THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

---

Ray Gabriel's Gemstones From Around the World Posted: 05 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST I thank Aparna (Melisma Wirework), who is a wire work artisan I featured before, for this tip on Colorado based Ray Gabriel's gemstone store on Etsy. I can see why she was a fan because there is a wide range of lovely gemstone cabochons available at affordable (wholesale) prices. The vast majority of his listings are under $10. Shown above is a gorgeous faceted green tourmaline. So it's no surprise when I found out that Ray's gemstone importing business is precisely aimed at jewelry artisans and students, instructors and art departments and has done so for over 35 years. The business is now operated entirely from the Etsy store. Spessartine Garnet, Trillion cut, South Africa Ray has been traveled the world over since 1975 to source gemstones from cutters and dealers. So he is exceedingly knowledgeable about gemstones and is willing to field any questions about them. He notes what flaws (inclusions) there are and shares what he knows about gem treatments. Shown here are some lovely specimens from his store.  One could learn more about gemstones just by wandering through! Tourmalinated Quartz Cabochons His wife, Hannelore, is also a metal smith like him. Both of them attend juried national craft shows around the US. Cat's Eye Scapolite Cabochon Canadian Ammolite Fossil Shell Cabochon (doublet) Before You Go : Quick Tests You Can Do To Test for Fake Gemstones Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness The World's Largest Open Pit Diamond Mine ______________________________ Original Post by THE BEADING GEM Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips

Armature Wire and Yarn Cuff Tutorial Posted: 04 Feb 2012 03:00 PM PST Have you ever considered using armature wire for jewelry projects?  It's really just thick wire which is used as a supporting framework just as sculptures use for larger creations. It is a very useful idea as you can turn to less expensive options such as aluminum.   As I have mentioned before, be careful with aluminum if you use it. It gets brittle if you overwork it and it will break. So avoid the soft temper variety.  Shown here is a wonderful armature wire bracelet tutorial. This cuff  is by one of my favorite DIY designers, Erica Domesek of P.S. I Made This. She used a thick yarn for embellishment but you can also experiment with ribbons and fabric strips. Bling it up with anything you want. Erica used a rhinestone chain. It's quick and easy and looks like a fashionable designer creation. Only YOU made it! Before You Go : Make Neck Wires from Thick Beading Wire Use Armature Wire for Necklaces How to Make Wire Wrapped Cuff Bracelet Tutorials ______________________________ Original Post by THE BEADING GEM Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips

You are subscribed to email updates from The Beading Gem's Journal To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610