[Orchid Blogs] New topics on the Orchid Blogs network

Jewelry Discussion
581

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

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Butterflies Fantasy 3-D Necklace
by lianabennett

A new design, fresh from my studio, just in time for spring.
Colorful, transparent Butterflies alight on a crystal clear bib
style necklace. There are a total of seven 3-Dimensional
Butterflies, each a different color. The butterfly colors are
iridescent and shimmer in the sun light. Their 3-dimensional bodies
and long black antennae are coated in black resin. Stunning! This
Crystal Clear base measures 6-1/4 inches wide by 4-1/2 inches long.
At each side are 11 x 12 mm Clear…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/25/

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monday’s muse
by k.o’brien jewelry

Seven years ago my brother-in-law (future brother-in-law at the
time) brought a book back for me from Denmark. He had just returned
from a residency program there. And being inspired from traveling
afar for the sake of making art he brought something back to inspire
me to start making again. The book was Ringe Dialog. For years I was
completely stuck with what I should be making in my jewelry studio.
I struggled with wanting to make only top quality exhibition…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/24/

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Ring-a-Week rings 8 and 9
by Elaine Luther

Two rings by Elaine Luther (c) 2010 Here they are, RAW 8 & 9! They
were done late last night, in time for the Sunday deadline, then
tumbled and photographed this morning. A little liver of sulphur and
they’ll be all done! I expected to have 3 or 4 rings done, but the
others are giving me trouble. I could have finished another one, but
it wouldn’t have fit me, and I want to be able to wear it, so…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/25/

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supermarket saturdays : girl tuesday jewelry
by k.o’brien jewelry

There is something simply stunning about this Glacier Necklace by
Girl Tuesday Jewelry on supermarket.I especially love the detail of
the two chains hanging below the druzy quartz. Not to mention the
simple play of monochromatic color. Isn’t it perfect that Girl
Tuesday Jewelry used an over-sized stone in a simple piece? It isn’t
over done with too many details. Just the stone and the chain work
perfectly together, balancing each other without competition. This
is just my favorite in her shop…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/29/

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Green Nephrite Jade on Long Sterling Silver Ear Wires
by Lava Jewelry

Each of these earrings has a single round green nephrite jade stone
(8mm), accented by sterling silver beads and a beadcap, dangling
from long hand-formed sterling silver ear wires…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/30/

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Meet The Author…Book Signings at the NAJA Booth!
by Robyn Hawk

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/2e

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Tucson, with Trepidation
by teresamasters

I have been mulling this commentary over ever since Rio announced
there will be no Catalog in Motion in Tucson this year. I can sort
of appreciate corporate decisions, emotionally, this one has me in a
quandary. I will drive to Tucson next week. I have directly written
to friends I know usually go there as well to try to exchange
private cell phone numbers…

View full article…
http://teresamasters.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/30/

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Local Gem & Mineral Shows…Find One Near You!
by Robyn Hawk

View full article…
http://gemshows.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/29/

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A Ring, a Pendant and some Experimental Stones
by hansmeevis

Here is a somewhat radical ring, as per my customers design. The
center diamond is a 1.16 colour G pear that is loose and dangling.
Then the smaller diamonds were set in a “scattered” manner ( her
words)…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/29

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This week, it’s Ring-a-Day
by Elaine Luther

Group of rings by Elaine Luther (c) 2011 Didn’t do it on purpose,
but this week I made rings, enough for Ring-a-Day! This is the last
of the “using up things from the scrap bin,” I think I’ve used up
all the good scraps now…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/27/

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What is a Built-up Diamond?
by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

These days, we buy a lot of jewelry, used as well as new. Last week,
I worked with a young lady, a bit down on her luck and on the
rebound from a relationship that didn’t work out. She was looking to
sell her white gold solitaire ring that was set with the one carat
round diamond graded on the cert above. We are always looking to buy
saleable one carat round diamonds, but after looking at her stone, I
had to tell her that even though the stone had a GIA diamond grading
report and the color and clarity were perfectly acceptable, I wasn’t
interested in buying this particular diamond because of the poor
cut…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/2b

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Rock Review: Lapis Lazuli
by laynefreedline

View full article…
http://laynedesigns.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/27/

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Learn To Sell Handmade - Halstead Scholarship Available!
by Robyn Hawk

halstead scholarships available for jewelry artistslearn to sell
your handmade creations to galleries and storesthrough a generous
gift from halstead bead inc., scholarships are available for jewelry
artists who…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/2f

583

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Studio build out going strong!
by genevieve

It is 2:53 pm CDT, on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. I state this as
Kansas City is in the midst of one of the largest blizzards in many
years! The wind gusts are so hard and frequent that you cannot tell
what direction the snow is actually coming from. So this just means
that I am inside my warm home hoping and praying that those less
fortunate keep warm and safe at all times. I thought you might like
to…

