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Jewelry Discussion
541

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monday’s muse
by k.o’brien jewelry

I decided I would take a day each week to post about inspiration,
hence the title monday’s muse. For a few weeks I have been looking
at ai weiwei’s sunflower seeds at the Tate Modern. I try and visit
it everyday to remind myself that having to make fifty pairs of the
same earring isn’t all that repetitious after all. The museum’s
turbine hall is covered with millions of handmade sunflowers seeds
husks. Life size and made of porcelain, these are…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/02/
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2010 Gemmy Awards - Sneak Peek!
by Robyn Hawk

So excited to announce a couple “Sneak Peeks” at the recently
announced 2011 Gemmy Awards! First this stunning gem from the hand
of John Dyer won 1st place in the Specially Cut gems category and
tied for Best of Competition in the Jewelry Artist-Lapidary Journal
Gemmys…

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http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/02/

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Crying at the Work Bench
by leehulcher

So I am sitting at the work bench the other day, trying to get all
syked out for the upcoming holidays, and working on a piece I should
have just hit with a hammer, and given up on, when the yard dogs
went off. Because I do not hear so well, they are the doorbell to my
little world, and let me know when I have a customer. I vaguely
heard them and paid little to no attention until…

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http://leehulcher.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/02/

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Amethyst Sterling Silver Flower Earrings
by Lava Jewelry

I made these earrings to coordinate with my Amethyst Sterling
Flowers Bib NecklaceEach earring has a smooth round grape purple
amethyst gemstone in the center of a sterling silver flower, with a
single amethyst briolette dangling below.Each flower measures
approximately 17mm (5/8 inch) across, and the amethyst in the center
is 6mm across. The amethyst at the bottom of each earring measures
approximately 6mm by 9mm. The earrings measure 2 inches (5cm) in
overall length, from the tops of the…

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http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/01/

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Bronze Vase, hammer-formed and welded
by shelbyvision

This will not be a detailed step-by-step pictorial, but I did get
enough pictures to give a hint as to how it was made. I did most of
this during very hot weather, and couldn’t be bothered with taking a
lot of pictures. I had just finished my large bronze urn, and wanted
to try something else using the same techniques. For this piece I
started with a clay model to get the shape of the blank I needed
to…

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http://shelbyvision.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/01/

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Student of the Week- Kate Sheehan
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest Student of the Week- Kate Sheehan.
These earrings are beautiful but Kate struggled with the jump rings
quite a bit. I thought I would give some tips on jump rings because
they are a common stumbling block for students. First of all, it is
important to consider your jump rings while you are making your
bezels. You must leave enough height to accommodate your jump rings
AND still…

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542

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object fetish friday : Islay Taylor
by k.o’brien jewelry

This week I am going to show off some work from a local jeweler,
Islay Taylor. I happened to catch a glimpse of her work from the
front page of object fetish as soon as I logged on. A design made of
bicycle tubes caught my eye, then I realized I knew the artist’s
name as she was co-curator to the Chromophilia exhibit at Craftland.
Rhode Island is so very small, and I like it that way. I am
deeply…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/05/

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Winners of the 2010 International Pearl Design Contest
by Robyn Hawk

Earlier this week the Cultured Pearl Association announced the
winners of their FIRST International Pearl Design Contest…From the
website:Providence, RI --October 21, 2010Francis Mastoloni,
President of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. proudly
announces the winners of the CPAA’S first International Design
competition. “We are very happy with the success of our first
competition, entries from 9 countries we received” Mr. Mastoloni
reported.For you - just a few of the winning entries - I will be
putting a photo…

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http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/05/

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Silver Pearl Drops on Sterling Silver Kidney Wires
by Lava Jewelry

Teardrop-shaped light gray Swarovski pearls dangle from sterling
silver kidney-style ear wires. The faux pearls are accented by
sterling silver beads and bead caps. The earrings measure 1 3/4
inches (4.7cm) in overall length…

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http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/05/

