Multi Stone Pendant Project

I figured this would be the best way to present this project, so I have posted pictures of the stones in my arsenal and then following with pics of the stones laid out in different ways.  All of the layouts here are within the clients budget, however some much less than others.  Should the client not see a layout they like, they can create their own, or we can go through this process until satisfaction is reached.  So here goes.

The stones are listed below with their names, level of transparency, and written description of color:

These two stones are both turquoise of a intense robin's egg blue (opaque).

These are the various red stones available: the two larger ovals on the left are orangy-red carnelian: translucent (not quite see-through).  The small ovals at the top are rubies, they are translucent and a bright pinky-red or violet red.  The three triangles on the right are garnets.  They are completely transparent and are a dark true red color.

Lets start with the opaque stone at the top in the middle of the picture.  That is sugalite, and a warm red-purple with some black specks (very typical of this stone) and again, opaque.  To the right of that are two blue-purple Iolite stones, which are transparent.  These are sometimes called water-saphires, because they look like watery saphires.  The reset of the stones are all amethyst, which is a transparent true purple color.  the marquis shaped one (large stone at bottom center) is rather dark, almost a transparent black- purple.

These are the oranges.  The stone on the bottom right is a spessartine garnet also known as spessartite garnet.  This type of garnet is a bit more rare and has a great warm orange-honey hue.  It is transparent, and this stone has a few visable fractures and inclusions (which is why it fits into the budget).  The other stones shown are all carnelian.  These are translucent- and the two large ovals are really milky.  The four small stones are a red-orange, whereas the two large ones are a true orange color.

Now for the layouts.  These are merely images of the stones placed together.  My aim was to mix different geometric shapes together.  These can be made as one piece, or a top piece with a smaller dangle coming off (a pendant for the pendant, if you will). 

My apologies for the pictures being so dark.  These are some ideas.  If you notice the bottom two are the same, just with a different orange stone in the center (carnelian on the left and garnet on the right).  In the picture which the client provided me of a pendant in the style she liked, there was a rope design around the center stone to augment it.  I was planning on doing that as well, either on the center stone or the orange stone, since the orange is a requirement to match the clients favorite pair of earrings:)  I do have a lot of other stones available in a wide range of colors, but was imagining these colors would suit the client best.

Mexican Fire Opal Pendant Project

So A few posts back, I posted some photos of this rough Mexican Fire Opal that a client was given. She is looking for a pendant to be made of this one, and has a few others to be made into earrings. I am going to focus on the pendant designs for this post. I think we will be using silver for the piece, but note, this could be done in any metal. Some of the basic ideas that the client is interested in considering for the piece are: water symbology, especially meanings of protection from water (like a talisman); specifically Maori tribal designs; Mexican/Native American/Southwest style silver; and textures. (And of course we can add to that list later.) The stone is a combination of the matrix (other generic rock) and the gemstone (in this case, the Mexican opal). The matrix accounts for the majority of this stone, with the gemstone moving diagonally across the center of one side of the stone (which I am considering to be the front). This design would showcase that. The silver detail on either side of the opal is of a pattern illustrating water, the flow of water. (Disclaimer: It is my own design, and not connected with any ancient symbology or anything.) The silver detail would also creep up the sides of the stone, and around the back to hold the stone in place securely. the ring around the outside of the pendant would be thick and wide, acting as a protective frame for the stone, so this pendant design would be able to handle a bit more than your average wear and tear.
This design focuses on texture. There will be a flat silver backing with little silver granules and wires soldered onto the surface to create the texture. we could even use copper instead of silver for a bit more contrast. Though there would be a lot of texture, it will stick up off the backing slightly (less than a 16th of an inch) and the stone itself will stick up of the back about half an inch. The other thing with this design is the back of the pendant will have a nice clean flat surface. Meaning: 1) it will be very comfortable against bare skin, and 2) there will be a surface which we can use to inscribe a prayer, poem, well wishes, or what have you.

This is based on a native American style of silver jewelry. This is designed to be very light weight and at the same time, protective of the stone. Basically the construction consists of the silver frame which is just ever so slightly larger than the stone. There will be a open seat under the stone for support, and hefty prongs at various points to keep the stone secure. So the gaps you see between the frame and the stone are just air making this design very lightweight. We can modify this design by having a solid back if desired.

After looking at some Maori Hook designs and reading a little bit about them, I came up with this sketch. The Maori are not just decorating things with their aesthetic. They use their designs to tell stories. With that idea in mind I came up with this one. Here the stone is rising out of the water and surrounded by it, which i drew with the intention of meaning overcoming water or mastering it. Of course feel free to apply your own interpretations. This would be made of silver, and it does look like it would be pretty big and pointy to wear. What I would do when making it, is to round the points out enough to make it comfortable against the skin. I would also have the silver be very thin in spots so that it doesn't wind up being too heavy to wear. (This can be done without jeopardizing the stability of the piece.)

