Jump rings bracelet

We have learned how to make jumprings and this is what I came up with

This bracelet is made out of 11 brass jump rings which I hammered flat.

2 new rings I have made

2 new rings that I have finished recently.
The first was an exercise of making a turning ring.

 

Slamming a bit too much on the rounds caused the soldering to open on one side. (those of you with sharp vision can see it on the top right).

The second ring was a project for valentine.
So I came up with this

It took me awhile to get over the fear of working at home with the torch and oxides, but now that I have started, I hope to increase the production line.

Love and peace wishes

Knew concept Precision Hand Saw

I have already posted in the past about the big frustration of any beginner and it is learning to saw...

The Knew concept handsaw developed by Lee Marshall is here to make our lives easier.

The Knew concept handsaw's frame is made out of high strength aluminum and is both light and incredibly rigid.

  

Since the frame cannot flex in order to set the necessary blade tension, a unique tensioning system makes mounting the saw blade easy and without the usual dents in your sternum. 

Even the red color of the frame was specifically chosen because according to clinical trials the color red promotes accuracy. 

Most importantly -  this new frame reduces breakage of blade since the frame do not flex.    

People who already tried this new handsaw are telling:

"I have found I can put a higher tension on the blade than I would with the steel frame saw. This combination of rigid frame and easy tension adjustment makes it possible to put a controlled high tension on the blade and hold it so it does not flex excessively which makes for more accurate cutting and reduces blade breakage." James Binnion - metal art blog 

"I LOVE it! The blade tightening system reminds me a lot of some guitar tuning mechanisms I've seen, and eliminates the chest bruising mentioned in a related thread. And I could swear I'm sawing straighter!" Allan Mason - Silvermason 

The Knew concept jewelers handsaw goes right to my wish list.

Jumping jumprings

During the last two lessons we were busy practicing soldering jump rings and I have to say it's quiet a struggle. Funny enough I ran across this video as if somebody knew.




Looks easy ah? well I guess that after a lot of practice I will be able to preform soldering like he does

Giovanni Corvaja

I would like to thank my gold smiting teacher - Merav Goldsmith kay - for introducing me to this great goldsmith artist  Giovanni Corvaja. 
Giovanni Corvaja is an Italian goldsmith artist. His idea of creating a fleece made of gold led him in the early 90's to develop a technique to reduce gold and platinum to the size of one fifth of human hair. 

Golden Fleece ring

Giovanni Corvaja

In his fascinating  "Golden Fleece" collection he created jewelry which are not only beautiful to the eye but also very pleasant to touch. Each piece requires thousands of hours of precise labour and hundreds of kilometres of gold wire.

Golden Fleece bracelet

Giovanni Coraja

Golden Fleece brooch

Giovanni Coraja

The Greek legend of the Golden Fleece has been told for 3,000 years. It is a classic hero's quest tale in which the hero embarks on a long journey into unknown lands, with a great task to achieve. He is in search of a magical ram's fleece, which he has to find in order to reclaim his rightful throne and power.


Giovanni's studio where he gives workshops as well, is one to be jealous of. This XV century building was renovated and transformed to specious fully equipped workshop and the whole space reflects the artist’s working ethic: the utmost respect towards Craft.

A view from the entrance 

Student's working stations

Discussing library area

I promised myself that one of this days I will get to see this studio from close and even participate one of Giovanni's workshops.

Begginers frustration

Every beginner jeweler knows the frustrating feeling when starting to use the saw.
A lot of wasted blades and pain in muscles you didn't know existed in order to get one straight line. I know it because I am experiencing it during my metal smiting lessons now, but I think I am starting to get it since I am no longer wasting so many blades - I guess it's a good sign :).
The next movie demonstrates how easily this guy is using the saw as if the piece of metal is not a metal at all but a piece of paper..

Happy sawing :)

Rene Lalique - Genius Art Nouveau jewellery designer

Art Nouveau is my favorite period in art, I love the organic and swirly forms especially when it comes to jewelry. One of my favorite artist of this period is French jeweler and glass maker Rene Lalique.

Dragonfly woman corsage ornament (1897–1898).
Gold, enamel, chrysoprase, moonstones, and diamonds.

Pendant, ca. 1901
René-Jules Lalique (French, 1860–1945)
French (Paris)
Gold, enamel, opal, pearl, diamonds

R. Lalique started his work as jewelry designer in 1874 working as an apprentice to the goldsmith Louis Aucoc in Paris and later moved to London. He worked as a freelance artist, designing pieces of jewelery for French jewelers, Cartier, Boucheron and others.

Pendant "female head wearing two poppy flowers,"
circa 1898-1899

Pin Pendant Swallows, 1906-1908

Rene Lalique
Gold, diamonds, enamel

R. Lalique combined enameling with precious stones and gold and by this he initiated a revolution in French jewellery design by asserting that his work should be valued for its design and craftsmanship, rather than for the value of the materials used.

Pin The Kiss, 1904-1906

René LALIQUE
Silver and glass

A movie about his biography




Check out this beautiful book "Jewels of Lalique" with all of Lalique's pieces

In 1885 he opened his own business which is running until this day.

Gorgeous!!!