JewelStruck Blog

Jewelry Showcase: Handmade Jewelry for Earth Lovers by WAXTHEDUCK

Administrator — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:59:45 +0000

Showcasing today, Jewelry by Brooklyn based WAXTHEDUCK. It is an independent line of handmade jewelry made for earth lovers. Designed by Chrissy Reilly, WAXTHEDUCK was an outlet for her creativity at a time she had taken on a full time job and abandoned her fine art practice. Making necklaces became a direct connection to finding materials and transforming them into something tactile and important.

Jewelry by WAXTHEDUCK

WAXTHEDUCK jewelry is inspired by the earth, what is found on its surface and what is made by the remains that are altered by its surroundings. Wood, feathers, glass, stone, leather, and metals are all the ingredients that can be used to compose a necklace. Reilly says “I like to leave part of the making in the process, whether it be showing the weld in the metal, the string on the length… all of these imperfections indicate the process that the piece took to make and act as my continued part and signature in it’s existence; my hand. It’s truly important to me to remain connected to my work even after its sale.”

Jewelry by WAXTHEDUCK

Today, Reilly designs and makes over 100 pieces and distributes through Etsy and her website www.waxtheduck.com. Occasionally she will set up at the local, Coffee shot Beaner Bar, “Artist and Fleas”, or “Brooklyn Market”. Her ideal is to have a place where people of all ages can come and find affordable jewelry, accessories and clothing. You can checkout etsy store http://waxtheduck.etsy.com for more details. Also you can get in touch with her over facebook, twitter and tumblr.You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Confetti fused glass yellow pendant and earrings

Administrator — Sun, 06 May 2012 22:08:01 +0000

Showcasing today another piece of master by Diane Miller. These fused glass yellow pendant and earrings look really beautiful.

Contetti fused glass yellow pendant and earrings

She used the decoration called Confetti over the plain pendants and earrings she had bought from a local vendor. Confetti is fragile, thin flakes of glass you need to watch out! or you’ll cut yourself, as she did. The pendants and earrings were baked separately. Every time before you use kiln, you need to cover it with the Thinfire paper, otherwise the glass sticks!

Diane loved making fused Glass Jewelry. If you like to know more about it, do checkout her website or connect with her on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/Diane.7.fusedglassYou might be interested in:

Amazing Fresh Flower Jewelry that would last longer by Samantha Lockwood

Administrator — Sat, 05 May 2012 04:18:17 +0000

This being a known fact that floral Jewelry catches attention and gets you thousands of compliments every time you wear, what if its made of real flowers which are made to look fresh and last longer? That’s possible now with actress/artist Samantha Lockwood’s new venture Fleurings Jewelry.

Fleurings by Samantha Lockwood

Lockwood found that whenever she wore flowers, she got more compliments and there was a lot of positive energy around. She wanted to get a more secure way to hold the flower and keep the flower fresh longer. Keeping that in mind, she began designing tiny wearable vases (earrings, pins, and necklaces) so flowers could last through the day and thus Fleurings was born.

“Fleurings is a unique new line of jewelry made to hold water and flowers. Each piece holds just enough water to keep flowers lasting longer and looking fresher. Each one of these designs are made from a stainless steel frame to prevent tarnishing or leakage and then plated in your choice of high quality silver, gold and black rhodium. Ideal for wearing orchids, daisies, mums and spray roses. Bunch together thin stems until they fit snug or wear a large flower.”

Fluerings - Classic Black Necklace

Fleurings jewelry is earrings, necklaces and lapel pins that are designed to hold water and keep flowers fresh. They are great for orchids, daisies, roses and so many more. The most versatile jewelry because you can just change your flower for a whole new look. Match flowers to your outfit and so on for looks that range from casual to classy.

If you already own Fleurings or planning to buy, do checkout this video on how to use Fleurings.

Its a Great gifts for special occasions, birthdays, mothers day, prom and weddings!. To know more about Fleurings do checkout their website, or connect with them on facebook.You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Photo Bead Jewelry by PhotoJewelryMaking.com

Administrator — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Showcasing today this very beautiful bracelet, made using Photo Beads by PhotoJewelryMaking.com (PJM). PJM located in Michigan, offers a large selection of photo jewelry making items such as bracelet blanks, brooch blanks, pendant blanks, ring blanks, and more! These photo beads come in variety of sizes, colors and materials, so you have a lot of options to customize your jewelry.

Blue Photo Bead Bracelet

I really loved the idea of building my own personalized jewelry using my set of photos. If you would like to build your own, do checkout their website at PhotoJewelryMaking.com. Or connect with them on their facebook page. If you have any feedback, or would like to show us what you built using these photo beads, do share with us :-).You might be interested in:

Tips for Choosing Pearls

Administrator — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:02:52 +0000

Pearl jewelry always makes a lovely gift. Jewlers who have a degree in design love to use pearls for their simple and elegant beauty. Not only are pearls great for jewelry but they also are well worth the investment. The price for high-quality pearls can increase over time. However it’s important to understand the characteristics of quality pearls before making such an investment.