This is a basic design idea for how to incorporate an actual Maori Hook design into the pendant. I came up with a generic one for the purpose of this sketch, but we could replace it with the hook of my clients choosing. The stone would dangle from the hook. What I would do is build a silver frame around the stone that hugs the sides of the stone to create a protective casing.

These are very rough sketches in sharpie. The top is just big meaty prongs securing the stone. the bottom left and bottom right are both taking an idea of geometric (blocky) shapes to go around the stone. Its a bit architectural, and 1950's modern in style. My thought was that these big smooth silver shapes would offer a nice contrast to the color, texture, and detail of the stone, emphasising it's natural beauty.

This is and idea of making a literal box around the stone. As with the previous designs, is would contrast the details of the stone. This one goes one step farther because it creates a strong, solid frame for protecting the stone. It also draws more attention to the silhouette of the stone. this is shown with two bails, but could be modified to be one instead.

So those are the ideas so far, I am style thinking this over and trying to tackle the Maori idea in a few other ways. I would love to hear your thoughts in the meantime.

I'm Setting up shop in Upland California

Hello everyone,
I will be setting up a space in shop in Upland, CA to sell my work. This is right in downtown, on 9th street, where the farmers market is held every Thursday. I am moving in on Saturday, and plan to be around every Thursday and Saturday (possibly doing demonstrations) so you can meet the artist. I will mostly be representing my jewelry and functional silver work, as well as my beaded inventory. So here's the address: 257 E. 9th Street Upland, CA 91786. Pics to come of the space on saturday!

pendant ideas for fire opal rough

Ok, so this client is particularly tall which means she can handle wearing larger pieces, and they do quite well for her. She like things that have a ethnic feel to is, especially native american, or mexican deisgns. She is also a doctor, and by default a scientist and wants to show case the stone as more of a pretty rock than a gemstone (which I totally agree, considering the piece we are designing around). Here are my first 2 sketches:

so the one on the left is basically a metal box for the stone. The stone has an almost-straight edge on one side, and this naturally jagged edge on the other sides. The negative space between the jagged edge of the stone and the straight line across from it will emphasize the silhouette of the stone. The box will also be a secure setting that will form a protective wall around it, so if it gets dropped, it should survive pretty well. There are 2 bails at the top to string onto a leather cord or chain, or strand of beads (I could supply any of these, doc).

The second design is a psuedo native american style pendant. this would basically be a teardrop frame that would go around the stone, holding it in place with metal tabs/prongs.

Have no fear, these are not the only ideas up my sleeve! Soon to follow... more sketches.

rough mexican fire opal in matrix

rough mexican fire opal in matrix

so this big beauty is going to be a pendant for a client of mine. the trick is coming up with something that doesn't compete with all the texture and color of the stone for the setting. pics to come soon of my initial ideas.

*edit* Here are the other pieces she is looking at, these for earrings:

peridot cushion cut earring

finally done! at least this one. still setting the other. this is 18kt yellow gold and argentium silver. a 5mm cushion cut peridot on top. the stones for this client were handpicked by me. it took me about 20 minutes to find a good pair, but you want it as close as possible, not so much for when the client wears it, but for when they sit and look at the pieces side by side before putting them on.

edit: the other one is done too! will be shipping out soon...

emeralds for sale

I have made friends with a retired gemstone importer who is looking to deplete his inventory. mostly it consists of columbian emeralds, direct from the Muzo mine, in Bogota, Columbia. I took some quick pics with my phone for you to see, there are all qualities and sizes but they all are consistent in having that trademark teal green of emeralds from that region. there are several very nice investment stones too. pics should follow shortly.

If you are interested in purchasing one, or some, Please let me know. I could also make something for you with one of these fine stones, should you need it. Also consider: Emerald is birthstone for May.

gothic cross

18kt gold, teal cushion cut tourmaline, sterling silver

new stuff

just came up with this, this morning. picked up this great stone from a dealer friend of mine. cushion cut teal green tourmaline. gothic cross design, with gold detail squigglies. will be making into a pendant.

18kt gold, argentium silver, tourmaline, garnet earrings

just finshed! (sorry, posting from my phone. I can't figure out how to turn it)

completed peridot pendant

Hello Everyone,

So here is the finished pendant. Again it has Argentium Silver (tarnish resistant alloy), 18kt yellow gold, and peridot. This was taken with my cellphone, it's a little dark in pic...

