Simple things can help you deal with this pandemic now that you are working from home. Nothing says more about your business than the way you present yourself. Working from home might mean that you can become lazy about how you dress.
Now that you are in front of your computer for most of the work day, talking with your co-workers and clients, your upper body becomes a very important feature. Appropriate dress is a must and a soft makeup is always a good complement.
A nice pair of earrings can soften your face and emphasize what you are saying.
This pair of earrings are short, not overpowering, easy to wear with any outfit, pretty even if you are wearing your hair up.
A necklace is always nice, even more if you are close to the screen. It gives you an elongated neck and helps to complement your face.
This necklace in silver, is a great addition to a blouse open neck or a nice top.
Last but not least a brooch is an excellent complement for any occasion at night and day not only at night. Brooches say a lot about a person. Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State in the U.S. from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton, has one of the most beautiful collections of brooches. She used them as a diplomatic tool. There were balloons, butterflies and flowers to signify optimism and, when diplomatic talks were going slowly, crabs and turtles to indicate frustration.
This is one of my brooches from a collection of butterflies, you can see at Jewel envy.
All the jewelry at Jewel Envy makes you look amazing.This and more is what we do!
Well, it’s a sunny Saturday. It’s not quite as warm as it has been, but it definitely feels like summer is coming, which lifts my heart! There’s been a lot happening in the world recently, and sometimes it’s difficult to know what to do, and it’s easy to feel like you need to find some way to contribute. This is a bit about one thing I’ve elected to participate in.
One of my colleagues sent me a link to something called the Hand Medal Project (all photos shown are from the gallery on the Hand Medal Project website).
Finished Medal example
What’s that you say? You can read some nice things about it at the link, but fit’s essentially about community recognising the amazing and vital efforts that health care workers have made to all of us during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The idea is that jewellers around the world volunteer to make little metal medals in the shape of a hand, with a little ribbon, which will then be distributed to health care workers.
There are a lot of things that appeal to me about the project. The hands are a tangible recognition from the community of contribution, as well as a memory of this period of time. I also like the idea that they will be given out to workers by their peers and own community. Of course, my secret hope is that so many people participate, and that we make soooooo many medals, that everyone who “should” get one, can have one. My personal aim is to try and devote a bit of time to them every time I’m in the studio.
It’s a longer term project-it’s not expected to wrap up until October, so still lots of opportunity to participate.
My hope is that you all staying healthy, listening to the government and healthcare experts, and following the guidance that they are recommending in this time, by being mindful of physical distancing from others and wearing face masks. Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe and healthy and keep from spreading infection. The more we do this, the sooner we will all be able to get back.
Enjoy your great Saturday, whatever you are up to!
Currently on the docket for today is finalizing details on our new outside banner. I am happy about the layout and excited to have images from almost all of the goldsmiths that work from Jewel Envy represented.
Keep an eye out for it if you are walking along Roncesvalles and be sure to drop in and say hello (at a safe distance and with a mask of course!)
This mini article is from our intern Siyu Hu from her last year at George Brown College. It is a look at one of her projects from her fifth semester of school!
Project- Make production earrings using “champlevé” technique
Enamelling gives me a lot of fun during the jewellery making process. I have an earring design which is using enamel technique. Enamelling needs to use a kiln. Jewel Envy has kiln for enamelling and other equipment to support the whole jewellery making process.
There are many kinds of enamel techniques. “Champlevé” is an enamelling technique in the decorative arts, or an object made by that process, in which troughs or cells are carved, etched, die struck, or cast into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel. The piece is then fired until the enamel fuses, and when cooled the surface of the object is polished. The un-carved portions of the original surface remain visible as a frame for the enamel designs. Let’s take the terrace fields earrings for example to have a look of the whole process:
Decide on the design.
I made a 3D print file for each part.
I sent the files to a casting house, had a mold made, pulled waxes from the mold.
Next I cast the pieces using the lost wax casting process. I cast them in silver.
Next I used the champlevé technique to add colour to the pieces. I sanded and both sides to a smooth and even finish.
The final step is to solder the posts on the backside of the earrings. Clean the earrings, polish them, connect the two pieces by bending the ends of the trunk part to go through the half jump ring.
My name is Siyu, you can check out more of my work on Instagram @shjewelleryhuayuan
Today I wanted to share some of the projects I have been working on while Covid-19 has been keeping me out of the studio and talk a little bit about one of my greatest sources of inspiration, insects. I think one of the reasons I am so drawn to insects is because of how small and detailed they are, in that way they have a lot in common with jewellery. With the weather getting warmer I’ve been seeing more and more insects out and about which is giving me lots of inspiration, but since I haven’t been able to get into the studio I can’t translate my inspiration into my usual medium of jewellery. So below are a couple of projects that have been keeping me busy.
