Silver Spoons and Solder

Good Morning,

The middle of the week brings me to my studio and what’s been going on at the workbench.

This week we have a couple of in process up-cycled pieces to share.  They still require a little refinement and several hours in a tumbler, but we can show off a little bit of what’s new.

I am sure many of you have owned or currently own a spoon ring.  This is a simple ring made from a spoon handle.  Taking a twist on the battered utensils for other uses, I tried my hand at making pendants.  Sawing the handles from the bowl, the bowl is put aside and the handle is then heated, hammered and harangued into submission.

I would like to mention the utensils I used were gifted to be by my Mom, and they come from her various trips to the “Junk Shops” or “Antiquing” as she likes to call it.  They are well used items that is for sure.

These are very simply pendants.  This handle was severely damaged, using a hammer the damage was incorporated into a hammered surface texture.  The “stone” is from an other jeweler’s “junk bag”, also gifted to me.  A handwritten note read “Assrtd Real Gems”.  These were pre-set and meant to be used in leather or a belt buckle.  Also terribly damaged and tarnished, the prongs were cut from the setting, the setting was cleaned, filed and then soldered to the spoon handle.

I really like the primitive look this has.  It reminds me of something one might find at an archeological excavation or perhaps unearthed by accident. I think this stone is a deep green Tourmaline.

An other example, and this one I am not sure about.  The stone is either a dyed quartz or apatite.  There is a little seed or inclusion in the stone which leads to me think it is either a dyed crystal or a man-made (imitation) stone with an imperfection.  It is a pretty light blue color.  The camera tends to make things darker than they really are.

Here there are marks and imperfections across the surface of the spoon handle.  Tumbling the piece will polish and remove the small surface scratches creating a uniform surface and shiny finish.

Up-cycled means just that, pieces and items are reused and re-purposed to create something new.  It also means that surfaces do not meet exactly due to curvatures and other factors of the materials being used, giving each one a unique character and style all it’s own.  These are meant to look like they have been made long ago and far away and to appear handmade, as a Blacksmith may have made them.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

In The Studio – Malachite Earrings and Dragonscale

Good Morning,

Friday’s are usually open for promotions and things that are happening around Boise.  Since it is Easter this weekend, and some festivites have been cancelled, there isn’t much to promote.  So today’s blog is short, and showcases two items currently being worked on in the studio.

Malachite and Sterling Silver Earrings.

These have not yet been listed for sale and I am not sure I am going to list them.  Large malachite oval cabochons have been set in Sterling Silver and are made for Pierced ears.   The materials were pre-cut and measured, and given to me as part of a job interview / skill assessment.  They measure 1″ x 1/2″.

This piece is not finished yet, and I am still in the process of deciding what to do with it.  At this length it would make half of a watch band, or I could continue for a full bracelet.  My concern is the weight,  silver plate over brass, makes for a dense and heavy piece.  Using 5mm and 3mm ID rings, makes for a pretty but weighty item.

Top down, the rings are stretched to their limit, to show the scale like pattern.

From different angles the piece has a different appearance, one of my favorite things about the weave.

The rings create a lovely and smooth chain, although it looks like it would be rough to the touch, it is actually very silky.

Viewed from the side the rings appear to Cris-cross, making a pretty X like pattern along the chain’s edge.

The Cris-cross moves in the other direction on the other side.  Dragonscale is an intricate and beautiful weave, done in multiple or single colors, it is a conversation starter as well as a durable and functional weave.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Lessons in Metal

Good Morning,

I know that Thursday’s are usually devoted to an artist.  The blog  ring is on hiatus until next week, and I have run my friends to ground, asking for permission and verbiage to use.  They’re shy.

So instead, this post is all about Metals, Heavy, Precious, Rolled, Filled, and Nickel.

