Famous Jewelry Collections: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Raw Mineral Jewelry by Kathryn Blackmore

Posted: 31 May 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Pyrite and magnesite are minerals which aren't really thought of as gemstones. Yet one modern innovative artisan has made them the focals in her jewelry designs.

UK based Kathryn Blackmore's design shown on the left features a cluster of pyrite stones on a gold plated necklace.

You'll notice there is a metallic luster to the brass yellow stones. That's why pyrite (iron pyrite) is also known as fool's gold. The name comes from the Greek word pur or pyr which means fire appropriately describing the stone's ability to generate sparks when struck against steel. Pyrite lumps were used to fire early guns in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Small faceted pyrite pieces also features in marcasite jewelry which was particularly popular during the Victorian and Art Nouveau eras. Marcasite jewelry does not actually contain marcasite as it is less stable and more brittle than the similar looking pyrite. Pyrite has a Mohs scale rating of 6- 6.5. (For an example of a vintage marcasite piece, check my past post, How to Make Convertible Brooch Pendant Necklaces)

The gorgeous green hue of her magnesite pendant necklace has been dyed and stabilized to resemble turquoise. Magnesite is not that commonly used in jewelry probably because it is not very hard - 3.5- 4.5 on the Mohs scale.

Before You Go :

Via and via

For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips

Liked what you read? Don't miss a post! Subscribe

via RSS OR Via Email* It's FREE! *Click on the link in the confirmation email to activate subscription

Be a Fan!

Monday, May 30, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

How to Crochet Wire Rings

Posted: 30 May 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Trust me. Wire crochet jewelry is actually easier than the yarn variety. The reason is the technique is very forgiving as you don't have to make perfect wire loops.

This Bead Club video tutorial for a crochet wire filigree ring is just the ticket for a small project.The instructor shows how to easily correct slight flaws.As this is a plain band, knitting with small needles will also work.

Abigail's Crafts Howto Blog has a another tutorial for an informal wire crochet ring. She recommends metal crochet hooks. She uses 3 mm. I suggest trying other sizes to get the look you want. Small beads may also be added.

If you have more experience, then check out Kate Pullen's tutorial for a crochet ring with a cabochon setting. Make it bigger and add a clasp and you've got a bracelet!

More Crochet Jewelry Inspirations and Resources :

For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips

Liked what you read? Don't miss a post! Subscribe

via RSS OR Via Email* It's FREE! *Click on the link in the confirmation email to activate subscription

Be a Fan!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Modern Hair Jewelry by Larissa

Posted: 29 May 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Hair Today, Bling Tomorrow
Part 2 of 2
In past centuries, sentimental and mourning jewelry often included real hair. It was a particularly popular craft during the Victorian era. Even Queen Victoria herself was in on it.

It might seem morbid to us but it was a major way to have a keepsake of a person before photography became more common place.

Check out my past post Jewelry Made with Real Hair - Past and Present which explains more and includes astonishing art jewelry achieved with hair.

One modern hair jewelry artisan who is also reviving this old craft is Brooklyn based Larissa De Souza Varges of De Souza Jewelry on Etsy. She explains how she got into it : " Victorian hair jewelry caught my eye a few years ago and since then, I can't stop collecting and being fascinated by these delicate pieces and how sentimental they are. The work is amazing!"

These are for sale but Larissa also does custom work. To find out more about her and her other work, check out her website.

It isn't surprising why hair makes such enduring mementos - it outlasts us by a huge margin! Many Egyptian mummies which date back thousands of years still have their hair (do not click through if you are squeamish).

Hair can tell a great deal about the person. The observed condition of the hair can betray nutritional deficiencies. The elemental composition of hair can also determine if the person was exposed to toxic substances or provide an aid to disease diagnosis. Hair also provides a useful time line of these occurrences.

Image via Wikipedia

Did you know keepsakes of Napoleon Bonaparte's hair have been tested? The results show a high level of arsenic poisoning most likely acquired from exposure to all kinds products like hair ointment or wall paper color pigments which contained arsenic compounds. But that doesn't stop the conspiracy theorists who still think he was deliberately poisoned to death while in exile.

Via

Other Hair Inspirations

For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips and Earring Design Ideas

Liked what you read? Don't miss a post!
Subscribe

via RSS OR Via Email* It's FREE!
*Click on the link in the confirmation email to activate subscription

Be a Fan!