Wrapped Round Stones and Properties of Jet

I was really having trouble how to determine to wrap round stones when I came across an online tutorial with just that theme. It was not as easy as it looked but it certainly solved my dilemma.

Pictured here is a sterling silver wrapped piece of round jet.

I find jet facinating. For those of you unfamiliar with jet, it is also known as lignite. It is a geological material but not considered a true mineral but rather a mineraloid, as it has an organic origin, being derived from decaying wood under extreme pressure (coal).

Some miscellaneous information about jet:

Unlike black glass which is cool to the touch, jet is not, due to its lesser thermal conductivity.Jet is also known as black amber because it may induce an electrical charge when rubbed like amber.

When Queen Victoria's husband Albert died she ordered that no jewellery except jet should be worn because of its austere yet modest appearance. It became THE mourning jewellery. Jet was also used for monk's rosaries.

Snowflake Pendant

I was asked before Christmas if I ever made snowflake jewellery. I never had so I gave it a try. I used stirling silver 20 gauge half hard wire for the frame. Stones are moonstone ships and rondelles and reflective faceted glass beads for accents. The pendant is a little less then 2 inches round. I liked designing it but I found the frame difficult to put together.

Guy Jewellery

I have done commissions for guy jewellery. Chokers mostly so far, some key chains. The most popular materials to date are bone and wood, for both adults and teens although I have done braided leather with a wrapped stone.

I use clasps that are either magnetic or S clasps. These are easy and fast to put on. The only problem with magnetic clasps is that sometimes, particularly in winter when wearing heavier clothes, the clasps come apart. Here are two examples of guy chokers.

Shell Jewellery

I just love using shells for jewellery. The shapes and colours are so versatile and fun. Here are some pieces I really enjoyed designing. Because the long pieces had holes drilled at the top and bottom, I was able to double strand the bracelet (below) and the choker (to the right) in an interesting way. The earring are a little off the wall but it all seems to go together.

Composition: choker on memory wire, all shells except for some clear glass beads; bracelet is all shell with a gold metal toggle clasp; earrings are all shell with 14k gold filled ear wires (tarnish resistant gold wire used to put them together).

These pieces are still available. For more pictures of shell jewellery scroll down the blog.

Trapazoid Pendants

I came across a few of these unusually shaped trapazoid pendant type stones in different colours of agate. I paired this green agate with purple amethyst, then added green aventurine rounds to complete the design. (All wire is sterling silver). This was actually created to be displayed during a wine tasting show in Prince Edward County. I thought the purple and green reminded one of grapes!

This completed jewellery is still available as well as two other orange agate trapazoids waiting to be made into jewellery.

News

It sure was a busy fall and Dec. I attended several Arts and gift shows, such as Brighton Your Christmas, the Brighton Inn Tea and Gift Sale, Christmas at Presqu'ille as well as having our own Shadowridge Christmas Art and Jewellery sale.

I also had great opportunities to get my art and jewellery out into the community such as the Riverside Music and Arts Centre, Trenton, and Lola's in Brighton. I also met with Gina Boyd of G.Boyd Boutique in Brighton, who will be carrying my 14k gold jewellery starting this January.

It was exciting to talk to these people and to find out what people liked in the way jewellery and art. I am in the process of creating new and fun jewellery pieces and paintings, and trying out new techniques and methods.

Stay tuned for pics. (and more regular updates)

Tina