Just a few sweet things...morganite and aquamarine

Morganite Sterling Silver Ring

I made this ring by request for a wonderful customer of mine all the way in Germany! I have never seen morganite until recently and well...I have to say I really really love this stone. This particular stone is not treated..however, a lot of them are. Morganite conveys a pink to peach like hue. The photo really does not capture its beauty. To me it's like a hint of pink apricot.

Aquamarine Sterling Silver Ring

Also, I just received a shipment of more beautiful aquamarine gemstones... This particular ring has sold. I have more ovals and squares for some chunky rings I plan to make very soon. If your interested in a aquamarine ring, necklace or bracelet...let me know! I would love to make a pretty something for you!

It feels nice to be enchanted.

Yesterday, Chuck and I decided to take a nice hike to Proximity Falls in Oregon. It was a wonderful day just getting away from the rift raft of life to be enchanted with this gorgeous forest with many hidden incredible waterfalls.

I felt like I was in fairy land! Sometimes when you have a moment...you realize just how truly majestic and incredible the earth is. The life that it springs forth and for every season a new leaf that brings more beauty every single time.

I think I'm gonna miss summer!

I think I'm going to miss summer, even though it was really tough with my mom having the stroke and all. I always enjoy the warm season and a day by the river or a lake fishing hangin out with my daughter and hubby. I am so grateful to be surrounded by a ton of natural beauty.

Mother's Birthstone Stacking Rings Peridot and Moonstone- Reminds me of the summer!

I guess, I can say "So long summer.... we'll see you again next year!" Time to look forward to the new Fall season.

Cheers Everyone!

Protect your lungs!

My husband said to me ..." you better wear a face mask when your doing this stuff". I admit, I am very bad about it. But, not too long ago I was reading somewhere the effects of the micron dust particles that will most likely stay trapped in your lungs forever. I suppose that it would be similar to smoking or inhaling smoke and chemicals all day. Well, if you make jewelry..you will do this. And it is best to think about setting up a shop that is also safe for you as well. It does take some thought and money too.


This is the new Foredom filter hood that my husband broke down and bought me. I am encouraged to wear my mask still to be extra safe. This thing is nice as it has a built in vacuum suction that also can catch fine precious metal particles..which you can send to a refinery too! It also has the light which helps your eyes.

I am trying to reorganize my shop in which I can use this machinery for my bench lathe as well as my hand piece or flex shaft. Sort of tricky as space is always an issue for me. But, I have to do it..because what is your health worth?

The other thing I would like to do someday is install a ventilation hood over my soldering station. This is very expensive to do it seems. Right now I am using a tiny fan that I turn on over me to blow the air away. It seems to work well for the cheap.

If your interested in a Foredom Filter Hood you can check them out at Otto Frei, or Rio Grande I am sure. You can also just google it..too see what comes up!

Simple Sterling Silver Stacking Ring - Oct. Birthstone Pink Tourmaline

I have been playing catch up on orders all week long. Today I am sending out 5 orders more..whew! I am tired. But, I will have some pics for you later today or tomorrow.

Thanks all...have a great weekend!

Trying to get back to normal

London Blue Topaz set in 14 K Gold Filled Bezel & Ring Band

Well, yes I am trying to get back to normal. My mom is doing better although after returning home with her, she had to be re-admitted back into the hospital once more. A week later, her blood pressure started to shoot way way up and the doctors were very concerned she would have another stroke. She is still in rehab as I write this and overall is doing well. She is expected to come home again on Sept. 5th. I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying greatly for her.

In the meantime, I have been trying to get back into the swing of things. It really isn't easy. It hurts especially to see my dad so very sad too. But, I am busy this month it seems. I feel being busy is good for my heart and mind as I try to think of the positive things in my life right now.

Blue Flash Rose Cut Moonstone set in 14 K Gold Filled Bezel and Ring Band

On the bright side, I have been working with more gold and yes, gold -filled metals too! I have noticed that few metal smiths work with gold filled for some reason and it is not easy to get information on it. So I have taken on the adventure myself and decided to pursue it. As you know gold almost hit $2000 per troy ounce this last month. It is very painfully expensive to get started in gold these days and it really saddens me.

Gold is very hard to work with. So, I have learned that setting stones in 14K gold is NOT easy. You have to use a hammer and punch to push the metal around the stone. Hopefully your stone is hard enough to take the punch! I realize now why some smiths use 18K or higher gold stock for bezel's...which of course means more expense. Although, I know there are customers who can pay the price..I will gladly make anything in gold for a customer.

Gold Filled is tricky to work with. The biggest problem is exposing the core layer which is usually brass when you make a custom fit bezel. This usually happens at the bottom of the base of the bezel. But, it shines up very nicely if you go easy on it. Also the bezel wire I am finding at Rio is only 30 g stock premade..so you do have to cut out your own bezel strips with 28g metal sheet or so if you want thicker bezels. This area can also expose the brass. But, I have noticed that the gold filled blends very well with the brass and honestly it is just as beautiful as a solid gold piece. There is no visual difference to the eye!! I am sure that the exposed brass may have a tendency to tarnish in time, but a good polishing cloth can solve that problem!!!

14k Gold Filled Stacking Rings by Helenes Dreams

Because gold is actually bonded molecularly to the brass, it will not chip or flake off like gold plated. Gold filled is considered lifetime jewelry and overall is a good quality choice if you want something in gold but don't want to spend hundreds and thousands for it. As far I as I hear gold is continuing to go up and up ..which will make gold filled itself become expensive at one point. But also, anything made in gold filled can easily be made in solid gold as well!!

Well enjoy the day! School starts next week..so here we go again! What a whirlwind of a serious short summer it has been. Today is actually 63 degrees...COLD...yes COLD. It's supposed to warm up again..please God..let it warm up..please!