Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder...Online Jewelry Exhibition

Mussorgsky Ring - synthetic rubber electrical insulation
tubing, aluminum grounding wire
Ian Henderson, USA

The online exhibition titled "Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder" is an exhibition that is accessible to everyone with a computer...Showcasing some of the finest Jewelers and new stars on the horizon...247 images from over 55 artists representing North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Central America, Africa and Eurasia. 

But this one is a little different - you won't find elaborate designs in Gold & Platinum...with precious metals pricing designers out of their own market...this exhibit demands that we think outside our comfort zones...

Edison Moment Ring - Antique Headlamp bulb, 

copper, textured and patinated

Judy Freyer Thompson, USA

"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" is a visual trip through contemporary jewelry design from around the world, focused on some surprising material choices. This exhibition features work by jewelry artists who are exploring the concept of jewelry as wearable art using a wide range of materials, many not commonly thought of as "jewelry" materials. One of the driving goals of the exhibition is to show the quality and range of work that can be created using materials other than the "big three" - platinum, gold and silver. While these may be used as accents in the work, they do not compose the primary material.

Design choices drive material choices, and the entries in this exhibition show the tremendous range of possible materials which can be used to create cutting edge jewelry. Materials used range from metals used for thousands of years, such as copper and bronze, to "new" metals such as titanium, to natural materials such as vertebrae and wood, to surprising man-made materials such as plastic drinking straws and colored pencils."

Damascus Steel Ring - 316L stainless steel, 304L stainless steel
David Parums, Australia

...are you using alternative materials in your designs?  

Stay in out of this sweltering Summer Heat click thru and enjoy...

Mikimoto's Exclusives One-of-a-Kind Luxury!

If you are lucky enough to live in the New York or Beverly Hills areas - Mikimoto will have "never before seen in the US" pieces from their Exclusives Collection on display!


The Exclusives Collection is "...a collection of one-of-a-kind and limited jewelry pieces. This couture merchandise represents the pinnacle of Mikimoto quality and jewelry design."


from the Mikimoto Website

"I would like to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls."Kokichi Mikimoto

In 1893 Kokichi Mikimoto developed the process to "culture" a semi-spherical  pearl, followed by his achieving a spherical pearl in 1905, a process which brought stunning pearls to the masses.  Prior to the culturing process it could take years to complete a single strand of pearls.  Hence the saying "the Queen of Gems and the Gem of Queens", as it was only Royalty that could afford a strand.


For more on the history of Mikimoto see: http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/our-heritage/our-history

Latest From MJSA! Handbook on Effective Pricing...

WOW - the timing couldn't be better - with all the Trade Shows - Art and Holiday Fairs just around the corner...MJSA - the leader in information for the Trade has announced the latest addition to the Members Bookshelf!


From the MJSA Press Release:
MJSA, the U.S. trade association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, has published The MJSA Handbook on Effective Pricing: Determining Expenses, Selling Value, and Maximizing Profits. The PDF publication contains the best of pastMJSA Journal and MJSA Custom Jeweler articles on this perennially popular subject, offering strategies for pricing both finished jewelry and repair work.

The Handbook includes best practices for cost accounting (including a step-by-step guide to factoring in overhead costs, one of the most-overlooked areas in pricing); pricing uniqueness in a design, including custom work; and turning a repair operation into a profit center. It also provides successful strategies developed by working designers and jewelers, such as Susan Helmich, Mark Morrell, and David Geller.

The MJSA Handbook on Effective Pricing is free to MJSA members, can be downloaded from the MJSA website, mjsa.org . Non-members can order the Handbook through the online MJSA Bookstore for $9.95.

About MJSA 

MJSA is the U.S. trade association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It provides the resources to achieve professional excellence and maintain a competitive edge. For more information, call MJSA at 1-800-444-6572 or visit www.mjsa.org.

Royal Asscher - Banking On Japan!

Bravo to Royal Asscher - as companies are looking to get out of Japan and a failing economy - Royal Asscher is banking on the Japanese culture and the country's historic ability to come back in a big way, with it's first flagship store in Asia!!!!
From Royal Asscher's Press Release:

The Asscher family is proud  to announce that in cooperation with its Japanese partner Nagahori Corporation, Royal Asscher opened its first flagship store in Japan on Friday, July 15, 2011. The store is located on the famous Ginza Street in the center of  Tokyo and represents the company’s first flagship store in Asia.

Royal Asscher’s unique heritage and history along with its passion for ethical and socially responsible behavior dates back to 1854. This enduring legacy, facilitated by the company’s devotion to bring beautiful, coveted jewelry to markets across the globe has led them to this momentous occasion. It will be followed by the opening of flagship stores in the People’s Republic of China.

Edward Asscher, President of the company said when opening the store, “The Asscher family is proud to open its first flagship store in Tokyo. It shows our total commitment to Japan in these difficult times. We have great respect for the solidarity and vigor the Japanese people have shown to rebuild and overcome their predicament. We are thrilled to continue building our relationship and being part of the most memorable moments of people lives”.

"We have great respect for the solidarity and vigor the Japanese people have shown to rebuild and overcome their predicament. "   Edward Asscher of Royal Asscher

Situated in a prime location, in the heart of the luxury shopping area, and in the company of other reputable stores such as LVMH, Bulgari and Chanel, the opening of the Ginza store is a remarkable achievement not only for Royal Asscher as a company but also because it is the first Dutch store on the Ginza.

The interior of the modern store is decorated in white contrasting with Royal Asscher’s signature blue and showcases a wide variety of Royal Asscher diamond engagement rings and jewelry. In commemoration of the opening of the store, a Royal Asscher diamond tiara has been created containing a total of 10 carats of diamonds set in platinum and worth US$385,000. The tiara will be loaned as a special treat to brides who purchase a Royal Asscher engagement ring in the Ginza store, thus giving them the opportunity to enjoy the true brilliance of a Royal Asscher diamond on their head as well as on their finger.

ABOUT ROYAL ASSCHER DIAMONDS

Founded in 1854, Royal Asscher Diamond Company is run by The Asscher Family. The Asscher Family dynasty to this day continues to have an influence on the diamond industry. Joseph Asscher, at the request of King Edward VII, cut the largest diamond ever found, the famous 3,105-carat Cullinan diamond. 

Royal Asscher has also made its mark by refusing to work with conflict diamonds that originate from war torn countries that are unethically sourced and sold to fund warfare and civil destruction. Royal Asscher only sources diamonds from nations that are fully compliant with the Kimberly Process, an international diamond industry initiative to stop the flow of conflict diamonds. One of the company’s founding fathers, Edward Asscher was one of the forefathers of this initiative, Royal Asscher requires that all of its diamonds are labeled by the government at the origination point and securely sealed during transportation.

Royal Asscher created their own signature patented cut in 2001, which has 74 facets, that’s 16 more than the traditional cut diamond.  It is based on their original Asscher cut dated 1902. The innovation and skill level of Royal Asscher has been passed down from generation to generation. Now on its 4th generation owners the companies still upholds their reputation for excellence. 

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/