Have you done any chainmail or even just a simple two-in-one or two-in-two chain for a charm bracelet? Then you know how much work it is - and if you want soldered links - that could take a whole days work to complete a chain!!!!
So - how are those finished chains made that they can be sold at such reasonable prices?
I found this video on YouTube - it is a fairly quick overview from Jewelry Television.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Learn about making gold chains (Jewelry Television)
Friday, March 6, 2009
DTC's 8th Annual Shining Light Awards
The launch of the eighth DTC Shining Light Awards Collection marked an historic occasion: for the first time ever, the competition was opened to South Africa’s neighbouring diamond producing countries - Namibia and Botswana, making the 2009 Shining Light Competition, one that is truly southern African.
This new collection is a statement of bold design expression - each piece captivates the imagination and beauty intrinsic to this prized gemstone. The overall winning piece of the eighth DTC Shining Light Diamond Design Awards Competition in South Africa was chosen for its contemporary minimalism and unique execution in design. Overall Winner, designer Bhekithemba Ngema, a 2008 Tshwane University of Technology graduate, created his ring using 18ct yellow gold and 725 diamonds with a total carat weight of 16 carats, provided by sponsor and DTC client, Schachter & Namdar.
First launched in 1996, the objective of the DTC Shining Light Awards has been to provide support for the future of the South African jewellery industry by helping to develop both technical and design skills of South African designers, as well as an ethos for South African jewellery design.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Swarovski At The Oscars - 2009
David Rockwell Drawings for the Oscars set - see more at: http://snipurl.com/d0tjc [chicago_broadwayworld_com]
From the Swarovski Press Release:
Swarovski Partners with David Rockwell to Unveil the First Glimpse of the Oscar® Set Design Swarovski Crystal helps bring a new and fresh look to the 81st Annual Academy Awards®
Los Angeles, CA, February 16, 2009 - David Rockwell reinvents the set of the 81st Annual Academy Awards featuring custom designed Swarovski Crystal curtains that will create a sparkling rainbow illuminating the grand arch of the Kodak Theatre, a building Rockwell Group completed seven years ago. The curtains will shimmer with approximately 100,000 Swarovski crystals flown in especially from Austria and will stand an awe inspiring 60 feet tall and 100 feet wide. This is the second time Swarovski crystal has graced the stage of the Academy Awards and this year promises to be even more of a stunning surprise with the curtains weighing in at three tons and being comprised of over 6,000 one-meter hand crafted strands.“We could not think of a better partner than Swarovski to fulfill our vision of not just a curtain, but a frame to capture all the elegance, excitement and high-fashion that is the Academy Awards,” added David Rockwell, founder and CEO of Rockwell Group. “We have collaborated with Swarovski many times and the result is always breathtaking. This is yet another spectacular centerpiece.”
“Swarovski is delighted to support the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences for the second year of what is undoubtedly Hollywood’s biggest annual event,” said Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of Crystal Business. “We are delighted to collaborate with David Rockwell on this magnificent set design which reflects our ongoing commitment to support talent and creativity in he film industry”.
View exclusive behind the scenes footage of the creation of the Swarovski Crystal Curtains for
the 81st Annual Academy Awards on: http://www.swarovskisparkles.com/oscars/oscars09/n-3223.html
Stars in Swarovski
American actress Christina Applegate carried a shiny gold vintage Jackie clutch bag by Daniel Swarovski.
Spanish actress Monica Cruz, the proud sister of Oscar winner Penelope Cruz for Best Supporting Actress, decided on dazzling the audiences with the Allegro clutch bag from the Daniel Swarovski collection.
Actress and model Milla Jovovich complemented her outfit with a silver crystal Reverbe clutch.
More handbags & clutches from Swarovski: http://snipurl.com/d0tqq [www_swarovski_com]
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thinking Green - Do You Think Of Ebay?
Ebay was founded on the principles of re-purposing or re-using...I am always finding things I can use for jewelry from the various dealers - from old watches - to vintage items - to scrap - to broken jewelry!
We believe they can—and do. In 2007, forty eBay employees stepped up to help the company make greener decisions. Now, more than 1,000 are working together as eBay Green Team members.
At the same time, 86 million buyers and sellers on eBay have reused over $100 billion worth of products since 1998. By giving used toasters and toys a longer life and keeping sweaters and cellphones out of landfills, they're making a big difference for the planet.
Today, the eBay Green Team is committed to doing even more to help the world buy, sell and think green every day.
Please join us.
http://www.ebaygreenteam.com/