There are so many changes in the jewelry industry right now, many changes for the better! Diamonds have long been the centerpiece, at least in the USA, of the "luxury" and Jewelry world, and also the most attention-getting part of some of the worst news about the industry. When the film "Blood Diamond" came out, [...]
It was an international gathering of pioneers and initiatives of all scales and covering not only "sourcing" but the big picture at the First Annual Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference! Grateful to Susan Wheeler for the idea and successful creation of this incredible conference in such a great city, attracting many regional participants from surrounding states. [...]
The Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference First annual: October 12-13, 2017 The Chicago Responsible Jewelry conference features panels and speakers on topics relevant to current world and jewelry industry concerns. Discussions and panels will include, artisanal mining's effects on communities and the environment, the future of man-made diamonds, how to buy and sell responsible jewelry, ethical [...]
Another well cut, elegantly proportioned Fairtrade gem from my favorite colored stone provider Columbia Gem House. The cut was first developed by the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam, and much like round brilliants, the cut maximizes scintillation. Skillfully set in a tapered bezel, the nearly 3 ct amethyst hovers on a simple organically textured band. As always, [...]
Hot off the bench this week: this customer's superb color Tanzanite was updated into her preferred contemporary style bezel ring while recycling the original setting. A custom hand-fabricated ring was made of 100% reclaimed/refined 18k gold with the orientation of the oval set across the finger:
Hot off the press, Cynthia Unninayar has published the latest Eco Trends in Jewelry and how and where they are worn! More and more attention is landing on designers and makers to source materials responsibly and this is our main goal as Ethical Metalsmiths. My reclaimed 18k gold Radiant Cufflinks with Diamond Foundry cultured diamonds [...]
For a couple of "grown-ups" getting married, simplicity is the order of the day. Set against a lovely champagne dress, the brilliant white rings sparkle with a few Australian diamonds nestled into a textured curvy band. Congratulations to this happy couple, and thank you Jolyne Harris Photography for such an elegant shoot!
For those who prefer dramatic statement earrings, these new Pure Flight earrings swing 2.75 inches full length, yet are casual enough for dressing up your jeans!
Repurposing old unwanted or damaged jewelry is a fun way of recycling! Jewelry materials are usually valuable so nothing goes to waste, and then there's a NEW piece reborn from the old. This ring is made from 18k gold scrap and a re-cut lapis lazuli cabochon, in a setting referencing Early Renaissance Jewelry.
These earrings were a larger project than they appear: Simple sterling droplet shapes appear to be "sprinkled" with the client's mine-cut tiny diamonds, yet every stone was an asymmetrical shape and each had to be custom fit and set securely into the silver. The result is a lovely subtle glittery twinkle like stars in the night [...]
