Tag: #gems #bigbluehouse #jewelenvy #artjewelry

WIRE WEAVING

November 23, 2024November 30, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

The first ever recorded history of wire weaving was in ancient Egypt. It was used to create gold and silver jewellery. Not only did the ancient Egyptians use it but so did the Vikings.

The Vikings used gold and silver to weave ropes worn by their important leaders. This process was called the viking knit.

It was also used for body armour like chainmail.

I bring up weaving because it is still done to this day.

This was created by Edna and also weaved. However, soldering was also used for many many parts. Then she added the pearls as an embellishment. I think it’s gorgeous. What do you think?

Pink and Blue Era

November 17, 2024November 17, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

We are feeling hot pink and electric blue at the Big Blue House today.

This colour combination is a popular one in the studio.

The gems available in these tones are spectacular, and we love the contrast.

To engage, celebrate, or flash out, there are many style choices.

Paired or mismatched, a beautiful duo is a beautiful duo.

Check out the new additions to our online store, or drop by Tues-Sun to try something on.

Science meets jewellery

September 28, 2024October 22, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

My sister is a scientist! A lot of the time when talking to her about science things, I get confused and don’t know what she is talking about but I listen! This inspired me to write this post. Robin Cassady-Cain from House of Cassady is a goldsmith at Jewel Envy. A lot of her jewellery is inspired by science specifically immunology.

Immunology: Immunology is the branch of science dealing with the components of the immune system, immunity from disease, the immune response, and immunologic techniques of analysis¹

Robin starts off her designs with sketch ideas for inspiration.

Here is some of her work:

You can find some of her science inspired jewellery on her website at www.houseofcassady.ca , in store at jewel envy, DM through instagram https://www.instagram.com/hocassady_jewellery_and_kilts/ .

She also does custom orders too! Below is an science inspired star sapphire and lab grown diamond ring designed and made by her!

Have a great day!

Eunice

It’s the Polish Festival!

September 14, 2024September 14, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

It must be September, because there is music (weirdly no polka yet that I’ve heard, but it’s early), and Roncevalles is closed to cars between Howard Park Ave and Queen. That’s right, it’s the Polish Festival! We are still open at the Blue House, so if you’re wandering this way, stop in and say hi! (And see some fun jewellery!). And we have a new windows display on our Roncesvalles side for your viewing pleasure!

Snapped a quick pic of the polka stage! There are so many tents set up on Roncevalles!

New window display of Frekkeldesigns Love Bubble Collection – must see in person to properly appreciate them!

Here’s a bit of a closer picture of some of Jen’s Love Bubbles that you can see in the studio!

Enjoy the lovely September weather we’re having and hope to see you soon!

-Robin.

High Jewellery

August 6, 2024August 8, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

High Jewellery : Also known as Haute Joaillerie. Only the finest of metals and gemstones are used.

“High Jewellery is the Haute Couture of the jewellery world. A celebration of the art of the jeweller, working with the finest of precious materials, and meticulous, rarefied, often breath-taking craftsmanship that brings imaginative, creative visions to life,” says jewellery historian Vivienne Becker.

High jewellery is extremely unique. It is probably a One of a Kind piece.

Wallace Chan Hera 2019 ring and brooch. Black Opal, Padparadscha Sapphire, Fancy-Colored Diamond, Fancy Sapphire, Aquamarine, Tsavorite Garnet, Emerald, Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Crystal, The Wallace Chan Porcelain and Titanium.

I just love this jewellery artist with his ethereal mesmerizing pieces.

Same View, Different Visions

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

What happens when you ask 6 different artists to make a small, simple pendant on a chain?

You get 6 very different results…

Hayat Rahal –

Maddie Kingston –

Jennifer Trotman, Frekkeldesigns –

Kathy Winfield, Winfield Design –

Jerell Reichert, Urban Metal –

Alexis Kostuk, Glaciale goldsmith

Whether looking for ready-made or custom, you will find a great fit with at least one of our on-site Goldsmiths.

Opals? Wait there’s more!

July 12, 2024July 12, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

Do you you have a favourite opal? Have you seen enough types of opal to choose? There are:

Peruvian opal, white opal, Mexican fire opal, boulder opal, black opal, wood replacement opal, Ethiopian opal, semi-black opal, jelly opal, and the list goes on.

Depending on the stone, they can be polished smooth in a cabachon, or faceted, or even carved.

Opals can come from Australia, Mexico, Ethiopia, or Peru. Their stability can depend on how/where they naturally formed, as some can be susceptible to water. Some opals have been shaved thin and attached to glass or another gemstone to make a more affordable option.

At Jewel Envy, we have the experience and expertise to guide you to an option you will absolutely love. Let us know your opal preferences, and we will go from there!

Gems – Opt for choice

July 10, 2024July 10, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

Here at Jewel Envy, we have access to gemstones that can meet your needs, but we also have access to options that you might not think are possible.

Using Sunstone as an example:

Which of the gems in the picture below are true sunstone?

For some people, the large stone on the left is what they have seen in stores and shops as sunstone, goldstone, or “golden sunstone”. It is opaque and consistent, and it is an imitation. If you have not seen the genuine material in various forms, you might miss out on a beautiful piece.

Sunstone is soft, so it is more appropriate as a special pendant than an everyday ring, which requires a stone that is hard to scratch. As typical with other gemstones, the quality can make for dramatic differences in options and price.

When a client is interested in a gemstone or creating a new piece, they can be shy about sharing their budget or personal tastes, but it really does help us to make sure we are offering the best options for the very best result.

It takes experience to sift through all of the different jewellery info out there, so drop by or drop us a line and let us make sure you are on the right path!

Ruby we will see you on Tuesday!

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

As our June of love and celebration winds down, we are looking forward to the red hot ruby excitement of July!

Ruby is the birthstone of July, and the not-always-known sibling of sapphire.

Our July will start Tuesday, and we will be thrilled to discuss any jewellery projects you have in mind.

Mokume Gane (wood grain metal)

June 16, 2024June 22, 2024Jewel EnvyGeneral

Mokume Gane is a Japanese metalworking procedure. What you see is a mixed-metal laminate with distinctive layered patterns like the photo above. (Cufflinks made by Gillian Batcher).

Mokume Gane looks like wood grain and is closely translated from Japanese as “wood grain metal”. It has the appearance of natural wood grain.

With Mokume-gane, you fuse several layers of differently coloured precious metals together to form a sandwich of alloys called a “billet.” Then the billet is manipulated in such a way that a pattern resembling wood grain emerges over its surface. There are many many ways of working mokume gane to create diverse patterns.

I thought i’d share what mokume gane is today as two customers came in and were really admiring the patterns on the different rings using Mokume gane.