Tiger Bead Store Blog

A $6 Dollar Solution to Photographing Jewelry | Handmadeology

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:20:00 +0000

This was a post on the Handmadeology blog that I thought was worth sharing. Product photography is something that takes a while to learn. It did for me with both my jewelry and gemstones. The most difficult part is the lighting.
My husband had bought me a table top studio with lights, camera stand, and a fold out "box" made of white fabric to diffuse the lights. I gave it a try for a while and then I decided I liked working with diffused natural lighting in my studio. I really liked this post because it gives you good advice and does not cost a fortune. If your photos are not turning out as good as you would like them to, give this set up a try. Just follow the link.
A $6 Dollar Solution to Photographing Jewelry | Handmadeology

Handmadeology

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:40:00 +0000

I have a new site recommendation. The site is called Handmadeology. If you sell on Etsy, you may be very interested in checking the site out.

Handmadeology is full of marketing ideas to help build your business. Some of the articles have to do with blogging, social media, and they even have crafty ideas. This is a fun site. I would highly recommend taking a look if you sell on Etsy. I am sure you will find something there to help you improve your business, reach more customers, and increase your sales.

More Resin Beads

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:16:00 +0000

This is a continuation of an order of resin beads that I have finally listed at Tiger Bead Store. There will be more to come. I just love them!

25x19mm matte brown fancy squashed beads

23mm dark red fluted beads

23mm grey fluted beads

Pretty, pretty pink marble fluted beads 21mm

My New Ring

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

I ordered a custom made wirewrap ring from Michael Goettsch, of Circling the Square Jewelry about a month ago. I believe that I shared his jewelry on my blog not to long ago. Well I liked his work so much I had him make a special ring for me. This is it. I thought I would share.

Beautiful from all angles. I am so pleased with how it turned out. Beautiful workmanship. And a gorgeous druzy chrysocolla gemstone in the center. Druzy is the tiny quartz crystals on the surface of the stone, in this case the chryscolla.

Select Gemstone Cabochons on SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:14:00 +0000

In an effort to clean up my inventory, I decided it was time to put some of my gemstone cabochons on SALE. As a reader of my blog, you are the first to know of this SALE. There is a special section at the bead store named "Sale Cabochons." That is where you will find them listed. Here is a sample of what is available...

There are various shapes and sizes of garnet, chalcedony, opal, pink amethyst and more. Take a look. You may find something you like for a future jewelry project.

January's Birthstone, the Garnet

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:16:00 +0000

The American Association of Jewelers, in 1912, decided which gemstone would be the official stone for each birth month. Garnets, as we know, have been chosen for January. Garnets are also used as gifts for the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversaries.

Garnet is a very durable stone ranging on the Mohs scale of hardness at a 7 to 7.5. The oldest known garnet finding was on a necklace worn by a young man in a grave dating back to 3000 B.C., which is proof of the stones durability.
Garnet is actually the name of a family of 10 different gems that have a similar chemical structure, the main difference between the stones is in the variation of color, density and refractive abilities. Another interesting fact that I did not know about was that the garnet spans a variety of colors, all except for blue. Of course, they are best known in a variety of deep red.

The U.S, (Arizona), South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Myanmar (Burma), Scotland, Switzerland and Tanzania are all areas where garnets have been found.

Throughout time, there have been many ancient traditions and legends about the garnet. They were believed to have healing, strength and protective powers. It has been said that the garnet can cure the wearer of all disease and preserve his health, bring him honors and protect him during times of travel. In medieval times, the stones were thought to cure depression and protect against bad dreams. According to legend, Noah used a finely cut, glowing garnet to illuminate the ark during the dark, rainy days and nights. Christian tradition considered the blood-red garnet as a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice. The Greeks believed that it guarded children from drowning.

The King of Saxony is said to have had a garnet over 465 carats in size. I just had to include that fact. I would LOVE to see that. What an incredible stone that had to have been.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR GARNET
As with most gemstones, it is important to protect your garnet from harsh blows, extreme temperatures and chemicals. You can clean your garnet with soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse the stone well after cleaning it. You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner for all garnets except the demantoid variety.

