tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52945369600305080512024-03-05T13:07:16.220-07:00JazznJewelryJewelry for the Contemporary WomanKatherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-91740460597572323842015-05-05T20:27:00.001-06:002015-05-05T20:27:05.296-06:00 Pantone Colors in Gemstones Spring/Summer 2015--Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We continue to explore the<u> <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11" target="_blank">Pantone</a></u> color palette in gemstones.<br />
<br />
For the color<u> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Lucite Green</a></u>,
you can't do better than some yummy gem quality chrysoprase. High
quality chrysoprase is difficult to find, but it has a glow to it that
can only compare to the finest jade. High quality material will have a
silkiness to it, almost lit with an internal luminosity and will be
translucent when held up to the light. Here is an example of
gemmy green chrysoprase. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY90_k1jXN6aNRW1RQEZ32J0h25HDbSUfjQ6kPuXMedFxcQqN9kllKhcG6x8mrASrMbkDeJEjmquvt43TiczzMg5gKoyNrCs1uP1pUCMq_Z-qA84uThFeQM_boR2Fnjd0dPIUH0gVUm4w/s1600/10-Chrysoprase1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY90_k1jXN6aNRW1RQEZ32J0h25HDbSUfjQ6kPuXMedFxcQqN9kllKhcG6x8mrASrMbkDeJEjmquvt43TiczzMg5gKoyNrCs1uP1pUCMq_Z-qA84uThFeQM_boR2Fnjd0dPIUH0gVUm4w/s1600/10-Chrysoprase1.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green chrysoprase <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">you want an excellent match for the Pantone color of <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#scuba-blue" target="_blank">Scuba Blue</a>, then gemmy blue or blue-green chrysoprase is an excellent choice. This is one of my personal favorites because it has such a lovely glowing blue color to it.</span></span></div>
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQADG42hf0nQiuy8qbw2FPtfArzctdu6C21wEKOmeMDxtUKVCLvIYW1gRGZT2HMSifFWfOkMBZtmTDpfjZTRyki53aFJJom5-X1uHd77hdXES6FTQgAjasXSocCgSFST3UtBeQV1xSh4/s1600/11-Chrysoprase2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQADG42hf0nQiuy8qbw2FPtfArzctdu6C21wEKOmeMDxtUKVCLvIYW1gRGZT2HMSifFWfOkMBZtmTDpfjZTRyki53aFJJom5-X1uHd77hdXES6FTQgAjasXSocCgSFST3UtBeQV1xSh4/s1600/11-Chrysoprase2.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue-green chrysoprase</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetBcvbNXkLpeB9r7kDN5FGeVF4hhg3lBIUkXJPf_3u5u5ZBmVvNnqalMHBRkAZOvWZ1Ui5S1cXVnhQtZA2pWxR7rAy6f1SDEHpKxRWslfvVJbAzLaJNSgie2_VFSbsUofsJTUhVdKRpQ/s1600/12-Chrysoprase3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetBcvbNXkLpeB9r7kDN5FGeVF4hhg3lBIUkXJPf_3u5u5ZBmVvNnqalMHBRkAZOvWZ1Ui5S1cXVnhQtZA2pWxR7rAy6f1SDEHpKxRWslfvVJbAzLaJNSgie2_VFSbsUofsJTUhVdKRpQ/s1600/12-Chrysoprase3.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two stones above without the light shining through them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The colors <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#treetop" target="_blank">Treetop</a> and <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#woodbine" target="_blank">Woodbine</a> are
shades of woods and forests, complementary to each other. Treetop is a
lush saturated green that will remind you of the middle of summer when
the trees are in their prime. Woodbine has a warmer olive undertone,
which is a color more prevalent in grass and trees towards the end of
summer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTPbJuJcbiZLQMnFdmKruGWwW2VZ3wBmaaXEfLB7gEh4eF4nojOIkaXnU7gOuTSwGfZ8z1FFZfn6SuhjcP2BUDvHTPyiNG_6M57MDCSHzjkgY21r8S9ayMxLC7UvNRM1sDRtZ385hrOE/s1600/13-Jade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTPbJuJcbiZLQMnFdmKruGWwW2VZ3wBmaaXEfLB7gEh4eF4nojOIkaXnU7gOuTSwGfZ8z1FFZfn6SuhjcP2BUDvHTPyiNG_6M57MDCSHzjkgY21r8S9ayMxLC7UvNRM1sDRtZ385hrOE/s1600/13-Jade.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A woodbine color in nephrite jade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The green jades are good colors to match for these two. North America, primarily the U.S. and Canada, have many fine jades. Jade has two classifications: jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is preferred by many, but I've seen many prime examples of nephrite. Nephrite is quite hard compared to jadeite, and because jadeite is softer, it is the preferred material for carvings. Both are tough and wear well in any variety of jewelry or men's accessories. Jadeite is frequently more translucent than nephrite, however as I've said, I've seen outstanding examples of nephrite that will rival that of jadeite. For a ring or cufflinks, which tend to get a lot of wear from abrasion, nephrite jade will hold up better than jadeite.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSK_98ZxvidHqDdk-IRdFp_Kb4xOIi7HWIaovkgPYD4EoUHVtgXoujF-85_SonIlMcFyqjsAU2OyRhj7exyxOWQf2fRA4frLLPTAGJhnrAEvlPz6WDCDVfsl6VQdT-asn3JCHN-DaWY8/s1600/14-Jades.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSK_98ZxvidHqDdk-IRdFp_Kb4xOIi7HWIaovkgPYD4EoUHVtgXoujF-85_SonIlMcFyqjsAU2OyRhj7exyxOWQf2fRA4frLLPTAGJhnrAEvlPz6WDCDVfsl6VQdT-asn3JCHN-DaWY8/s1600/14-Jades.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodbine color and treetop color in jade</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#strawberry-ice" target="_blank">Strawberry Ice</a> is a lovely color of pink, the rosy hue of a sunset on the evening clouds. There are lots of pink stones. Some you might consider are pink tourmaline, thulite, rhodonite, rhodochrosite and rose quartz.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VBupxrGBL_q5Svx7JkAv2oj_JjL3oFWonExjF0BPrCoekZHiwOJkAecHyX2X7pAJ5LuqKqKGpN1og6YyrGJSeiCZZljzAiFXkg8LH0L8msa5aYbz60sXGlvBBli8FER2CrB2bgU6nD8/s1600/16-Thulite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VBupxrGBL_q5Svx7JkAv2oj_JjL3oFWonExjF0BPrCoekZHiwOJkAecHyX2X7pAJ5LuqKqKGpN1og6YyrGJSeiCZZljzAiFXkg8LH0L8msa5aYbz60sXGlvBBli8FER2CrB2bgU6nD8/s1600/16-Thulite.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thulite--pink on pink</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS15rqde_Xzn-tUyZWTXdEGYUMbS0wW1RFMx7iQCDrExPLLlvZORrMPLaSBgw11-E4be5exAPenfiNiY2k3kGgktcERi2NU71L-OURK70d5kDu6RdCQ6sVNdNsP2d2uZW4xahKvzntaoM/s1600/18-Rhodonite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS15rqde_Xzn-tUyZWTXdEGYUMbS0wW1RFMx7iQCDrExPLLlvZORrMPLaSBgw11-E4be5exAPenfiNiY2k3kGgktcERi2NU71L-OURK70d5kDu6RdCQ6sVNdNsP2d2uZW4xahKvzntaoM/s1600/18-Rhodonite.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhodonite, ranging from a pink with a warm undertone, to cotton candy pink with black inclusions</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPwDtZvUVvKbj9VSs_AWo_FIz-IzP-durLLmmT1RHYcw4sV4dHscZSR_aCLuMfbUtJdEmXX0ML91a0HzWm-i6qEkKVtdNxip3ET64Gy0HsPLrb73gI2XarqCqDjv82RCLkWUbbA3zmJ8/s1600/17-Rhodochrosite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPwDtZvUVvKbj9VSs_AWo_FIz-IzP-durLLmmT1RHYcw4sV4dHscZSR_aCLuMfbUtJdEmXX0ML91a0HzWm-i6qEkKVtdNxip3ET64Gy0HsPLrb73gI2XarqCqDjv82RCLkWUbbA3zmJ8/s1600/17-Rhodochrosite.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhodochrosite with lacy frills of lighter pink</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Or go crazy and choose complementary colors of green and pink to go together, like these examples or pink and green jade, or green jade and rose quartz.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrlKEhjZjsUCtSbCxhZgALWcSlnmXaEdKcBBpMIriRkGkEmYD38sr-MotCqQXLov9nDNcASNYXp09gOWW5GJqQf36njN1pRJa4eSEzRUc-aBkbyzSMM8ggSoGMyNipnM1b9FM6twpDvI/s1600/19-PinkAndGreenJade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrlKEhjZjsUCtSbCxhZgALWcSlnmXaEdKcBBpMIriRkGkEmYD38sr-MotCqQXLov9nDNcASNYXp09gOWW5GJqQf36njN1pRJa4eSEzRUc-aBkbyzSMM8ggSoGMyNipnM1b9FM6twpDvI/s1600/19-PinkAndGreenJade.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink and green jade--thulite and nephrite</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaDjbD07qbuP7TLBgpsOFNbzMeDycB80IOD3pX23LIllEbGQxjlIIQ-uOKcgBtEVB18RQmqaD0q4a7UUwJCAMUG515o3NlJRyPCsmx6HuiR3Ks7W-nTN-swwpRFrUpVx5fbOhAjYY-tw/s1600/20-JadeAndRoseQuartz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaDjbD07qbuP7TLBgpsOFNbzMeDycB80IOD3pX23LIllEbGQxjlIIQ-uOKcgBtEVB18RQmqaD0q4a7UUwJCAMUG515o3NlJRyPCsmx6HuiR3Ks7W-nTN-swwpRFrUpVx5fbOhAjYY-tw/s1600/20-JadeAndRoseQuartz.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple green jade with rose quartz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The perky purple of <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#lavender-herb" target="_blank">Lavender Herb</a> has some excellent choices with the lighter colors of amethyst. Because they are lighter in color than the royal purple color, they have a higher refractive index than the deeper hues, which means the light can enter and exit easier, making for a lively sparkle. Amethyst is tough and is a good choice for all types of jewelry. Although if you have a very large stone, you want to be careful not to chip it. Amethyst is in the quartz family, which can cleave much like glass. So if the stone is large, and it's in a ring, you want a substantial amount of metal enclosing it. Smaller stones are less likely to chip.<br />
<br />
<br />
Another of my favorite lavender stones is a schisty lepidolite. Schist means that it has a crystalline structure that is readily visible within the stone. If you've ever seen stones with specks of mica in it, this is schist. There are bright sparkles that wink at you like glitter is embedded inside. Lepidolite is something rockhounds get excited about because it is such a pretty mineral. Here are some excellent examples below, but beware that lepidolite is fairly heavy, so unless the earrings are designed well with this in mind, you might get earrings that are too heavy to wear for extended periods of time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjsaRFiPklzOXTh711I8K0UggQBvlJlbni4LZ1iFA6U6Q8Qk0TqtpDvj1s8RFyqoU9XrqiKsewHWPLzK1Ar6ZI9hFM7-uYQmtdEGtEG4yoZF2hoUGeVqVzX4wS5Q6yYYi6MQJ3AYNzeo/s1600/22-Lepidolites.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjsaRFiPklzOXTh711I8K0UggQBvlJlbni4LZ1iFA6U6Q8Qk0TqtpDvj1s8RFyqoU9XrqiKsewHWPLzK1Ar6ZI9hFM7-uYQmtdEGtEG4yoZF2hoUGeVqVzX4wS5Q6yYYi6MQJ3AYNzeo/s1600/22-Lepidolites.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lepidolite</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Charoite is darker than lavender overall, but it has lovely silky swirls of lavender scattered throughout the darker purple. Sometimes there will be some black or brown present in the stone too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpmL_XUt6QGBd9eP72U0jW5D4gwH2oNFQATdI_4HJIk3GFCGWphSVub2_aQWB4ZzVtr9pS_kYZpF2yCrCUFSgUGJhR3gKrdpocF1dmdrDRKVJB_gQxiqID2-QhEO2vPZN34ahd0lFA9c/s1600/23-Charorite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpmL_XUt6QGBd9eP72U0jW5D4gwH2oNFQATdI_4HJIk3GFCGWphSVub2_aQWB4ZzVtr9pS_kYZpF2yCrCUFSgUGJhR3gKrdpocF1dmdrDRKVJB_gQxiqID2-QhEO2vPZN34ahd0lFA9c/s1600/23-Charorite.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charorite</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't forget sapphires! Most people think sapphires are only blue, but the truth is, sapphires come in a wide range of colors--green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, and like these examples of fancy sapphire colors in lavender.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvqj-7lOjPSApSYyuB1i-tUJfp3b2ZesjHQYYnph-phlu5M4S8MH8VPgcSDW6nF9YbdKqW0ueVzBddYsHk94x7VfoRNeK7t9NMc82dNdzEWLJGjmxN0HcVDaG20Aigo5oP_IAnRG8pZs/s1600/21-FancyLavenderSapphires.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvqj-7lOjPSApSYyuB1i-tUJfp3b2ZesjHQYYnph-phlu5M4S8MH8VPgcSDW6nF9YbdKqW0ueVzBddYsHk94x7VfoRNeK7t9NMc82dNdzEWLJGjmxN0HcVDaG20Aigo5oP_IAnRG8pZs/s1600/21-FancyLavenderSapphires.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy color sapphires in lavender</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
When you need a bright and lively color for the Pantone <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#tangerine" target="_blank"><u>Tangerine</u></a>, Oregon sunstone is really a shining example. It tends to have some schist in it, so it has those sparkles that wink at you, and it has a lovely saturated deep orange color.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-px-Rqce5tLTUJ7W7H21E8YgC6NZ7GvQBUs5QwxHv7d-Q0bU7kTMXuTuhy2hTfQdtokPfRZK6dQzUzSJTa62F9SiRJhbKmsvS-6w1OFrSj_80g0BWfskE21E9_ZbzKK2AwIVZqL5xyaU/s1600/1-P1030522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-px-Rqce5tLTUJ7W7H21E8YgC6NZ7GvQBUs5QwxHv7d-Q0bU7kTMXuTuhy2hTfQdtokPfRZK6dQzUzSJTa62F9SiRJhbKmsvS-6w1OFrSj_80g0BWfskE21E9_ZbzKK2AwIVZqL5xyaU/s1600/1-P1030522.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye popping tangerine color in sunstones</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The<u> </u><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11" target="_blank">Pantone </a>website can give you more descriptions and also give you ideas for complementary colors to round out your wardrobe.<br />
<br />
I hope you've enjoyed the exploration of stones for a fashion palette!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-38674033472137872762015-02-16T23:49:00.002-07:002015-05-05T20:31:16.817-06:00Pantone Colors in Gemstones Spring/Summer 2015--Part II'm baaaack!<br />
