Art Fire Artisan Jeweler Guild

2011-11-02T20:36:00.001-04:00

Actually the end of October for the making of these two necklaces. The first was a small piece of opal and matrix rough. As can be seen the opal is the bottom edge and is a gray-blue color. The gray matrix is obvious in this free form cabochon. I cut the cabochon two weeks ago, then drilled a 2 mm hole at the apex of the triangular shape and attached the bail. The chain is a base metal with silver coloring.

If you click on the thumbnail, you can see a large image of the piece. The next is made from 18 gauge round copper wire. I bought a 50 foot coil of dead soft wire (www.abeadedaffair.com) then coiled the wire with the assistance of Debbie into 6 mm jump rings. The entire chain was handcrafted. The resulting Byzantine pattern necklace is 22 inches long. As you all know, no one could afford to purchase this necklace if the actual hours used to craft the chain were used to price the necklace. I took at least 10 hours to put the chain together.
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Everyone have a happy Turkey Day later this month. I have two birthdays to take care of. Thanks to Maria Jenny for one gift (teal pearl bracelet) and the other is a dark yellow topaz / gold necklace.

John

Celebrate the Equinox

2011-09-29T00:18:00.003-04:00

The Autumnal Equinox has just occurred and the fall season has officially begun. With the advent of this season my creative muse has taken on a new vigor. Starting with the original form of silver smithing -- wire wrapping, I made a pendant with a cobalt colored druzy agate in the center of the wire frame. In another working idea, I took some 20 gauge square half hard copper wire and wound it on a 3 mm mandrel to make jump rings. These were cut from the mandrel with a jeweler's saw, then put together to make the chain for this necklace. A dichroic glass pendant that accents the copper color in the chain hangs along the necklace. Please excuse the quality of my photographs. I enjoyed making these pieces, and am continuing in my creation of custom work.

2011-09-18T10:25:00.001-04:00

Jewelry Making Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations

Title 16: Commercial Practices, Part23 – Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries

This discussion will brieflydiscuss part of the above regulations, the entire Part 23 can befound online as the e-CFR™. This will not be the entire regulations, but a summary of thepertinent parts. For this particular discussion, I will limit thediscussion to only those parts regarding metals. Future discussionwill focus on gemstones and pearls.

Theseregulations are applicable to anyone who produces a product that is...”fabricated from precious metals (gold, silver and platinumgroup metals), precious metal alloys and their imitations.” Thusthese can be construed to also include the precious metal clays orany plated or filled metals.

Goldmust only be used to describe items that products that are composedthroughout of an alloy of gold of at least 10 karat fineness. Thegold regulations include definitions of what is Gold Plate, GoldFilled, Gold Electroplate and several other terms. The real cruxt isthat the Artisan can not use the word Gold to describe the productmade, unless it is composed of at least 10 karat gold content. Thefineness of the Gold must also be included, the fineness can onlyrefer to any component of least fineness. Thus a product made of twodifferent finenesses must be called the least fine.

Theterm “Sterling Silver” is restricted to describe an industryproduct that is at least 925 parts per thousand silver. The alloyingmetal is not restricted to copper. The term “Coin Silver” can beused to describe a product that is at least 900 parts per thousandsilver.

PlatinumGroup Metals include platinum, iridium, paladium, ruthenium, rhodiumabn osmium. Platinum must be at least 950 parts per thousandplatinum to be called platinum. This applies to all of the groupmetals.

Simplyput, if your product does not entirely meet the minimum quality to becalled gold, silver and/or platinum you can not use that term in anypart of your name or description of the product. There are noexceptions for these regulations based on size or type of the jewelryproducer. Those of us in the Artisan jewelry industry must followthese regulations.

2011-09-14T03:55:00.001-04:00

Have been looking at various stones that are in my collection, and I found a 3.5 carat marquise cut Amethyst and thought that it would make a good pendant for a necklace. I took some sheet Sterling Silver and cut out an oval then pierced a 16 x 8 mm marquise shape hole in the silver. Soldered a jump ring to the top and four prongs to hold the stone in place, pickles, polished and then patinated with Liver of Sulfur. The result was very unique:

New Work at the Shop

2011-09-08T02:27:00.001-04:00

As the first day of autumn approaches, we realize that September has come and in the Upstate of South Carolina it is by definition no longer hot. August is hot, September is cooler. We will notice Autumn about mid October when the leaves change to their fall beauty. During this time, we continue to work in the shop. Debbie makes about 20 pieces to my one. She does the bead work and I do the lapidary and metalsmithing work. She is very creative and has produced several fantastic jewelry pieces. One of these is based on a sprig of flowers in the pendant below the golden yellow of the sun:

The second piece that she crafted that is featured this month is done with brown beads and golden yellow potato pearls. Again, the focal pendant makes the piece. This pendant is bronze with golden highlights and a yellow faceted stone.

While she has been busily string beads (I add the clasp and chain to her designs), I am working on cutting stones and either wrapping them or setting them. In this case, I cut a piece of amethyst that had a fantastic chevron banded pattern above a very dark section. The cabochon is in a free form style. I drilled a 2 mm hole in the cabochon and attached a pinch bail and Sterling Silver Venetian box chain to finish my necklace:

Call For Entries -- Differences Unite Us Jewelry Exhibition

2011-08-12T01:20:00.000-04:00

"Differences Unite Us" Jewelry Exhibition

Sponsored by The Ganoksin Project, the Internet's oldest and largest
jewelry website, this international online exhibition will feature
work dedicated to the theme "Differences Unite Us".