Silver and the variations there of: one of my biggest pet peeves in the industry is Nickel.  Nickel is not Silver, it is not “Nickel Silver”, there is NO Silver in Nickle what so ever.  Not even the tiniest elemental trace.  None, zero, zip, nada, nil.  Nickle is a copper alloy usually containing 60% Copper, 20% Zinc, and 20% Nickel, it may also contain Tin, also known as “Indian Silver” or “German Silver”.  Nickel is toxic, and many people are allergic to Nickel and including the word “silver” is misleading and irresponsible.  Nickel is a white metal, like aluminum or tin.  Adding the word silver also allows sellers to up their price for a common and non-precious item.  Don’t be fooled, Nickel is not and never will be silver of any kind, ever.

Silver and Sterling Silver – Silver depending on where you are in the world can be graded differently.  Sterling Silver however is always 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper (or other metals).  Silver in it’s pure state is too soft to make functional items from, and is usually alloyed with other metals to strengthen it without changes its properties or the beauty of metal.  Three Nines Fine or Fine Silver is 99.9% silver and used mainly in the creation of jewelry.

Silver plated items are usually .15 to .25mm of Silver adhered to the surface of a base metal, usually copper or brass.   Rolled Silver or Rolled Gold have a thicker outer sheath of precious metal adhered to the base metal.  This type of plating lasts longer than the traditional plating methods.

Argentium – Argent is the Spanish word for Silver, Argentium is actually Sterling Silver that has had some of the copper content replaced with the metalloid germanium.  Germanium (Ge) is a chemical element appearing silver-grey in color.  The addition or replacement of copper aids in stopping the oxidation process of the metal and makes it less susceptible to tarnish.

Gold is weighed or measured in Karats.  Carats are used to measure gemstones.  I know a little confusing.  Karats refer to amount of actual gold a coin or piece of jewelry contains.  Pure gold is simply too soft to use in making or creating any kind of functional item and is usually alloyed with another metal to improve strength without marring the beauty of the natural metal.

24 kt – Pure Gold
22 kt to 10kt – are common for most jewelry
Rose gold contains 25% copper giving it is reddish or “rose” hue.
White Gold is usually alloyed with another white metal like palladium or  silver to give it the white color.

The world’s consumption of available Gold today is counted as 50% used for jewelry, 40% investments and 10% industry (electronics, etc.)

Copper is one of the very first metals mined by man, and was principally mined on Cyprus in the Roman Era.  It has numerous uses, and makes beautiful jewelry.  From trade and artworks in the Ancient World, to modern uses today such as Copper Bottom Cooking pots, building materials, conductor of heat and constituent of various metal alloys.  When allowed to corrode, Copper will verdigris or turn green (patina), it is also found as a trace element in food and water and is important to all life, it is part of the respiratory enzyme complex, cytochrome c oxidase.   It is also used to create mirrors, and connected with the goddess Aphrodite and Venus, the alchemical symbol for copper is also the modern symbol for women, or the planetary sign for Venus.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

New Items – Three Necklaces

Good Morning,

Today we are showing off three of the new items currently available at The Alchemists Vessel.

Moors Malachite Azurite and Sterling Silver Necklace Set

Sterling Silver Chain, Triskelion (triple swirl) links, and Malachite with Azurite beads invoke a feeling of Ireland’s emerald green and misty Moors. Matching earrings are included.  This is a One Of A Kind set.

20″ total length, Sterling Silver Triskelions interrupt and link the gorgeous Malachite and Azurite beads bead joined to the chain.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Orient Express Genuine Jade and Freshwater Pearls Necklace

Grab your train case and your favorite Agatha Christie Novel we’re taking the Orient Express. There is something mysterious about Jade and Pearls, and this necklace is no exception.  Matching earrings are included.

Jade is thought to connect with energy of the body and allows it flow between the jewelry piece and the wearer.  In Asian cultures, people often give a gift of a jade piece they wear all the time. They believe that the jade has become part of them and by giving it to a family member or friend, they are giving a part of themselves.

