The Jeweler's History Project on Ganoksin

Re-print of a press release from Ganoksin Project:


Announcing - 


Jeweler's History Project 


http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/db

Over the last three decades we have acquired over 40 rare historical Metalsmithing books that we will make available to jewelers, goldsmiths and the metalsmithing community.

These books cover special techniques in depth like chasing, repousse, engraving, niello making, Japanese chiseling, soldering, construction, patination and metal coloring, silversmithing and more. There are many recipes for alloys and metal surface treatments. 

The manuscripts will be gradually published in a digital format over the coming months. 

For the first time in history, these ancient metal tricks and recipes will be made available to the contemporary community of curious artists and metalsmiths. This information will allow the reader to apply the simple and ingenious procedures used by the jewelers of the past, long dead masters of the art of metalsmithing. Many of the tricks and recipes described will save the maker money, as older approaches can sometimes replace modern tools. 

We invite you to own the entire collection of manuscripts, and benefit from the ancient wisdom that we are presenting., while supporting the Ganoksin Project. 

Each pdf is a full digital book of searchable text and images, with an easy access through an interactive table of contents. 

The cost is 1.35 US$ per eBook for a single user license which allows you to install, read and print the material on a single computer.



Just a few examples of what is available:

Repousse Work for Amateurs by L. L. Haslope

Price: 1.35 US$

(subtitled "Being the Art of Ornamenting Thin Metal with Raised Figures")
Another book essential for the serious chaser! This one concentrates on details of chasing, tools, working methods. Includes a number of metal working techniques as well, sawing finishing etc. It is 103 pages (and a number of further pages of fascinating advertisements)

File Size: 6.17MB, 103 pages.

Educational Metalcraft by P. Wylie Davidson, 1913

Price: 1.35 US$

This book, originally published in England in 1913 covers repousse, fine chasing, silversmithing, jewellery and enamelling. It is part of Longman's technical handicraft series of books. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement it details the practical ways that are not touched on as deeply in most texts since. The drawings are excellent, clear and insightful. Like, really excellent. Along with exceptional chasing and repousse information there are surprises, like the many pages of wire and sheet metal strip twisting examples for borders and decoration. The section on enameling is unusual in its early viewpoint, grinding lump enamel being the only option, and firing trivet designs of interest. It has over 378 illustrations, beautifully hand drawn and carried out.

File Size: 22MB, 227 pages.

Decoration of Metals - Chasing, Repousse and Saw Piercing by John Harrison, 1894

Price: 1.35 US$

Published in 1894. This heavily illustrated book, many photographs and line drawings which cover chasing and repousse in depth and with subtlety. The hundreds of excellent line drawings of tools, stamps, and more are excellent. The tool end images are especially clear. There are many photographs of complex chased trays and other objects. This is a great book, and essential for a serious jeweler and chaser.

File Size: 68MB, 164 pages.

Socially Conscious Bridal from Ivanka Trump...

Doing a little Internet Surfing and wanted to give a quick nod to the stunning Bridal Collection from Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry.  It is easy to see that Ivanka puts more than just a prestigious name on the every project she undertakes.    


Always elegant and on trend  --- you feel like a socialite in your Ivanka Trump Jewels!  As her logo says "Rock Tradition"!

Maintaining the brand's Social Responsibility Ethic:

"The collection features Canadian diamonds that have been sourced from ethically and environmentally responsible mines, and set in recycled platinum or gold."

The website offers a range of styles, lead by Ivanka's trademark oval diamond band styles...a dynamic option for someone proposing.  No beginning - no end!

http://www.ivankatrumpcollection.com

Congratulations to the MJSA!!!

From a field of over 3,300 entries, MJSA, the Industry organization dedicated to furthering professional excellence in jewelry making & design, was recognized in three categories...for the prestigious 2011 Apex Awards!


First for the MJSA Journal, the association's flagship monthly magazine, which provides technical and business information on jewelry making and design to its membership...in my opinion the MJSA Journal makes the cost of membership worth every penny!