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Merkabah Sculpture Photos
by sheltech

not all pipes and rods are coming from the top point; this view
lines up two hubsleft click to enlarge I will let these photos speak
for themselves. Tech details are in previous posts. Dar Shelton…

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http://sheltech.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/04/

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Contest: Rio/Lark 30 Minute Challenge
by Elaine Luther

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/03/

543

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Hammers (again)
by Laurie Jane Kern

None were thrown or used to smash any works in progress. Today I
decided it was time to modify two hammer heads and do some tweaks on
the head I modified during Metals Week back in June/July. The first
hammer I worked on is a riveting hammer. I bought this for about
12.00 on line and it is not very heavy or by any - I took the flat
round end and made it into a tiny planishing hammer. The…

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http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/06/

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PMC Pro – New details out!
by Elaine Luther

I took the terrific Craftcast webinar this week on PMC Pro. But
before I had a chance to type up my thoughts and notes, Lora Hart
did a terrific post on the subject!..

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http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/06/

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object fetish friday : Islay Taylor
by k.o’brien jewelry

This week I am going to show off some work from a local jeweler,
Islay Taylor. I happened to catch a glimpse of her work from the
front page of object fetish as soon as I logged on. A design made of
bicycle tubes caught my eye, then I realized I knew the artist’s
name as she was co-curator to the Chromophilia exhibit at Craftland.
Rhode Island is so very small, and I like it that way. I am
deeply…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/05/

544

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supermarket saturdays : wrecords by monkey
by k.o’brien jewelry

There may be many crafty pieces made of recycled records out there,
but they can’t touch Wrecords By Monkey’s work. One quick look
through their shop tells you that it isn’t all about the records. It
is about using an eco-friendly materials to make great designs
through the medium of jewelry. There’s a hodgepodge of themes to be
found in Wrecords By Monkey’s body of work. From urban to delicate
and loaded with bold prints this Brooklyn based artist cover…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/06/

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Spring 2011 - Smithsonian is “Set In Style”
by Robyn Hawk

From the museum website:Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef &
ArpelsFebruary 18–June 5, 2011Since its opening on the Place
Vendo^me in Paris in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has played a leading
role in style and design innovation. Its timeless pieces have been
worn by style icons including the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly
and Elizabeth Taylor. This exhibition will explore the historical
significance of the firm’s contributions to jewelry design in the
20th century, including the establishment…

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http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/07/

545

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monday’s muse
by k.o’brien jewelry

Have you heard of stair porn? It is quite sexy. There are so many
things this staircase reminds me of… monorails and whale tails are
to name a couple. But, what I really love is the metal, the shine
and coolness. The metal staircase makes for a nice contrast in this
room, mostly filled with brick. I have stair envy, don’t you? Please
leave a comment, I would love to see what is on your mind…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/08/

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Student of the Week- Lynn Slutsky
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest Student of the Week-Lynn Slutsky.
These two beautiful bracelets came out great due to some artful
reticulation and some well done soldering. Let’s talk about both.
Traditionally reticulation (decorative melting) is done on an alloy
with increased levels of copper to maximize the hills and valleys.
However, sometimes the goal is to obtain an organic feel and maximum
texture is not necessary. The 22k gold used…

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http://jewelryartsinstitute.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/08/

546

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my travels through a lens…
by k.o’brien jewelry

Once again my pictures take us back to Que’bec. Why this photo? If
it has to snow, I want to see it from here while I drink a
mocaccino. And I could try and catch snowflakes on my tongue. that’s
why… Please leave a comment, I would love to see what is on your
mind…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/11/

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Cooperation and Sharing
by teresamasters

I’d like to share an ongoing happening with you all and spread the
positives involved. Karen Hung of KH Metals is both a friend and
former student of Jay whaley, and friend and co-student of mine.
karen recently called me and suggested that I communicate with Mark
Haughton of Rock Deco and his wife Diane West of Diane West Jewelry
to invite them to Whaley Studios. I respect Karen’s judgement and
did. In speaking with Mark, I determined that he…