Ganoksin sponsors the jewelry list Orchid, with 12,000 list members
from all over the world, speaking from a wide range of technical and
aesthetic experiences. The exhibition theme grew out of a desire to
celebrate the creativity encompassed in this wide variety.

Artists are free to interpret the theme in any way they choose. There
is no limit on materials.

Each artist may submit up to 6 pieces at NO charge.

We require jury-quality images
..............................

.......................

Entries must be in jpg format, and must be at least 600 pixels wide.

Only top quality images will be accepted!

We do not judge your design work, but we do reserve the right to
refuse photographs of lesser quality. All images must exhibit
technical competence including sharp focus, proper exposure,
adequate depth of field, and must use the best backdrop possible
(usually a gray, white or black smooth background).

Photographs should be edited properly in a photo-editing program
before submitting. Please crop and correct for exposure and"Differences Unite Us" Jewelry Exhibition

Not accepted:
.....................................................

Images with watermarks, copyright notice, edited frames, edited
backgrounds or other photoshop effects.

Images should be submitted with the entry form below completely
filled out. When listing web URLs please be sure the URL is for a
site that does NOT require viewers to sign up or be part of a group!

All submissions are subject to editor evaluation!

Entries will be accepted between August 11 and November 30.

To participate please use the online form to submit your work at
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/duu

Beth Wicker
Curator
"Differences Unite Us" Jewelry Exhibition

New Designer for Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry LLC

2011-07-24T19:20:00.000-04:00

Debora Lee Rasmussen, my wife, has been a driving force for my art and shop since I began at her initiation of my study of gemology. She is disabled and one of her causes of depression has been the feeling that she is not contributing for our family. She is very creative and last week started designing and creating beaded wearable art. I will still be doing the lapidary and metal work for the shop. She has been very busy and has designed and created several pieces. Her designs will be available at Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry LLC.

Here are two examples of necklaces that she has designed and put together during the past several days. She has a great understanding of texture and color.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Online Exhibition

2011-07-10T09:34:00.002-04:00

Online Exhibition: "Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder"
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/beb

"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" showcases 247 images chosen
from entries from over 55 artists representing North America, South
America, Europe, Australia, Central America, Africa and Eurasia.

The drive to adorn the human body is surely as old as human kind.
From pre-historic times this drive has led humans to use the
materials at hand, combined with the technologies and tools
available, to create objects to adorn the human body. The oldest
jewelry found to date goes back to at least 75,000 years ago in
Africa.

Early jewelry was made of bones, shells, sticks, and whatever other
materials the people could find and shape. Over time the ability to
mine and shape metal developed, and jewelry was made from bronze,
silver, gold, platinum and other metals. Gold has long been thought
of as a "precious" metal, and today it is joined by silver and
platinum as the three main materials modern jewelry is made from.

While much jewelry today is made from these three main metals, a
large body of jewelry world-wide is still made from a much wider
range of materials. This exhibition, "Beauty is in the Eye of the
Beholder", focuses on jewelry made primarily of materials other than
gold, platinum and silver.

Jewelers today are still using found objects such as shell and bone;
they are using "green" materials - upcycled and recycled objects and
materials; they are using cutting edge plastics and newly developed
technology; and they are using older metals such as copper, brass
and bronze.

Some of the more unusual materials include vinyl LP's, velvet, VCR
components, rattlesnake vertebrae, corian, canvas, paper, crab
claws, magnets, synthetic rubber electrical insulation tubing, and
aluminum grounding wire.

More traditional materials used include copper, bronze, brass,
glass, various types of wood, gemstones, pearls and seeds.

Techniques range from traditional metalsmithing, through a range of
beading techniques, textile techniques, photography techniques and
cutting edge industrial fabrication.

Participants range from professional jewelers with international
reputations to students just learning their craft.

Hosted on the Ganoksin website, the world's largest internet site
devoted to jewelry- related topics, the exhibition is a snapshot of
what jewelers around the world are exploring, and an inspiration to
all. The exhibition was conceived Beth Wicker, an artist from South
Carolina, in the USA, and curated by Beth and Hanuman Aspler, founder
of the Ganoksin Project.

Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/beb

For more information about the Exhibition please contact: Beth Wicker
onlineexhibition@earthlink.net or Dr. E. Aspler (Hanuman)
service@ganoksin.com

Dr. E. Aspler (Hanuman)
Owner and founder

Jewelry Making Forum June Prize

2011-07-07T05:11:00.001-04:00

Each month at the Jewelry Making Forum on About.com one member hosts a drawing for a prize to be given to another member. NH Bead Lady was the host in June and I was one of the two winners. Thank you Linda for the fantastic sets of beads and the aventurine stone. I looked for some time at the stone and tried to decide how to use it. I thought about wire wrapping it. I thought about making a bezel setting for it. My fine silver bezel wire isn't wide enough to make the bezel, I could not see me cutting silver sheet wide enough to make a bezel, and then it would cover most of the stone. The stone shape made me think of an asymmetric bead to use as a focal in a necklace. The red rectangular beads (RUBY) would compliment this stone with the juxtaposition of green and red, so I continued this and made the clasp end complete the necklace with some of the green Tourmaline beads. So the necklace was strung of silver colored wire with Sterling Silver findings and lobster claw clasp.

Just click on the thumbnail to see large version of the picture.