Pearls are connected with the elements in Asian cultures and an origin myth says they are Dragon’s tears.  Usually worn only by royalty, pearls are believed to connect one to the divine.  They are a symbol of peace and purity.

Suspended from Sterling Silver chain, genuine deep green Nephrite Jade (from British Columbia) and Freshwater Pearls are threaded and connected with handmade Sterling Silver headpins and jump rings.  Spring Clasp closure, may be replaced with Lobster Claw Clasp at no additional charge.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
*Freshwater Pearls – A grade, from White Lotus Farms.

Diana Sterling Silver and Genuine Amethyst Necklace

18″ long this sumptuous Amethyst necklace is just right for any goddess or Queen of the Castle.  Amethyst is the Birthstone for February, and is associated with the Greek Goddess Diana.  Matching earrings come with this piece.
Sterling Silver chain has been connected with genuine Amethyst beads on sterling silver wire, accented with sterling silver caps and spacer beads.  Finished with a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw Clasp, may be changed to a spring clasp at no additional charge.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
Sold as a set.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Orient Express Genuine Jade and Freshwater Pearls Necklace on Handmade Artists’ Shop

Orient Express Genuine Jade and Freshwater Pearls Necklace on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

Studio News – Two New Rings

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share two new items available from the Blackbird Metalworks division of the Studio.

“Princess Bride” – Pink Zircon and 10K Fine White Gold Ring.

“As you wish.”  The farm boy said.

Simple, elegant, feminine and very pretty.  US Size 6.5 fits most ring fingers and would make a fabulous alternative for an October Birthday or that special question one might like to ask.

Zircon is a natural mineral, it is usually found in a crystalline form and comes in a variety of colors, the most common being hyacinth (yellow), but ranges from yellows to reds.  Not to be confused with Cubic Zirconia (CZ) a synthetic material

The vintage 10K Fine White Gold band has a pretty little spiral pattern along the shank and carries up to the prongs for an attractive accent and a lovely setting.

White Gold is an alloy, it consists of yellow gold and a white metal such as palladium, zinc or nickle.  The Karat weight refers to the purity of the yellow gold.  Fine Gold can range from 900 Fine to almost pure gold, which is much too soft to make jewelry with.

Love Honor Cherish Mans Wedding Band

Strong, sturdy, individual and one of a kind.  This solid Sterling Silver ring is made with the Ceremonial Vows in mind.  The three stacked rings characterize the phrase to “Love, Honor, and Cherish” each other, and reminds the wearer to do so every day.

Cut from a single piece of Sterling Silver half-round stock, each ring is individually hand forged, crafted and shaped on a steel mandrel, soldered and polished before being stacked and connected.

Appropriate for men or women the ring stands about 1/2″ tall, but is lightweight enough to wear comfortably.

The center ring is stamped Sterling. Some surface tool marks are visible in the photos but not to the naked eye, these are not imperfections, but are the sign of a quality hand-crafted item.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We hope we have inspired you to take a look at what else we have in the shop.

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

Find us on Facebook – Blackbird Metalworks

Five Great Gifts List 7

Good Morning,

Today we feature Five fabulous gift ideas from Tanuki Jewelry

Geometric Broken Heart Pendant Necklace

 

A hand carved and handmade solid brass broken heart pendant on a brass plated stainless steel necklace. It has a lovely rustic and geometric shape that gives the heart a little edge. Great for every day and so fantastic as a layering necklace! – (See last photo).

The brass heart pendant measures approximately 1.6cm at its widest, and 1.5cm at the tallest point. The thickness of the pendant is approximately 0.6cm thick. The pendant overall circumference is slightly smaller than a nickel.The necklace has a clasp to easily put on and take off. The necklace measures 24 inches. If you need advice on the length of the necklace, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Please note that the secondary spike necklace is not included in the purchase, however is available for separate purchase in my store.