<br />
So, have you been following the latest fashion color trends from Pantone? This lineup features soft pastel colors along with earthy jewel tones for spring and summer 2015. Marsala is probably the hottest color of them all.<br />
<br />
So what stone colors will match up with the Pantone colors? First, go to the Pantone site in the color links below to get an idea of what the colors look like, and the we'll look at my fabulous collection of stones to give you some ideas that will match these colors.<br />
<br />
For <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#marsala" target="_blank">Marsala</a>, try looking at garnets. Garnets have a fabulous color range that goes beyond just red. Besides the deep claret red of pyrope garnet, or the violet undertone of rhodalite garnet, there are many colors of garnet that include an earthy brown undertone to rich red. The stones below show excellent Marsala qualities. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdBi0OHsugcMGygMowmp5JhADkU9uGXFWfU1RfjayhgSE3a99g8mcAknvrn-aoojZVo8lD7KXMesry1BCa_41BIGt2VSekcOzJS0H39RLGZL41JnCT99QVUjvSW8O1yXrWgoPmg24U5Y/s1600/01-Garnets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdBi0OHsugcMGygMowmp5JhADkU9uGXFWfU1RfjayhgSE3a99g8mcAknvrn-aoojZVo8lD7KXMesry1BCa_41BIGt2VSekcOzJS0H39RLGZL41JnCT99QVUjvSW8O1yXrWgoPmg24U5Y/s1600/01-Garnets.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garnets in Marsala color</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is also carnelian, which typically comes in cabochon form (a cabochon has a generally smooth top with no facets), or sardonyx, which has banded layers with white, is and frequently carved to make cameos. Here are several examples.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oUBbgrEjf1Nih03wgFKdNYMfwRvT2qs13Dn2ZIBDEMsXiIXIZWI066-iKbnl_SKvMM_6cH9Mz1v7L2gZKDaRZeHmnQbVkMGOXDXtdzVlRlUrqm_riknam00rya3A8SAqohpKzNlfVPU/s1600/1-P1030521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oUBbgrEjf1Nih03wgFKdNYMfwRvT2qs13Dn2ZIBDEMsXiIXIZWI066-iKbnl_SKvMM_6cH9Mz1v7L2gZKDaRZeHmnQbVkMGOXDXtdzVlRlUrqm_riknam00rya3A8SAqohpKzNlfVPU/s1600/1-P1030521.JPG" height="640" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sardonyx Cameo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvSrHGbrIHF-lrkZ3MoyCKgcQHk81gffVQbwZ4ZfMD1qYNz-CZNZKeai05urbT7mPw02esx4PJ65ivlpAZeGJQaS3r1dYTvrQvyyn8eaaUmfMYICx1WNelFffhZ1FwcVQ6taK5uKX1Lk/s1600/02-Carnelian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvSrHGbrIHF-lrkZ3MoyCKgcQHk81gffVQbwZ4ZfMD1qYNz-CZNZKeai05urbT7mPw02esx4PJ65ivlpAZeGJQaS3r1dYTvrQvyyn8eaaUmfMYICx1WNelFffhZ1FwcVQ6taK5uKX1Lk/s1600/02-Carnelian.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnelian cabochons<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#aquamarine" target="_blank">Aquamarine</a> and <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#dusk-blue" target="_blank">Dusk Blue</a> colors will have great matches in the various colors of blue topaz and blue opals. While you could always choose an aquamarine stone, not all of us have the money for a high quality stone, plus you need to limit yourself to small sizes. Aquamarines over the size of one carat, or two at the most, are rare and quite pricey.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Topazes cost considerably less so you can get a sizeable stone that won't break the pocketbook. They're pretty tough too, and have a high refractive index in the lighter colors, which means you get lots of scintillating sparkle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0T89RMi9byQSHFbTRHRcrf5pxTZvYUePkllOukAnNy0To9yoPaPv1kOmDQvAWBdUuRMyKPxePIcmVHDhw42gpUKDbFjErIXf0zbUxiCs9qBY0gq9CNnHu_Y1KztORv9kRY-3hz48nWQ/s1600/04-Topazes2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0T89RMi9byQSHFbTRHRcrf5pxTZvYUePkllOukAnNy0To9yoPaPv1kOmDQvAWBdUuRMyKPxePIcmVHDhw42gpUKDbFjErIXf0zbUxiCs9qBY0gq9CNnHu_Y1KztORv9kRY-3hz48nWQ/s1600/04-Topazes2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topazes in light to medium colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The cost for blue opals depends on a lot of factors, and the prices can range from nosebleed section to very affordable. Try looking at boulder opals, doublets or triplets (a small slice sandwiched between layers), and manmade imitation opals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyb05hCb8F6Pl5Gc-1b0DDP1aqBBO0JAvGj2s7Qrm9o8yA1rsvNygZoR2ZAHoHoN_TLtsDwfUdxBORWFvUQdx8x6CdcWYIey9SQjdr91HmncWh4f6md7BWhqcnco6WTOdPmqaADHjKBw/s1600/05-BlueOpals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyb05hCb8F6Pl5Gc-1b0DDP1aqBBO0JAvGj2s7Qrm9o8yA1rsvNygZoR2ZAHoHoN_TLtsDwfUdxBORWFvUQdx8x6CdcWYIey9SQjdr91HmncWh4f6md7BWhqcnco6WTOdPmqaADHjKBw/s1600/05-BlueOpals.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue opal doublet at top and imitation blue opals</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sodalite and lapis are excellent choices for <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015&pid=11#classic-blue" target="_blank">Classic Blue</a>. Sodalite is a dark blue, frequently with contrasting white swirls interspersed in the stone. This will be an especially popular stone in the summer. Can't you just see it with a striped blue and white outfit, with a pop of bright red color? The red, white and blue have always been, and remain very popular summer colors, especially with sailor stripes. Sodalite is very affordable, but it's somewhat soft, so be sure to choose a setting that won't get much abrasion. Pendants, earrings and hair accessories are excellent choices.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFarG1ie_0-P8thprXiGanAvOGMJi3CHEvVCC3ZWx75OWQwl7q7EBWpSuWqoeU8pqrbx7pfoStxHUV_wZLnYAQblnYFPXeKERbwJHgXbBzktYIe2BtDlkWzv3nhiWj35bXFDoSHEYTXjg/s1600/06-Sodalite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFarG1ie_0-P8thprXiGanAvOGMJi3CHEvVCC3ZWx75OWQwl7q7EBWpSuWqoeU8pqrbx7pfoStxHUV_wZLnYAQblnYFPXeKERbwJHgXbBzktYIe2BtDlkWzv3nhiWj35bXFDoSHEYTXjg/s1600/06-Sodalite.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sodalite</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lapis is a gorgeous stone and higher quality lapis is a rich blue color, ranging from an ultramarine to a royal blue. In fact, the most desirable colors are called lapis lazuli or royal lapis lazuli. Some lapis has flecks or threads of gold pyrite scattered through the stone. Some prefer to have the clear stone, while others actively seek out the lapis with gold pyrite. This stone was highly sought by the old masters, because nothing else approached the rich blues of ground lapis pigment. You will see it in many old illustrated manuscripts and classical paintings.<br />
<br />
Quality lapis is now in short supply, as almost all high quality lapis comes from Afghanistan. With all the present-day wars, there has been little quality material coming out and there are severe restrictions on how it can be bought and sold. Most of what you see now comes from old stock. As the stock dwindles, the prices go higher. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7Y0q6ZpBs2ouwbqFY2Nq_YqAFS4QWx41uo62VvbgldsLiZqLnCpCRGLCEzy06YaRkMWCNHuUFMnNi_oPg0oRzofi1JUT0nc_l98oMa8STdk24ln3QinvyRhWDPsOjyqlq-ttDNXwcgc/s1600/07-LapisLazuli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7Y0q6ZpBs2ouwbqFY2Nq_YqAFS4QWx41uo62VvbgldsLiZqLnCpCRGLCEzy06YaRkMWCNHuUFMnNi_oPg0oRzofi1JUT0nc_l98oMa8STdk24ln3QinvyRhWDPsOjyqlq-ttDNXwcgc/s1600/07-LapisLazuli.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lapis lazuli</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Several other considerations are blue lace agate and blue agate. Agates are tough and can be worn in most any type of jewelry.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUcwI2uRWYLlonMX0fYn621KjYRjzdXvgSHgmCoNL4-SyiihWtnXezO2cTh3mc56IeC4aJ2biQHSqDgV2_csFVBEf0vfP1c2JqVvOO_t3ZFZYwFRweM9BRscwllPW7fCbsr9a1goYD7M/s1600/08-BlueLaceAgate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUcwI2uRWYLlonMX0fYn621KjYRjzdXvgSHgmCoNL4-SyiihWtnXezO2cTh3mc56IeC4aJ2biQHSqDgV2_csFVBEf0vfP1c2JqVvOO_t3ZFZYwFRweM9BRscwllPW7fCbsr9a1goYD7M/s1600/08-BlueLaceAgate.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue lace agate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O9rkIM4hBdZTDqA7AmIxY4swG17wW4eY9WqG8ieo7dIxn-Jsb2uP0u9oQ4TzLz4a8HdWWb-P_0xD-5XrB5wOYxtK0uusW6e8qC_z9ht1oASNKXo7WAeiyeBz8Msl6hB95DUoe_bVnUk/s1600/09-BlueAgate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O9rkIM4hBdZTDqA7AmIxY4swG17wW4eY9WqG8ieo7dIxn-Jsb2uP0u9oQ4TzLz4a8HdWWb-P_0xD-5XrB5wOYxtK0uusW6e8qC_z9ht1oASNKXo7WAeiyeBz8Msl6hB95DUoe_bVnUk/s1600/09-BlueAgate.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue agate</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This has covered a few of the colors that are in the Pantone palette. Stay tuned for some more really fabulous colors in Part II!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-53442271547164342412014-05-07T09:52:00.000-06:002014-05-07T09:54:20.228-06:00All the Gold in the World!<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have You Ever Wondered...</span></h2>
What one gram of gold looks like? One ounce of gold? One ton of gold? How about all the gold in the world?<br />
<br />
The following link is from Demon-Ocracy, which posts economic infographics. It's well worth the time to check it out!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://demonocracy.info/infographics/world/gold/gold.html" target="_blank">A Visual Representation of Gold from Demon-Ocracy</a><br />
<br />Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-24025975575278118732014-04-03T19:06:00.000-06:002014-04-08T11:10:12.639-06:00For the Metalheads<h3>
Make Tools More Comfortable </h3>
<br />
Are you tired of your hands hurting after you've held onto a tool all day long? Sometimes it's a hammer, or a chisel, or a file. <br />
<br />
<br />
Or you could be like me and just have arthritis in your hands, and just holding a tool can cause pain. So I've set about finding some workarounds. Even if you don't have arthritis or plan on holding onto a tool all day, this will make them a lot more comfortable to use.. <br />
<br />
<h3>
First up is...Vetrap! </h3>
<br />
You can get this at a regular pharmacy, but since you won't be using it to wrap wounds, you can get it from a ranch supply place or a pet store for a lot cheaper. At the date of this blog entry, you can get a roll of Vetrap (that's pronounced "vet wrap"), 4 inches wide by about 7 feet long, for around $3. This is enough to wrap 2-4 handles generously with cushy softness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sTjKXur3F2KQvAuM3A6FqUpYutVzvPertWo1laGUgUSKaXz4JAamk0aoRadivDL215Hi0rZpCAfhZa4VvLjpuXfK7VdGztLweRVYfcX_mma3cWN2e5kTi3m7CqGvrZ5s8a7jyV8QOhM/s1600/1-P1020730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sTjKXur3F2KQvAuM3A6FqUpYutVzvPertWo1laGUgUSKaXz4JAamk0aoRadivDL215Hi0rZpCAfhZa4VvLjpuXfK7VdGztLweRVYfcX_mma3cWN2e5kTi3m7CqGvrZ5s8a7jyV8QOhM/s1600/1-P1020730.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vetrap in oodles of colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This stuff is <u>so</u> nice! Besides making heavy hammers a lot nicer to use, it also provides grip. However, I am a little OCD and like to keep my tool handles relatively clean, so I will be using some spray Plasti-Dip on my Vetrapped handles so I can just wipe them off when they start getting greasy. Just as soon as it warms up enough so I can paint them outside, because it's still snowing a couple of times per week in Wyoming.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, did I mention they come in oodles of colors? Think color coding.<br />
<br />
And in case you should ask somebody that you want some Vetrap, and they look at you with that blank stare, tell them they use the stuff to wrap horses' legs.<br />
<br />
<i>If you'd like to see more bench tips and tricks, search "For the Metalheads" in the </i> Search <i>box.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_608122443"></span><span id="goog_608122444"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_543389204"></span><span id="goog_543389205"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-79541904092638616772013-10-02T20:50:00.002-06:002013-10-02T20:50:53.793-06:00Making Jewelry Storybook--Black Onyx Bracelet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Black Onyx Bracelet</span></h2>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_o2tFh5qyhrmM_3-517mWjRr22lPqXKxe4cmHqwdNX1wkYc38I7NBdPWb9NnFvL38KlW0NJU9Q2inbpoEE72UZb5ySX0gOwJI8RJU9VmgAjidv60ogRRg42GnApWT5I4V-iLmfTjK4aw/s1600/4-onyx-filigree-brace03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_o2tFh5qyhrmM_3-517mWjRr22lPqXKxe4cmHqwdNX1wkYc38I7NBdPWb9NnFvL38KlW0NJU9Q2inbpoEE72UZb5ySX0gOwJI8RJU9VmgAjidv60ogRRg42GnApWT5I4V-iLmfTjK4aw/s400/4-onyx-filigree-brace03.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black onyx bracelet with filigree wires<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