I could not let this necklace be alone in life, so I used some more of the Tourmaline chips to make two 2 inch drop earrings on surgical steel ear wires. Thus when you leave the aventurine focal and travel up the necklace you then jump to the ears where the dark green is continued. So here are the earrings:

Thanks for looking. Looking forward to seeing what other winners do in the future.

John

June 2011 AJG Mem bers Gallery

2011-07-02T06:17:00.000-04:00

June 2011 Artisan Jewelers Guild Members Gallery

Members of the Guild have been invited to submit a piece of jewelry to be displayed in a monthly gallery. For June 2011, two members submitted pieces for display.

Iris K. Stuart

I began making jewelry 6 years ago after purchasing an expensive pair of earrings labeled "hypoallergenic" and "sterling silver" that were anything but. I have a serious allergy to nickel so I'm very conscious of the metals I wear. This wasn't my first experience with falsely labeled earrings so I was pretty aggravated. I've been making things with my hands since I was a kid, so I decided to make my own earrings. After awhile I needed necklaces and bracelets to go with the earrings so I got into beading. Then I wanted earrings that were a little fancier so I learned some wireworking techniques, and from there into making chainmaille. Then I discovered metal working -- which is my real love. The ladies at work liked my jewelry and wanted some of my designs, and a business took form.

Every piece I make is hand fabricated from only the finest materials - sterling, argentium or fine silver - with beautiful cabochons and gemstones. You will never find nickel in any of my work. My style runs from office conservative, to weekend kick-around, to pieces that make more of a statement. If you see something you like but would love to own it in a different color or with a little more of this, or a little less of that, please email me and let's design something just for you.

John Atwell Rasmussen

I have had a passion for rocks and rockhounding since I was a small child. I followed this into my education and was a geology major in college. Graduate Geologist for the past 40 years (BS and MS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.) This passion led my wife to start me on my journey into gemology and jewelry design and manufacture. She bought a parcel of gemstones and brought them to me and said "You're the geologist, what are these?" That started my journey into gemology. I am a current student for Professional Gemologist (International Gem Society). I have completed the theory examination and need to complete the practical examination. Then I started doing lapidary and cutting my own stones. This led me to join Western South Carolina Gem and Mineral Society.I furthered my education with classes and became certified as an Accredited Jewelry Professional (2009) (GIA), and Jewelry Design and Repair Certificate, Penn Foster Career School (2010). I am continuing my love for gemstones by making unique pieces at my bench and offering them to the public. Most of my work is custom pieces for individual customers.

Making a Ring

2011-06-28T06:35:00.002-04:00

Several people have asked over time to see what I start with and then what has been produced. While Debbie and I were in Helen, we went gem mining. One of the rough stones we found was a piece of amazonite (feldspar). I decided to make a cabochon (18x13 mm oval) that would fit a cabochon head that I already had in stock (purchased from Tripps).

In this thumbnail (click to see larger image) are the amazonite rough stone, the purchased head to mount the stone after making the ring and cutting the stone and a section of 8 gauge half round half hard Sterling Silver wire. These items are made into a ring size 7. I took the wire, wrapped it around a ring mandrel and sawed the wire to be size 7, then marked the width of the head and opened the wire to match that size and ground the wire ends to match the angle of the head. Meanwhile, yesterday, I went to our gem society workshop and cut the cabochon. Combining everything meant soldering the wire to the head, pickling this and then polishing the ring without the stone in it. I do this by hand (no tumbler in my shop). Then the amazonite cabochon was mounted in the head and the ring is completed.

That is the story of how I make a ring.

John

Faceted Peridot Ring

2011-06-27T00:45:00.000-04:00

Have been working for a couple weeks on a ring using a large 10 mm round brilliant cut eye clean Peridot stone. I saw a ring with a stone set between two shanks, so I tried to produce a ring with a similar shape. First I fashioned a bezel setting for the stone, with a 22 gauge square wire as the shelf to set the stone on. Then fashioned the shank with a 10 mm wide opening to set the bezel into. After soldering, pickling and polishing, I set in the stone, then burnished and polished the ring again. The result was a very unique and beautiful ring.

Now I am making my dear wife a similar ring with a citrine stone. Click on the thumbnails to see a larger image.

Semi back to Normal

2011-06-16T15:51:00.002-04:00

My main computer bit the dust last weekend, so I sent it off to HP for repair. That meant that I had to use the slower backup computer, so I have not been doing too much online. I also evacuated my online shop and am reshooting all jewelry for better pictures and will be reopening on July 1st. Basically starting over, mainly intellectually. In the past few days, Debbie looking through my portfolio found the Star of David pendant I did in copper and asked if I could make one in silver. That is not too difficult although I had to do the background star twice, as I did not like the quality of the first that I sawed. Changed the patterning slightly and this is what resulted:

When this was finished, she asked me to make a Christian cross for our daughter in law. She and family attend a fundamental Baptist congregation. So, I designed a cross with 8 gauge half round half hard Sterling silver wire:

Off to cut opal this weekend, hopefully I will have some great stones to play with next week.

Horst and Graben Bracelet

2011-06-08T21:15:00.002-04:00

Copper cuff bracelet. 7 x 1 inch 23 gauge copper sheet, that was textured with two patterns. Random round dimples (dots) (representing sandstone) and dashes with circular design (representing shale with fossils). Two layers in a nonconforming Horst and Graben fault pattern (geological formation due to faulting). After patterning, the cuff was formed into shape and then patina was applied with Liver of Sulphur. Finished the cuff off with glossy acrylic protective coating to keep the copper from oxidizing on the arm.

