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Cody Hunter: Master Navajo Silversmith
2007-12-26 23:08:00
Cody Hunter is a 20 year veteran of Navajo silversmithing. His artistic abilities allow him to miniaturize the featured landscapes of Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, where he grew up, and still lives. The scenes you see in his jewelry are inspired by the landscapes and the Navajo people that are part of his life. Each piece is entirely handmade.His main themes are the Storyteller, the Home Scene, and Running Horses, each with a background of rocks and a mixture of weavers, shepherds, horses, rabbits, dogs, cactus, and just about anything else you could imagine that would have been in the Canyon. Wide Storyteller BraceletThis stunning bracelet features the grandmother storyteller talking to her grandchildren. They are in what the Navajos call a summer house, an open structure covered with sticks and twigs. A weaver is shown in the background. There is a hogan?an earth-covered Navajo lodge?on the far left, and beyond it rock shapes from Canyon de Chelly. This is a side view of the same bra...
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Studio Heath
2007-12-24 17:05:00
Remy at Studio Heath does some of the most beautiful wire wrapping I've ever seen. She's a multi-talented artist who does painting, drawing, and photography in addition to jewelry. Studio Heath is located in Canberra, Australia. Click on any of her photos on her Jewelry Gallery Page to see the camera settings she used for each picture.Ocean Jasper Cabochon Pendant20-gauge and 24-gauge Sterling Silver square wire with decorative Sterling Silver beadsGalleries of ArtThe pictures in her Photography Galleries are breathtaking. Her Artwork Galleries are filled with lovely works of art. Her Watercolor Paintings are to die for. Fancy Fun Ring Sterling Silver wire with two 5mm glass beads and two Bali spacersThis is what Remy says about jewelry making:Well it has more to do with the creative process, tools and techniques, as well as the size of the finished creation that I love so much. For me, it's like small scale sculptures that just happen to be small enough to wear.For the most part...

Casting Metal Jewelry
2007-12-22 20:14:00
The newest and most popular method of casting now is the lost wax investment mold process, used most commonly with fine jewelry. Lost wax casting is preferred when an item has deep indentations or a highly variable thickness. Detail may be reproduced well. Some variation in weight, detail and polish is normal as the result of differences in temperatures at the several stages of the process and in the hand work involved.Overview of Casting An original design is carved out of wax. It can be cast once or be used as a model to be repeated. You can make an original out of sheet and wire as well. In order to make a wax model, it is necessary to make a rubber mold of the original or first cast piece. Hawaiian Silver Cast Quilt BraceletWarm wax is injected in the rubber mold. When it cools, the wax model is removed and a wax rod called a sprue is attached. The sprue is the hole through which molten material is channeled into the mold.Cast Silver, Turquoise, and Lapis BraceletHandcrafted from...
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Scarves, Wraps, and Shawls
2007-12-19 19:10:00
Perfect Winter AccessoriesScarves , shawls and wraps are all the rage. They're just the thing for breezy days and chilly evenings. They are usually rectangular or square pieces of cloth, sometimes folded to make a triangle, but can also be triangular in shape to begin with. A scarf is usually an oblong piece of cloth that can be worn as a covering for the head, loosely wrapped around the neck or shoulders, or tied at the waist. Colorful Flowers ScarfEarth tones and muted blues create a floral design that complements any outfit.A wrap is larger than a scarf, and is a square or oblong piece of cloth that can be worn as a covering for the head, neck, and shoulders. Wool/Cashmere Buttoned Wrap Soft cabled wrap can be worn with the buttons down the front or at the shoulder.A shawl, the largest of the three, usually covers the entire upper body, is more substantial, and provides more warmth. An elegant evening shawl can be sequined or embroidered, and the fabric should drape and flow well....

Channel Inlay Jewelry
2007-12-17 19:23:00
The Art of Inlay Jewelry Yes, inlay jewelry is definitely an art. A talented jewelry designer can come up with a design and create a beautiful piece of jewelry. But cutting, fitting, and seating gemstones into precious metal isn't quite so easy. It takes lots of training and experience to master this difficult jewelry technique. I haven't seen a lot of inlay rings, and these two are very special:Sterling Citrus Berry Inlay RingThe desert southwest sunset inspired the beautiful color combinations in this bold ring. Gold, pink, and white Mother of Pearl, with purple Spiny Oyster shell, Rhodochrosite, and Carnelian are cut and inlaid into an elegant sterling silver frame. Mixed Metal Multi-Stone Inlay RingSterling silver and copper ring with pink rhodonite and olive green turquoise channel inlay. The copper around the band provides the perfect setting for the inlaid green turquoise leaves.In the channel inlay jewelry technique, each stone is cut and set in a framework of silver strips...
