Tag: #buyhandmade

Save vs Splurge – Easter Edition:)

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Happy Easter errybody! For today’s edition of Save vs Splurge, I decided to look at two necklaces by Gillian Batcher of Pash Jewellery Design.
Both of these beauties were made using the Mokume Gane method. If this is your first time hearing that term, here is a quick rundown: It is a Japanese metal-working technique, that involves the layering of different coloured metals, in order to achieve a laminate that resembles the grain of wood.
It is a time-consuming process, but the results are well worth the effort. See for yourself:
At first glance, the pendant is simple and classic. Yet upon closer inspection, you can see the complex and organic pattern that is a result of the Mokume Gane technique. This pendant is made from sterling silver and copper, and it retails in our studio at $195.
And look at this masterpiece! At first glance,what catches my eye is the graceful way this necklace cascades down the neck and collar. As I lean in more closely, I can see the texture and detail in each individual piece; the mix of the crochet and the mokume is very striking. This beauty retails at $4,600, and we’re open all day until 7pm so come in and try them both on!

Oh heeeey Alexis!

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In case you don’t know Alexis Kostuk (of Glaciale jewellery design), I want to spend a moment giving you a glimpse into her goldsmithing goodness.
She is an all-around amazing artist, and her talent is more than visible in her carved pieces. Below are some of her statement rings that catch the eye in the best way possible.
 
The centre stone is a blue onyx, and it’s surrounded by white sapphires. This appeals to my art nouveau/deco-architecture-appreciating self in so many great ways.
This ring has a slightly different design than the one above, with a lapis centre (and don’t you just love lapis?!) and blue sapphires.
 Look at that turquoise! It sits atop a bed of sterling silver coral reef, with a peekaboo texture that perfectly complements the matrix of the stone.
Aren’t they lovely! Get your butts down here and just try to decide which one you like best. I dare you:)
ps – hi Rhonda!

Spotlight on Jewel Envy’s newest jeweller!

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Welcome to Ivane Thiebaut!
She is an international goldsmith extraordinaire, who has joined us here in the studio via France. Ooh la la! Her work is feminine, without being overly delicate, and draws a lot of inspiration from nature. 
Here are my favourite pieces:
 How great is this?! I am a huge fan of torcs and collars, so no surprise that this appeals to me. But the lovely asymmetry, and the way it curves so gracefully around the neck – it probably appeals to you too!

Love this ring. It is very comfortable on the finger, and the little flash of green is perfect for spring. I also really enjoy the shape of the ring itself, a little bit unexpected but it works so well.
I encourage you all to come in and see these beauties for yourself! You might get lucky and see Ivane herself, working on new pieces just for you.
Have a great evening everyone!

Little pieces of me extend all over, bringing me joy!

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I have been doing a lot of custom work lately and it’s made me reflect a little about my career choice. I absolutely love coming up with my own designs and seeing them come to life in finished pieces of jewellery. Yet there is something special about meeting with someone and sharing the process of how I design and create to then bring one of their ideas to life. The sharing of personal details is intimate and a bond is formed over this process.

Often people don’t think they are conveying enough detail when we meet to design something for them but there is more that goes into a design than just what you tell the artist. There are many nuances captured in how you speak, what you are wearing, and how you describe how you want to wear a piece of jewellery. Over time one learns to read between the lines to flush out each customer and what is important to them in the design.

This personal side of custom jewellery is what deeply appeals to me. Jewellery is meant to be treasured and seemingly in juxtaposition to our other acquired treasures, also worn. We bond with our jewellery just as we bond as a customer and maker. When a treasure I have created leaves the studio a little piece of me goes to a new home and in that act my work starts a new journey, one I can daydream about and feel proud to have been a part of. Little pieces of me exist all over, making my artistic heart soar!

Gillian

Hey-hey-Hyewon!!!

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Hyewon Jang
This is Hyewon, a wonderful goldsmith who works out of Jewel Envy. 
The following are all pieces from her Africa collection:
I love the contrast between the bold asymmetrical shapes, and the delicate colour of the stones. Plus, these stud earrings look like exclamation points don’t they!!!!!!!
 
The bright pop of colour at the bottom of these stepping stone earrings is just perfect. They’d look great with a black turtleneck in the winter, or a white t-shirt in the summer, amirite?!
Yet another great pair of earrings, with bold, asymmetrical detail and pretty pearls at the bottom. These tie in very nicely with a lot of other pieces that Hyewon makes, as she is very fond of pearls:)

Bet you thought it would be another pair of earrings! Nope, just the cutest lil’ pendant ever.
All Hyewon’s work is just as beautiful. Her pieces are delicate and strong at the same time, and she likes to play with shape and form in surprising ways. Gemstones and pearls add just the right amount of colour, and her work is always the perfect way to add ooh-la-la to any outfit. Come in and take a look!

Achoo! Happy allergy season!

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If you’re like me, then you are currently throwing your money at the pharmaceutical companies, begging them to supply you with little pills to keep the sneezes away. If you’re like me, then you like to gaze at floral-inspired pieces in the studio, so you don’t have to cry (from allergy-induced watery eyes) at the real thing.
If you’re like me, then you will marvel at these beautiful earrings made by Hyewon Jang, because they are so pretty, but also because you never noticed just how pretty they are!
What I love about them is how well they are made. The beautiful golden details are identical on the back as well, so when your hair is up, and the earrings are swinging in the breeze, you can awe and impress from both sides:)
Thank you for making pretty things Hyweon!
Now go enjoy the sunshine and the flowers, if you dare.

xx sash
ps – hi Rhonda!!!

