Timeless Designs Eclectic Stone Wire Jewelry

Tucson Day 3 & 4 In Review

2012-02-10T14:53:00.000-06:00

Tucson again showed me the diversity of what is available to purchase throughout the city. The many shows range from wholesale bead shows (some retail and open to the public), to setups along the streets.

On day 3 I sepnt a lot of time shopping the wholesale bead shows such as Gem Mall , Lucky Gems, and JOGS, ending the day with a journey down to the mineral show at the Hotel Tucson on St. Mary's -- this is an awsome show and one that should be added to you list of 'must see shows'. Here I was able to pick up raw chunks (they were unloading from the mining barrels, how cool is that!) of some really great aquamarine with mica and assorted other minerals from vendors (I know, pictures, pictures, pictures, but I was so tired food was first on my mind -- next year). I wish I had more time to really shop and browse the entire show and next year I will make a point to put this one on my list as an entire day to shop and browse.

On day 4, the journey took me back to a mix of outdoor shows, some along the streets of Speedway, Park St., and then back to Electric Park show. Here are a few pictures from Electric Park show.

Massive rocks & minerals on display at the Electric Park Show

Fun with rocks, this is a fish and they have added an old miners cart to the end.

Tucson Experience Day 1 & 2

2012-02-04T09:33:00.000-06:00

Tucson is the ultimate in shopping experience for lapidary, geology, minerals, fossils, and much more. Follow along as we post about the shows, our experiences, the ups & downs, and just in general everything Gem & Mineral Show. Arrived bright and early and off to a fast start, we saw plenty of minerals; amethyst, citrine, black amethyst, celestite, agate, jasper, and much more. Day 2 brought on much more and some of the displays and exhibits are just stunning. Here is just a little of what we saw for the past few days.....

Huge Amethyst Drusy display -- Pueblo Show

Beautiful agate bookends with druzy in the centers - Wholesale show

Amethyst cathedral with a scene taking place - Street Vendors along I10

Stunning Florite from Mexico - Globe X/Days Inn Show

Huge croniod fossil plates - street vendors

Massive petrified wood sphere - street vendors

Raw calacite - Globe X/Days Inn show

Street Vendor - Globe X/Days Inn

We continue our adventure and hunting treasures around Tucson.........

Unusual Mix of Kyanite & Ruby

2012-01-27T17:17:00.000-06:00

I have a new find (at least for me) that I have never come across before. I found this new find recently during a rock show hunt. The mix is unusual of natural stones, ruby in kyanite. It is a beautiful contrast of color in the blue kyanite and the rose purple ruby.

I started to research the stone and find there is not much out there, but here is what I did find. It is an unusual find, not rare, but not often found either and it comes mostly from India. The combination of the two stones enhances the many qualities of the individual stones. In addition, ruby in kyanite helps in meditation and to balance the yin-yang energies.

Together Ruby in Kyanite is a power stone that will bring dreams into reality while releasing old patterns of our lives. It is said to have balance and protect against negativity and together the stones surround the person in peace, allowing you to manifest your heart's desire.

Whatever the mix, it is a lovely and beautiful treasure from nature; this sample that I have just sparkles in the sunlight. The small pieces I'll be wire wrapping alter on, so keep a watch out for the wired pendants to appear sometime in the future!

Tucson 2012 Kick-Off

2012-01-25T20:09:00.000-06:00

This weekend starts the kick-off of the biggest shopping in Tucson, Arizona from hundreds of vendors. One of my favorite locations I call the Street Vendor shows, this is where I have gotten some of the most unique and unusual items that I incorporate into my jewelry designs. I love to rummage through tons of barrels, boxes, tubs, and miles of tables.

The shows stretch for miles and miles as vendors take over the hotels, parking lots, and anything in-between; starting at Congress Street and running all the way down past Freeway Avenue. A person can find any type of vendor selling everything from beads, findings, silver, raw materials, lapidary, finished products, gemstones, clothes, bags, and so much more.

And best of all, most are open to the public, however check with vendors before purchase to make sure they don’t require a wholesale license.

Good Luck and happy hunting!

Hunting Rocks – Rockhoud Trip

2012-01-24T11:52:00.000-06:00

This past weekend we went to a small rock & mineral show just a few hours north of us. It was a great adventure digging through slabs, boxes, barrels, and seeing everything spread across all of tables.

As I wondered down the first aisle, I came to a vendor from Colorado that I've bought from before. He always has some breath taking raw slabs, but to my surprise, this time he had several that were small enough to wire wrap! I was so excited and spent about an hour there going through all the tubs full of slabs, finding just the right ones that gave me inspiration to wire wrap.

These new pieces will be wired into pendants, some will go into necklace sets and others will be set alone as single pendants to wear on cords, collars or chains.

The new slabs are raw and will be unique pendants that are left in their natural state for a more beautiful look. I look forward to wire wrapping these slabs and then designing with some of them.

Being somewhat of irregular shapes, wire wrapping them will be somewhat of a challenge. The slabs are a mix of several agates, a couple of jaspers, chevron amethyst, ruby in kyanite from India, tiger iron, and a piece of laguna agate from Mexico.

Once I get them wired and into some necklace set, I'll feature them here on the blog, so check back often --- just never know what you might find here!

Just Around the Corner – Tucson 2012

2012-01-21T19:44:00.000-06:00

It is just around the corner when thousands of people descend into Tucson, Arizona for the big Mineral, Fossil, Rock, & Gem shows. It is the biggest event to be held here in the United States in this quaint little town, where thousand of people, hundred of shows and millions of tons of rocks, minerals, fossils and everything in-between can be found.

Up for site will be the latest and greatest the jewelry, lapidary and beading industry has to offer. Hundreds of shows with vendors from all over the world bring their beads, findings, minerals, rocks, slabs, equipment, jewelry, and much much more. It’s the event that sets the stage for the coming year in ‘what’s hot and what’s the trend’ all across the jewelry, lapidary and fossil industry.

Tucson is much more than shows; it’s about the land of opportunity too. Connecting and networking with vendors, miners, artists, instructors, industry professionals; hearing what they have to say and bring it into your own business for success. Listed below are some of the bigger shows among the many at Tucson.

JOGS Gem & Jewelry Show, the largest and most popular independent jewelry trade show in the Tucson, Arizona area. Wholesale jewelry manufacturers, miners and international dealers gather at the Tucson Expo Center, the site of the JOGS show, every February. Buyer attendance is said to exceed 27,000 composing over 4,000 jewelry firms. Visit the site for more details and registration; note that this show is a wholesale only show, but check at the show for a guest pass.

Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers Inc (G&LW) hosts two different shows in the Tucson area. Gem Mall and right down the street the Holiday Inn & Holidome Pavilion. Both are excellent shows and provide a wide range of jewelry industry (finished and raw) vendors. Visit the site for more details and registration; note that these shows are wholesale only and not open to the public.

22^nd Street Show, at the corner of I-10 and 22^nd Street is a new show (only in its 2^nd year) that is fast becoming a well known show for fossils, minerals and rocks. Visit the website for more information, this is both a wholesale and public show.

The Rock Show (formally the Tucson Electric Park RV Gem Show), is where you’ll find all kinds of hidden treasures in minerals, gems and some jewelry. Dealers and miners alike bring in huge flatbeds with large saws to cut slabs and all kinds of lapidary material. This show is open to the public, check with dealers for wholesale pricing. Visit their site for more information and a show map.

Tucson Electric Park Gem Show; browse around huge tents, dig through boxes, bins, barrels, tables, and more. This show is open to the public, check with dealers for wholesale pricing. Visit their site for more information and a listing of vendors.

AGTA, American Gem Trade Association is one of the main shows. It is primarily high-end loose colored gemstones and pearls, with finished jewelry; designer jewelry section; colored diamond and estate jewelry pavilions. This is a wholesale only show and not open to the public, you must register with AGTA to attend.

Want to know more about shows, vendors, times, places and locations, check with the Jewelry Show Guide’s website for more information.

Rockhounds Dream – Biggest Small Town Show

2012-01-19T10:54:00.017-06:00

Rockhounds, collectors and anyone interested in lapidary and more flock every year to the “Biggest Small Town Show” to find their newest treasures. In a little western town just 20 miles east of the Colorado River on I-10 is home to the town of a rock hounds paradise since the 1960's, Quartzisite, Arizona. Every year it is home to the biggest small town show reaping more than a million visitors is the Quartzsite show. About 2,000 vendors ranging from rocks, gems, minerals, fossils and everything in-between create one of the world’s largest open air flea markets in little Quartzsite, Arizona. The paradise gives way to many treasures if you are willing to dig and claw your way through tons of boxes, barrels, tubs, tables, and even trucks. There are eight major gem and mineral shows as well as vendors of raw and handcrafted merchandise selling to customers from all walks of life.

A little history on Quartziste, it was settled in 1856 when Charles Tyson built a fort to protect his water supply from attacks by Native Americas. Fort Tyson soon became a stopover on the Ehrenhurg-to-Prescott stagecoach route. It had become known as Tyson’s Wells by the time the stage stopped running and the town then became abandoned.

A small mining boom revitalized the town as Quartzsite in 1897 and it remained until 1965, when the Pow Wow Rock, Gem & Mineral Show began the rockhound winter fever migrations to Quartzsite each year. In these more modern days, the population can swell to almost a million during the January and February rockhound extravaganza.

Here is a list of 2012 Calendar of Events

January 01 - February 28, 2012 Desert Gardens -Gem & Mineral Show

January 06 - January 15, 2012 Tyson Wells Rock & Gem Show
January 07 - January 22, 2012 Main Event
January 20 - January 29, 2012 Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama
January 21 - January 29, 2012 Sports, Vacation & RV Show
February 1 -February 5. 2012 Hobby Craft &Gem Show
February 3 - February 12, 2012 Tyson Wells Arts & Craft Fair
February 4 - February 5, 2012 Rock & Roll Car Show

Bead Show Shopping Suggestions

2012-01-18T17:01:00.000-06:00

It's almost that time of year again when everyone starts looking at for their favorite bead shows. You look at inventory and what you might possibly be making this year and then you start making a list, checking it two or three times, or more, and cross check it with your current inventory and future needs and of course the dreaded budget. Ok, maybe not everyone is as detail oriented as me. So, how does one try to keep their budget under control. I know it’s hard to resist buying from all the national and international vendors that bring direct to you their beads, findings, pendants, wire, tools, and even finished products. So ask yourself what to do, how to be a smart shopper and avoid the ‘impulse buys’ by getting prepared.

Here is list of a few suggestions that I follow for ever bead show I attend....ok, so not everyone is as detailed as me!

1) So when will bead shows be in your area? Check the sites of your favorite venders, they will often list what shows they will be attending through-out the year. Also, you might check with your local bead and lapidary shops for additional shows in your area.

2) Set a budget as to what you will spend; this may be determined by stock you are out of and some left over for purchases of specialty items. This is where “impulse buying comes into play”.

3) Bring a couple of checks, plenty of cash and your credit cards just in case you run into someone who doesn’t take one or the other.

4) Be sure to bring a copy of your Tax ID certificate and plenty of business cards. Some shows are known as wholesale only and will require these items for entrance. If it is a public show, don’t be afraid to ask the vendors for a wholesale discount and provide both these items to them to get a discount. Note: When asking for discounts be prepared to purchase in large volumes in order to get a better deal. Many vendors are looknig for volume sales verses smaller purchase to give a buyer any type of discount.

5) Make a list of items you are out of; these will be the first things to look for at the show. If I know that I’ll be buying from previous vendors, I’ll group those items together on the list for ease.

