The Starving Artists Team (SATeam) continues its tradition of monthly blog carnivals.
This summer season, many members of the SATeam have been travellling during their vacation time, which has inspired this month's topic. This month, the topic is: When you travel, what jewelry related stuff do you take with you?
To find out what our team members do when they travel, please follow the links to their blogs.
Galadryl Designs
Bead Sophisticate
Dianne Karg Baron
BeadSire
J3 Jewelry
Jewelry Art by Dawn
SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
A Story of Diamonds: Marcel Tolkowsky and the Modern Brilliant
The Modern Brilliant was born in 1919 from the mathematical calculations of Marcel Tolkowsky. As a member of a family of Belgian diamond cutters he had a certain interest in making beautiful diamonds. As an engineer, he studied the way light behaves within a diamond and determined the combinations of angles, facet sizes and shapes needed to maximize both the fire and brilliance that a diamond displays.
Fire is the term applied to the spectral colors reflected out of the heart of a diamond. Brilliance is the amount of light returned to the viewer. Sparkle, or scintillation, refers to the combination of these two factors.
He determined that if a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, light will leak out and the diamond will not be as bright or fiery as it could be. Moreover, the shape and size of each facet is important to the amount of light returned to the viewer.
The Modern Brilliant cut consists of 58 facets, or 57 if the culet is excluded: 33 facets on the crown and 25 (or 24) on the pavilion. Contemporary diamonds are usually cut without a culet.
Tolkowsky's model is the basis of every new round brilliant cut. Over the years, advances in science have allowed us to refine these guidelines into spectacularly sparkly diamonds. Some, like the Hearts and Arrows cut, rely on exacting specifications regarding pavilion and crown angles, table size, girdle thickness, facet sizes, and alignment. Alignment refers to how well the crown and pavilion line up. Perfect alignment is when, at the girdle, the points of the kite and crown facets match up with the pavilion mains and lower girdle facets.
You can see in this next image that the precise cutting is somewhat visible in the finished stone without the special viewer. The red viewer images show that the cut is not exactly perfect, as the hearts are not uniform and the arrows are a little off.
This fancy vivid yellow is a stunning example of excellent cutting by Eight Star, the company that pioneered the Hearts and Arrows cut.
Next time, we see how a round brilliant diamond is made.
Fire is the term applied to the spectral colors reflected out of the heart of a diamond. Brilliance is the amount of light returned to the viewer. Sparkle, or scintillation, refers to the combination of these two factors.
He determined that if a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, light will leak out and the diamond will not be as bright or fiery as it could be. Moreover, the shape and size of each facet is important to the amount of light returned to the viewer.
The Modern Brilliant cut consists of 58 facets, or 57 if the culet is excluded: 33 facets on the crown and 25 (or 24) on the pavilion. Contemporary diamonds are usually cut without a culet.
Tolkowsky's model is the basis of every new round brilliant cut. Over the years, advances in science have allowed us to refine these guidelines into spectacularly sparkly diamonds. Some, like the Hearts and Arrows cut, rely on exacting specifications regarding pavilion and crown angles, table size, girdle thickness, facet sizes, and alignment. Alignment refers to how well the crown and pavilion line up. Perfect alignment is when, at the girdle, the points of the kite and crown facets match up with the pavilion mains and lower girdle facets.
You can see in this next image that the precise cutting is somewhat visible in the finished stone without the special viewer. The red viewer images show that the cut is not exactly perfect, as the hearts are not uniform and the arrows are a little off.
This fancy vivid yellow is a stunning example of excellent cutting by Eight Star, the company that pioneered the Hearts and Arrows cut.
Next time, we see how a round brilliant diamond is made.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Color Report: Deep Teal
Today in our continuing series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011, we take a look at deep teal. I don't know about you, but I already have several outfits in this gorgeous color because it's just that beautiful. A perfect hue for the darkness of fall and winter, this color easily lends itself to a fashionable ensemble:
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Favorite Tools - Brass Tools
While I was at MISSA a couple weeks ago I learnt how to do hot twisting (forging) and boy was I hooked! I was excited to be able to make some of my own tools! I’ve been wanting to work on some more functional pieces and this seems to be a good was to ease into it.
The tools are fabricated out of 360 bronze stock. They make wonderful tools for moving and poking hot glass. A nice feel in the hand makes them great burnishers as well. I hope to slowly add some different end shapes to them, and am always open to ideas.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
British Isles
I still got them on my mind, I guess. Not that I saw that much, we only visited Cambridge last week. We had grand weather and there was eye candy all around, I wouldn't even know where to start - in the Fitzwilliam Museum where we fell in love with this painting by Millais ...