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:55:00 +0000

I would like to thank my customers and friends for all of your support and business this year. I hope 2012 brings us all peace, good health, and prosperity. Blessings to all.

Lots of New Semi Precious Gemstone Cabochons

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:09:00 +0000

Just a week ago I received new cabochons that I had been waiting 2 months to get. Most of the cabochons that Tiger Bead Store carries are custom made to order. So I place my order, than I wait while the stones are cut to size and shape, polished, and with most of the chalcedony I carry, treated or dyed.

The wait was long, but worth it. I listed two new gemstones: turquoise chalcedony (treated) and lavender moonstone.

The turquoise chalcedony is available in checkerboard, rose or round cut in sizes 6mm,8mm and 10mm.

Checkerboard Cut

Rose Cut Round

The lavender moonstone is available in checkerboard and rose cut round, in 6mm and 8mm.

Checkerboard Cut

Rose Cut Round

There is more to come. Stay tuned to Tiger Bead Store.

One Day

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:15:00 +0000

This is a video that my husband sent me from You Tube. It has a strong message that reflects how I feel about our world, and all of us in it. The song is named "One Day" and the artist who sings the song is Matisyahu. It is just beautiful, the words and the images. Take a look...

Circling the Square Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:36:00 +0000

If you read my blog, you know I love rings and I love wire work. While browsing Etsy, I found a new jewelry artisan whose work I love. His name is Michael Goettsch and he lives in Eugene OR. He has only been on Etsy since October and he has a few pieces. I think I have photos of all he is showing except one piece.

I am looking into having him make this ring for me.

And this is the wire work for the ring right above. Just beautiful.

Michael's work is gorgeous. I look forward to seeing what else he will add to his shop in the future.

White Christmas SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:21:00 +0000

The Very Best Cat Lover Gifts is a store within the company Zazzle. Zazzle runs sales every day, and I just saw they are having a good one today. They call it their...

WHITE CHRISTMAS SALE

50% OFF White T-Shirts and 15% OFF All Other Products!

At checkout, just enter the code HOLIDAYSALE to receive the discount.

So that means all of the same items in my Very Best Cat Lover Gifts shop are on SALE!

If there is some item that you have been thinking about buying for yourself or as a gift for someone else, now would definitely be the time to make that purchase.

And if you haven't been to my cat gift store for a while, I also have holiday designs available on many gift items.

If you are looking for a gift for that cat lover on your list, stop buy and take a look. You may find it at The Very Best Cat Lover Gifts.

New Semi Precious Cabochons

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Just got a couple of new semi precious cabochon orders in at Tiger Bead Store this week. I got some new gemstones and replaced ones I was out of. Take a look...

Checkerboard Rainbow Moonstone in 6mm

Round Rainbow Moonstone 5mm

A new shade in Chalcedony named Aqua. It is a slight bit darker than the Peru Green

Labradorite now available in 4mm, 5mm and 6mm

More sizes available in Green Onyx and cuts in Checkerboard and Rosecut

Then I refilled my selection of turquoise, rosecut amethyst and some of the colored chalcedony.

I have one more large order of cabs coming in within days. Stay tuned in to Tiger Bead Store for the latest.

Have Some Extra Cash?

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:46:00 +0000

Have some extra cash lying around? Need a place to spend it? Then you may be interested in Christie's auction of Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry. Her complete jewelry collection, valued at $30 million, will be auctioned in New York on Dec. 13-14. That's just next week folks so you better make your plans soon.

"These are the top jewels that Elizabeth Taylor received from the great loves of her life, Mike Todd and Richard Burton," said Christie's jewelry expert Rahul Kadakia. "They're from moments in life that were very dear to her," jewels that were purchased in Bulgari in Rome, at Cartier in New York and at auction.

"The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond," from her estate, a 33.19-carat diamond estimated at roughly $3 million, is shown in this photograph at Christie's in New York City Sept. 1, 2011.

Elizabeth Taylor's ruby and diamond necklace, a gift of Mike Todd, is estimated at $200,000 to $300,000. Some of Taylor's pieces could bring in more than half a million dollars.