There are six factors in choosing quality pearls: nacre thickness, size, shape, color and surface texture. The nacre layer is made of fine crystalline that the oyster deposits and reflects light and gives a pearl its unique beauty. High quality pearls have an even and brilliant reflection that also has a warm glow due to a thick nacre layer. A thick nacre layer also makes the pearl larger. Low quality pearls are smaller and only have a dull sheen.

The main reflection on a pearl surface is also the source of its color. Light colored pearls consist of shades of gold, white, and cream. Light colored pearls of the best value are white with pink or silver undertones. Black pearls with green or blue overtones are the best value of dark-toned pearls.

Pearl shapes can vary greatly and an irregular shape is not necessarily a sign of a low-quality pearl. Pearls of uniform shape allow jewelry designers more room to be creative, but an irregular shaped pearl is more unique and can give the pearl a higher value. Consider the purpose your pearls will serve when you choose to buy.

Pearls from different areas can also have unique characteristics. For example, pearls from the South Sea have a high reputation and are very valuable. Have high luminosity and quality. South Sea pearls are 11 mm to 15 mm in diameter and are popular for jewelry.

A high-quality pearl is the Akoya, which are saltwater pearls from the Akoya oyster. These pearls are round and have colors ranging from light pink, to white, or beige. These pearls tend to be smaller in size and those larger than 10 mm are very rare.

In addition to saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls can vary more greatly in form and color. In some cases freshwater pearls can be more valuable because of their variety of color.

It’s also important to ensure that the pearls to plan on purchasing are the genuine, as there are many different types of artificial pearls. Real pearls can differ somewhat in shape, color and size, but fake pearls will be very uniform in quality. You can also bite a pearl; a real pearl will feel sandy and will not scratch easily. Imitation pearls are smooth and can peel. Imitation pearls are also highly flammable while real pearls are not able to burn.

If you’re interested in learning more about oysters and other types of biological life, consider an online biology degree.

Sources

How To Choose the Best Pearl Jewelry

Tips for Choosing the Best PearlYou might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Fused Glass Jewelry – Green pendant set by Diane

Administrator — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:45:13 +0000

Showcasing today this very beautiful green pendant set by Diane Miller. Diane made it on last year’s anniversary of 9/11 to support Muslim brothers and sisters. According to her we are all children of God, Allah, Jehovah, MotherFatherGod etc., and we need to have unity and peace in this world.

Fused Glass Jewelry – Green pendant set by Diane

Here is how she describes making this set.

It is made with green glass. You need to purchase glass that is specially made for glass fusing. The first step is cutting the glass to the desired shape. For this green set, I cut the pendant in a square. Before I started however, I looked at Google Images to see what the symbol of Islam is. Then I asked my Mom, Trish Miller (it’s a family business consisting of my mother and myself) to draw the crescent and star on the pendant. She used a black marker to draw on the pendant (she’s much better at drawing than I am!). I filled in the crescent and star with a decoration called Frit. I used the color of Butterscotch and a special type of glue – Glastic – for glass fusing. Glastic is sprinkled onto the pendant first, then the frit. Frit is made up of ceramic that has been fused, quenched to form a glass, and granulated The pendant is placed upon a kiln shelf, a square made from ceramic that is covered with Thinfire paper and placed in the kiln. It takes about 2 hours to cook reaching a temperature of about 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and 8-12 hours to cool. When the pendant is cooled, then you can remove it. My Mom glues the bail onto the back of the pendant using a different type of glue – E6000. That glue is strong and you need to have some ventilation when you’re using it.

The matching earrings were made also using the above process. Again, I sprinkled Butterscotch frit over the glue. I decided to make them pierced.

If you liked this pendant set, or looking for similar ones do get in touch with Diane on her facebook page, or checkout her website for more details.You might be interested in:

Native American, artisan and estate jewelry at Whoa! Nellie Traders

Administrator — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:04:30 +0000

Just checked out stunning collection of Native American, artisan and estate jewelry at Whoa! Nellie Traders. The store, located in the great state of New Mexico, was started by a couple of pals (Janis & Peggy) who love Western Americana and Native American art.