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http://teresamasters.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/10/

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Black Onyx Elongated Drop Sterling Silver Leverback Earrings
by Lava Jewelry

These earrings are simple and elegant, and they will go with almost
any outfit. Each earring is a single elongated black onyx drop
dangling from a sterling silver leverback ear wire…

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http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/10/

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Sotheby’s Magnificent Pink Diamond
by Robyn Hawk

The undeniable highlight of the forthcoming Magnificent Jewels sale
is an exceptionally important and truly magnificent Fancy Intense
Pink Emerald-cut Diamond weighing 24.78 carats. Join David Bennett
for an intimate view of this superb jewel in advance of its sale on
the 16 November in Geneva…

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http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/09/

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11 Artists, 11 "ATTA"s Exhibition of Thai Contemporary Art Jewelry
by atinuj

11 Artists, 11 'ATTA’s" showcasing works of 11 Thai contemporary art
jewelry artists and designers. All of them have studied the art of
jewelry making and design in Europe and the US before returning to
Thailand. They have all made their names abroad, however, they are
still relatively unknown to the Thai general public…

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http://tanim.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/09/

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Homemade draw bench
by shelbyvision

When I posted about the advent wreath, it was suggested that I could
find a faster way to form the tubes than hammering by hand. I
agreed, especially since I had an idea of making large numbers of
brass lilies to try to sell on Etsy. Part of the problem is a
regular drawing die can’t be used for this, since the piece cannot
be pulled all the way through. I had to make a two-piece die. I
first tried…

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http://shelbyvision.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/09/

547

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And even more… HAMMERS!!!
by Laurie Jane Kern

Last weekend I took a drive to Studio DeLucca - I went for a couple
of reasons. First, Khobe and I had sent a few emails back and forth
because she was interested in how to make a fire brick forge, that I
learned to make while up at metals week. We had discussed me
bringing the forge to her studio and showing her how to carve the
fire bricks, bind them together and then set up a torch as…

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http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/11/

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A Sweet Piece of L’ Art Nouveau
by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Every now and then, we see vintage jewelry that really excites us.
Recently, while working with a client on her new custom ring, we
were discussing what to do with some pieces of jewelry that she
doesn’t use anymore. We buy cast off and damaged jewelry to recycle,
as well as consigning resalable pieces. As a big fan of all things
Art Nouveau, my heart skipped a beat when she…

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http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/12

548

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object fetish fridays : Annie Tung
by k.o’brien jewelry

Here I am in Northampton, MA recovering from preparing for Craft
Show Madness Weekend {aka Twist & Craftopia}, fighting with a poor
internet connection. But I am persistent and will prevail with my
object fetish post of the week. After a short time browsing one of
my favorite sites I came across the work of Annie Tung. I was
captivated at my first glimpse of hair. My love for hair
incorporated into jewelry comes from a professor who shared his…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/13/

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Back to the stake…and a prototype
by Laurie Jane Kern

A few weeks ago I was demoing sinking on a scrap piece of copper
that was square. I ended up with what I thought was a pretty nice
little dish. Today I got back to that design and I made my
prototype, I made the dish, planished it, and then added a ring
base… Read the rest of the post at The Adventurous
Silversmith…

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http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/14/

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Buying a home with a shop
by jenlane

Buying a home with a shop I am in the middle of buying a home with a
shop and suddenly without warning 3 other people have jumped in and
turned my buy into a bidding war with me as the only person who
wants to live there the other are all investors. buy up house fix
them up and sell them quick or rent them out.with only my retirement
and disability income I can,t do the loan thing so its…

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http://jenlane.ganoksin.com/blogs/?p=59

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Happiness Is A Forced Water Drip Feed! (Or, Extending Your Trim Saw’s
And Wood Lathe’s Capabilities With A Salvaged Water Pump).
by aule

