Category: General

I am so excited to be joining the Jewel Envy studio this summer! I am a recent graduate of the Jewelry Design program at Haliburton School of Art + Design, and am looking so forward to exploring new ideas and developing my work alongside the other jewelers in the studio.

I am interested in creating unique textures, one-off forms, and pieces for everyday wear.

I’m so excited to be exploring new ideas and sharing my work with the Jewel Envy community. Please feel free to reach out if you are interested in anything, or if you would like to work together to have something custom created!

– Maddie

instagram.com/m_kingston_

It’s a sunny Saturday, and I’m in the studio–come visit us if you’re hanging out on Roncy!

With the nicer weather, and with things opening up more than they have in two years, alot of the summer craft shows are back live and in person…including the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair! There are usually at least a couple of the members from the studio that participate, and I’m very excited to be one of them this year (Alexis- Glaciale Goldsmith will also be there).

I try to always have some new work, and I’m not entirely there yet, but I’ve got a few things that are in process, so I thought I’d give you a sneak peek!

These little elegant pendants have proven to be popular….

…so, I’ve been working on a new necklace and earring design to add to this series….

…I’ve also been working on some new stacking rings– a wider band with an elevated pearl, and some 10kt yellow gold gemstone rings with some more interesting gemstones (this one is a tanzanite).

Finally, I have this one-of-a-kind necklace based on part of my Defense of Life necklace (if you’re interested, you can read about it here)…it’s very nearly finished, just need to add some gems to it, so I’ll keep you guessing on which ones I’ve chosen!

I also finished this earlier this year, but the TOAF is the first opportunity to see it for the first time in person. I wrote about the motivation and creation of this exciting ring here.

I’m just so glad to be doing a show in person again. This is the second time I’ll be participating, but last year, it was mostly online. I’m most looking forward to interacting with people in person, although I’m pretty happy that it’s an open air show (I’m still a bit uncertain about being indoors with large crowds of people!).

So, if you’re around Toronto next month (July 15-17th), I hope you’ll visit us at Nathan Phillips Square and say hi!

Catch you soon!

–Robin (House of Cassady)

I feel silly admitting to a YA series buoying my mood as of lately, and I will never admit to how many time I have rewatched this series. Gosh darnit, my newly made Heartstopper inspired earrings are now going to be in regular wear rotation to add a smile to my face (under my mask 😉

I’ve also been noting new smiling graffiti around Parkdale, definitely another thing bringing a smile to my face lately. What has been bringing you joy lately? let us know in the comments below or drop in for a chat.

– Alexis

As our weather seems to be settling into more familiar summer patterns, we are heading into a month characterized by various options and shifts.

In the Zodiac, June is mostly for Gemini, the twins. People under this sign can be called indecisive, or impulsive, but having a Gemini dear to my heart, I prefer “flexible” and “innovative” and “spontaneous”.

It is no surprise then, that the birthstone for June is one of three options, and one of those options can change colours depending on the light in which it is seen.

A pearl has often been the traditional choice for a June birthstone, but its soft nacre can make it a delicate choice for everyday wear. These earrings by our Edna Milevsky are perfectly protected and showcased in her handmade designs.

Moonstone comes in different shades and shapes and can be a gorgeous, ethereal addition to any jewellery. Its white clouds and shadows will wave just below the surface as the piece is turned and moved to different angles.

Personally, I love Alexandrite. It is possible to get high quality, natural stones that change colour depending on whether they are viewed in natural light or not. When I say change, I mean big changes – reds, greens, purples, blues. They aren’t “moody”, they just seem different in different situations. It is also possible to get beautiful natural Alexandrites that do not change, and synthetic stones that change colour, at more accessible availability and prices.

Here at Jewel Envy, we have gorgeous pieces ready for your Junebug’s birthday, or have a chat with one of our goldsmiths about creating something new and unique!

My most recent classes have all had such enthusiastics learners that have inspired my general outlook as of late. I try my best to snap pics (not every piece photographs well) but there has been such a range in ideas and skills that have me excited to teach, interact and share more than ever.

Below is an array of images from the last few classes taught by me; resident goldsmith, Manager, new ukulele owner: Alexis.

Well, winter has definitely disappeared (okay, I won’t tempt fate, so I’ll say-for the moment). It’s supper sunny, so you’re probably all outside! In any case, I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you about a new piece I made, that is currently on exhibition in BC (yes, it’s done some traveling!), at the annual Craft Council BC Earring Show (you can browse the exhibition catalogue here, extra points if you spot fellow member goldsmith Edna Milevsky’s contribution too!).

I made these specifically to put forward for the Earring Show. In fact, I had intended to put them in last year, but I had some serious Covid malaise going on, and didn’t manage too. That’s okay, it meant my motivation this year was even higher to get them done!

Introducing Tumbling- sterling silver, cast and fabricated, with garnets, roller-printed texture and needled felt. They’re pretty epic at almost 12 g each, and about 3 inches long-they make a statement!

I’m guessing you all are acquainted with my immune cell obsession by now, so I’m sure it’s no big surprise that my piece is science-inspired!

All species have some form of immune system, however, the details are subtly different. The base of my Tumbling earrings is inspired by the shape of chicken red blood cells (which are nucleated, unlike mammalian red blood cells), and mammalian lymphocytes and monocytes. Each earring is constructed in two parts, joined by a hinge. The kinetic movement, and their asymmetric design are meant to give the impression of flow, reflecting the idea that cells in the blood are constantly on the move, and also attach and “tumble” along the inside of blood vessels.

Wax forms before casting for the individual base components.

Auditioning placement of the fabricated components.

I had to get a bit creative when I set the garnets to make sure the piece was supported enough! Lots of improv and making your own widgets in jewellery-making!

So, like I said, they’re currently on the other side of the country, but they’ll probably be back in June, so you can eyeball them in person! In the meantime, if you like the concept, but think something on a slightly smaller scale would suit you, come in and browse other work, or let’s have a conversation!

Enjoy your Saturday!

–Robin (House of Cassady)

I don’t know if you caught our studio reel yesterday, but Gillian, the studio owner (organiser? one-woman motivating band?) announced that the shop has won an award for 2021/2022: Best Art Jewellery Store-Toronto.

As you may know, we really strive to build relationships with our community. As a group of goldsmiths, we bring an eclectic aesthetic to the retail area of the studio, as well as high standard of quality. With our dedication to our own unique work, our commitment to helping clients realise their own vision for custom pieces, and our never-tiring pursuit of renewing and repairing your jewellery that you just want to keep on loving, it’s really nice when that dedication is recognised.

Here it is, in it’s new home at the studio!

Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community- clients, students and my fellow goldsmiths, so thank you all for helping to contribute to our success, we really do appreciate it, and, as always, we hope to see you around the studio soon.

Enjoy the sunny Saturday!

– Robin (House of Cassady)