What’s New in The Studio – Wire / Jump Ring Selections

Good Morning, 

This weekend I spent time with the supply catalogs and would like to share some of the new materials that will be available for custom work and favorite designs.

Silver, Sterling Silver and Copper are my preferred metals of choice, but gold is requested more often than not.  We have added several sizes of manufactured rings and new wires to our inventory.

Gold (14K) Jump Rings

Now available in several sizes, these pretty rings will be used in a variety of items, including but not limited to our Chainmaille Selection of jewelry.  Look for new items soon, or ask us about a custom design order made especially for you.

Aluminum Rings:

These lovely rings also come in a variety of sizes and have been purchased specifically for Dragonscale Maille pattern bracelets.  Currently available in three colors Red, Black and Gold (Yellow), we will be adding more colors to our selection soon.  Shown here in Red.

 

Stainless Steel Rings:

We have also added Stainless Steel to our selection of wire / jump rings.  Silver in color, stainless steel is great for those that may have metal sensitivities or want a piece that can stand up to heavier wear and tear than the precious metals.  They also make great masculine designs.


A word about Gold:

Gold: All gold jewelry is plated, usually over copper or brass.  Gold is too soft to use for much of anything unless it is mixed or layered over another base metal.  “Rose Gold” is a blend of Gold and Copper, adding the copper creates that pretty red tone in the gold.  Most Gold jewelry is plated at 18K or 14K.  This means that the piece of jewelry is 75 to 58.5% Gold and 25 to 41.5% base metal.  Our jump rings are listed as 14K over brass.  Our gold wire is filled over brass.

Filled vs. Plated:  What does this mean?

Filled wire in gold or silver is simply a denser plate of gold over the base metal.  Plated wire is usually about .15mm of precious metal over a base metal wire (like a sheath),  Filled is usually .25mm of precious metal over a base metal core.

(Picture taken from the internet).

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We hope you will stop by again and see what we have made with these new supply items.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Monday’s New Shop Items

 

Happy Monday,

 

The beginning of the work week always brings me to new items in the shop.  We have some fun things to look at this morning and a brief introduction to Gems for Gents a new line of jewelry with a more masculine appeal.

For the ladies:

Something Scaly

These adorable earrings can add a little oomph to any outfit. Half smooth silver, half scaly, these awesome textured metal earrings are sure to catch the eye of your favorite serpent! Great for Goths, Rockers, Halloween Costumes or your favorite Snake Owner.

Silver metal donuts and genuine Jet beads make up this simple and short pair of earrings. Suspended from silver plated ear wires.

In the Mood for something Retro?

Seventies  

The Seventies were cool, hip and happening. Harken back to that fab era with these super groovy black and white circular earrings! Natural shell encircle genuine Jet beads for a fun retro look. Perfect for the office, a casual outfit or just for fun. Retro and Kitschy!  Great for 80’s New Wave and Boho styles, too!

Natural Shell donuts and genuine 6mm Jet beads are threaded on silver plated findings suspended from silver plated ear wires.  Also available in Green Australian Jasper.

Very Hippie…

Citrine Triangles

These are plain, simple and very cute. I left them as unadorned as possible to show off the gorgeous yellow of the genuine natural Citrine beads.

Would be a great alternative to Topaz for a November Birthday.

Sterling Silver plated jewelry wire is threaded through the side drilled beads, twisted to hold a loop and attached to Silver plated ear wires.

Gems for Gents 

Although there is no specific Etsy Shop Section for these, there will be a dedicated page up shortly on The Alchemists Vessel website.  Bookmark it and check back for new items and deals only available on the site.

In an attempt to create a simple but handsome and elegant line of jewelry for men, these necklaces would be appropriate for women as well.   Many of our chainmaille designs are crafted with the male wearer in mind, however, one a smaller scale the patterns also make wonderfully delicate and feminine chains and earrings as well.

 

Below is the beginning of what we hope will expand in to a broader and more diverse line of masculine or unisex jewelry.