Hello again, everyone! I had just about finished getting organized
with my shed after having moved more than 1000 miles from Arizona
into the Idaho Panhandle, and established a daily routine that
allows me about 12 hours per week of activity with respect to
jewelry making which I could count on. Yavanna is also happy having
just finished planting some flowers in the front and getting the
interior cupboards of the house more to her liking. And Little One
is…

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http://aule.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/14/

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Black Onyx Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings
by Lava Jewelry

I hand-fabricated these dangle earrings. Each earring has a
bezel-set 8x10mm oval black onyx gemstone dangling from sterling
silver ear wires. The bezel is made of fine and sterling silver…

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http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/13/

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Last Week in Celebrity Jewels…
by Robyn Hawk

This has been a busy week in Celebrity Jewels - premieres, award
shows, marriage proposals…so just a few highlights.The wedding of
comedian Russell Brand and “Teenage Dream” Katy Perry has been all
over the press. From People’s StyleWatch:"Fresh off their honeymoon,
the duo walked the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards in
Madrid, flashing matching yellow micro pave diamond rings in their
first appearance since their very private Indian wedding. A
spokesperson from the Diamond Information Center estimates…

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http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/12/

549

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Ornate Black Onyx Sterling Silver Earrings f09e056
by Lava Jewelry

These earrings are new pieces for Fall '09. I hand-fabricated them
using elongated oval-shaped smooth black onyx and
sterling and fine silver. The stones are bezel-set in fine silver,
and is embellished by sterling silver…

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http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/16/

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Start Your Holiday Shopping With The Studiomates!
by Metalwerx

The Studiomates of Metalwerx invite one and all to their annual
holiday sale November 20, noon to 4 p.m. Come see the latest in
jewelry fashion trends and techniques and shop for your loved
ones…

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http://metalwerx.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/16

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i pity the fool who don’t buy handmade
by k.o’brien jewelry

I am just another lucky lady blogger who is a part of A Crafty
Holiday blog hop. Though it seems like a lot of us {thirty-five} are
pledging to promote buying handmade for the holidays, in reality
there it isn’t all that many of us. I am not trying to complain, it
is just that buying handmade is terribly important to me, thus I
believe that more folks need to join in on the cause. Maybe you need
some good…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/15/

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Jewelry Arts Institute’s Student of the Week-Andy Mendell
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest Student of the Week- Andy Mendell.
Just because our work at JAI is based on ancient jewelry doesn’t
mean we aren’t crazy about faceted stones. I’m sure if the ancient
Greeks and Romans had the technology to cut faceted stones, they
would have used them. We usually bezel set our faceted stones and
the students often find this tricky. I thought I would go over…

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http://jewelryartsinstitute.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/16/

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AGTA Spectrum Awards: Platinum Honors (Gallery)
by Robyn Hawk

As I reported a couple weeks ago…three new categories have been
added to the Platinum Honors Division of the AGTA’s 2011 Spectrum
Awards. We now have photos of ALL of the winners and as promised
there is a complete photo gallery on…

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http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/16/

550

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“MUST SEE” TUCSON 2011! Dyber Optic Dish!
by Robyn Hawk

Tucson 2011- BACK FROM EUROPEAN TOUR 2009-2011, STOP BY TO SEE THE
INTERNATIONAL GEM DESIGN GRAND PRIZE WINNER in the 40th German Award
for Jewelry & Precious Stones Idar-Oberstein 2009. It will be on
display at BOOTH 106, AGTA TUCSON GEM FAIR 2011, Feb. 1-6,Tucson
Convention Center. The 113. 24 ct. Brazilian Aquamarine was cut by
Michael M. Dyber, utilizing his signature lapidary techniques:
“Dyber Optic Dish” and now his newest technique the “Photon Phacet”.
The Aquamarine was designed and…

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http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/18/

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Fancy Pink Diamonds for the Holidays
by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

