Bling Ring - Wee Bit of Irish

It's getting to that time of the year when everyone likes to claim that they have a bit of Irish in them. I can actually claim that I have a LOT of Irish, and I think, so does this ring.

The colors in this ring are perfect for St. Patricks Day, but would go beautifully any other day of the year as well.

This ring is big, bold and oh so dramatic, just the way I love my rings!It is completely handcrafted using a large guage of copper. The gorgeous erinite color Swarovski crystal are then wire wrapped onto it using a thin guage of copper.

This particular ring is a size 7.5, but I would be happy to make it for you in your size. Just let me know your size and I'll make it custom for you!Free gift box with ring.

You can purchase this ring here - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20550729

Celtic Cross and Chainmaille Necklace

This necklace seemed to take me forever, but I was sick while working on it, and I ran out of wire, and broke the last of my saw blades and had to order more - yada, yada, yada. lol!! I am really pleased with the result though!

The pendant is about 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches made from copper sheet (about 22 guage), which I cut out, filed and engraved with the celtic knotwork design. (I think I'm starting to get the hang of this engraving thing!)

The necklace is done in the half persian 4-1 weave. I've always heard that this is a difficult weave, so I've put off learning it for a long time, but I actually found it quite easy to do.

Heart Bound Bracelet

Here we have another piece just in time for Valentine's Day. I know, pretty funny for someone that doesn't do holiday "themed" jewelry. But I dreamt about this piece the same day I dreamt about the last one. I really like the way it flows and it can definately be worn any day of the year.


For more information on this bracelet, check out the listing here - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9288458 or the listing here - http://www.thefamily-jewels.com/braceletsandwatches/heartboundbracelet.html

Copper Viking Knit Bracelet

Viking knitting, one of the oldest known forms of knitting, is a looping technique that preceded traditional knitting by centuries. Many of these chains were found buried in tombs of some of the most famous and powerful Vikings. It is so lightweight it feels like lace!

This bracelet was quite a challenge for me (yay! I love challenges!). I have seen several tutorials online, but not one of them showed you how to finish it off and attach a clasp.

The weave turned out to be quite easy and went together really quickly. I even made my own homemade drawplate for this project. A drawplate is a metal or wood plate with holes of varied sizes through which wire is drawn to get the desired thickness.

Finally after about 4 tries, I think I finally figured out how to finish it off. Here's one way, and I know how to do one other way too. I've even promised some of my fellow jewelry makers on the forum that I would try to come up with some sort of tutorial for it. Guess I better get working eh?

For more information on this bracelet, check out the listing here - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8870664 or here - http://www.thefamily-jewels.com/braceletsandwatches/coppervikingknitbracelet.html

First Stop In the New Year

The first stop of the year in my wonderful journey is really no surprise to me. It combines two of my loves - metalsmithing and victorian/romantic style jewelry.

I am in love with this set! The pendant (as well as the entire set) was very lovingly handcrafted. I even soldered it for extra sturdiness under all those little wraps.

The copper in the entire set has been hand formed, hammered and even given a heat patina to add to the antique look of the pieces.

I also used freshwater pearls in baby blue and peach and delicate Swarovski crystals to adorn them.

For more information on this set, be sure to check out the listing http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8888331 and also http://www.thefamily-jewels.com/necklacegallery1/classicromancenecklaceandearringset.html