... outside King's College Chapel where we fell in love with the majestic dragon and greyhound ...
... on the River Cam in a punt with a student ... ok, I'll stop here although I indeed have a picture ;-)
I got myself a small companion from Wales (for British diversity, so-to-speak) to help me show you a few items from members of our team. Hello, little penguin, are you ready? Good!
Colla is from Dublin, Ireland. Do you want to take an educated guess who chose this lovely fish brooch from her shop to show here? You don't have to look far ...
Erika Price Designs actually is located in Cambridge, does that mean I was so close to the beautiful Black Magic necklace and didn't know it? What a shame!
When rummaging around in Bead Up A Storm's shop, I found this. Do you think the dragon on King's College Chapel is looking a little annoyed because Vanessa took a tooth from him? I don't think so, but the question is - where did she find that beauty? ;-)
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
By Cat's Wire
... outside King's College Chapel where we fell in love with the majestic dragon and greyhound ...
... on the River Cam in a punt with a student ... ok, I'll stop here although I indeed have a picture ;-)
I got myself a small companion from Wales (for British diversity, so-to-speak) to help me show you a few items from members of our team. Hello, little penguin, are you ready? Good!
 |
| Snuggle penguin - buttercup by Eddy's Pressies |
Colla is from Dublin, Ireland. Do you want to take an educated guess who chose this lovely fish brooch from her shop to show here? You don't have to look far ...
Erika Price Designs actually is located in Cambridge, does that mean I was so close to the beautiful Black Magic necklace and didn't know it? What a shame!
When rummaging around in Bead Up A Storm's shop, I found this. Do you think the dragon on King's College Chapel is looking a little annoyed because Vanessa took a tooth from him? I don't think so, but the question is - where did she find that beauty? ;-)
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
By Cat's Wire
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Gift Ideas for Wedding Anniversaries
My in-laws recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. You may be familiar with the tradition of giving gold to those celebrating their 50th anniversary. The origin of this tradition resides in medieval Germany, where couples who attained this special milestone were given a wreath of gold by their family and friends.
Many people are also familiar with the tradition of giving silver for the 25th wedding anniversary.
What you may not know is that the traditional gifts for many other anniversary years are also metals or stones. For example, the traditional gift for the seventh anniversary is copper and that for the eighth is bronze.
If you reach your 24th anniversary, traditionally you would be given opals as a gift.
Pearls were reserved for the 30th anniversary and coral or jade for the 35th.
Fortieth anniversaries are traditionally marked by rubies, while the 45th is marked by sapphires.
Should you be fortunate enough to celebrate your 55th wedding anniversary, you could expect emeralds and if you make it to your 60th, diamonds have traditionally been the perfect gift.
So will you surprise someone with a traditional anniversary gift to mark the big day?
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
Many people are also familiar with the tradition of giving silver for the 25th wedding anniversary.
 |
| Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings by Shiny Adornments |
What you may not know is that the traditional gifts for many other anniversary years are also metals or stones. For example, the traditional gift for the seventh anniversary is copper and that for the eighth is bronze.
 |
| Copper Necklace - Magnolia Tree by Nicole Valentine Studio |
If you reach your 24th anniversary, traditionally you would be given opals as a gift.
 |
| Australian Solid Opan & Mexican Fire Opal Pendant by TJR Jewellery |
Pearls were reserved for the 30th anniversary and coral or jade for the 35th.
 |
| Coral Choker Necklace by BeadSire |
Fortieth anniversaries are traditionally marked by rubies, while the 45th is marked by sapphires.
 |
| Silver Wire and Sapphire Crochet Spiral Earrings by Cat's Wire |
Should you be fortunate enough to celebrate your 55th wedding anniversary, you could expect emeralds and if you make it to your 60th, diamonds have traditionally been the perfect gift.
 |
| Emerald Earrings by Colla |
So will you surprise someone with a traditional anniversary gift to mark the big day?
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
Friday, August 12, 2011
A Story of Diamonds: Cuts through the Ages - Old European
The Old Mine cut revolutionized the way diamond cutters viewed brilliance in a diamond In the 19th century, the Old European cut improved on a few subtleties of cutting to produce an even brighter stone.
In this new cut, we see the squarish profile approach roundness. Pavilion depth is reduced slightly and many of the facets are elongated to direct more light back up through the table. Crown facets are re-proportioned and distributed evenly around the table.