View full article…
http://genevieve.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/01/

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monday’s muse : Ingjerd Hanevold
by k.o’brien jewelry

Here is another inspiring piece from hnoss depended. This one is by
Ingjerd Hanevold. This isn’t the same piece in my book, but that
isn’t what is important to me. It’s the theme, the artist’s ability
to capture nature. She allows nature to take over her pieces.
Flowers are re-created in new materials. Her work is never gaudy or
overdone. Just simply beautiful as the flowers are found to be in
nature. happy monday!Mine started with a picking a new pair…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/01/

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In the Pavilion at the Pueblo Show
by Robyn Hawk

John Dyer (right) among his beauties The wholesale pavilion at this
show is a giant tent (promise you can’t miss it) in the middle of
the courtyard…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/01/

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John Paul Miller Exhibit in Cleveland
by valerieaheck

In cased you missed the John Paul Miller Exhibit, here are a few of
my photos from the show. My favorite is the rhinoceros above. I
loved the detail, notice how all the eyes in the animals and bugs
are completely granulated…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/2j

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Jewelry Arts Institute’s Student of the Week- Shu Hsuan Tu
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest Student of the Week- Shu Hsuan Tu. Her
beautiful ring was made using wax and metals technique in
combination. Let’s discuss how. To achieve the greatest artistic
freedom I believe a jeweler must embrace both metalsmithing and wax
carving. Using only one method or the other can produce beautiful
results but there will always be limits. Shu decided to learn both
and this relatively simple ring shows…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/2k

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Prehnite, Green Tourmaline, and Moonstone Sterling Silver Bracelet
by Lava Jewelry

This is another bracelet made with just amazing stones. Each link is
a light green twist-cut prehnite stone. Between each link are
decorative clusters including green tourmaline in different shades
and beautiful rainbow moonstone…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/31/

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Challenges, challenges and more challenges
by Elaine Luther

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/01/31/

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Renee Newman’s Exotic Gemstones Vol. 2
by msadesigns

Renee Newman’s most recent book, Exotic Gemstones Vol 2, includes a
beautiful array of gems not often found in the cases of mainstream
jewelry stores. This lavishly illustrated book takes the reader
through a visual tour of luscious, mouth-watering rare gemstones and
provides detailed gemology that would be helpful to both
the professional and hobbyist collector…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/2l

584

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welcome winter!
by k.o’brien jewelry

I want to let you in on a little secret, I love Mondays. Mondays
happen to be husband’s office day. Meaning, there are some Mondays
that he doesn’t need to run off to court and he wakes up and
suggests a family adventure.This family of three went to north
burial ground. It is one of the few areas with clear walkways. And
there are two of us without fur coats who like to stay warm and dry.
a charlie brown christmas…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/02/

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I Discovered the Rainforest in Tucson…
by Robyn Hawk

I have been chatting with Rainforest Design on Twitter and since we
are both in Tucson we decided to meet up! I have to tell you I have
a new favorite vendor for carvings. These are cameo type carved
shell but done in a whole new way! You won’t confuse these with your
grandmother’s Italian cameos…these are fresh new designs of flora
and fauna, and everything in between, that the indigenous people in
Panama are famous for carving…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/02/

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Nephrite Jade & Snakeskin Jasper Pendant on a Sterling Necklace
by Lava Jewelry

These snakeskin jasper beads are one more example of stones I saw at
a gem show and absolutely could not resist. They are an usual
octagon shape (rectangle with the corners cut off), and they have so
many gorgeous colors and patterns on them. The snakeskin jasper
stone on this pendant is primarily green with a beautiful
wavy/swirly pattern on it. I’ve accented it with a small round green
nephrite jade stone (6mm) and sterling silver rondelles.The pendant
measures 1…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/02/

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How I manage deadlines for shows II
by Elaine Luther

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/02/

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Studio build out going strong!
by genevieve

It is 2:53 pm CDT, on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. I state this as
Kansas City is in the midst of one of the largest blizzards in many
years! The wind gusts are so hard and frequent that you cannot tell
what direction the snow is actually coming from. So this just means
that I am inside my warm home hoping and praying that those less
fortunate keep warm and safe at all times. I thought you might like
to…

View full article…
http://genevieve.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/01/

585

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

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Images from my Titanium Lecture
by noelyovovich

I added a page about titanium coloration a while back. Just now, I
loaded a Facebook album with most of the images I use when I give a
talk about my work in general, and titanium coloration in
particular. There are a lot of images of finished work, and several
shots of the process…

View full article…
http://noel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/03/

