German Lampwork Beads 2

I’m a fan of lampwok glass beads. When I don’t do anything with my kids or work on jewelry projects, I take my time to marvel at the work of lampwork bead artists. Their skills and creativity to produce something wonderful and interesting in small-sized forms and assorted shapes and colors often makes me wonder: how do they make them? How does, for example, Michou Pascale Anderson combine many colors that turn out to be so irresistibly cool? I personally admire her color style. Bold, bright, eye catching. Not only is she good with colors, she also makes beads with different motifs from birds to water creatures to flowers and many more. Another example of my curious thought: how long does Silke Buechler spend to finish one bead with such a beautiful color combo and lots of fine details? I can’t help but say ‘wow’ to myself everytime I look at her exquisite work in her website’s gallery page. She sure has her own style to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

In my previous blog entry I wrote that artisan beads bear their own uniqueness. Michou and Silke’s beads prove to be like that. Unique. For me it’s become a love-and-love connection to keep checking back their work.

Click the artist’s name and you’ll be directed to their website.

The Question About Restringing The Pearl Necklaces

Some of our customers wrote to us asking the questions about restringing the pearl necklace. In fact, it is a good maintenance to re-string your pearl necklace once every 2 or 3 years, depending on the times or frequency that you wearing.

As the time goes on, the dirt will adhere between pearl beads or in the holes of the beads, these dirt will produce frictions which lead to the breakdown of the line. And those breakdown point are mostly close to the clasp.

Do remember not hang your pearl necklace for a long time, the long chain will deform or breakdown. Make a knot between every two pearl beads is a good idea to prevent the frictions between them. Even if the line is broken, the beads will not spread out and you just lose one of them.

History of Gold

Gold has a long and complex history. From gold’s first discovery, it has symbolized wealth and guaranteed power. Gold has caused obsession in men and nations, destroyed some cultures and gave power to others.

Archaeological digs suggest the use of Gold began in the Middle East where the first known civilizations began. The oldest pieces of gold jewelry Egyptian jewelry were found in the tomb of Queen Zer and that of Queen Pu-abi of Ur in Sumeria and are the oldest examples found of any kind of jewelry in a find from the third millennium BC. Over the centuries, most of the Egyptian tombs were raided, but the tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered undisturbed by modern archaeologists. Inside the largest collection of gold and jewelry in the world was found and included a gold coffin whose quality showed the advanced state of Egyptian craftsmanship and goldworking (second millennium BC).

The Persian Empire, in what is now Iran, made frequent use of Gold in artwork as part of the religion of Zoroastrianism. Persian goldwork is most famous for its animal art, which was modified after the Arabs conquered the area in the 7th century AD.

When Rome began to flourish, the city attracted talented Gold artisans who created gold jewelry of wide variety. The use of gold in Rome later expanded into household items and furniture in the homes of the higher classes. By the third century AD, the citizens of Rome wore necklaces that contained coins with the image of the emperor. As Christianity spread through the European continent, Europeans ceased burying their dead with their jewelry. As a result, few gold items survive from the Middle Ages, except those of royalty and from church hordes.

In the Americas, the skill of Pre-Columbian cultures in the use of Gold was highly advanced long before the arrival of the Spanish. Indian goldsmiths had mastered most of the techniques known by their European contemporaries when the Spanish arrived. They were adept at filigree, granulation, pressing and hammering, inlay and lost-wax methods. The Spanish conquerors melted down most of the gold that they took from the peoples of this region and most of the remaining examples have come from modern excavations of grave sites. The greatest deposits of gold from these times were in the Andes and in Columbia.

During the frontier days of the United States news of the discovery of gold in a region could result in thousands of new settlers, many risking their lives to find gold. Gold rushes occurred in many of the Western States, the most famous occuring in California at Sutter’s Mill in 1848. Elsewhere, gold rushes happened in Australia in 1851, South Africa in 1884 and in Canada in 1897.