The gem auction world is all a-twitter over this outstanding emerald
cut diamond offered at the Sotheby’s Auction, November 16 in Geneva,
Switzerland. Graded Fancy Intense Pink, the diamond is also
unusually high in clarity, pronounced VVS2 by GIA. Described as pure
pink with no secondary hues, the pre-auction estimate for this
ultra-rare gem is is a sizzling hot 27,000,000–38,000,000! Wow! For
an affordable natural color pink diamond, consider this…

View full article…
http://tinyurl.com/24dpktx

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Bowers Museum Hosts Erica Van Pelt Lecture
by Robyn Hawk

Calling my SoCal Rock Folks…Have you made it over to the Bowers
Museum for the fabulous display of Gemstone Carvings by Master Gem
Carver Harold Van Pelt?Well the museum just sweetened the deal…this
Saturday there will be a special lecture by Erica Van Pelt (Award
Winning Gem Photographer and wife to the Artist).That’s all it took
for me — see you at the Bowers! From the Museum website:Saturday,
November 20, 2010, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PMThe Fine Art of Gem
CarvingErica…

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http://flyviewsandreviews.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/18/

551

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lovely and local : Made in Lowell
by k.o’brien jewelry

Just this past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting a local
crafter. Long familiar with her cupcake pincusions {I have been
eying them at Craftland for some time now!} I was more than happy to
see her smiling face. Meet Liz of Made in Lowell… Aren’t these
just divine? They are the perfect present for the avid seamstress.
These hair pins are also a favorite of mine from my visits to
Craftland. These come in the yummiest of colors…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/19/

552

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Winter Jewelry Course at Creative Metalworks School of Design
by Laela Cottone

View full article…
http://laelacottone.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/22/

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From the Studio Tour Series…
by Elaine Luther

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/22/

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This Week in Celebrity Jewels
by Robyn Hawk

Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester attended the Court of Jewels
Recreation launch at the Harry Winston store, wearing a Marchesa
romper from the Spring 2011 collection, Nicholas Kirkwood shoes,
Marchesa handbag, and Harry Winston jewels…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/22/

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supermarket saturdays : Lola Riera Jewelry
by k.o’brien jewelry

Seeing as how I write mostly of jewelry I try and choose a craft
other than jewelry for my supermarket saturdays post. But, Lola
Riera Jewelry was too good to pass up. There is something wonderful
in the simplicity of Cristina’s jewelry. Her work is comprised of
monochromatic, easily recognizable shapes. But to the trained eye
her forms are quite complex as they are a hand-fabricated hollow
structure. The simple piercings are also eye catching. Cristina
turns a necessity for…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/20/

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Drawbench
by davidcruickshank

View full article…
http://davidcruickshank.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/22/drawbench/

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My view of LOS on Silver has changed
by Laurie Jane Kern

View full article…
http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/21/

553

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Getting my hammering mo-jo back
by Laurie Jane Kern

Despite it being almost a month from the smashing event, I have
realized that I was still a bit hammer shy and was avoiding starting
a new piece. This being Thanksgiving day, I am off from work and
have no company to cook for, it seemed the perfect time to start
something new. Over my morning coffee, I pondered the question:
“What would be nice to make but not too complicated so I could have
a nice feeling of accomplishment?”…

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http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/25/

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“Me: Jewelry” by Rudee Tancharoen
by atty

My intention is to have a touch of irony in this work at the same
time reflects my attitude toward “atta” and contemporary jewellery.
From the past to present, jewellery are used as status symbol of the
wearer: a crown of king or queen, a shaman necklace, a wedding ring
and etc. A piece of jewellery is not only for decoration but it is
also a media for communication. In this work I create a reverse
situation. The observers become jewellery themselves and…

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http://attagallery.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/25/

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welcome autumn!
by k.o’brien jewelry

Before Tuesday got all blustery and leaves started to blow around
like snow, Callie and I took a stroll on the Boulevard. Though we
live close by we don’t get to the other end all that often. The end
with the most flowers which have now dried up and gone to seed. I
love the pods left behind from the black eyed susans. I am
constantly kicking myself for not bring garden scissors with me on
these adventures. I would love more…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/24/