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Mermaid and Dolphin Necklace of Pearls and Resin
by lianabennett

Imagine a bride wearing this Mermaid Necklace for a spring or summer
wedding. Fabulous! This beautiful Mermaid and Sea Life Necklace
combines silky, pearl colored resin and real freshwater pearls. The
Mermaid, her dolphin and sea life friends are a 3-dimensional and
highly detailed, down to tiny scales on both the mermaid’s tail and
the fish bodies. I sculpted and cast two little starfish in pearl
resin, to grasp the ends of each of the 3 stands of glowing
freshwater…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/03/

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MJSA: At The Bench Live! at AGTA GemFair
by Robyn Hawk

MJSA partners with Southestern Findings for one of the most
educational concepts at the show…from their website:MJSA’s At the
Bench LiveThere’s nothing like learning from the masters—and
jewelers who attend MJSA’s At the Bench Live seminars do just
that…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/03/

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welcome winter!
by k.o’brien jewelry

I want to let you in on a little secret, I love Mondays. Mondays
happen to be husband’s office day. Meaning, there are some Mondays
that he doesn’t need to run off to court and he wakes up and
suggests a family adventure. This family of three went to north
burial ground. It is one of the few areas with clear walkways. And
there are two of us without fur coats who like to stay warm and dry.
a charlie…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/02/

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Green Nephrite Jade Ovals on Long Sterling Ear Wires - Earrings
by Lava Jewelry

Each of these earrings has a single flat oval green nephrite jade
stone (14x10mm), accented by sterling silver beads, dangling from
long hand-formed sterling silver ear wires. These earrings measure
just a bit over 1 3/4 inches (45mm) in length from the tops of the
ear wires.Jade is one of my all-time favorite stones…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/03/

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Wife’s Ring
by John Rasmussen

For those new to the forum, Debbie is my wife and the inspiration
for most of my artistry. She came into the shop a couple days ago
and looked through the gem jars (several hundred) of the cabochons
and faceted stones that are in our collection and my inventory and
selected a triangular cabochon of rhodonite. She handed me the stone
and asked if I could make a ring for her with the “trillion.” The
cabochon is about 7 mm…

View full article…
http://rasmussengems.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/03/

586

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lovely and local : little pink house
by k.o’brien jewelry

There is something about embroidery that is just sweet. Little Pink
House is no exception. I think this is a great little saying for
your home. Especially a home filled with a family. Melissa Crowe of
Little Pink House loves what she does, and it shows. "I am a poet,
fiber artist, and stay-at-home mom. Two years ago, I gave up a
full-time, tenure track position teaching writing and literature at
a public university in the middle of Maine’s North Woods and
moved…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/05/

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Mermaid Antique Ivory Resin Necklace
by lianabennett

Perfect for the modern bride who wants something avant-garde and
distinctive for her spring or summer wedding. This extraordinary
Mermaid and Sea Life Necklace combines antique ivory colored resin
and antiqued bone beads. Stunning! This mermaid measures 5-1/2 inches
wide by 3 inches from top to bottom. At each side are 2 resin
starfish bead caps and 3 strands of real bone beads, ending in a gold
lobster claw clasp and an extra 3 inches of gold extender chain.
At…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/04/

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Aquamarine on Long Sterling Silver Ear Wires - Earrings
by Lava Jewelry

Each of these earrings has a single round genuine aquamarine
gemstone (12mm), accented by sterling silver beads and a beadcap,
dangling from long hand-formed sterling silver ear wires. The
aquamarine is so gorgeous! It is a translucent aqua blue. These
earrings measure just approximately 1 3/4 inches (45mm) in length
from the tops of the ear wires.These are not lightweight earrings.
They’re perfect for someone who prefers earrings with some weight to
them.Aquamarine is March’s birthstone.About sterling silver:Sterling
silver is…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/04/

587

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

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lovely and local : little pink house
by k.o’brien jewelry

There is something about embroidery that is just sweet. Little Pink
House is no exception. I think this is a great little saying for
your home. Especially a home filled with a family. Melissa Crowe of
Little Pink House loves what she does, and it shows. "I am a poet,
fiber artist, and stay-at-home mom. Two years ago, I gave up a
full-time, tenure track position teaching writing and literature at
a public university in the middle of Maine’s North…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/05/

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A Story and a Little Ruby
by hansmeevis

I have a friend and customer by the name of Ra, ( pronounced Ray ).
A brilliant lady who live both in England and South Africa and comes
to St. Maarten to visit her son and family. They all good friends of
Anne and I, and we have spent many a memorable dinner in each others
company…

View full article…
http://meevis.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/05/

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Renee Newman Debuts New Book At AGTA GemFair…
by Robyn Hawk

