Subscribe to Professional Pearl & Bead Stringing via RSSBest of the Web
Category Archives: Jewelry Design
Beautiful Minimal Jewelry Design
We’ve all been places with people who will exclaim, “I like that” or conversely “I don’t like that.” But going a little further and asking why some things appeal while others don’t is so helpful in learning about design and … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design
Tagged jade, jewelry design, making jewelry, Pat Tseng, silk cords
Whatever the Name, It’s a Useful Finding
After a certain amount of time and study, we can all become a little complacent about our knowledge base. I know I’m guilty of this. So when an unfamiliar technology, gemstone or word is used in the context of the … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design
Tagged carabiners, necklace extender
Stepping Out of Your Niche to Achieve Your Design Objectives
When I ran the gallery, I represented artists who worked in a variety of mediums, precious metals and gemstones, aluminum, resin, even one who produced really striking jewelry using the pages of comic books. For every one artist I represented … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design
Tagged art jewelry, jewelry design, metelsmiths, pearls, pendants
Stimulating Color and Design Ideas
We all get stuck occasionally. We’ll buy gemstones because they’re beautiful but once we get them home, we’ll look at them and ask ourselves: “Now what?” We can always wait for an idea or an inspiration. But in today’s economy, … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design
Tagged color, color scheme designer, gemstone colors
Verdura: Adornment and Achievement
One of the most important jewelry designers of the 20th century was Italian born Fulco di Verdura or more accurately, Fulco Santostefano della Cerda, Duke of Verdura. Verdura was born in 1896 to Sicilian aristocracy in Palermo, Italy and according … Continue reading
Looking at Other Work
Jewelry designer, Emily Maynard, is receiving attention for her “transformation of flea market beads into eye-catching earrings or reinvigorating an estate sale necklace with a blingy brooch turned pendent.” Recycled jewelry does have some cache, but the use of a … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design, Manufacturing Tips
Tagged beaded jewelry, beads, clasp, crimps, Emily Maynard
Clasps Important Manufacturing and Design Element
An article from a beading magazine this morning focused on the importance of clasp in bracelet manufacture. While the author did remind readers that a sturdy, well-made clasp is far preferable to its opposite and provided some tips on what … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design
Tagged ball clasps, beads, clasps, fishhooks
Lots of Pearls, No Kokoshniki
By the end of the year, jewelry lovers will be treated to two period pieces which rely upon sumptuous jewelry for atmosphere and detail. The first is a remake of “The Great Gatsby” which will feature designs by Tiffany. If … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design, Jewelry History, Pearls
Tagged Anna Karenina, kokoshniki, pearls, re-make, Tolstoy
Promoting Tutti Frutti: Jewelry Collector Daisy Fellowes
A new book from Sotheby’s jewelry experts “Celebrating Jewellery: Exceptional Jewels of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries” features a ring owed by Daisy Fellowes, a name I didn’t recognize. Turns out Daisy Fellowes was a French heiress who as a … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design, Jewelry History
Tagged Cartier, Daisy Fellowes, fruit salad, shocking pink, tutti frutti
A Critical View of Design Shows
Design shows are wonderful sources of inspiration for anyone creating art, including jewelry. They feature established artists exploring new mediums, emerging artists, and, of course, new and unusual designs. Design shows should not, however, be viewed uncritically. Here is one … Continue reading
Posted in Jewelry Design
Tagged design shows, good design, materials vs design