, but they work!
Why are the Cardinals red?
There are so many different types of alternative finishings for jewellery. Today, I want to introduce to you ceramit enamel. Ceramit is basically low temperature curing, hard enamel. It has a ceramic like surface. Ceramit comes in 14 colours. The beautiful cardinals with their vibrant red colour is red ceramit.
Earrings – Sterling silver with black spinels and red ceramit. By Gillian Batcher.
Enamel? What’s that, you say?
Who doesn’t love a bit of colour, when it comes to jewellery? Mixed metal colours (eg silver/high karat gold), gemstones that make a rainbow, and enamel. Enamel is so fun, and versatile. So, what is it? There are a few things that are considered “enamel” (more about that in a bit), but traditionally, enamel is a silica-based colour– that’s right, it’s glass! This means that, like soft stones, you do need to be a bit careful with it, but the effects are totally worth it.
Another type of enamel, Ceramit, gives a ceramic and glass-like finish, but is used in liquid form, and solidifies at much lower temperature than traditional glass enamel requires to melt. Personally, as a goldsmith, I like the versatility of traditional enamel, as well as the potential for unpredictability, depending on how you use it when making a piece of jewellery!
Come in and explore colour in the retail area at the studio. Or, if you fancy having a try at enameling yourself, come in for a workshop! We do a one day workshop, and if you’re interested, if you don’t see it on the schedule, drop us a line (info@jewelenvy.ca), and we’ll put it up!
Happy Saturday!
Silver for Summertime
I love the versatility of silver jewelry and the way it glistens in the sun! It’s no secret that silver jewelry is on trend and becoming an increasingly popular choice this year. Cool and light, it makes the perfect summer statement as it looks great with breezy summer outfits – it can be casual enough to sport dock-side, or dressed up for an event!
Here are some fun breezy prices that would make a stylish addition to your collection, yet are simple and timeless enough to continue wearing throughout the seasons and for years to come ☀️
Heart Ring by Jerell Reichert
Silver Ring by Kathy Winfield
Silver Studs by Maddie Kingston
Silver Loop Bracelet by Natalia Naranjo
Unique layering options with silver chains in various styles!