Today at AGTA GemFair, Renee Newman debuted the newest edition of
her Exotic Gems series at the NAJA booth. Also available were her
other guides - I picked up a copy of “The Pearl Buying Guide” for
one our roommates - it always feels special to have an autographed
copy of a good reference…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/05/

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Mermaid Antique Ivory Resin Necklace
by lianabennett

Perfect for the modern bride who wants something avant-garde and
distinctive for her spring or summer wedding. This extraordinary
Mermaid and Sea Life Necklace combines antique ivory colored resin
and antiqued bone beads. Stunning! This mermaid measures 5-1/2
inches wide by 3 inches from top to bottom. At each side are 2 resin
starfish bead caps and 3 strands of real bone beads, ending in a
gold lobster claw clasp and an extra 3 inches of gold extender
chain. At…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/04/

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Aquamarine on Long Sterling Silver Ear Wires - Earrings
by Lava Jewelry

Each of these earrings has a single round genuine aquamarine
gemstone (12mm), accented by sterling silver beads and a beadcap,
dangling from long hand-formed sterling silver ear wires…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/04/

588

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100 hammers 21/100
by k.o’brien jewelry

I am about to partake in a pretty neat jewelry making adventure.
Meet hammer 21/100… This taped up beauty will soon be mine. Mine
to borrow that is. I get to create a story with this hammer while it
is in my possession. We will make some bling, document our time
together and the pieces made. Then I will pack this tool up to pass
on to the next person with a whole new story to tell. Quite the
nomadic…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/06/

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Jewelry Arts Institute’s Student of the Week- Shu Hsuan Tu
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest Student of the Week- Shu Hsuan Tu. Her
beautiful ring was made using wax and metals technique in
combination. Let’s discuss how. To achieve the greatest artistic
freedom I believe a jeweler must embrace both metalsmithing and wax
carving. Using only one method or the other can produce beautiful
results but there will always be limits. Shu decided to learn both
and this relatively simple ring shows…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/2k

…

Happy Valentine’s Day from Cari Jewelry
by Robyn Hawk

Thanks to Cari Jewelry for the following info: Rory and Cari
Streeter started Cari Jewelry in 2002 out of pure passion for making
jewelry. They work together, to design, create and market their
collection that has become a craze nationwide. Fashion, artistry and
the people who wear their jewelry inspire them to continuously
create new things.Personalized pieces evoke emotion through words,
names, dates and anything that has special meaning to the wearer.
Each letter is skillfully and artistically hand-stamped, one at…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/07/

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Blue Cap Productions at the Tucson Gem Show
by Robyn Hawk

For some of us two weeks of gems, minerals and jewelry just isn’t
enough…or is it that it is too much and we need a “do-over”'the
good folks at Blue Cap Productions give us the opportunity to bring
a small piece home with us. Their “What’s Hot In Tucson” video
series which has always offered the hottest and the newest in the
mineral world, now has an insider’s view of the AGTA GemFair show.It
is great watching Bryan Swoboda work…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/07/

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Snowflake Donut Die
by sheltech

to the left is the normal (although very intricate) pancake die that
cuts the outer snowflake shape with a solid center. the die at right
is the hole cutter that punches the 6 tiny center holes. the brass
plate to the left of the penny is the stripper plate that helps
extract the piece from the hole cutting die. what appears to be dots
on it are nylon screwes seen end-on…

View full article…
http://sheltech.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/07/

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Snow, excuses and Ring-a-Week 18
by Elaine Luther

Between the blizzard, sick kids, a board meeting and a family
birthday, it wasn=B4t looking good for this week=B4s Ring-a-Week…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/07/

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Tahitian Blue Swarovski Pearls on Long Sterling Silver Ear Wires
by Lava Jewelry

Each of these earrings has a single Tahitian blue Swarovski crystal
pearl (8mm), accented by sterling silver beads and a beadcap,
dangling from long hand-formed sterling silver ear wires. These
earrings measure just a bit over 1 1/2 inches (37mm) in length from
the tops of the ear wires. Swarovski pearls are crystal-core
pearls…

View full article…

589

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

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Silver Mermaid Resin Bracelet
by lianabennett

I love silver jewelry, and have made sterling silver jewelry in the
past. Being familiar with good quality silver, I am very picky about
the color and mirror like appearance. I have been looking for a good
silver pigment, for years. But have not been able to find one, that
gives a realistic silver look. They were always too dull, or too
sparkley, or just plain blah. Just recently, I was testing some
color combinations. I do this a lot…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/14/

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Jewelry Arts Institute’s Student of the Week- Sarah Blumenthal
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest Student of the Week- Sarah Blumenthal.
These fab earrings were made from wax and I thought their design was
appropriate for today, Valentines Day. A few weeks ago I was
discussing the virtues of using both metal and wax techniques for
freedom in design. I thought we could go into a bit more detail
about what medium is best for what effects…