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Your First Tucson Gem Show? Lessons From My First…
by Robyn Hawk

Every year about this time I like to go backwards…this is from the
first Tucson Gem Show I attended…you never forget your first! The
enthusiasm is palpable - there is nothing like the first time!2007
Tucson Gem Show: I want to put this info down on paper…first for
me because I want to remember every minute of this amazing trip, and
second because I think that it may inspired some people who are
sitting on the fence when it…

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http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/22/

554

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Brass Lilies
by shelbyvision

This is a spin-off from the advent wreath, and the lily cross, the
first of which I made several years ago. It suddenly occurred to me
that I could make lilies just as lilies, and that with some tooling
I could make them quickly enough that I could sell them fairly
inexpensively, and I have been trying to come up with some
inexpensive items to sell. I went with thinner brass than I had used
for the other pieces, to…

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http://shelbyvision.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/27/brass-lilies/

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Pioneering Cartier Pieces Highlight Bonhams December Jewellery Sale
by Robyn Hawk

Two important Cartier pieces are among the top lots of the Bonhams
Art of Jewels: Fine Jewellery and Iconic Gems sale on December 9th
at New Bond Street.An impressive Art-Deco diamond necklace by
Cartier, 1936 demonstrates the pioneering nature of the French
jewellery house during a time when they were attempting to push the
boundaries of design. Cartier were among the first to use the rare
metal platinum, which was to change the future of jewellery design.
The signed necklace…

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http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/27/

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Report from Neilson Hays Library Art Festival
by atty

I just got back from Neilson Hays Library Art Festival. ATTA Gallery
has a booth there for the first time. I chose to display both metal
sculptures, conceptual/interactive work along with wearable jewelry.
There were many interests and “Oohs” and “Ahs”. But alas, there were
not many takers just yet. It will take time to get people to really
understand what contemporary art jewelry is all about. Most of them
enjoyed playing with the jewelry pieces until they realized how…

View full article…
http://attagallery.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/27/

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Oh, sure let’s beat on this subject some more… Hammers
by Laurie Jane Kern

Over on my Tools of the Craft page you will see some pictures of my
recent hammer acquisitions. I recently purchase 3 original Dixon
hammers that were new and never been used, oh and these are no
longer being made. Next I scored a win on ebay of 18 hammers (3
heads were not on the handles but were included). These will take a
bit of time to clean up but there are some nice little hammers in
the lot…

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http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/26/

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Green Glass Flowers Oxidized Sterling Silver Earrings
by Lava Jewelry

These earrings each have a single peridot green glass flower and dark
green glass leaf dangling from long oxidized sterling silver kidney
ear wires. The flowers measure approximately 8mm long; the green
leaves measure approximately 22mm long; the overall length of the
earrings from the top of the earrings is 5cm (2 inches)…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/29/

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Rings, Bangles and Pendants
by hansmeevis

This is a commercial ring I made. Fourteen princess cut stones with
a center diamond. This is actually five separate rings. Square
stones are a little more tricky to set. These were all slightly
different sizes so they were quite challenging, but it all worked
out well in the end…

View full article…
http://meevis.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/29/

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Top 7: what Metal-clayers want this holiday season
by Elaine Luther

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/28/

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Sad To See - Courtney Love Sued Over Borrowed Jewels
by Robyn Hawk

Just when it appeared that Courtney Love (front woman for
alternative rock band Bush) was pulling her life together and looked
cleaner than I ever remember her being…Jacob & Co - company of
famed jeweler to the stars Jacob the Jeweler - is suing the troubled
celeb for not returning over $100,000 worth of borrowed jewelry.The
company claims to have let Love “borrow” two white gold and diamond
chains, a white gold, floral-design mesh bracelet and a pair of
white…

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http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/28/

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Studio sundays
by k.o’brien jewelry

