When we craft jewellery, we begin with a small step in what may be a project that involves many different processes, challenges and new learning. Even an experienced jeweler regularly tackles things they are less comfortable with that may involve new challenges and techniques. Below you can see a selection of the numerous steps that go into making a custom 18 karat and opal necklace. Head to our instagram to see a more in depth video reel of the creation of this piece. This piece was created by Aurora Simmons of Handmade Revolution.
It’s a bit wintry out today, so thinking about cheery purple stones is making me smile. Which is good, because the birthstone for February is the amethyst.
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, and its colour comes from irradiation, or inpurities of different metals or other trace elements (although mainly iron). It’s got a nice hardness, (if you read the post a few weeks ago about Mohs, you’ll know what I mean :), so it’s a lovely stone to use in jewellery.
It’s also something that is found in Ontario. I remember traveling with my dad when I was young (he was a long haul trucker), and passing through Thunder Bay area, and seeing all the amethyst crystals, rocks and finished jewellery (yes, I was a magpie even then!).
So…..here’s some purple to brighten your day!
Lovely pieces from our studio members: flower pendant from Jenn (Frekkel Designs), large optic amethyst pendant by Gillian (Pash Jewellery Design), stacking rings by Robin (House of Cassady), and large flower ring by Alexis (Glaciale Goldsmith).
We’d love to see you, why not come in and explore what else we’ve got for the person born in February in your life?
Do you have pieces of Jewellery in your Jewellery box that you no longer wear? Come and visit us at Jewel Envy and our Goldsmiths can help you give your pieces a refresh!
This hammered finish sterling silver bracelet was tarnished and the owner no longer wore it. The decorative engraving was removed and the finish was revised from polished to a new satin finish!
Gemstones are graded by hardness, this helps jewellers choose appropriate minerals and gems based on the wear and tear they might encounter.
The Mohs scales uses 10 minerals as its reference, these are:
1.Talc
2.Gypsum
3.Calcite
4.Fluorite
5.Apatite
6.Orthoclase (Feldspar)
7.Quartz
8.Topaz
9.Corundum (rubies/sapphires)
10.Diamond
Generally jewellery appropriate gemstones fall in the 7-10 range with some exceptions being Amber, Pearl, Opal, and Coral (Organic Gem Materials)
The Mohs scale measures a minerals resistance to scratches (hardness) using a reference mineral. Developed in 1812 by German mineralogist, Friedrich Mohs. The scale uses a NON-linear numbering system from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest)
The scientific definition of hardness is the ability to resist scratching. Hardness depends on the bonds that hold the atoms together within a crystal structure. If a material is harder it will disrupt those bonds leading to what we would call a ‘scratch’.
Using this chart for reference jewellers can get a rough idea of how delicate a material is.
What a beautiful, sunny Sunday! The birds are chirping, people are out and about, and the sun is streaming into the studio!
Although it is only February, there is an air of spring in the shop today – and I am feeling extra inspired to showcase some of our pieces that embody this feeling of warmth, nature, and renewal 🌷
April Necklace by Karyn Houston
Blue Jay Earrings by Gillian E Batcher
Sliding Double Sided Pendant by By Edna Milevsky
Poppy Studs by Jennifer Trotman
All of these beautiful pieces are available through our online shop – or, if you would like to take advantage of this beautiful day, pop-by the shop and come see them in person!
Kathy Winfield joined the Jewel Envy studio last spring, and has been producing beautiful work since! She has an eye for design and simplicity that allows for the natural qualities of the materials used to shine.
Below are some of her recent pieces:
Roman Inspired Coil Bangle; Sterling Silver
Twist Hoops, Sterling Silver
Hand Carved Band; Sterling Silver
Chain Bracelet & Earrings; Sterling Silver
Come into the shop and see some of the elegant work produced by Winfield Designs in person!
It may sound obvious but many people are in the habit of sleeping with their rings on.
So why does this matter? Your hands often swell at night and if you are wearing a ring all the time you may become so accustomed to it that you might not realize it has drastically reduced the circulation to your finger, which can cause nerve damage.
Another problem that may occur over time is that your hands can change around the ring, so that it no longer comes off at any point.
Both of these situations can lead to a trip to the hospital and end with a surgeon cutting off your ring.
If you like your ring, protect it and take it off at night.
’20 Tips on maintaining our Jewellery’, Gillian E. Batcher, 2013
When it comes to goldsmithing and jewellery making, chains are pretty much essential. Whether large or small, handmade or machine made, the chain we choose needs to work with the aesthetic of the piece, and hold up to the practical needs and weight of the piece. These choices also determine the cost of the finished piece, so financial balance is considered by our goldsmiths as well. Ideally, we want to feel good about every aspect of our jewellery, so here is a mini breakdown to help you decide.
Handmade and Hearty
Handmade chains tend to be unique and chunky. The desire for a handmade chain is the desire to see and feel the creativity of the artist. These pieces are statement pieces – one of a kind and easy to identify as yours. They tend to be made of solid material, like the solid Sterling silver pieces shown here, or solid gold that can be made upon request.
Half and Half
Almost any chain can be handmade, but the amount of labour it takes to form and solder each link in a dainty, long, symmetrical chain, makes it impossible to compete with the cost of machine made chains. Sometimes, a goldsmith will use machine made chain, not only to balance the cost, but to balance the weight of the piece. This way, the piece falls properly, without turning in a way that requires constant adjustment.
Smart, Savvy, and Symmetrical
We know that machines can make lighter, daintier, more affordable symmetrical chains, but it is not just in their technique. Machines are able to make chain out of material that is not solid gold/silver, such as very light, hollow links, or base metal wire with gold fused around it. The durability and wearablitily differs depending on your intention for these chains, and we have some beautiful options for sale in the studio.
If you are looking for a statement chain, a signature look, an easy accessory, or a replacement for a favourite pendant, come by the studio and let us guide you through the best options for your needs. We are more than happy to nerd out on ideas, or set you up with a quick, effective solution, whichever works best for you!
