Hi, my name is Jack Donovan and I am the newest member here at Jewel Envy. I have been working as a solo jeweler for the last ten years. It’s an exciting change for me to be in a space where I’m surrounded by so much creative energy and such a great team of talented artists.
My current work is inspired by the gold and silver work of antiquity, blended with modern gem cuts and engraving techniques.
One of our resident goldsmiths, Shafiq Sarwari, has been trying to help his family leave Afganistan safely for a number of years.
For those following the crisis the need for support is great, and the opportunities to initiate change have seemingly insurmountable barriers to effect it. If you know the goldsmiths of Jewel Envy well, you know we are a family and when one is in need, we all try to help.
It is with this background that I, and other amazing people in our community have stepped up to form an official Group of 5 Sponsorship to help Shafiq’s family to come to Canada. Our paperwork has been submitted and now we wait to see if it is approved!
We will be asking our community to support fundraising events when we are further along in this process but for the month of December, Gillian, the owner of Jewel Envy, and her husband will be *matching 20% of all December sales towards their sponsorship.
We know it is a year where budgets may be limited and choices need to be made about where to spend money. If you are looking to spend in places where those dollars will help the most come and shop with us!
All of the jewellery sold here is made by our on-site goldsmiths so you will be supporting both your local economy and Shafiq’s family who are currently refuges in Pakistan, dreaming of living somewhere without persecution of their beliefs, especially those around equality for the women and girls in the family.
*funds will be matched up to a maximum of $10 000
I was walking in this morning, and the weather was dreadful (I was soaked by the time arrived!). You’d never know it now, it’s very sunny as I look outside.
As I was walking in, I thought it was a good time to remind you that we’re doing a collaboration, or feature of something different in the store….these Campfire Kiss candles by Eric Petersen. I’m not going to go into the whole story here, but if you’re interested, you can read the whole thing here: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV.
I have to admit, I’m not usually a big fan of frangrances, and campfire has never been one of my favourite smells, but this one, is amazing. The fragrance is not overpowering, and rather than irritating, it calls to mind the amazing experiences that have happened for me at or near campfires! Evocative of coziness and home, I bet it would cocoon you in its loveliness too!
You can buy them in our online shop, and pick up in the studio. Come in and check it out!
Stay dry!
–Robin
If you like to participate in holiday giving, now is the right time to come in to our store and see all the amazing pieces we have. Our designers are working hard to make new and exciting pieces for the holidays, and we have something to suit every budget and pretty much every style. The variation in the approach from artist to artist means that every piece is a bit different and there’s something for every taste.
So come on down and see all the magical jewellery that’s just waiting for you!
Metal wears over time and rings are the most common pieces of jewellery that need to be repaired because they are worn the most.
If you notice your ring is much thinner under your
finger than the areas in between your fingers, your ring may need to be re-shanked.
This is the process where the thin area of metal is cut out and a thicker piece of metal is soldered back into place.
If a thin ring has cracked it can be soldered back together but a good Jeweller will also suggest re-shanking for a longer lasting solution.
20 Tips on maintaining our Jewellery, Gillian E. Batcher, 2013
So, I very rarely get the chance to get away, so when a friend offered the opportunity to visit Las Vegas, I said “yes, please!”. So, that’s where I was last week; playing hooky from all things work. But, you know, I still love art, and took the opportunity to visit the “Art District”. A bit north of the main strip, it’s a slightly odd place to visit, but fun.
I saw alot of graffiti. Interestingly, apparently this is an area that you can go to and try out different things, which I thought was an interesting concept.
More graffiti, it’s not always my thing, but I can appreciate when there is a bit more art to it.
I also saw a lot of building murals, which were quite interesting. Here are some examples of what you can see there, from the surreal, to the political. Some are very polished, and others less slick, but still visually very interesting.
If you’ve never been there, it was definitely worth the walk around, especially if you’re looking for a break from the Strip (which, frankly, is pretty much constant sensory overload!).
It remains to be seen as to whether what I viewed will inspire me to develop new pieces, but I guess time will tell!
If you’re hanging around Roncevalles this weekend, pop into the Big Blue House and see what new art we’ve got for your viewing pleasure (or purchasing pleasure :). We always look forward to seeing you!
Have a great weekend, and I hope you see something that inspires you!
-Robin.
It’s that time of year again… The weather is getting colder, decorations are going up – the holidays are just around the corner! ✨
Why not give the gift of a Jewellery-making class at Jewel Envy? We have classes starting in the New Year, making them the perfect gift idea for the Jewellery lover in your life, or and for those who love creating, having new experiences, and learning new skills.
All classes are 8-week long, making them the gift that keeps on giving! Students will get to learn different aspects and techniques of Jewellery design throughout the duration of their class, and will leave with their own special collection of handmade pieces.
Classes run once a week, from 6:30-9:30pm:
For more info on the classes and on how to register, visit our website or stop by the store!
https://www.jewelenvy.ca/take-a-class/
❄
Browse through this post, check out our online shop, or drop in for gift ideas. There are way too many beautiful pieces to capture through photos; I wanted to compile some to browse through in this blog post. Some have links you can follow to purchase, otherwise do not hesitate to email with questions or to purchase <3
There is so much more to see in the studio, more item are added weekly!
Texture and metal colour of a wedding band are a simple way to embody and symbolize your love for a partner. Whether one of our bands speaks to you or you chat with one of our goldsmiths to custom create a variation, we got ya covered!
Now that you have read about Eric’s past, his love of jewellery, his loves of flames lets tie it all together with the explanation of why Jewel Envy felt compelled to promote him and this epic journey by starting with Eric’s personal recollection of how he became acquainted with Jewel Envy.
Eric Petersen first met Gillian Batcher (Jewel Envy’s founder) while he was working at Zilberschmuck Art + Jewellery, a former gallery for Canadian jewellery artists. In fact, Gillian was the first person, outside of jewellery school, with whom he connected with.
They’ve kept an eye on each other’s career’s ever since, Petersen was present for the grand opening of Jewel Envy and other events and he has admired Gillian from afar, for her support of local jewellery artists, her drive, and brilliant business acumen. Not to mention the blue house!
15 years later, their professional admiration for each other is going strong, showing love on social media and Petersen was thrilled that Batcher saw the vision, or “the light” some might say, of his latest venture- a luxury scented candle made by master perfumers in Grasse, France – a nod to nature, nostalgia, his personal past, as well as his utmost appreciation for quality made goods.
Petersen is thrilled to have Jewel Envy’s support as a stockist and hopes his candle will bring light into people’s lives in the same way that Batcher and Jewel Envy have brought light to countless couples and individuals. The fire is lit, let there be light!
How wonderful for paths to cross at the beginning of a career and continue to Cris-cross until an opportunity to work together is presented.
“I recall meeting Eric at the Zilberschmuck opening. I was impressed with his work and fearlessness to share parts of himself that could have been kept private. In making them public the shared information showed his depth of strength and drive. Eric has also been able to embrace and appreciate all of life’s moments, big and small, and always looks towards a bright future. I see the light reflected in his eyes and have been watching the passion burn. I am so excited to be able to support him and represent his latest luxury item and know it will just be one of many products he brings to market throughout his career”.