View full article…
http://jewelryartsinstitute.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/14/

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rockin’ the craft world
by k.o’brien jewelry

Come visit me today at the Rock And Roll Yard Sale taking place at
The Met. I am excited to be selling in my little town of Pawtucket,
where my bling is made with love.I have some special pieces for this
event. Get them while you can. Your lover would be so pleased to get
one of my little craft boxes tied up with string. I promise!xo,
KimPlease leave a comment, I would love to see what is on your
mind…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/13/

590

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Musings on Working Hard
by noelyovovich

I am finally spending a lot of time in my studio, and it’s been
amazingly hard to get there. As you may know if you’ve read my
previous posts, my life has been pretty disrupted for the last year
or so. My husband and I are separated. I’ve moved from the inner
burbs of Chicago to the far outer burbs, where it is incredibly
gorgeous and incredibly inconvenient/isolated. And I spent 6…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/6e

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Chains and Grass
by hansmeevis

I worked on this chain until my fingers literally bled. ( from the
buff stick constantly rubbing against my thumb ) I stagger work of
this type over a long period. Sometimes over months…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/6d

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Organization and Creativity
by catherinecrowe

As my work load and business grow it is increasingly challenging to
fit myself into my smallish space. Don’t get me wrong - I am not
complaining! I love my studio - and feel that the challenges of
staying organised in a smaller space are good for me - and what the
Universe wants me to do is get more methodical!..

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/64

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Coral & Pearls Bracelet
by lianabennett

I had been thinking about adding pearls to one of my coral resin
bracelet designs for a while. I wanted a better attachment method
than glue, and I wanted a more organic look than the standard round
pearls. Since no solution readily came to mind, I put the design on
the back burner. On a recent shopping expedition, I came across a
strand of gorgeous baroque pearls. I bought them, not knowing why I
needed them (pure impulse buying) It…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/6f

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Rock Review: Pietersite
by laynefreedline

Pietersite was discovered by Sid Pieters in 1962 while he was
prospecting farmland in Africa. After discovering this gemstone, he
registered his find in the mineral records of Britain. There are
only two known sources of Pietersite: Africa & China. The China form
of pietersite came to market in 1997. This China pietersite exhibits
slightly different color variations from Mr. Pieter’s original
mineral, but both are stunning and are now universally recognized as
one-in-the-same. Chinese pietersite has striking combinations…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/6g

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tulip love!
by k.o’brien jewelry

I have been enjoying this orange tulip in our flat the past few
days. It is in the bright white bathroom and adds the perfect dash
of color.Husband picked out orange tulips to give his mother for
valentine’s day. When I went to put them in an old milk bottle one
just wouldn’t fit and it became mine.The other day when I was
pruning my oxalis I accidentally pulled off a good leaf. It made for
the perfect accent to this darling…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/17/

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Jewelry Arts Institute’s Student of the Week- Lillian Meyers
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest student of the Week-Lillian Meyers. We
have been having an ongoing discussion about the difference between
using wax or metals techniques in your design. These great earrings
by Lillian are a perfect example of a design that is far better done
in metals. Granulation is an ancient technique that I think never
looks quite right if it is cast. Not that the ancients didn’t cast
jewelry but casting tends to fill in a lot of the little negative
spaces that give it charm. I’ve used wax to create a granulated
effect but it never seems quite right. Granulation is quite a
challenge so here are a few tips Lillian used to get it done…

View full article…
https://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/6x

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Hollywood Parties in Platinum!
by Robyn Hawk

Loved Anne in all of her dress & jewelry changes…and tohit the Red
Carpet with the designer Valentino! WOW!I want to give a big shout
out to the lovely Nikki at PRLab for the following Platinum Jewelry
info,

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/28/

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Ring-a-Week rings 35, 36
by Elaine Luther

PMC+ with iron wire and PMC+. No leftover bits this week, all
fresh!..