I got inspiration from all the Valentine’s Day items I was seeing all over the place. I figure this item definitely has a statement, and wanted to create a broken heart pendant that wasn’t sickly sweet. I wanted to create a geometric, rough and ready type of pendant to give it some edge. As I carved the item out of wax, I then manipulated the wax to give it more character, and a more geometric shape to it. I then had the wax piece cast into brass and polished it by hand to a high shine. 

Sterling Silver Bow Ring

 

Need the perfect gift to show your love and commitment? What about an adorable Sterling Silver Bow Ring!

Small sterling silver bow ring ready for everyday wear. This is handmade especially for you. The bow measures approximately 1/2” wide, and 1/4” tall. This ring size is a size 5. An excellent gift for someone you love or a friend. Do send me a message if you are hoping to receive a larger size. I should be able to grant this, but please message me first prior to ordering.

This bow ring also looks great as a stacking ring (please note the stacking rings shown in the photo are not included).

This bow ring was made through a found bow object, and then soldered the shape onto a ring. I then made a mold and had it cast in sterling silver. Once this process is complete, I then carefully polish the ring by hand to a high shine. 

Pyramid Stud Sterling Silver Ring

An edgy yet simple handmade sterling silver ring. Consists of a row of six pyramidal studs. Great or stacking or for wearing it on its own. Definitely a great statement ring, but with a simple and classic finish.

This was a difficult ring for me to make as I really wanted to give it symmetry. I had seen several stud rings around, but always something a little more dainty and feminine. This ring was hand carved out of wax… I did a lot of measuring to get the proportions correct! I had it cast in sterling silver, and then polished it to a high shine. I love the weight of this ring and it is as tough as it looks!

Organically hand carved in Brooklyn, New York.

Size 7.5

Hand made with love!

 

Abstract Geometric Ring

 

Handmade geometric and modern structural ring made of high quality sterling silver. Excellent for every day wear, or even for stacking. A nice modern and abstract ring that is definitely a statement piece, yet simple enough to wear every day.

Size 6.5

Hand carved and made in Brooklyn, New York.

For delivery times, please read my shop announcement. Contact me if you have questions regarding delivery times by a specific date.

Reversible 2 in 1 Sterling Silver Ring

A versatile ring that gives you the ability to wear two different styles in one ring. Organically handmade with love with sterling silver in Brooklyn New York.

One side of the ring is a simpler and softer rounded side, and the other side is a more geometric triangular shape for a bit of an edgier look. Comfortable to wear and simple enough to wear every day. This ring can also be worn as a stacking ring.

I wanted to create a ring that is convertible and reversible. This would give the wearer the opportunity to wear two styles in one. If you need a quick change in style, just flip this ring around! I made the ring shapes comfortable enough to wear in any way. This item was created and carved with wax, and then cast into sterling silver, and then polished to a high shine. If you need versatility, this is what you are looking for.

For delivery times, please read my shop announcement. Contact me if you have questions regarding delivery times by a specific date.

Size 7.5.

Sky Genuine Turquoise and Sterling Silver Ring on Handmade Artists’ Shop

Sky Genuine Turquoise and Sterling Silver Ring on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

Just listed this lovely genuine Turquoise and Sterling Silver ring, by Alixandra of Blackbird Metalworksa division of The Alchemists Vessel.

 

Announcements Feb 01, 2013

Good Morning,


Pleased to announce that I have completed the written portion of my course for Certified Jewelry Design and Repair Technician.  I currently hold a 95 average. Waiting for homework projects to be marked as completed and returned along with my Certification papers.  I am thrilled to be through the course and now the waiting begins. I will not see an actual Certificate until June or July, when all the processes have been gone through, including and not limited to skill assessment with one of the larger Retailer Jewelers.

The Alchemists Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks will be closed from February 7th to 11th, and returning on the 12th.  Entrepreneurs need rest and relaxation as well.  Although it isn’t all rest and relaxation, work will be done as well.  The blog will have scheduled posts, but I am unsure if they will actually post when scheduled to do so.