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Lentil Beads
2007-12-15 19:57:00
Making Lentil Beads with GlassLentil stands for lenticular?the bead is shaped like a lens with a dome top on both sides of the bead with thinner edges surrounding the circumference of the bead. There are special tools that are used to form the lentil shape. A marver is a stone or metal plate on which hot glass is rolled to give it shape. The marver contains 4 concave depressions in graphite, which make varying sizes of beads. See the tutorials listed at the end of this post for more information about the different tools that can be used to shape Lentil Beads. Glass beads are made by melting glass rods a little at a time and winding them onto steel rods called mandrels. These rods can be different thicknesses and this is what determines how big the hole in the bead will be. Beads are made from the inside out, so the first glass added to the mandrel will be the core of the bead and can be enhanced or covered up by the next layer, depending on how you want the bead to look. Gorgeous G...

Reticulating Metal Jewelry
2007-12-13 23:36:00
Reticulating metal involves slowly heating and cooling sterling silver sheet repeatedly until the fine silver rises to the surface. Then you can create ripples and ridges on the surface of the silver using a torch. The metal is draws itself into ridges and valleys, creating a unique texture. Many alloys can be made to reticulate, but a formulation of 80% silver and 20% copper yields particularly dramatic results. Because copper plays an important role in reticulation, higher copper content generally enhances results. Reticulated Silver Choker with Blue TopazThe squares for this choker were first made by reticulating sterling silver. The artist then had the squares cast?so she could offer a less expensive necklace?then accented with Swiss Blue topaz gemstones. Reticulated Silver PendantWith 18K gold borders and Sugilite gemstonePlease note that this is a very simplified explanation of a very complex process, and you should thoroughly educate yourself or take a class to learn the nuan...
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Dichroic Glass Cabochons
2007-12-11 21:07:00
The word dichroic is Greek, and it means two colors. Dichroic glass has two colors in its coatings?a reflected color and a transmitted color. It is valued for its brilliant iridescent play of colors. The coatings that produce those colors are actually multiple ultra-thin layers of metal oxides?aluminum, chromium, silicon, zirconium or titanium?which are sprayed on the surface of the glass. Pale Mint with Opalescent Base Dichroic CabochonThe aerospace industry created this coated glass, and it has been used in art and bead-making since the 1990s. Dichroic glass has a shimmering effect similar to the iridescence in opals. Different colors can be viewed by examining it at different angles. The colors are brilliant saturated wavelengths of light.Pinks CabochonMaking dichroic glass cabochons involves using many layers of color and two or three firings in a kiln. A glass saw is then used to cut out the best shapes, and a glass grinder is used to remove any rough edges. The piece is then ...
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Fashion Designer: Rachel Roy
2007-12-09 14:27:00
Personal BackgroundA native Californian, Rachel Roy is the daughter of a first-generation Indian father originally from Madras and a mother of Dutch ancestry. Rachel's first job in fashion was at a Contempo Casuals clothing outlet in her home town at age 14. She credits her upbringing with instilling the work ethic that has served her well. Luisa DressStrapless dress in floral brocade, boning at mesh-trimmed satin bodice, welt hip pockets, pin-tucked waist Fashion CareerAfter attending Columbia Union College in Maryland, she moved to New York, and spent nearly ten years in retail, serving as a personal shopper and stylist for magazines and music videos. She got her break when she met Damon Dash and began interning with his former company, Rocawear. There, she learned about the fashion business, eventually rising to the role of creative director. Today, Rachel Roy is a Manhattan-based fashion designer. Her namesake line is carried by all the tony purveyors of high style, including B...
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Tufa Cast Jewelry
2007-12-07 23:15:00
Tufa casting is somewhat complicated, and requires some heavy-duty equipment, but the results are exquisite. This Tufa Cast ing Tutorial comes complete with pictures, if you're interested in the process. Many Native American silversmiths use this casting method that has been passed down for over a century.Tufa is soft porous rock made of volcanic ash that is used to form a casting mold. The Tufa Stone is cut to the desired size and shape which often resembles a brick. It is then sliced in half. Usually, a design is carved into just one of the interior sides of the Tufa Stone, but can be carved into both sides to make a two-sided design. Navajo 18k Gold Cuff Bracelet with Persian Turquoise By Darryl Begay After the design is carved into the tufa, the two halves are joined, and tied together with a strip of rubber. A hole is carved into one end for pouring the molten metal into the tufa. The joined halves then become the mold. The sterling silver is heated in a crucible until it reach...