Elizabeth Taylor's "The Mike Todd Tiara" is estimated at $60,000 to $80,000.

Besides the live auction, there are about 500 pieces of Taylor's costume jewelry to be sold online at the same time.

If you can't afford a piece of her jewelry, there are catalogs available of the pieces on auction. For collectors there is an ultra-limited edition, boxed set of the gem sale catalog accompanied by a signed copy of Taylor’s out-of-print 2002 book, “My Love Affair With Jewelry.” Packaged in a lavender presentation box, it’s going for $2,500. Only 25 are available.

The same set, minus Taylor’s signature, is available for $600. And there are some less expensive catalogs for $300.00 and $150.00 .

If you are interested, you can see more of the jewelry for auction here . Hope you enjoy.

New Resin Beads

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 07:26:00 +0000

About a month ago, I purchased some new resin beads for the bead store. I just got around to photographing more yesterday. Here is some of what I purchased...

The design on these last two pictures of beads is called "love knot".

Aren't these cool looking? I really loved them when I found them. They are a fairly large bead, approx. 1-2 inches in size. And they are a hard resin that is very light weight.

These beads would make a wonderful necklace with some other smaller beads added. They would also make a great gift for any bead lover.

You can get more information about these beads here.

A Few of My Favorite Things

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:46:00 +0000

The idea for this post came to me as I was falling asleep to the sound of my younger cat purring. There is no way to describe the joy this sound gives me. My cat will go on and on until he falls asleep. He is just a sweet boy.

Another favorite sound is of birds chirping in the morning as I am waking up. This is something I remember from my childhood. Just lying in bed and listening, not wanting to get up. Their sound was so very soothing.

The sound of a baby's laughter. There is nothing else like it. Just pure joy.

Another favorite on my list is my trip to Hawaii. Now that I went there, I can't wait to go back and just sit on the beach and watch the ocean.

Then there is my 2 cats Tiger and Motor, and our dog Jack. Pets are such a source of unconditional love.

Beautiful handmade jewelry.

Wire wrap jewelry.

The feeling of watercolor paint flowing from my brush onto thick watercolor paper. This literally has the feeling of being in the "flow" of life. I have felt when I am in this peaceful state like all is well.

Music and singing. I love to sing. I sing all the time. I make up songs for my pets constantly.

Reading. I love when I have a book I just do not want to put down.

That is all I can think of for now. I'm sure more will come to me.

What are some of your favorite things?

Christmas Cat Designs at The Very Best Cat Lover Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:12:00 +0000

I have a second blog named The Very Best Cats on blogger. It started out about 2 cats we had, then three, and now back to two cats. Besides my love for jewelry and gems, I am also an animal lover and advocate for humane treatment of animals. From my love for animals came an idea to open an online store with cat , dog, and other animal designs. That store's name is The very Best Cat Lover Gifts.

Here are some recent additions to my store.

I made some new designs for clothing and gifts for my online cat gift store. Actually, the artwork is not mine. It is artwork that is pert of the public domain. These pictures are Victorian, from the late 1800s. I love the artwork from that time. The images are very old fashioned. Winter scenes, Santa, snow men and children. They just seem to portray an idyllic time of year.

The images chosen for The Very Best Cat Lover Gifts, have cats and dogs in them. This is my Happy Holidays Dog.

And this is a very sweet image of a cat holding a sign that says Merry Christmas on it. I ordered a long sleeve shirt with this design for myself.

This last one has a beautiful image of a caped young girl, holding a cat.

All of these designs are available on short and long sleeve shirts, aprons, mugs and cards.

Come by and take a look to see what is new. I try to add new designs when I can. If you haven't taken a look lately, you just may see something you like for yourself or for a gift for someone on your holiday list that is a cat lover too.

Cat Herders

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:38:00 +0000

I just rediscovered this video that I just LOVE. It is from a commercial that was on CBS on June of 2009. Take a look.

Hope you like it as much as I do.

Etsy Lush

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:54:00 +0000

Etsy has taken away my most favorite way to browse and see new items that other artists have made. You were also able to see what items had sold. I thought that was very interesting too.