Those of you that may be looking for me at February’s Flea Market, I am not sure if I have a space this month or not, I have not received the form from Spectra Productions, the “hosts” of the Market, for booth space or payment. I apologize in advance if you attend and I am not there.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Studio News – Blackbird Metalworks

Hello there,

This morning I am happy to announce that I have finished the last of my tests and currently waiting for the Certification via the Postal Service, and that could be a while.

To celebrate, I opened Blackbird Metalworks (subject to change). 

 The shop is different from The Alchemists Vessel, which carries handmade Chainmaille and hand-assembled semi-precious gemstone bead jewelry.  Blackbird Metalworks will also incorporate high quality materials and standard of work for its solid metal hand forged jewelry pieces.   The shop will include but not be limited to, Fine Gemstone Jewelry, Original and Unique Wedding Rings, Cabochons and Faceted Stones, along side Hand-crafted jewelry findings from head pins to ear wires for making your own.

What does Blackbird Metalworks have on offer?  Four pieces that I have made during the class at my Studio (also known as the dining room table) with my tools and my hands.  OK, except for the Leaf Motif ring, I had to “borrow” a vulcanizer for that one, and I don’t think the nice man that owns it will let me do that again…

Only Available on handmadeartists.com

Filigree Leaf Motif Sterling Silver Ring

Product Details:

This lovely one of a kind Fliigree design Leaf motif ring is hand cast, sanded and polished.  US size 8.  Perfect for nature admirers or those that don’t want a large heavy piece on the finger.  Delicate and feminine in appeal, the band is handstamped 925.
The ring is slightly domed at the top where the filigree design is located.
Arrives in a ring box (shown in photos)
This ring may not be resized.

Sterling Silver and Genuine Turquoise Cross

Product Details:

This pretty little Sterling Silver cross is hand forged from start to finish.  Cut from a Sterling Silver sheet, stamped, antiqued, and completed with a hand set genuine Turquoise cabochon, matching Turquoise beads accent the chain.
21″ total length.  Sterling Silver Chain, findings and Cross pendant.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Black Onyx and Sterling Silver Pendant

Product Details:

Beautiful elegant, and appropriate for men or women.  Stunning and strong, it looks lovely suspended from a Sterling Silver Chain.  This was once a money clip, I think.  Up-cycled to become a pendant,, 1-1/2 x 3/4″.  The original decoration had broken or fallen off.
Hand-sanded, cleaned and polished, and embellished with a genuine Black Onyx 10 x 8mm cabochon gemstones hand-soldered in to place for a secure and sturdy bond.
The pendant is available for purchase without the chain.  Please message the shop for details.

Malachite and Sterling Silver Ring

Product Details:

Gorgeous deep green genuine Malachite cabachon measures 10mm x 8mm.  Hand set in Sterling Silver, hand-soldered and detailed.  This ring is about a size US 6 to 6.5 and fits a pinky or ring finger comfortably.  May be stretched a little.
Ring shank is stamped, Sterling.

Repair Work

I would also like to share this Isis Ring.  Circa 1980s, Sterling Silver “Isis” ring.  This ring is commercially made and available through all kinds of Jewelry Supplies and Specialty stores.   This particular one belongs to my friend, and was in desperate need of some attention.

The ring shank has been repaired and re-soldered.  To complete the ring it has been re-shaped,  antiqued, hand–sanded and polished to its original mirror finish.  There is a small divot in the poor goddess‘s head.  This cannot be hammered or sanded out, instead at the request of the owner (as soon as she chooses one), the area will be drilled, polished and set with a gemstone.

Isis repaired and polished

Detail, that divot looks like it had to hurt.  Ouch!

The shank has been repaired and re-shaped, although out of focus the shank is now whole.

This little rings has obviously been worn for years and put through some heavy use.  Still it is pretty and with a little love may last another twenty plus years.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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