General – Jewel Envy

Sunny Sunday at the studio

July 19, 2026July 19, 2026Jewel EnvyGeneral

I’m low-key obsessed with this emerald drop necklace by studio member Shafiq Sarwari. Drop in to see it in person (as well as the other amazing pieces he has available!).

The Pink That Pops, Rocks.

July 18, 2026July 18, 2026Jewel EnvyGeneral

Coming into the Big Blue House today was a very welcome difference to the dreariness of the weather. I wasn’t the only one, as we had lots of new vistors today, looking to be cheered and inspired by something beautiful.

As I dusted the bubble cases holding our gems, I pledged to bring attention to the brightest, cheeriest pieces which caught my eye and would do there best to turn our weather’s frown upside down.

Of course, it was, once again, Eunice’s beautiful pink expressions of joy and hope to stop the rain…

There’s nothing finer than work from a great designer!

The Birth of Sterling Silver

July 12, 2026July 12, 2026Jewel EnvyGeneral

What is sterling silver? Sterling silver, also known as S925 is an alloy made up of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% other alloys, mostly copper. Fine silver, although pure is super soft, malleable and prone to damage.

It is said that sterling silver originated in 12th century england. The name is said to be derived from the Old Norman word “esterlin,” which meant “little star.” This term was used to describe the small silver coins that were in circulation at the time, known as “sterlings” or “pennies.” Eventually, the term “sterling” became synonymous with high-quality silver.

In 1300, King Edward I of England passed a law that required all silver items, including jewelry, to meet a certain standard of purity. This standard was set at 92.5% pure silver, the same composition as modern-day sterling silver S925. The remaining 7.5% was typically made up of copper, which added strength and durability to the silver without compromising its beauty.

Nowadays, sterling silver is still going strong and used by goldsmiths in their work, adding gemstones, enamel and making intricate designs that are a lot more affordable than gold but just as beautiful .

Enamelling at Jewel Envy

July 5, 2026July 5, 2026Jewel EnvyGeneral

Students at our one-day enamelling workshop are putting together some complex compositions.

Designs start out on tracing paper, and are then realized in copper wire forms made with pliers, and laid onto copper sheet. Enamel in liquid form is used to fill the copper form, and when heated in the kiln, becomes solid.

Check out our class in action!

Hard at Work

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026Jewel EnvyGeneral

Here is a sneak peak of award-winning Jamie, preparing for her return to high profile exhibitions this summer, including TOAF, at Nathan Phillips Square.

Giveaway Winners!

June 14, 2026June 14, 2026Jewel EnvyGeneral

This month when you purchase a class you have the chance to win a piece of jewellery. It’s an exciting day in the studio today as two winners got to select from our jewellery giveaway wall, scroll down to see what they chose.

Should I just use a Jewellery dip solution to clean my Jewellery?

June 13, 2026June 13, 2026Jewel EnvyGeneral

Should I just use a Jewellery dip solution to clean my Jewellery?

In some of our earlier blog posts, we have covered the basics of jewellery care, including some content on cleaning. There are a variety of methods that can be used to clean your jewellery.

Using a dip may seem like the easiest method. If you choose to use a dip, you must have some knowledge about the jewellery.

Does it have gemstones? If the answer is yes, they need to be non-porous stones. Porous stones will soak up the chemicals. This can lead to discoloration as well as contributing to a complete disintegration of the stone. Some porous stones include pearls, opals, lapis lazuli, turquoise and coral. But there are many more.

You also need to know if your jewellery is plated. Dips work by removing the top layer of a piece which is the metal that has the tarnish on it.. If your pieces are plated, you will remove plating over time with repeated dip cleaning.

Understanding the difference between art jewellery, studio jewellery and costume jewellery

June 7, 2026June 7, 2026Jewel EnvyGeneral

Jewelry exists on a broad spectrum, ranging from mass-produced fashion accessories to highly conceptual works of wearable art. Three commonly used terms within this spectrum are costume jewelry, studio jewelry, and art jewelry. While they can sometimes overlap in appearance, they differ significantly in their purpose, methods of production, and relationship to artistic expression. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers, collectors, and jewelry enthusiasts appreciate the diverse roles jewelry can play in both fashion and contemporary art.

Costume jewelry is primarily designed as a fashion accessory. Often produced in large quantities, it is typically made from less expensive materials such as plated metals, glass, resin, acrylic, or synthetic stones. Its purpose is to complement current fashion trends and provide an affordable alternative to fine jewelry.

Studio jewelry, by contrast, is created by independent makers who design and fabricate their work in personal studios rather than factories. Studio jewelers are directly involved in every stage of production, resulting in pieces that emphasize craftsmanship, originality, and the artist’s individual vision. Materials may range from precious metals and gemstones to found objects and alternative materials.

Art jewelry takes the concept of jewelry a step further by prioritizing artistic and conceptual expression. While many art jewelers work in studio settings, their pieces are often created to communicate ideas, tell stories, or challenge traditional notions of adornment and value. Art jewelry may use unconventional materials, experimental techniques, or symbolic forms, positioning the work closer to sculpture or fine art than fashion accessory.

Although the boundaries between studio jewelry and art jewelry are fluid, the distinction lies in emphasis: studio jewelry highlights the maker and the handcrafted process, while art jewelry highlights the artistic message. Together, these categories illustrate how jewelry can function as fashion, craft, and art simultaneously.