Rock Painting: I got into this trend because I’ve been seeing painted rocks around the neighbourhood when I walk my dogs. I’ve been really enjoying sitting outside when the weather is nice and painting little creatures on rocks. It’s a really meditative process and it provides more immediate gratification than making jewellery. Above is the inspiration for this rock, a Calligrapha Leaf Beetle and my quick painted version. I love the gold colour and intricate pattern of this beetle to me he already looks almost like a piece of jewellery.
Planning a Future Project: I’ve been working on this piece off and on for a couple of months and with all this newfound down time I keep taking out the pieces and laying them out and making adjustments to my plan for when I can get back to the studio and finish it. This picture is from the last time I laid all the pieces out and tried a few antenna shapes before settling on what I already had. I found the Blister Beetle (fun fact they’re called this because the excrete a liquid that burns and blisters flesh) in the picture above last spring and have been wanting to make one ever since because of the iridescent blue colour and segmented antennae that reminded me of ancient granulated jewellery.
Mosaicing: This has been my long term project since the pandemic first started. Its a mosaic of the well known and beautiful luna moth. I do a fair bit of mosaicing in my free time (its a shared family hobby) and last summer I did my first moth. I still had some of these wooden butterfly cutouts from the dollar store laying around and decided to do another moth and I had the perfect colours for a luna moth. I combined the existing cutout with some popsicle sticks to create the tails. This guy is still a work in progress and I plan to use my jewellery skills to fabricate a pair of antennae out of wire as the final touch once he’s finished.
I hope my sharing these projects has given you a little insight into how I use my inspiration. In times like these art is a great outlet and source of distraction. Take care everyone
Gaudi Architecture in Barcelona (and me, Jerell Reichert).
My passion is metalsmithing.
Last summer I had the opportunity to travel for the first time in a long time.
I had planned to go to Italy. Florence in particular. I love their craftsmanship. Handmade Jewellery, Flame working, and Glassblowing in Italy is incredible. On investigating my trip, I found out that Florence, with its charming old streets, and ancient ruins, is not a good place for someone with mobility issues. Rome and Milan were also more accessible.
On researching the most accessible destinations, Barcelona was at the top of the list.
While it had the historic areas and neighbourhoods, there was enough modern structures and streets to make the trip less intimidating.
I loved the sound of Barcelona. A jewellery teacher of mine from George Brown, studied goldsmithing there, my nephew did a semester at business school there, and my neighbour exports wines from Barcelona to restaurants in Canada.
I has heard that Barcelona had interesting art and good food.
It was more than a perfect city to visit. I spent 8 days in the city and I feel like it is an adopted city. Instead of moving to many different places, I signed up for tours and events.
I did everything I wanted to nurture my soul. I realized that traveling is a way for one to express who they are, or have it revealed to them.
What do you like, what brings you joy? I went to markets and galleries. Saw Old Masters, Mid Century Hero’s like Picasso and Dali paintings and his Jewellery. I went to cooking classes and churches.
And of course, shopping.
I bought the greatest clothing and shoes. leathers, high fashion and handbags
Is this what being authentic is? Finding out what is at the core of you’re being and going after what you are interested in?
What do you what to spend your days doing? What you want to be? What do you want to achieve in life?
Leaf Brooches by Urban Metal handmade by Jerell Reichert. Each piece is one of a kind.
I think about the times when I followed my passions and I was so happy and successful in my job. Other times, when I followed the path that other people followed; if it was good for them it was good for me. The biggest mistakes of my life were because I was following someone else’s dream. Even if it was their dream for me, it was not the right dream.
When I look back at my life, coming up with interesting ideas in business, marketing, strategic alliances/partners, fundraising and jewellery making have always been my passion.
I guess it is no surprise that I am a marketer, goldsmith and gemologist, and always have a new idea! – Jerell Reichert
Necklace by Urban Metal handmade by Jerell Reichert.
I really enjoy taking on custom work, for a variety of reasons. Not least is, for the most part, it’s fun to interact with clients, helping them bring a vision they have to life, as well as stretching creative brain cells on new designs. Especially as they’re often pieces that I wouldn’t just decide to come up with on my own, or they include technical challenges that are fun to tinker with.
I don’t often use very large stones, so this one was fun for that, plus I really enjoyed coming up with additional touches to really make this a one of a kind piece!
This pendant carrier was a technical challenge for me, there were two key things it had to do: be completely removeable, and have the capability to carry a pendant, or not.
My current challenge is actually a jewellery redesign. My client acquired this great multi-diamond ring for a good price from an estate dealer, with the idea that she would reuse the components (stones and gold) to make a new ring, and I have the great pleasure to bring a new piece to life!
Multi-diamond ring on a thin gold band- bit too weddingy, but a good re-use of materials for a new design!
