Acid etching is when you create a design on metal and then using a strong acid like ferric nitrate or ferric chloride to eat away specific areas. I use it for decorative reasons. Some people use nitric acid too but that is very corrosive.
Process:
Step 1: Prepare your metal to make sure there are no oils on there and make sure its clean.
Step 2: Add a resist to your metal. Some examples are nail polish and shellac.
Step 3: Now it’s time to design on your metal. A lot of times people use something sharp to scratch the design onto the resist on the surface of the metal so the resist is removed and it will be exposed to acids.
Step 4: immerse it into the bath and wait, making sure to stir the bath and move the liquid often to make the process go faster.
Step 5: remove and clean up.
Here is a beautiful example of acid etched designs on jewellery .
There are many times of the year that people can graduate from their studies and programs, but social media feeds are certainly full of scholarly pride at the moment.
When my own daughter was finishing her last year of high school and choosing university, I thought of a way I could use my craft to celebrate her work and focus on what was ahead. I created rings with themes that subtly referred to tassels and books to celebrate graduating. Instead of nondescript designs, or rings so striking, she looked like she was celebrating a winning touchdown, I wanted to gift her a ring that would mean something special to her, based on her achievement and her goals… that she would actually wear.
This year, she is about to graduate with a Ba Hons, with sights on two separate Master’s degrees in the future, so I am thinking about these rings again. As stacking rings, she can continue to wear her tassel ring from high school, add one for her Ba, and later, one for each Master’s.
We can use Stirling for her understudies and gold for her graduate studies. We could use tassel rings all of the way, or book rings with a name of a degree on each one.
What combo would you choose?
You can find my handmade focus/grad rings at Jewel Envy, under Jennifer Trotman/Frekkeldesigns. I have some sizes/designs already in stock, and can make more in the metal/size of your choice, come by with a loved one in mind, or to try one on yourself. We can also create a wish list, so that someone can drop by and pick up a grad ring to your exact specifications.
Do you have another life goal to celebrate or achieve? Make an appointment to see me at the studio, and I’ll be happy to design something that suits your needs.
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.
From 1955 to current day, the famous Tucson gem and mineral show has been happening. It is currently going on right now. It runs from February 1st to the 16th in Tucson, Arizona USA.
Every year goldsmiths, buyers and vendors flock to this place to display, sell or procure special stones, specimens, gemstones, and even jewellery.
Just last year, 3 goldsmiths from Jewel Envy attended this large show and all came home with many goodies.
Gemstone sellers from Toronto are also there buying special gemstones from around the world as it is attended by people from all over the world.
Just through instagram this year, I see many Australian Opal vendors that are there all the way from Australia. This is to give you some idea about how far people are willing to travel to be at this amazing event.
I also forgot to mention you can find fossils and minerals and also estate/ antique jewellery! The year I went there was a whole booth selling mammoth tusks. There are also many dinosaur displays.
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!
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?
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!
Jewel Envy started with partnerships and cooperation. The family and collective has grown, so too does our studio space. In our continued tradition of “all hands on deck”, Gillian’s troops are working hard to prepare the space for more equipment, more expertise, and more possibilities. We’re almost there!