6) I also make a list of items I am looking for and want; it could be stones or pendants I’ve seen online or a combination of colors in another design. This helps to keep the ‘impulse’ buying down by knowing what you are looking for and can afford.

7) Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bag or small rolling suitcase to load all your goodies into.

8) Include in your shopping bag several sizes of zip lock bags; as you find things that go together, put them in the little baggies, this makes it easy to determine why you purchased these little gems when you get home.

9) Paper and pen; I bring paper and pen to mark bead names if they are not already marked. This makes identifying much easier than guessing or having to go through the process to identify each unknown stone or pendant.

10) If you are looking to match a pendant, beads or color combination you already have; bring a few of these on a string or in a baggie to match-up at the bead show. This takes the guess work out of ‘thinking’ something matched and finding out later it wasn’t even close.

11) Bring baby wipes for easy cleanup; looking through tons of strands of beads and boxes of findings can get a little messy and dusty.

12) Look for suppliers whose ads you’ve seen for products you’re interested in. Bring the ad if possible and look for those products; this is the perfect place to handle these items before purchasing to determine if this is what you really wanted.

13) Take breaks and rest, get something to eat, drink plenty of fluids and take time to review your shopping list and bag; typically it takes an entire day to attend a bead show.

14) Last but not least; this takes willpower but walk the entire show first to see what is available, check out pricing and watch what others are buying. Many vendors have the same products and offer different discounts; look for the best quality and prices available. Make note as to vendors you want to return to for purchases of those goodies after you have finished walking the whole show.

15) Above all --- be a smart shopper and have fun!

Now start your shopping list, get going and Good Luck!

Fossilized Sea Creature - Crinoids

2012-01-14T13:08:00.000-06:00

Crinoids appeared in the oceans in the Early Ordovician Period, 480 million years ago, and thrived throughout the Palaeozoic Era. Thy are an unusually beautiful and graceful kind of sea animal and are among the most ancient and primitive of ocean invertebrates. The creature can resemble that of an underwater flower growing on thick stems with some parts that look and act like roots anchoring them to the ocean floor; sometimes they are called sea lilies. Other varieties have no stalks or root like parts and are commonly known as feather stars and move about on tiny hook like structures called cirri. Crinoids are echinoderms, with the flower part being the arms that catch its food; attaching themselves to the bottom of the sea floor or a rock or a piece of wood with the root-like hold fast.

Crinoids fossilize readily and so there is an abundance of them to be found, mostly stalk fragments, finding them as a whole creature is extremely rare and very uncommon. There are 2 reasons that they fossilize so easily; one, the ocean floor is a good environment for fossilization to occur; and two, their skeletons are made of calcareous plates. This is a hard rock like material. Almost all varieties of crinoids have been extinct since the end of the Triassic period, but a few species exist to this day, mostly in deep sea and there are more than 600 living species known to science.

Best of our Rock Yard - Fossils to Minerals to Rocks

2011-12-24T12:02:00.000-06:00

Old earth comes to life using fossils, minerals and raw rocks in our Rock Yard Collection. Pendants from featuring millions year old fossils such as ammonites, orthoceras, gonitatites, sand dollars, amethyst, and more. So here's our Best of the Year from our Rock Yard Collection.....see if your favorite or the one you purchased made the list!

Our Rock Yard Collection is artisan crafted of designs that are classy, elegant, funky, and chic in necklaces sets and pendants in both single and sets. These designs feature free form wire work and wire working techniques. Here's the Best of 2011 from the Rock Yard Collection.....

Black ammonite fossils in matching pendant & earrings (to the right). Baby white ammonite fossil pendant (to the left) is the highlight of a black themed set.

Madagascar sand dollars featured in necklace set (to the right) or wear single with earrings (to the left).

Old gonitate fossil that has soft earthy colors paired with glass or freshwater cultured pearls and natural stones.

Red fire ammonite pendants that shimmer (to the right) or natural ammonite (to the left) that have lovely soft colors.

Moroccan orthoceras fossils in black and white (to the left) hung as the focal to charms; but also in shades of olive and black (to the right) with natural stone and ceramic beads.

Stay tuned for the more of our 'Best of the Year' from each collection!

Best of our Wiry Legends Collection

2011-12-22T20:43:00.000-06:00

All about the wire, metal, chain, wraps, cages, and everything in-between is our Wiry Legends Collection. The techniques used create bold and funky statements mixed with an array of natural stones, crystals and glass are much sought jewelry among our customers. These designs are a mix of different pendants wrapped and wired of minerals and fossils that collide with chains or hand forged links, wraps and cages. So here's our Best of the Year from our Wiry Legends Collection.....see if your favorite or the one you purchased made the list!

Our Wiry Legends Collection are funky, sassy and bold jewelry designs from necklaces to pendants to bracelets and earrings. The majority of these designs feature wire work and metal and wire working techniques. Here's the Best of 2011 from the Mystic Artisan Collection.....

Back by popular demand is our single pendant, wire wrapped agates and hand bailed stone pendants. To take some of them up a notch, we added in earrings for a complete set. (Single amethyst chunk pendant to the right; agate slice & earrings to the left)

In this necklace (to the left) I've coiled and wired several of the hand-painted faceted agate stones with hand twisted coils as accents; the rest of the necklace is cultured freshwater pearls and crystals. I added the same to the earrings for dangles.

A stunning chunk of amethyst hand wire wrapped as a focal pendant in this necklace (to the right); finished with wire accented turquoise coins and carved red star jasper.

An unusal stone from Brazil is the Oco agate slice, (to the left) cut from a geode these beautiful pendants are all hand wire wrapped; this one is featured with cultured freshwater pearls, crystals and peach aventurine.

Another agate slice (to the right) all natural colored and hand wire wrapped; set with faceted crystals and navy blue faceted cracked agate.

Stay tuned for the more of our 'Best of the Year' from each collection!

More from the List - Mystic Artisan

2011-12-21T08:16:00.000-06:00

One of our most sought after collections is the Mystic Artisan Collection. The mix and mingle of stones, pearls and crystals into elegant and classy designs is everyone's favorite. This is our biggest collection, so the competition was difficult to choice just a few 'best of the year'. So here's our Best of the Year from our Mystic Artisan Collection.....see if your favorite or the one you purchased made the list!

Our Mystic Artisan Collection are classic and high-end elegant styles. The majority of the stones used in this collection are crystals, dichroic glass, cloisonne beads, pearls, agates, jaspers, and more. The natural stones are combined with different metals and other natural stones. Here's the Best of 2011 from the Mystic Artisan Collection.....

Bracelets (to the left) made an appearance this year in our jewelry collections, the style is sleek and full of bling with a twist of wire sculpture. This one features my favorite color blue; all faceted crystal, cloisonne beads and hand twisted coils to finished the ends.

Bold tiger stripes in dichroic glass pendant and earrings (to the right) is featured of this necklace; soft colored lampwork coin beads and lots of crystal and cultured freshwater pearls complete this set lovely set.

A set of classy and sassy earrings (to the left) with a murano glass pendant at the center and lots of swarvoski crystals charmed above.

Full of spring and summer (to the right), the feature is a lovely ceramic pendant done with hand painted flowers; the strands are all faceted crystals in complimenting colors.

This set features a big doughnut pendant (to the left) in chalcedony blue and the bail is hand wire wrapped; the strands are all faceted onyx with a mix of lampwork and borosilicate beads.

Stay tuned for more of our 'Best of the Year' from each collection!

So Did Yours Make The List - Southwest Designs

2011-12-19T14:08:00.001-06:00

Well...it's that time of year when I do a 'replay' and 'revisit' my favorite designs from the year. There were plenty this year and it's been really tough to determine which one to put as the Best of the Year. We'll start with the Southwest Flair Collection.....see if your favorite or the one you purchased made the list!

Our Southwest Flair Collection is a twisted mix of classic and modern styles. The majority of the stones used in this collection are turquoise, spiny oyster, coral, magnesite, jasper, agate, and onyx. The natural stones are combined with different metals, glass and crystals, lampwork and dichroic glass.

Here's the Best of 2011 from the Southwest Flair Collection.....

This design (to the right) features a nice silver textured pendant, turquoise barrels, Arizona ivoryite, and a touch of faceted crystals.

This design (to the left) was a dip into a one-solid color theme featuring a nice ax shaped sponge coral pendant, red (dyed) coral disks, lampwork and cloisonne beads with long chain extenders.

In this design (to the right) we combined several techniques, wire work and charming. At the center drop is a beautiful turquoise doughnut pendant and tons of charms in faceted crystals and cultured freshwater pearls. A couple of lampwork beads on the ends and everything is strung onto a braided leather cord.

Earrings (to the left) were not to be forgotten and this pair is all about the dangle and charms of faceted crystals!

This is a custom order (to the right) for a customer that loves turquoise and I added in copper colored cultured freshwater pearls and copper metals. The set included a bracelet that was sized to the customer's wrist.

Stay tuned for the rest of our 'Best of the Year' from each collection!

Metallic Tech Geek Element

2011-12-02T10:23:00.000-06:00

It looks to be like a metallic tech geek something or other; but really it's Bismuth. Bismuth; a cool, geek/tech, metallic, and strange, usually lab created element that is grown in all kinds of odd shapes and reflect very different metallic colors. This is a new find for me and one that is just striking and a very eclectic addition to our Fossil-Mineral-Rock Collection.

These are very heavy and fragile eggs in a purified form of bismuth, artificially grown and lab created. The crystals grow at a very rapid pace forming very unusual and interesting shapes. The colors are natural and form from an iridescent tarnish that shows many refractive colors upon exposure to air. The edges of the crystals are fully developed, but the interior spaces are hollowed, which causes the step lattice formation. Because of their rapid rate of growth and brilliant colors, no two are ever exactly alike.

Here's a little about Bismuth......Bismuth is very interesting and unusual, it is a metallic chemical element which is classified among the group of elements colloquially known as 'poor elements' in the periodic table. The element has a number of uses, making it common in industrial applications. In addition to occurring in various minerals, bismuth also can be found in pure form in nature, though very rarely.

When it is pure, bismuth is white with a reddish tinge, and sometimes almost pink. It is a crystalline chemical structure which makes it extremely brittle, and it is rather unique among the elements for having a liquid state which is more dense than its solid state; water shares this interesting property. On the periodic table of elements, bismuth is identified as Bi, and has an atomic number of 83.

Bismuth, the name for the element comes from the German Wismuth, which means derived from webe Masse, which means “white mass”. The element was known in the ancient world, although it was sometimes confused with tin and lead. By the 1400s, people had begun to suspect that bismuth was a distinct chemical element, but it was not isolated until 1753; Claud Groffroy is typically given credit for the identification of bismuth as an element.

Browse our Timeless Designs shop at Ruby Lane to see and purchase these latest beauties!

Shop Small Business Saturday - Nov. 26th!

2011-11-23T15:54:00.003-06:00

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with Timeless Designs!

This Saturday, November 26th, is a big day for all small businesses. It's the second annual Small Business Saturday®, when people across the country come out and shop to support their favorite local businesses.

For this BIG event, Timeless Designs has marked down select items 10%-30% off regular prices! Get a jump on your holiday shopping and support small business this Saturday, November 26th.

Visit Timeless Designs online shop to see our selection of collector fossils, minerals & rocks and our always popular custom artisan jewelry.

Carved Gemstone Bears

2011-11-15T13:41:00.009-06:00

Carved from gemstones of the world and these are from Madagascar. They are just a few of the new items in collectable fossils, minerals and rocks that we will be carrying. They have a high glossy polish and feature some of the world's finished gemstones. They are all very lovely and a great addition to any collection.

Ocean Jasper Bear (to the right) – beautiful colors and several spots where some have formed crystallized; even the 'eye' appears to be crystallized.

