Pendant Vs. Necklace

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.

 

Rimma Zaika-Veksler Jewelry Artist

Rimma is an artist and designer based out of Boston. Her vibrant, contemporary and one-of-a-kind garments and jewelry are intricately crafted. Her jewelry is mainly bold necklaces and earrings. Her knit-wear includes head warmers, shawls, scarves, as well as sweaters, coats, blouses, skirts and dresses.

Each piece has a whimsical charm that invokes the frolicsome spirit of boho chic, interlacing it with the opulence of the traditional garb of Russian royalty and Ukrainian colorful folk dress. They are reminiscent of fairy tales and flowers- full of history, playfulness and uniquely alive.

She strives to combine fashion with practicality. Creating unique, yet wearable, pieces to add to any woman’s wardrobe. She works with natural stones & fibers and, recycled materials because she likes to combine different colors, materials and techniques to fabricate each piece.

Trade Secrets July 2014

Debbie Peters Jewelry Artist

After many years of artistic endeavors ranging from art school to teaching children’s art I began to dabble in jewelry making.  First for myself and then for friends.  One particular friend recommended I visit a local store to see if they were interested in carrying my jewelry.  They were immediately on board and I was very excited about the possibility of supplying them and experimenting further with supplies.  The business grew to include ten stores, several on Cape Cod but others extended to Boston, Canada and Michigan with recommendations from friends.  Ten stores are the maximum I will supply because all the work is done by myself and that is the number of stores I can comfortably supply.  Some are small boutiques and some are large jewelry stores or gift shops.  I never supply more than one store in any given area so the items remain unique.  I work mostly in wire of copper, silver and gold filled and create both traditional and contemporary pieces.  I use a lot of Swarovski and Czechoslovakian crystals and chain.  I supply many stores with bracelets with very strong magnetic clasps and design with a modern take with beads.

 

 

 

 

To add to my artistic enthusiasm I decided at one point to use all the money from the sales of jewelry to start a college fund for my grandson.  The supplies I purchase are my personal contribution and all proceeds go into a special bank account marked Jack’s college fund.  I have been able to pay for half of his first years tuition and am most of the way through the second year due in September.  This means I will be very hard at work for at least the next three years.  Since I love creating items of all types, this is no hardship.  I will also design and make pieces for individuals and have made jewelry for complete wedding parties, both wedding jewelry and gifts for the wedding party and guests.  I truly love what I am doing;  It is so rewarding.
Debbie lives in Turo, MA.

HIROSHI MINATO JEWELRY Artist

Hiroshi Minato grew up in Tokyo and has been a resident of Somerville, Massachusetts since 2001. His endeavor to make jewelry began in 2013 to fulfill his personal needs. He wanted to have a necklace, which could match his outfit and life style. As a result, he decided to make it himself.

His Philosophy

After trying a few materials, he ended up choosing aluminum for his creation. His pieces are asymmetric, however, they are well balanced. They are simple, yet sophisticated. They convey a meaning that can have many interpretations. He thinks that the time and space around the pieces evoke unlimited imagination. He believes that the process makes his pieces unique.

Creative Process

Which are you more interested in?  Going to a museum to see paintings, or going to a studio to talk about the creative process? My answer might be the latter one. In fact, my art/design friends and I always enjoy talking about creative processes, not only because we can get a better understanding of our work, but also because we generate new ideas, processes, and designs for our artistic creations. I am a jewelry designer and am delighted to share my creative processes with you. I hope it will be helpful for your future artistic creations.

I use one of two processes in jewelry making. The first is to begin by generating a mental image, a design idea which exists before I ever pick up the materials. The second is to begin with no idea at all, allowing the design to unfold as I work. Let’s talk about the former. I cut a small piece from a roll of aluminum wire and form with it using pliers, a hammer, sandpaper and other tools, according to plan.  It’s based on a design idea in my brain. It’s relatively fast as long as the idea is solid. But, how do I come up with these ideas? In fact, design ideas come from almost every part of my life. Sometimes good ideas come about spontaneously while I’m busy with another activity, like swimming. At other times I search for clues in my environment and the objects that inhabit them, for example, historical buildings and Zen gardens. Observing the shapes in architectural and natural forms often works well for my jewelry. They are asymmetric, yet balanced, simple, yet sophisticated. The clues exist not only in sense of sight, but in sense of touch. Going to a fabric store to touch fabrics is a great way to get new ideas about texture, which then serve as tactile inspiration for my next piece.

The latter process is very different because neither a design nor an image is needed. That is, I just cut a piece of wire and then try to feel what the piece wants to be, following the flow. This process is slower and much more interactive. Each movement is an experiment, building upon the one that came before it. It’s very enjoyable. I feel it’s a meditation. I do not expect too much for my results, but more than half of my favorite pieces were created in this way. I do not know what is happening during this process. Scientists might figure it out one day.

After creating new pieces, either by design or creative experimentation, I wait a few days before I look at them again, in order to see them with fresh eyes and check if they suit my style. If they look unique without asserting their uniqueness directly, they are totally great. When I succeed I feel that my pieces create the time and space around them.