While browsing the internet, I found this site, Etsy Lush, that I wanted to share. It has a sampling of many different artist's work. And the site is beautifully done also. You can also submit work to be part of the site. I do not know what the criteria is to do that. I just like looking at how others express their creativity.

Take a look. This is a site I would recommend.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:57:00 +0000

Natural White Agate Teardrop Druzy Stone Ring by OhKuol

I should never browse through a handmade online store for rings. I love rings! I think they are my most favorite piece of jewelry. Many of the gems that I sell at Tiger Bead Store, are used by very talented jewelers that just happen to sell on Etsy. Etsy is an online site kind of like Ebay, but only for handmade items or the supplies needed to make handmade items.

These first 2 pretty rings are by Quandle Qadir of other45minutes. I love the setting and the stones in both of these rings.

chalcedony ring in sterling silver setting

Bouquet Stacking Ring Set by Scape

Elephant Ring by Silver Jewelry Shop

This last ring of the elephants looks more commercial than handmade but I really do like it.

There are so many more rings that I love on Etsy. I feel a shopping spree may be coming soon!

What is Goldstone?

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:54:00 +0000

I have always wondered what goldstone was. Is it a true natural gemstone, or is it manmade. So I did some research and this is what I found.

** Goldstone is NOT a real gemstone! It is basically glass with copper flecks in it.
** Goldstone was created by accident in the European Renaissance period, when alchemists were trying to create gold.
** Goldstone was originally made by a group of monks in Italy, and to this day most of it is still made at this particular monastery (though it is made elsewhere too). The "recipe" was for a long time a very closely guarded secret. Due to its origins in the monastery, Goldstone is used frequently in religious (especially Catholic) jewelry.
** In the making of Goldstone, copper salts are added to brown-colored liquid glass. As the glass cools, the salts turn into copper crystals.

** The color of the stone is dependant on the color of the glass, not the crystals (which are always copper). Reddish Goldstone and dark Blue Goldstone are both popular and easy to find. Little mention is made of Green Goldstone, which is NOT well heard-of and is very hard to find but which I have located for you! (Aren't I special?)
** Because it is a man-made stone, it is hard to define any true crystal healing attributes of it. However, some people feel that it has the same powers as natural glass like Obsidian, and that the copper crystals in it provide great conduction of energy. Goldstone is said to promote calmness and stability.

Information written by Suzanne Dallapè of Ephemerala, Natural Stone Jewelry and Gifts.

Ten Most Famous Diamonds in the World

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Koh-i-nor/Mountain of Light

This is the sixth most famous diamond in the world and it is a beauty.

"Apparently, this is one of the oldest diamonds known to man. According to the legend, this diamond is more than 2000 years old, from before the birth of Christ. However, a much more documented hypothesis is that it was discovered in the early 1300s. The earliest recorded mention of the diamond is in the memories of Babur (Baburnama), the first Mogul ruler of India. It then passed through many hands and its long, complex history cannot be told here. It suffices to say that the diamond arrived to England in the 19^th century and entered the possession of Queen Victoria. Not satisfied with its cutting, which caused it to shine less than it should have, the queen had it recut, which meant a loss of weight of almost 43%. It was then set in the queen’s crown, in frontal position. India did not give up one of its most precious gems easily. The Indian government continued to ask the return of the diamond, with no success."

New Earrings Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:41:00 +0000

I am always looking for FREE jewelry making tutorials and I came across one this morning that I thought was very creative.

These earrings are made by Miriam, aka Mad Mim, a jewelry artist that sells on Da Wanda. This is what she has to say about them:

“So these Anthropologie Hue Pyramid earrings are the reason I made paper beads in the first place. I’m not sure if it was the design or the fact that I knew I could make them. Sometimes I make things just because I think I can, and then I realize that I don’t actually really like whatever it is I made. But I do love these. There definitely like “hey! everyone! I’m wearing really big and colorful earrings!” I kinda psyched myself up before wearing them by giving myself a little pep-talk. Work these earrings. Own these earrings.

And here are her instructions:

Supplies

Some pretty paper beads. Make sure to make an array of colors and also various sizes–you’ll need some small ones for the top of the triangle.