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Georgie Designs
2007-12-05 21:00:00
Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry by Robyn KlauerAt Georgie Designs , they are committed to bringing their customers unique, beautifully handcrafted jewelry. Their pieces are constructed using the highest quality materials, including sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones. Their mission is to create wearable art using bold colors, simple styles, and clean lines. Care, craftsmanship, and quality are the hallmarks of their business.Mexican Crazy Lace Agate NecklaceWhat a gorgeous stone! Beautifully accented by a glass seed bead necklace.Impression Jasper BraceletImpression Jasper gemstones, handmade Thai sterling silver toggle claspThis ethnic organic design would look perfect on anyone's wrist.Turquoise and Sterling Silver NecklaceCopper turquoise gemstone, brushed sterling silver charm, free-floating jump rings on a sterling silver chain?the perfect marriage of gemstone and metalAbout the ArtistBorn and raised in the Boston area, Robyn Klauer's first memorable experience with art wa...

Valentino Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear Fashions
2007-12-04 22:21:00
Next spring, expect to see lots of pastel colors mixed with brights?cotton candy pinks and blues, canary yellows, varying shades of purple (the current 'it' color), and of course, metallics?muted gold, bronze, and pastels. Valentino has mixed classic suits and dresses with edgy, trendy accessories for spring 2008. Check out the shoes and handbags!Valentino Spring SuitCandy colors from head to toeSage Green Off-the-Shoulder Evening DressShoes with multicolored ribbon straps Sleek and Shimmering Formal DressAbsolutely stunning!These fashions are classic and elegant, and we'd better enjoy them while we can. Valentino is retiring at the end of the year. Tags: fashion trends 2008
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Designer Handbags Spring 2008
2007-12-01 20:09:00
Handbag TrendsFashion runways have long dictated the colors and styles of fashion accessories for the season, and the designer handbags for spring 2008 are no exception. From the tiniest of clutches to oversized satchels, the new handbag styles run the gamut from dainty and feminine to boxy and masculine, and from flashy and chic to utilitarian. Basic colors shift from blacks and greys to nudes with camel as the must-have color for spring. There are still the perennial black/white bags, but this spring expect to see camel/black combinations everywhere. Colorful BagsLook for bright, candy-colors and unconventional color combinations to take center stage in handbags for spring 2008. Bright and Sassy Bags from ValentinoValentino's spring 2008 handbags are primarily large satchels in solid brights, color blocks, patchwork and prints. Exotic Handbags In crocodile, snake-skin, and ostrich Cole Haan Leather SatchelCrocodile-embossed Italian leather bag has a subtle shine for appealClutche...
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CR Designs
2007-11-29 23:05:00
I love cabochons! They're so unique. They're organic. They're part of the natural world?created in nature with no human involvement. The colors speak to my earthy side. The textures are awe-inspiring. Did I tell you I love cabs? CR Designs in Idaho has some of the most beautiful cabochons I've ever seen. All of their cabochons are hand cut and polished by a jewelry designer for a jewelry designer. I've held one of the Owyhee Jaspers in my hand, and believe me, they do great work. I usually put up a couple of pictures for show-and-tell, but I've had a very difficult time choosing, so I'm showing you several. Regency Rose Plume AgateWillow Creek Jasper Exotica JasperGraveyard Point Plume AgateMexican Crazy Lace JasperRed Oregon JasperCR Designs is located in the southwest corner of Idaho, about 23 miles northwest of Boise. They're a jewelry design and gem cutting studio that has been in the jewelry business for 18 years. They offer contemporary art jewelry and designer cut cab...

Sorella Jewelry Studio
2007-11-27 14:52:00
Sorella Jewelry Studio is a small company founded by two sisters with an appreciation for beauty and a passion for quality. They took their name, Sorella, from the Italian word for sister in honor of their Tuscan heritage and their love of family. Make Memories Last ForeverElegant, classic, yet contemporary, Sorella's handcrafted jewelry is made by a small team of skilled craftsmen. They offer personalized jewelry that captures the joy of life's special occasions, and they allow the customer to design their own jewelry. You can choose from a wide variety of gemstones, metals, and symbols.Monogram PendantLacey initials, artfully crafted in palladium, gold, or silver, give this petite oval pendant a distinctly feminine feeling. Each ring, pendant, and charm is created and personalized exactly the way you want it. Whether it holds a name, a special date, or an inspirational saying, each piece will forever have meaning for those who wear it. They offer a selection of names, letters, C...