 

From the “I’m in the Band” Collection

 

Bass Solo

 

Part of our Gems for Gents line of jewelry, this masculine and attractive necklace is very handsome, and would be appropriate for women as well, it hangs at 18″ total length. A beautiful flat oval Brecciated Jasper Bead is centered and framed by oval shaped Pyrite, the intermittent pattern of Jasper and Pyrite continue around the length of the necklace.

Genuine Brecciated Jasper (Red Jasper with Black Matrix), and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire and completed with a silver base metal Lobster Claw clasp.

Guitar-god

Oval coin shaped Black Onyx beads travel along the length of this 18″ necklace, and are interrupted by the occasional flat oval pyrite bead. Masculine, bold and very dapper.

Genuine Black Onyx and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire, and finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.

Hit The Lights

“Hit the lights!” The words every concert goer longs to hear, it means the show is starting! This masculine and handsome necklace would be perfect for the stage. Matte black Jet beads separate the unique type of Jasper called Camostone (it looks likes camouflage).

18″ total length. Genuine Jet and Camostone (Jasper) beads are laced on Tiger Tail beading wire and finished with a Lobster Claw clasp.

 Metal

 

Genuine Jet and Pyrite beads chase each other along the 18 length of this heavy duty necklace. Masculine and handsome.

Genuine Jet and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire and completed with a Lobster Claw Clasp.


Mechanix

 

Masculine and understated is this very muted color genuine Hematite and Pyrite necklace. Perfect for the Mechanic, Warrior or Musician in your life. 18″ long.

Genuine Hematite and Pyrite alternate around the 18″ length of metal Tiger Tail beading wire. Finished with a Lobster Claw clasp.

Monster of Rock

Part of our Gems for Gents line of jewelry, this is a unique and sturdy necklace. Zoesite is a lovely green stone from Australia, occasionally it is encrusted with natural ruby inclusions across the stone’s surface in a stunning mix of reds and purples against the green background of the Zoesite.

Perfect for your Man of Metal, or that special Zombie in your life, or it would make a fabulous addition to a Halloween themed costume or outfit.

Flat oval shaped genuine Pyrite separates clusters of Zoesite with Ruby beads along a strand of Tiger Tail beading wire, finished with a silver base metal Lobster Claw clasp.

Something for the Steampunk Dapper Dresser…


Bomber

A rare form of Tiger Eye is Pietersite.  This gorgeous brown and red stone has flecks of green, gold and blue and yellow running through in the bead in beautiful striations of muted color.  Resembling a well worn leather “Bomber” Jacket, this makes a bold and masculine piece.


World War II Air Force Bomber Jacket (Leather)

…and for the Bad Boy in Leather

Motorcycle

Simple and stream-lined, light weight yet looks tough, is this rugged Jet and Silver bead necklace.  Finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.  Goth, Rocker, Vamp, Biker, fits any style, even the suited-work-day business man.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read this marvelous Monday.


The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful work week!

 

What’s New In The Shop? Beads and Bracelets

Happy Monday!

Is everyone ready for a fabulous work week filled with fun and excitement?  No?  Can’t say as I blame you.  Busy with Easter activities last weekend and inspired by spring and the beautiful things mother nature has to offer, I sat down, racked my alleged mind, and came up with these Springtime festive and fashionable beaded beauties! Yes, they are available in the shop!  Finally something new!

First, however, I would like to give an example of the weave without all the additional beads.  Although jewelry is a very forgiving medium / art form that allows you to play with ideas and styles, patterns, textures and colors, the traditional pattern must be incorporated as a basis from which to start.  So let us begin at the beginning, as that is usually best.

Here we see the Full Persian Chain Maille weave, completed in 6mm *Nickel silver jump rings, which have been hand spun and linked.  A strong, supple, and striking pattern, it is appropriate for either men or women.  Would make a great gift for a Boyfriend!

I should mention that “Nickle Silver” is not Silver, and has no Silver content at all.  Also called “German” or “Indian” Silver it is actually an alloy containing copper, nickle and zinc.

The usual formulation is 60% copper, 20% nickel and 20% zinc.  

