WIRE WEAVING

The first ever recorded history of wire weaving was in ancient Egypt. It was used to create gold and silver jewellery. Not only did the ancient Egyptians use it but so did the Vikings.

The Vikings used gold and silver to weave ropes worn by their important leaders. This process was called the viking knit.

It was also used for body armour like chainmail.

I bring up weaving because it is still done to this day.

This was created by Edna and also weaved. However, soldering was also used for many many parts. Then she added the pearls as an embellishment. I think it’s gorgeous. What do you think?

Pink and Blue Era

We are feeling hot pink and electric blue at the Big Blue House today.

This colour combination is a popular one in the studio.

The gems available in these tones are spectacular, and we love the contrast.

To engage, celebrate, or flash out, there are many style choices.

Paired or mismatched, a beautiful duo is a beautiful duo.

Check out the new additions to our online store, or drop by Tues-Sun to try something on.

Gemstone Basics

Which stones are good for a particular type of jewellery? What settings are best?

Some stones are perfect for any setting and type of jewellery, while others will have a longer wearable life if you plan their use a little more strategically. Below are some common stones and the best ways to use them in jewellery. These suggestions assume an average quality stone.

The following stones are suitable for any setting and any type of jewellery;

  • Diamonds
  • Sapphires
  • Rubies
  • Garnets
  • Citrine
  • Topaz

Emeralds – Very fragile. Best suited to bezel settings in earrings and necklaces where they will be protected

Tourmalines – can be fragile due to many natural inclusions, best with a bezel setting to protect the stones

Aquamarine – good hardness but surface loses surface luster quickly, better for jewellery not on the hands

Pearls – Soft.  Used in earrings, beads in necklaces, on pendants and in some circumstances pins. Avoid use in everyday rings

The following stones are all fragile so when used they should be in a protected setting. Often glueing into a setting is advisable. Avoid use in rings;

  • Opals
  • Coral

Reference:

Batcher, Gillian E. (2013) 20 Tips on maintaining our Jewellery. Toronto. Blurb Inc.

New items added to our online shop

Have you checked out the newest additions to our online shop?!

We want to make shopping easier from the comfort of your home, so online is a great place to start your shopping.

Every pic below has a link to our online shop <3

To knot or not to knot.

To knot or not to knot, which gems need a knot for protection?

Knots between beads are often used as a decorative element but they also serve a function within some pieces of jewellery, creating a protective barrier between beads so that they are not damaged by rubbing against each other during normal wear.

Pearls benefit from knots between each bead but this is only necessary in higher quality pearl pieces.

Rice and seed pearls rarely have knots between each bead as they are inexpensive and worn more as fashion pieces than as fine jewellery pieces, although there are higher end pearls from these families that you would want to protect.

Other soft stones that benefit from knotting between beads include turquoise, amber, jet and coral, but there are many more.

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

Tourmalines!

These beautiful tourmaline rings are handmade by Hyewon Jang, one of the goldsmiths at Jewel Envy.

Tourmaline is the October birthstone!

In the 1700s, Dutch traders called stones they could not identify as “turamali.” There were quite a few because tourmalines come in so many different colours.

 

Science meets jewellery

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!

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:

Roman Coil Bangle by Kathy Winfield of Winfield Design

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




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