Birthstone Conundrum...

I often have people ask me what they can do with birthstones that aren’t very complementary or that need “something” to tie them together. My answer is usually either 1) skip the birthstones if you aren’t sure or 2) add a stone that ties in both colours but that is representative of something and not just a random addition.

The above piece is a perfect example of option 2: it features amethyst for February and citrine for November. To tie the look together, I found a Tiffany stone that had shades of both colours. Furthermore, Tiffany stone represents love which is the most important part of creating this pendant for the two parties it represents.

Metamorphosis 44: Star-set stone bangle

Have you ever heard the quote “the universe is giving you what you asked for”?

Well, I have a list of jewellery items I want to make and I keep hoping what I want to make lines up with what my metamorphosis volunteers like and want. And it’s happening! Thank you universe!

I wanted to make a bangle with star-set stones. I’ve made similar pendants in the past but not any bangles with this type of setting and it just looks so dreamy on a bangle!

I’ve always had a thing with stars my whole life (I’ve had the same star keychain for the last 15 years) so the idea of incorporating then in jewellery designs brings me joy!

I envision this being a great gift for anyone, but especially mothers and grandmothers: the stars can represent all the children and grandchildren! I can use white stones or birthstones and make the bangle in silver or gold!

To make this I melted down some unique silver pieces including a picture frame and a cutlery base. For the record, cutlery bases aren’t really worth taking apart. They are glued, and I mean GLUED to whatever is in the inside and they don't seperate well. Do you have any non-jewellery sterling silver items you would melt?

The photo above has a brushed-finish and below polished-finish.

METAMORPHOSIS: SEPTEMBER REVEAL

Family ring

I originally thought I was going to make Debbie a cuff. A family cuff to be precise, with engraving and birthstones. She likes sentimental jewellery so I figured this would be the way to go.

One day I was standing under the giant dogwood in my backyard wondering if the dead hollow branch would make it through another windstorm. As I looked under the tree I remembered how much I like looking under trees, seeing the different patterns made by branches and leaves, etc. Then it dawned on me that Debbie LOVES trees so it would be cool if I could recreate that pattern on the cuff and set the birthstones in the little holes.

I opted for a ring over a cuff for a few reasons. First, I would have to make a large wax model which can sometimes be problematic when being casted. Second, I wasn’t sure if I would have enough materials for a cuff, even though she gave me a ton of stuff. Third, Debbie gave me a lot of rings which made me think this project had depleted her ring collection.

To make the ring, I made the wax, had it casted, finished the casting, decided where to layout the stones, made the settings, set the stones, polished the ring, then added the pearl last (as it had to be glued in).

I love this ring. It want one! Most importantly, she loves it which is fantastic!