To start the bracelet, several wires are soldered together. A setting is made and placed between the wires and soldered into place. </div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_txaoy56aGIeI6FGvqzvcxu9akqWVxPxQBlKJ8AKOj2jDiiJIiYPUjAK2HATkqLcZWihqS5BxxhxNS9TotBqHDy6DhdpEIlMT6DaG5SKrw7RRcu_j_vAryjtVCuF_QKHyvZauWZeWjs/s1600/2-P1000270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_txaoy56aGIeI6FGvqzvcxu9akqWVxPxQBlKJ8AKOj2jDiiJIiYPUjAK2HATkqLcZWihqS5BxxhxNS9TotBqHDy6DhdpEIlMT6DaG5SKrw7RRcu_j_vAryjtVCuF_QKHyvZauWZeWjs/s400/2-P1000270.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> The setting for the stone is inserted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
The filigree wires are made by twisting two round wires together, then flattening them on two sides. This gives the appearance of scallops. The wires are soldered into place. Boy, it's time to clean the schmutz off my soldering block!</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK04NBuiYZejIPTTjIdOh_ZqH474nBmMwNVoP7GdLT-gxK_vSKrdxJMutU_iZ6nsDQ0ICJ21RMBCjn5DLZff5UHE4J4749ssdPMuT_L3s4rIpj88oPJ1dg3STzdrLqk3E4xISnEiS4Z4/s1600/3-P1000288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK04NBuiYZejIPTTjIdOh_ZqH474nBmMwNVoP7GdLT-gxK_vSKrdxJMutU_iZ6nsDQ0ICJ21RMBCjn5DLZff5UHE4J4749ssdPMuT_L3s4rIpj88oPJ1dg3STzdrLqk3E4xISnEiS4Z4/s400/3-P1000288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The filigree wires are inserted<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
The bracelet is formed into its final shape. The ends are rounded and the file work is done. It's ready for a prepolish and setting the stone.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_uvEFFm0bG1gcKoA8K3Ywz4scKoXLNHq7R_-V91YCY6XqsfsslbZmhMGlJJJFZUwgkTnIrlpO1SYUhX4uiPxUWk_aT00s1Ymf9B7_6DntgKhtpGtc9PPKoGymUjDHlYm_jK2V1-Yt7I/s1600/1-P1000300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_uvEFFm0bG1gcKoA8K3Ywz4scKoXLNHq7R_-V91YCY6XqsfsslbZmhMGlJJJFZUwgkTnIrlpO1SYUhX4uiPxUWk_aT00s1Ymf9B7_6DntgKhtpGtc9PPKoGymUjDHlYm_jK2V1-Yt7I/s400/1-P1000300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The bracelet is bent into a cuff shape<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is another view of the finished piece on the back side. You notice that the back plate of the stone setting has hearts embossed on it?</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmILh0R_8oRWBZNGSlqGMMhGxCbtuYH1eVHO2ipBSLNVkKWF_Wrfwmm_NZJhwbdetDyNrbbKSxTgI3zcCoxd2If1z0RcGUkNmuHwfFT98ZjG8mAXfKh3_23Fo3Ytwj9KNu3V954AtStA/s1600/5-onyx-filigree-brace05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmILh0R_8oRWBZNGSlqGMMhGxCbtuYH1eVHO2ipBSLNVkKWF_Wrfwmm_NZJhwbdetDyNrbbKSxTgI3zcCoxd2If1z0RcGUkNmuHwfFT98ZjG8mAXfKh3_23Fo3Ytwj9KNu3V954AtStA/s400/5-onyx-filigree-brace05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The back side of the bracelet </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here's a snowflake obsidian bracelet that's similar, but with more filigree wires.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MMatuxEZ02-9DYwTHq25_SV-6WFg3ArG01z8CSEVCYH28l9wXQRhimKQ4uN-VQSFSM-zdLy8Zna88yeixoUxy6i00ZYMVD12UTow7dUJ9oRcl8LUAY0XbxSIr_8kBRYgDCxmEZev9rw/s1600/handmade-sterling-silver-snowflake-obsidian-filigree-cuff-bracelet-front-view-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MMatuxEZ02-9DYwTHq25_SV-6WFg3ArG01z8CSEVCYH28l9wXQRhimKQ4uN-VQSFSM-zdLy8Zna88yeixoUxy6i00ZYMVD12UTow7dUJ9oRcl8LUAY0XbxSIr_8kBRYgDCxmEZev9rw/s400/handmade-sterling-silver-snowflake-obsidian-filigree-cuff-bracelet-front-view-01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflake obsidian bracelet<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1vPDFuZtqNg4L5y347ZJpCeeaDPmFOT3nLJLAytbW4UxoVQdEHWVEKDizpgGWyHChVGsuQ4gC0MO5_ylmYliVDPxxCUSbLvtn04yHJjTkVWC6_-JG4uL38lFGrWAXvzmBqTidYpBkQg/s1600/handmade-sterling-silver-snowflake-obsidian-filigree-cuff-bracelet-side-view-03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1vPDFuZtqNg4L5y347ZJpCeeaDPmFOT3nLJLAytbW4UxoVQdEHWVEKDizpgGWyHChVGsuQ4gC0MO5_ylmYliVDPxxCUSbLvtn04yHJjTkVWC6_-JG4uL38lFGrWAXvzmBqTidYpBkQg/s400/handmade-sterling-silver-snowflake-obsidian-filigree-cuff-bracelet-side-view-03.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is the back side of the obsidian bracelet, where I've cut out a spray of flowers. Just a special little touch known to the owner.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAas1PRihkddEOKjgQr16kvwrhm7ZqVhbY38Y4FuBs1q-ZFlU2cNiUIOTlTrgnR9oLjIunekdDBXlrXfqmZZ4FQkwS7VaSra5BXgn3QQ7uBcbbHCF-2LCIXzU_lZDSyLPyG6vs0-3L0s/s1600/2-P1000211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAas1PRihkddEOKjgQr16kvwrhm7ZqVhbY38Y4FuBs1q-ZFlU2cNiUIOTlTrgnR9oLjIunekdDBXlrXfqmZZ4FQkwS7VaSra5BXgn3QQ7uBcbbHCF-2LCIXzU_lZDSyLPyG6vs0-3L0s/s400/2-P1000211.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back side of the snowflake obsidian bracelet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Black stones always go very well with silver because of the high contrast between the silver and the black. Silver is considered to be one of the whitest precious metals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-29828104291556027322013-06-12T12:32:00.000-06:002013-09-30T13:49:05.944-06:00Semi-finalist in National Competiton<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151638826526250&set=a.460274401249.255544.74350081249&type=1&theater" target="_blank">"Majesty" bracelet a semi-finalist in The Crafts Report Magazine Cover Contest</a></h2>
<br />
My entry for the "Majesty" bracelet has been chosen to be one of the 32 semi-finalists out of hundreds of entries for the Cover Contest in The Crafts Report. That's a big achievement! It doesn't hurt that my daughter was the photographer, because she's really good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAdjWf0MjxYIzPPhG-Cp3pTyWxP3126Kp8_gVyy3FP96LYM34W1dVbgyi8UqZht3Fn2y0vj9OECc-aoMCShzMt76h2PsG2pvaLQc0yuOBOY3WOianLCNxpd01w0ByzoIbNSQjCW5X8wY/s1600/Majesty-Amethyst-Bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAdjWf0MjxYIzPPhG-Cp3pTyWxP3126Kp8_gVyy3FP96LYM34W1dVbgyi8UqZht3Fn2y0vj9OECc-aoMCShzMt76h2PsG2pvaLQc0yuOBOY3WOianLCNxpd01w0ByzoIbNSQjCW5X8wY/s400/Majesty-Amethyst-Bracelet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Majesty" bracelet by Katherine Palochak, photo credit Andrea Palochak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bracelet is made from sterling silver, torch textured to give it a pebbly surface. The gold is 24 kt., fused to the silver using an ancient Korean technique called keum-boo. The stone is 8+ carats of royal purple amethyst (oh, it's a beautiful stone!) in a gallery setting. The color on the metal comes from an iridescent patina that ranges in color from gold, fuchsia, purple and blue.<br />
<br />
I could use a little love to advance to the next stage of the contest, though. If you're a Facebook user, just click on the link below, and when you get to the photo, click "Like." When you click the "Like" button, it's a vote for my entry. This is only good for the day of June 12, 2013.<br />
<br />
Thank you in advance for your support!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151638826526250&set=a.460274401249.255544.74350081249&type=1&theater">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151638826526250&set=a.460274401249.255544.74350081249&type=1&theater</a><br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">*Update*</span></h2>
Thanks to everyone who had a hand in helping me out! I was one of the semi-finalists in the Crafts Report Magazine Cover Contest for the second year in a row. I'm on page 26 of the October 2013 issue.<br />
<br />
Let me tell you, the competition was fierce this year! There were so many excellent entries, I felt I was very lucky to have even been chosen for the competition. The craftsmanship and the quality of the entries were superb.<br />
<br />
The entry that won the Cover Competition was a gourd inset with turquoise and fetishes. It was phenomenal! I never knew carved gourds could be so decorative. It is worth taking a look at it, so here's the link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.craftsreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=310&Itemid=52">http://www.craftsreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=310&Itemid=52</a><br />
<br />
Now I have to figure out what I want to enter for next year! Hmmm...Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-81285737594992458702013-03-25T19:00:00.000-06:002013-09-30T13:29:15.385-06:00Making Jewelry Storybook--Pearl TiaraI've been making tiaras lately, for no particular reason other than it seemed like a fun thing to do. It's a nice brain break. So here's the first tiara, made with South Sea shell pearls and sterling silver.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Make the base</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wAKpwEMR_XcCKIt5KjlgrZzOQf0RaJt2gFCk-jCpg2NCdmK3OGGf6BBOXi8tNYtyesIhJMJw-fm6KddPN4RRJvY8RXIwyGiFngJwq-JkQui65FcmIfhFSy33ErMb5h5WYIsV_B0gnKI/s1600/making-the-base-of-the-pearl-tiara.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wAKpwEMR_XcCKIt5KjlgrZzOQf0RaJt2gFCk-jCpg2NCdmK3OGGf6BBOXi8tNYtyesIhJMJw-fm6KddPN4RRJvY8RXIwyGiFngJwq-JkQui65FcmIfhFSy33ErMb5h5WYIsV_B0gnKI/s640/making-the-base-of-the-pearl-tiara.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The base wire is twisted and attachments are added at each end for a keeper chain. It also lets a veil be attached and can be used as anchor points with hair pins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Add the pearl posts</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B0qJL5_Mll3Ca-JnSATuQo3MQ_IbO20dwThOwwsiImRLb2NuWp3nyD2fFjNIRdBOWX_mXjBI6bQ1kVDsIZQHMAubSnDmgmYT2avQnmpUVeL5Ap37_oVj7IJsIgTRANtj8fGtSTOwjC4/s640/pearl-tiara-base.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldering the pearl posts on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Drill the pearls</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIK7DcRE93a8sR-OkN5_-5hwPW6NhkbLhfLRmZQJzEGbUJf-CA1Z7E3X2OaN24c8mgAgHSL9NYcz1dnF1pLxis7DaYQ-jQVQk7mBaix62DRQCna7PEYOVMZLWFX4XhsOjHjtT-IPq01g/s1600/drilling-shell-pearls-for-pearl-tiara.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIK7DcRE93a8sR-OkN5_-5hwPW6NhkbLhfLRmZQJzEGbUJf-CA1Z7E3X2OaN24c8mgAgHSL9NYcz1dnF1pLxis7DaYQ-jQVQk7mBaix62DRQCna7PEYOVMZLWFX4XhsOjHjtT-IPq01g/s640/drilling-shell-pearls-for-pearl-tiara.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling the shell pearls. Steady hands needed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Finished tiara</h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJg906BeGU2PQxvSpFKD2vv8X5pZBcZMljkWdHn4RsZQyDmXRNvMRtWWV184BJWyTzlo7onORCiVkpe8RMZgpqL0W__CXdAsMtSaYXX-mP9IQzyX5qdGdkVBsSsTaz5E5YnyjVy1smtk/s1600/pearl-tiara.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJg906BeGU2PQxvSpFKD2vv8X5pZBcZMljkWdHn4RsZQyDmXRNvMRtWWV184BJWyTzlo7onORCiVkpe8RMZgpqL0W__CXdAsMtSaYXX-mP9IQzyX5qdGdkVBsSsTaz5E5YnyjVy1smtk/s640/pearl-tiara.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shell pearls on graduated posts, everything polished to a high shine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This is what I call a half-crown tiara. It looks fabulous on someone's head! I'm waiting for one of my daughters to come visit so I can take a photo of it on a head. I tried photographing it on my head, but between trying to keep it balanced on my head (got a little problem with my hair falling out right now), holding the camera and trying to locate the shutter button, the result was that I looked like the village idiot.<br />
<br />
This tiara might still be available for sale in my Etsy shop here:<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156710409/wedding-tiara-of-sterling-silver-and?ref=listing-shop-header-0">https://www.etsy.com/listing/156710409/wedding-tiara-of-sterling-silver-and?ref=listing-shop-header-0</a><br />
Plus (bonus!) you get to see more pictures of it.<br />
<br />