Sometimes, I slow down in the studio and take in my surroundings.
Like the pictures I hang up for inspiration on shape or color. Such
photos may hang for quite sometime before I discover the influence
they have on me. Then one day, I notice that I am doing more than
looking at these photos. I am absorbing them, appreciating how the
colors interact. And relaying these reactions and emotions into my
work. I come to realize what attracted me…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/30/

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Celebrity Jewel: Holiday Celeb Sightings…
by Robyn Hawk

The Holidays bring lots of events and lots of Celebrity
Sightings!..of course the obvious is the American Music Awards.While
there wasn’t as much edgy fashion and young jewelry designers as I
have always hoped for in this show - there were great nods to some of
the big names in Red Carpet Jewelry.“Your Teenage Dream” Katy Perry
in a Brumani bracelet, and Pink Tourmaline and Pave earrings by VRAM
for GRAY.Editor’s note - I love these earrings! I was checking
out…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/30/

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December 2010: Gem Shows In Your Area!
by Robyn Hawk

View full article…
http://gemshows.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/29/

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Green Glass Flowers Oxidized Sterling Silver Earrings
by Lava Jewelry

These earrings each have a single peridot green glass flower and
dark green glass leaf dangling from long oxidized sterling silver
kidney ear wires. The flowers measure approximately 8mm long; the
green leaves measure approximately 22mm long; the overall length of
the earrings from the top of the earrings is 5cm (2 inches)…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/11/29/

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Gem Cutter, G.D.
by sako

Unlike diamonds, colored gems possess a variable of optical
properties and are not cut to a uniform ideal. A well-cut colored
gem exhibits an even color, an acceptable number of inclusions, a
good brilliance; and it shows the majority of carat weight when
viewed from the top. Broadly, the styles of gem cutting can be
divided into faceted gems (those with geometrically shaped flat
polished faces) and non-faceted gems (those that do not have
geometrically shaped flat polished faces such…

View full article…
http://cicadajewelrydesign.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/02/

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Photos In: 2011 AGTA Spectrum Awards
by Robyn Hawk

We were able to show you some of the 2011 Spectrum Award Winners
earlier - but the AGTA has now posted the COMPLETE Set of
photos…and these are glorious!!!..

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/02/

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The First 8 weeks
by margaretskinner

Honestly? Unless, like me, you want to be a bench jeweler, you won’t
find any of this interesting or impressive. As I mentioned before, I
came to this job with some training, but was severely out of
practice. At least I knew my way around the shop. The very first
week, I polished and watched. Polishing is actually more complicated
than it sounds–there are different rouges for different metals,
different wheels for different tasks within each metal group, and
different…

View full article…
http://joanna.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/01/

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Deep Blue Sea
by sako

Round two of my blog takes me to a place where I enjoy going to. The
deep blue seas of Santa Maria. Well, actually that would take me to
one of the ‘most important religious centers’ in Barcelona, Espania.
What I’m talking about is the Santa Maria Aquamarine which comes
from…

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http://cicadajewelrydesign.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/02/

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If you have been considering your own Blog, but haven’t yet, the

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2 Jewelry Polishing Cloths
by Lava Jewelry

These soft cloths contain polishing chemicals that will remove
tarnish off of your gold, silver, and pewter. I’ve also used these
for cleaning copper. Each cloth is a generous 9"x9" and can be used
to clean many, many items of jewelry…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/04/

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lovely and local : bark
by k.o’brien jewelry

It has been a while since I last did a lovely and local post. It
isn’t that I am out of things lovely or local it is just that I am
quite busy. But it is nice to relax and look at handmade stuff and
write a few words about it and I am happy to get back to it!I have
noticed bark at a few outdoor markets we have both participated in.
Their tent looks quite inviting. I suggest…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/02/

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Photos Up: 2011 AGTA Cutting Edge Awards
by Robyn Hawk

We were able to show you some of the 2011 Spectrum - Cutting Edge
Award Winners earlier - but the AGTA has now posted the COMPLETE Set
of photos…and these are glorious!!!..

