Natalia Khon's Blog

Simple locket with a good story

2012-01-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

This locket is a custom order. It is very simple, slightly textured and letter stamped, made of brass. It is so simple, that I was not even going to put it into my blog. However, I appriciate a piece of jewellery if it has a good story. This one has a story too.

The locket was ment to be a Christmas gift for a young girl. The girl saw her mom packaging it. Mom told her it was for her little cousine, so the gift, though seen, stayed a total surprise for the girl. We both were giggling when she told me the story :) Good save, mom!

Ace of diamonds dogtag

2011-12-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

This is a "dogtag" pendant for my husband's birthday. It is made of nickel silver (as he has lost one before... so no sterling silver for him!). Reconstructed red coral is shaped by a lapidary artist Bruce McLellan for this project. Coral diamonds are held by cold white enamel.

Old work, new picture :)

2011-12-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

The central piece and the toggle is made of silver (the gold leaves are gold-plated with a keum-boo technique). This necklace is made of Japanese gold- and platinum-plated beads. The only reason for making it was I had extra beads from this project. (Souds like a good reason to me :)

Upcoming winter classes

2011-12-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Advanced Stone Setting Workshop One weekend: December 10&11, 2011. Time: from 11 am to 5 pm. Price $150.00 + tax.

Advanced Silversmithing course 8-Thursday course, January 12th to March 1, 2012. Time: 6.30 pm to 9.30 pmPrice $215.00

Engraving 5-Saturday course, January 14 to March 3 (No class January 28 & February 4), 2012. Time: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Price $215.00 + tax.

To sign up for the classes call Mountain Gems at (604)298-5883 or Toll-free (Canada/USA) 1-888-593-1888

Custom work

2011-12-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is the second stone for the "suprise" order. On one hand I had a request for a "suprise", on another hand... I do not make sketches for my pendants with the sea creatures. They are ment to be a "game"... I take all of them out, and see what this stone "wants" to have around it. This stone "wanted" a turtle...

I put the pendants into the little jewellery boxes and took them to the customer.
- Customer has ordered a suprise, customer is getting a suprise, - I told her.

She opened the box...

- Did you know that I was collecting turtles? - she asked... and gave me a hug.

She also told that she would have to fight her daughter for this pendant. So... I got another order. It won't be done before Christmas, though.

Custom work

2011-11-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

I got two stones for a custom work... And a very specific task: "Surprise me!"

Well.... If it was my stone and I did not care that anybody would ever like it and buy it.... this pendant could look completely different :) I have to admit, that I was a little bit scared to do "too much"... so... possibly... I did "not enough"...

However, the customer saw the sketch and liked it. So I have become a little bit more brave and did not show her a sketch for her second stone... I will publish the picture of it later this week.

Russian jewellery artists

2011-11-18T17:43:00.001-08:00

There are many great artists in Russia. There are many talented jewellery designers among them. However, as any artists of a country with its own culture and history, modern Russian artists have their own preferences in the materials that they like to use. Russian people like chic in their every day life, they like colour and intricate forms. No wonder that seed beads and lace making techniques have transformed from traditional ways of use, known in the past centuries and into something completely new to fulfill the imagination of these new artists who have the world open in front of them. They study all innovations. They love their background. Then they put everything aside and start creating...

Alice in Wonderland

2011-11-13T22:29:00.001-08:00

I just thought I would not be able to find another carver that could impress me as much as Dashi Namdakov when I've come across this Russian wood and ivory carver! His name is Joseph Epshtain. Look what he has made!

These are the figurines from the "Alice in Wonderland" book made into a chess set.

I hope he can find a connoisseur who can afford this beautiful piece of work!

My necklace is published in a designer jewellery book

2011-11-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

My necklace that I wrote about before is included into this wonderful book of designer jewellery. The book is for sale here. Preview is available.

Creative Treasures

2011-11-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Amazing carver

2011-10-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

There is an amazing Russian carver... a sculptor and a jeweller whose work can become an inspiration for anybody who does carving. It has become an inspiration for me too. He has the highest level of creativity and fantasy that ever exists. I am looking at his works and I see his world, as I see the worlds of Erte, Lalique or Faberge.

He says that he tries to introduce people to his ethnic culture (which is not Russian), but could anybody else do this introduction in a way he did? I would not believe so. It was a talent that could not avoid an international attention. And it did not. The artist works in Italy and England. He had exhibitions in the best galleries all over the world.

His web-site is a pure eye-candy. I will be visiting it again and again... whenever I need an inspiration... His name is Dashi Namdakov.

Gothic Necklace

2011-10-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

I have always liked elegant evening necklaces in Gothic style. Black lace, glimmer of dark stones and hanging chains... I think this is very feminine and exquisite. Being a designer I had to try and make a few pieces of jewellery in this style. I asked a friend of mine to make me some handmade laces and used them for my Gothic/evening necklaces.

Small beads are garnets. Chains and a clasp is made of copper. Enigmatic tektite is set in sterling silver. The result is as fabulous as I could imagine...
The necklace is available at the Just Jewellery gallery in White Rock.

Peackock Feather Necklace

2011-10-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Beautiful labradorite cut by a lapidary artist Bruce McClellan is featured in my peacock feather necklace. Peacock feathers are so widely used in jewellery but still a favourite theme for many jewellers as well as wearers. When I got this stone I realized what it should be used for. I opened google to look at the peacock feather designs, to make sure that whatever I design is going to look like nothing out there :)

It is stylized, simple, unusual and would look great with pretty much anything. The necklace is available at Just Jewellery, White Rock.

