Jewelry
- Jeweled Necklines
- Subversive Jewelry for Target
- Alternative Gold Bands Sources
- Gold Jewelry in Hancock
- Evolving Marketing for Jewelry
- Sybil Yurman Honored
- Worry Bead Design
- Jewelry Making Class
- The Bead Museum of DC Contest
- Bracelet Making Project
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Gemstones around a garment necklace is a very trendy look for 2008 but one that can be difficult to wear properly.
I was looked at various fashion magazines at the bookstore this weekend and saw a few peasant type tops that had a single row of jewels sewn around the neckline.
This is a very trendy look for 2008 but one that can be difficult to wear properly. It's just the nature of the beast that gemstones sewn in this fashion are going to weigh down the garment and perhaps make it hang funny.
If you're buying this type of top or dress when you try it on just make sure it doesn't hang all unevenly. For example, there's nothing worse than a neckline that's draping away from the body. And if it looks weird in the store, it's only going to get worse with wear. One possible solution is to sew around the necklace with elastic thread to draw the fabric in.
I do this quite a bit with sweater hems that get baggy. It's an easy way to revitalize the sweater.
This is a very trendy look for 2008 but one that can be difficult to wear properly. It's just the nature of the beast that gemstones sewn in this fashion are going to weigh down the garment and perhaps make it hang funny.
If you're buying this type of top or dress when you try it on just make sure it doesn't hang all unevenly. For example, there's nothing worse than a neckline that's draping away from the body. And if it looks weird in the store, it's only going to get worse with wear. One possible solution is to sew around the necklace with elastic thread to draw the fabric in.
I do this quite a bit with sweater hems that get baggy. It's an easy way to revitalize the sweater.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Target has deeply discounted all pieces of Subversive Jewelry. Much of of it discounted by 50% - 75% with free shipping for minimum orders.
I noticed the last time I was at Target that the Subversive counter looked pretty unorganized and sparse. Looks like this might be one designer whose time at Target is running down.
Target has deeply discounted all pieces of Subversive Jewelry. Much of of it discounted by 50% - 75% with free shipping for minimum orders.
For example, the Lucite bumble bee bracelet I reference in my Subversive for Target article is now 1/2 price.
Add coupon code "EVW6WK7W" and you'll get an extra 10% off.
It's worth a look - but remember - this jewelry is very oversized.
Target has deeply discounted all pieces of Subversive Jewelry. Much of of it discounted by 50% - 75% with free shipping for minimum orders.
For example, the Lucite bumble bee bracelet I reference in my Subversive for Target article is now 1/2 price.
Add coupon code "EVW6WK7W" and you'll get an extra 10% off.
It's worth a look - but remember - this jewelry is very oversized.
Alternative Gold Bands Sources
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Possible substitutions for the Hancock jewelry project if you don't want to use a karated gold wedding band.
My article on how to make the circular pendant Charlize Theron wears in the beginning of the movie Hancock, is published. In the movie, the pendant appears to be a textured 14K gold open circle hung on a black silk cord.
Here are some possible sources if you don't wish to use the 14K gold wedding band I use in the project instructions. All of the below are available online from Fire Mountain Gems. None of these components are karated gold so the prices are really inexpensive:
Here are some possible sources if you don't wish to use the 14K gold wedding band I use in the project instructions. All of the below are available online from Fire Mountain Gems. None of these components are karated gold so the prices are really inexpensive:
- Textured oval shaped drop - 3/4 inch in length costs about $5.
- Decorative Circle Shape - with surface design, this is inexpensive as well.
- Ching Dynasty Design Coins - for a slightly different look. And the coins are extremely inexpensive.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
More info on the jewelry Theron wore in the movie Hancock and some possible sources to duplicate it.
I just got done writing an article about the karated gold jewelry Charlize Theron wears in the movie Hancock.
The jewelry is by designer Ilias Lalaounis - the article gives more info about three pieces of jewelry worn in the movie, how to buy the jewelry and how to replicate the look on the cheap.
I've found a picture of Charlize Theron wearing the gold bangles I reference in the article. It's a hugh image so you'll have to scroll to the right and down probably. Those bracelets by the way clock in at over $10,000 each.
The necklace she's wearing in that image is very easy to duplicate. I've just published an article with easy DIY instructions to make one yourself.
Onto the earrings - I don't remember them from the movie but they appear to be gold hoops with a bamboo texture. Check out my article on jewelry worn at the Academy Awards. I provide a link there to a pair of similar earrings available through Amazon - for I think less than $15.