Purple Passion

2011-06-01T20:51:00.002-04:00

Purple Passion involves Fluorite and Amethyst cabochons which were cut this week. I started Monday morning cutting three amethyst, one fluorite and one ruby cabochons. I have finished cutting the cabochons, and have completed two as necklace pendants. First to be examined will be the Fluorite. This gemstone is quite soft (Moh's hardness = 4) and must be set in a protective setting. So I designed a bezel setting for the freeform stone. The fine silver bezel wire had a 20 gauge Sterling silver wire soldered to the bottom of the bezel to support the back of the stone in the setting. Then I hammered the bezel to produce dimpling. The top edge of the bezel was scalloped with saw and file. Finally, a bail ring was soldered to the back of the bezel. Now that the bezel setting was crafted, the stone was placed in the bezel and the scalloped edge was burnished over the edge of the cabochon and here is the finished product:

The rest of the 20 inch necklace was made with fluorite chips and silver colored ball chain. The next necklace was made with an amethyst cabochon. I had an amethyst crystal about 5 inches long. I cut the crystal into two pieces along the c-axis and then cabbed each stone. One has been completed with wrapping with 22 gauge Sterling silver square half hard wire in a criss cross pattern. The resulting pendant is about 3 inches by 1/2 inch. Here are my two pictures of this beautiful wire wrapped pendant.

Now I am watching the first game of the finals for the Stanley Cup, Boston playing Vancouver. Even though Boston beat the Flyers, I will root for them as they are one of the original six teams.

Ruby Necklace

2011-05-30T07:54:00.000-04:00

My granddaughter will be celebrating her birthday this July. As with the other recent birthdays, I try to make her a unique artisan piece of jewelry. This year, I am also honoring her for being inducted into the National Honor Society at her high school. Less than 1% of the students in her school receive this honor.

Debbie and I mined in Franklin, NC (the Cowee Valley, where there are active ruby and sapphire mines) and found several pieces of ruby. I have had this piece of rough for a couple years now, and thought it would make a great cabochon. The stone is not of facet quality. The associated mineral us Fuchsite (a form of Muscovite mica, usually green).

The rough was basically a drop shape, so I followed that and cut the cabochon using a Genie cabbing machine. The result is a 148.95 carat cabochon, with a wisp of fuchsite still attached. Then I designed a "frame" of wire, sheet and bezel wire to hold the stone to make a necklace. All components are Sterling and Fine silver. The wire wrap was soldered to the back of the piece, then wrapped across the front to hold the bottom of the stone in place. Fine silver bezel wire was soldered in place to hold the top point of the cabochon in place. Finally, the bail was added and soldered together. The pendant was then hung from an 18 inch Sterling Silver chain.

I hope you enjoy looking at it as much as I had crafting it.

Summer 2011 Challenge

2011-05-28T16:29:00.002-04:00

The post for the summer challenge is in the forums at the Guild Hall, see the post there.

John

Father's Day Jewelry

2011-05-25T04:33:00.000-04:00

From some of the members MAN Gifts!

Lukelys - Silver Cratered Moonscape Cufflinks

2goodclaymates - Motorbike Tie Tac/Lapel Pin

Silver River Jewelry - Double Opal Copper Pendant

CreationsbyCarolLadine - Skull Guns and Roses Ring

ArtFire Artisan Jeweler Guild Expands!

2011-05-15T09:14:00.005-04:00

We at Art Fire Artisan Jeweler Guild are expanding! We have added a Tumblr Blog. It is easy to share what each member is working on! Please do visit!

Also expanding our facebook page! Please do go Like it!

We are accepting new members TOO! Art Fire Artisan Jeweler Guild

What did you make this week?

2011-05-09T21:45:00.000-04:00

Enter your link and photo here: Thanks for sharing!

Wedding hair vine

2011-05-09T12:13:00.006-04:00

Contributed by ShanghaiTai

Some of you may know my daughter is getting married soon, and I am making the jewelry for her and her bridesmaids. She wanted a hair vine. Since I am no stranger to wire-wrapping, I figured I could handle it. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I went looking for some instructions, and I found them here, on the Fire Mountain Gems Website.

I had planned on using real pearls (I really dislike fake ones), but my daughter sent me a picture of one she liked that had ends with three little tiny pearls on them. I don't know if you can get real pearls like that (tiny and perfectly round) but I don't have any. So I used Swarovski 3mm pearls. As you can see, I did make a few modifications to the design. The main one being that I could not attach the Swarovski crystals by running the wire through twice. I was using 24 gauge Argentium sterling (dead soft), but the holes weren't big enough to run it through twice. So instead I made myself some long 24 gauge head pins by balling up some wire ends with my torch. Also, maybe I wasn't paying attention (it's an ADHD thing) but I learned something that I didn't notice in the instructions. When adding new wires, you need to keep the ends of the old ones in there for an inch or so, otherwise your vine will have a joint in it.

It took me over 4 hours to make. It is 14" long however, so it's longer than average. I think it turned out good, though. Here's a close up:

I had a lot of fun making this -- I think you may see some more appearing on my web site soon!

Please do visit ShanghaiTai on Art Fire!

History of Mother's Day

2011-04-25T02:00:00.008-04:00

Contributed by Canterbury Vines Studios

Mother's Day is just around the corner. How can we thank the Woman who will do anything for us, support us, cheer us up, remind us how wonderful we are, while at the same time urging us to be our best? Well, regardless if you have a down to earth mom, a fashion diva mom, outdoorsy mom, sophisticated, exotic, funky, etc. your mom will always love something from your heart.