An anvil. You don’t need one–I managed fine without one, but that’s what you’re supposed to have according to that jewelry making book I checked out. I used a small sheet of steel that my husband had lying around his research lab. Don’t have any steel lying around? Umm, get creative. You need something really hard.

16 gauge gold jewelry wire. About 1 foot.

22 gauge gold jewelry wire. About 2 yards.

gold jump rings

closed earrings. Fish hook would probably work fine too.

gold beads. Someone gave me the ones I used, and there were two different sizes, but the original Anthropologie only has one size.

needle nose pliars/metal cutters. Again, the best thing to have would be those fancy round-nosed pliars, but you live without them.

a hammer

Now to give fair warning, I’m not a seasoned jewelry-maker, and don’t know any of the legit lingo yet. So when I say “loopy” and instead of the right term, just forgive and forget and move on.

Instructions:

1. Cut 6″ of the 16 gauge gold wire, and pound flat with a hammer and anvil/steel/whatever.

2. Measure 2 1/4″ from either end and mark with a washable marker.

3. Bend at marked points with your fingers to make a nice straight triangle.

4. With your pliars, make small loops on both ends (facing back).

5. Now with the 22 gauge wire, wrap around one side near the top several times until secure. Use your pliars to tighten and flatten the edge down against the frame.

6. String one small paper bead on, and then wrap around several times on opposite side of frame. If your first coil wrapped over the frame, wrap your second coil under, in order to weave the wire from front to back and vice versa.

7. Continue threading paper and gold beads back and forth throught the triangle frame, wrapping several times between rows. Just throw in a gold bead when you feel like it. Gauge the size of beads and number or gold ones with the space you have between the frame. You want the beads to fill the space, but not to fit tightly. Avoid weaving the rows to closely together as well.

8. When you reach the bottom, wrap around the bottom corner several times to secure, and then cut the wire and tighten/flatten against the frame with your pliars. You don’t want any pokies!

9. Attach jump rings to both loopies, and then one more (I used a slightly larger one) to connect the first two. Attach a closed earring to the top jump ring. Ya terminas!”

So fun and colorful!

DIY Guides, DIY September, DaWanda

Ten Most Famous Diamonds in the World

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:07:00 +0000

We are up to the fifth most famous diamond in the world. That is the Spirit of De Grisogono. Oh my God. This ring is amazing! And the black diamond is stunning. What an outstanding work of art.

The Spirit of De Grisogono

This is known as the largest cut black diamond, and it measures 312, 24 carats. This beautiful diamond was named after the Swiss jeweler who cut it, using the old Mogul style. The result was the jewel you see in the picture and it is the work of an entire year. Currently, it is owned by a private client, who must be a very fortunate person.

Ten Most Famous Diamonds in the World

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:46:00 +0000

The fourth most famous diamond in the world is the Idol's Eye. Wow, a large diamond surrounded by more diamonds. What more could you ask for.

The Idol’s Eye

The idol’s eye is one of the most mysterious diamonds in the world. Its entire history is unknown; we have no idea where it came from, when it was discovered or who owned it. The only clue is its name, “The Idol’s Eye”. It appeared in a note, at Christie’s when it was described as a flawless large diamond. It was bought by an anonymous buyer and disappeared again for some years. Its owners changed several times afterwards and was bought in 1979 by Mr. Laurence Graff, who sold it again in 1983, to an anonymous buyer who is believed to own the diamond today.

Ten Most Famous Diamonds in the World

noreply@blogger.com (Tiger Bead Store, The Very Best Cats) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:02:00 +0000

The third of the ten most famous diamonds is the Cullian I. What an incredible stone.

The Cullinan I

One of the most famous diamonds in the world, Cullinan I, was justly considered the largest diamond in the world up to the discovery of the Golden Jubilee. Also known as “The Star of Africa”, the pear-shaped stone is the largest of the 9 diamonds cut from the largest rough diamond ever, the Cullinan diamond(3106,75 carats). Currently, it is the head of St. Edward’s scepter, one of the British Crown Jewels but it can be removed and worn as a brooch.

Amazing!