The improved symmetry and revised facet proportions all work together to direct more of the light through the top of the stone where we observe the brilliance and fire we have come to expect from a well cut diamond. Much of the dispersion, or fire, is retained.
Old European is one of my personal favorites. To use wholly unscientific terms, no other diamond cut I have encountered spits so many rainbows. My own wedding ring is set with Old European cut diamonds. I like to gaze into them and get lost in the shimmering colors. Further innovations have improved the light return, but none break up light into spectral colors quite like this.
Next time, we meet Mr. Tolkowsky.
In this new cut, we see the squarish profile approach roundness. Pavilion depth is reduced slightly and many of the facets are elongated to direct more light back up through the table. Crown facets are re-proportioned and distributed evenly around the table.
The improved symmetry and revised facet proportions all work together to direct more of the light through the top of the stone where we observe the brilliance and fire we have come to expect from a well cut diamond. Much of the dispersion, or fire, is retained.
Old European is one of my personal favorites. To use wholly unscientific terms, no other diamond cut I have encountered spits so many rainbows. My own wedding ring is set with Old European cut diamonds. I like to gaze into them and get lost in the shimmering colors. Further innovations have improved the light return, but none break up light into spectral colors quite like this.
Next time, we meet Mr. Tolkowsky.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Color Report: Cedar
Cedar is the color of the day in our continuing series on Pantone's top 10 colors for Fall 2011. A natural shade of green, cedar is represented by a diverse array of semiprecious stones such as tourmaline, jade, and peridot (which is also the birthstone for August!). This near-neutral color will go with just about any outfit, regardless of the season.
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Favorite Tool - Sharpie
One of the most often used tools in my studio is my Sharpie pen. I love the new colors! I probably have over 20 pens at the moment, and lust for several more.
I’ve been doing some copper etching and the fine tipped sharpies make a nice resist. I need to experiment with the different colors and see if any work better than others. The fatter tips makes a slightly better resist but are hard to get any kind of detail with.
A good pen in a happy color can bring a childlike grin to my face!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The dark side - we have cookies
Never say never. I usually learn that the hard way - opening up my mouth far too wide for my own good and then, some time later, walk in with a paperbag over my head, having to admit that I did
- watch a movie I said I'd never watch
- read a book I said I'd never read
- try food and love it when I was so sure I would hate it (yes, I do love Brussels sprouts all of a sudden)
- pl.... play ... with ... with ... oh, this is so hard ... with seed beads (other than using them in my wire crochet, that is)
Actually I became so intrigued with bead looming that I almost forgot today's blog post. This is so embarrassing, where is my paperbag?
Of course you also have to know that it's not easy going up against a bunch of seedie people. Especially if they are bribing you with cookies. That's my story and I stick with it.
Let me introduce some to you.
Meet Cindy from Bead Origami. She likes geometric designs and this dark red and silver beaded pendant is one of my favorites as I am totally in love with the colors.
Do you remember Jurassic Park? I'm not quite sure if you could use the DNA in these earrings to make your own dinosaur, but I'm sure they'll look great on your ears.
You can find them in the shop of Gwenbeads.
Also designed with beadwoven beads, but in a totally different look is this adjustable suede necklace/bracelet by Alatvian. What a nice idea!
Ah, they are dangerous, those tiny beads ...
By Cat's Wire
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
- watch a movie I said I'd never watch
- read a book I said I'd never read
- try food and love it when I was so sure I would hate it (yes, I do love Brussels sprouts all of a sudden)
- pl.... play ... with ... with ... oh, this is so hard ... with seed beads (other than using them in my wire crochet, that is)
Actually I became so intrigued with bead looming that I almost forgot today's blog post. This is so embarrassing, where is my paperbag?
Of course you also have to know that it's not easy going up against a bunch of seedie people. Especially if they are bribing you with cookies. That's my story and I stick with it.
Let me introduce some to you.
Meet Cindy from Bead Origami. She likes geometric designs and this dark red and silver beaded pendant is one of my favorites as I am totally in love with the colors.
Do you remember Jurassic Park? I'm not quite sure if you could use the DNA in these earrings to make your own dinosaur, but I'm sure they'll look great on your ears.
You can find them in the shop of Gwenbeads.
Also designed with beadwoven beads, but in a totally different look is this adjustable suede necklace/bracelet by Alatvian. What a nice idea!
Ah, they are dangerous, those tiny beads ...
By Cat's Wire
All jewelry items featured above were created by members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.
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