VISITING THE CARROTBOX

Happy weekend everybody!

I was browsing through my website analytics the other day (a handy and very important feature that I use sparingly/almost never), and noticed something interesting. Some of my traffic had been directed by a website that I recognized immediately - http://www.thecarrotbox.com - a recommendation from a professor many moons ago.

It is a shop that specializes in rings specifically made from alternative materials. The owner is allergic to metals, and so she scours the internet to source the most interesting and beautiful, non-metallic pieces in wood, lucite, jade, resin, and you get the idea.

She also posts regularly on her blog, showcasing rings from makers the world over. These features are not limited to alternative materials, but include any and all fabulous wearable rings in all different styles. Anyways, one of my rings was featured here - so yay!

Go check out the blog, there is SO MUCH INSPIRATION and SO MANY RINGS! She's been blogging since 2003, so you definitely have some catching up to do. Have fun!

xx sash

 

 

Burn baby burn!

So I dropped some very very hot wax on my arm the other day. It is not a big deal in the grand scheme of potential-goldsmith-injuries, but it is a bit of an eyesore:

 ouch!

So what is a goldsmith to do? Cover it up with jewellery of course! Big and bold bracelets are the perfect disguise, and here is the proof:

(L-R) Arrowhead bracelet in sterling, Archerade by Sasha Oda

Open studded cuff in sterling, Jewelust by Amanda Henderson

Twig cuff in sterling and gold plate, Pash by Gillian Batcher

Wrap bracelet in sterling, Tete Designs by Fatima Tataragic

If delicate is more your thing, we also have a great selection of dainty bracelets that are beautiful and intricate distractions from any offensive scar tissue:)

(T-B) Plain and hammered bangles in sterling, HP Lafaurie Jewelry Design by Helena Lafaurie

Paisley links and cherry blossom bracelets in sterling, Koko Bijoux by Young Kyoung Ko

Lotus charm bracelet with sapphires in sterling, Ellolite by Chia-Chien Tsai

Open shapes bracelet with moonstone beads in sterling, Glaciale by Alexis Kostuk

 

 

Obviously you can arm yourself even if uninjured, so come on by today and try on some bracelets!

We are open until 6pm tonight, you can help me put some aloe on my burn.

~sash

Craigslist surprise

Hi guys!

This is my story about an interesting incident that happened last week, during my search for the perfect display case. (The display case is a story unto itself, so if you want to know more about that just let me know.)

I have been obsessively searching through Craigslist and Kijiji, because I am/was on the hunt for a display cabinet, a showcase for my jewellery, that can travel with me to sales/shows/events. My search words were exactly this: "jewellery display cabinet". Scrolling down, my eyes were suddenly transfixed by this image:

I was so perplexed to see this pendant 'for sale' on Craigslist, that I stared blankly at the screen for a silly amount of time. It is a necklace that I made in my last year of the Jewellery Arts program at George Brown, that was subsequently displayed during our grad show event. But to see this piece completely out of context, after years of being apart, was a bit of a surprise. And then I realized that it was an ad for Jewel Envy, using a provided-by-me image no less, and then I was no longer surprised.

I am telling you this because it was a good moment; to reflect on past work, and to realize that although my style has evolved, the backbone of my goldsmithing esthetic has stayed true. I am still very happy with this design, and the same cannot always be said about my other creations (my self-critic has a loud voice!) But in the end my design professor knew her stuff - with the right amount (usually a HUGE amount) of ideation, development, and refinement, you will be able to create a piece that will stand the test of time. Lesson learned, again!

So back to the sketchbook I go, and I will leave you with a proper image of the above piece:

Burst pendant - sterling silver with 14k yellow gold accent

custom-cut sujilite cabochon

sterling silver rolo chain

Happy designing y'all!

~sash

Up close and personal

Jewellery photography is a tricky and time-consuming endeavour that makes me curse and grit my teeth and shake my fist at the heavens. Despite all my best efforts, every image seems to be slightly off, be it the focus, or the colour, or the weirdo reflections.

 Recently I decided to cut my losses and purchase a macro lens. I haven't had a chance to really test it out, but today I took some practice shots. I didn't use a lightbox or proper lights, just a white piece of paper, a tripod, and an ordinary desk lamp.

What do you think?

 

Rose stud earrings by Amanda Henderson (Jewelust)

 Textured earrings with sapphires and aquamarines by Ellen Tsai (Ellolite)

 Africa pendant with emerald by Hyewon Jang (H Jewelry)

Art deco pendant with marcasites by Lauren Hanham (Lauren Hanham Jewellery Designs)

Five-band ring by Sasha Oda (Archerade)

So far so amazing, right!? The detail in the close-ups is great, and getting the pieces in focus was a breeze. This might not be as exciting for you, but if you knew the hours I have spent trying to get just half-way decent images... well you'd probably feel sorry for me, but then you'd start feeling the excitement too. Excitement for the future of my jewellery photography yay!

~sash

Custom work

Hello friends!

I know that the temperature has only begun its descent down the thermometer, but just a reminder that the holiday season is not that far off. Yikes!

If you've ever considered having jewellery custom-made for you, or for a loved one, now is a great time to get started. No time like the present, for getting presents haha! We love working one-on-one with you to create something special and unique; whatever your vision, we can help you make it a reality.

 

Made by Sasha Oda of Archerade, these gold stacking rings were designed for a very special friend. They were made using the gold and diamonds from sentimental jewellery, accumulated over a lifetime of birthdays and graduations. It was a wonderful way to incorporate special treasures into new pieces, instead of keeping them locked away in a jewellery box somewhere.

Of course, you don't need to use old pieces to make something new. All you need is an idea, and we can take care of the rest!

Stop by the studio, or call to make an appointment. 

See you soon!

~sash

Archerade Spotlight!

 

Just wanted to shine a little sun on Sasha Oda and her company, Archerade.

 

She has been a resident goldsmith here at Jewel Envy for about 2 years now.

 

Take a look at some of the pieces she has on display here at the studio.

 

 



Arrowhead Bracelet in sterling silver

GoGo Ring in sterling silver 

Hoodie Earrings in sterling silver with turquoise 

Snake Wrap Ring in sterling silver with rubies

 

 

Come visit us at the studio to check out the rest of her pieces!