Designer Jewelry Discount Codes
2007-11-23 20:28:00
Perfect Holiday Gift: Jewelry Stunning Details by Rhonda ReaganUse link above to go directly to the sale Use coupon code "Holiday" for 20% off everything on the site through 12/31/07Free shipping on all orders over $50 through 12/31/07 Sample!Silver Half Hoop EarringsJewelry by Jennifer CasadyUse link above to go directly to the sale:Use coupon code "JCStore20" for 20% off through 11/26/07 Free shipping on all orders over $50 through 11/26/07Sample!Queen's Link Lampwork Bracelet (matching necklace and earrings)Casto Creations Use coupon code "FREESHIP07" for free first class shipping in the US through 12/31/07Sample!Fine Silver and Mahogany Obsidian BraceletYen JewelryUse coupon code "holiday07" for 25% off regular priced items through 12/15/07Sample!Smooth Smokey Topaz Necklace Cherry Creek DesignsUse coupon code "blackfridaysale" Free shipping on all orders over $50 Only good through Monday November 26th Sample!Celtic NecklaceGeorgie DesignsBig Black Friday Sale going on! 10% of...
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The Fall and Winter Grays
2007-11-21 15:40:00
No, I'm not talking about the weather?but I'm sure we'll see lots of gray there, as well. I'm talking about ready-to-wear fashions for autumn and winter. And the fabrics look so comfy you might decide to curl up with a good book on the chaise, instead of braving the icy weather. But when you do step out, you'll be right in style if you're wearing gray!Michael Kors DressThe fabric just flowsGray is a funny color. It can look cold and stark, but it can also look warm and lush. Whether it's light, dark, or charcoal, gray is the new black. It's been seen on all the fall and winter fashion runways. Martin Grant CoatLove the shoesGray is the color of intellect, knowledge, and wisdom. It is perceived as long-lasting, classic, and often as sleek or refined. It is a color that is dignified, conservative, and carries authority. Gucci CoatGreat bootsGray is controlled and inconspicuous and is considered a color of compromise, perhaps because it sits between the extremes of black and wh...
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Santo Domingo Jewelry Artists
2007-11-20 16:52:00
Strong TraditionsOne of the largest and most prosperous of the Rio Grande Pueblos, Santo Domingo is admired for clinging strongly to its traditions. Its pride, conservatism and relatively large size (3200 people) are strongly committed to maintaining traditional ceremonies and beliefs. This longstanding adherence to tradition can also be seen in its jewelry. The Santo Domingo people do little metalworking. For centuries, they have fashioned necklaces of stone, shell and wood. Its jewelry artists are famous for inlaid pieces, often featuring turquoise on seashell bases. Turquoise, Coral, Lapis, Mother of Pearl, and Jet Inlay Pendants on Freshwater Pearl NecklaceBy Angie Reano Owen, Santo DomingoMosaic InlayShell mosaic is a trademark style of Santo Domingo jewelry, drawing on knowledge dating back many centuries. Many modern Pueblo artists consciously style their inlaid jewelry after styles and patterns unearthed by archaeological research, found in rock art or on display in museums....
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Repoussé Jewelry
2007-11-17 20:30:00
Jewelry Technique: RepousséRepoussé [re-poo-SAY] is a French verb meaning to push back. The dictionary defines repoussé as ornamented with patterns in relief made by hammering on the reverse side. A design is first drawn on the surface of the metal and the motifs outlined with a tracer, which transfers the essential parts of the drawing to the back of the metal piece. The piece is then embedded face down in an asphalt block, and the portions to be raised are hammered into the metal from the back using different punches. Grape Leaf Repoussé PendantIn silver, accented by gold and amberRepoussé jewelry is made by taking a sheet of silver and pressing it into a mold from the back. The silver piece is then typically joined with a flat silver piece on the back. This technique gives an excellent weight to the jewelry. Jewelry Technique: ChasingThe piece is then taken out of the mold and worked from the front of the piece by following the lines with a hammer and chisel, which is called chas...
