keeping it fresh for 2010, what’s new from Tucson?

Sunday, February 28th, 2010
new materials - spring 2010

matte crab fire agate, hand-carved serpentine, matte carved aquamarine

Early in February we returned from our yearly gemstone buying adventure. We travel to Tucson, which hosts the largest international gem show, for a few dizzying days of being overwhelmed by the myriad of colors the earth creates, unique cuts and carvings, various finishes… you get the idea. Upon returning from Tucson we’ve been busy at the bench, creating our newest spring lines. As we’re just about to debut our spring collections, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek at the raw materials we’re using right now… just wait until you see the finished product.

A few of the gemstones we’re creating with: (from left to right):

  • matte crab fire agate: Funny name, fabulous stone. This beautiful stone is warm amber oranges, to cool burgundy reds. It has lovely light striations, which lend a crackled appearance. These stands are softly matte finished. We’re working this in as big, chunky necklace strands, and fabulous elongated barrel shapes which make appearances as pendants.
  • hand-carved serpentine: Look, touch, love. Serpentine is a mineral closely related to jade, which gives it the same pleasing properties: it’s soft, even silky to the touch and easily carve-able. And Serpentine comes in a variety of colors, as you see above: cool blues, olive green, yellow or golden, brown, cream or black. Look for these as asymmetrical accents, and landscape-esque (I can make that a word, right?) pendants.
  • matte carved aquamarine: What? Aquamarine? Yes, Aqua it is. Isn’t it fabulous? Possibly my favorite find this year, these huge Aqua beauties are delicious enough to eat. I have never seen matte Aquamarine, and I’ll guess you haven’t either… just one of the reasons I love it! Look for this Aqua to be paired with those Serpentine pendants from above. And don’t forget, Aquamarine is a March birthstone – what timing.

Now that you’ve had a sneak peek at the raw materials it’s time to see the completed creations. For our Southwest Michigan fans, your chance comes this Friday, March 5th, at Kalamazoo’s Art Hop at Food Dance. With unique materials like these, each piece of jewelry is a one-of-kind creation. You’ll want to see the full spring line.

images by kdJ

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the gemstone of the moment: Garnet

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Pomegranate & Garnets

Punica Granatum ("pomegranate") & Garnet

a history of garnets

  • The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word granatus (“gran”) in reference to the Punica Granatum (“pomegranate”) a plant with red seeds similar in shape and color to garnet crystals. Garnet dates back to the Bronze Age and, due to is beauty and durability; it has been popular in both ancient and modern times.
  • In a tradition beckoning from Greek mythology, Garnet is often given as a gift of love and one that is associated with eternity.  As such it is sometimes used as a symbol of trust, devotion and loyalty. In Greek mythology Hades gave pomegranate seeds to Persephone to ensure her return. This tale has led  people to use the gift of garnet  jewelery as a token to ensure the return of a loved one.
  • The garnet is actually a name for a group of silicate minerals that offer a wide range of deep colors. Garnet comes in almost every color, except blue. Below are the names of particular types of garnets and their respective color.
    • Almandite – red, orange-red with brown, purple-red
    • Andradite – black, green, yellow
    • Demantoid – green, yellow-green
    • Grossularite – brown, green, orange-yellow, white, yellow
    • Hessonite – range of orange to brown
    • Malaya – orange, red-orange, yellow-orange
    • Melanite – black
    • Pyrope – red, orange-red, purple-red; all quite dark
    • Rhodolite – purple, red-purple
    • Spessarite – orange-brown, red-orange, yellow, yellow-brown
    • Mandarin – vibrant orange
    • Tsavorite – bright, dark green
    • Uvarovite – range of greens

    • All of these types of garnets share similar chemical and structural properties.

  • Garnets are produced all over the world. From The U.S. (Arizona), South Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, Argentina, Australia, Scotland, Switzerland and Tanzania – this stunning gem is found in many locals.
  • This Valentine’s Day give the gift of a garnet…from kara | daniel!

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