Tag: handmade jewelry

Pendant Vs. Necklace

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The word pendant is derived from the Latin word, pendere, for handing down and describes an ornament that is suspended from a cord or chain. Although it’s a fine distinction, this is different from a necklace in the relative importance of the hanging element to the cord or chain that supports it. In the case of a pendant, decisions about size, color, finish and detail of the cord or chain are determined by what will best complement the pendant. In the case of a necklace, the whole unit is conceived as being of equal importance.

In many cases the best option for a pendant is a machine-made chain, which can be bought finished in several popular lengths or by the inch. Chains come in many different types of metals- sterling silver, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, platinum and different colored plated metals. Look for plated metal chains that are well made. Some cheap chains can be extremely thin metal and might kink and break easily. Commercial chain can be patinated which is sometimes useful in making the chain related to your handmade pendant. Similarly, a handmade clasp can enhance an otherwise commonplace chain.

If you like to learn more about on how to create a pendant we offer classes.

 

Enamel

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Enamel is a decorative technique in which a glass “paste” is applied to the surface of a metal–normally bronze, copper or gold. This glass composition adheres to the metal through fusion under very high temperatures.

Why are some enamels translucent & others opaque?

The color of the enamel and its degree of transparency depend on the metal oxides that exist in the glass and the temperature at which the glass melts and coheres to the surface:

“Harder”= fused at higher temperatures = more durable, more translucent
“Softer”= fused at lower temperatures = more fragile, more opaque

When & where did enamel technique originate?

The precursor to true enamel dates all the way back to the 15th century BCE with the ancient Egyptians, who, to ornament objects, used pieces of cut-glass in decorative patterns embedded in gold; however these substances were not fused together through the use of heat.

The first true enamel, using molten glass, can be seen on Greek gold jewelry that dates from the 4th century BCE. Since then, enamel has been used throughout history, by cultures all over the world, because of its colorful and lustrous qualities.

Meia Geddes Jewelry Artist

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Meia Geddes is a writer, artist, and public librarian. She grew up in California but came to the East Coast for college to attend Brown University. She is the author of The Little Queen and Love Letters to the World, and is working on a third called Little World Forms: Experiments in Sentence-Level Utopias. Her small business, Make-A-Crane, spreads the love through paper crane items and free peace projects.

Pam Newman Jewelry Artist

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The Bead Lady, Andover MA
I started making jewelry over 15 years ago after I saw beaded bracelets at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.  I thought, “I could make that”…and so it began. After a few attempts on my own, I took classes so they would look more professional. I took classes in stringing, finishing, bead weaving and bead making.  I keep looking for better quality gems and stones and my style keeps evolving over the years.  There is something for everyone’s taste.

Tami Rodrig Jewelry Artist

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Ever since a very early age, I have liked to create and discover the wonders of playing with materials. Being an artist became a way of life while every little mundane thing was absorbed and an inspiration. The change of seasons, the shape of a slice of bread, and the rhythm of a cat’s stealthy crawl; these are just a handful of things that inspire me. My many travels have had a big impact on my work and the urge to use plenty of colors. Humor in my art is often used as a reminder of our temporary place in the universe. Trained as a painter, the color sense can be seen in my mixed media and sterling jewelry. Having studied both art and silver smithing, I combine my metal smith techniques with paint and recycled objects to make jewelry.

The jewelry I create is crafted from a bezel made from silver, while inside, a little collage tells a story. A layer of clear resin is poured on top and smoothed to enhance and protect the piece.

Paula Gaete Jewelry Artist

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Drawing inspiration from Matisse and her many world travels, Paula Gaete jewelry is an expression of her joy and zest for life.

Paula Gaete graduated from University of Massachusetts with a degree in Anthropology/Sociology. Paula Gaete studied Art History, Jewelry Making and Weaving. She worked as a silversmith in Cambridge, Massachusetts shortly after college.

Working a full-time job and raising a son, Paula Gaete worked  in many aspects of the jewelry business, from sales at Bloomingdale’s to production work, finally establishing her own jewelry company 12 years ago.

“I have been very fortunate to travel to many parts of the world and have been greatly influenced by what I absorbed in the wonderful museums and the different cultures I have visited. I have a great love for ethnic jewelry and find much of my inspiration comes from the designs from Africa, Egypt, China and the American Southwest.”

Paula lives in Watertown, Massachusetts. Her 21-year-old son is currently living and studying in Vina del Mar, Chile. She is an avid salsa dancer and also enjoys the ocean and outdoors, sports and photography.

TRACY TERRELL JEWELRY ARTIST

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I grew up in a small suburb outside Boston, Massachusetts. My interest in Jewelry making started in High School where I spent a lot of time in the art department making jewelry out of copper and nickel silver. I enjoyed working with my hands designing and constructing wearable Art.

In the early 1990s I attended North Bennett Street School for jewelry construction and repair after graduating I worked as a bench jeweler in a “mom and Pop” shop. My next job was at a flute company polishing, assembling, silver and gold flutes.

In my spare time I made jewelry out of sterling silver, copper, brass, found objects, beads. I purchased scrape silver flute parts and created earrings from them. In my apartment I had a shop set up where I could solder and polish. I had a few shops where my jewelry was sold; Toucan in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA and Hoolamoola on Newbury Street in Boston. Later a small gift store and I participated in craft fairs.

Before the birth of my first daughter I moved to another town and packed my jewelry equipment away in boxes. I started creating jewelry using beads wire appliques and epoxy. As time went by I had another daughter and was not creating much jewelry.

Recent Projects

In the last few years I have gotten out my boxes of beads and findings and have started designing earrings, necklaces. My passion is to create beautiful color combinations and unique pieces. What inspires me is nature, fashion trends, interior design. Some time in the future I would love to set up my equipment and continue creating with silver and other metals.