 


MJSA Custom Jeweler, its quarterly publication which offers insights into how to capitalize on the dynamic consumer demand for personalized jewelry. By presenting design trends and first hand stories by Jewelers working in the field...this particular issue offers a wonderful story of a jeweler's custom order for Mardi Gras. But whether it is a suite of jewels for the King of Carnival or an article that talks about the newest technical options for offering your store patrons the ability to personalize pieces.


...and finally for MJSA Online (mjsa.org), which also won a 2010 APEX Award for website content and writing.  If you have ever had a question about current Laws Governing Lead & Cadmium in Children's Jewelry, Cleaning Tips for Jewelers, or Identifying Glass & Lead Filled Rubies...you know you will find that and more at the MJSA website.  Whether you are a member or not the website ALWAYS has great Industry Tips & Techniques!

APEX 2011 awards were based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry -- in the opinion of the judges -- in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. 


It is sponsored by Communications Concepts, the publisher ofWriting That Works: The Business Communications Report. 
http://www.apexawards.com/

Erica Courtney Debuts Diamonique Collection on QVC!

So the first views of Award Winning Jewelry Designer, Erica Courtney's new line using QVC's trademarked Diamonique product have been released...WOW!

*A Note from the Designer

"I'm extremely excited about my QVC debut with this rose/blue pendant, which was inspired by one of my award-winning platinum pendants that retails for $120,000. This delicious, vibrant gem is dripping with a Diamonique micro-pavé overlay and is absolutely stunning!"

—Erica Courtney

You can catch Erica Courtney live at midnight Friday Eastern Time and again at 10am Eastern!

But even if you can't catch it live what a huge opportunity to pick up a stunning piece of jewelry from the Designer that is the Red Carpet Choice of many Celebrities!

Get a head start with the Today's Special Value (pictured above) or the stunning Diamonique Station Necklace that would stack so perfectly with the TSV or your favorite strand of Honora Pearls!



* Quote above from the QVC website...

Matt Lauzon Honored in INC's "30 Under 30 List"

I had the honor of getting to know Matt (thru Twitter & email) at the beginning of his journey with what was at that time Paragon Lake.  


Since then he has partnered with some really important people in the Jewelry Industry and what was a vision is now a reality - and a reality that is doing well!


Inc Magazine has listed Matt Lauzon in it's "30 Under 30 List"...an amazing grouping of individuals with such a strong vision at such an early age.  If were this driven in my twenties I would own a Dept. Store by now (I was the Queen of Retail - I could sell anything!), I am so happy that I didn't take that road.


So take a minute to read the article in INC. and get to know Matt Lauzon and his passion Gemvara...





Follow Gemvara on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/gemvara
...and my personal favorite the Gemvara Blog!  http://blog.gemvara.com/

Reena Ahluwalia Does It Again! "Shining Stars for Royal Asscher

Royal Asscher’s latest “'Shining Stars” affordable floating-diamonds collection made its debut at the Luxury at JCK and JCK Las Vegas Show. 


This latest collection designed by Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher is inspired by the day and night of the African Savannah and its animal magnetism.


This new collection consists of beautiful pendants and stunning rings. The styles continue to feature free-floating diamonds encased in a fluid-filled sapphire dome, giving them the effect of shimmering stars.

Affordable and on trend are two descriptions that you seldom see side-by-side, but in this latest collection from Royal Asscher you get BOTH! Following the huge success of their "Stars of Africa" Collection, designer Reena Ahluwalia brings a VERY Fashionable and Affordable collection set in Gem Ceramic or Silver with Yellow & Rose Gold plating that still features their popular floating diamonds design.


"We strongly believe in using conflict-free diamonds for development. It was important for me to highlight Africa, yet again. Proceeds from sales will continue to support Royal Asscher's 'Stars of Africa', Africa-focused fundraising initiative." says Reena on the Royal Asscher Facebook page.