Nickel 

These next two pretties are designs and patterns of my own creation.  Full Persian Chain Maille is not usually beaded, but the creativity bug grabbed me and said, “You SIMPLY MUST bead these bracelets”.  So like a good Craft-person, I listened to my inner muse and went with its decision.  After all if I didn’t, it would annoy, pester, harass, harangue me, and be a nuisance in general until I did so.

Dubbed “Chunk Maille” for their large size, which is all the rage this season.  Big, bold, colorful jewelry or statement pieces, are very in vogue this year.  I have created two distinct patterns for these bracelets, Walking Beads and Serpents Spine.  Although I am sure other Maillers have thought of this before, I haven’t seen / found an exact pattern to match.

Done in Black and Red Silver lined Czech Glass beads, is March of the Lady Bug, in honor of my friend Shelly Moody.  The beads appear to walk, or march across the surface of the bracelet a versatile pattern the beads may also be worn “in front” instead of on “the top” for a different look.  The Walking Bead pattern is available in a variety of colors, single or multiple as seen here.

March of the Lady Bugs

This is one of my favorites and has two versions, the second is not shown here, and is a basic bead addition to another version of the Full Persian where a single connector ring is beaded.  That pattern will be shown later.  Serpents Spine is modeled after Dragons, Sea Serpents / Monsters (Nessie!), and of course, snakes.  The beads appear to be tucked or set inside the bracelet.  Using even intervals of non-beaded units to allow the pattern to flow and move, the beads appear to undulate through the bracelet like something through the water, a snake in the grass, or a Dragon in the clouds.

Dragon’s Back

We also have some new Chain Maille Earrings and some fun and simple jewelry for those that like something a little more understated, but still shiny.  Shown here in Gunmetal jump rings in Dragon Chain and Byzantine weaves, and Red round glass beads, these are also available in a variety of shapes and colors.  At $5.00 a pair and Free Shipping, you can’t go wrong!

Chain Maille Dangles 

Red Dragon

Busy Byzantine

Light

Light Blue Splatter Paint Glass Beads (Also available in Purple)

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We wish you a pleasant work week.

Monday Means – What’s New in The Shop?

I trust you all had a good weekend.  As always Monday is a look at what has been listed or is currently for sale in the shop.  This morning I am pleased to present five new items.

I am always trying to vary and improve my items and offerings, both jewelry and skills.  Variety is the spice of life, as they say and I enjoy learning new things.  I have spent the last week teaching myself a new Chain Maille weave, intricate, but simple, which is one of the wonderful things about Chain Maille.  This is a wonderful unisex pattern, attractive, powerful, sturdy and strong, and substantial enough for him and can be as casual or as dressy as desired.  Personalization is plus, as this weave can be made in a combination of metal, wire, colors, tones and textures.  The pattern may also be embellished with beads for a more feminine look.  Sultry, slinky and sensuous, the pattern positively slithers across the skin in a smooth silky rope.

Below are the examples of the pieces currently available.  They are all created with 8mm jump rings in various metals.  Slim and sleek, these would be great with a suit at the office for a pop of color, jeans and a t-shirt for a casual outing, or a date night conversation piece (she’ll notice).

“Serpentine“  Silver Plated and Gunmetal jump rings snake around the wrist in an alternating pattern.

“Hunter” – Gunmetal and Antiqued Copper jump rings run in continuous links along this dark tone chain.

“Raphael” – Nickle Silver and Antiqued Copper jump rings, twist together to form this bright and masculine piece.  Nickle silver contains no elemental silver, but is an alloy of 60% Copper, 20% Nickle, and 20% Zinc, sometimes called “German” or “Indian” Silver.  It resembles sterling silver but is grayer in tone.

“Woodsman” – Antiqued Bronze and Copper jump rings flow throughout this chain, evoking thoughts of the forest  in the woodsy toned bracelet.

Last item up is “Ver-Sea-Tile”, a Sea-life themed necklace that can be worn several ways, below you see it as it has been assembled.  The Octopus locket may be removed and the charms centered, or the length of beaded chain may be drawn through the clasp to shorten it to choker or collar length.  The large brass flower clasp may worn to the side as a focal point (very fashionable), or in back as desired.

Choker Style

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  Have a wonderful day.