Meet John From Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry

Tell us your name and the name of your studio(s) and how or why you chose it.

John Atwell Rasmussen

Shop name – Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry – Inherently obvious why the shop is so named; but it also represents what I do. Firstly, lapidary cutting stones from rough; then what do you do with the stones? Make Jewelry! My ID on Artfire is “gemlover” which also reflects my passion. I have collected minerals and rocks for almost all my life; studied Geology in college; then turned to Gemology and Jewelry Making to make use of my interest in minerals (gems).


How long have you been creating jewelry and how did you start?

I have been cutting stones and fashioning jewelry since the beginning of 2008. I started my trek when my wife purchased a parcel of gems from a well known television vendor of gems and jewelry. She gave me the parcel and said: “You are a geologist, what are these?” So I had to dust off my mineralogy and optical mineralogy knowledge, purchased the instruments and microscope for identifying gems and started identifying the stones. I started studying Gemology online with the International Gem Society where I have passed the knowledge examination and next have to take and pass the practical examination for the Professional Gemologist designation. Also later took courses from the Gemological Institute of America and have earned the title of “Accredited Jewelry Professional.”

Did your jewelry making evolve from another craft?

The two “crafts” that I have morphed into Jewelry Design and Fabrication would be lapidary and gemology.

What is your favorite material to use and why? Do you use other materials?

My favorite material to use would be silver. I work with cabochon and faceted stones, but primarily with silver. Copper and Brass are alternative metals that I use. I would love to work in gold, but the current price precludes that.

.
What is your favorite item in your store or what is your favorite type of item to create?

My favorite item that is in my store would be the faceted labradorite stone wrapped in sterling silver. I have developed a passion recently to the fabrication of rings from sheet and wire metal


What or who ( ie: other artists, nature etc. ) inspire you the most?

Local artists in Western South Carolina – Barbara Green (Green Top Jewelry) (bead work); Carol Penry (who does not have a shop) (wire wrapping) and Bill Wetzel (no shop) (scrimshaw; cabbing and faceting).






Tell us something interesting or unique about you or your shop.

I am a geologist (Bachelor's and Master's degrees) and I have taken that knowledge and applied it to gemstones and jewelry fabrication. I have worked for the past 30 years as a paramedic providing prehospital medical care to the sick and injured.rasmussengems.ganoksin.com/blogs/


What advice or tip would you give to other artists?

Do not be afraid to try something new or unique. All of us must continue to expand our knowledge and skill base, or we will stagnate and our muse will die.


Where can you be found around the web?
ArtFire

FaceBook

Blog

Website

Meet Sonja from Silver River Jewelry

Tell us your name and the name of your studio(s) and how or why you chose it. Please provide link(s).

Silver River Jewelry is the name of my jewelry studio. Its kind of complicated lol. One of my dreams has always been to live by the water (river). But, I use a large amount of metal in my jewelry so SilverRiver is also appropriate.

My second shop is Silver River Glass Works and I kept Silver River because, well, I like it, and it keeps the brand going across the studios.

How long have you been creating jewelry and how did you start?

I started making jewelry in 2006. My daughter had expressed an interest in a bead making kit for her birthday and I am a firm believer in encouraging my kids to make things. So I bought her the kit. after about three weeks she decided she really wasn't interested. I am one of those people who have to have something to do with their hands and I was watching tv one night and picked up the kit. That was pretty much it lol, I made a necklace and 4 pairs of earrings that night and never looked back.

Did your jewelry making evolve from another craft?

Not really, although I have always done crafts of one type or another.

What is your favorite material to use and why?

Copper- its warm, earthy, and does some really wonderful things when heat is applied.

Do you use other materials?

I use sterling silver, gemstones, semi precious gemstones, lampwork beads that I make myself, sea glass, brass and a needle and thread and seed beads.

What is your favorite item in your store or what is your favorite type of item to create?

I pretty much like them all, I use a wide variety of techniques (I bore easily lol) but currently this is my favorite is the Hand Etched Heart Pendant with Handmade Lampwork Bead.

What or who ( ie: other artists, nature etc. ) inspire you the most?

Color mostly with nature coming in a close second. although just about anything can catch my eye, I have a pendant in my shop that was inspired by art on the wall of a restaurant.

Tell us something interesting or unique about you or your shop.

I make as many components of my jewelry as I can including the original drawings for the etchings, the lampwork beads, the findings so each piece is as unique as I can make it.


What advice or tip would you give to other artists?

Practice, practice, practice and if all else fails take a class with a good teacher. Sometimes, all you need is one tiny bit of knowledge to get you over the hump and on to the next step. Network, join a forum that talks about what you do, the exchange of knowledge is priceless.

Where can you be found around the web? Please provide links to your pages/social sites.

My blog
Website
ArtFire Shop