The rise of a gold standard was meant to stabilize the global economy, dictating that a nation must limit its issued currency to the amount of gold it held in reserve. Great Brittain was the first to adopt the gold standard in 1821, followed, in the 1870s, by the rest of Europe followed. The system remained in effect until the end of the first world war, after which the US was the only country still honoring the Gold Standard. After the war, other countries were allowed to keep reserves of major currencies instead of gold. The arrival of the great depression marked the end of the U.S. export of gold in the 1930s. By mid 20th century, the US dollar had replaced gold in international trade.
text source : http://bullion.nwtmint.com/gold_history.php

Red-hot diamond on block at Sotheby's Australia

source : nationaljewelernetwork.com
April 01, 2010

The 0.82-carat center stone of this ring will mark the first red diamond to be offered for public auction in Australia. The ring is estimated at as much as $921,556 and also features fancy blue diamonds and brilliant-cut colorless diamonds set in platinum.

Sydney, Australia--Sotheby's Australia's upcoming April 12 sale of antique and contemporary jewelry will be a significant one for the auction house. The event will mark the Australian branch's first standalone jewelry sale, with the highlight slated to be the first red diamond ever offered for public auction in Australia.

The 0.82-carat, fancy purplish-red Argyle diamond is set into a ring and is flanked by a pair of fancy blue diamonds in a round brilliant-cut diamond surround, all mounted in platinum. Its value is estimated at between 700,000 and 1 million Australian dollars (between about $645,065 and $921,556) and will be accompanied by a letter from Argyle Diamonds attesting to its rarity.

Sotheby's said in a media release that despite the notable discovery of the Argyle pink diamond deposits in Western Australia, less than a handful of red diamonds have been discovered, and connoisseurs have long considered red diamonds to be among the most precious and rare of diamonds.

The April 12 sale will offer even more superb examples of colored stones, including a double strand of graduated emerald beads accented with diamond-set rondelles (estimated between $9,676 and $11,519), a sapphire and diamond ring (estimated between $23,034 and $32,248) and an emerald and diamond ring (estimated between $64,497 and $82,907). ...

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Correcting The Wrong Cleaning Pearl Methods

Someone told me that use the toothpaste to brush the pearl surface can make it to be as bright as a new one. However, it is not an ideal way to do so. The toothpaste contains a high micro-hardness abrasive particulate matter, which is particularly small but hard (almost as hard as the crystal). That's to say, the method of cleaning jewelry by toothpaste will damage the surface which hardness is lower than the crystal, such as the surface of pearl, gold and K gold. The correct cleaning solution of pearls should be use the neutral-active agent (such as baby shampoo). I had made a detailed introduction about it in previous article How to Recover Pearl's Nature Gloss.

In carefully cleaning the exquisite pearls at the same time we want to understand some maintenance tips for pearl necklace.
--- Keep away from the dirty air. Pearl surface has some tiny pores can inhale the dirty substances in the air,like hair spray, perfume steam, smoke and other substances. Therefore, we should not wear pearls in the hair salon and kitchen.

Different Occassions In Wearing Pearls

Pearl jewelry is one of the most popular accessories with females for its beauty and elegance. It is a wild jewelry to match any of your favorable clothes from your wardrobe, and your fabulous appearance will be more shinning in wearing appropriate pearls on different occasions.

1. Business negotiations and business activities

2. Job interviews

3. Bride and wedding

4. Attend important social activities,wedding celebration, birthday party, etc.


5. Go to the theatre or concert.

6. Take photos in graduation.


7. The first date with a boy.

The Correct Diameter Measure of Pearls

As the popular saying goes, those pearls with a diameter less that 7mm are just beads, while those with more than 8mm are the right precious treasures. 7mm to 9mm pearls are the most popular ones, it is hard to abtain 10mm-pearl, not to mention those South Sea pearl and the Black pearl with a 11mm diameter.


It is hard and unscientific to define a pearl's diameter just by our eyes. The precise figuure should be measured by a professional measure tool -- Disc Vernier caliper. Measure three times and write down the average maximum diameter and the average minimum diameter.


There are different ways to show the diameter of the different pearls. Use the minimum diameter for those perfectly round, round and off-round pearls, and both maximum and minimum diameter for other shape pearls, like oval, drop and baroque pearls. E.g. A round pearl's diameter is 6.0mm, and a oval pearl's is 6.0 - 7.5mm.