<em>If you liked reading about how this piece was made, you can see other pieces being made in my other blog postings of <strong>Making Jewelry Storybook.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<br />Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-56877011041048038462013-03-18T19:00:00.000-06:002013-03-18T19:00:05.916-06:00On the BenchThese are just a couple of recent commissions of custom jewelry that I really liked.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BWPMqGyA8u-rzuR14QQ04L7euDvjziByjZtwdVBDWfepkV25_hRJE-c62Wlnu0LfTvEWfQrR3Imt6Uajyyoh6ypseCafKm56-XidtQNFsIwav8oCvF50tu3TGNLllofktjoIN2sPM_A/s1600/elk-tooth-earrings-view-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BWPMqGyA8u-rzuR14QQ04L7euDvjziByjZtwdVBDWfepkV25_hRJE-c62Wlnu0LfTvEWfQrR3Imt6Uajyyoh6ypseCafKm56-XidtQNFsIwav8oCvF50tu3TGNLllofktjoIN2sPM_A/s640/elk-tooth-earrings-view-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk tooth earrings view 1<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZz6UwqphAUsfX7dTs_A3l3lU_eCRuxji2_w4aoocYzN1Z7Z5p-zMg5VtaHFA92hvT66-Bed57J1NsNwXa8xNJUzg7shJ51q71zYRwPohbrV2qIfAHi8P4BGIHecozytwyjcHtRrHub8/s1600/elk-tooth-earrings-view-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZz6UwqphAUsfX7dTs_A3l3lU_eCRuxji2_w4aoocYzN1Z7Z5p-zMg5VtaHFA92hvT66-Bed57J1NsNwXa8xNJUzg7shJ51q71zYRwPohbrV2qIfAHi8P4BGIHecozytwyjcHtRrHub8/s640/elk-tooth-earrings-view-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk tooth earrings view 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This snowflake obsidian bracelet combined with filigree was particularly pretty, I thought.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidenQ7bf0uRbcoXMaQzloL3YdFd08y-ww4ugIqDWAU3cctzaE2ph9ch-UMPimtj1v7EKLRAWbmQs5AKZseEOOne6gwXensQEkTYdeCRtAwZdRsuYht9pdRvjGHuU1BFMU15c6AsEJ1ouY/s1600/front-of-snowflake-obsidian-bracelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidenQ7bf0uRbcoXMaQzloL3YdFd08y-ww4ugIqDWAU3cctzaE2ph9ch-UMPimtj1v7EKLRAWbmQs5AKZseEOOne6gwXensQEkTYdeCRtAwZdRsuYht9pdRvjGHuU1BFMU15c6AsEJ1ouY/s640/front-of-snowflake-obsidian-bracelet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflake obsidian bracelet front view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrDGCkjWXuaJJlfBbB1IfWDSTb_Rkz0FpctfeIqLFk9Ao5lWeDJhpIfKlZkjC09Qqh8S_Y0qwv_hyVR2cT7axiHpssLKPdMn-CwfnLCYu2jw4kgyDhyhujgqNrjsCNjW1VBB2LhyphenhyphenHiwk/s1600/side-view-of-snowflake-obsidian-bracelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrDGCkjWXuaJJlfBbB1IfWDSTb_Rkz0FpctfeIqLFk9Ao5lWeDJhpIfKlZkjC09Qqh8S_Y0qwv_hyVR2cT7axiHpssLKPdMn-CwfnLCYu2jw4kgyDhyhujgqNrjsCNjW1VBB2LhyphenhyphenHiwk/s640/side-view-of-snowflake-obsidian-bracelet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflake obsidian bracelet side view<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Pcq9ElF7kkuA_WSzhQBdkHXcj5yJXAASooTwAN1gpWvYqDRWzo2DZU59So2jbgyPpqfx4N7YDWfPfORsRiraPlbbrSvMwkZYfVJPK6oV-fQt6mUiZAgwK46wABwj9gOnTr6XubSI1I/s1600/reverse-side-of-snowflake-obsidian-bracelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Pcq9ElF7kkuA_WSzhQBdkHXcj5yJXAASooTwAN1gpWvYqDRWzo2DZU59So2jbgyPpqfx4N7YDWfPfORsRiraPlbbrSvMwkZYfVJPK6oV-fQt6mUiZAgwK46wABwj9gOnTr6XubSI1I/s640/reverse-side-of-snowflake-obsidian-bracelet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflake obsidian bracelet reverse view<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-62621099007740793392013-03-11T10:50:00.000-06:002013-03-11T10:51:45.082-06:00How to Clean Really Dirty Greasy Grimy HandsJewelry makers have awful looking fingers. We take off skin with deburring wheels, have scars from where the gravers slipped, cracked fingertips from water, fingernails (what fingernails?) that have been smashed, cut, rippled, etc. I have to laugh when someone says they make jewelry and they have these soft hands with perfectly manicured nails.<br />
<br />
<h3>
However, the bane all metalsmiths have is polishing compound!</h3>
<br />
Polishing compound is in a grease base. There are usually at least 3 different compounds used per piece--bobbing, tripoli and rouge. Each compound has to be washed off before going to the next compound, to avoid cross-contamination. Sometimes we have to show up with presentable hands. <br />
<br />
I've tried just about everything, and the result was <em>cleaner</em>. Clean happened after doing dishes, taking a shower and washing my hair. But one day I ran across my old Masters soap, and it was an "Aha!" moment.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Here's the best proof:</h3>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvqMbZ8DARMRWrj7tx-M-LMYhySGi7q90uyzDrV-B_IVAKaI6s41KkllAisuOmGU-IB2fcJ_tQfECU2lwF4gbgBlnk-pswl-u3pYT_raD7uklDaDf_egsZgtTW2prIkH_Wg3yEV2dwLM/s1600/dirty-hands-from-polishing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvqMbZ8DARMRWrj7tx-M-LMYhySGi7q90uyzDrV-B_IVAKaI6s41KkllAisuOmGU-IB2fcJ_tQfECU2lwF4gbgBlnk-pswl-u3pYT_raD7uklDaDf_egsZgtTW2prIkH_Wg3yEV2dwLM/s640/dirty-hands-from-polishing.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before--just one compound for one pair of earrings<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtNdgkGO8p8rMogQgsQmSHyHw4nZliAxLA9JWFn_4UuH_LC3x0YEg6Cv4ZRGwT4jJR5Kp_udlhMQjoyGvrlO7gaKiz7YeHt7sidSIPrz0-KAaSonR7nFvavQE0RsPpeZTobgzN-Het5g/s1600/the-best-way-to-clean-really-greasy-grimy-hands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtNdgkGO8p8rMogQgsQmSHyHw4nZliAxLA9JWFn_4UuH_LC3x0YEg6Cv4ZRGwT4jJR5Kp_udlhMQjoyGvrlO7gaKiz7YeHt7sidSIPrz0-KAaSonR7nFvavQE0RsPpeZTobgzN-Het5g/s640/the-best-way-to-clean-really-greasy-grimy-hands.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After--squeaky clean!<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
<h3 align="left">
The Recipe:</h3>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">1 bar The Master's soap, available online or from art supply store</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">1 soft nylong bristle brush (surgical scrub), available from Lee Valley Tools</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Warm water</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Just to forewarn you, the Master's soap is black colored, but has lots of emollients in it to keep your hands from getting dried out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><em>If you liked this tip and want to see other tricks of the trade, find the postings labeled "For the Metalheads!"</em></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-47223898538761406482013-03-04T19:00:00.000-07:002013-03-11T17:31:59.184-06:00On the Bench<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like to show people what I'm working on occasionally, so I'll show what's on my bench in the process of being worked on.</div>
<br />
This one is getting close to getting set. It has a large titanium coated drusy with checkerboard garnets. It'll be done as a bead enhancer, which means you can take it off beads to wear as a pendant on a chain. This one will be set on a garnet bead strand.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zgLHoD_YPEmEobVv5WzGm6vggRFyHK7AEchmEXAU6yakeKvv92kMGvfctZxeqe1XO-LEAB7DezsH54djukvwcA4bwVdj0jPZhZD4nGE9HPn7pZ93Zc0h7gp4wlhusKmG_prikHfz2j4/s1600/4-IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zgLHoD_YPEmEobVv5WzGm6vggRFyHK7AEchmEXAU6yakeKvv92kMGvfctZxeqe1XO-LEAB7DezsH54djukvwcA4bwVdj0jPZhZD4nGE9HPn7pZ93Zc0h7gp4wlhusKmG_prikHfz2j4/s1600/4-IMG_6688.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Titanium drusy crystal with checkerboard cut garnets being fitted for a bead enhancer pendant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
OK, I work on a bunch of things consecutively, so it doesn't seem like I'm doing anything, then all of a sudden there's a bunch of pieces done. These really pretty pieces have complex executions, so it takes awhile to complete them. This one will have a Storybook on how I made it too.<br />
<br />
This particular piece began as just sheet. I hand etched the Celtic pattern into it, cut it out, made the hinges, did the hinge pin catch assembly and set it with amethysts on both the top and the bottom of the catch assembly. <br />
<br />
Everybody who got a sneak peak preview at the opening of the jewelry show was fascinated with the catch. (Thank you Jean Stark for teaching me that catch--elegant.) They were pulling the catch pin up, unfastening, putting it on, fastening the thing. Repeat. All the extra tight hinge allowances have now loosened to their proper tension. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_NRUM_1W_BQyRyFE3_nq0gu0iU9waZNnBetLNOgjFVv2vaqfnvnMNv3166sBB2MPeeTKVFsO2nx5D60Wf-fmVT8Sx2RyYS7lQj5GQCPyF6nKgStDbLW0HVFIkRXgllot3FBT26s59T8/s1600/1-IMG_6692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_NRUM_1W_BQyRyFE3_nq0gu0iU9waZNnBetLNOgjFVv2vaqfnvnMNv3166sBB2MPeeTKVFsO2nx5D60Wf-fmVT8Sx2RyYS7lQj5GQCPyF6nKgStDbLW0HVFIkRXgllot3FBT26s59T8/s1600/1-IMG_6692.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celtic key pattern hinged panel bracelet with amethysts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll show better pictures of it when I do more photo shoots.</div>
Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-52837397926525972352013-02-21T19:17:00.003-07:002013-02-21T19:19:22.240-07:00<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Ta-Daaah! New Studio!</strong></span><br />
<br />
Woo-hoo! I'm so excited about my new studio! My awesome husband is still putting the finishing touches on it, but I couldn't wait any longer to move in. <br />
<br />
I'm in love with it. It's bright, cheery, has a view, enough space for me to more around in, and warm in the winter. So, check it out.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJg7F0Ty4-7Yk_5cq3WKkWVgqjHFkIVaGM9qXymFINDyGXKJ28buH6-p-A98e5nQUdEZhXQQF4II3ZUlchKtl6esi-_wcB0ItJLS5NfPVTtDoEDL_Xx6219gOAHi-hsbrGmqz2XJXLrQ/s1600/Studio-2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJg7F0Ty4-7Yk_5cq3WKkWVgqjHFkIVaGM9qXymFINDyGXKJ28buH6-p-A98e5nQUdEZhXQQF4II3ZUlchKtl6esi-_wcB0ItJLS5NfPVTtDoEDL_Xx6219gOAHi-hsbrGmqz2XJXLrQ/s640/Studio-2b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>New studio view 1</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">On the left is my big heavy work table that has all my big equipment on it: scroll saw, bench polisher, hydraulic press, shear and brake, and a vise. The thing under the towel is my rolling mill. My work bench is next to the windows, and between the work bench and the work table is my map chest that holds my stones, findings and small hand tools.</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0FhlTf-LP-NrCJjro21J3XNugIIfTgQ5QCDpwIpUaoVW5GPnh2cbZXyzL8POeK7imhp1apRcc8zeNjG8azGW2a1m4CT7xg7v_Vmc3MYylyVWIjsibhylsGPUxJgds4-xX-B0iN-KB20/s1600/Studio-2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0FhlTf-LP-NrCJjro21J3XNugIIfTgQ5QCDpwIpUaoVW5GPnh2cbZXyzL8POeK7imhp1apRcc8zeNjG8azGW2a1m4CT7xg7v_Vmc3MYylyVWIjsibhylsGPUxJgds4-xX-B0iN-KB20/s640/Studio-2c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>New studio view 2</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">And, over to the left further, you see my big storage rack that holds a lot of my reference materials, some of my equipment, display cases, and various solutions and chemicals.</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCsPYDGTuC-IHUOnwCg_5WHZr-8h-p47LvoihiogbvnWuG67WqIh-udngpZGrVtsWLO0JLmJelsTVaLBM_0RAqgEJdD0crUSCCF0PRsu7uwLggz7Uq0qz5-YsG9xaiZ4EwVzGtmwzbjM/s1600/Studio-2d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCsPYDGTuC-IHUOnwCg_5WHZr-8h-p47LvoihiogbvnWuG67WqIh-udngpZGrVtsWLO0JLmJelsTVaLBM_0RAqgEJdD0crUSCCF0PRsu7uwLggz7Uq0qz5-YsG9xaiZ4EwVzGtmwzbjM/s640/Studio-2d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>New studio view 3</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Now notice my rolling carts. Is that cool, or what? If I have to have something closer to the bench, or somewhere else in the studio, I just roll it over. Also, dust bunnies and skittering stones can't hide out under them anymore. </span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, and I went a little crazy with the label maker, because everything was reorganized, so I put labels on everything in hope I'd be able to figure out where I put something.</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Expecting some good stuff to come out of here soon!</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-21353975035777957742013-02-18T20:55:00.000-07:002013-02-21T19:09:37.000-07:00<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Wind Generator and Eagle Co-Exist</strong></span><br />
<br />
There has been controversy about wind generators killing raptors (birds that hunt), but I think the bunnies are in more jeopardy than the eagle in this case!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnSvTAW6YODGA69fb58kQBV77OrTYG_lVpp4PP6Zd8WF6yR-heAyNcWD0lPYlHAG1Pzc5BdQaOmXuZ9vhNBaPolVqZSJFrEtnkl3mMEmHk8m9gvTovqMX5xURBvyhfYwypPNzkzigzI0/s1600/Golden-eagle-on-wind-genera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnSvTAW6YODGA69fb58kQBV77OrTYG_lVpp4PP6Zd8WF6yR-heAyNcWD0lPYlHAG1Pzc5BdQaOmXuZ9vhNBaPolVqZSJFrEtnkl3mMEmHk8m9gvTovqMX5xURBvyhfYwypPNzkzigzI0/s640/Golden-eagle-on-wind-genera.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Golden eagle on our wind generator</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-90896007547947074162013-02-17T20:46:00.000-07:002013-02-17T20:46:51.952-07:00<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Sayonara WordPress!</strong></span><br />
<br />
People kept telling me I had to do my blog on WordPress, so I migrated it over there. Now for months, I've been trying to post things onto it. Mostly it won't let me sign in, or else once I do get in and halfway through the upload, it crashes. <br />
<br />
So I'm back to Blogger and happy to be here!<br />
<br />
New posts about new things will be up soon!Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-54155097319505512422012-07-02T12:05:00.000-06:002012-07-02T12:05:36.249-06:00That Rockin' Stone!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The stone in my ring rocks a little bit when I
press on it. Do I need to worry about it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh
yes! You definitely need to worry about it, because you’re about to lose your
stone!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take
off your ring immediately and get it to a jeweler. It could have received a
hard knock and the prongs were moved a bit. This is a very easy repair for your
jeweler, taking only a few minutes and is very inexpensive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More
probably, it only needs the prong(s) retipped. This is where a bit of material
is added to the top of the prongs. It’s moderately inexpensive and will save