African savannah, abstract leopard and cheetah prints are the inspiration for 'Shining Stars' collection. One of 2011’s hottest looks and a look we are seeing as a strong influence this Fall.  We see this exotic trend hugely influencing runways and street fashion. Versatile to mix with any of your neutrals or with the bright color stories of the Fall Runways.

The Latest Member of the "Shining Stars" Collection...
Ceramics combined with 18k rose, yellow and white gold and floating diamonds. Ceramic is extremely durable, shatterproof and scratch-proof. It is also light weight as compared to metals such as platinum and gold.

ABOUT ROYAL ASSCHER: Legendary history of innovation and gemological excellence. Asscher family had cut the largest diamond ever found the 3105-carat Star of Africa (Cullinan) diamond in 1908. The company had also cut the ‘Excelsior’ diamond in 1903. Royal Asscher was the first company in the world to patent a diamond cut; The ‘Asscher Cut’ in 1902. They are also the inventors of the famous ‘Royal Asscher Cut’ introduced in 2001.http://www.royalasscher.com/en/page/38/history.html

ABOUT DESIGNER REENA AHLUWALIA: http://www.reenaahluwalia.com/Profile.html

Collectible Frank Patania Silver - New Pieces Available!

Recently, Arizona Jeweler, Sam Patania, sent a notice to friends and collectors of Frank Patania Sr.'s Silverwork:


"I have received a 9 piece collection of jewelry given by my grandfather, Frank Patania Sr., to his sister when he would take trips back to New York City from Santa Fe, NM  to visit his family. Three of the pieces, a bracelet in sterling and coral, a necklace in sterling and coral and a pin in sterling and turquoise have my grandfather's personal hallmark. The others have combinations of the hallmarks used by the craftsmen in Frank's studio. These pieces will be provided with written provenance for collectors.

This is a once in a life time opportunity to own vintage Patania jewelry with clear provenance, given with love by Frank Patania Sr. himself, to his sister from the 1930's to the 1950's.

Photographs, written descriptions and pricing provided by request."

Contact Info at the bottom of this article...

Frank Patania, Sr. is the first generation Jeweler in a Family Dynasty that runs Three Generations - Sam is the current generation of a family whose work is installed in the Smithsonian.  

For those who may not be familiar with the Patania name, a bit to whet your curiousity:

Frank Patania, Sr.

Three generations of Patania men have been working for over 70 years, creating jewelry and decorative objects that have come to be known for their excellence in craftsmanship and design. In October 2000, Kenneth Trapp, co-curator of the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery, took possession of three Patania bracelets to be placed in the museum's permanent jewelry collection.

Frank Patania, Jr.

The renowned Renwick Gallery's acknowledgment of the family's work came as no surprise to those who were already admirers, clients, and collectors of Patania pieces, but the move did confirm the family's important role in 20th century jewelry.

Sam Patania 

Trapp himself perhaps said it best, in talking to the Arizona Daily Star, October 25, 2000 about the acquired Patania bracelets: "I really feel that these three pieces represent the very best of craftspeople and designers. What interests me is the quality of design-they're absolutely stunning." 


From Patania: 70 years of Excellence  by Shari Watson Miller 

For more info click thru - the Miller article is accompanied by dramatic photos of truly stunning jewelry that is a piece of our history!

Frank, Sr. was an Italian immigrant whose work was dramatically and forever changed with his introduction to SouthWest style of Native American silversmiths in the 1920's.  The result of the marriage of the two styles became known as the Patania Thunderbird Style.

The significance of these new pieces is HUGE - the provenance couldn't get any better.  Being a gift to his own sister.  Inquiries, prices and information will be provided on request.

Sam Patania can be reached through his website at:

http://patanias.com/home.html

Additional information and resources:

Shari Miller's complete article: http://www.modernsilver.com/patania.htm

Bahti Indian Arts: http://www.bahti.com/

I hope you enjoy clicking through these resources and learning about the talent of the Patania Jewelers. You will find a style that works for you - whether you are drawn to the Southwest style of Frank, Sr; the clean modernist work of Frank, Jr or the still emerging style of Sam Patania, the current standard bearer of the family!