I researched the history of Mother's Day and thought you would be interested in how it came about and what other countries might do. Don't forget to check out the shop to find a really great, unique, and one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that your mom will love and wear all the time.

The modern Mother's Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March, April, or May as a day to honor mothers and motherhood. Contrary to popular belief, Mother's Day was not conceived in the boardroom of Hallmark. The earliest tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele. Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England this holiday was expanded to include all mothers and was called Mothering Sunday. The ancient Romans also had another holiday, Matronalia, that was dedicated to Juno, though mothers were usually given gifts on this day.

In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."

In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to
memorialize the life work of her mother. Anna began to lobby prominent businessmen like John Wannamaker, and politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. At one of the first services organized to celebrate Anna's mother in 1908, at her church in West Virginia, Anna handed out her mother's favorite flower, the white carnation. Five years later, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day. In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.

In Europe there were several long standing traditions where a specific Sunday was set aside to honor motherhood and mothers such as Mothering Sunday. Mothering Sunday celebrations are part of the liturgical calendar in several Christian denominations, including Anglicans, and in the Catholic calendar is marked as Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent to honor the Virgin Mary and your "mother" church. Children and young people who were "in service" (servants in richer households) were given a day off on that date so they could visit their families or, originally, return to their "mother" church. The children would pick wild flowers along the way to place them in the church or to give them to their mothers as gifts.

In most countries, Mother's Day is a recent observance derived from the holiday as it has evolved in America. When it was adopted by other countries and cultures, it was given different meanings, associated to different events (religious, historical or legendary), and celebrated in a different date or dates.Some countries already had existing celebrations honoring motherhood, and their celebrations have adopted several external characteristics from the US holiday, like giving carnations and other presents to your own mother.

Here are a few countries and how they celebrate:

Arab World
Mother's Day in most of Arab countries is celebrated on March 21. It was introduced in Egypt by journalist Mustafa Amin in his book (Smiling America) 1943. The idea was overlooked at the time, but when Amin heard the story of a widowed mother who devoted her whole life to raise her son until he became a doctor, got married and left without showing her any gratitude, Amin became motivated to promote for "Mother's Day". The idea was first ridiculed by president Gamal Abdel Nasser but he eventually accepted it and Mother's Day was first celebrated on the 21st of March 1956. The practice has since been copied by the other Arab countries.

Bolivia
In Bolivia, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 27. The Dia de la Madre Boliviana was passed into law on November 8, 1927, during the presidency of Hernando Siles Reyes. It commemorates the Battle of Coronilla which took place on May 27, 1812, during the Bolivian War of Independence, in what is now the city of Cochabamba. In this battle, women fighting for the country's independence were slaughtered by the Spanish army. It's not a festive day, but all schools make activities and festivities during this day.

China
In China, Mother's Day is becoming more popular, and carnations are a very popular gift and the most sold type of flower. In 1997 it was set as the day to help poor mothers, especially to remind people of the poor mothers in rural areas such as China's western region. In the People's Daily, the Chinese government's official newspaper, an article explained that "despite originating in the United States, people in China take the holiday with no hesitance because it goes in line with the country's traditional ethics – respect to the elderly and filial piety to parents."

Japan
Mother's Day in Japan was initially commemorated during the ShMwa period as the birthday of Empress KMjun (mother of Emperor Akihito) on 6 March. This was established in 1931 when Imperial Women's Union was organised. In 1937, the first meeting of "Praise Mothers" was held on 8 May, and in around 1949 Japanese society adapted to celebrate Mother's day on the second Sunday of May, the same as many other countries. Nowadays it is rather a marketed holiday, and people typically give flowers such as red carnations and roses as gifts.

Mexico
The government of Álvaro Obregón imported the holiday from the US in 1922, with the newspaper Excélsior making a massive promotion campaign that year. In the mid-1930s the government of Lázaro Cárdenas promoted the holiday as a "patriotic festival". The Cárdenas government tried to use the holiday as a vehicle for various efforts: stressing the importance of families for national development, benefiting from the loyalty that Mexicans had towards their mothers, introducing new morals to Mexican women and reducing the influence that the church and the Catholic right had on them. Soledad Orozco García, the wife of President Manuel Ávila Camacho, promoted the holiday during the 1940s, making it into an important state-sponsored celebration. The 1942 celebration lasted a whole week, including an announcement that all women could reclaim their pawned sewing machines from the Monte de Piedad at no cost. Now the holiday in Mexico is a celebration of both mothers and the Virgin Mary held each year on May 10.

Happy Mother's Day!

http://mothers-day.123holiday.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day

Pearl- June Birthstone Contributed by Canterbury Vines Studios

2011-04-20T16:39:00.005-04:00

Pearls – June birthstone and a Bridal Classic

A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle)
of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.

Valuable pearls occur in the wild, but they are very rare. Cultured or farmed pearls from pearl oysters make up the majority of those that are currently sold. Pearls from the sea are valued more highly than freshwater pearls. Pearls have been harvested and cultivated primarily for use in jewelry, but in the past they were also stitched onto lavish clothing. Pearls have also been crushed and used in cosmetics, medicines, or in paint formulations.

I love pearls and have many designs in the Bridal Collection as well as many
everyday designs. The range of shapes and colors of pearls make them one of the most versatile gems in your jewelry box. Check out my designs with button, rice, coin, and keshi shapes.