Labradorite Bear (to the left) – very striking and stunning gemstone, this is some of the best labradorite I've seen in a long time.

Blue Calcite Bear (to the right) – shades of blue and the polish brings out all the shades and depths of color.

Visit our online store, Timeless Designs at Ruby Lane for a selection of minerals, fossils and rocks!

Amethyst, The Purple Beauty

2011-11-14T20:40:00.000-06:00

A variety of vitreous quartz with purple, violet, or red-purple coloration, amethyst derives its name from the ancient Greek amethustos, meaning literally “not drunk” as if was believed to guard against drunkenness. Traditionally associated with purity and piety; amethyst has also always been favored by royalty as purple is considered a regal hue.

Found in most countries where granite rocks are exposed, amethyst occurs in alluvial deposits and geodes. Its coloration is principally due to traces of iron, and it is sometimes color-zoned due to twining or preferential absorption on the rhombehedral faces. Major commercial sources of amethyst are Brazil, where it occurs in geodes that are frequently human-sized; deep purple colors are found in Uruguay, and also Siberia and North America. Crystals from Brazilian and Uruguayan deposits are most often found as radiating masses, with individual crystals appearing as pyramids. Lower grade Brazilian and Uruguayan amethyst is frequently turned into citrine by heat treatment, which changes its color. Where both amethyst and citrine occur naturally in the same stone, the name ametrine is sometimes used.

Traditionally amethyst has along history as a gemstone. In the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, amethyst was highly valued and was used to create cylinder seals, engraved with a religious design and the owner's name. The engraving was transferred to legal documents in the form of clay tablets by rolling the cylinder over the tablets. The ancient Egyptians also valued amethyst, using it in much of their jewelry. Egyptian amethyst came principally from Nubia, once a province of Egypt.

In modern times, amethyst is both faceted and cut and it has a widespread use as a carving material. Its most valued shades are a deep, rich purple, and a deep purple with a reddish tinge.

Visit Timeless Designs online store to browse among jewelry designs featuring amethyst stones, raw wire wrapped pendants and amethyst collectibles.

32nd Annual Christmas Showcase - San Antonio

2011-11-13T11:33:00.000-06:00

Get a jump start on your holiday gift giving and shopping.....

32^nd Annual Christmas Showcase

Freeman Coliseum – San Antonio, TX

Saturday, November 19 - Sunday, November 20

Hours: Sat - 9am-5pm & Sun – 10am-5pm

The booth is located in the Coliseum, main floor under the alcove!

Avoid the lines and traffic at the malls; come join us for the last "BIG" show of the season!!

We will have all new selections featuring.....

Raw Collectables Fossils, Minerals & Rocks

Southwest Flair; classic and modern styles in turquoise, coral, magnesite, and onyx

Mystic Artisan; high-end elegance in agate, jasper, pearl, dichroic glass, Swarovski crystal, and more

Wiry Legend; funky wire techniques in links, swirls, wraps, cages, and use of other metals

Rock Yard; old earth comes to life using fossils, minerals and raw rocks

Pendant Sets & Single featuring wire work

Year End Close-out Holiday Sale Items

........and so much more!

So grab your list, put on some comfy walking shoes and join the holiday shopping festivities with hundreds of booths to shop from featuring some of Texas's most talented artists!

Hand Wire Wrapped Sand Dollar Designs

2011-10-31T17:02:00.000-05:00

This past summer the mineral company I work with came across another new fossil, the sand dollar or Holectypus Echinoid and these little beauties come from Majunga Basin, Madagascar. They challenged me to wire wrap this dome shape fossil into a pendant. At first it was a little more than complicated, but after trying and working through different techniques, I was able to get it locked into place and wired as a pendant. Since then I've done several different designs (see past posts) with them as a focal, however they have since become very rare to find and the reason, the Madagascar government has put a restriction on the Holectypus Echinoid, Sand Dollar fossil.

The few I have left are quickly being bought up as the designs are listed at our online shop.

The pendant set features the sand dollar fossil wired in copper non-tarnish wire and can be removed from the ribbon cord and worn on other chains, collars or cords.

I included a light-weight pair of swing long dangle earrings in tiny triple hoops with glass orange and yellow lined seed beads for accents.

The necklace is a premier piece, the focal is the sand dollar fossil wire wrapped in antique copper non-tarnish wire.

I've accented it with large fancy copper beads, marbled rondelle disks of yellow calicate and faceted dark purple amethyst rondelles that are capped in fancy copper bead caps.

For a clasp I chose a large half twisted copper t-bar toggle and matching earrings in dangle hoops using the same stones as the necklace.

For more custom artisan jewelry, visit Timeless Designs online at Ruby Lane!

Spicy Shades of Red Sponge Coral

2011-10-25T11:51:00.001-05:00

From time to time we design necklaces with just one color theme and in this case the center focal determined that red would be the color!

The necklace features lovely and beautiful matching murano glass puffy hearts; a large pendant and smaller sized earrings. The colors are vivid mixes of marbled red, orange and gold set on a white background.

The pendants have been paired with sevearl different rondelle faceted crystals of light and medium autumn colors. For a blend of natural stone, orange (dyed) magnesite disks and we chose red sponge coral in a fat disk shape for contrast and two sizes of daisy gold spacers to finish off the necklace. It also has a chain extender for wearing at short or long lengths; depending on your own style.

The matching earrings feature the same murano glass pendants in hearts and tons of hand twisted charmed crystals. This is a lovely necklace set that can be worn really any time of year! It is full of bling and hot red colors for a bold and chic look!

Check out our latest designs for the fall and winter seasons!

You can browse around through custom artisan jewelry; all hand-crafted with natural stones, real fossils and minerals, different metals, crystals, glass, and much more!

New Designs of Sparkle For Your Ears

2011-10-21T15:54:00.000-05:00

For the holidays we've been creating some new earrings in long designs, as requested by our many customers! Some are full of crystals with tons of sparkle and bling in hoop dangles...while others are long light-weight tiny triple or double hoop dangles with dagger charms and glass bead accents.

Check out our selection of artisan crafted designs at our online Timeless Designs shop!

Browse among hues of champagne, black, silver, golden, green, pink, black, and many other hues and shades of color.

Wired Agate Pendant Sets

2011-10-17T12:08:00.000-05:00

Pendants are again coming back into style this season, many like either just the single pendant to wear with their own earrings and accessories; while others prefer to have a complete set with pendant and matching earrings. We've done just that, some of pendants have now been matched up with different earring designs, mostly in long dangle styles featuring tiny hoops and glass seed beads & pendants. Here's a look at just a few of our pendant sets.....

Autumn Wonder in Brazilian Agate slice hand wire wrapped in brass non-tarnish wire; the light clear to beige-orange colors are earthy and soft for any outfit. Matching earrings are in tiny double hoops with complimenting colored seed beads and honey colored faceted pendant. Pendant comes on the beige silk cord.

Clear blue season in another Brazilian Agate slice hand wire wrapped in silver non-tarnish wire; this one pendant shows more of the clear with just a few streaks of blue running along the side. Matching earrings are in tiny double hoops with glass seed beads and dagger shaped pendant. Pendant comes on the blue ribbon cord.

Beauty in Brazilian Oco Agate slice hand wire wrapped in silver & brass non-tarnish wire for a two-tone look. The pendant has soft delicate features and colors of tan, rust, white, and hints of blue. The matching earrings are tiny triple hoops with two coordinating soft colored glass seed beads. Pendant comes on the beige silk cord.

For these and many other pendants in both sets and singles, visit our online store to browse and shop!

Dramatic & Sparkling Autumn Sundial Design

2011-10-13T14:52:00.000-05:00

Fashion and jewelry in Autumn are all about the soft earthy colors; rust, cream, brown, olive, with layers of deep rich reds, crimson, forest greens, golds and black. With the upcoming holidays bring with it many parties, the look of sparkle and elegance is all the rage. This new piece has all that and more with a lot of sparkle. This latest custom jewelry design is no exception......we started with a ceramic pendant, which looks somewhat like a sundial; the warm caramel color is a perfect match to the faceted brilliance of crystals in rich cranberry and golden topaz.

We finished it with a chain extender for wearing at different lengths; the earring are just beautiful in swing style hoops with lots of crystal hand twisted charms.

Visit our online store, TimelessDesigns at Ruby Lane to browse and shop our uniquely artisan crafted jewelry!

The Hues of Lapis Lazuli

2011-10-03T19:21:00.000-05:00

Lapis Lazuli is a rock, a contact metamorphoses limestone that contains lazurite. It also is known to contain pyrite, the added sparkle of golden-yellow and white flakes of calcite. Other trace minerals can include hauuyne, sodalite, diopside, feldspar, mica, apatite, and zircon just to name a few. The stone was once powdered and mixed with oil to produce the pigment ultramarine(literally, 'beyond the sea'), which is seen in the beautiful blues of Renaissance paintings. Lapis is Latin for “stone”. The names of both lazulie and lazurite are derived from the Persian word Lazbuward and Latin word Lazulum, meaning “blue” or “heaven”. The lapis lazuli name, often shorted to lapis, is sometimes mistakenly used for the mineral lazurite.

The ancient Egyptians used it extensively in religious ceremonies, and lapis items were found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. It was a popular stone in Mesopotamia, Persia, and the ancient city of Ur, which had a large trade in lapis lazuli. The Greeks and Romans used it as a reward for bravery. The ancients also employed it for inlaid work and for jewelry, amulets, and talismans.

The value of lapis lazuli is largely determined by the abundance and color of the dark intense blue lazurite. The colors range from greenish-blue to purple-blue. The flecks of gold pyrite and white calcite can often increase the value or, when too numerous or too large, decrease it.

This new design features deep blue lapis lazuli stones with flecks of pyrite, disks of natural kyanite, faceted crystals and at the center an old style metal cloisonne round pendant; the blue hues bring out the best in the lapis and kyanite.

Traditionally Lapis Lazuli Properties: Wisdom, intuition, awareness, objectivity, clarity, creativity, expanded consciousness, dreams, purity, courage, serenity.

Visit Timeless Designs online at Ruby Lane to discover your next royal treasure; hidden among our custom artisan jewelry collections!

Sassy Southwest Design for Fall

2011-09-17T18:50:00.000-05:00

This design in a little different and full of soft colors for the coming fall season. Featured is a lovely agate pendant; cut square with a nice polish on both sides. The pendant is lovely colored in soft shades of tan with white and splashes of dark purple.

I hand twisted several faceted rondelle crystals accent above the pendant and act as a bail; then I added in more faceted crystals in complimenting colors, golden rutilated quartz faceted hexagons and metal accents in gold tone pewter spacers.

A little southwest with a touch of brilliant bling in crystal; visit our Timeless Designs online store to browse and shop our custom designs!

Mixed Metals & Natural Stones

2011-09-16T18:02:00.000-05:00

This new designs features a mix of metals in techniques; at the center is a large brush antique brass metal pendant cut-out in geometric design with enamel gun-metal colors.

Accenting either side are two large hand wired double coils in gun-metal non-tarnish wire. Adding to the design for a contrast of color for fall, carved jade in soft olive from dark to light colors and exotic Arizona ivoryite.

Check out this and many other new designs featuring hand wire wrapped pendants and natural stone mixtures!

All custom designed artisan jewelry featuring some of nature's most brilliant and historic creations!

Earthy Fall Design in Morocco Fossil

2011-09-11T13:41:00.000-05:00

This new fall design features a beautiful and uniquely colored orthocreas fossil. Normally you see this fossil in black and white colors; however once in a while you get the rare slate with slight off coloring of olive or green and brown shades. This fossil comes from the fossilized squid found in Morocco.