Black Diamonds

What are Black Diamonds, as seen in most jewelry?

Black diamonds are typically enhanced. Black diamonds are genuine diamonds treated with radiation to make their color appear black. Under normal lighting conditions the color enhanced black diamond looks black. However, it is actually very dark green. To observe the very dark green color, a fiber-optic light source can be placed near a thin edge of the diamond (such as the girdle or culet). This allows the light to illuminate some of the interior of the stone. The very dark green color that becomes visible is commonly seen in enhanced black diamonds. The very dark green color that is seen is never seen in natural diamonds. It is a result of radiation treatment.

Famous Black Diamonds

The Black Orloff

The Black Orloff (Orlov) cushion cut diamond (shown left) which still weighs in at a very respectable 67.50 carats. It is reported to have belonged to a nineteenth-century shrine near Pondicherry, India, and to have weighed 195 carats in the rough. Set in a diamond and platinum necklace, the Black Orloff has been widely exhibited. In 1969, the stone was sold for $300,000. It was resold in 1990 at Sothebys for $99,000. Also called the Eye of Brahma Diamond. The diamond is currently owned by Dennis Petimezas, a diamond dealer from Pennsylvania who bought the diamond for an unspecified sum in 2005.

"The Gruosi" Black Diamond

Upon creating amazing black diamond jewelry for his luxury jewelry house de Grisogono, chairman and founder Fawaz Gruosi enjoys a special place in diamond history: he is credited with popularizing the fascination with black diamonds in 1996 - a fascination that continues today.

He also had a rare opportunity - a rare opportunity even for a grand jeweler like himself: he got to name a diamond. Naming a diamond is something reserved only for original buyers of a rough diamond. The de Grisogono founder chose the name "The Gruosi" for the incredible 115.34-carat black diamond. In fact, Fawaz Gruosi has actually been involved in naming two diamonds - the other being the 312.24-carat "The Spirit of Grisogono," also a black diamond with the famous Swiss jeweler Mr. de Grisogono. These two black diamonds are the two largest black diamonds in the world.

sources : generousgems.com,blackdiamonds.co.uk,vialuxe.com

Swarovski latest to fall under silver’s spell

source : nationaljewelernetwork.com
April 23, 2010

Swarovski's first sterling silver collection, the "Manhattan Collection" features pieces like these featuring silver and black cubic zirconia.

New York-Austrian crystal giant Swarovski clearly has a thing for New York: Besides releasing the "Manhattan Collection," its sterling silver debut, the brand's boutiques worldwide will be decorated with a Sex and the City 2 theme, playing up the jewelry and accessories featured in the film.

In a departure from its predominantly costume jewelry focus, Swarovski is bringing its fashion-forward ethos to the company's first sterling silver jewelry collection, the "Manhattan Collection," unveiled as part of its fall collection.

The collection features a modern chain-link silhouette, with pieces crafted in .925 sterling silver with rhodium plating, and offered at price points ranging from $260 to $320. The designs deploy a black-and-white motif, mixing sterling silver with the brand's black cubic zirconia stones.

The silver collection will be available in early August in Swarovski boutiques, through authorized Swarovski retailers and on the brand's Web site, Swarovski.com. ...

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Stuller system gets Kera bead sales rolling

source : nationaljewelernetwork.com
April 23, 2010

Stuller has created a selling system to make selling its branded Kera bead collection easier.

Lafayette, La.--Stuller has launched a marketing support system for Kera, the branded bead collection that the Lafayette, La.-based jewelry manufacturer initially launched in November 2009.

The comprehensive Kera Selling System can be purchased for less than $5,000 and is accompanied by full marketing support, including more than 150 total Murano, glass and sterling silver beads; six varieties of bracelet styles and two necklace styles; fashionable packaging; marketing brochures and branded polishing cloths and counter pad. ...