Finished earrings

Hello everyone. I have finished the earrings I was working on (in progress pics below). Please forgive the quality of the picture, but my apartment lighting is pretty dim without the aid of sunlight. Again these earrings are made with Argentum Sterling, 18kt yellow gold, and natural pink tourmalines. These were made custom for a very special client:)

Update for tourmaline and peridot projects

So here is what I have so far. The gold is a little pale, but once polished it will pop in color. The stones are not set yet, but just resting in the settings. The pink pendant I'm thinking will have another ring of the rope silver then another of gold, and then another ring of rope silver around the very edge of the piece, so there will be the flat plain of silver in the middle. I thought this would solve several problems: 1) Making the pendant bigger to fit the size of the chain (which is 4mm). 2) Matching the earrings in style. 3) That final ring of silver will give the piece a much more finished look and protect the flat silver from getting scratches.

I have been really up in the air about the final touches on this piece. I think the thing I will do is add more gold wire to the pendants edge but only at the corners. I can then hammer the wire out a little so it will get a little thicker at each of the four points. I don't know. We'll see.

Steampunk

These are some fun objects I'm working on. This is my interpretation of steampunk style. Steampunk is the anti cyberpunk, focusing on the Victoriana, industrial revolution and the mechanical. The style is also encourages the over engineered functionality of an implement. The best thing abou this counter-culture movement is the idea of Do-It-Yourself aka DIY. There is an appreciation for the handmade too! These are in process, with much more to come.

The magnifying glass handle with finger holder. I'm working on a arm that comes off of the lens frame that houses another, smaller lens for extra magnification.

This pipe is intended to be used with blowing bubbles, not tobacco. I'm working on a lid that can hook to the cup for when in use, and a mouthpiece.

Pink tourmaline & Peridot Crusade

So I got some pics for you all to see the match I landed on these 2 custom projects. I found a perfect match to the pink tourmaline earrings for one client (stone shown here), which will serve as the pendant. It is about the same size. I have tried to find bigger while following criteria of color, clarity, and cut; but no luck. Second pic shows all three together with my fingers in there to give you idea of scale. (Those teardrops on the left are another earring project I'm working on)

The third image here is showing all the peridot being used for the second client. I'm making a full set of earrings, ring, and necklace. The stone to the top right is a true cushion cut with those checkerboard facets on the top and bottom. The top left is almost a mine cut on top and cusion elsewhere. Mine cut meaning the stone has a lot of facets on the top supporting a very high table (flat part). The cut actually makes the stone a little more sparkly in my opinion and also more noticable if damaged. Therefore will be putting that one in the pendant, and leaving the cushion cut in the ring.

Stone sitting (temporarily) in bezel a top raised silver which will soon become her pendant. My fingers again are here for scale. Nothing is soldered yet, but wanted to illustrate how it will look. Note on all the stones: they tend to appear darker in the bezels right now because they are not set. They are just sitting in the bezels and haven't been sanded down all the way either, so they cast a bit of a shadow.

Custom Jewelry

The sketches here are for ideas to satisfy to discerning young ladies who are currently traveling in Chicago. They have asked me to create some pendants that can fit over their current favorite chain. Along with that, earrings and such to match. For al projects shown I will be using Argentum, which is a new sterling silver alloy that is tarnish resistant.

These are photos of my sketch book, showing some ideas. The first is to create a large silver shape (here rectangle and circle) set the stone in the middle and cut a decoritive motif out of the silver around the stone that emphasizes it as well as makes the pendant larger to go better with the chain without dwarfing the stone. (the cutting out technique is called piercing) On this I'm thinking a cushion cut pink tourmaline. Notice that the bail (the part the chain will go through) also has decoritive piercing to match. The request is also for two-tone, so I will be using 18kt yellow gold wire to draw a line around the bezel and a rim around the outside. This picture here shows a setting for a cushion cut peridot, matching earrings and a ring, along with another design for a buff top london blue topaz (bottom left). The peridot would be bezel set in silver with 18kt yellow gold wire lining the bezel. and then edged with a decorative rope design in silver. The pendant is shown square, however I could turn it on it's point to have a diamond shaped pendant. The rope wire will also edge the bail for continuity. The earrings here are drawn with a post but I think I will convert to a french hook to encourage movment from the earring when worn (it will sparkle that much more). Same idea in two-tone as the pendant, but with a diamond shape riveted (loosely) on the back so that it swings even more. This will make the earring a little longer (easier to show off) as well as do away with any rigidity from a longer piece. The ring will be simple and lightweight with a minimal bezel that is accented with 2 gold triangle shapes. (I think I still might sit on this design a bit). The london blue topaz is designed to have oversized prongs big enought to have cz's set in them for extra sparkle. This is in proportion to the size of the stone (it's a little on the bigger side) without making the overall piece huge.This last page shows some designs that are an attempt to be more contemporary, but I'm not completely happy with the concept. Can't win them all.