The jewelry is by designer Ilias Lalaounis - the article gives more info about three pieces of jewelry worn in the movie, how to buy the jewelry and how to replicate the look on the cheap.
I've found a picture of Charlize Theron wearing the gold bangles I reference in the article. It's a hugh image so you'll have to scroll to the right and down probably. Those bracelets by the way clock in at over $10,000 each.
The necklace she's wearing in that image is very easy to duplicate. I've just published an article with easy DIY instructions to make one yourself.
Onto the earrings - I don't remember them from the movie but they appear to be gold hoops with a bamboo texture. Check out my article on jewelry worn at the Academy Awards. I provide a link there to a pair of similar earrings available through Amazon - for I think less than $15.
Evolving Marketing for Jewelry
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Tiffany's is opening smaller stores that don't carry engagement rings and the Diamond Industry has a new campaign pushing diamonds for their investment appeal.
I was flipping through the latest issue of Fortune magazine and found a new diamond industry ad. It states 'Chocolates Taste Good, But They Make Really Messy Heirlooms'. It's accompanied by an image of a pair of diamond stud earrings. Actually I think they should ad a tag line - 'calorie count - 0' to add a little humor.
Smart marketing for today's near recessionary times. In other words don't buy fine jewelry just to wear it - it's also a great investment for the future. Which ties in quite well with the 'A diamond is forever' campaign (who doesn't love that commerical showing the elderly couple walking hand in hand?).
Tiffany's is making some changes as well. They've realized there is a big market with woman buying their own jewelry. In order to tap into this market they are opening smaller stores that don't carry engagement rings. This move is expected to increase self purchasing.
Let's face it - it is quite dreary to see a bunch of happy engagees picking out rings if you're divorced, widowed or currently in between partners.
Smart marketing for today's near recessionary times. In other words don't buy fine jewelry just to wear it - it's also a great investment for the future. Which ties in quite well with the 'A diamond is forever' campaign (who doesn't love that commerical showing the elderly couple walking hand in hand?).
Tiffany's is making some changes as well. They've realized there is a big market with woman buying their own jewelry. In order to tap into this market they are opening smaller stores that don't carry engagement rings. This move is expected to increase self purchasing.
Let's face it - it is quite dreary to see a bunch of happy engagees picking out rings if you're divorced, widowed or currently in between partners.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
WJA awarded Sybil Yurman it's the 2008 Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.
At the 25th anniversary of the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) last week Sybil Yurman, president and chief marketing officer of David Yurman was awarded the 2008 Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.
David Yurman got his start in jewelry making after receiving positive reaction to an angel shaped copper belt buckle that he designed for his wife, Sybil. Well, one thing lead to anther and the jewelry design business really took off with Yurman's twisted helix design bracelet. At that time, Sybil was in charge of the selection and pairing of different colored gemstones for use in the twisted helix bracelet.
Working hand in hand or as Mrs. Yurman puts it, "her ying to his yang" the two built a jewelry making empire.
David Yurman got his start in jewelry making after receiving positive reaction to an angel shaped copper belt buckle that he designed for his wife, Sybil. Well, one thing lead to anther and the jewelry design business really took off with Yurman's twisted helix design bracelet. At that time, Sybil was in charge of the selection and pairing of different colored gemstones for use in the twisted helix bracelet.
Working hand in hand or as Mrs. Yurman puts it, "her ying to his yang" the two built a jewelry making empire.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Fire Mountain Gems has free instructions on their site to make komboloi worry beads.
I briefly mentioned worry beads in an article I wrote about the Bead Museum of Washington DC. Worry beads as the name implies are strung in a specific manner and then used by sliding them through your fingers. This repetitive task is used to calm the mind.
Got an email from Fire Mountain Gems yesterday - they're got instructions up on their site to make komboloi worry beads. These beads are Greek in origin and are made from amber beads.
Fire Mountain Gems based their design on beads found in the Komboloi Museum in Nafplio, Greece. It's design idea #8712 on their website.
Here's the link to the instructions using amber and sterling silver beads. Looks like a very easy and inexpensive project.
Got an email from Fire Mountain Gems yesterday - they're got instructions up on their site to make komboloi worry beads. These beads are Greek in origin and are made from amber beads.
Fire Mountain Gems based their design on beads found in the Komboloi Museum in Nafplio, Greece. It's design idea #8712 on their website.
