Jewelry Report

If your business is just surviving rather than thriving, after the particularly harsh economic climes of 2009 then now is an ideal time to look at ways to bolster your profit margins.  Every little helps, and you might be surprised at how much you can save with just a few tricks. 

Check the DealsKeep an eye out for special offers and discounts available.  DON'T be tricked into buying something that you don't need just because it is cheap, but DO be a savvy shopper when it comes to purchases that you make.  Shop around for different quotes on payment processing, insurance, machinery and any other products or services that you use.  Small percentages can make a big difference, as can payment terms, so break out your calculator and look at the big picture to see how much you could save over the course of a year. Read more

Carrying on our beginners' jewelry making video tutorial series,  here is a great how-to video for one of the most useful jewelry making techniques: wire wrapping.  This is a staple technique for many jewelers, including those who only make use of cold connections and do not fabricate their own metal elements, beads or settings.

This tutorial from jewelrysupply.com kills two birds with one stone by illustrating wire wrapping briolettes and making loops.

2010 Tucson Gem Show...the tents are going up!

I want to give everyone the opportunity to go to the Tucson Gem Show...whether you can be in Tucson or can't make it this year you can follow me as I check in at some of the 40+ shows that make up the Tucson Experience!

If you are on Twitter - @Tucson_Gem_Show...or you can keep up with tweets from the show at the Twitter Hub -http://twubs.com/tucsongemshow Read more

Design by Wendy Wallin-MalinowThe Precious Metal Clay has to be one of my favourite categories of the Saul Bell Designer Awards.  It is tough to rival the complete flexibility that the medium allows for in both design and fabrication.  What was once a tricky, sticky clay is now available in multiple formats and metals, and can be used with just about any other type of material to allow for endless possibilities.  This is why I find this category so inspiring: because the designs are limited purely by each artist's imagination. 

Here is a look at some of those imaginative artists... Read more

Of all of the categories within the Saul Bell Designer Awards, the Gold and Platinum one is the one that intimidates me most.  Partly because I have little experience working with these metals and partly because so many of the designs rely on an accuracy and attention to detail that I fear I could never master!  "Awe", is probably the best word to sum up how I feel when looking at the amazing work of most of these finalists. 

Shannon Kennedy, a designer at Cynosure Jewelry in Ontario Canada Read more

Since I am promoting learning new skills in 2010, I will be featuring a weekly video tutorial each Sunday. These quick and easy tutorials come from a variety of sources, and will start out with the basic jewelry making techniques. This week's video comes from Art Jewelry Magazine, and illustrates how to forge your own earwires.

Designer Rachel Franco, of JaLa Designs incorporates pieces of high quality, beautifully colorful silk fabrics into stunning pieces of jewelry.  Here, she talks to The Jewelry Report about her work and her business.

Where do you find inspiration? Read more

A Bead in TimeThis week saw the launch of another great jewelry making book, A Bead in Time, by beading expert Lisa Crone.  This colorful book captures the best of work featured in her blog, A Bead A Day.  The blog showcases different beads and artists each day, and since it's inception has become a lively and friendly community where jewelry artists discuss design and trends.  Read more

There is a strange and intriguing fusion of industrial and organic influences in the work of Jim Dailing.  Concentrating on high end bespoke designs, he is lucky enough to be able to focus on individual clients and designs and be fully immersed in the creation of each unique piece.  Here, he shares some of his loves and hates about his work.

Where do you find inspiration?

In the past I have been greatly inspired by the Art Nouveau movement as well as Art Deco. Currently my work tends to take on a certain European simplicity though I am mostly inspired by my clients and their stories.

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller? Read more

Jill HurantNext up in the line up of Finalists for the Saul Bell Designer Awards 2010 Bead Category is Jill Hurant.

Jill Hurant, Morganville, New Jersey.

When Jill describes her work as "Fine handcrafted work in 22 karat gold..."  she ain't kidding about the fine part.  Obviously gifted with as much patience as talent, her designs are intricate yet immaculately crafted, with every tiny bead, wire andjump ring neatly in place to create complex designs that suggest both fragility and strength.  Using advanced crochet, weaving and chain mail techniques her jewelry has a unique and enviable style.  Read more