Our interaction started with a world of possibility, but after a bit of discussion, she decided that she really liked this ring shape that she already had in silver.
sterling silver wave ring
So, I set off to do some ideas of how to place the stones, and came up with a few different ideas:
We’ve come to an agreement about which is the preferred
design, and now I’m on to carving the wax.
I could fabricate the design directly in metal, but the wax is more forgiving,
and also allows for design changes before making the final piece. The flexibility casting allows makes it a
good choice, not only for pieces where the design is a bit more sculptural in
nature, but also where there’s some possibility that the design needs to be
modified before making the final piece.
Watch this space for an update sometime soon!
Like I said, I really enjoy taking on custom work, contact me at the studio to start a discussion about that piece you’re harbouring a desire for in your secret heart!
Have you ever wondered about that giant rock that sits in the middle of Yorkville? I have, and my curiosity got me googling. Given my natural love of rocks and all things formed in nature – I had the following questions:
where is it from?
why is it here?
how old is it?
what is it?
how much did we (Toronto) pay for it?
I’ve got answers!
It turns out that the urban park where the Yorkville Rock resides, marks the lot lines where historic Victorian houses used to exist. These houses were demolished in the 1950s to make way for the Bloor subway line. The former residents allowed the city to make way for the future, but were firm that they wanted a park to be built over top of the subway station. It took about 40 years, but eventually, the city kept its promise and the urban park was brought to life.
The City of Toronto hired architect Olesand Worland to create a park to befit the context and history of the Ontario. Although Toronto offered trees and flowers a plenty, there was nothing that could represent Ontario’s most extensive landscape. So he proposed to move a chunk of the Canadian Shield – whose rounded rocks are some of the oldest on earth. The granite outcrop would have to be transported from Gravenhurst to Toronto, in pieces, on 20 flat bed trailers. The rocks are approximately one billion years old, weigh 650 tons, and would cost about $300,000. This entire process would cost the city more than a quarter of a million dollars.
After much expected ridicule and outrage, the project was carried out and completed. It has since received widespread acclaim from architects and users alike, who enjoy the ancient mountain range right in the heart of the city. Thank you Olesand!
Yorkville Rock
There you have it neighbors. Next time you are taking a stroll in Yorkville (post COVID 19, of course), buy yourself an ice cream cone, coffee, or whatever you fancy, and have a seat on a piece of the Canadian Shield. After all, the “Yorkville Rock” is the product of a promise kept to the Torontonians that parted with their Victorian homes, to allow for the city of Toronto to grow. This came with one condition – that this urban park would come to life for the generations of the future to enjoy. So lets enjoy it 🙂
A couple of weeks ago, The Getty
Museum in Los Angeles, which is famous for its large collections of European
paintings, sculptures and other works of art challenge to recreate a work of
art with objects and people at home. The rules were simple: Choose your
favorite work of art, use things from your house to recreate it, take a picture
and share it on social media.
The public response came in the
hundreds, then the thousand, of creative and funny remarks. And, it has not
stopped yet.
The creativity of people has been
well known for hundred of years. During
the Second World War, the women were called to work in the factories because
the men were on the front lines, and the powdered milk to feed babies was
invented!
Practically no one who is alive
today had lived a confinement like the one we are experiencing now. Only a
couple of weeks were enough to admire what humanity is capable of creating with
color, objects, light, including animals.
I will show case few great examples of human imaginations at its best!
The Milkmaid. Johannes Vermeer
Lady with Fan by Gustav Klimt (1917-1918)
Girl with The Pearl Earring, is an oil painting by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer, dated c. 1665.
Nothing like art as an expression of beauty in all its forms, painting, sculpture, literature, jewelry and much more.
Jewel Envy and all its team wish you a Happy Mother’s Day
Hope you guys all doing well. Today I would like to bring you to Kobe city in Japan. Kobe, the city of Pearls, is renowned for its processing of pearls. Did you know 70% of the world’s pearl circulation takes place here?
I had a chance to trip to Kobe two years ago and I accidentally run into this tiny museum. This museum is very small but covers a century of Akoya pearl farming and story of Kobe’s history with pearls in easily understandable manner.
A Pearl Tree featuring the fantastic 10,000 grain shine Akoya pearl. The trees illuminated from above and below are like huge chandeliers. It took over 3 months handcrafted one by one.
Pearls are formed an irritant, such as a piece of sand becomes lodged in the shell of an oyster. Sensing the object, the oyster deposits layers of a substance called “nacre” around the intruder, where it builds up over time. it takes years to create a pearl of decent size.
This is a model of the cages that cultivating Akoya oyster in the sea
Quality matching is very important for necklaces, earrings, brooches etc. No matter how good the quality of each pearl may be, if matching is poor, the value of merchandise decrease dramatically.
Pearl jewelry are always classic,elegant and sophisticated , have been one of the most popular and meaningful gifts. Don’t forget Pearls are birthstone for those born in June and the gemstone for the 30th wedding anniversary.