Oxidized Sterling & Turquoise Earrings, 3.25" long by R Chee

I specially loved the collection of Bilagaanas Jewelry Designs. Bilagannas has been making jewelry for over 20 years. Their pieces are all hand-crafted by Native American artisans in New Mexico. You can checkout their collection and more at Whoa! Nellie Traders’s website.You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase – Bridal Mosaic Polish Blue Topaz pendant necklace by Sumaira Zulfiqar

Administrator — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:01:29 +0000

Showcasing today this very beautiful wedding/bridal Mosaic Polish Blue Topaz pendant necklace by Sumaira Zulfiqar. Her collection includes latest styles from Pakistan and India, also featuring American Style jewelry.

Bridal Mosaic Polish Blue Topaz pendant necklace by Sumaira Zulfiqar

Her collection caters to all age groups featuring Earrings, Bracelets, Bangles, Necklace sets, Pendant and Hair Jewelry. I loved her collection, you can check it out at her facebook page.You might be interested in:

Johnson Matthey NY announced winners of 2012 Sustainable Design Awards

Administrator — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:11:53 +0000

Johnson Matthey NY (JMNY) has announced winners of their 2012 Sustainable Design Awards, which had two categories: Platinum Love and Palladium Expression. Four winners were recognized in the competition two from each category. Among the winning designs, I loved “Petals” the most, designed by Edit Simon of Edit Simon Jewelry.

"Petals" by Edit Simon, Edit Simon Jewelry

Petals is a multi-faceted piece which enhances the depth, shine and color of a stunning center stone, palladium being used to show the metal’s ability to create texture.

You can find more details about it and other winning designs on JMNY’s website.You might be interested in:

Nice collection of Jewish Jewelry at Hamsa Necklaces

Administrator — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:54:01 +0000

Taking inspiration by the symbols from the Jewish tradition, Hamsa Necklace claims a special place within the Jewish jewelry niche. In traditional Judaism, the Hamsa Hand is believed to help banish evil or any negative energy and bless its owners with luck and good fortune.

Hamsa Jewelry

Hamsa jewelry brings together faith and a personal style, which is making it popular day by day. Even if you don’t believe in religion, do checkout their collection on their website, which looks like it comes from mystical world. Do provide your feedback once you visit, I’m sure you would love it.

You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Handcrafted Dark Gray Pearl Necklace by Francine Ruth

Administrator — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:31:23 +0000

In showcase today is this very beautiful sterling silver, freshwater pearl Necklace by Francine. It has two freshwater pearl cabochons intertwined with three fine silver balls. It hangs 2 1/4 inch from a 16 inch satin necklace which closes with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp. This pendant would also look great on a heavy omega chain or even a leather necklace.

Pearl dark gray Necklace by Francine Ruth

Francine loves to create jewelry and believes that jewelry should never take a one size fits all approach. That is why you will see so many different styles in her collection. You can checkout more of her collection on her website, etsy store, blog and facebook page.You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Hand Crafted Ring by Beth’s Gettin Crafty

Administrator — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:54:45 +0000

Showcasing today awesome collection of hand crafted jewelry by Beth. She decided to “get crafty” and make her own jewelry and accessories. Below you can see handcrafted adjustable ring with pressed bottle cap.

Hand crafted ring by Beth

She can customize almost everything in her collection. You can checkout more of her collection at her facebook page, or on her etsy store. Do share your views and feedback with her.You might be interested in:

Jewelry News: The World Gold Council announces its picks for this year’s “Great Designers”

Administrator — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:06:43 +0000

The World Gold Council (WGC) showcases the next selection of great designers and goldsmiths, from around the globe.

The WGC said “These are the talented artists and artisans, some avant-garde, some classical, who are pushing the boundaries, challenging conventions, exploring the beauty and unique innate qualities of the noble metal, and bringing a new, dynamic dimension to the art of gold,”.

Among the 10 designers are Natasha Collis, Pallavi Foley, Beth Gilmour, Lilly Hastedt, Anna Lorich Akers, Selim Mouzannar, Julia Muggenburg, Jeana Mushriqui, Julieta Pedrosa and Touran Reddaway.

Design by Natasha Collis

You can checkout more about them and their designs here.

You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Another piece of Kundalini Pendant by Vanessa Williams

Administrator — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:08:27 +0000

I loved her collection. Here is another piece of Kundalini Pendant by Vanessa, supported by a centralized vertical axis like a human spine. It represents the 7 power centers found in the human body according to ancient maps of our physiological structure.

Kundalini Pendant by Vanessa

Each work of Vanessa has been tested and charged with positive energy by a certified nanoscience engineer. Do checkout her etsy shop for more such creations. I’m sure you will love them.You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Add a Pop of Color to Your Outfit with a Classy Watch

Administrator — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:21:37 +0000

Showcasing today this classy Invicta Men’s watch. Invicta watches come in all styles, shapes, and colors to complete your outfit. A particularly eye-catching watch is the Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Quartz Chronograph Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch. This Invicta watch is perfect for all spring and summer occasions. You might think that a watch like this would put a dent in our pocket, but the Invicta Men’s Pro Quartz watch is priced reasonably at around $150-$200.