your much costlier stone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Occasionally,
the stone will need to be removed to do this, and a new seat for the stone will
be cut. This is more expensive, but you have to take into consideration the
loss of the stone otherwise, not to mention the sentimental value. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things
that are worn on an everyday basis, such as a wedding ring, need to be checked
at least once a year for loose prongs or settings, and to get a good cleaning. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If
you wear your string of pearls several times a week, it will need to be
restrung every year. If you wear them only occasionally, they need to be
restrung every 2-3 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would
you rather wear that special piece of jewelry or prefer to have it sit in a
jewelry box?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<em>Do you have a question about jewelry or jewelry care? Drop me a line!</em>Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-24903546813496046882012-06-10T13:00:00.000-06:002012-06-10T16:31:07.656-06:00The Winner of the Wyoming Jewelry Show!Bethel Anthony won the "Beyond Sticks and Stones" jewelry show hosted by Works of Wyoming! She had some great jewelry entered, and she does very lovely beaded work in peyote stitch. This is her winning bracelet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF935tmvenScyl4_hhz-cGVZ8Tj_1dVfcotBTHZNGqr3m-xtRdjroA-bDMEIkf8b2JTZav8NCs-y3jVcQ_RnLwtdv1De91Wqtmq2xftCaSTbFheXRQyiIc0q-QXMmfWDVACQYPOPkUSY/s1600/Bethel-Anthony01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF935tmvenScyl4_hhz-cGVZ8Tj_1dVfcotBTHZNGqr3m-xtRdjroA-bDMEIkf8b2JTZav8NCs-y3jVcQ_RnLwtdv1De91Wqtmq2xftCaSTbFheXRQyiIc0q-QXMmfWDVACQYPOPkUSY/s640/Bethel-Anthony01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethel Anthony's winning entry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She graciously consented to an interview, so I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about Bethel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Had you previously done other art or
crafts before you started beading?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Yes, I have always done some kind of
craft. I grew up on a ranch and if we wanted something we usually made it.
Cardboard boxes became doll houses, wood slats became stilts, etc. I learned to
sew before I went to first grade. I have embroidered, done counted cross
stitch, dabbled in polymer clay and scrapbooking. I find bead weaving to be the
most satisfying of all.</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What drew you to try beading?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">I ordered a beaded banner kit and did
it. You know the kind with the big plastic pony beads. When I did the second
one, I thought, “I could do this with smaller beads and make a Christmas tree
ornament.” </span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">That began my search for smaller beads that would work well. When I
found cylinder beads and learned that what I had done on the banner was
essentially peyote stitch, I started looking on the internet for peyote stitch
designs.</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">With that my passion blossomed.</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvOSSxOeFlDADWYQ-ogEiPd6ny6X9TzYJ8_pLxRKTf7O6lg27RegS1KqdcrKbp3TS4UmnDCk5Aiy9M7To2IxRfG0pBx7tniLuT51POZA1plWxNvoohajBXuxp3JxXtB-g8mmtYSf9J-A/s1600/Bethel-Anthony02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvOSSxOeFlDADWYQ-ogEiPd6ny6X9TzYJ8_pLxRKTf7O6lg27RegS1KqdcrKbp3TS4UmnDCk5Aiy9M7To2IxRfG0pBx7tniLuT51POZA1plWxNvoohajBXuxp3JxXtB-g8mmtYSf9J-A/s640/Bethel-Anthony02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This view shows a little more of the pattern-by Bethel Anthony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
What do you like about beading the best?</h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">It satisfies my senses and my needs for
order, control and color. Weaving the beads together is extremely calming to
me. I love to sit down to a pattern and palette of beads and just get lost in
the rhythm of picking up a bead and pulling the thread through. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Peyote stitch
bead weaving using cylinder beads produces a feel like nothing else I have
experienced. The delicate, yet sturdy fabric made of only beads and threads
amazes me every time. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Looking at it makes me think of wonderful mosaic tiled
artworks. I consider it painting with beads. There are so many beautiful colors
and finishes to explore. Each bead makes a difference. Changing just a few
colors creates a whole different mood of the piece. The possibilities are
endless.</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIex4d5rN-0xvAhZ0z-v3EdcHk4vUEtWkQlWZF_cgrTrJPbs1NXUtpi_bpzpT3cXsLr_iNpp2OWpmNGyIH0N4kBw43m-Nt96MHurUWDRfp8h7wmJ2CA7EtvzrO-g93IWImZDLQxDZ9eE/s1600/Bethel-Anthony03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIex4d5rN-0xvAhZ0z-v3EdcHk4vUEtWkQlWZF_cgrTrJPbs1NXUtpi_bpzpT3cXsLr_iNpp2OWpmNGyIH0N4kBw43m-Nt96MHurUWDRfp8h7wmJ2CA7EtvzrO-g93IWImZDLQxDZ9eE/s640/Bethel-Anthony03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the reverse side with the sliding tube catch-by Bethel Anthony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where do you see yourself going with
your beading in the future? What do you want to do?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">I am currently creating and selling
finished pieces and bead patterns. I want to continue doing both.</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">I hope to improve my designs and become
more artistic with them. I want to design more functional items like boxes and
card sleeves and needle cases. I have done a few of these, but I want to move
beading to more than just jewelry. I want to make things that people can enjoy
on a daily basis. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">I really enjoy helping new beaders to learn beading as
enjoyment. I hope to be able to continue doing that. I prefer one to one
tutoring. There is no feeling like seeing someone suddenly “getting it”. That
gives me great joy.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can see additional work and her patterns at these places:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://bethelwy.etsy.com/">http://BethelWY.etsy.com</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://facebook.com/BethelsBeadwork">http://facebook.com/BethelsBeadwork</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
Congratulations Bethel!Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-51085005951214186692012-05-19T15:42:00.001-06:002012-05-19T15:42:52.987-06:00Making Jewelry Storybook--12-sided citrine gemstone necklace<br />
The gem: a decahedron (12-sided) double star cut orange citrine, 13+ carats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmejAzTIfEilbix5KBfG3awsjo1mqbIowVrHs_tsE62XXoh_-iff6Poizlex5FLrM-YELCcz9gHYcP1TRA_GsSKaDPhHShTgdpujYqs1poxrQdrQQ81ebNfnQabx1bWWJrlJJN09eZRZI/s1600/Orange-citrine-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmejAzTIfEilbix5KBfG3awsjo1mqbIowVrHs_tsE62XXoh_-iff6Poizlex5FLrM-YELCcz9gHYcP1TRA_GsSKaDPhHShTgdpujYqs1poxrQdrQQ81ebNfnQabx1bWWJrlJJN09eZRZI/s640/Orange-citrine-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
The setting before soldering, with the seat ring at the top ready to be put in after the setting is soldered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfqtfTgsgDpPlIyhUN7x5Lpu_DeGjSSgZA4iTqxCtjZ6gwpd19CZFxPysbqFpal_-IXIeqMA1JIXAj07OgdeuvAMpP7aTRg7Z9NTxkApafngBvb9vUuv_3x6ouyvpmPP5LOYD8RKmIZE/s1600/Orange-citrine-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfqtfTgsgDpPlIyhUN7x5Lpu_DeGjSSgZA4iTqxCtjZ6gwpd19CZFxPysbqFpal_-IXIeqMA1JIXAj07OgdeuvAMpP7aTRg7Z9NTxkApafngBvb9vUuv_3x6ouyvpmPP5LOYD8RKmIZE/s640/Orange-citrine-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The setting is soldered and the seat is soldered inside the setting. Now I'm working on the crown with a file. This file is sharp! I have a band-aid on to prevent cutting myself with the file.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxGo4sH-H3c1lbjnpOLqedOc8x5PA5AlkNjgJ0lfdK_i6xnQhUaR2BGW17lks7-1Y2Tlyb4ir6n9e29sF0gBCf801QPmmFcuLkrPcnK-4k1cVd6JTfLuI_JYx5Qzl06yhgGzYtMdLiqA/s1600/Big-citrine-necklace-work3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxGo4sH-H3c1lbjnpOLqedOc8x5PA5AlkNjgJ0lfdK_i6xnQhUaR2BGW17lks7-1Y2Tlyb4ir6n9e29sF0gBCf801QPmmFcuLkrPcnK-4k1cVd6JTfLuI_JYx5Qzl06yhgGzYtMdLiqA/s640/Big-citrine-necklace-work3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm refining the crown with a small hand file. Notice I now have 2 band-aids on because I cut my other finger with the sharp file, and I don't want to keep having bloody fingers. Super glue is great for putting cuts back together, but need to prevent them in the first place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMhwY5e1_kUdeUs_CHGCGMB6pkNAizPTJpACExHJiEfdVPb0yR9rmgIBBC73stSfsaF-0uswBddOPk1PXDX3AkF1l5WlvogdT0HXO4OBvQIHDm9HqCWDc7sf41PZebMCVN4LMyHZPo5U/s1600/Big-citrine-necklace-workin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMhwY5e1_kUdeUs_CHGCGMB6pkNAizPTJpACExHJiEfdVPb0yR9rmgIBBC73stSfsaF-0uswBddOPk1PXDX3AkF1l5WlvogdT0HXO4OBvQIHDm9HqCWDc7sf41PZebMCVN4LMyHZPo5U/s640/Big-citrine-necklace-workin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I'm polishing the crown setting with a pumice wheel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yPZqe44M2WGstm9O3TC-3KvxmOBBVh4qa397Kd6ZsCV3ERE_8m1ftPvG3rzm0z40IluLGzSgvzI3Jb0vPiAdGOeMIt5BrDtYd2H6CycPvyuCvFhf0lfJBYte0_NDP8q5YTWVLmiH05c/s1600/Big-citrine-necklace-work2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yPZqe44M2WGstm9O3TC-3KvxmOBBVh4qa397Kd6ZsCV3ERE_8m1ftPvG3rzm0z40IluLGzSgvzI3Jb0vPiAdGOeMIt5BrDtYd2H6CycPvyuCvFhf0lfJBYte0_NDP8q5YTWVLmiH05c/s640/Big-citrine-necklace-work2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
This shows the completed crown setting. You can see the seat ring soldered inside. This is for the stone to lay on. The crown points have relief cuts to protect the sides of the stone from chipping, and so the points will bend over more easily, since it's made from heavy gauge sheet. A bail for the chain has been soldered on, and it's pre-polished before setting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23y1K13Qvw0KH32Z7x94iyuq9Dn6fC7nryM4_v6betMR5_NzR51Un5JCnU5eleZjh-srqTdbirCnAMHCtSrB58f2oGrbwLUdLgtK30b7pDt_IXy-46QJumLPP77014c5iGogl9_Xbs8s/s1600/3-IMG_6684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23y1K13Qvw0KH32Z7x94iyuq9Dn6fC7nryM4_v6betMR5_NzR51Un5JCnU5eleZjh-srqTdbirCnAMHCtSrB58f2oGrbwLUdLgtK30b7pDt_IXy-46QJumLPP77014c5iGogl9_Xbs8s/s640/3-IMG_6684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the completed necklace with the stone set.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7t2RtWwbqN7WgJaiuIC1HQW9Tb9SLK6IgNFzuZzcxYdiDzY6Xfyq8wuJCMv56u-8Fb6Cx6JO4sByNxajRJKI2XltFKnoOEpAUtDIKA4e-yhzEnK-7U26XJ61K3aN8ZSa7_OTYF-VGhs/s1600/2-IMG_6689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7t2RtWwbqN7WgJaiuIC1HQW9Tb9SLK6IgNFzuZzcxYdiDzY6Xfyq8wuJCMv56u-8Fb6Cx6JO4sByNxajRJKI2XltFKnoOEpAUtDIKA4e-yhzEnK-7U26XJ61K3aN8ZSa7_OTYF-VGhs/s640/2-IMG_6689.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A little better photo with a close up of the stone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FBC47Xl5TvvUZIqDmEP7B47rLYGlT_jWF3IFu6SG_04fwjxRWi-bor14ZN0x-QmrQsUfZShyBx9YmQG4E87R4YK0l3tNckopQZzgGFXpDboWn2EeDzAvWOW0LGtaeHVkbEdbdLXqKIU/s1600/Big-citrine-necklace-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FBC47Xl5TvvUZIqDmEP7B47rLYGlT_jWF3IFu6SG_04fwjxRWi-bor14ZN0x-QmrQsUfZShyBx9YmQG4E87R4YK0l3tNckopQZzgGFXpDboWn2EeDzAvWOW0LGtaeHVkbEdbdLXqKIU/s640/Big-citrine-necklace-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the final piece with the neck wire that has a spring compression clasp. The neck wire looks a little odd in the photo because it has a slight curve in it to compensate for laying on the collarbones so that the wire looks circular in appearance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuewT4uiDHiJc-y7B13Ti3naoDOlGzeAQR29IlMFdO30FpOw9JRWaYHsTuTcoU0XoaF9QmMPwKZFpTglohY0BB5i6k0br1hD4nV8Kw3IDGSxzjmiYvWDEvmg8lA0quxhQh3qb4DQfHEtw/s1600/Big-citrine-necklace-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuewT4uiDHiJc-y7B13Ti3naoDOlGzeAQR29IlMFdO30FpOw9JRWaYHsTuTcoU0XoaF9QmMPwKZFpTglohY0BB5i6k0br1hD4nV8Kw3IDGSxzjmiYvWDEvmg8lA0quxhQh3qb4DQfHEtw/s640/Big-citrine-necklace-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-71056170229487572962012-05-12T20:38:00.000-06:002012-05-12T20:38:43.154-06:00On the BenchI'm not a big fan of citrine, but this one sure caught my eye. Orange, double cut star, decahedron (12 sides), 13+ carats. Ah! Nothing like a setting challenge!