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Famous Emeralds

Gachala Emerald (origin: Colombia)
The Gachala Emerald is an uncut 5-cm emerald crystal weighing 858 carats (172 g). The stone was found in 1967 at Vega de San Juan mine in Colombia and is named after the mining district where it was discovered. Now in the United States, it was donated to the Smithsonian Institution by the New York jeweler, Harry Winston.



Chalk Emerald (origin: Colombia)
The Chalk Emerald is a 37.82 carats (7.56 g) Colombian emerald.

It originally weighed 38.40 carats (7.68 g), but was recut and set in a ring, where it is surrounded by sixty pear-shaped diamonds (totalling 15 carats (3.0 g), by Harry Winston Inc. The ring is housed in the National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the United States and was donated to the museum by Mr. and Mrs. O. Roy Chalk in 1972.

Duke of Devonshire Emerald (origin: Colombia)

The Duke of Devonshire Emerald gets its name from the 6th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, who according to one version, received the enormous gemstone as a gift from the first emperor of Brazil, Don Pedro I, the son of King John VI of Portugal, but according to a second version purchased the gemstone from the emperor.

The Duke of Devonshire Emerald is a terminated hexagonal-shaped crystal discovered from the mines of Muzo, Santa Fe de Bogota, in Colombia, reputed to be the premier source of the world's finest emeralds. It is an exceptional deep-green emerald, with perfect transparency in certain areas, but heavily flawed in other areas. The emerald that measures 5 cm across the pinacoid also has a height of about 5 cm, and weighs 1,383.95 carats. The emerald had a reputation as the largest and finest uncut emerald in existence.

Mackay Emerald
The stunning 167.97-carat Mackay Emerald was mined in Muzo, Columbia. The largest cut emerald in the National Gem Collection, it is set in an Art Deco diamond and platinum necklace designed by Cartier Inc. In 1931, Clarence H. Mackay presented the necklace as a wedding gift to his wife, Anna Case, a prima donna of the New York Metropolitan Opera from 1909 to 1920. The piece was donated to the Smithsonian Institute by Mrs. Anna Case Mackay in 1984. Source: The National Gem Collection by Jeffrey E. Post.

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Make Your Perfect Wedding with A Tin Cup Necklace

When you are preparing for your wedding and seeking a classic elegant jewelry, a tin cup pearl necklace made absolutely will be perfect. There is nothing else that captures the same easy grace and elegance as a tin cup necklace does.

The tin cup necklace was populared after the 1996 golf movie “Tin Cup”, and now still be one piece as a perennial jewelry loved by women, especially by brides around the world. Created in lustrous white pearls, they are a marvelous classic style to complement any bridal gown, as the soft glowing white tone of pearls happens to be a lovely match. 6mm and 8mm are the most popular sizes for a tin cup necklace, and for a wedding gown, the selected pearls will usually be white in a slightly larger size, like 8mm, to give it a strong presence.

A tin cup pearl necklace is just the one for a bride who loves pearls, but prefers something more unique than the traditional strand. The tin cup necklace is both fresh and classic, making it the perfect finishing touch for brides. The versatility and style also happen to make it an ideal jewelry for women of every age and for numerous events. Whatever the occasion apart your wedding, you will find that your tin cup necklace becomes one of your “go-to” pieces every time that you pull out your jewelry box.

The health functions of wearing pearls

Women wear pearl jewelry for its beauty and elegance, while there are some good health functions of wearing pearls that you may not know. Pearls easily improve your fabulous appearance, at the same time, they can keep you in good health.

Pearls can be made into pearl necklace, earring, brooch, ring, and other accessories. Wearing pearls is good for skin care and prevention and cure of diseases. For those woman during the menstruation and menopause, pearls can even reduce their motions of fidgets and irritability. Pearls play a excellent role in adjustment and moderating, as well as better prevent and treat chronic laryngitis, thyroid, and the like.

The health functions of pearl necklace comes along the stimulation of the fraction between the pearls and your neck and chest, which not only improve the micro-circulatory system of your neck, elbow, wrist, shoulder, and your back, but also promote your blood circulation; it can effective ease your body's sore and stiff, chest dull pain, habitual headache, insomnia, constipation, fatigue and other systemic diseases.