Invicta men's pro diver

You do not have to worry about your watch getting water damage because it is water-resistant up to 600 feet. The stainless steel bracelet on this watch has a combination of gunmetal and silver-tone links. Not only are the colors of the dials unique, but the bracelet is as well. This watch has a 43mm case measurement, so it is the perfect size for any man. To check out this and other great mens watches, visit well-known online retailer ShopNBC for a wide selection of brands, styles, and reviewsYou might be interested in:

Where every locket tells a story!

Administrator — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:19:50 +0000

Every Living Locket™ is custom designed with charms that tell the story of your life and represent the things you love. To begin creating yours, you’ll need to first select charms that have meaning to you. Then, select your favorite locket + chain. Add a little personality with a hand-stamped metal plate or dangles.

Large Gold Locket

I loved their concept of living lockets and the collections of charms too. Do checkout their website to create your own.

You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Kundalini Pendant by Vanessa Williams

Administrator — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:15:09 +0000

Showcasing today a pendant from Kundalini Series by Vanessa Williams. The pendant of size 3″ x 2.75″ x .5″ is created using:

16″ oxidized brass chain, Copper, brass, sandstone from Pebble beach California collected in 1988,
Resin Inlay with sand and beach pebbles.

Kundalini pendant

The origins of Kundalini Series began in Vanessa’s senior year at The Maine College of Art and Design as a fun series of pins to sell at their annual Holiday Craft Sale. It was a big hit and still inspires her 20+ years later! Each element of the design is supported by a centralized vertical axis like a human spine. Each design element represent the 7 power centers found in the human body according to ancient maps of our physiological structure. This finial refinement to the original design concept has allowed for variences in its hand forged elements, natural stone and inlay give each pendant its One-of-a-Kind appeal. Each work has been tested and charged with positive energy by a certified nanoscience engineer.

You can checkout her etsy shop to buy this pendant or more like it.You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase

Administrator — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:08:28 +0000

Jewelry Showcase is meant for Jewelry designers and manufacturers to feature their creation on our blog. We would be adding jewelry items by them to our showcase and link it to their website directly via our blog post. The showcase item would be present on our blog front page for atleast 7 days. Each item would be posted across our network, which includes

Facebook -> http://facebook.com/jewelryclub with more than 21,000 fans.
Twitter -> http://twitter.com/jewelstruck with more than 13,000 followers
LinkedIn & this blog, http://blog.jewelstruck.com

Reach us at info@jewelstruck.com for any queries.

Currently showcasing

Handmade Jewelry for Earth Lovers by WAXTHEDUCK
Confetti fused glass yellow pendant and earrings	Photo Bead Jewelry by PhotoJewelryMaking.com
Bridal Mosaic Polish Blue Topaz pendant necklace by Sumaira Zulfiqar	Fused Glass Jewelry – Green pendant set by Diane
Kundalini Pendant By Vanessa Williams	Hand crafted ring by Beth

You might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Unique Hand Crafted Custom Designs in Beaded Jewelry by Lexi Butler ~ Beaded Jewels

Administrator — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 17:44:54 +0000

Showcased here is a exquisite Handmade custom designed bead-woven necklace set by Lexi Butler’s Beaded Jewels. The necklace is made with a 18mm siam Red Rivoli Swarovski crystal, which is held in place by a woven net out of 36 red siam, jet black swarovski crystals (ea 3mm) and black & pearl colour tiny delica tube beads.

Beaded Jewelry by Lexi Butler

The pendant black beaded bail has two swarovski crystal pearls (ea 4mm), woven in is hanging from a 18 in black lace/6 cord corded necklace which was finished of with a 4 inch sterling silver heart chain extention with a red siam swarovski crystal charm and a sterling silver small lobster clasp.

The necklace can be extended to 22 inches. The bead-woven earrings and bracelet were made similar matching the necklace. You can contact Lexi for custom designs at her website. Or checkout her facebook pageYou might be interested in:

Jewelry Showcase: Dark purple sparkle silverbead earrings by Flia Design

Administrator — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:00:37 +0000

Showcasing these beautiful Crocheted earrings by Flia Design. Earrings are available in different colours and sizes at www.zibbet.com/fliadesign and www.adorna.se/stores/88

Dark purple sparke silver bead earrings

Here is a note from the owner:

Crocheted from my own pattern (also sold from my homepage) using fine metallic polyester machine embroidery thread and silver coloured seed beads around a silver plated hoop. The hooks are silver plated and all metal parts are guaranteed to be nickel safe.

You can checkout their website or facebook fan page for more details.

You might be interested in: