Archive for May, 2008
Making Wire Wrapped Jewelry Is A Healing Experience
Ann Marier asked:
One could say that making wire wrapped jewelry is a healing experience because the majority of wire wrapped jewelry is made from natural stones, rocks, minerals and gemstones. All of these stones have been known for centuries to have healing and mystical powers.
Cabochon stones or agates, jade, malachite, etc., are essential to making beautiful wire wrapped jewelry. Natural bead colors, versus dyed, irradiated or heat-treated are always the best. Using a mixture of genuine and synthetic faceted stones are another excellent choice in making wire wrapped jewelry.
Gold, silver and any plated beads are good, as are high quality, hand-made glass beads. Quality, texture and clarity are all essential in making beautiful wire wrapped jewelry. Wire wrapped jewelry pieces are normally, one of a kind, and will set you apart from all others. This jewelry makes a statement when worn by an individual.
The Process
Making wire wrapped jewelry into art depends mainly on the quality of your materials. Not only do your stones and beads have to be superior, but the jewelry components need to be high quality as well. Many wire wrapped jewelers make their own components. They are already skilled at wire wrapping, therefore, making wire wrapped jewelry components is only natural, and it also sets their jewelry apart from the next artist.
The wire that is used should be sterling silver or gold-filled wire. The stones are taken and literally wrapped with wire. Rings that are wrapped are especially breathtaking. The settings are made of wrapped wire as well. The combination of the two makes an incredible work of beautiful art.
Pendants are also very popular in wire wrapped settings. They give the stone a bit of personality. Taking three wires and making a thin braid to wrap a stone is also very beautiful. Many artists are known by their specific style of wire wrapping.
The buyer can give the artist a stone to wrap specifically for them. The buyer will then designate whether they want a ring, necklace or bracelet. Many artists market themselves with this personal service. They eventually generate their business more from word of mouth, than any other marketing technique. Having the knowledge as to the mystical powers of each stone can also be quite helpful.
The general jewelry buying population really loves purchasing wrapped stones that will bring them wealth, health or happiness. Making wire wrapped jewelry is a healing and, it can turn out to be a beautiful and wealthy profession.
One could say that making wire wrapped jewelry is a healing experience because the majority of wire wrapped jewelry is made from natural stones, rocks, minerals and gemstones. All of these stones have been known for centuries to have healing and mystical powers.
Cabochon stones or agates, jade, malachite, etc., are essential to making beautiful wire wrapped jewelry. Natural bead colors, versus dyed, irradiated or heat-treated are always the best. Using a mixture of genuine and synthetic faceted stones are another excellent choice in making wire wrapped jewelry.
Gold, silver and any plated beads are good, as are high quality, hand-made glass beads. Quality, texture and clarity are all essential in making beautiful wire wrapped jewelry. Wire wrapped jewelry pieces are normally, one of a kind, and will set you apart from all others. This jewelry makes a statement when worn by an individual.
The Process
Making wire wrapped jewelry into art depends mainly on the quality of your materials. Not only do your stones and beads have to be superior, but the jewelry components need to be high quality as well. Many wire wrapped jewelers make their own components. They are already skilled at wire wrapping, therefore, making wire wrapped jewelry components is only natural, and it also sets their jewelry apart from the next artist.
The wire that is used should be sterling silver or gold-filled wire. The stones are taken and literally wrapped with wire. Rings that are wrapped are especially breathtaking. The settings are made of wrapped wire as well. The combination of the two makes an incredible work of beautiful art.
Pendants are also very popular in wire wrapped settings. They give the stone a bit of personality. Taking three wires and making a thin braid to wrap a stone is also very beautiful. Many artists are known by their specific style of wire wrapping.
The buyer can give the artist a stone to wrap specifically for them. The buyer will then designate whether they want a ring, necklace or bracelet. Many artists market themselves with this personal service. They eventually generate their business more from word of mouth, than any other marketing technique. Having the knowledge as to the mystical powers of each stone can also be quite helpful.
The general jewelry buying population really loves purchasing wrapped stones that will bring them wealth, health or happiness. Making wire wrapped jewelry is a healing and, it can turn out to be a beautiful and wealthy profession.
Emerald – May’s Gemstone of Earthly Envy
Sarah Stephens asked:
Emerald is a precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent green, and is widely recognized as the May Birthstone and the gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 45th anniversaries. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, emerald holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your emerald jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
Emerald is the green variety of the species beryl and is one of the three most precious of colored stones, ranging from a light lemony-lime green to a dark, intense forest green, and bluish-green. The name Emerald is derived from the French word “esmeraude,” which goes back to the Greek word “smaragdos” that means “green gemstone.” Emerald has long been considered the finest of the green colored stones, as it is often compared to rich green landscapes–Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.”
The ancient Incas and Aztecs in South America worshipped the Emerald, proclaiming it was a holy stone, offering it to the Gods. They would rather suffer death than reveal their Emerald sources! The Greeks also dedicated this beautiful green gem to the goddess Venus.
Emerald gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, white pearls or black diamonds. More casual combinations include lighter contrasts of green emerald with quartz, carnelian or topaz. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring emerald, click here. Emerald is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes.
Emeralds are believed to promote physical and emotional healing, in addition to symbolize faith and immortality, aid eye-sight, and intelligence. They are said to have a powerful affect on both the subconscious and conscious mind, increasing memory and psychic awareness.
The Emerald was first mined in Egypt around 3500 BC. The Egyptian Pharaohs called these sources “Cleopatra Mines.” Egypt was a major source until the 16th century, until the Spaniards discovered more in South America (Columbia). Today they are found in Zambia, Brazil, Africa, and Russia, just to name a few.
Mohs’ Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Emerald gets a score of 6.5-7, meaning that it is somewhat scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Emerald gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart.
Emerald is a precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent green, and is widely recognized as the May Birthstone and the gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 45th anniversaries. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, emerald holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your emerald jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
Emerald is the green variety of the species beryl and is one of the three most precious of colored stones, ranging from a light lemony-lime green to a dark, intense forest green, and bluish-green. The name Emerald is derived from the French word “esmeraude,” which goes back to the Greek word “smaragdos” that means “green gemstone.” Emerald has long been considered the finest of the green colored stones, as it is often compared to rich green landscapes–Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.”
The ancient Incas and Aztecs in South America worshipped the Emerald, proclaiming it was a holy stone, offering it to the Gods. They would rather suffer death than reveal their Emerald sources! The Greeks also dedicated this beautiful green gem to the goddess Venus.
Emerald gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, white pearls or black diamonds. More casual combinations include lighter contrasts of green emerald with quartz, carnelian or topaz. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring emerald, click here. Emerald is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes.
Emeralds are believed to promote physical and emotional healing, in addition to symbolize faith and immortality, aid eye-sight, and intelligence. They are said to have a powerful affect on both the subconscious and conscious mind, increasing memory and psychic awareness.
The Emerald was first mined in Egypt around 3500 BC. The Egyptian Pharaohs called these sources “Cleopatra Mines.” Egypt was a major source until the 16th century, until the Spaniards discovered more in South America (Columbia). Today they are found in Zambia, Brazil, Africa, and Russia, just to name a few.
Mohs’ Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Emerald gets a score of 6.5-7, meaning that it is somewhat scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Emerald gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.
Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart.
How to Chhose a Grade "a" Jade?
JsWhite asked:
From time immemorial, jade has been closely associated with the Chinese culture.
To the Chinese people, it has the power to protect body and spirit for both the living and the deceased; they also treat it as talisman. In the West, jade is sought after for its elegance, mystique and romance.
Jade can be classified into two different types, nephrite and jadeite. They are two totally different minerals. Colours of nephrite include translucent white, yellow, green, black and the colour is always evenly distributed. Colours of jadeite include white, purple, yellow, green and others; evenness of colours varies with different textures.
Most of the jades yielded in China are nephrite. Among highly treasured pieces of nephrite are some described as “mutton fat”. As the description implies, these are pieces creamy white in colour and uniformly translucent. The majority of fine-carved jade artifacts are made of nephrite.
Jadeite is mainly produced in Burma.Since it is more prominent than nephrite in different aspects, such as texture, colour and price, it is used almost exclusively in jewellery setting, which also lead to a large demand in the market, so we will confine our discussion to jadeite.
Jadeite is also known as fei tsui. The criteria we employ for its appreciation are : colour, transparency, clarity, cutting and flaws.
COLOUR
Colour is of paramount importance. We examine the colour of fei tsui according to the following criteria:
1.Purity
Purity refers to the proportion of the prime and the secondary colours. Let’s take green fei tsui as example, the most desirable is pure green; in descending order of desirability are green tinted with yellow, blue and grey.
2.Intensity
The more saturated the green the better the jade. However, an overdone intensity is of only middling quality.
3.Vividness
The colour should be vibrant and lively. The presence of grey and black makes the green dull without altering its tint.
4.Evenness
The more even the colour, the more desirable the jade and the higher the value.
TRANSPARENCY
Transparency of fei tsui affects the refraction of light and its beauty. When light enters a transparent fei tsui with fine texture, it sparkles; if light enters an opaque fei tsui with coarse texture, it refracts dull light to the eye that reduces attractiveness.
CLARITY
Clarity refers to inclusions, which cohered with jade during the formation process, mainly in black and white. In general, white inclusions are less distracting than black ones and, of course, the less visible the inclusion the better.
CUTTING
Fei tsui is usually worked into two categories: plain polished shapes such as cabochon and carved designs. Plain polished shapes require higher grade material without flaws, and with good proportion, symmetry as well as appropriate thickness. For example, a well-cut cabochon should be neither too thick nor too thin in relation to the area of its top surface. Its “bulge” should be centered, prominent but not exaggerated.
Carved designs are often used to eliminate or minimize the effect of flaws and cracks. They are assessed on their aesthetics and the workmanship of the details.