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiSnGlXQ_wpajUPX2GoX383nCB-OeQ6T7W_aRoxrXESS7_ZDxxisvAtohz1uruKPqTDLui0XeVfTf5dTvyKgR7aCb41wd-ixEucVodbbI7q3GQq0LzrjP0b4ZlA1Q_ML9XZVCdY8iaUY/s1600/Orange-citrine-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiSnGlXQ_wpajUPX2GoX383nCB-OeQ6T7W_aRoxrXESS7_ZDxxisvAtohz1uruKPqTDLui0XeVfTf5dTvyKgR7aCb41wd-ixEucVodbbI7q3GQq0LzrjP0b4ZlA1Q_ML9XZVCdY8iaUY/s640/Orange-citrine-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll have more about the setting and how it was made in a Storybook Jewelry feature, but I decided to keep the emphasis on the stone itself, the setting had to be minimalist. So here's a picture of the necklace with the lovely setting on a neck wire.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZdUdkK4gpKrqFtxlN_4WDbB_vVPoPW4P6GBbB5YmaARhj81ojMokW3J5JZKaYy0gKkRO44YdTyZxgL_sny0_EMFH_S7KrOLc4B61D-t4oV_fT0_j3TlqMS-Wv0M-N83PkQe0Bj61UaM/s1600/Big-citrine-necklace-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZdUdkK4gpKrqFtxlN_4WDbB_vVPoPW4P6GBbB5YmaARhj81ojMokW3J5JZKaYy0gKkRO44YdTyZxgL_sny0_EMFH_S7KrOLc4B61D-t4oV_fT0_j3TlqMS-Wv0M-N83PkQe0Bj61UaM/s640/Big-citrine-necklace-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's another view:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-8BQHAFXB7z1cMEWiYNrIUz7KlODcgoW-S736QPAzUsCZ-zA-S6F1B0YAOiyLv9tH-sJ8lL2cPKfAsXciR_XTc95VhlS4A_4xKgx4OgPpBz5cWkjaC96zETid0ZDgroLyYbKxQUBZRI/s1600/Big-citrine-necklace-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-8BQHAFXB7z1cMEWiYNrIUz7KlODcgoW-S736QPAzUsCZ-zA-S6F1B0YAOiyLv9tH-sJ8lL2cPKfAsXciR_XTc95VhlS4A_4xKgx4OgPpBz5cWkjaC96zETid0ZDgroLyYbKxQUBZRI/s640/Big-citrine-necklace-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The neck wire looks odd because it's not sitting on a neck form. It's shaped to lay on the collar bones so as to not stick straight out. I also found out I need to turn the termination 90 degrees so it'll flat against the neck. Duh! Obvious things are not always apparent right out of the gate.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Okay, okay, just one more picture!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S_boQ-EEyt79qjag_CRafGykcNcsg6wiN5Bs51jM6u4BwE9i7s0IihI0rfXnvAvm8_SLWOFC5hyphenhyphen5a7XAxn6hb-tleoFB3tq6UtcucRzlSKnnojcoe3z5pLqHPoPX05HZAoSNdx2TDbo/s1600/2-IMG_6689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9S_boQ-EEyt79qjag_CRafGykcNcsg6wiN5Bs51jM6u4BwE9i7s0IihI0rfXnvAvm8_SLWOFC5hyphenhyphen5a7XAxn6hb-tleoFB3tq6UtcucRzlSKnnojcoe3z5pLqHPoPX05HZAoSNdx2TDbo/s640/2-IMG_6689.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-16811532715862096492012-05-10T16:00:00.000-06:002012-05-10T16:00:05.102-06:00Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQFBap2ntIjG3YXFbamoKvum_bDENV8UbwlWge153vXyygQbCYlAy7E_wU5ZzA3nI_mfw28JaONHOMPbL5o53AlJhXX6A4UPfNp3zTDuj40MxmfAmiI7iyKpv6Nj8wnz5XIMkE5lpn1I/s1600/3-IMG_6684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQFBap2ntIjG3YXFbamoKvum_bDENV8UbwlWge153vXyygQbCYlAy7E_wU5ZzA3nI_mfw28JaONHOMPbL5o53AlJhXX6A4UPfNp3zTDuj40MxmfAmiI7iyKpv6Nj8wnz5XIMkE5lpn1I/s640/3-IMG_6684.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
OK, things don't go to plan. The 3rd installment of how to clean jewelry has video problems, as in--it sucks. The plan was to do it over, but the weather wasn't cooperating so my daughter could get in to do the filming. Believe me, it'll be worth the wait, okay?<br />
<br />
There was the usual Christmas rush and my usual "I don't want to see a piece of metal or a stone for a month!" I'm over it now.<br />
<br />
I do my usual slow period stuff, redo the website (that's the Metals and Gems one), do the taxes, sketch a lot and do my pretty stuff that makes my heart sing. Like the one above, which is a doublecut decahedron (that's 12 sides) buff top almost orange yummy citrine. I think it's about 13 carats. Oh, and it's what passes as spring here in Wyoming, so I'm busy with planting.<br />
<br />
Soon, I'll be migrating the blog over to WordPress, because it has a lot more options and is easier for people reading it to navigate. Yet another thing I have to learn. Good for the brain cells, right?<br />
<br />
I had a big arthritis flare, unable to use my hands much and couldn't sit because of the hip. The medicine the rheumatologist put me on is pretty rough on the system too. Did you know they use chemotherapy drugs for advanced arthritis? I have a whole new respect for people going through chemotherapy--they take a lot more than I do! I feel like a pathetic wuss.<br />
<br />
My husband is working hard on the room that will become my studio. He's put down a tile floor and painted the walls. There's much more to be done--wiring, ceiling, finish framing the windows, cabinets--and then the big stuff--moving all the equipment in and finding new places for everything. It's gonna be a great place!<br />
<br />
Most of my new work has already been placed in galleries, but I'll be showing you some of my upcoming pieces as shot off the bench.Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-90755469922969007942011-12-23T07:00:00.000-07:002011-12-24T10:16:15.139-07:00How to Clean Dirty Jewelry--Part II<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Or...The Dirty Secret About Jewelry--Part II</span></strong><br />
<br />
In the <a href="http://jazznjewelry.blogspot.com/#!/2011/12/how-to-clean-dirty-jewelry-part-i.html" target="_blank">previous article</a>, we went over how to clean debris from your jewelry that builds up from lotions, soaps, grime and sweat, using an ultrasonic machine. Now we're going to learn about getting rid of tarnish. It's the special enemy of silver jewelry. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Tarnish. An ionic machine is the perfect solution for this problem.</span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
Tarnish can be gone forever with one of these little beauties!<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Ionic cleaners</span></strong><br />
<br />
Oh happy day! They finally have been able to produce these for consumers and they are a godsend! If you have a lot of jewelry, especially silver, an ionic cleaner is relatively inexpensive way to blast off tarnish. It won't do a thing to get the debris off, but it will blast away dulling tarnish and make your metal sparkle again.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Ionic cleaners work electrolytically to remove the tarnish. </span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
In other words, they use a small electrical charge from direct current, an alkaline based cleaner and an anode plate in the bottom of the tank. There is a little clip that is the cathode, that you attach to the jewelry to complete the circuit. You'll know it's working because it will give off little bubbles, and with heavily tarnished silver jewelry, you'll notice the smell of hydrogen sulfide, or the rotten egg odor.<br />
<br />
A company that I know sells a true consumer level ionic cleaner is Speed Brite. Their smallest one is called a Mini Speed Brite and it uses a 9 volt battery to power it. You won't have to worry about getting electrocuted with the battery, unlike the ones where you plug in the transformer to regular 110 v AC power. Usual disclaimer that I don't get paid, just personally satisfied with the product.<br />
<br />
This one is a commercial one, but it works similar to the consumer version.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDov36a58VdvxryZOZxXNQt2_ema2iPHuHC2xF3W8Y89NOqMkFrpS2RNoXdbLL9T9YLJNkdKifgS-UhHcXwAZT90UM5dBi8SYW4xwvrSSXKBRpMYT1s78R3EAXMFGFiEftWGhEhWJM8k/s1600/Ionic02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDov36a58VdvxryZOZxXNQt2_ema2iPHuHC2xF3W8Y89NOqMkFrpS2RNoXdbLL9T9YLJNkdKifgS-UhHcXwAZT90UM5dBi8SYW4xwvrSSXKBRpMYT1s78R3EAXMFGFiEftWGhEhWJM8k/s640/Ionic02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A commercial ionic cleaner in use with the clip on lead attached to the chain laying across the bottom of the tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Cleaning chains</span></strong><br />
<br />
This machine is great for cleaning chains, because it can remove tarnish from the inside of the chain links, a boon for something that has very fine links, like a French rope chain. However, if it doesn't remove the tarnish from inside the links, it could mean you have a combination of gunk and tarnish. An ionic cleaner can't remove debris, so you'll have to use some hot water, dish soap and a toothbrush to get rid of the debris so the ionic can get to the tarnish itself. Or use a spiffy ultrasonic machine.<br />
<br />
If you're cleaning a chain, you can only clean a long chain a few parts at a time. If the chain crosses over itself, it will deposit the tarnish that it cleaned off the rest of the chain to the part where it crossed itself--and then that part will be really tarnished! So, unclasp the chain, put what you can across the bottom and clean that. Move the clip up to a tarnished area, lay out more of the tarnished part across the bottom and clean a little more.<br />
<br />
In this demonstration, I'll show you how a chain is cleaned. First, let me state that this particular chain had an oxidized patina put on it that used several mordants to make the oxidation really stick. In addition, it has also sat around for awhile, so the oxidation is age hardened to the chain. In other words, this type of tarnish is tough to the extreme.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlrbAmYdLnSQVxx_Bp0qvtJezvq_amDVf3DORLcOQFi2tdCG6COZrHDbA8Y8DTd62Se7uJg3D37JqcQ-vfI6fh-L4eYquRxs-Rmj_WTRImxtGa0tN-BqqrTUIaNSsmWjIdoh84VvgF0A/s1600/Ionic01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlrbAmYdLnSQVxx_Bp0qvtJezvq_amDVf3DORLcOQFi2tdCG6COZrHDbA8Y8DTd62Se7uJg3D37JqcQ-vfI6fh-L4eYquRxs-Rmj_WTRImxtGa0tN-BqqrTUIaNSsmWjIdoh84VvgF0A/s640/Ionic01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extremely tarnished chain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionMXeIe1H96FK8m06m4EAwWCrQj-RykmOl5iBmbll7oABVTBsVlAwoKiymSYk-3Wn1gRWXiWZmf9MBYoc-mNjMQxUbBYe84M7boUbOBfAlwugXmb_jQWBKYaorXIuGq0qmHHCQBRRq8k/s1600/Ionic03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionMXeIe1H96FK8m06m4EAwWCrQj-RykmOl5iBmbll7oABVTBsVlAwoKiymSYk-3Wn1gRWXiWZmf9MBYoc-mNjMQxUbBYe84M7boUbOBfAlwugXmb_jQWBKYaorXIuGq0qmHHCQBRRq8k/s640/Ionic03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the machine is turned on, it immediately starts bubbling and lifting the tarnish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUz8OjhePqAQzSIXlilmP5mTBPDMpLnE1X2cug8duiWrL2APm4IgBUBpypycvBncxoaiaFPu4cU4O5a1qLTJpN9xaXNDvgGVRI3jdoCAqyqUPSUyruF5eeQ7zC208SbbvuMEawlQmRsU/s1600/Ionic04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUz8OjhePqAQzSIXlilmP5mTBPDMpLnE1X2cug8duiWrL2APm4IgBUBpypycvBncxoaiaFPu4cU4O5a1qLTJpN9xaXNDvgGVRI3jdoCAqyqUPSUyruF5eeQ7zC208SbbvuMEawlQmRsU/s640/Ionic04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Here you can see the part of the chain that is clean, next to the original tarnished area</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One thing you need to be aware of, it will also clean off the oxidation that has been deliberately added to enhance details. So if you have something that has a black finish in the recessed areas, clean in stages of 5 seconds at a time. Make sure you're not cleaning off the detail! <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Don't use an ionic cleaner for anodized aluminum, niobium or titanium. It will strip off the lovely colors!</span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
Likewise, there are certain stones that shouldn't be used in an ionic cleaner, like some drusy (druzy) crystals that have been anodized. If in doubt, take your piece of jewelry into a professional jeweler's store and ask.<br />
<br />
The chain above was dipped 3 times in the 30 second cleaning cycle, for a total of 90 seconds. Your average tarnished piece with oxidized detail may only take 5-10 seconds.<br />
<br />
This machine will also clean gold, platinum, white gold, fine silver, coin silver and a host of just about any metal. It's superb for copper.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Finishing up</span></strong><br />
<br />
Be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean running water. Dry with a soft tea towel or old T-shirt. Your jewelry is bright and tarnish free.<br />
<br />
With the next article in this series, we'll be going over low tech methods, also known as elbow grease, and a little kitchen chemistry. Not too much elbow grease though, because frankly, I don't have the time and neither do you!<br />
<br />
<em>Copyright 2011 by Katherine Palochak</em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-81044770694572828662011-12-17T20:59:00.001-07:002011-12-23T09:47:57.966-07:00Handmade Ripple Earrings<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The ripples of sand in the ocean waters...</span></strong><br />
<br />
Conjures up an evocative image, doesn't it?<br />
<br />
Think of the ripples on the sandy bottom of the edge of a calm sea. The patterns they make have a calming effect on you too. The day is perfect, sunny with a blue sky and a fresh breeze. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">You're wading in the ocean, and in the perfectly clear water, you can feel these ripples in the sand under your toes.</span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
These earrings have that same feeling of calm. Repetitive lines, smooth but distinct. The undulating shape enhances the ripples calming effect with a continuation of the flowing lines. <br />