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/03/

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AGTA GemFair 2011 Education Info is UP!
by Robyn Hawk

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/03/

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supermarket saturdays : Shara Porter
by k.o’brien jewelry

For the past year or so I have been setting up my tent, booth or
table at many of the same venues as Shara Porter. Long ago at UMass
Dartmouth we would scurry past each other as we rushed to and from
our studio spaces politely smiling. This year, we finally got to
introduce ourselves and chat a little. After all of this time it was
nice to finally meet her. I often come across her designs, which
isn’t hard to…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/05/

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Rarely published tip on coiling tubing!
by Elaine Luther

David Cruickshank, over on his Orchid blog, has published a little
how-to with pictures on how to make coiled tubing. While this has
been discussed on Orchid before, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this
published in a book or online. (if you know of a book, please post a
comment, thanks.) I learned how to do this when I was an apprentice,
and I can attest that it works…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/05/

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Orange Agate Copper Wire Wrapped Ring Size 8
Lava Jewelry

I made this ring using an orange agate stone and copper wire, which
I wove in a herringbone weave. The stone has subtle banding in
shades of oranges. I oxidized and polished the copper to give it an
antiqued patina…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/07/

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USFG Announces 2011 Seminar Schedule
by Robyn Hawk

Presenters for Tucson 2011 Monday, 31 January: John Bailey: buying
rough at shows: tools & techniquesTuesday, 01 February: L. Bruce
Jones: discussion of gemology for facetersWednesday, 02 Feb: Wayne
Emery: professional dopping techniquesThursday, 03 Feb: Dalan
Hargrave: concave faceting and other innovated techniquesFriday, 04
Feb: Stephen Kotlowski: performing faceting work for the trade;
making the transition from hobby to income producing Seminars begin
promptly at 9:00am and will take place in the north-east end of the
tent section of the…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/07/

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Post about inventor of PMC, over at Rio’s new blog
by Elaine Luther

Kevin Whitmore writes about Dr. Morikawa, inventor of PMC, over at
The Studio, the new Rio Grande blog.

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/07/

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I Gots Ingots!
by Laurie Jane Kern

I GOTS INGOTS - yup and quite few of them too! With silver topping
30 bucks a troy ounce, I thought this was an appropriate post. When
working on a project, invariably we generate scrap. We get dust and
oddly sized pieces from cutting; we get more dust from filing; there
are odd bits and bobs and more dust from wire as a result of cutting
and snipping; and of course there is scrap which was a project that
is…

View full article…
http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/06/

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Monday’s muse
by k.o’brien jewelry

One of my favorite books is a gift from husband, Pictorial Webser’s.
I love all of the old engravings. My favorite pages so far are those
dedicated to beetles. Yeah, I am that weird girl who loves bugs. In
fact, there is one that lives in my studio and I get delighted when
this unknown beetle with red markings comes out to play. Maybe I am
most smitten with this beetle since it holds the name of a gem
stone. It…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/06/

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Jewelry Arts Institute’s Student of the Week-Irene Knoop
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest Student of the Week- Irene Knoop. This
beautiful granulated ring is made from fine siver with an apricot
moonstone. To get the length right for her shank, we wrapped a wire
the same diameter as the twisted wire we made around the joint of
the finger she wanted to wear it on. She then straightened it out
and cut her length of twisted wire. Only then can the spiral…

View full article…
http://jewelryartsinstitute.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/07/

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Claudia Endler Named WJA’s 2010 “Shining Star”
by Robyn Hawk

The Women’s Jewelry Association, Los Angeles Chapter has chosen to
honor jewelry designer Claudia Endler as the 2010 winner of the
Shining Star Award.Claudia has been an active member of WJA for over
14 years first serving on the board as Secretary, then as President
of the Los Angeles Chapter 1999-2000. Claudia also serves on the
DIVA Design Competition committee and the Southern California
Women-In-The-Know conference committee.Co-presidents Becka Johnson
Kibby and Lisa Schoening state, "She not only gave a lot…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/12/07/