Written April 17, 2014
Sometimes a customer comes to me with a piece of jewelry she doesn’t wear or has outgrown and wants a new and improved piece. I love to transform a ring from commercial to custom and she loves that she gets a one of a kind piece of jewelry. Here are two recent examples:
Commercial diamond ring to custom diamond ring:
Commercial diamond ring to custom diamond anniversary pendant:
Written January 6, 2014
Happy 2014, the number 14 didn’t have much significance to me but I heard somebody say that it is doubly lucky because it is the number 7 x 2. Also, my husband said it would be a great year to hike a “14er”, one of the peaks in Colorado that is over 14,000 ft, we’ll see if we have the chance to make it down there.
Returning to work after the holiday chaos is always interesting, it’s quiet and a there is a lot of paperwork to do. I’m going to be continuing my gemology courses online and going to the Tucson Gem Show in February for further education and gemstone/bead shopping. I’m working towards becoming a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified Graduate Gemologist.
Hopefully I will have time to experiment with the plethora of designs that are in my head during these quieter months.
Happy New Year.
Written October 24, 2013
I recently purchased a pile of beautiful gemstones. Last week I hosted a Ladies Night at my store and revealed dozens of new earrings. Each pair is different and the gems are transparent and sparkly, crystaly and colorful. I will post a few on this site but in the meantime here is a quick photo:
Pictured here is a mix of: rose quartz, amethyst, turquoise, amber, citrine, flourite, garnet, aquamarine, jade and peridot. All on handmade silver earring wires.
Written September 24, 2013
To customize the jewelry that I make, I usually handmake the “findings”. Findings are what jewelers call clasps, ear wires, pin backs, etc. Basically the hardware of the piece of jewelry. Most of my beaded necklaces and some of my silver chains have a simple sterling silver hook and loop. I like these because they are unusual while being secure.
Pictured here are the hook and loop clasps on some recent Autumn themed necklaces that I made.
Written August 6, 2013
After some urging by a friend I have signed up Isabel Jewelry for Instagram photo sharing site. My name on there is isabeljewelry so please follow me if you are into Instagram. I’ll be posting fun photos of new jewelry and workshop activity!
New instagram account: @isabeljewelry