<br />
The ripples are oxidized to bring out the pattern, and the highlighted lines have a soft satin sheen to them. The design is exclusive to myself, handmade with a technique that makes a dimensional form, but are still lightweight.<br />
<br />
They're entirely handmade from sheet silver and formed into that wonderful shape. Then they are soldered to freeze that shape and make them very strong. They are completed with a handmade earwire that features a ball on the front detail. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">This is a great pair of earrings to accessorize jeans for a little more dressed up feel, or for that flirty little dress.</span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqeIR-5BXu9G7O27Ncqcr5phJQOwgFt2TWf74B5CcLru3o4P023s5M8DDEqucVcY07kAttOgR25Tx77jiHdWg5xEr-DTOGb8znZ217o2LSaxrvgYidkwhmEeW16PRdYwa-X0Dc2yClwU/s1600/Ripple-earring2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqeIR-5BXu9G7O27Ncqcr5phJQOwgFt2TWf74B5CcLru3o4P023s5M8DDEqucVcY07kAttOgR25Tx77jiHdWg5xEr-DTOGb8znZ217o2LSaxrvgYidkwhmEeW16PRdYwa-X0Dc2yClwU/s640/Ripple-earring2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade ripple freeform earrings in sterling silver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you plan on ordering anything for Christmas from my <a href="http://www.jazznjewelry.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>, do it before 10 p.m. MST, Sunday December 18, 2011. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Those reindeer are slow!</span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
For a limited time, you can purchase these earrings by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88630870/sterling-silver-freeform-earrings-in" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<br />
<br />
<em>Copyright 2011 by Katherine Palochak</em>Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-40098566069746285262011-12-17T19:00:00.000-07:002011-12-23T09:45:32.757-07:00How to Clean Dirty Jewelry--Part I<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Or...The dirty secret about jewelry--part 1</span></strong><br />
<br />
We girls love our pretty sparklies. Even if you don't wear jewelry much, I'll just bet you'll throw on a pair of earrings or a necklace for the office party. Maybe you wear your wedding ring religiously, but would like for it to look as good as it did they day it was first put on your finger.<br />
<br />
This is going to be a primer series for what's available to you as the general public. We'll be going through the luxe items in jewelry cleaning, right down to the inexpensive, but highly effective methods, that you can do with common household ingredients and an electric toothbrush, dips, polishes and cloths.<br />
<br />
First, let's go over what machines and methods are available for professional jewelers, because the new jewelry cleaners for the general public consumers are spinoffs from these machines. We have ionic cleaners which remove tarnish; ultrasonic cleaners that remove debris, oil and dirt; steam cleaners for likewise removing oil, debris and dirt; and good old-fashioned elbow grease. We also have our bench polishers and flexshafts, with their different buffs and compounds, for actually polishing and removing scratches. There are a few other things that are available for removing caked on debris like lye (definitely not for consumers!) and other caustic methods, but you have to be trained to use them safely and know which stones can handle the different types of acids or bases. Chemistry does play an integral part in cleaning things for us.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Ultrasonic cleaning</span></strong><br />
<br />
Ultrasonic cleaners are ubiquitous in a jeweler's shop. These produce powerful ultrasonic waves that scrub debris off. They have a transducer in the bottom, and some have them in the sides also. They are not silent. They will remind you of sounds you hear in a dentist's office. They are one of the new luxe items for cleaning your jewelry at home.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A lot of the machines I've been able to find in the consumer area are ones that tout they are "ultrasonic," but are not true ultrasonics. </strong></span></blockquote>
<br />
Instead, they rely on sonic waves (think vibration) or an electrolytic process with an alkaline based soap. If ever in doubt, if it doesn't have that high-pitched whine and put holes in aluminum foil, send it back with a big raspberry and get your money back. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX8QaeSpqdYL3__8voYyu822Xo2BAh-jPCVvreOBlE_6uJBE2JUO79tAdYiI2-30GTl03c59wHlgZIp_JsK3j3KP8GAAC93TsdOHMGPUN9VDsR0TbwOWimKV_duhAs8lLth0CAosTQvY/s1600/Ultrasonic03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX8QaeSpqdYL3__8voYyu822Xo2BAh-jPCVvreOBlE_6uJBE2JUO79tAdYiI2-30GTl03c59wHlgZIp_JsK3j3KP8GAAC93TsdOHMGPUN9VDsR0TbwOWimKV_duhAs8lLth0CAosTQvY/s640/Ultrasonic03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A professional ultrasonic with a manual timer and a heater</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
However, there is one I've found that looks like a mini version of my ultrasonic and is made by the same manufacturer. It has the metal bottom with a raised area that typically houses the transducer. It is a GemOro, and no, I don't get paid or given anything to promote their products. I noticed Amazon.com is selling these mini GemOros on their website for around $100 as of this date of Christmas 2011.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3ti8qRrYn8mioBUkiglqOxpyLFATS_kln_s13EjdyA-Rv5kztKiquS5OYz_T33Gn7PLYnfvG7by1CMi4pvf8CD3iUPPpGkjdpNYy7tmGiGXJm5-AwxNybbuX1kdwhWy7gazvryWx6oc/s1600/Ultrasonic02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3ti8qRrYn8mioBUkiglqOxpyLFATS_kln_s13EjdyA-Rv5kztKiquS5OYz_T33Gn7PLYnfvG7by1CMi4pvf8CD3iUPPpGkjdpNYy7tmGiGXJm5-AwxNybbuX1kdwhWy7gazvryWx6oc/s640/Ultrasonic02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<em>The raised area where the transducer is located beneath the stainless steel tank</em></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">If you put a piece of aluminum foil in the tank of a true ultrasonic, it will be full of holes within a few minutes. </span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
If you think sticking your fingers in it to retrieve a piece is okay, prepare to have your fingernails start growing out pitted, or if more than a few times, your fingernails will just fall off. Just because it only seems to "tickle," don't be fooled. These are powerful machines!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2y3hkQwokzqtO1KD-PiCOoaLXolapRn7RQubUbHJjsgtIatA2BuvBwiJyI3nWCILlV-owA1lovPIDJJs5Dqq__GwjqpGnzO4W8KUs8adCJGqP_VVK4bWLghPlu6w9_Jwczfh0m7FJiI/s1600/Ultrasonic01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2y3hkQwokzqtO1KD-PiCOoaLXolapRn7RQubUbHJjsgtIatA2BuvBwiJyI3nWCILlV-owA1lovPIDJJs5Dqq__GwjqpGnzO4W8KUs8adCJGqP_VVK4bWLghPlu6w9_Jwczfh0m7FJiI/s640/Ultrasonic01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aluminum foil folded over a stick that will span the width of the tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85WUTYCnsVt6GZFSr4Fcin9fdZNBzZZPoTTHAiIE7WUpOY4IOY_4Lozmrvf1KW417hyphenhyphen_Q-wZ7OWCBmUJPVZXBI7Jfdu3pgMvGZgr3rL9D90ZrXArAH7arnPVifb8TyupRN49VgGjUQUg/s1600/Ultrasonic05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85WUTYCnsVt6GZFSr4Fcin9fdZNBzZZPoTTHAiIE7WUpOY4IOY_4Lozmrvf1KW417hyphenhyphen_Q-wZ7OWCBmUJPVZXBI7Jfdu3pgMvGZgr3rL9D90ZrXArAH7arnPVifb8TyupRN49VgGjUQUg/s640/Ultrasonic05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aluminum foil added to the tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH07Dyltr_hju1ngfwS7qRh_mmihbIS1ZOHRrWWNvfYA9EGnx7w5z0cnqbI72C4_gUH1DBap6n7vfr65IQW1IF6UUNrzTCd7CSaVxryhxmaJ9N14AVkF9GgKjpiwTOS32DCqXve2Yh7OM/s1600/Ultrasonic04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH07Dyltr_hju1ngfwS7qRh_mmihbIS1ZOHRrWWNvfYA9EGnx7w5z0cnqbI72C4_gUH1DBap6n7vfr65IQW1IF6UUNrzTCd7CSaVxryhxmaJ9N14AVkF9GgKjpiwTOS32DCqXve2Yh7OM/s640/Ultrasonic04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are large holes in the aluminum foil now. Particularly notice the ragged edge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlU-9ZjWfn1FlkBSZtaZ4MUPEuKhk50uV23Egn5s3wqK5s05pC784ocY3_l4Ih8YgiCO_WhIObcfvp8TWHSv06LGyJDnW-cp24S0Lvo1_Nktgj8aMVGHSiKhZCh5ppAaP-A-wIKlLNho/s1600/Ultrasonic06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlU-9ZjWfn1FlkBSZtaZ4MUPEuKhk50uV23Egn5s3wqK5s05pC784ocY3_l4Ih8YgiCO_WhIObcfvp8TWHSv06LGyJDnW-cp24S0Lvo1_Nktgj8aMVGHSiKhZCh5ppAaP-A-wIKlLNho/s640/Ultrasonic06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aluminum foil unfolded. Notice the large missing areas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Likewise, you have to be careful what kind of stones you put in them. If your stone is fracture filled (some diamonds are) or oiled (like emeralds) it will destroy them. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">If they have natural fractures or inclusions in the stones, like tourmalines, rutilated quartz, cape amethyst, opals or diamonds with a lot of carbon deposits, it will likewise shatter or cleave them.</span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
Oops. Check with your jeweler if you can't bear to take a chance.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Things you should know</span></strong><br />
<br />
When you use an ultrasonic, make sure nothing touches the bottom where the transducer is located. It will cause vibrations that will wear out your transducer prematurely. The exception is soft materials like plastic and silicone. You will see various jigs that suspend jewelry away from the bottom, such as baskets and ring holders.<br />
<br />
However, these soft surfaces and metal meshes tend to break up the action of the ultrasonic waves, so it takes longer to clean the jewelry. Jewelers tend to go out of their way to find some way to suspend the jewelry directly into the ultrasonic, using paper clips, bamboo tongs and hand-held glass beakers.<br />
<br />
Rinse your jewelry thoroughly in clean water after removing it from the ultrasonic. This helps to remove any remaining debris and cleaning solution. Sometimes a quick scrub with a toothbrush is also needed to get debris out of very small spaces. Wipe the jewelry dry with a soft, clean cloth. Don't put your jewelry in a sunny window to dry. Certain stones can lose their color or change color! Speaking from personal experience, amethyst is one of those stones.<br />
<br />
The vibrations of a true ultrasonic will shake slightly loose stones out of their mountings, so take a needle across the face of the stone, pushing slightly and noticing if there's any slight rocking. If there is, take it to a jeweler so the setting can be tightened and you won't lose your stone.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Please check with a reputable jeweler first to make sure your stones will survive ultrasonic treatment. </span></strong></blockquote>
<br />
If you don't want to go to the expense of buying your own machine, or the vagaries of whether a stone will survive or not, then just take your precious to a real jeweler, where they will clean it for a pittance. Most will educate you about your particular piece of jewelry and how to keep it clean between professional cleanings.<br />
<br />
Check back next week for the second part of this series with information on ionic cleaners, another luxe item, and why you want one, especially if you have silver.<br />
<br />
Copyright Katherine Palochak 12-17-2011Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-24490986872117503692011-12-13T17:00:00.000-07:002011-12-23T09:50:14.178-07:00Making Jewelry Storybook--Lines Bracelet <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What was it?</strong></span><br />
<br />
The last posting of what I had on the bench, I asked you to guess what it was I was making. I finished it and finally took some photos of it. You see the teaser below? It's a bracelet, all right!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuZQDwZfpVsgWQwoZVmpaPlBjUOX1LLuXnwdHguVTVp_tWPykvEFaw6v-L1HSkbvtWu60f-UMreOhsWUnQcoOf9HplQx4fy1gm903k54xhsfKmGXcoMAQiJpNi6TdE_rX32gylgk75Sc/s1600/Lines-bracelet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuZQDwZfpVsgWQwoZVmpaPlBjUOX1LLuXnwdHguVTVp_tWPykvEFaw6v-L1HSkbvtWu60f-UMreOhsWUnQcoOf9HplQx4fy1gm903k54xhsfKmGXcoMAQiJpNi6TdE_rX32gylgk75Sc/s640/Lines-bracelet1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">This is how I made it</span></strong><br />
<br />