Orthoceras are a famous and very large fossil deposit of animals that can be found in Morocco, North Africa. Ancestors to ammonites, Orthoceras are extinct sea creatures, and depending on what source you refer to, they date from the lower Ordovician to Triassic ages (500 to 190 million years ago).

As they died, their shells accumulated in great numbers on the sea floor where they were aligned by currents, buried by sediments, and transformed over the ages preserved in black limestone. Today, this prehistoric sea floor is ironically, found in the dramatic Atlas Mountain Range in southern Morocco at the northern fringe of the Sahara Desert.

The necklace strands are crafted with natural nuggets of prehnite stones, ceramic coins and metal accents in braided disk and puffy smooth spacers. The fossil is hand wire wrapped in a two-tone look of gun-metal and silver non-tarnish wire. The squid fossil really shows the chambes and is a very nice pendant.

Browse our Rock Yard collection for more jewelry featuring hand wire wrapped fossils!

Chic & Bold in Black & Purple

2011-09-10T22:08:00.000-05:00

I love this necklace set, it is fast becoming one of my favorites! I started at the focal with a beautiful black agate pendant in the shape of an off-set donut; it has a nice smooth high polish. I have accented and bailed it using non-tarnish silver wire.

The strands of the necklace are what really make this one rich in color; faceted graduated deep purple amethyst. The natural stone is just striking against the black and cream colors.

There are also faceted barrels of onyx that have been painted in cream geometric patterns. The metal accents are braided light-weight silver tone pewter disks. It has been finished with a textured t-bar goggle and includes matching dangle earrings in the same amethyst stones.

Visit Timeless Designs online at Ruby Lane to shop and browse our uniquely artisan crafted jewelry collections!

Hand Wire Wrapped Fall Agate Slice

2011-08-16T15:50:00.001-05:00

This new necklace set features an all naturally colored Brazilian agate slice pendant! The colors of orange and rust with some cream remind me of a deep fall sunset. I have hand wire wrapped it using non-tarnish brass wire with lots of twists at the bail.

I wanted this necklace to be versatile enough to wear any time of year, so I put softer bright colors within the necklace strands itself. I started with creamy smooth glass pearls, green marbled ceramic beads that hare caged in gold tone wire, and a little bit of sparkle with faceted rondelle crystals in light fall colors.

This piece is both elegant and classy using a variety of techniques; wire wrapping, caging, and mixing of ceramic, glass pearls and crystals with a lovely natural agate stone.

For more selection in fall pieces, browse our online shop to find your mixed autumn treasure!

Hot Pink in Metal

2011-08-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

Metal is one of the hottest things going in jewelry right now; it is so versatile and can be mixed with a variety of stones, crystals and any other metals such as links, coils and chains. I like working with the metal pendants because it gives such a unique look to the necklace design; it offers a completely different style than when using a crystal or natural stone pendant. This new design is all about the colors of pink and if pink is your color than this little number is perfect for you!

The set features matching metal pendant and earrings in the shape of a square, with brightly colored 2-tone of pink enamel and bronze/gold accents also in enamel. It has been hand wired with a bail and above lots of hand twisted charms in crystals and chocolate jasper.

The bling in this one is in all faceted rondelle crystals of pink raspberry, light champagne and pink just to name a few; there is also a unique stone, chocolate jasper that has a nice dark chocolate with light swirls of cream marbled together, cut as a rondelle with a matte polish.

This one is a fun and bright necklace with matching dangle earrings, which also have small clusters of crystals above the metal square pendants.

Visit Timeless Designs online at Ruby Lane; browse and shop our collections of artisan crafted jewelry – find your treasure of the earth today!

Early Signs of Fall in Ammonite Fossil

2011-08-12T22:42:00.000-05:00

This necklace design is from our Rock Yard Collection and features a lovely colored ammonite fossil pendant. The pendant shows crystallization in the center of the ammonite and some of the chambers. I’ve hand wire wrapped it using non-tarnish brass wire.

Also featured in the necklace are striking borosilicate glass lampwork beads with light green, white and black fine lines inside clear glass; additional lampwork beads in red and light green against a black background with bumpy knobs on the sides for accents.

The rest of the necklace has natural stones of green jasper that are accented with gold tone star bead caps and wooden beads with a thatched pattern.

Get an early start on your fall accents for the coming season; stop by our online store at Ruby Lane to browse and shop our collection of artisan crafted jewelry.

New Creatively Designed Earrings

2011-08-11T17:10:00.000-05:00

We are trying to expand our earring line and these new ones are just right for any time of the year. They feature turquoise, crystal, magnesite; from drop dangles to hoops, there’s something for everyone.

All faceted crystals in colors of the Southwest -- dangle hoop style (to the right)

Dangle drop in green turquoise with a touch of faceted crystals --- drop dangle style (to the left)

All faceted crystals created in a dramatic drop dangle style, these earrings come in a several different colors (to the left)

Browse our online store to see a selection of our earrings and more!

Light-Weight Design of Jasper

2011-07-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

This design is from our Southwest Flair Collection and features a beautiful red jasper pendant. The pendant is a nicely shaped triangle with a high polish and lovely light golden matrix veins running through it. I have hand bailed it using brass non-tarnish wire.

The necklace strands are crafted using wooden rondelle beads that have a soft texture feel to them. Next I added in golden rutilated quartz that has been faceted and shaped like hexagons; metal accents are in gold tone pewter daisys and round beads.

It is a light-weight necklace in a classical design with a little pop in the colors of red, golden yellow and browns.

Jasper is an opaque and fine grained variety of Chalcedony. It is found in all colors including: red, brown, pink, yellow, green, grey/white and shades of blue and purple.

It often contains organic material and mineral oxides which give it interesting patterns, bands and colors. Many of these patterns resemble landscapes with mountains and valleys, thus the name "picture" is part of the name of many well know jaspers.

Jasper was a favorite gem in ancient times and is referenced in Greek, Hebrew, Assyrian and Latin literature. Found worldwide, a wide variety of named jaspers is found in the western areas of the Unites States; California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Washington.

A Heavy Mix of Amethyst & Turquoise

2011-07-30T16:40:00.000-05:00

In a previous post (just a few down, find out all about amethyst) I posted about amethyst and in one of the pictures there was a large chunk that I had wire wrapped as a pendant. Here is the finished product of that pendant and what I ended up mixing with it.

The pendant is a nice chunk of raw amethyst from Uruguay, hand wire wrapped in non-tarnish silver wire.

I have made it the center focal to this heavy necklace set; mixed with nice barrel turquoise (stabilized), beautifully faceted agate that is a matrix coloring of black-dark blue and tan and a few faceted amethyst rondelle crystals.

Browse and shop our artisan jewelry collections store Timeless Designs, online at Ruby Lane.

Designs Featuring Murano Glass

2011-07-29T21:53:00.000-05:00

The beauty and mystic of murano glass; it glitters and produces some of the most sought after vintage glass products in the world. Venini, Salviati, Barovier & Toso, Pauly, Seguso and many other brands are still around today making murano glass, they are among the most historical glass factories, and the oldest glass factory is Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso, which was founded in 1854.

A Little History

Murano glass is a famous product of the Venetian island of Murano. Located off the shore of Venice, Italy, Murano has been a commercial port as far back as the 7th century. By the 10th century, the city had become well-known for its glassmakers, who created unique Murano glass. While Murano glassmakers have settled and operate elsewhere, some say authentic Murano glass is fabricated only in Murano.

It is believed that glassmaking in Murano originated in 9th century Rome, with significant Asian and Muslim influences, as Venice was a major trading port. Murano’s reputation as a center for glassmaking was born when the Venetian Republic, fearing fire and destruction of the city’s mostly wooden buildings, ordered glassmakers to move their foundries to Murano in 1291. Murano glass is still interwoven with Venetian glass.

Murano's glassmakers were soon the island’s most prominent citizens. By the 14th century, glassmakers were allowed to wear swords, enjoyed immunity from prosecution by the Venetian state, and found their daughters married into Venice’s most affluent families. However glassmakers were not allowed to leave the Republic. Many craftsmen took this risk and set up glass furnaces in surrounding cities and as far afield as England and the Netherlands. By the end of the 16th century, three thousand of Murano island's seven thousand inhabitants were involved in some way in the glassmaking industry.

Murano’s glassmakers held a monopoly on quality glassmaking for centuries, developing or refining many technologies including crystalline glass, enameled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass. Today, the artisans of Murano are still employing these century-old techniques, crafting everything from contemporary art glass and glass figurines to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers.

What of Murano Glass Now
Today, Murano is home to a vast number of factories and a few individual artists’ studios making all manner of glass objects from mass marketed stemware to original sculpture. The Museo Vetrario (Glass Museum) in the Palazzo Giustinian, which holds displays on the history of glassmaking as well as glass samples ranging from Egyptian times through the present day.

These designs feature matching murano glass pendant and earrings, accented with faceted crystals and cloisonné beads in complimentary colors.

Browse and shop our online store, Timeless Designs on Ruby Lane for artisan crafted jewelry designs!

Research about murano glass from various books and websites.

Back by Popular Demand -- Single Wired Pendants

2011-07-28T10:33:00.001-05:00

I haven’t done many single wired pendants in a while and many people have been asking for them this summer. A jewelry trend shift for the summer and maybe the fall; many people have been asking for single pendants then mix and matching earrings. So I brought back this popular line using different stones, fossils and minerals; giving everyone a mix to choice from!

These pendants are found in our Wiry Legends and Rock Yard Collections. Stop by our shop Timeless Designs online at Ruby Lane to find your pendant treasure!

Holectypus Echinoid – Sand Dollar from Madagascar (to the right)

Orthoceras Fossil from Morocco (to the left)

Light Green (natural color) Agate Slice from Brazil (to the left)

Deep Amethyst Chunk from Uruguay (to the right)

My Latest Wired Challenge Piece

2011-07-22T15:48:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things is to go over to the mineral company and see what new ‘goodies’ they have gotten. This can sometimes be a dangerous trip; it becomes like Christmas and I act like a kid in a candy store, but I have fun when I’m there!

I knew that they had just received a brand new shipment of Amethyst this week, so I was excited to see what the smaller pieces would be like; especially since he told me they were a very deep dark purple, more than they have had before and quite high quality. To my surprise when I arrived and we started going through the shipment, he handed me this delicate little piece and said “I new this was one that would be perfect for you to wire wrap”.

This new little piece is so delicate and small; it will be an excellent specimen to wire; however the challenge will be working the wire in and around the frail delicate crystals and hopefully not breaking anything in the process. There is no outer ridge to work with like normal, just lots of tiny crystals; this is what makes this piece such an excellent specimen, at least in my optioning. I’m up for a challenge and this one definitely will be just that, so stay tuned, when I get it finished I’ll be posting the finished product! I’m not sure what I’ll do with it once it’s been wired; rather I’ll put it into a necklace piece or let it stand alone as a single pendant, which it most definitely can do!

A variety of vitreous quartz with purple, violet, or red-purple colorations, amethyst derives its name from the ancient Greek amethustos, meaning literally “not drunk’ as it was believed to guard against drunkenness. Traditionally associated with purity and piety, amethyst has also always been favored by royalty as purple is considered a regal blue.

Found in most countried where grantic rocks are exposed, amethyst occurs in alluvial deposits and geodes. Its coloration is principally due to traces of iron, and it is sometimes color-zoned due to twinning or preferential absorption on the rhombohedral faces. Major commercial sources of amethyst are Brazil, where it occurs in geodes that are frequently human-sized; but it is also found in Uruguay, Siberia and North America. Crystals from Brazilian and Uruguayan deposits are most often found as radiating masses, with individual crystals appearing as pyramids. Lower grad Brazilian and Uruguayan amethyst is frequently turned into citrine by heat treatment, which changes its color. Where both amethyst and citrine occur naturally in the same stone, the name is ametrine.