The Best Offer On Mother's Day

Mother's Day is approaching in this most blossoming season of the year, a best time again to show your sincere love and appreciation to your mother.

As a love Mother's Day gift, our special designs with the best pearls of various colors and K gold diamond-inlaid are classical, elegant, noble and warm. These carefully selected Shecypearls jewelry and its unique design will let you fully express your heartfelt affection to your dear mom that brings you her happy and amiable smile.

From Apr. 25th to May 9th. amazing promotions is provided for your mothers with our four best selected pearl jewelry, a favorable price with 20% off and SHIPPING FREE.

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3. Sweet and Exquisite Style Golden Cultured Akoya Pearl Pendants, 7.0 mm-7.5mm, AAA USD179 -> USD143

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Changeable Earrings

Try this: changeable earrings. One earring findings for more than one earring dangle. Does it sound interesting?


This is not a new idea but it’s a smart way to wear earrings. I’m pretty happy to have found the leverback sterling silver ear wires that are specially designed for changeable dangles. Simply slide a dangle onto a piece of ear wire and clip its leverback (a closure attached to a curve ear wire) to secure. Quick and easy!

In general, flower motif beads appeal to anyone especially those who just begin to appreciate lampwork glass beads. Thus I’ve made several dangles featuring many kinds of flowers created by various lampwork bead artists. Since I intended them for everyday wear, their designs are pretty basic as shown in the next photo. Sure it’s always possible to make dangles with more delicate and more elaborate designs for the changeable earring style.


And here’s another thing. Changeable earrings are great as a gift. I usually put one set of ear wires and two dangle pairs in a beautifully-presented box for any occasion from birthday to friendship to farewell (and any other dear moments). Who wouldn’t be pleased to receive two pairs of lovely dangles in a single package?

Jewelry Art Awards 2009 of Jewelry Artist Magazine

The 2009 Jewelry Arts Awards

Jewelry Artist magazine's annual competition yields 10 outstanding winners

Pins & Brooches

Naomi Sarna
First Place, Pins/Brooches
(Also Best of Competition)
FIRST WAVE
32mm x 23mm. 18K gold, Chinese freshwater pearl, VS diamonds, Montana sapphires, Contra-luz opals, Imperial topaz. Handmade lost-wax gold setting surrounding pegged and epoxy-set pearl. All stones are pave set with bright-cut finishing. Photo: Azad. sarna.naomi@gmail.com, naomisarnadesigns.com

Naomi Sarna
Second Place, Pins/Brooches
JUBILANT HEART. 38.5mm x 43.3 mm. 87.5 carat rose quartz, 18K gold, VS diamonds, Montana sapphire, Impreial topaz, Contra-luz opal. Lost-wax carved and gold-cast setting. Photo: Azad. sarna.naomi@gmail.com, naomisarnadesigns.com

Bracelets

Genevieve Yang
First Place, Bracelets
MOON PHASES CUFF. 2.0" x 2.5" x 1.75". Fine silver, sterling silver edge, and 24K gold. Spray of flush set VS F plus diamonds, Hand fabricated, forged, roller embossed, keumboo, flush setting. Photo: Hap Sakwa. genevieve@genevieveyang.com, www.genevieveyang.com

Alex Maryaskin
Second Place, Bracelets
UNTITLED. 8". 14K yellow gold, Australian opal, and diamonds. Filigree work, scroll work, and spiral and granulation detail. Photo: Ralph Gabriner. 757-596-0481, www.artoffiligree.com

Earrings

Nanz Aalund
First Place, Earrings
NAUTILUS EARRINGS
33mm x 5mm x 26mm each earring. 22K gold and epoxy resin. Corrugated 22K gold is spiraled with epoxy resin cast into the spiral. Fabricated ear clip. Photo: Doug Yaple. nanz@nanzaalund.com, www.nanzaalund.com

Pendants/Necklaces

Marie Scarpa
First Place, Pendants/Necklaces
TWENTY ONE. 3.25" x 3" x 5". 20-gauge Argentium sheet, 3mm Argentium heavy walled tubing, 12-gauge round Argentium wire, 36-gauge 3½% platinum silver wire, 34-gauge 18K yellow gold wire, 7mm 1.51 carat whirlpool cut citrine, 2.5mm round faceted black spinels, 4.5 round white freshwater pearls. Fabrication including sawing and soldering, hand weaving, stone setting and hand polishing, and texturing. Photo: Hap Sakwa. 707-765-6558, www.mariescarpadesigns.com.