Here's the link to the instructions using amber and sterling silver beads. Looks like a very easy and inexpensive project.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
The Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) has a fantastic guide to universities and colleges with jewelry and metals-related programs.
As I stated in my last article about the Bead Museum of Washinton DC, many jewelry artists start out their careers by stringing beads. It's easy and the tools are relatively inexpensive.
You don't have to go any further than to your local magazine stand to have access to many beading magazines that have great illustrated instruction sections. I've also posted quite a few articles on this site on the topic of connecting clasps, which is the hardest part of the fabrication process.
If you've progressed past that point or have no interest in stringing beads - you want to learn how to solder and forge, then the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) has a fantastic guide to universities and colleges with jewelry and metals-related programs.
It's an excel file and is ordered alphabetically by the name of the school. If you want to check out a particular state just do a data > sort to rearrange the info by state.
You don't have to go any further than to your local magazine stand to have access to many beading magazines that have great illustrated instruction sections. I've also posted quite a few articles on this site on the topic of connecting clasps, which is the hardest part of the fabrication process.
If you've progressed past that point or have no interest in stringing beads - you want to learn how to solder and forge, then the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) has a fantastic guide to universities and colleges with jewelry and metals-related programs.
It's an excel file and is ordered alphabetically by the name of the school. If you want to check out a particular state just do a data > sort to rearrange the info by state.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
The Bead Museum of DC is calling for entries for their juried competition. Entries are due by 8/8/08.
I've just finished an article about the Bead Museum of Washington DC. For any jewelry artist, this is a worthwhile stop should you be in DC.
What I didn't mention in the article is that they have a beading contest for which they are accepting submissions.
The deadline electronically (emailing jpgs) is 8/8/08. I know, it doesn't leave alot of time. But if you have a progect underway or finished one previously it's worth a shot to enter it.
The contest fees range from $35 to $140 depending on how many items you submit. These fees help support the Bead Museum so they do go to a worthy cause.
I find gemstone beading a little tedius. If I ever get the time I want to start forging my own metal beads and interspace these with gemstone beads. Maybe someday.
What I didn't mention in the article is that they have a beading contest for which they are accepting submissions.
The deadline electronically (emailing jpgs) is 8/8/08. I know, it doesn't leave alot of time. But if you have a progect underway or finished one previously it's worth a shot to enter it.
The contest fees range from $35 to $140 depending on how many items you submit. These fees help support the Bead Museum so they do go to a worthy cause.
I find gemstone beading a little tedius. If I ever get the time I want to start forging my own metal beads and interspace these with gemstone beads. Maybe someday.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
The 'guitar string' bracelet is not going as intended and the instructions will not be posted by July 4th. The design will be modified and instructions posted then.
I've been struggling with the design element of the latest jewelry making project - that of the twisted wire 'guitar string' bracelet.
I was going to attach a lettered tag using the 'making memories' brand metal sheets and die stamping kit. This is just turning out to be a nightmare. I worked on stamping the letters into the metal for over 2 hours and I just couldn't get it to look right. Additionally, the metal was just not suitable for the purpose I had intended. So back to the drawing board.
The bracelet is about 1/2 complete and actually looks quite cool. I'm going to put it away for a few days and come up with another idea for it's finishing that will keep it a 'beginner' type project.
In the interim, I'm going to the Bead Museum in Washinton DC and to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond this weekend and will write articles on both topics.
I'm also working on an article on snake jewelry. Angelina Jolie has been spotted wearing a cool wrapped snake ring. I'll find more examples of this type of jewelry that seems to be very popular once again.
All this should be published by mid July 2008.
I was going to attach a lettered tag using the 'making memories' brand metal sheets and die stamping kit. This is just turning out to be a nightmare. I worked on stamping the letters into the metal for over 2 hours and I just couldn't get it to look right. Additionally, the metal was just not suitable for the purpose I had intended. So back to the drawing board.
The bracelet is about 1/2 complete and actually looks quite cool. I'm going to put it away for a few days and come up with another idea for it's finishing that will keep it a 'beginner' type project.
In the interim, I'm going to the Bead Museum in Washinton DC and to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond this weekend and will write articles on both topics.
I'm also working on an article on snake jewelry. Angelina Jolie has been spotted wearing a cool wrapped snake ring. I'll find more examples of this type of jewelry that seems to be very popular once again.
All this should be published by mid July 2008.
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