...having fun

My studio has been a very busy place since I last updated my blog. As always there has been a steady flow of custom pieces, usually wedding bands and engagement rings, however I've also had the pleasure of creating various other unique jewellery projects. The bracelet pictured at left is actually many of my clients old broken 14k yellow gold bangles, mounted on a large custom sterling cuff. The original bangles held significant sentimental value but needed a change to keep them from breaking over and over again. The new invigorated bracelet holds all the sentiment of the old bangels, yet has the flare and structural quality of a fresh piece. The joy that I witnessed when my client received the finished project reminded me why I really like my job.

I mean really, who doesn't want a sweet gold tooth? You'll be the talk of the town, impress all your friends, and be seriously blingin' and bad ass. (Made with real dental gold, guaranteed not to turn your gums black.) So don't all call at once, these things take time to make...

Dead things

Over the years I've done a few projects involving skulls. They seem to be popular so as of late I've been messing around with a few more skull related projects. I'd like to take things a step further and start casting some real skulls. Tiny ones, birds, mice, rats, etc. However I'm not going to go on a small animal killing spree. So I ask for your help, please if you have any small skulls or bones that may be suitable for casting, contact me. All the necessary contact info is on my website. Also any recommendations for removing flesh, fur, and feathers would be greatly appreciated.

recent projects

Just wanted to add a few pictures of pieces that I've been working on. The first picture is of a recently completed 19k white gold engagement ring with three bezel set sapphires. The second ring is 18k white gold with a central aquamarine surrounded by 12 pave set diamonds. Next I have a set of hers and hers sterling silver bands that were made extra wide and chunky. The fourth picture is of a 14k white gold engagement ring with a Moissenite set between two blue sapphires. My final photo is of a 14k white gold bangle with a satin finish. It has 7 gypsy set diamonds and a bezel set princess cut diamond that functions as the release for the clasp.

Merry Christmas Blog 1 of 3.

I was very busy with Christmas orders this year. One custom piece that I spent a great deal of time working on was this sterling silver locket that I finished just yesterday, barely in time for the big day today. It's a gift for talented local musician Steve Rio, check out his music if you can, I personally am a big fan.
I started out with a block of wax and after sawing out the rough shape of a heart I started to shape it with files before cutting it in two and beginning to hollow out the center....

Merry and the Ho and Ho!

...After carving the inner details with small dental tools I used an electric wax pen to clean it up and add the teeth to the gears and sprockets. It was cast into sterling silver and then the process of slimming it down and losing some of it's bulk began. I used files at first, but soon moved on to my grinder and belt sander. I smoothed it out again with some abrasive buff wheels......

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!

...The process of lining up the center locking mechanism was a tricky one, involving soldering and re-soldering. Followed by a great deal of grinding and fitting until everything was just right. Extra sprockets were riveted in place so that they can actually spin. The center locking pin is hollow so that it can be used for the storage of precious notes or scrolls. The locket was treated with a patina while wrapped in wire to give it an antique ancient feel. When the chain is in place everything is locked up tight and can not be opened. It was a pleasure to build. A real one of a kind piece.