Melissa Pedersen
Second Place, Pendants/Necklaces
CELEBRATION SPROUT NECKLACE. 25cm x 15cm x 3cm. Sterling silver, Argentium silver, 3mm fresh water pearls. Hand carved wax, lost wax casting, fused, constructed, and soldered. Photo by the artist. info@melissapedersen.com, www.melissapedersen.com.

Miscellaneous Jewelry

Jeffrey Appling
First Place, Miscellaneous Jewelry
BROKEN CIRCLE. 17" and 10mm. Sterling silver, 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold plate, 13mm faceted triangular black spinel, 2.0mm black diamonds, and 2mm colorless diamonds. Black rubber neoprene. Carved, cast, fabricated, flush set and tension set. Photo: Hap Sakwa. 760-322-2883, www.JeffreyAppling.com.

Robin Antonsen
Second Place, Miscellaneous Jewelry
OBJECT. 6". Sterling silver hair pin. Constructed, rolling mill, hydraulic press, and patina. Photo by the artist. brightshadow@cheerful.com.

Rings

Jeffrey Appling
First Place, Rings
SURFER RINGS. 15mm x 21mm x 29mm. Silver and copper with paint pigment cross-linked into the upper metal molecules, 2mm diamonds, 7.5mm freshwater cultured pearls. Carved, cast, tension set, flush set, baked. Photo: Hap Sakwa. 760-322-2883, www.JeffreyAppling.com.


L. Sue Szabo
Second Place, Rings
SWAY. 1.5" L x 0.375" W 1" D. Sterling silver, 4 carat pink sapphires, 0.33 carat burmese ruby. Hand fabricated, tube settings for gems. Photo: Ericka Crissman/Wired Images. www.lsueszabo.com

For information on entering your jewelry in the next competition, click here!

source : jewelryartistmagazine.com

A Storied Name in Jewelry Makes a Comeback

source : nytimes.com
By JULIA WERDIGIER
Published: September 9, 2009

A firebird brooch from the Fabergé jewelry collection.

LONDON — Fabergé, jeweler to the last Russian czar and creator of the legendary Imperial Easter eggs, made a comeback of sorts Wednesday when it presented its first jewelry collection in more than 90 years, even as other luxury goods makers are bracing for a tough year.

The collection is the result of a two-year effort by Fabergé’s owners, a group of investors led by the British private-equity firm Pallinghurst Resources, to revive the brand by reuniting it with two heirs of the Fabergé family.

The firm also assembled a management and design team that includes Mark Dunhill, former president of Alfred Dunhill, a leather and accessories maker owned by the Swiss luxury goods company Richemont, and Frédéric Zaavy, an avant-garde Parisian jeweler. ...

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By choice or not, jewelers fall off brand-wagon

source : nationaljewelernetwork.com
By Michelle Graff
April 15, 2010

Hearts on Fire says it is renewing its focus on bridal pieces, like this "Beloved" ring, featuring a 0.75-carat center stone and 0.37- to 0.47-carat side stones; setting retails for $2,650.

New York--In a month known for hearts and cupid's arrows, some of the industry's biggest brands weren't showing recession-battered retailers any love.

In February, both diamond company Hearts on Fire and the Richemont Group-owned Cartier acknowledged they were severing ties with under-performing retailers, and both cited essentially the same reason: They wanted to maximize their brand's potential by partnering only with those retailers who really know how to push their product.

Stories detailing these divorces blew up online at NationalJeweler.com, remaining on the site's top-viewed list for weeks. But was the frenzy whipped up by the jewelers directly impacted or by the love-hate relationship jewelers often harbor when it comes to their favorite brands? Longtime retailers and industry observers suggest the latter. ...

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