Amethyst has a long history as a gemstone. In the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, amethyst was highly valued and was used to create cylinder seals, engraved with a religious design and the owner’s name. The engraving was transferred to legal documents in the form of clay tablets by rolling the cylinder over the tablets. The ancient Egyptians also valued amethyst, using it in much of their jewelry. The Greeks wore an amethyst for protection against magic, homesickness, evil thoughts, and drunkenness. This is why wine was preferably served in amethyst beakers. In antiquity amethysts were also known as “stones of Bacchus”, because out of jealousy the goddess Diana had changed a nymph with whom Bacchus had fallen in love into an amethyst. It is said that the traditional properties of amethyst will alleviate migraines and improves concentration. It is said to attract justice and protection against burglars and thieves. It also wards of danger and violent death. It is the stone of Pisces, brings clarity to the conscious and unconscious minds and the birthstone for February.

Several pieces of amethyst have been wired and are available in our online shop as pendants; this beautiful piece to the left never made it to the website, it was sold right away!

The focal is a beautiful amethyst chunk, surrounded by faceted deep purple amethyst crystals and chunky turquoise nuggets.

The Mineraloid Amber

2011-07-20T16:39:00.000-05:00

Mineraloids are a few solid substances that occur naturally in the Earth, but do not quite conform to the basic properties of minerals. They fit into none of the chemical families, rarely form crystals and are typically organic in origin, evolving from fossilized or compacted living matter. One of these mineraloids is Amber, which is fossilized pine tree resin.

Amber is often regarded as a gem, but is not a mineral, but a solid organic material. It is a form of tree resin that was exuded to protect the tree against disease and insect infestation. This then hardened and was persevered for millions of years. Amber slowly oxidizes and degrades when exposed to oxygen, so it survives only under special conditions.

It is almost always found in dense, wet sediments, such as clay or sand formed in ancient lagoon or river delta beds. It is typically found embedded in shale or washed up on beaches. Most amber deposits contain only fragments of amber, but a few contain enough to make it worth mining, such as those found along the shores of the Baltic seas where amber formed in sands 40-60 million years ago, and those from the Dominican Republic.

Amber can form nodules, rods and droplets in various shades of orange, yellow, red or cognac, deep green, and brown. Milky-white varieties are called bone amber. Modern analysis techniques are beginning to indentify the detailed composition of ambers and link them to modern resin-making trees. Mexican amber, for instance is linked to the Hymenea tree. Up to 3,000 different inclusions have been found in amber objects. These range from beetles and flies to spiders and water drops attached to the resin in primeval times and then petrified with it.

It is said that for 7,000 years amber has been used to stimulate the metabolism and treat skin ailments caused by metabolic imbalance. It is also said to have soothing, calming, and cleaning powers. Because of its warmth it is also used in the treatment of asthma, allergic respiratory problems, and is good for treating rheumatism and strengthening the heart muscles.

Mystically, gold-colored amber symbolizes success; it is the Star sign of Geminis, Leos and Virgos. Amber should be cleansed under lukewarm running water and never leave amber in the sun, this will make it brittle.

Visit us at Timeless Designs on Ruby Lane to browse and shop our custom artisan crafted jewelry collections!

Earthy Fossil Gets Classy

2011-07-18T16:23:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite fossils to work with is the natural Orthoceras fossilized squid from Morocco. Orthoceras are a famous and very large fossil deposit of animals that can be found in Morocco, North Africa. Ancestors to ammonites, Orthoceras are extinct sea creatures, and depending on what source you refer to, they date from the lower Ordovician to Triassic ages (500 to 190 million years ago). As they died, their shells accumulated in great numbers on the sea floor where they were aligned by currents, buried by sediments, and transformed over the ages preserved in black limestone. Today, this prehistoric sea floor is ironically, found in the dramatic Atlas Mountain Range in southern Morocco at the northern fringe of the Sahara Desert.

The term 'straight' cephalopods is used in this case to describe fossil examples of straight ammonoids called Baculites, straight nautiloids called Orthoceras and Belemnites. Their bodies were predominantly elongate with conical shells. Some of these creatures evolved into semi-coiled forms eventually giving rise to coiled cephalopods like ammonites and nautili. Another branch of straight-shelled cephalopods continued to coexist with the coiled forms on into the Pennsylvanian Period. These straight forms were much less diverse and abundant than the coiled cephalopods, as a whole.

Straight cephalopods were among the most advanced invertebrates of their time having eyes, jaws, and a sophisticated nervous system. These creatures were predators that swam freely using a jet propulsion system by squirting water from their bodies. They had tentacles and ink sacs also much like the present-day squid.

Except for belemnites, cephalopods had external shells with hollow internal chambers separated by walls called septa. A tube called the siphuncle, connected the body with the chambers allowing the animal to fill them with water or air, changing its buoyancy in order to rise or drop in the ocean. Only the last and largest chamber was occupied by the living animal. Belemnites were different in that they had internal shells called 'guards' which were covered with the soft, muscular tissues of their bodies. These shells were also chambered but much less complex than the straight varieties of nautiloids and ammonoids.

Straight cephalopods probably lived for one to six years, with the majority living two to four years. They fed on plankton (tiny free-floating organisms), sea lilies, and smaller orthoceras. Although many fed off the ocean floor, others may have caught plankton while floating or swimming via jet propulsion, expelling water through a funnel-like opening to propel them in the opposite direction. Because straight cephalopods lived exclusively in marine environments, their presence also indicates the location of prehistoric seas.

Healing Stones

As a healing stone, fossils are believed to increase life span, reduce toxins, anxiety, stress, balance the emotions, and make one more confident. Containing supernatural and physical healing powers, they promote a sense of pride and successes in business, leading on to be open to change and new ideas. Healers use fossils to enhance telepathy and stimulate the mind. Traditionally, fossils have been used to aid in reducing tiredness, fatigues, digestive disorders, and rheumatism.

Visit our online store, Timeless Designs at Ruby Lane to see many different designs featuring the orthoceras and other fossils!

Hot Fiesta Fun in Glass

2011-07-13T17:44:00.000-05:00

A hot new design for the season…better yet wears it on any occasion! This necklace features a center drop pendant in blown clear glass heart with swirls of red, green, yellow, and white. Above the pendant I’ve created a drop bail bunched together with lots of hand twisted charms; red hot cloisonné beads, bright lime green lined square glass seed beads and soft champagne faceted crystals.

The necklace strands are crafted with orange (dyed) magnesite disks, more faceted crystals, lime green seed beads and cloisonné beads, and accents in gold tone corrugated rondelle and bicone metal beads. This necklace also features an extender chain for wearing at short or long lengths to fit your style.

One of the beads in this necklace is cloisonné; I use it quite a bit when designing with crystals because of the elaborate designs and colors. Cloisonne is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects, but in recent centuries they began using various enamels and adding inlays of cut gemstones, glass and linen for more variety and color to the metal beads.

Hot and trendy for the summer, or just about any time of the year…this necklace set fits the bill!

Visit our online store to browse and shop among our trendy and chic jewelry collections!

Vintage Elegance with Twist of Contemporary

2011-07-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

This design is described by many of my customers as a vintage or antique design with a classic twist of contemporary. The elegance comes in with the wooden pendant, hand-painted by a Russian artist. She leaves no detail unturned, the fine lines and intercut shades in each flower petal is just breath-taking. The scene is so real, you almost want to reach out and caress each one of the flowers.

A perfect balance to this pendant is crystals and lots of them. I started at the base making a bail of hand twisted faceted crystals in coordinating colors to support the pendant. Next the necklace strands are crafted using more faceted crystal in deep olive, lively blush and light golden topaz.

A little antique design of a lovely pendant paired with the contemporary faceted crystals….makes for a very striking and stunning necklace design that is perfect for that night out on the town or special occasion.

Visit Timeless Designs online to browse around our collections to find your perfect match of vintage, contemporary, bold or earthy.

One’s Seashells Another’s Designs

2011-07-10T13:14:00.000-05:00

Shells from the sea scatter the beachfronts and coasts in practically hundreds of varieties of shells. One type that is often sought is the volute shell. It is these shells that are most noted for variety and their distinctive color patterns, which make them valued by collectors and designers around the globe. Most are solid heavy shells but vary greatly in size and look.

Volutes are found in warm and temperate seas and are most common around Australian waters. All species have folds on the columella (central pillar of the gastropod shell (single shell) and visible within the aperture (opening at the gastropod shell front end). Most volutes burrow in sand and all are carnivorous (meat eaters).

This new design from our Southwest Flair Collection features square cut volute shell beads. The colored markings of dark against the soft shaded tan background are a perfect design companion with natural stone.

At the center focal I’ve used a lovely murano glass spoon pendant with soft tan, yellow and beige colors against a white background. Then I added in the shells, stacking them with the concave inward to create a more chic style; blue-green magnesite disks and bold colored cloisonné beads finish the necklace.

This style is a little flair of the southwest with a hint of the summer beach. Comb the collections of jewelry at our online Timeless Designs store at Ruby Lane! Never know what treasure you might find hidden to add to your jewelry box!

Fossilized Sand Dollars

2011-07-09T11:16:00.000-05:00

Fossils come in many different shapes, sizes and varieties; one of the newest for us to work with in jewelry design is the Holectypus Echinoid, or sand dollar fossil. Holectypus, fossil echinoderm genus, of the extinct echinoids genus are much like the modern sea urchins and sand dollars.

This species are found as fossils exclusively in marine rocks of Jurassic to Cretaceous age (between 200 million and 65.5 million years ago). The echinoids, having such an extremely long fossil record, are often used by scientist and paleontologist for dating rock strata and fossil locations.

The Holectypus was bun shaped with a flat bottom and arched back. The mouth of the echinoids is at the underside of the animal. These are rough looking fossil specimens as most have some cracking and chipping on the top of the shell, but the underside of the specimens are very well preserved. The echinoid has an exoskeleton or outer shell with no inner skeleton. This animal lived mostly in shallow seas and would have moved about on the sea floor by way of moving their long spines that stuck out from their shell; eating mostly algae. Today, many collections, both private and public, are comprised of many different species of fossil echinoids.

Our newest designs to our Rock Yard Collection feature the Holectypus Echinoid from the Cretacous Majunga Basin, Madagascar. Each one is unique and has been hand wire wrapped in non-tarnish wires. Each necklace design is unique......

....this one to the right reflects a Mediterranean or Egyptian design style with a mix of golden citrine nugget chips, faceted indian agate and amethyst crystals.

...this set to the left a more chic tribal and ethnic design constructed with a couple of carved onyx stones with a matte finish, painted onyx, turquoise, and rare Arizona ivoryite.

Visit our online Timeless Designs store to browse and shop our collections, featuring uniquely artisan crafted jewelry!

Rawness in Golden Yellow Citrine

2011-06-23T15:03:00.000-05:00

The name Citrine is derived from the Latin word Citrus, meaning “lemon”. Until the Middle Ages this name was used to designate a wide range of yellow stones. Citrine has been highly regarded as a gemstone and healing stone for almost six thousand years.

The soldiers in Caesar’s legions wore citrine on their chest because the stone was believed to have life-saving properties in battle. As befits its color, it is recognized as the stone of light, sun and life. (Did you know…..that the yellow amethyst and smoky quartz can be heated to artificially create citrine?)

Citrine is yellow to brownish quartz (silicon dioxide) and resembles yellow topaz. It is colorless by hydrous iron oxide, and is found in the same hexagonal crystals as the other varieties of crystalline quartz. Natural citrine is much less common than amethyst or smoky quartz, both of which can be heat treated to turn their color to of citrine.

