Information and submission forms

Deadline: August 1, 2009

Here are the categories:

Faceted Gems
Stones must be flat faceted; concave or convex faceted stones should be entered in the Specially Cut division.

Cabochon Gems
Stones must be any natural gem material cut in a cabochon shape, and must be suitable for jewelry use.

Specially Cut Gems
Stones include those that have been carved; cut with regular, curved “facets”; engraved; fitted together into a composite; or cut using any other lapidary technique other than flat faceting or cabbing; or any combination of lapidary techniques.

Gem Objects
Items that are either nonfunctional or whose function is other than use in jewelry including, but not limited to, faceted stones not suitable for jewelry use.

Artists on the Horizon
Any type of cut or gemstone, cut by an artist who has never won a national/international gem competition.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

A resident of Dallas, Texas, Patricia’s work is sold in several boutiques and galleries in and around Dallas and coast to coast across California, in Florida and in New York.

Known as a “Jeweler’s jeweler” in the industry because of her unique skill and expertise in extremely difficult cutting-edge techniques, Patricia alloys her own metals, expertly employs minute Gold Granulation techniques, is a master at Korean Keum-bu and is renowned for her Russian inspired reticulation. Even the stones she uses, such as rare Paraiba tourmalines and Chrome Diopside, show her sophistication with all aspects on jewelry-making and why she is now being invited to teach classes in her native Dallas and across the country.

How cool would it be to be able to take a class with Patricia?

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Artist: Teresa Robinson
Websites:
http://www.smallthingsdesigns.com
http://www.stoneandhoney.com

the smallthings studio is thrilled to announce the launch of our latest venture: stone&honey.

this new and innovative collection features bold, ethereal pieces fashioned from brazilian agate and our signature delicate metalwork. crisp geometric design combines with the rough-hewn beauty of natural agate for a look that is modern, eye catching and rich in contrast. because no two stones are alike, each piece is one of a kind. this singularity allows for endless possibilities and a collection that is constantly evolving. in addition to work in agate and sterling silver, we’ve also created a complementary line of delicate gold fill necklaces, perfect for everyday wear. stone and honey marks the beginning of an entirely new direction for the smallthings studio, and we couldn’t be more excited. we hope you are too.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

[Wicked big disclaimer: I've got 7 pieces in this book, so of course I think it's really good!]

OK, that being said, it is really good! Page after glorious page of beautiful designs. Some so simple that you say, “Yes, of course! That’s all it needs.” Others are complex enough to make your jaw drop. I will be leafing back through this book over and over and over…

One of my pieces even (sort of) made it onto the cover! There it is – a teeny piece of it anyway – in the lower righthand corner. Here’s what it looks like on the inside:

So you know, this is purely an inspiration book. Although there are a few pages in the back of instructions on some basic techniques, it cannot be called a project book at all. There are no explanations or even materials lists for any of the pieces shown. But as an inspiration book, I think it hits its mark…I know I’m inspired by looking through it!

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

A super inexpensive get-a-way slash jewelry school experience is found at the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts located in Young Harris, Georgia. This is sort of camp-ground setting, so those who don’t like to rough it might not be too thrilled with the accommodations. But, the cost of these week-long classes is super economical and they have pretty much every sort of class you can imagine from lampworking to metalworking.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

I got a simulated diamond and 14kt gold pendant (pictured) and matching ear studs from my husband, who also happened to set the stones himself. He got the stones from Diamond Nexius Labs and the settings from Tripps. He uses the easy mount system to set stones and has actually given me some wonderful pieces over the years using this method of stone setting.

On a sort of jewelry related theme, he also got me a Verizon card for my laptop so that means I can get on line any where…any time! I actually used it the other day while we were driving to a Christmas party. I was not driving, of course, just sitting in the passenger’s seat cruising the net. He got it for me mainly because I’m going to start teaching again next semester, and this way I can bring my laptop to class and get on the net if I need too. But, of course, it also means blogging any time and any where.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

My copy is pretty old and worn, but I’m still constantly using it to look up rock information. It’s got some fairly decent pictures as well as gemstone information too.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Lab created stones are another possibility because they are technically the same as natural stones, just made in a lab using the same ingredients. Often with lab stones, you can get more bang for your buck. The stone quality will be higher but the price may be lower than the “real” thing.

Read more about using simulated stones: Why Use Simulated Stones?

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Okay, make sense, right? I mean, really, cabochon cut gemstones are so cheap, why make them yourself I thought.

Well, I was totally shocked to discover that I really enjoyed the class, even kind of had a knack for it according to my instructor. There was something about the wheels grinding away; I was hypnotized, hooked!

Of course, then I discovered that a decent cab machine goes for about $1,000! Bummer. Looks like something else that will have to wait until retirement!

If you ever get a chance to take a class in cutting cabochons, I highly recommend it. Not only is it fun, I loved being able to incoporate the finished pieces into my other jewelry. It gave me an extra ego boost to realize I cut that stone myself.

For more information on cutting cabs: “Creating a Cabochon”

For rough stones and lapidary related equipment (see picture): Graves

Post from: Jewelry and Beading