Burn baby burn!

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So I dropped some very very hot wax on my arm the other day. It is not a big deal in the grand scheme of potential-goldsmith-injuries, but it is a bit of an eyesore:
 ouch!
So what is a goldsmith to do? Cover it up with jewellery of course! Big and bold bracelets are the perfect disguise, and here is the proof:
(L-R) Arrowhead bracelet in sterling, Archerade by Sasha Oda
Open studded cuff in sterling, Jewelust by Amanda Henderson
Twig cuff in sterling and gold plate, Pash by Gillian Batcher
Wrap bracelet in sterling, Tete Designs by Fatima Tataragic
If delicate is more your thing, we also have a great selection of dainty bracelets that are beautiful and intricate distractions from any offensive scar tissue:)
(T-B) Plain and hammered bangles in sterling, HP Lafaurie Jewelry Design by Helena Lafaurie
Paisley links and cherry blossom bracelets in sterling, Koko Bijoux by Young Kyoung Ko
Lotus charm bracelet with sapphires in sterling, Ellolite by Chia-Chien Tsai
Open shapes bracelet with moonstone beads in sterling, Glaciale by Alexis Kostuk
 
 
Obviously you can arm yourself even if uninjured, so come on by today and try on some bracelets!
We are open until 6pm tonight, you can help me put some aloe on my burn.
~sash

Wedding band class

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Hello everybody!
Are wedding bells in your future? If so, then perhaps you are in the market for a wedding band. In that case, look no further because we offer ring-making classes. Yay!
 These rings are fabricated from metal sheet. We have a 1-day band ring class where we teach you the skills and techniques to make one of these beauties yourself. Wowza!

These rings have been carved in wax, and are ready to be cast in the metal of your choice. We will teach you how to carve a ring, and once it’s cast we will show you how to make it shine:) This is a 2-day casting workshop. How coooooool??!
If you are loving the ‘custom’ aspect, but not interested in getting your hands dirty, never fear, because we love doing custom work for you:)
Come by and say hello, and sign up for a class or a consultation!

Up close and personal

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Jewellery photography is a tricky and time-consuming endeavour that makes me curse and grit my teeth and shake my fist at the heavens. Despite all my best efforts, every image seems to be slightly off, be it the focus, or the colour, or the weirdo reflections.
 Recently I decided to cut my losses and purchase a macro lens. I haven’t
had a chance to really test it out, but today I took some practice
shots. I didn’t use a lightbox or proper lights, just a white piece of
paper, a tripod, and an ordinary desk lamp.
What do you think?
 

Rose stud earrings by Amanda Henderson (Jewelust)
 Textured earrings with sapphires and aquamarines by Ellen Tsai (Ellolite)
 Africa pendant with emerald by Hyewon Jang (H Jewelry)
Art deco pendant with marcasites by Lauren Hanham (Lauren Hanham Jewellery Designs)
Five-band ring by Sasha Oda (Archerade)
So far so amazing, right!? The detail in the close-ups is great, and getting the pieces in focus was a breeze. This might not be as exciting for you, but if you knew the hours I have spent trying to get just half-way decent images… well you’d probably feel sorry for me, but then you’d start feeling the excitement too. Excitement for the future of my jewellery photography yay!
~sash

Holiday Countdown!

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It’s that time of year again –  holiday wish list time!
I have put together a list of things that you may gift to me – or more appropriately, your own someone special:) – at a range of different prices.
So if you’re still scratching your head, wondering what to do, we can help you out no matter your budget. Stop by the studio and say hello, and take a look at some of our shiny, lovely jewellery for yourself!
From left to right (ish):
Sterling silver drop earrings with granulated texture, sapphires and aquarmarines, Ellen Tsai / Ellolite, $603 a pair
10K rose, yellow, and white gold stacking bands with hammered texture, Zsolt Szekely, $495 each
Sterling silver drop stem earrings with texture, Young Ko / Koko Bijoux, $125 a pair
Sterling silver oxidized, art deco pendant with marcasites, Lauren Hanham Jewellery Designs, $125 (incl. chain)
Sterling silver initial pendant (other letters upon request:), Alexis Kostuk / Glaciale, $195 (incl. chain)
10K rose gold rose studs, Amanda Henderson / Jewelust, $225 a pair (incl. backs)
Sterling silver oxidized cufflinks, Hyewon Jang / H Jewelry, $170 a pair
Sterling silver keychain, Helena Lafaurie / HP Lafaurie Jewelry Design, $148
Sterling silver twig rings, 3 rings shown here, some have gold plating detail, Gillian Batcher / Pash, $75 – $125 each
Sterling silver skull pinky ring with andalusites, Sasha Oda / Archerade, $180 each
Sterling silver ring with texture, Darija Radic Designs, $80 each
Sterling silver and leather cord safety pin bracelet, Fatima Tataragic / Tete Designs, $80

Happy shopping, friends!
xx sash


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