Citrine occurs principally in localities that produce amethyst, and it is sometimes found as a zone of citrine in amethyst, when it is known as ametrine. Gem-quality citrine is found in a few places around the world such as on the Isle of Arran, Scotland; in the Ural Mountains of Russia; near Hyderabad, India; in Dauphine, France; and in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

This new specimen just arrived from the mineral company today and is huge (at least to me it is!); measuring about 18"x 16" in diameter in an irregular shape and 3"-4" thick in some places (and is quite heavy).

The large chunk is still in its raw form; jagged crystal cylinders, rough edges…the stories it could tell. This piece of citrine is from Artigas, Uruguay; rich in colors of the golden yellow sun with the light bands of white around the edges and bottom of gray ground.

The chunks of each crystal cylinder are gorgeous; defiantly add this one to your collection of minerals or just to ‘showcase’ in your den or study.

Summer In Dichroic

2011-06-20T19:39:00.000-05:00

This new summer piece features triangular dichroic glass in matching pendant and earrings! At the focal I’ve used a lovely dichroic glass pendant in wild colors of pink, copper, green and some gold and touch a red....the bail is hand wire wrapped in brass non-tarnish wire and left with swirling coils.

The pendant is then accented with tons of charms…all twisted by hand onto brass colored headpins in faceted crystals of green, yellow, peach and pink and all strung onto a light olive colored silk cord! The matching earrings dangle with same cluster of crystals and tiny dichroic pendants.

Visit our online Timeless Designs store at Ruby Lane to browse and purchase our artisan crafted designs!

Caring For Your Gemstone Jewelry

2011-06-16T19:50:00.000-05:00

You have bought or received as a gift the most incredible piece of gemstone jewelry, now how to keep it that way. Caring for your gemstone jewelry is an essential necessity for any jewelry owner, as gemstones are a durable material, and they do require care, so that when handed down as heirlooms in the years to come, they are just as brilliantly remarkable as they are to you now, to be cherished forever.

Most transparent and hard gemstones can endure being cared for by simply cleaning the jewelry with mild nonabrasive hand detergent and a soft bristled toothbrush; then dried with a soft clean cloth. It is wise to place a soft washcloth in the sink covering the drain, as doing so will aid in preventing any gemstones from becoming chipped or falling down the drain while you are cleaning your jewelry.

Some would suggest using ultrasonic cleaners, while this may be the fastest method for cleaning your jewelry; it is also the quickest way to damage your gemstones. Be very careful when using an ultrasonic cleaner, make sure that your gemstones can withstand such cleaning before using this type of method.

Here are some suggestions for cleaning and caring for your gemstone jewelry.

•Use 2 cleaning bowls. One that has warm water plus the cleaning liquid and one that has only warm water to rinse.

Note: If you are using sinks, place a soft washcloth over the drains, this will help to keep stones from going down the drains and also help to prevent possible chipping.

•Use lukewarm water, never use hot water.

•Use a mild dishwashing liquid or mild jewelry cleaning solution. One that is safe for your specific jewelry gemstones and metals.

•Several soft, clean, dry cloths (1-for cleaning and 1-drying)

•Small, unused soft bristled toothbrush

The process is simple, fill your sink with warm water, add a little drop of mild dishwashing liquid and swish around to make bubbles. Carefully, place a few pieces at a time in the sink allowing them to soak a few minutes (don’t overload the sink as this may cause jewelry to hit against each other causing chips, cracks and/or damage). Then take each piece out and carefully clean with the soft bristled toothbrush.

Caution, you only need to use a toothbrush if you have a piece of jewelry that has tiny cracks, holes, and small places where dust and dirt can get in; otherwise, there is really no need to use a toothbrush. Rinse in a separate sink that only contains warm water. Place the jewelry on a soft cloth and carefully dry your jewelry pieces. As a side note, allow an hour or so for your jewelry to 'air dry' to make sure that all water is gone before placing back into their jewelry box or containers.

Cleaning your jewelry doesn’t have to be done often, but several times a year to protect your gemstones. As a rule of thumb and if in doubt, clean your gemstone jewelry with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals or high heat which can cause gemstones to fade or crack. And try to store your gemstone jewelry in a clean jewelry case out of the reach of harsh light or sun to prevent fading and possible damage to your gemstones.

As a last note, it is also wise to have a jeweler check any gemstones that have been put in settings at least once a year. This is to make sure that the prongs are secure and your gems are safe. When in doubt, ask a professional jeweler about the care and cleaning of your new gemstone jewelry.

Hot Hoop Dangles For Summer

2011-06-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

New style of hoop earrings that dangle for the summer!

These earrings are light and breezy and feature coral colored chips, lapis and turquoise…see these and other styles just added to our online store!

Browse and shop our custom crafted jewelry collections at our Timeless Designs store on Ruby Lane!

Summer – A Little Bold Chic or Traditional

2011-06-11T12:53:00.000-05:00

Summer is here and with it new jewerly designs.......these are just a few of the newest additions from our studio and are perfect for the summer season! Bright, bold and somewhat a little more traditional they are both light-weight necklaces using a mixture of natural stone, ceramic & crystals beads and even a little bit of bone.

Boldly bright shades of green turquoise (stabilized) chips, creamy irregular rondelle bone beads, with a little splash of ‘bling’ in crystals. The necklace features a lovely smaller agate pendant from Brazil; it is almost clear with a center color of olive and slight crystallization. I have hand wire wrapped it in non-tarnish brass wire to bring out the more earthy tones.

Traditional and chic southwest style necklace featuring a beautiful turquoise (dyed) colored agate from Brazil; the pendant has natural citrine color with a few cream streaks and has been hand wire wrapped in non-tarnish silver wire. It is hung from strands of natural citrine chip/nuggets, a few ceramic Tibetan beads and blue Arizona turquoise (stabilized) and accenting metals.

Agates: Balancing physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies; perceptiveness, strength, inspiration, awakening talents.

Citrine: Intuition, comfort, protection, creativity, physical energy, wealth, mental awakening.

Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

See more summer designs…..just browse and shop our artisan crafted jewelry collections at our Timeless Designs online store!

Tiger’s Eye of My Son

2011-06-07T15:47:00.000-05:00

My son joined me this year on my Tucson trip, which was the best ever! We had so much fun and while there, he picked up quite a bit of fossils and this strand of tiger’s eye, his favorite stone. I told him I would design something for him using this faceted stone and maybe mix in a little bit of bone that I had purchased too. The result is this really unique necklace fit for a young man…and he tells me that he really likes it!

The necklace is crafted of faceted round tiger's eye stones, a mix of creamy bone rondelles and gold tone metal disks.

Tiger’s Eye quartz is a semiprecious variety of quartz exhibiting chatoyancy, a vertical luminescent band like that of a cat’s eye. Unlike cat’s eye quartz, tiger’s eye is formed when parallel veins of crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibers are first altered to iron oxides and then replaced by silica. As a result, it is more opaque and has a rich yellow to brown color and when cut and polished, the stone has a fine luster. The major source of tiger’s eye is Griquatown West, in South Africa, but it has also been found in Wittenoom Gorge, Western Australia.

Legend says that the stone takes its name from its resemblance to the eye. This appears when the brown inclusions are cut in a certain way, just like the cat’s eye and falcon’s eye stones. For about a hundred years it has been highly sought after and used for jewelry or for therapeutic purposes.

The traditional properties of the tiger’s eye say that is an effective healing stone for bronchial problems, helpful in the cases of headaches and migraines and effective in lifting depression and promoting concentration.

Browse and shop our Timeless Designs store for your own custom artisan crafted jewelry!

Ancient Fossils of Ammonite

2011-06-02T10:15:00.000-05:00

Ammonites are one of the most popular of the fossils, both for collectors and jewelry designers. They are mostly from the Jurassic and Cretaceous Peridos that evolved into a great variety of forms. They can be found in a vast range of different shapes, sizes and structures. The movement of different species may have depended on their shape. Some of them are big and round, while others are thin and disc-shaped, some have shells that are quite small and others are very large. Ammonites are marine creatures that may have moved freely in the water, though some of the largest may have browsed more on the seabed.

The spiral coiling of the ammonite shell does not usually extend upwards. Instead it is coiled in a flat plane, with both sides of the shell depressed in the center. The ammonite shell itself has a large body chamber at the shell opening. This chamber reaches back for about half a whorl. Usually the animal lived with the body chamber at the lowest point, and the rest of the shell above.

We often feature many designs using the ammonites; which are hand wire wrapped. The range of soft earthy colors or sold balck are perfect for any seasons!

Browse and shop our custom jewelry collections at Timeless Designs on Ruby Lane!

Spring to Summer Rages Charms

2011-05-31T13:18:00.000-05:00

Charms are all the rage this year; so for the big hit we came out with this charmed line last Fall and it was very well received. We brought it back again for Spring – Sumer and it has again been very popular. Most of these charmed necklaces feature Italian murano glass pendants and one that features a pink mushroom jasper stone pendant.

All the charms are faceted crystals, lampwork beads, cultured freshwater pearls,and natural stones; each charm is individually hand twisted and then looped onto the silk cord. For accents between there are an array of lampwork & cloisonne beads or faceted crystals. Each one is uniquely crafted as an individual piece that stands by itself.

They are all just beautiful…these are all sold quickly, but we will have more soon at our online shop!

Royalty in blue hues and purple (to the left)

Beach fun with octopus (to the right)

Spring time elegance of calilies (to the left)

Richly deep purples and amethyst (to the righ)

Pretty in pink mushroom jasper (to the left)

Modern in black and white (to the right)

Browse and shop our custom artisan crafted jewelry collection at Timeless Designs on Ruby Lane!

Wired Agates of Summer

2011-05-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

Light, small and full of brilliance…these lovely agates just right for the coming summer season! Hand wire wrapped in silver non-tarnish wire, the agates are from Brazil and all naturally colored.

Look for these and many other artisan crafted styles for the coming summer season at our Timeless Designs shop on Ruby Lane!

Naturally colored green & clear agate slice -- hand wire wrapped in non-tarnish silver wire.

Brazilian Oco Agate slice -- all natural color with center crystalization -- hand wire wrapped in non-tarnish silver wire.

Agates: Balancing physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies; perceptiveness, strength, inspiration, awakening talents.

Artisan Carfted International Beauty

2011-05-16T16:42:00.000-05:00

I have to say, my latest acquisition has to be one of the best I’ve made in a very long time. When I came across these pendants, not only did they draw me in from across the isle, but their incredible beauty is indescribable. The vendor sells international hand-crafted artisan pendants and beads and I have to say, these latest ones…well, the “wow” factor is off the charts!

The pendants come from Russia and are all individually hand-painted. The steady hand that created the fine details of the flowers and leaves are just stunning (the pictures really do not do them justice). With each stroke you can tell the light and dark areas of the petals, softly fine brush strokes around the outer edge as a tiny picture fame; the artist left no detail unturned, giving way to one’s imagination of a country garden with each pendant.

Each one is a little unique and something quite a bit ‘outside the box’ for me; I’m more known for creating bold, funky and chic designs….these are more traditionally delicate and soft, like an English Garden that I’ll probably mix up with crystals and pearls (my imagination was on overload while trying to pick out just a few to use in designs).

The larger pendants are all wooden and very light weight, something I really liked because I’ve been searching for a little larger pendant with very little weight. The smaller pendants are all beautiful mother-of-pearl and the flower designs explode with color. Each one has a high glossy coating that really brings out the details. The artist also signed each one on the back for a truly unique pendant…soon to be designed into jewelry pieces!