Happy Birthday June!
Shannon

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl
Please do visit CanterburyVinesStudios

From AM Designs by Angela

2011-04-19T02:45:00.002-04:00

Peacock Heart
Please do visit AMDesignsbyAngela

From Popnicute

2011-04-18T19:36:00.002-04:00

Peas in a Pod Swarovski Necklace

Congratulations GemLover!

2011-04-18T19:29:00.003-04:00

Your Mothers Day entry was voted the Winner!

Here is some information about this piece:
The frame for the cabochon (druzy quartz) is made from 9 gauge half round half hard Sterling Silver wire formed and soldered to mimic the shape of the cabochon. The bail, jump ring and prong setting for the cabochon are all made from 18 gauge square half hard Sterling Silver wire. This was crafted as my Mother's Day present for my wife. When she saw the cabochon in my shop, she said that it was hers and to please do something with it for her. So I did.

Please do visit GemLovers' Art Fire Studio

Mothers Day Challenge

2011-04-15T08:40:00.014-04:00

Mothers Day is just weeks away! Artisan Jeweler Guilds April Challenge was to make a jewel for Mom. Please choose your favorite in the poll in the right side bar. BUT it won't be easy!!

Silver River Jewelry
Handmade Victorian Style Lampwork Earrings

Catcophony
Copper Sheild Pendant

Canterbury Vines Studios
Rainbow Obsidian and Tourmalted Quartz Bracelet

2 Good Claymates
Summer Garden Necklace

WiresNPliers
Minimus No8, Tendrils and Ringlets

Gem Lover
Drusy Quart Sterling Pendant

Lukelys
Silver Bangle with Sapphire Enamel

Take Courage Designs
Triple Heart Amethyst Pendant

Kaths Elegant Accessories
Flower Fantasy Statement Necklace

Meet amdesignsbyangela

2011-04-07T06:12:00.005-04:00

My name is Angela McKenna of AMDesignsbyAngela Artisan Studio. My business name actually started as AM Designs, but when it came to a web presence that domain name was not available..well it was for like $1500...so I added "by Angela".and started to build my online identity.

I started making jewelry in early 2006 when I decided that I wanted some semi-precious stone bead necklaces. I figured I could make myself and not need to spend retail prices. The first thing I did was order a large assortment of beads, got a stringing book, the necessary tools and supplies and I was off...I have never looked back since. I easily became addicted to everything about creating jewelry, especially learning new techniques. I have learned a lot, but I still have a lot to learn. In the meantime I am happy to be creating and doing that with attention to workmanship and quality.

I am a creative soul...I have worked in other creative enterprises as my primary source of income...designing and merchandising men's apparel, interior decorating and graphic design. My hobbies have included pottery, both wheel-thrown and hand built and card making.

I really love using sheet metals...it's the manipulation of the metal that gives me the most satisfaction...adding dimension and changing its form and texture. Working with wire is a favorite method to create with...I love weaving wire and using a variety of wire techniques in a design to create contrasting textures...wire work is a very serene and stress relieving activity.

I can't pick one favorite item in my shop...however, it is usually the last piece I made. My favorite type of item to create is one that enables me incorporate a variety of skills.

I am inspired by everything I see...nature, architecture, people, paintings, fabrics, industry...it all intrigues me and influences what I create.

I don't know how interesting or unique it is, but I am primarily self-taught. I haven't taken any classes. I have done tons of research online, read many books and magazines and networked online and in person with amazingly talented and generous jewelry artists. In fact I am an administrator of one of the biggest jewelry forums online...Starving Jewelry Artists...our mission is to share our experience and knowledge and support our community from beginners to masters.

Enjoy what you create...don't compare yourself to other artists...the joy is in the process.

Find me on the web:

Art Fire Studio
AM Designs by Angela
AM Jewelry Designs
facebook
Starving Jewelry Artists

Submitting your creations

2011-04-05T10:53:00.007-04:00

Contributed by DivaPixie
In April 2009, a friend and fellow jewelry artist walked into my classroom after the dismissal bell had rung for the day. She had with her a copy of a magazine called Bead Trends.
"I think you should submit photos to this publication."
"Really?"
"They published my things and your wire work is way better than my bead stringing. Submit something. See what happens."
She dropped the April issue on my desk, smiled and walked out again.
I flipped through the magazine and saw all the wonderful things that people had created. Could my pieces really compete with these seasoned artisans? By the following morning I had decided to investigate the magazine further. I went to their website and poked around a bit. ALL their photographs were submitted by artists, some of whom design and create jewelry for a living and those who like me are hobby jewelry designers.
I read up on their requirements for submission and decided to try it. I submitted three photos of pieces I had created and waited to hear back. It was so simple. All I had to do was send an email to the address listed with my name, contact info, a description of the piece in question and a photo of the piece. Simple.

Amazingly, they accepted one of my rings for publication! I was thrilled!
The editor wrote a letter explaining that I was to send the ring to their company in a secure box, well wrapped and insured to them within a specified period of time. They would then have their photographers photograph the item and then would send it back when the issue with my piece was released. They also sent two copies of the magazine as well as a $20 certificate for me to spend at Fire Mountain Gems. I thought this was a great deal!
I have since submitted and had several other jewelry pieces accepted for publication, including a steampunk inspired necklace featured in this month's issue.

