Save vs Splurge – battle of the hummingbirds

Happy weekend everybody! If you are on the hunt for some hummingbird jewellery, are you ever in luck. This edition of save vs splurge features nothing but, with a few flowers and gemstones for good measure. All pieces by Gillian Batcher, of Pash Jewellery.

On the left is a sterling silver pendant, with a floral accent and a chalcedony drop. This is a cool $150. On the right is a solid 14 karat yellow gold pendant, with two kissing birds and blue diamond eyes. This beauty will set you back $975. 

Studs! The hummingbird studs in sterling are $150, with garnet eyes on the left, and blue sapphire eyes on the right. The studs in the centre are 14 yellow gold with blue diamond eyes.
The flowers on the left have a centre stone of tsavorite garnets for $135, and the ones on the right have garnets and citrines for $225.
So many choices! There are actually more pieces here in the store than what is pictured above, so I highly recommend coming in to try them on. And as always, custom requests are welcome and encouraged:)
Have a great day!

SPLURGE VS STEAL!!

June 18. 2016
Hello happy readers,

Here you see two wonderful pieces created by Tammy McClennan,

$425 for the necklace and $85 for the earrings. The materials she used are brass, wood, sterling silver, stainless steel and powder coating. Come in and check them out!

Jade Dumrath

Every once in awhile, we like to shine spotlight on an artist in particular. This week’s edition features 
**JADE DUMRATH**
Jade is a resident goldsmith here at Jewel Envy, who comes to us by way of the jewellery program at NSCAD. A stint as an Umbra product designer has resulted in the merging of these two different design worlds in her metalsmithing work. She manages to create objects and wearable jewellery that are both functional, and easy on the discerning eye.
Take a look at some of her pieces:
A trivet that becomes a bowl. A lovely geometric piece that combines workworking and metalsmithing and fruit. A winning combination!

 Another awesome trivet. I like the way the angular metal contrasts with the lighter, softer colour of the natural wood.

Vases! The linework is just great, I really like the depth and texture that it creates.
 Really interesting bracelet! I tend to gravitate towards pieces with texture and pattern. I like how the detail here is also functional.

 Heart ring, with gems for valves. I heart this!



I want to be in the jewellery business but am not a maker. Can I?!

Have you every thought you might want to make your own jewellery or  design and build your own line of jewellery?

You have a million ideas but you have never taken a jewellery class.

But really how hard can it be?  Right?

Jewel Envy has a few different solutions.
1. Learn to fabricate your own jewellery line.
2. Design a line and have another goldsmith or trade shop make it for you.
3. Have another designer both design and make it for you under your own label.

At Jewel Envy we are excited when we meet people that want to learn we what do. We teach  introductory up to advanced classes in fabrication for one of a kind pieces and lost wax casting to make production or multiples of the same item.

Students gain an appreciation for the skills and time required to design, fabricate, and  finish  even the simplest band ring and get a beautiful mirror finish.  While some students become passionate for the process, and continue to manufacture the brand themselves, others decide to have someone else make it for them. 

Mia Chen, one of our resident goldsmith works on such projects.  She currently collaborates with one company but other goldsmiths work with a variety of small businesses. Mia has a keen eye for good design, and is fabulous at interpreting others ideas which has made the process of bringing someone else’s vision to life both possible and profitable.

Mia takes direction from the company she works with but adds much to this process as a skilled goldsmith who can discuss the design and then make a prototype. Sometimes Mia will show how the design can be slightly altered saving time and materials, and a new prototype evolves.

Once the prototype is approved it is ready to be manufactured either by Mia in our studio, or the company she works with has it sent overseas for production.  Other clients work a little differently by starting with an item they want to have made and a target wholesale price.

We can’t release the name of our clients, due to confidentiality, but we are happy to report that our clients who manufacture abroad look for ethical partners on the manufacturing end.

If this has peaked your interest and ends up being in line with what you have been thinking send us an email with the details or drop in to the store in person to discuss your exciting foray into the world of jewellery!

Hi Judith!

This is Judith Noldin:
She is a resident goldsmith here at Jewel Envy, selling her lovely jewellery under her own line, called IN Jewellery. Two of her pieces are featured in this week’s Save vs Splurge, and here they are:
 This is the adorable Acorn pendant. Fabricated in sterling silver, this sweet thing hangs on an extra-long sterling chain. It’s a save at $160.

 This is the Bell pendant, with an 18KT yellow chain for a beautiful two-tone effect. It is an actual bell, which chimes softly as you move. This one is a bit of a splurge at $550.
Have a great long weekend!
 

Tammy McClennan Designs

Welcome back Tammy!
After a few months in Switzerland – working on a set for a play, no less! – Tammy is back with us at the bench, working on new pieces.
She works mainly with brass, silver, and wood, fabricating these amazing hollow forms that are heavy on style but light as a feather around your neck.
After fabricating the forms, she adds silver tubing through the centre for the chains to slide through. She then powder coats each shape in varying colours, which also adds texture and depth.
Her work is the subject of today’s save vs. splurge, and here are the pieces we are featuring:
This small pendant looks like an adorable hat box. It is a hollow form constructed in brass, and powder-coated in Tiffany blue. You can see the brass peeking through around the edges. There is silver tubing soldered through the centre for the chain. This beauty is a steal at $95.
 This statement necklace is a very worthwhile splurge at $425. There are three separate pieces here – the centre form is brass, while the two on the end are wood. The chain has a mechanical closure, and is made of sterling. I kind of think that this bold necklace is also a steal:)

These photos definitely do not do her pieces justice – I highly recommend stopping by the studio to take a look at these in person.
 
Happy shopping!

More Mokume!

Last week I showcased some of Pash Jewellery’s mokume necklaces. This week, it is still all about mokume, but with rings. They are all beautiful as wedding bands, or a special treat for yourself just ’cause.
In case you are unfamiliar with mokume, here is a quick lesson. Mokume Gane is a Japanese lamination technique, that involves the layering of different metals to create a unique pattern. It can be quite labour-intensive, but the results are so stunning it is definitely worthwhile.
 These rings are both sterling silver and copper. The pattern is like the grain of wood, and every piece is entirely unique.

This ring is a spinner, with a lovely pink sapphire for a perfect small pop of colour. The main band is sterling, and the mokume is a mix of 18K pink and white gold. 
If you have soldering experience, and would like to learn more about this technique, we are running a 2-day workshop this month. The Mokume Gane class is scheduled for Saturday April 23, and Sunday April 24. Come and get your learn on!

Save vs Splurge – Easter Edition:)

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!

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!

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!



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