Check out our latest creations of artisan crafted jewelry at our online Ruby Lane shop!

Specialty Wire Working Tools

2011-04-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

In wire working there are some specialty tools that enable a designer to create something unique and unusual. There are the usual tools such as different pliers and cutting tool, but also special wire working tools to include wire twisters, coiling pliers, nylon jawed pliers (heavy), rosary pliers (heavy), and bail makers. You can find any of these online or through a vendor that carries special wire working tools.

Wire Twisters (to the left): These unique tools are used to twist short to medium pieces of wire using just one hand. If you are going to be combining more than 2 pieces of wire, or a bunch of wire twists, than an electric hand drill will also perform the same purpose, only much quicker.

Coiling Pliers (to the right): To make jump rings or wire loops, use coiling pliers that have one jaw that is flat and another that is in a 3-tier step making wire loops. This keeps you from marring your wire too much, as conventional convex/concave pliers can easily mar the wire as you turn loops or use as a bail maker.

Nylon Lined Jaw Pliers (to the left): These pliers are used to straighten wire or for bending, forming and shaping your wire. The nylon lined jaws keep the pliers from again, marring your wire. As you work with these pliers, the nylon jaws will need to be replaced over time as they can get cut up by the raw wire. (Tip: If you don’t want to buy a set of these pliers, then using blue painters tape wrapped around the ends of regular pliers will do the same thing. You have to replace the tape after each use.)

Rosary Pliers (to the right): These pliers are for working with every heavy gauge wire such as 14-16gauge. They are heavy pliers that are built not to slip when used in gripping, turning and twisting of the heavy gauge wire.

Bail Makers (to the left): Bail making pliers are usually rounded diameter cylinder pliers and come in different sizes. You can purchase several different sets of bail makers as each one will usually make 3 different size combinations, usually ranging from 1.5mm to 9mm bail or ring sizes depending on the plier size you get.

These are just a few of the specialty tools used in wire working. Doing research on the internet, reading books and magazines or taking a class you can learn about many other specialty tools used in wire working.

Good luck and have fun wire working!

Different Wire Bail Techniques

2011-04-21T15:10:00.001-05:00

Though I’m no expert by any means; there are many different ways you can wire a bail. Whether you are using a cabochon, drilled or glass pendant, how someone finishes off the piece by making the bail will sometimes make or break a particular piece. I’ve learned many different styles of bails, incorporating my own little style into some of them as my own ‘added touch’. But in the mainstream, whatever you create, make sure it sets off the pendant or piece; rather the pendant will stand on its own or be incorporated into a necklace.

Here is a simple bail to the left that many people call a ‘rabbit ears’ or ‘simple bail’ or ‘tv ears’; whatever your definitions, it’s how the bail is finished either with swirls, spirals, or whatever makes the pendant ‘pop’.

This bail to the right, is a spin of the rabbit ears simple bail. All I have done is modify it a little and twisted wire back and forth between the ‘ears' to give it a textured look.

With these two bails, I learned the one on the left in a wire working class with a national instructor.

What I did was modify it slightly to be used with a coil, to the right, instead of a graduated bail.

On this last bail to the right, I simple used a regular pic-bail and highlighted it with large double coils. It really added to the piece and as an added bonus, it gave a large silver look near the bail and a very textured look and feel to the necklace design.

Learn from others, take their advice and expertise and create your own piece of art. It’s just a matter of letting your imagination run and creativities explode!

Ammonite Fossils All Wired Up

2011-04-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

Ammonite fossils are sought after by almost every shopper, they are all unique from their colors to the fossils encased within the ancient sea sediment. Millions years old and coming from African regions of Madagascar, these little fossils are quite stunning in their own right and in each one you can see the crystallized chambers.

I’ve hand wire wrapped them in non-tarnish brass wire, then mixed them into new necklace designs with all different looks – from crystals to cultured freshwater pearls, cloisonné beads and natural stones.

Southwest meets Old World; turquoise and jasper paired with a center focal ammonite fossil pendant

Classy and sassy; ammonite fossil pendant incorporated into cultured freshwater pearls and cloisonné beads

For more of these and other uniquely artisan crafted jewelry, browse our collections at our online Ruby Lane shop!

Southwest Gone Shimmering

2011-04-18T20:56:00.000-05:00

A twist of the old Southwest in shimmering delights with tons of faceted crystals! This design is a favorite among many and I’ve just gotten a few back into the shop. Here I feature a beautiful blue turquoise donut with light tan veins running throughout the stone. I’ve accented it by hand twisting brass non-tarnish wire around and then into a bail.

There are tons of hand twisted charms all in faceted crystals and stationed between are lovely lampwork beads in complimenting colors. Everything is loose on the silk cord so you could gently twist the charms around to feature more or less of certain colors if you wanted – this is different in style, the last few I did on cords were held stationary so that nothing moved, I decided to do something different this time.

Browse our collections of fine artisan crafted jewelry at our online shop! Never know what you might find in natural stones, crystals, millions year old fossils and dichroic glass.

Enter The Brazilian Oco Agate

2011-04-02T11:39:00.000-05:00

One of my most popular and requested wired pendant is the Oco Agate Slice. These are also one of my many favorite pendants (yes I have many, but this one is in the top) to work. Their unique colors is a mesmerizing explosion of deep dark rich earthy brown, black, navy, olive, and rust or the slightly more delicate shades of pink, purple, cream, white, and gray. What sets them apart from any other agate is the crystalline centers, some even have very tiny crystal cylinders within the crystalline.

Agate geode halves which are found in the Ocos region of Brazil are small agate nodules with a crystalline interior. Agate is named after a river in Sicily called Achates, where it was found in the Fourth Century, B.C. In the center of the rock, where there is a cavity, crystals often form, thus the name geode.

The formation in which the geodes are found is 50 million years old and located in the country of Brazil. Farmers have gathered the oco’s for many years. After the crops have been harvested and the farmers are unable to work, the fields are tilled under allowing the oco’s to appear. They are then gathered and sold for cutting into the geode half.

These newest designs feature some dazzling color mixtures…from black to grey to pink to purple and everything in-between.

For these and many other unique artisan crafted jewelry, browse our collections at our Timeless Designs Ruby Lane shop!

Agate tones and strengthens body and mind, as well as imparting a sense of strength and courage. It enhances creativity and stimulates the intellect. Agate is calming and soothing, and can dispel feelings of jealousy.

Greek & Roman Luster of Bronzite

2011-03-30T19:28:00.000-05:00

In striking shades of brown, with flecks of golden and silvery slivers, bronzite is a bronze-like sub-metallic luster variety of Enstatite. The bronzite variety of enstatite has a semi-metallic luster which is formed through weathering of the enstatite mineral. The gemstone consists of magnesium and magnesium iron silicates and has an orthorhombic crystal structure. These are considered to be the ferriferous variety of enstatite.

The purest bronzite comes from Brazil, but is also found in India, Western Australia, China, and South Africa. It can be found in meteorites, leading some to speculate this means that other worlds in our solar system must have a similar composition to that of the earth.

The ancient Romans used to grind bronzite into powder form to protect against mental illness and confusion and as an effective treatment to strengthen the nerves. They also wore the stone as a protective amulet. Bronzite was highly valued by the Greeks and Romans as a decorative stone because of its particular brilliance.

This new design features several stones in an octagon cut and faceted rondelles with a high polish to bring out the golden flakes. It has been paired with matching metal pendant and earrings in red enamel; tons of hand twisted charm crystals, rare Arizona ivoryite and cloisonne beads.

A rich and classy necklace set, sure to capture attention!

Find your next rare gem among our collection of finely artisan crafted jewelry!

Research various books and websites; bronzite rough picture by R. Weller/Cochise College

Heavy Metals Designs

2011-03-28T12:03:00.000-05:00

Trendy and chic, moving beyond the traditional designs with stone pendants…these new designs feature metal pendants and matching earrings! This is a new line of designs that I’m testing the market with and so far, they are quite popular and going fast at our online Timeless Designs Ruby Lane shop!

Metal is a great way to showcase any mixture of stones, crystals and pearls. The different textures, and sculpture done with metal brings to life the art created by the artisan. These new designs feature different pendants and matching earrings, offering a collection of bold, classy, sassy and still classical looks for any occasion.

This first design (to the left) reminds me of the waters in the Caribbean….crisp cool teal blues of the Caribbean are always a fantastic palette to use. The pendant is hammered on one side and the front is sectioned with two different colors of blue – royal and teal. I’ve added in a clustering of hand twisted charms in faceted crystals and large nuggets of teal druzy agates, colorful faceted agate rounds, more crystals and spacey silver pewter beads finishes off the necklace.

Next up (to the right) is a lovely and very fun set all about the green of spring sparkle…..at center focal is a shamrock pendant and matching earrings, tons of hand twisted charms of creamy glass pearls and faceted crystals, lovely flowery lampwork beads, more crystals and marbled ceramic barrels finished off the necklace.

Bold and classy (to the left) in a stately metal two-tone cross and matching earrings…..featuring more hand twisted charms of cultured freshwater pearls, faceted crystals, two large marquee shaped agates with pyrite, bold deep etched barrel beads and finished with black tourmaline.

For these and many other artisan crafted designs, visit our online shop to browse our latest custom collections!

Shards of Glass – Dichroic Glass

2011-03-15T19:17:00.000-05:00

Dichroic glass is glass containing multiple micro-layers of metal oxides which give the glass dichroic optical properties. The invention of dichroic glass is often erroneously attributed to NASA and its contractors, who developed it for use in dichroic filters. Dichroic glass dates back to at least the 4th century AD as seen in the Lycurgus cup.

Multiple ultra-thin layers of different metals (gold, silver), metal oxides (titanium, chromium, aluminum, zirconium, magnesium) and silica are vaporized by an electron beam in a vacuum chamber. The vapor then condenses on the surface of the glass in the form of a crystal structure. This is sometimes followed by a protective layer of quartz crystal. The finished glass can have as many as 30 to 50 layers of these materials yet the thickness of the total coating is approximately 30 to 35 millionths of an inch (about 760 to 890 nm). The coating that is created is very similar to a gemstone and, by careful control of thickness, different colors are obtained.

I love working with dichroic glass, just not really good at making any beads or pendants; however I’m in luck! A very good friend and fellow artisan Anna is a premier glass designer here in San Antonio, Texas. She makes some of the most incredible, gorgeous dichroic one-of-kind pieces (I know, I personally have quite a few of her pendant sets!).

From time to time I purchase her pendants and incorporate them into my own creative designs; accenting with wire, metals, crystals, or natural stones; drawing on the colors of the pendant to develop the jewelry.

These latest designs feature dichroic glass dichroic pendant and earrings sets; accenting with tons of crystals, lampwork beads (another fun glass to work with), metals, and cultured freshwater pearls, just to name some.

Browse all our artisan crafted jewelry at our online shop – find your next treasure of wearable art!

*Research from various websites.

Fiesta of Gems Show

2011-03-14T16:49:00.002-05:00

If you are a rockhound, general fossil, rock or mineral enthusiast and living in the surrounding around of San Antonio, than don’t miss the gem and mineral show this weekend! It is put on every year by the Southwest Gem & Minerals Society of San Antonio, Texas. This year marks their 50th Year Anniversary show!

There is something for the whole family --- gemstones, lapidary, beads, fossils, minerals, faceting, crystals, demonstrations, silvercraft, exhibits of all kinds, and jewelry. There will be door prizes hourly and the proceeds support the Earthy Science Scholarships.

Fiesta of Gems

March 19th – 20th

Live Oak Civic Center

Free Parking

Admission

Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Sat)
10:00am – 4:00pm (Sun)

Come on out and celebrate and have tons of fun!

