Statement of Technique
I enjoy fabricating pieces by hand, playing with natural stones, working with a jewellers saw, torch, & other fun tools.
It's a slower process - pieces I make start with sheet & wire. With my trusty friend the jewellers saw, I choose to hand cut metal into the shapes you see - one by one (unless otherwise noted).
A labour of love with countless hours bringing ideas to life. I enjoy the little oddities that happen naturally, seeking to create that ‘lost treasure’ feeling.
No two pieces are exactly the same.
My favourite materials include Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, 14k Yellow Gold, and precious & semi-precious stones.
“Last thing on - First thing off”
How do i care for my jewellery?
Jewellery should be the last thing on (even after perfume/cologne), & the first thing off to protect your jewellery & clothing.
• jewellery set with stones, especially rings should be worn with care.
Natural stones may fracture, chip, or shatter when struck at certain angles. The chances of the stone reacting in this way depends on the specific stone and hardness of the stone, how the stone was cut, as well as if there are pre-existing inner fractures.
• remove jewellery before starting tasks requiring the use of chemicals or detergents (gardening, washing dishes, laundry...), or activities involving perspiration. These activities may accelerate the wear of natural stones, and metals will quickly tarnish.
• remove jewellery before applying moisturizers, perfumes, hair products, etc.
• store jewellery in separate bags away from moisture & open air, as well as jewellery containing stones in individual bags (eg. do not store jade with opal: Opal is a soft stone, Jade is a hard stone)
• restore shine to your precious metals using a polishing cloth. Make sure to wash hands well with soap after using the cloth! do not wash cloth after use, there will be black residue from removing tarnish (this is normal), the polishing cloth can be re-used over and over.
• oxidized surfaces will wear off over time to the patterns of its journey with its wearer. When storing, place in its own separate cloth bag to avoid accidental scratches against other pieces of jewellery.
**Please do NOT use polishing cloth on purposefully oxidized surfaces! Doing so will remove darkened tones.
teachers & mentors
Kelly Allanson
Robyn Cornelius
Ron Vauthrin
Guenther Otto
Aaron (Splash) Moody
Verena Strigler