FLAWS
Flaw lines are value-detractor of fei tsui.Fei tsui can be cracked and even broken when crashed. We can use a torch to examine cracks and flaws, so consumer should pay special attention when making purchase.
High quality jade can be sold at desirable price, however, it has a limited supply. To maximize profit, some businessmen proceed artificial treatment to jade before putting them on the market. Jade is then categorized into “A” jade, “B” jade and “C” jade.
Treated Jade
“C” Jade
“C” jade is dyed jade. During the treatment process, dyes are injected to colourless jade under a high temperature and high pressure environment. The jade will be wholly or partly be dyed into green or purple colours, however, by and by the colour of “C” jade will become dull and fade.
“B” Jade
The treatment process of “B” jade involves removing inclusions and impurities near the surface by bleaching or other chemical means, leaving mainly green and white material. Polymer resin, a chemical that solidifies into an almost colourless, clear mass, is then injected into the stone to fill up leftover space and enhance translucency. Since the structural integrity of jade is damaged during the process, flaws will appear very easily. If dye is injected during this treatment process, it can be categorized as “B + C” jade.
Natural Jade
“A” Jade
“A” jade is natural and untreated jade. Chow Sang Sang do not condone treatment processes, so we carry only “A” jade.
From time immemorial, jade has been closely associated with the Chinese culture.
To the Chinese people, it has the power to protect body and spirit for both the living and the deceased; they also treat it as talisman. In the West, jade is sought after for its elegance, mystique and romance.
Jade can be classified into two different types, nephrite and jadeite. They are two totally different minerals. Colours of nephrite include translucent white, yellow, green, black and the colour is always evenly distributed. Colours of jadeite include white, purple, yellow, green and others; evenness of colours varies with different textures.
Most of the jades yielded in China are nephrite. Among highly treasured pieces of nephrite are some described as “mutton fat”. As the description implies, these are pieces creamy white in colour and uniformly translucent. The majority of fine-carved jade artifacts are made of nephrite.
Jadeite is mainly produced in Burma.Since it is more prominent than nephrite in different aspects, such as texture, colour and price, it is used almost exclusively in jewellery setting, which also lead to a large demand in the market, so we will confine our discussion to jadeite.
Jadeite is also known as fei tsui. The criteria we employ for its appreciation are : colour, transparency, clarity, cutting and flaws.
COLOUR
Colour is of paramount importance. We examine the colour of fei tsui according to the following criteria:
1.Purity
Purity refers to the proportion of the prime and the secondary colours. Let’s take green fei tsui as example, the most desirable is pure green; in descending order of desirability are green tinted with yellow, blue and grey.
2.Intensity
The more saturated the green the better the jade. However, an overdone intensity is of only middling quality.
3.Vividness
The colour should be vibrant and lively. The presence of grey and black makes the green dull without altering its tint.
4.Evenness
The more even the colour, the more desirable the jade and the higher the value.
TRANSPARENCY
Transparency of fei tsui affects the refraction of light and its beauty. When light enters a transparent fei tsui with fine texture, it sparkles; if light enters an opaque fei tsui with coarse texture, it refracts dull light to the eye that reduces attractiveness.
CLARITY
Clarity refers to inclusions, which cohered with jade during the formation process, mainly in black and white. In general, white inclusions are less distracting than black ones and, of course, the less visible the inclusion the better.
CUTTING
Fei tsui is usually worked into two categories: plain polished shapes such as cabochon and carved designs. Plain polished shapes require higher grade material without flaws, and with good proportion, symmetry as well as appropriate thickness. For example, a well-cut cabochon should be neither too thick nor too thin in relation to the area of its top surface. Its “bulge” should be centered, prominent but not exaggerated.
Carved designs are often used to eliminate or minimize the effect of flaws and cracks. They are assessed on their aesthetics and the workmanship of the details.
FLAWS
Flaw lines are value-detractor of fei tsui.Fei tsui can be cracked and even broken when crashed. We can use a torch to examine cracks and flaws, so consumer should pay special attention when making purchase.
High quality jade can be sold at desirable price, however, it has a limited supply. To maximize profit, some businessmen proceed artificial treatment to jade before putting them on the market. Jade is then categorized into “A” jade, “B” jade and “C” jade.
Treated Jade
“C” Jade
“C” jade is dyed jade. During the treatment process, dyes are injected to colourless jade under a high temperature and high pressure environment. The jade will be wholly or partly be dyed into green or purple colours, however, by and by the colour of “C” jade will become dull and fade.
“B” Jade
The treatment process of “B” jade involves removing inclusions and impurities near the surface by bleaching or other chemical means, leaving mainly green and white material. Polymer resin, a chemical that solidifies into an almost colourless, clear mass, is then injected into the stone to fill up leftover space and enhance translucency. Since the structural integrity of jade is damaged during the process, flaws will appear very easily. If dye is injected during this treatment process, it can be categorized as “B + C” jade.
Natural Jade
“A” Jade
“A” jade is natural and untreated jade. Chow Sang Sang do not condone treatment processes, so we carry only “A” jade.