*Picture by Lee, registered Gemologist.

The Mermaid's Stone - Aquamarine

2011-03-09T12:01:00.000-06:00

The clear blue of aquamarine attracts almost everyone from jewelry makers, gem collectors to the individuals how want to have that silky blue gemstone. Aquamarines tone flatters all skin colors and harmonizes with all precious metals. It is relatively easy to cut and can often be found in innovative shapes, as cutters experience with new forms.

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl group. Beryl commonly occurs as an accessory mineral in granites, and is usually found in cavities and in granite pegmatites. Beryl is usually clear, but iron content gives aquamarine its characteristic blue color. Beryl crystals in some pegmatites grow to very large sizes, even up to 30 feet; aquamarine crystals up to 3 feet long are not uncommon. It is also sometimes found in steam gravels and generally free from inclusions, meaning that it is a durable stone; this is also why it is easy to cut. Though it is known to have some inclusions of biotite, rutile, pyrite, and hematite.

The name aquamarine comes from the Latin aqua, for water, and mare, for sea, and many superstitions and legends about the sea have been attached to the gemstone over the years. It has been said to come from the treasure chests of mermaids. Sailors often took aquamarine with them to sea as a lucky charm to protect against shipwreck; sometimes the stone was carved with the image of Poseidon or Neptune, the gods of the sea. When it is immersed in water, the stone is practically invisible and the water in which it was immersed was long considered to have curative properties.

Aquamarine is said to bring pure love, by turning darker or lighter, the stone indicates what is true and false; when it becomes almost white, it is said to warn against false friends. It promotes friendship and love; symbolizes peace and encourages a gentle nature and personality in the wearer.

Fresh from the studio, this new design features faceted rondelle aquamarine stones in the necklace strand with coordinating crystals, cloisonné beads and at the center a beautiful Brazilian agate slice in a soft color of blue and warm carmel.

Visit our online shop to browse our collections of artisan crafted jewelry…..never know what you might find!

Taste of Green Agate Slice

2011-03-04T22:02:00.000-06:00

Agates are another versatile stone; the colors and matrix that they produce can be brilliant, delicate or bold. This Brazilian agate really caught my eye in the bold shades of green; medium to dark green with hints of golden yellow along some of the edges. It is highly polished on both sides with the edges left with a slightly rough feeling.

It has been hand wire wrapped in bright gold non-tarnish wire and is the center piece of this necklace. The necklace is artisan crafted with mosaic turquoise, toffee colored ceramic barrel beads, checkerboard faceted light golden topaz crystal rounds and scattering of antique gold pewter daisy spacers.

Just right for the picking of jewelry in March!

This and many other wire creations are available to purchase at our online Ruby Lane shop!

Boldly Artisan Crafted

2011-03-03T19:46:00.000-06:00

This set features the lovely stone African Turquoise; though it is not really a turquoise it is actually natural occurring jasper found in Africa. Its name is really a trade name because of the light blueish-green color with an unusually dark or black matrix. Jasper’s name is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘spotted stone’. Jasper can contain many different minerals, giving it a wide range of colors and appearances, just like the African turquoise.

Fresh from the studio, this new design features five big barrel stones in African turquoise. I’ve accented them with lampwork rondelles in a black with swishes of cream, large silver pewter etched canister style beads. The ends have been finished with carved out onyx stones and a large hook clasp.

Browse our shop for unusual and unique artisan crafted jewelry!

The Old & New Jasper

2011-03-01T16:27:00.000-06:00

One of Mother Nature’s most unique stones is Jasper. It is a versatile and very decorative stone haling from the Quartz family and most notable known for its interesting patterns. Jasper is often named either for its pattern or for the location of origin. Since it comes in so many different varieties, there are slues of different names, some named for the same stone, as in this case with Red Creek Jasper.

A side note, jasper was one of the 12 gems set into the foundations of the city walls of Jerusalem, and is considered a highly protective stone by many of today’s crystal healers.

Though not really an old or new find, I came across some of this Red Creek Jasper (or Rainbow Picasso Jasper as it is also known) in pendant form. The most incredible beauty about this stone is the gorgeous colorful scenic landscape patterns it produces in hues ranging from soft grays to blues, beige mustards to yellows, dusty pinks to almost true reds and a few shades of green and rust marbled together.

The real beauty of these pendants is shown against the flair of faceted crystals, cultured freshwater pearls, wild horse magnesite, cloisonné and lampwork beads, and different metals; just to name a few of the pairings I’ve done with these new designs. Each pendant is stunningly cut and has a slight matte finish.

These designs are very popular and you can see additional pictures of them in our Ruby Lane shop!

Chunky Southwest Flavor

2011-02-22T20:01:00.000-06:00

From my trip to Tucson one of the trends (and researching the net) is that chunky jewelry is coming back into style…and it doesn’t matter if it’s bold or soft designs the chunkier the better.

This design is in a Southwest flavor in Turquoise (stabilized and treated), Swarovski Turquoise crystals, faceted golden jade, lampwork beads in shades of rust, turquoise and cream against a golden yellow background, and copper accents. The earrings are feature lampwork beads with clusters of charmed swarovski turquoise crystals.

A really sweet, sassy design to complement any dressy or casual attire!

This is just one of many different designs from our Southwest Flair collection; browse our online shop to see available designs in all our collections!

Tucson Trip Review – Day 2

2011-02-17T15:09:00.000-06:00

As a reminder our disclosure/disclaimer: As a reviewer of the products, shows or vendors attended in Tucson is solely that of our experiences and opinions. We were in no way compensated or paid to review or provide feedback, comment or opinions for the Tucson shows we attended. With that out of the way, here’s our review of our recent Tucson trip.

Day 2 started out started out a little warmer, so we headed over to Tucson Electric Park Gem & Mineral Show. What a day, filled with digging through boxes, tents, bins & barrels, a lots of fossils, minerals, beads, jewelry, and much more! The mix of vendors at this show is unlike any other; vendors from all over the US and the globe. Our highlights included finds at Morocco Minerals, Enter the Earth, Sunwest Silver, Village Originals, and a few others. This show is open to the public, but we were able to get some great deals and even bigger finds. There main tent features more in the way of finished jewelry, a large vendor with a hug selection of tools and equipment, and many vendors with beads.

Pros: There is a lot of selection and if you are willing to dig around in barrels, boxes and bins one can find some really unusual and unique items. There are vendors from all over, which give a nice selection; however getting wholesale discounts was not always an option.

Cons: Pricing at Tucson Electric Park was average compared to other shows; not much in the way of discounts unless one is willing to buy in volume. One of the main vendors for raw stock has their own tent, however their prices were higher this year than in past.

Overall: This is still an excellent show that I will continue to attend; different selection, unique items and I love the energy of going from tent to tent on a treasure hunt.

We have already been busy with some of the finds from our Tucson trip - visit our online shop to see our latest custom jewelry designs.

New Sassy & Trendy Cascading Earring Designs

2011-02-12T16:39:00.000-06:00

I’ve been busy in the studio logging the entire new inventory from our Tucson trip. Finally I’m now getting to those treasures we found and designing new things! Here is the first of many new designs…..classy, sassy and trendy earrings in a cascading design; free swing charms of crystals, glass, lampwork above a tiny foil glass pendant.

These two are just a few of the new earring designs, browse our collection of new designs in our Ruby Lane store; shop often for the best selection!

Tucson Trip Review – Day 1

2011-02-09T13:14:00.000-06:00

Leaving the deep freeze of south Texas, arriving only to find Tucson is just as frigid in weather! It didn’t keep us from our mission; to hunt through shows, vendors and dig through boxes and tons of product hand picking all our new inventory stock for the coming year. We bundled up and hit the indoor shows first, hoping that in the next few days the weather would lighten up (we were granted our wish!) and get a little warmer to attend some of the outdoor shows. Here’s the first review of our trip to Tucson, the shows we attended and some of our finds.

As a reminder our disclosure/disclaimer: As a reviewer of the products, shows or vendors attended in Tucson is solely that of our experiences and opinions. We were in no way compensated or paid to review or provide feedback, comment or opinions for the Tucson shows we attended. With that out of the way, here’s our review of our recent Tucson trip.

Day 1: Due to high winds and freezing temperatures, we opted for indoor shows and started the day after arrival at JOGS International Gem & Jewelry Show (JOGS). This show has in the past always been a venue representing minerals, rocks, beads, jewelry products and finished products from all over the work; specifically their well known Amber vendors, which appeared (to me) to be a little thin in vendors than in past years. The area of Southwestern jewelry also seemed to be a little thin in the vendors, but big on finished jewelry.

Pros: If you are in the market for finished jewelry, there was plenty of it from all over, mostly overseas. The quality varied from vendor to vendor as well as pricing; you could find some products for less than $100 up to over $1000’s. If cost is no object, then sterling silver at many vendors was just the ticket; but buyer beware that the sterling silver is an overlay and not solid, I had a hard time finding the required .925 mark on most of the jewelry, though the vendors claimed it to be sterling silver. Overall, there are lots of selection but mostly in the finished jewelry products; leaving anyone who is looking for raw materials a little in the wind. This year did have a few more vendors offering displays, boxes, etc. which was nice to see.

Cons: Way too much finished jewelry (although this show usually has a lot), not enough in the way of raw materials for minerals, fossils, natural stones, or beading stock. There lacked the many large and interesting displays such as the famous meteorite from last year that this show is also known for. Some of the vendors appeared to be either packed together so close that we didn’t even get to some because we couldn’t; or strung out too much that one didn’t know where it stopped and another began. There wasn’t enough variety and too many overseas vendors offering less than quality products across the board.

Overall: JOGS is a good place to start but is quickly becoming ‘just another show’ in the arena of overseas vendors with inferior products. The cost of goods was higher than last year and many vendors were not willing to give discounts unless the buyer was purchasing in large volumes, both monetary and stock. Navigating the hall mazes we did manage to find several great finds here at JOGS; a sterling silver ring with a center stone of Mexican Fire Opal with very brilliant red, large ceramic Mexican beads, several faceted and non-faceted odd shaped pendants, quite a few of the pewter spacers and metal beads….just to name a few of the things we picked up here. I’ll continue to watch this show, but I don’t know whether or not I will keep in to my ‘must see’ list of shows in the future, since it was missing several of my big vendors that I do business.

We had several hours left in the day and decided to head over and check out Gem Mall. This is a huge wholesale only show with 2 very large tents full of vendors and their products. We only got through the first tent, so I’ll be reviewing this one later on this week as an entire show.

Stay tuned for more reviews of our Tucson trip and Adventure!!

Designs Fit For Your Valentine

2011-01-28T14:03:00.000-06:00

The end of January and just around the corner is Valentine’s Day. We have new designs that are sweet delicious, bold and classy, sassy and trendy; give the gift of nature’s treasures. These new designs feature pendant hearts of glass, red coral, onyx, cloisonné beads, ivoryite and peppermint jasper and much more!

(Left: Heart of Glass, Red Coral, Onyx Set)

Coral: Diplomacy, quieting emotions, visualization.

Onyx: Self-control, decision making, intuition, recognition of personal strengths.

Jaspers: Protection, nurturing, joy, awareness; balancing of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies.

Smoky Quartz: Dissolving emotional blockage, clearing the mind, cooperation, personal pride, joy in living, attentiveness to the moment, protection.

(Right: Peachy Jasper accented w/Silver, Smoky Quartz Set)

Shop often for the best selection, we are adding new designs weekly at Timeless Designs Ruby Lane!

(Above: Artistic Jasper, Rasberry Quartz Set)

(Right: Arizona Ivoryite, Peppermint Jasper Set)