Tag: #jewelenvy | Page 10

Burn baby burn!

March 8, 2015August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

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

Craigslist surprise

February 25, 2015August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

Hi guys!

This is my story about an interesting incident that happened last week, during my search for the perfect display case. (The display case is a story unto itself, so if you want to know more about that just let me know.)

I have been obsessively searching through Craigslist and Kijiji, because I am/was on the hunt for a display cabinet, a showcase for my jewellery, that can travel with me to sales/shows/events. My search words were exactly this: “jewellery display cabinet”. Scrolling down, my eyes were suddenly transfixed by this image:

I was so perplexed to see this pendant ‘for sale’ on Craigslist, that I stared blankly at the screen for a silly amount of time. It is a necklace that I made in my last year of the Jewellery Arts program at George Brown, that was subsequently displayed during our grad show event. But to see this piece completely out of context, after years of being apart, was a bit of a surprise. And then I realized that it was an ad for Jewel Envy, using a provided-by-me image no less, and then I was no longer surprised.

I am telling you this because it was a good moment; to reflect on past work, and to realize that although my style has evolved, the backbone of my goldsmithing esthetic has stayed true. I am still very happy with this design, and the same cannot always be said about my other creations (my self-critic has a loud voice!) But in the end my design professor knew her stuff – with the right amount (usually a HUGE amount) of ideation, development, and refinement, you will be able to create a piece that will stand the test of time. Lesson learned, again!

So back to the sketchbook I go, and I will leave you with a proper image of the above piece:

Burst pendant – sterling silver with 14k yellow gold accent

custom-cut sujilite cabochon

sterling silver rolo chain

Happy designing y’all!

~sash

gemstones ♥ ♥ ♥

February 8, 2015August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

I LOVE GEMSTONES!!!!! Did you know that?! They are beautiful and they sparkle and they shine and they come in all the colours of the rainbow and beyond. Most jewellers and goldsmiths share my love, as well as most of the general population, so yeah, I guess this is not shocking information. But did I mention that I looooove gemstones?!

I recently went to Friday Night Live at the ROM – I highly recommend you check this out – and I spent a silly amount of time in the gemstone room. Drooling. (And drinking.)

Here is the photographic evidence:

This is actually not my photo, but it showcases all the lovely showcases:)

Close-up view of some fluorite. Again, not my picture, but how pretty?!

So this is my picture. This is a 100kg (OMIGOSH) gold coin that is worth an estimated $1 million dollars! Just thinking of all the pretty things I could make… sigh. This coin, and the entire gemstone room, in fact, was donated by the Barrick gold mining company. Thank you Barrick!

Fellow goldsmith Iona K. and I checking out the stones. Photo by Tom K.

See you at the ROM!

~sash

Wedding band class

February 7, 2015August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

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

January 25, 2015August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

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!

December 19, 2014August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

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

Juicy Gemstones

August 17, 2014August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

Oh hey, hai you guys!

I just wanted to share a bit of a sneak peek. I have decided to add a lot more colour to my jewellery,

so I picked up a few pieces of rough gemstone this week.

Getting stones custom-cut isn’t necessarily cheap, but it adds so much to the design and value of the piece. Plus, I love getting EXACTLY what I want. You know?

Take a look at these beauties:

Rainbow obsidian, rhodochrosite, amazonite, chrysoprase, ruby, larimar, lapis, and orange calcite.

Can you tell which is which?!

Stay tuned, I will definitely update with the finished products within the next few weeks. Yay!

xx sash.

PS – I want a million dollars to spend on more gemstones!

Happy weekend!!

June 22, 2014August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

We are so lucky to live in a city like Toronto. Diversity, in all its forms, is such a wonderful way to share and experience different ideas and perspectives.

To celebrate this weekend, here is a snapshot of some of the rainbow-coloured jewels available here at the studio.

Happy pride everyone!

Gemstones

January 17, 2014August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

The goldsmiths
of Jewel Envy love sourcing gemstones for custom creations. Whether you
want a sapphire that matches the colour of someone’s eyes, a birthstone, or even simply a favourite colour. We can find it for you to make a unique piece of jewellery.

To have something made in time for Valentine’s, drop in or call (647) 436-6709 to book a
consultation:

Jan. 19th,
12-5

Jan 20th,
5-8

Jan 21st,
5-8

Budget

January 16, 2014August 7, 2019Jewel EnvyGeneral

You have a number in
your mind, let’s start from there! Let
us help you chose a piece from our goldsmiths’ work or custom create something
with your budget in mind. Regardless,
we want to make someone special smile on the 14th.

To have
something made in time for Valentine’s, drop in or call (647) 436-6709 to book a consultation:

Jan. 19th,
12-5

Jan 20th,
5-8
Jan 21st,
5-8

Custom Art Deco Inspired Ring by Hyewon Jang