Tag: #bigbluehouse
1 Day Band Ring Workshop Sunday October 26th, 2025
1 Day Earring Workshop Saturday October 18th, 2025
1 Day Name Plate Workshop Saturday September 27th, 2025
Depletion gilding silver
Before we delve into depletion gilding of silver, let’s talk about fine silver and sterling silver. Fine silver is 99.9% silver and it is soft. So soft that if jewellery was made from it, it would suffer more damage and wear and wouldn’t be able to be worn daily. That is why jewellery when silver is made out of sterling silver. Sterling silver (like the stamp) is 92.5% silver and the rest is another alloy; mostly copper.
Depletion gilding is the process of heating your sterling silver several times to bring the fine silver to the surface of the metal, creating a white satiny look. In between heating, you drop your piece in the pickle to remove oxides. This process is repeated several times to achieve the white satin look.
Van Mackenzie, White bean bracelet, 2012, sterling silver, depletion gilding.
Above is an example of what depletion gilding looks like.
8 Week Introductory Fabrication Wednesday September 17th, 2025
Learn to do a thing
It was Gemsetting polishing prep class at the Big Blue House today. Our last 8 week Gemsetting course for 2025 gets started Wednesday July 9th. Students received a kit of cast mounts in advance, and today was the day to pre-polish before class begins. This way, all attention is on learning the new techniques, setting the stones, and practicing new skills.
By the end of the course, students will have set their kit pieces with gorgeous gems. Their completed jewellery will look something like this:
March in Aquamarine
It is finally time for one of the most recognizable, admired and swoon-inspiring gemstones.
Aquamarine is that gorgeous light blue sparkler often set with white gold and surrounded by white diamonds. Just stunning, and the bigger the better for this beauty.
March is a perfect match for Aquamarine. It is the stone of mariners and happy marriages. Whether you know someone preparing to brave the waters as a sailor or a betrothed, this gemstone is a wonderful way to carry your wish for their success and happiness.
Reach out to us at info@jewelenvy.ca and let’s get started on a custom gift that means the world.
Tablet cut gemstones
I was so excited to recently work on a gemstone cut that I don’t get to see that often – tablet cuts! I also have had an increase of working with gemstones people are purchasing on their own and I get to design around them.
Some of my favourite gemstones come from Brooke’s Customs. This family run business is a wife and husband team that source interesting rough gemstones that they meticulously cut into interesting shapes that are outside of what you would typically find, take a look!
All gemstones are from Brooke’s Customs
Put us on your List!
Are you in Toronto before Hannukah and Christmas and looking to explore local shops?
Whether you are feeling topsy-turvy, on a mission, or relaxed and taking in the sights and sounds of city, you are welcome to come and see us at the Jewel Envy Studio today (until 6pm), tomorrow (10am-6pm), and Tuesday (10am-4:30).
We have lots of unique gifts and lovely pieces to look at that will have you spinning or centered, depending on your preference.
Just look for the biggest blue house in Roncesvalles, on the corner of Roncesvalles and Marion Street.
Happy Holidays!