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/28/

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white nest on supermarket saturdays
by k.o’brien jewelry

Happy saturday! I came across a shop I hadn’t seen before on
Supermarket and am completely amazed with how wonderfully consistent
the products were photographed. It wasn’t a surprise to learn that
Meg from White Nest was an interior decorator before she ventured
onto her one of a kind home goods business. She creates a lovely
setup for her handsome goods, showcasing them perfectly.orange birds
in flight hand embroidered pillow cover by white nestMeg chooses one
simple color for the…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/26/

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Niobium
by petervanwermeskerken

Ever since I saw an article in Lapidary Journal about Niobium I
wanted to work with it. Now, I have been working with Niobium for
about five or six years. Still, I think it is a most interesting
material to work with. Because of its high malleability it can be
used for so many applications: rolling, stamping, forming… It also
has its limitations, which often challenges for innovation. When
applying colours through anodising you will realise that the colour
pallet…

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http://ateliertuft.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/27/

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On Deciding What to Make
by noelyovovich

Before I get down to the real subject here, let me mention that I
just finished my teapot-- here’s a little video. Now. Since my most
recent post, Musings on Working Hard, I’ve gotten some very great
comments—it is very gratifying to know people read and respond to
my writing and my artwork. So, thanks! Yesterday, I received a
comment that I think is worth a longer response. I’m answering
because the question itself implies that I might be different…

View full article…
http://noel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/02/27/

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Making a Titanium Anti-Clastic Ring with Fused Gold Sides
by hansmeevis

I start by cutting a piece of titanium off a thick slab that I
bought from an industrial machining place…

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http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/7j

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Amber Dominates at John S Brana
by Robyn Hawk

In a nod to one of only five gemstones considered to be Organic…the
latest collection at John S. Brana salutes Amber!" Though it is no
more than the fossilized resin of ancient and long extinct trees…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/03/07/

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Three Stone Pave
by hansmeevis

Here I have drilled the holes using a 2.1mm Ball burr. This picture
was taken on my bench so the lighting is a bit miff. But I am
setting.03ct diamonds into 18ct gold.The flat tri-angle in the
middle of the holes will not be enough to spread over the three
stones…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/96

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The Woes of Website Re-design
by lianabennett

My website restructure has been on my to-do list, glaring at me, for
too long. I do all my own website administration and write all my
own code. I guess I am just to picky (anal) to pay someone else to
do the work for me. The problem is, I have been putting off working
on my website, because it is such an overwhelming amount of work. I
have been sitting at my computer for a week now, and I…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/03/07/

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And the Overtime Continues…
by Laurie Jane Kern

As we start week 3 of this big push at work I find that using the
term “BRAIN DEAD” is a bit of an understatement. I feel more like a
zombie. I… wake up at 5:45 am leave the house by 6:15 am arrive at
work by 7:00 am work work work until they lock up the building
usually before 7:00 pm arrive home 45 minutes later. eat dinner,
talk to my sweetie pi, watch a little tv go…

View full article…
http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2011/03/07/

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Fantasy Castle Ring
by lianabennett

This delightful castle ring has been a year in in design. My fantasy
castle ring had to be absolutely fabulous and it had to be strong
and durable. I designed this extraordinary fantasy castle ring for
my daughter, in honor of her upcoming wedding. I gave the prototype
ring to her, at her bridal wedding shower, as a reminder, that she
will always be “my princess”. She will be wearing it as a right hand
ring for the wedding, in…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/b8

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Tool Maintenance
by parisjc

In todays economy making a profit requires being efficient is more
important than ever and as most jewelers know keeping your tools in
working order and knowing how to fix them when they do break can
save time and money…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/e7

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anticlastic
by jorgelopera

En este momento me encuentro practicando la anticla’stica. Despue’s
de haber estudiado 144 horas de obra plana, hacieno bandejas, platos
y ejercicios en general de manejo de martillos, he llegado a un
punto en cuanto al desarrollo de mi trabajo en el que contemplo las
tres dimensiones. Ya han pasado varios an~os desde que me atrapo’ la
resina de polie’ster (y por ello mismo las especificaciones
te’cnicas que conlleva), y me encuentro en ese momento especial de
experimentar las posibilidades…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/e8

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Project-Based and Technique-Based Classes
by Michael Johnson

I had to struggle with this teaching thing early on as I began the
studio. If you’ll remember one of my first posts on here I was going
to set it aside, but as James Bond would have said, never say never.
So, I took it all back to the drawing board and came up with more
flexible, systematic, educational approach that better suits my
demographic and my style. The hardest part for me is separating the
craft from the…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/dy

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Baselworld 2011: Platinum Design Awards Winners Announced!
by Robyn Hawk

Stunning Platinum Designs at Baselworld - Baselworld 2011 was the
scene for the latest Platinum Design Awards competition held by
Platinum Guild International. 36 stunning examples of platinum
designs were displayed at the 27 participating manufacturer’s booths,
and were judged by over 30 international journalists visiting the
show.There were three platinum categories to enter: Men’s jewelry,
Bridal jewelry and Trends. Each journalist voted for the piece that,
in their opinion, was the best in each category. The votes were
counted and the winners were announced at a cocktail…

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http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/e6

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A Lady Diana Ring
by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

