the BRONZE age

I always enjoy a good hunt.  That is, hunting for new and exciting products.  For a few years now, I've know of a company in Arizona that creates metal components, mainly for the jewelry trade.  Most of their items involve some of the more uncommon metals like titanium, stainless steel, mokume gane, reticulation silver, and bronze.

During my hunt, I captured a few pieces of bronze Sea Fan Coral.  The company ethically obtained a genuine sea fan skeleton, created a mold and replicated the sea fan in bronze.  Cool!

The texture and detail is amazing.  I can't wait to get these pieces into the Studio and start creating new jewelry designs!

What is bronze?  Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.  It's such a cool alloy that historians have named an entire "age" after it. 

REVEAL Day!

I can now reveal the Elements by Dawn necklace that is featured in the January edition of Bead Trends Magazine.....(drum roll, please)





Love Letter Necklace



Peek-a-keum-boo

Keum Boo is the Korean art of bonding pure gold onto pure silver.  I have always admired the art and have finally included Keum Boo in my newest jewelry line.

Enjoy!

Keum Boo, 24Kt Gold and Fine Silver



Product Photography

I recently decided to outsource some product photography.  I did this primarily for three reasons. 

Reason #1 - I am not skilled enough to photograph shiny silver jewelry on a stark white background. 

Reason #2 - I do not have the patience to learn how to photograph shiny silver jewelry on a stark white background.

Reason #3 - I do not know any professional models.

I have left the task of product photography up to a fellow indie businesswoman, Brooke Becker, professional small product and stock photographer.  In the next few weeks I should have my 2012 Jewelry Line photographed and ready to reveal!

For a second photography project, I hired fashion photographer Jillian Milam.  She will be photographing my 2012 Jewelry Line on two beautiful models.

Both sets of photographs will be used in my website, product catalog and Etsy shop.

Bead Trends Magazine

I am very excited to announce that one of Elements by Dawn's new designs will be published in the January 2012 edition of Bead Trends Magazine!  Be sure to look for it at a newstand near you!

P.S. I'd love to give you a sneak-peek of the design, however, the publishers have asked to keep everything under wraps until the magazine comes out. 

HOW it's done.



Fine Silver Imperfect Circle Necklace



Over the next several days, I'll be putting together a tutorial for my Imperfect Ring fine silver necklace. 

If you'd like to create a pendant along with me, here is your tools and materials list:

Materials:

1. Fine silver wire, 10 gauge, about 6".
2. Neckchain of your choice, hand fabricated or conventional.
3. Small beads, gemstones, or crystals (optional).
4. 22 gauge Argentium sterling silver wire, about 6".
5. 2 sturdy Argentium sterling silver headpins, 2" long.
6. Clasp of your choice, hand fabricated or conventional.

Tools:

1. Torch
2. Heat-proof surface (solderite pad, charcoal brick, etc.)
3. Cross-lock tweezers
4. Small quenching bowl
5. Jeweler's saw with blades
6. Bench pin (optional)
7. Wooden dowel (optional)
8. Steel ring mandrel
9. Vise
10. Flush cutters
11. Planishing or ball pein hammer
12. Bee's wax or Burr Life
13. Rotary tumbler with 1LB mixed shot
14. Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
15. Assorted hand files
16. Center punch
17. Flexshaft or Dremel-like tool
18. Texturing wheel (optional)
19. Assorted drill bits
20. Steel bench block
21. Rawhide hammer
22. Safety glasses

Variations on a Theme

I know not everyone wants or can afford a necklace dripping with gemstones and precious metal! 

As a jeweler, you have to keep your customers in mind when creating new designs.  Often I'll create variations on a theme.  Similar pieces with varying degrees of extravagance.  Most designs will be quite simple and classic, but a few will kick up the wow factor for those who want something just a little extra special.

A few days ago, I showcased a gorgeous necklace with nearly 140 carats of gemstones.  It definitely has that wow factor!  However, the practical side of me and many of my customers know that it's not something you'd wear everyday while grocery shopping or while lounging at the beach. That's where this piece comes in:

A sleeker version of the "Love Letter" necklace.  It features petite Peridot gemstones and an Argentium Sterling Silver neckchain. Perfect for everyday wear.