Archive for December, 2008

Jewelry Mementos Before Photography – Our Oldest Estate Item

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

One of the fascinating things about jewelry is how often it reflects history.  We have a very interesting pin that shows just how much our world has changed in the past two centuries– just compare this pin with the item described in our previous Blog, 3-D Precious Portraits! This may be the oldest item in […]

3-D Precious Portraits: Favorite moments in silver and gold, New frontiers in CAD/CAM jewelry making!

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

My daughter Jenny and I have been developing a new product for several months and just finished the first prototype. Our CAD/CAM system with ArtCam software gives us the capability to convert photographs and digital images into three-dimensional renderings on precious metal!  I decided to try making some Christmas presents to test out the technology, […]

Recertification Blues – Passing the American Gem Society Annual Exam

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

Every year in the fall, I receive the materials to prepare for my annual recertification exam.  Sigh!  All titleholders in the American Gem Society are required to pass an examination of skills and gemological knowledge annually.  The AGS hosts yearly conclaves around the USA, in which seminars and classes present the latest information on gemology […]

Custom Bill Wall Rolex Submariner: the Ultimate Harley-Davidson Accessory

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

Harley riders are known for customizing their bikes with loads of chrome and plenty of fancy leather. We just acquired a perfect watch that will show off the rider too! When we purchased this watch, I wasn’t familiar with the Bill Wall phenomenon—the owner offhandedly said “The bracelet is a Bill Wall original,” which went […]

How to Judge the Quality of Cameos and Intaglios

Friday, December 5th, 2008

Cameos are carvings of gem materials in which the subject carved is in positive relief from the base of the cameo, as opposed to Intaglios, where the subject is carved negatively (into the surface of the gem material).  Cameos are more often seen in jewelry objects where the beauty of the piece is foremost, the […]

Member - American Gem Society Member - American Gem Trade Association Polygon - The Jewelers Information Highway Harmony Recycled Precious Metals Firemark Diamonds