We’ve just completed this gorgeous sapphire and diamond ring,
inspired by the engagement ring of Lady Diana and soon-to-be Lady
Kate. This basic design, where a colored gemstone is surrounded by a
circlet of diamonds, has been a favorite for centuries. Since
everybody and their uncle has been doing versions of the ring, we
decided to show off a well made quality piece by Mardon…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ee

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USGS: Black Coral Skeletons Mainly Organic Matter
by Robyn Hawk

I found this Press Release from the USGS really interesting and a
great addition to the debate about coral in jewelry…this stuff is
amazing and can tell us so much about what has gone before
us…These 2- to 3-m-tall orange-colored, black coral
trees(Leiopathes cf. glabberima) growing near Viosca Knoll in
theGulf of Mexico are among the oldest living organisms on Earth.For
the first time, scientists have been able to validate the age of
deep-sea black corals in the Gulf of Mexico…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ef

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monday’s muse : blue, cloudy skies
by k.o’brien jewelry

The clouds have been amazing the last few days. Moving rapidly
through the sky. And still allowing some stunning blues and rays of
light to shine through. I’ll take it all in while I can. As a
seasoned New Englander I know this will pass. Grey days of spring
showers will soon creep in, making way for flowers. My sniffly nose
may not like it but I will be ever so delighted to see blooms.How I
love my bright, lazy days of spring. Especially in my city. On…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ez

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Pursuing My Passion
by John Rasmussen

Now that I am practically working at the bench full time; oh what
fun. I only have to clean the house, do laundry, mow the grass,
repair all things broken, make meals in my other hours. I am
exploring multiple areas at the same time. Debbie came in the shop a
couple weeks ago and looked in the gem trays and selected several
stones (still have some to go) and asked for some ear rings and a
ring. So the…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/f0

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polyester resin and sterling silver
by jorgelopera

La resina de polie’ster fue para mi’ un sustituto del esmalte; se
trabaja en fri’o, en li’quido, mejor, y da cualquier tonalidad de
color. Puede ser traslu’cida, mate, brillante… y es muy fa’cil de
pulir. Presento algunas muestras: Hasta la vista!!..

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/f1

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monday’s muse : blue, cloudy skies
by k.o’brien jewelry

The clouds have been amazing the last few days. Moving rapidly
through the sky. And still allowing some stunning blues and rays of
light to shine through. I’ll take it all in while I can. As a
seasoned New Englander I know this will pass. Grey days of spring
showers will soon creep in, making way for flowers. My sniffly nose
may not like it but I will be ever so delighted to see blooms. How I
love my bright,…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ez

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Looking Back on Craft Boston Spring 2011
by Metalwerx

The last weekend of March, we packed up Metalwerx’ display cases
along with many fine examples of jewelry created by our students,
faculty, and resident artists (a.k.a. Studiomates). With office
manager Kelly’s car filled to the brim - off we went to set up our
booth for Craft Boston, New England’s finest exhibition and sale of
contemporary art, craft and design. Craft Boston Spring just
celebrated its 10th anniversary. I learned that quite a few artists
have been there from…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/fa

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Appraising Fancy Color Diamonds
by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

We just appraised this beautiful bright yellow ~2 ct. round diamond
for a client. She had inherited the stone, which was accompanied by
an appraisal from a gemologist which described it as a “Canary
Yellow” diamond, which implied but didn’t state specifically that
the stone was natural-color. Our client said the diamond had
originally been purchased at an estate sale for $1200, but this
appraisal was for $43,000! The antennae immediately went up! First,
it’s very unusual to find round…

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

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It Was A Miranda Lambert & Taylor Swift Kind Of Night!
by Robyn Hawk

This is a Daily Jewel (I’m feeling lazy) Mash Up! The Press Release
from the Academy of Country Music with some Fashion & Jewelry fun
running throughout! I’m not sure why - but most of the Jewelry
reporters seem to forget this event.Miranda Lambert was the big
winnerlast night in a white Lorena Sarbu Gown.Personally I think it
could have been moresupportive…if anyone knows who made
herbracelet…LOVE!I LOVE the Country Music darlings - there was a
day when lots of bling…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/fc

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AVAILABLE TODAY! Vintage Jewelry Design: Classics to Collect & Wear
by Robyn Hawk

What a way to start the day…got a package of Lark Books in the
mail - for review purposes - but you know me - you can count on an
honest review, I am never short of opinions ;-p…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/fe

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Necklaces
by John Rasmussen

Over the past several days, I have made several necklaces from beads
and gemstone chips that are in inventory. The first completed
necklace was made for my daughter in law as her birthday is this
month. April birthstone is diamond, since I could not make this with
diamonds, I substituted rock crystal chips. The chain and clasp are
Sterling Silver…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/fh

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Earrings Springing Up from the Bench
by Michael Johnson

Cute little ears to nibble on, ears that hear me when I have
something very important to say, ears to ignore me when I don’t.
Ears, ears, ears… Earrings have always puzzled me. Why the ear?
Don’t get me wrong. I really have no opinion on nose rings, eyebrow
rings, lip rings, etc. Some sort of look cool, some wear it better
than others, but why did putting holes in girl’s ears become such an
ingrained part of our culture?..