First, I started with a bracelet blank; a strip of 16 gauge silver that is 6" long. I took pieces of wire and formed them into various shapes, and melted some scrap silver into balls. You can see most of this laid out on the charcoal block. If you're wondering what the white crud is that's all over the metal, it's a flux that prevents firescale. Sterling is notorious for taking up cupric oxide and it leaves a nasty purplish stain in the metal if you don't take steps to prevent it from forming.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5deR_zV_lGKdluVvQaNBN8rMUvLe8BY7cIQRUUQetEh6AHduPo3yRZC02d0af5ue3LOUTa3H81P1tqv9yfSkCzYtkYD5anZ5M5ueAwEKZvKNBm52y0y_OZHcJd5eaaFN3vCBJMCMIf4/s1600/Lines-bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5deR_zV_lGKdluVvQaNBN8rMUvLe8BY7cIQRUUQetEh6AHduPo3yRZC02d0af5ue3LOUTa3H81P1tqv9yfSkCzYtkYD5anZ5M5ueAwEKZvKNBm52y0y_OZHcJd5eaaFN3vCBJMCMIf4/s640/Lines-bracelet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All the wires are sanded so they'll sit flush on the bracelet blank. The wires are soldered on a few at a time, with cleaning baths in pickle in between solderings, and of course, more flux to prevent firescale before soldering again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here you can see the wires all soldered and the form pre-polished, before filing and forming the blank into the bracelet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCH2HVVBSoIOC3kSiXYEWhlNB7lpGOr4tq5Wpsii1NN2Vz6yByWiIbQf032YhiZDkoNyoY8-TOOpPvrdienny24gvfaKN9hrclAX1cM71SRueiePjR-LrDIGu53VcyA8Md9NjhVjtVUg/s1600/Lines-bracelet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCH2HVVBSoIOC3kSiXYEWhlNB7lpGOr4tq5Wpsii1NN2Vz6yByWiIbQf032YhiZDkoNyoY8-TOOpPvrdienny24gvfaKN9hrclAX1cM71SRueiePjR-LrDIGu53VcyA8Md9NjhVjtVUg/s640/Lines-bracelet1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>And now the purdy...</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq60dM4c4LrflC7E8ymSmRzvDVQ0cVpTc6ZsW_CsL0eVjZCa5dCmG6izewxCh1N42i-mmrCV9JhkT_uRG2DI1hAqMkCgFglAMF-BQe3Jzl7U7DBWaRc7EgJSixNgfBpNxyr9mSvQ31QkA/s1600/Lines-bracelet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq60dM4c4LrflC7E8ymSmRzvDVQ0cVpTc6ZsW_CsL0eVjZCa5dCmG6izewxCh1N42i-mmrCV9JhkT_uRG2DI1hAqMkCgFglAMF-BQe3Jzl7U7DBWaRc7EgJSixNgfBpNxyr9mSvQ31QkA/s640/Lines-bracelet4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the movement of the lines on the bracelet, and how that movement changes, depending on which angle it's viewed. You can go to this link to see a few more pictures of the Flowing Lines bracelet from different angles: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88543681/flowing-lines-sterling-silver-cuff">http://www.etsy.com/listing/88543681/flowing-lines-sterling-silver-cuff</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by to read! You can find more stories on Making Jewelry Storybook posts. Learn how handmade jewelry goes from sheet and wire to be fabricated into volumetric and gorgeous jewelry.</div>
<br />
<em>Copyright 2011 by Katherine Palochak</em>Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-64235782743098893762011-12-09T12:30:00.000-07:002011-12-23T09:50:58.272-07:00On the Bench!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Working on the concept</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;">
This is one of my current projects. Maybe you can guess what it is, but I'm not going to tell you until it's finished and I have it in a Storybook Jewelry posting. But I like the way the lines move on this piece. It's somewhat similar to the honking big amethyst pendant in another Storybook Jewelry posting. I think I'm going to have to do a whole series of this type of pattern development to get it out of my system. These have been some of my more enjoyable ones, so it might take awhile. I have a whole season of downtime (my favorite and most creative time!) coming up. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn0OO-eH4GqghuqxwC6t0MXEzLZTi_AQRhON3UjZcAPT1kqS5EdgYshvgKUtR4LxmzInSlZ88hE2wwY5X7VMFufabZp07dsZOy1wnSF69ve1zH32H0LjYc1X3tB9O8bGjiJ0edx9Y5AM/s1600/Lines-bracelet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn0OO-eH4GqghuqxwC6t0MXEzLZTi_AQRhON3UjZcAPT1kqS5EdgYshvgKUtR4LxmzInSlZ88hE2wwY5X7VMFufabZp07dsZOy1wnSF69ve1zH32H0LjYc1X3tB9O8bGjiJ0edx9Y5AM/s640/Lines-bracelet1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;">
If you have any ideas of what you think "lines" might look good in jewelry, why don't you give me some feedback. You never know when I might use those suggestions to make something. I depend on feedback from people to help me develop jewelry that gets noticed!<br />
<br />
<em>Copyright 2011 by Katherine Palochak</em></div>Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-22166755207680562972011-12-09T12:00:00.000-07:002011-12-23T09:51:56.986-07:00For the Metalheads--Sanding Small Parts<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Tired of bloody fingers?</span></strong><br />
<br />
It's always a pain to sand small parts quickly and efficiently, and you tend to shred some skin in the process. If you're going to solder two parts together it's imperative that you have both surfaces in good contact with one another, and that means you need to get rid of high spots and have flush fittings.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">You need a handle!</span></strong><br />
<br />
You need some tape. Duct tape or electrical tape are good because they have very sticky adhesive. My personal favorite is Gorilla Tape, but sometimes it can be overkill, but it's great for very tricky sanding jobs. For the purposes of the photos, I've used masking tape so it will show up better against the surfaces.<br />
<br />
You need to have about 2" of tape for the "handle" and enough additional tape for the "legs" that will cover most of the piece. Double the tape in half, and stick together the first inch for the handle and then stick the two "legs" onto the piece, as shown in the photo below. Press the "legs" firmly onto the piece.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXr10k1WomcroECBsd8JrK1W8NDaVKd8seCid46DWqztNdvbNl6WMCCfn0PSJxqKFpo0uJDljgg-3S6s3ECha1Sjz8V8EwQRtaGnYTSKG7zwRACEJFqEkbLM3HWkuxk2UNE45EebtMJ8/s1600/Sanding-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXr10k1WomcroECBsd8JrK1W8NDaVKd8seCid46DWqztNdvbNl6WMCCfn0PSJxqKFpo0uJDljgg-3S6s3ECha1Sjz8V8EwQRtaGnYTSKG7zwRACEJFqEkbLM3HWkuxk2UNE45EebtMJ8/s640/Sanding-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now you can grasp the "handle" while you're sanding and have a secure grip on your piece. Sanding is easy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvGzSnzS5sCCXlYQIWFokUMpkihTG1qHtixnd-vMPbQigIbnPRfjo1I-XXILL5etGDyzpxLr4UTZeyiTtgySmTfaavoKtORlbxKrdXmXSQCFpYq_-5MfFcbSTlPcYn8ZHTPHWKdbhNmg/s1600/Sanding-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvGzSnzS5sCCXlYQIWFokUMpkihTG1qHtixnd-vMPbQigIbnPRfjo1I-XXILL5etGDyzpxLr4UTZeyiTtgySmTfaavoKtORlbxKrdXmXSQCFpYq_-5MfFcbSTlPcYn8ZHTPHWKdbhNmg/s640/Sanding-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Be sure to remove the tape adhesive before soldering, and make sure the whole piece is squeaky clean before soldering. You know the saying, "If it ain't clean, it ain't gonna solder."<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Another pointer for a really small piece</span></strong><br />
<br />
If your piece is too small for tape, you can use the eraser off a pencil as a handle. Just push the eraser onto the piece to embed it. I like the white erasers that come off mechanical pencils, and you can buy them at stationary stores in a tube of erasers for replacements. They have the right amount of stiffness to grab them and not disintegrate, and yet soft enough to push down onto and embed a piece into them.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wait! What's that sanding surface?</span></strong><br />
<br />
Aha. So you noticed my actual sanding block. I use 3M's finishing film stuck onto one of my bench blocks (I have two), in the 100 micron size. Sorry, can't find the mu symbol for micron in this program. It's self-adhesive, sands quickly and because of the close-tolerance graded media, no huge scratches that have to be sanded down further. <br />
<br />
The bench block is perfect. It's very flat, has a decent surface size and it's heavy enough not to move around. I still have the other side to use for flattening things and other stuff a bench block is used for. I do have a small piece of rotary cutting mat I keep under it so it won't scratch my bench (not that you could tell really), and that mat also dampens sound when I'm banging on the bench block.<br />
<br />
I don't get paid any kind of endorsement for touting 3M's products (wish I did!), but they have some awesome things I just can't get along without. The finishing film is one, and the other are the bristle disks for both your flex shaft and your bench polisher. That's for another posting.<br />
<br />
If you liked this tip, look for other tips in the "For the Metalheads" postings.<br />
<br />
<em>Copyright 2011 by Katherine Palochak</em>Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5294536960030508051.post-25142542735033237162011-11-12T08:00:00.000-07:002011-12-23T09:52:40.478-07:00How to Get Started Making JewelryI have a lot of people ask me how they can start making jewelry. They love jewelry and they have a creative side, and they'd love to combine the two.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">It's not as hard as it used to be</span></strong><br />
<br />
Fortunately, it's not as hard as it used to be when I began. There's a wealth of material out there now, in both books and DVDs. If you go to Amazon.com, all you have to do is a search for "how-to" and then a technique you think you might like to learn. There are some exceptional ones out there for every skill level.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The best way</span></strong><br />
<br />
You're not going to be able to jump right into making soldered jewelry without training of some sort, like a college class or some beginner workshops. There are a lot of different facets required for this type of work, and you have to learn to use a lot of equipment safely. It just helps to have a live body nearby to guide you, so you can observe in real time and ask the questions you need answered.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">When formal education isn't an option</span></strong><br />
<br />
If you don't have the time, the money or live close enough for this to be an option, there are other things you can do. There is beading, wire work, resins and polymer clay. You can even find free online videos for many of these things. Also consider getting magazine subscriptions. Some places offer online subscriptions for the same price as print. These are nice because you can print out just the projects you like, and you don't have to be storing a whole magazine. You can even pick up a whole year's worth of back issues on one CD!<br />
<br />
There is another alternative called "bridge jewelry" that is generally made with metal clay (Precious Metal Clay and Metal Art Clay). This is where you start crossing over the line into fabricating metal jewelry and can be accomplished with a minimum amount of tools. Even though it's kiln fired and you have no kiln, you can have it fired at a local pottery. For less than $100 buy a small trinket type of kiln that can be fired with a plumber's portable propane bottle or with a butane torch that is used in restaurants, usually for making creme brulee. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Is any of it free?</span></strong><br />
<br />
Several places I point people to is ArtJewelryMag.com and JewelryArtistMagazine.com. Both have free online video and printed projects, ranging from beginner to intermediate in a variety of mediums. If you type in "jewelry tutorials" in Google, you'll have more tutorials, many free, than you'll have time to explore. Just start with one that you really like, and make sure it's from a reputable source. Two I recommend are Rio Grande <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/RioGrande1944">http://www.youtube.com/user/RioGrande1944</a> and Ganoksin <a href="http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/videos">http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/videos</a> I've seen some things on video from amateurs that are just dangerous, so use careful judgement when trying to learn from free video postings.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">And that means...</span></strong><br />
<br />
Don't expect perfect results the very first time. You'll get better with each progressive project though, and with experience you learn how to turn your goofs into serendipitous exploration. Yeah, I know that's a big and pretentious word, but any of my students know that when I yell out, "Serendipity!" in a workshop, it means it's a learning experience. Just read that as, "I did a goof and I'm going to act like it's the greatest design focal point anyone has ever seen." And actually, when you look at it that way, you'll get away from your preconceived ideas and start making things that are truly original and fabulous. Yes, you'll make mistakes, just as we all have, and you'll learn from it. I'm still learning from my mistakes, and I've been doing this for a loooooong time. I don't want to say how long because that will give you an idea of my age!<br />
<br />
Occasionally, you'll run across a kindly soul who will mentor you, either in making jewelry, design or learning business skills. They've been down your road at one time, and if they're willing to impart knowledge, listen to them. They're worth their weight in gold!<br />
<br />
<em>Copyright 2011 by Katherine Palochak</em>Katherine Palochakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11065172632106994068noreply@blogger.com0