I highly recommend this publication for great jewelry ideas as well as a means for getting pieces published. It is great PR and super easy to submit pieces for consideration. They are currently accepting pieces for the October 2011 issue. You can find the requirements and categories for submissions as well as upcoming issues at:
http://scrapbooktrendsmag.com/submissions.html

Craftsmanship: the Meaning of Life

2011-04-05T10:31:00.002-04:00

contributed by IKStuartDesigns

Many of us who make things with our hands aspire to reach the level of expertise where those who admire our work will refer to us as being a “craftsman”. I would like to share with you a very interesting article that I read this morning. Craftsmanship: the Meaning of Life is an opinion piece written by Tim Bryce that discusses the reasons for the decline of craftsmanship in America, defines the attributes of a craftsman, and identifies the differences between craftsmanship, workmanship, and quality. The article goes on to offer suggestions for methods to create craftsmen in the American workforce. I found it to be a very thought provoking read.

I wish to convey my gratitude to Hans Meevis for posting the link to this article on Orchid and to Tim Bryce for writing a thoughtful and well-reasoned article.

What do you think about this article? I'd like to hear your thoughts!

Ammonoid Fossil Jewelry

2011-04-04T09:28:00.003-04:00

Contributed by evgems

What is ammonite, and why is it in my jewelry?

Ammonoids (more commonly known as ammonites) are extinct marine invertebrate, which thrived in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras, from 400 to 65 million years ago.

These types of fossils are more related to living Coleoids (Octopus, Squid, and Cuttlefish), than they are to the living Nautilus species which they appear to resemble.

Ammonoid fossil shells are usually discovered in spiral form, but a few helical-spiral and non-spiral forms have been unearthed.

This is what an ammonoid probably looked like.

Ammonid (ammonite) fossils are found all over the world, but most of ours are discovered in Madagascar.

Because different species of ammonites lived during different time periods, scientists can use these fossils to determine the relative age of the rocks in which they are found.

That is why ammonites are known as “index fossils”.

Since ammonites lived exclusively in water, their presence also indicates the location of prehistoric oceans.

Ammonoids are also known as ammonites because the name was inspired by the spiral shape of their fossilized shells, which resemble coiled rams’ horns.

In 79 AD. Pliny the Elder named these fossils Ammonis Cornua, meaning “Horns of Ammon”, because the Egyptian God Ammon was typically pictured with ram’s horns.

Often the name of an ammonite genus ends in -ceras, which is Greek (κέρας) for “horn”.

Various ammonoid shapes
from “Kunstformen der Natur” (Artforms of Nature) by Ernst Haeckel 1899.

In medieval Europe, ammonite fossils were thought to be petrified coiled snakes, so were called “Snakestones” or “Serpentstones”.

They were thought to be evidence for the actions of saints such as Saint Hilda and Saint Patrick, and were trusted to have healing powers.

Traders would often carve or paint the head of a snake onto the empty end of an ammonoid fossil, and then offer them for sale to the public.

Ammonites found near the Gandaki river in Nepal are known as saligrams, and are believed by Hindus to be a manifestation of their God Vishnu.

.

Ammolite Gemstones

Iridescent ammonoid fossils are known as Ammolite. It is found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It is one the rarest gemstones, rivaling the rarity of stones such as alexandrite and red diamonds. It is created of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are primarily aragonite, the same mineral that is found in some types of pearl. Ammolite is one of several biogenic gemstones, in the same group as amber and pearl. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation. That same year commercial mining of ammolite began. It was designated the official gemstone of the Province of Alberta in 2004 and the official gemstone of the City of Lethbridge in 2007.

Iridescent ammonoid fossils are known as Ammolite. It is found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It is one the rarest gemstones, rivaling the rarity of stones such as alexandrite and red diamonds. It is created of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which are primarily aragonite, the same mineral that is found in some types of pearl. Ammolite is one of several biogenic gemstones, in the same group as amber and pearl. In 1981, ammolite was given official gemstone status by the World Jewellery Confederation. That same year commercial mining of ammolite began. It was designated the official gemstone of the Province of Alberta in 2004 and the official gemstone of the City of Lethbridge in 2007.

Ammonite used in Jewelry
Today enlightened humans wear fossils as a means of staying young.

Even if you don’t feel the religious or healing powers held within ammonite, you can’t ignore it’s natural beauty.

Ammonite Jewelry is a great gift for anyone.

Jewelry made with ammonites is a great investment for your art jewelry collection.

See some of the amazing ammonite jewlery that we have for sale today.

If you would like to know even more about the fossils that we use in our handmade jewlery, then I recommend this book.

My Classes at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts

2011-03-29T16:28:00.008-04:00

contributed by Julie Sanford

A few months ago I was planning my trip to attend the SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) conference in Seattle. I was getting excited about who I would see and asked a colleague if he was planning to go, his answer surprised me. He said he had been to several and although the conferences were fun, they didn’t offer much for his professional development as a goldsmith. He suggested using my resources ($) to attend a Masters Symposium class at Revere and I looked into it. I have to admit, I have been a jewelry maker for over 20 years and have never taken any formal goldsmithing classes, the Master Symposium classes looked especially intimidating. Trying to figure out where I would get the ‘biggest bang for my buck’ and where my skill set would fit in, I opted to sign up for two fabrication classes at Revere. I am so glad I did!