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/fd

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Restoring Antique Jewelry
by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

When we buy estate jewelry, some pieces need repair or restoration.
The keys to a successful jewelry restoration are to use similar
materials for replacements, to keep the original finish and patina
intact, and to retain as much of the original design as possible…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/hx

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bench jeweler opening
by dwishon

We are a unique small designer store located in Winston- Salem, NC
and are looking for a experienced bench jeweler. We do lots of
custom work and all types of repairs. Knowledge of CAD/CAM and Laser
Star preferred. Candidate must provide sample of their work. Stone
setting, wax carving, fabrication and work in all metals- plat, 18k
and silver…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/hy

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The Style of Jolie - Sneak Peek!
by Robyn Hawk

Remember the stunning emerald drops worn by Angelina Jolie to to
2009 Oscars? They lit up the event and hit every newspaper and
fashion blog the next day - by the FAB Red Carpet Designer Lorraine
Schwartz! Memorable YES?Well Angie partnered with designer Robert
Procop to create a Jewelry Collection called The Style of Jolie…in
much the same style - heavy with clean gorgeous gems!The results of
this artistic collaboration with Robert Procop was unveiled recently
to an “Invitation Only” audience…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/hz

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Jewelry Arts Institute’s Student of the Week- Amanda Michel
by jeanettecaines

Congratulations to our latest Student of the Week- Amanda Michel.
This fantastic necklace was the result of a lot of dedicated effort.
I thought we could discuss some of the techniques Amanda used to
make it turn out so beautifully…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/hj

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Special Order: Ferric Etched Champleve
by catherinecrowe

I have been finding that videos are a great way of letting people in
to the process of making an enamel. Even after describing the
progression people are often quite mystified as to how it all
happens. This is a symptom of an over-mechanized society where
people are so removed from the source of things that they no loonger
understand what a process is. An enamelist must understand process!
Enamelling is a perfect balance between a scientific act and a
creative act…

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

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Vertigo Revisited
by teresamasters

Year and a half ago, I shared with you via a blog post, my personal
experience in overcoming vertigo. I was then a victim of accident
related vertigo, but had long dealt with “positional vertigo.” When
a registered physical therapist suggested I tell my physician that I
had a treatable condition, I was initially told, that it was common
after an accident and would resolve with time. The RPT disagreed and
suggested I see a neurologist. i did and then…

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http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/i6

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Liver of Sulphur and a Pig
by Beth Wicker

I have a custom order to make two necklaces for two little girls -
one likes pigs, and one likes sea otters. The sea otter has me
stumped so far, but I finished the pig today, and must say I’m quite
pleased with the result! I wanted a cute pig that was the essence of
“pigness”, and I think this little fellow fits the bill. First I
sketched him, then traced the sketch onto vellum, then used rubber
cement to…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/i7

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New Location for Mammoth Ivory Creations
by leehulcher

Fossil Mammoth Ivory 2 tone Feather Sterling Silver Earrings LeeC,
Master Mammoth Ivory Carver and owner of Mammoth Ivory Creations has
been offered the position of Artist on Display at the Alfred Star
Cultural Center in Nenana, Alaska for the 2010 tourist season. From
May 1st until September 30, many new pieces will be listed in our
store on Etsy and all sold pieces will be listed on our Gallery of
past pieces. See links to the right of this…

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http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/i8

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North burial ground in spring
by k.o’brien jewelry

We have a few days of April showers now. Enjoy the sun today while
it is here.These sunny days are my favorite until I get to the
studio. When the temperatures reach above 50 the heat doesn’t get
turned on and cold gets trapped in our space. So, if you see me
around bundled up even in the sun I am still thawing. happy
thursday!xo, kimPlease leave a comment, I would love to see what is
on your mind…

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http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/i9

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You MUST get to this Exhibit!..It All Glitters!
by Robyn Hawk

I think what I loved most about the “All That Glitters” exhibit at
the Natural History Museum is that everyone will find an aspect of
this exhibit to identify with. Beauty?..if you are all about the
beauty of gorgeous jewels this show has jaw dropping pieces in
spades! Earth Sciences?..if you have an interest in Mineralogy or
just admire Mother Nature’s gems the way they come out of the ground

  • they’ve got them! Gemology?..there is the coolest visual that
    shows the nature…

View full article…
http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ia