Sterling Silver Baby Spoon

A friend of mine runs a child's consignment shop in Duluth, and we were talking about possibly making some stuff for here store. On a whim I came up with this: Sterling silver forged baby spoon.

Globe Ring Series in Sterling Silver

These are some newly completed rings I made. I will be posting them on my website for purchase in a few moments. These are hand fabricated in sterling silver. The top is a size 6 and the bottom a size 8. I plan on making several more of these (same aesthetic, different details), and if you would like one in a specific size, just shoot me an email. Hope you enjoy.

Art & Craft Classes Now Available

Hello Everyone,

I have finally gotten around to it: My list o' Classes. If you are feeling crafty and don't know where to begin, this list is for you. Or if you are looking for a new hobby, help on completing a crafty project or would like to add a little more creativity to your life, this is for you. I could also help you with other types of art/techniques, just ask! First timers welcomed.

Basic Bead Stringing $35.00
In this class you will learn how to professionally finish beaded jewelry. We will discuss in depth which materials to use, different types of tools, clasps, and beads, as well suppliers. Supplies are included and tools provided and you will leave with your very own beaded bracelet (which you made yourself!). Limit 5 students per class

Pearl Knotting $40.00
In this class you will learn 2 different techniques of knotting. We will discuss different finishing techniques and stringing materials, tools, etc. that pertain to this technique. Supplies are included and tools provided and you will leave with your very own knotted pearl bracelet (which you made yourself!). Limit 5 students per class

Wire Working $40.00
In this class you will learn how to manipulate wire to make beaded chains. We will discuss different types of metal, tools, beads, and suppliers. Supplies included and tools provided and you will leave with your very own earrings or bracelet (which you made yourself!). Limit 5 students per class. See Picture for sample.

Drawing 101 $65.00
In this class you will learn everything you were supposed to learn but didn’t in your high school art class. We will discuss drawing & shading techniques, lighting, drawing materials & paper, as well as view current artist’s work as examples. This is a 6 hour workshop. Materials provided but please be sure to bring a bag lunch. Limit 8 students per class.

Painting 101 $65.00
In this class you will learn the basics of color mixing, painting techniques, and surfaces. We will experiment with watercolor, acrylic, and oil paint, and different types of brushes. We will also view current artist’s work as examples of these techniques. This is a 6 hour workshop. Some materials provided, class supply list will be available before the start of class. Please bring a bag lunch. Limit 8 students.

Coming Soon…..
Make a Silver Ring $85.00
In this class you will learn how to make a ring from a piece of silver. You will learn polishing, sanding, and filing techniques, as well as soldering. Supplies included and tools provided and you will leave with your very own silver band (which you made yourself!). Limit 3 students per class.

Interested in a class? Please call me to sign up. Jackie (909-438-1811)

New Jewelry on my website

Hello everyone,

I have been going through my jewelry inventory and have realized that I have a lot of things to add to my website. So I will be working on that for a while, so please check my website often (www.sylasstudios.com) to see new jewelry. I just added 5 new sterling silver pieces to the website, all 5 were made in my new-found studio in Corona. Every piece of jewelry I make is one of a kind and unique. Below is one of the newly added pieces: this is a silver ring with a turquoise stone. There is silver vine wrapped around the ring and bezel and a silver leaf on one side. it is a size 6.75 or a tight 7. Priced at $45.00. To purchase, click the link above to go to my website, once there, click the "Store" button at top of page. You can find the ring under the "precious metal jewelry" category listed on the left hand side.

Advanced Chiropractic Concepts -Office Mural

Dr. Tommy Johnson, owner of Advanced Chiropractic Concepts in Chino Hills, California, has asked me to paint the Roman Colesium on the curved wall in his new office. After asking myself why I didn't think of that, I went to his office and took some photos. I wanted to make some "simulations" of what the mural would look like. This makes it easier for both of us, because you can talk about an idea all you want, but to have it visually represented means that everyone is on the same page, and when you agree or disagree, you're starting and compromising over the same tangible image. So for all you curious people out there the pics are below. I don't have a wide enough lens to take the best pics of the office, so I took a bunch and collaged them (digitally). After that I superimposed the coliseum.

Now, this is just the beginning. There are still a lot of things to be determined. What to do with the negative space at the top? Does he want perspective incorporated into the design of the mural (as it is showing right now)? How instense should it be? This mural is depicted pretty lightly, only varying slightly from the current base wall color. The picture could be painted darker, or with more contrast if desired. I will just have to sit down with Dr. Johnson and sort this all out! Will let you know the details...