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Joe's Jeans
2007-11-15 21:28:00
Want to dress like the celebs? Then you'd better grab some Joe's Jeans . They're all the rage with stars like Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, and others. The LA-based designer jean company, founded in 2000 by Joe Dahan, consistently ranks in the Top 10 denim brands, nationally and internationally. You can go long:Chelsea Ultra-Slim JeansI love the scrunchy look at the ankles. Joe began his fashion debut in America with a menswear line. Then, in the spring of 2001, he launched his women's denim collection, and quickly made a name for himself among the elite of LA. Short:Pleated Cuff ShortsJoe's Jeans come in ten different fits that are tailor-made for women's body types?from skinny to curvy and from Twiggy Tall to Provocateur Petite?with the ultimate slimming effect. Or in between:Five Pocket KickerThey're good basic jeans, but they're also hip and trendy. They're a little pricey, but if the fit is as good as they say it is, these might just be the perfect jeans!...
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Jewelry Designer: Dawn Vertees
2007-11-13 18:43:00
This lady sculpts flowers from wax, then has them cast in silver. She started out creating porcelain flowers and hand-painting them, then graduated to having her pieces cast. This is one of my hand sculpted sterling silver pendants using the Lost Wax Casting Method. I wanted to learn this method of jewelry making because, although porcelain is beautiful, pins, earrings, and rings are impossible to make.Tropical Hibiscus PendantWith Mexican turquoise and red coralSculpting first in wax allows me to capture the detail in each petal, leaf, and stem without worrying about my porcelain drying out too fast. It allows me the time to concentrate on the texture as well as the flips in the petals. Because of my porcelain skills, I can create realistic pieces unlike anything you'll see in typical high-end jewelry.Once I cast this pendant in silver, I add bronze patina, which provides streaks of red and teal that enhance the texture and depth of the flower. After the patina, I hand polish each...
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Wire Sculpture Jewelry
2007-11-11 19:54:00
Some wire wrapping is so good it just has to be called sculpture. You can take a gemstone of any shape or size and enhance its beauty by enclosing it in beautiful gold or silver frame. Creating wire sculpture jewelry is one of those crafts that fall into the category of there is no wrong way to do it.Because the tools needed are simple?pliers, pin vises, file, wire cutters, and mandrels?wire sculpture can be learned and performed in home studios. The wire used may be of a variety of decorative metals in different cross-sections. Beads and gemstones can also be integrated into the design.Oval Tree Agate Pendant by Preston ReutherBlue/Gray Tree Agate wrapped in 14kt rolled gold wireWire sculpture is experiencing a quiet revolution. Today, colleges offer wire sculpture as a standard item of art curriculum. Still, there is a surprising dearth of knowledge about the self-taught pioneers and innovators who evolved separately, each carving a personal approach to working with wire.Seahorse ...
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Working With Argentium Silver
2007-11-09 21:40:00
Argentium Silver has different working properties compared to standard sterling silver. What makes it different is that a small amount of germanium replaces some of the copper in .925 silver. It still tarnishes, but much more slowly than regular sterling silver. The tarnish is a soft yellowish color?not black?and it's easily removed. When heated, regular sterling silver forms cuprous oxide, known as firescale or firestain?that annoying purplish layer that lurks under the surface of regular sterling silver after annealing or soldering. Firescale has to be removed by using abrasives or chemicals. Though Argentium Silver may oxidize when heated, the oxide is cupric oxide, which can be easily removed. The addition of germanium to the sterling silver alloy stops the penetration of oxygen past the surface. Silver and Gold can be combined in the same piece of jewelry without a chemical reaction that would normally dull both metals.And it's every bit as gorgeous as standard sterling silv...
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Metal Inlay Jewelry
2007-11-07 17:15:00
Inlay is the permanent embedding of one material into another. Inlay jewelry can involve combinations of gemstones, minerals, and enamels. Metal inlay jewelry is the joining of metal with metal. There are two metal inlay techniques in wide use today: mechanical and molten.This is the process:Cut out a seating?a receptacle that will hold the inlay. The seating must be slightly bigger at the bottom so it can hold the inlay material snugly in place. Insert the filling material securely into the cavity.The trick is to join the metals without the use of solder, screws, or any other fastener. Moonlight Ring by Steven Kretchmer A compression mounting of platinum and 24k gold inlayMechanical InlayUsing a wide choice of tools?ranging from acids and chisels to computerized lathes and milling machines?the artisan cuts out a design in the object that will hold the inlay piece. The inlay is tamped down using special hammers. Once inserted, the inlay can either be ground flush with the surroundin...
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Yellow is for Winter?