The first was Fabrication 5, taught by Vasken Tanielian. In three days we made a crocheted sterling chain with a fabricated barrel clasp and two basket settings. I had never measured so much in my life! I had to get my own set of digital calipers…good thing Otto Frei was right next door.
The second class was Fabrication 6, taught by Alan Revere. In this class we got to choose our projects from a box that contained close to a hundred pieces of jewelry. There were rings of all kinds, chains, complicated clasps, bracelets and hinged pieces. Tough to choose! I made a hollow donut ring, a gallery ring with a tapered bezel and started a third ring, another hollow construction. It was a great learning experience, each student was working on different projects and I tried to watch every demonstration. Most of the students had been together all the way through the program and it was fun to watch them interact with each other, their medium and the teachers.

Alan Revere is very patient, encouraging precision and efficiency every step of the way. He is also an excellent teacher and expert goldsmith. I learned so many new bench tricks and techniques. I can’t wait to see how my work will evolve from here!

.Whether you are new to fabrication or a seasoned bench jeweler, I highly recommend classes at Revere. The office staff and teachers are friendly, welcoming and professional, the facility is well equipped and the curriculum is extremely comprehensive.

BTW, Hanging out for a week in San Francisco was super fun too!

I am so glad I took my friend’s advice and went to Revere. I look forward to taking the Masters Symposium Classes there in the future. To see this year’s Master class schedule visit: http://www.revereacademy.com/classes/symposium/
To see a few more pictures of my trip visit my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Sanford/37404771309
PS, I still want to go to the SNAG conference. :)

Meet ORefined

2011-03-28T07:22:00.007-04:00

My name is Katrina Lum and my studio is called O'Refined (pronounced Ore Refined). My husband came up with the idea because I love working with metal (ore) and I try to make my jewelry look elegant (refined).

I am very new to jewelry making and have working on it now for about 7 months.

I was in the Navy for several years and left to raise my first child. My husband remained in and so I became a military spouse for a decade. I homeschooled for the past 8 years and this last fall my children decided to go to public school. Since I had all this free time now on my hands, I started making jewelry. My husband convinced me to start a business from it, so here I am.

I love bronze the most. I like to say it looks like gold with a tan. It's just a beautiful color to me and is so strong and polishes wonderfully, I can't help but love it. I also work with copper, brass, argentium, and sterling.

I love making handmade chain. I make all kinds from viking knit to tiny linked and hammered chain.

I'm getting into metal clay work now and am really inspired by Hadar Jacobson, Holly Gage, and Liz Hall.

I don't know if I'm all that interesting, but I strive to make all of my pieces completely handmade. All of my metal starts as wire and sheet and I make every single link and ring by hand that goes into my pieces. I'm going to work with glass, ceramic, and polymers so all of my beads will be handmade as well.

Have fun! If you're not enjoying what you're doing.....it's just not worth it. I feel so incredibly blessed to be working on something I truly love.....how many people get to say that in life?

You can find ORefined online:
ORefined.com

ORefined Blog

ORefind Art Fire Studio

facebook

Twitter

Mothers Day Gift Guide V AJG

2011-03-27T11:31:00.001-04:00

Art Fire Artisan Jeweler Guild

Celebrate the Equinox

Jewelry Making Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations

Title 16: Commercial Practices, Part23 – Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries

New Work at the Shop

Call For Entries -- Differences Unite Us Jewelry Exhibition

New Designer for Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry LLC

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Online Exhibition

Jewelry Making Forum June Prize

June 2011 AJG Mem bers Gallery

Making a Ring

Faceted Peridot Ring

Semi back to Normal

Horst and Graben Bracelet

Purple Passion

Ruby Necklace

Summer 2011 Challenge

Father's Day Jewelry

ArtFire Artisan Jeweler Guild Expands!

What did you make this week?

Wedding hair vine

History of Mother's Day

Pearl- June Birthstone Contributed by Canterbury Vines Studios

From AM Designs by Angela

From Popnicute

Congratulations GemLover!

Mothers Day Challenge

Meet amdesignsbyangela

Submitting your creations

Craftsmanship: the Meaning of Life

Ammonoid Fossil Jewelry

My Classes at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts

Meet ORefined

Mothers Day Gift Guide V AJG

Meet BrandyBrookDesigns

Gift Guide IV Mothers Day

Gift Guide III for Mom

AJG Mothers Day Gift Guide II

Mothers Day Gift Guide I from AJG

Spring 2011 Jewelry Trends from Canterbury Vines Studios

From Popnicute

Metal and Gems from gemlover

From Canterburyvines Studios

HOT Spring Pink Earrings

Copper Rocks! by SusannaOriginals

From Prarie Willow

From Catcophony

From evgems

From Crossed Wires

AJG New Members

From Canterbury Vines Studios

From Kaths Elegant Accessories

From Silver River Jewelry

Spring from AJG

Aquamarine March Birthstone contributed by Canterbury Vines Studios

Artisan Jewelers Guild ~ From the Heart

Jewel Tones

Canterbury Vines Studios shared:

Kim Forrer Designs shared:

Canterbury Vines Studios shared:

ShanghaiTai shared:

Second Nature Designs

TheLuckyDogs shared:

Catcophony shared:

Congratulations AvaDesigns

December Challenge Black and White

Catcophony

Gems Crystals and Wire

Artisan Jeweler Guild Gift Guide II

Eyecandy Chain Maille

SusannaOriginals

TheLuckyDogs

Luanns Celtic Chain Maille

Artisan Jeweler Guild Gift Guide

We have a tie!

November Challenge Winter Wonderland

Newest Members of Art Fire Artisan Jeweler Guild

Tutorial: How to Make an Eye Catching Jewelry Display Mannequin for Shows

Color Tour