2007-11-04 21:30:00
Well, at least it's going to be a hot color for the upcoming winter. There aren't a lot of yellow choices when it comes to jewelry, but the ones we do have are fabulous! A diamond or a sapphire may be yellow or, of course, a pure topaz?if you've got the bucks. Citrine For my taste, citrine is a great alternative, and it has a wide range of hues?from lemon yellow to reddish brown?how lush and warm it looks. It might just chase away the doldrums on those drab gray days during the winter months. And it just so happens that it's the birthstone for November. Drusy Bracelet with CitrineSterling silver link bracelet embellished with faceted Citrines, Drusies, and Moroccan AmmoniteWe wouldn't be able to enjoy the citrine today if it hadn't been for the discovery in the 1800s that amethyst and smoky quartz could be rendered yellow by burning. This heat treatment at temperatures of between 470 and 560 degrees has to be carried out very carefully, and requires a great deal of experience ...
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Hopi Jewelry Artists
2007-11-01 20:01:00
The Hopi, Peaceful Ones, have inhabited the Four Corners region of the United States longer than any other tribe has occupied any parcel of land in all of the Americas. Their long history has played an incredible role in their artwork and jewelry.After Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo artists learned silversmithing from the Spanish in the 1800s, metal jewelry arts blossomed in the Southwest, and distinctive native jewelry developed from the fusion of the new techniques with traditional designs. Silver Overlay TechniqueDuring the 1940s, the Hopi developed their own unique style of jewelry making, which is called overlay, and it is quite distinctive. The designs used in these works of art are part of the Hopi religion, life, and ceremonies. Animals play a large part in the Hopi religion, and animal designs are typical themes in Hopi jewelry. Handcrafted Hopi Silver Overlay Pendant by Steven SockymaThis piece combines the traditional Hopi Silver Overlay technique with an intricate bear design....
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Winter Fashion Update
2007-10-30 15:38:00
Winter's on the way—except for those of us who are lucky enough to live in beautiful southwest Florida—like me! I ran across these two new fashion items for winter on Stylehive this morning. The perfect antidote for falling temperatures—and they're SO cute!Mini Scarflet with Austrian Crystal Leaf Brooch by KaiaCozy Cashmere Sweater Bangles by Elizabeth Yarborough How clever!Tags: fashion trends, jewelry trends
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Palladium: The Other White Metal
2007-10-29 22:16:00
White gold jewelry can cause allergic reactions in some people, because the majority of white gold jewelry is manufactured using alloys containing nickel as the bleaching agent and a sizable percentage of the population is allergic to nickel. For these individuals, contact with nickel can result in dermatological problems that range from a mild skin rash to severe open sores and permanent scarring. Ever heard of Palladium? It's in the platinum group of metals and shares many of the same attributes as platinum—high purity, good luster, and white appearance. So why isn't palladium used more in jewelry making? The answer is cost. Palladium jewelry is a bit more expensive, and consumers don’t like paying higher prices for what appears to be the same product—too similar in appearance to white gold. Fluted Center Palladium Wedding BandPalladium is a platinum group metal. This metal group includes: platinum, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, and rhodium. These metals are found together i...
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Navajo Jewelry Artists
2007-10-27 16:20:00
The Navajo Native Americans are well known for their beautiful jewelry, which today consists largely of silver, but sometimes copper and brass. The Navajo were a fairly nomadic tribe before making their home in the American Southwest. Once settled, the younger Navajo began learning the art of designing their unique jewelry from their elders. The Navajo were in constant contact, some hostile, some friendly, with the Spanish as they continued to populate the Southwest from the late 16th century on. From them, they developed a great appreciation for personal adornment and working with silver. Two Native American Women Jewelry Artis ts :Sterling silver channel inlay link bracelet with natural TurquoiseBy Tilly Jon: Navajo Jewelry ArtistSterling silver post earrings with natural Turquoise and AmberBy Amy Charley: Navajo Jewelry Artist The early Navajo silver work concentrated on concha belts, bracelets, bow guards, tobacco flasks and necklaces. Rings, earrings, pins, hair ornaments, buckle...

Spring Fashions Hot Off the Runway
2007-10-24 16:53:00
Hot new fashion trends for spring 2008 from New York designers. I'm so glad that grownup clothes are now en vogue! These new fashions are ready-to-wear and very conservative for designer garb, and the fabrics look so comfortable you just want to reach out and touch them. Feast your eyes on these: DKNY PantsuitShades of Grès Dress by Donna KaranOscar de la Renta Red Strapless Dress Oh! That Little Black Dress by Ralph LaurenWow!Tags: fashion trends 2008
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