(Update: not available anymore)

Kynite Maple Forest pendant

2011-09-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favourite styles to work in. I've made a free-form pendant with a gorgeous kynite before... It was my favourite piece at that time. I gave it to a jewellery gallery on consignment to "decorate my display". Of course, it was gone soon after :) I had to make another one in the same style and with a kynite... Though it is the same ornament, a similar stone and it is made by the same person again (me, of course), it does not look the same at all. That is a good thing, I think.

This pendant is available in my etsy shop online. To buy it or see more pictures click here >>>

My favourite squirrel necklace

2011-09-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite designs ever is now available at my Etsy shop. The squirrel ornament is from a 50-year old Russian book for housekeepers (from a woodworking section). However, being a Canadian artist now I've included tiny maple leaves into this ornament. The original piece was hand pierced and soldered. I can cast them now, but still keep all my pieces unique, so none of them looks the same.

To see more pictures or buy it click here >>>

Seed-bead contest in Kiev, August, 2011

2011-09-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

As a jewellery artist who started as a seed bead designer I still love jewellery made with the creative techniques available for the seed beads. My dear friends and co-founders of the International Association Art-Biser were traditionally invited to jury an International contest for the beaders that took place in the capital of Ukraine Kiev.

Look at all this beautiful and joyful jewellery! It is very sad really that we need a "special occasion" to wear something like this... and a "special" mood too. Can you imagine... there are countries where people wear all these gorgeous accessories just because it is sunny outside and everybody is dressed up as if they are going to a birthday party anyway? I am jealous...

These last three pictures are from the web-site of the magazine that holds the contest - Modnyi

Owl ring and Heron ring

2011-09-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

These birds were my first tries to do wax carving. The owl was also engraved after it was cast. It took so long time and so much patience to carve them... that they stay the only birds I've ever carved :) I have rubber molds and can reproduce them. They are finally up and on Etsy available to be ordered.

Click here to see more pictures or buy the Owl ring

Click here to see more pictures or buy the Great Blue Heron ring

Autumn necklace

2011-09-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

This necklace is from the story about the Pink Christmas Bracelet that you can find here if you scroll down. I do not have another picture of it, as it was damaged when we were moving. So I need to fix it first. Maybe it is even going to be for sale after that... I thought it was quite unusual for me not to put something like this on my web-site for so long. Therefore it is going to be on the same page now, right by the bracelet. (And please do not laugh at this picture of me... this outfit seemed to be very appropriate and creative in Russia! and rather humble too...) (And, yes, I made the head-piece too... and I still have it too)

Men's / Unisex necklace collection

2011-08-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

This collection had started as men's, but when it was finished I thought it was more "unisex" rather than just men's. I can see women wearing this jewellery. I would wear most of them myself too.

This collection (there are more pieces in it than I copied here) is available in my online store. They wanted me to write about my inspiration for each piece. I realized, that indeed, there was an inspiration for each of those pieces.

My husband does not wear jewelry. One day I've decided to take this fact as a challenge. I wanted to make a necklace that he would want to wear. I ended up creating a collection of men's jewelry. It turned out successful. My husband is even asking me to make him a special pendant. I will... Though, he is not getting this one, as I do not need a spoiled husband :) He will get only one necklace!

I was looking for a typical "men's" pendant shape, but could not resist giving it an elegant look by creating an animal pattern with black enamel. The result of my quest became suitable for women as well as for men.

I was creating exquisite and very feminine jewelry for years. In search of something different I got carried away by creating jewelry that had a very strong look. A cross with clear lines and contrasting black enamel is just what could satisfy my interest.

I wanted to give a little bit of glamor to a simple dog tag, considering men who wear jewelry because they want to look fashionable.

The inspiration for this piece is the crystal itself and the metaphysical qualities that it has. It is believed to receive, activate, store, transmit, and amplify energy; stimulate brain functions and activate all levels of consciousness. It is excellent for meditation and is said to bring harmony to the soul.

Australian opal necklace

2011-08-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

We went to Australia in April... I brought this opal from Sydney to make a very special necklace. Finally, on the 21st of August it is done and the pictures are taken. This necklace is officially for sale. This is what I've told my husband.

We are still laughing over the story with another pendant I made... So, my husband told me: "If you sell your opal necklace I will eat my hat this time".
My answer was: "Start seasoning it!" (lol)

Prohibition Tea Party

2011-08-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

These lovely pendants (rose quartz, rodonite and BC jade in silver) from my original collection are participating in a fund-rising event: gala and craft auction! Scroll down to read the invitation!

Squirrel ring (sterling silver and enamel; hand-made)

2011-08-14T21:49:00.001-07:00

Chain Maille

2011-08-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Chain maille has been being a popular technique for making jewelry since the 18th century. Though, I wondered when it was invented. I found out that the first chain mailles were found in Europe and dated the 3rd or even the 2nd century AD. The jump rings were about 10 to 12 gauge and about a centimeter inside diameter.

The most common technique was welding some jump rings and connecting them by the open ones that were riveted. Sounds like a lot of work! Then the whole thing was sewed on a leather base. They still use chain maille in bullet-proof jackets or for butchers’ gloves.

There were not many patterns for the body armors, though people came up with lots of weaves for chain maille jewellery. There are many magazines, books and web-sites where anybody can learn how to make an interesting accessory made of dozens or even hundreds of jump rings.

I keep testing new techniques and styles. I’ve tried this one too. I like the result and must admit that this is addictive… :)

Sea pendants

2011-07-25T12:13:00.001-07:00

I continue my sea theme in jewellery. I do not remember when it was last time when I enjoyed making jewellery that much! I do love jewellery making, but I take it seriously usually. These pendants are pure fun! I put all my sea creatures out on my table, take the stones out of their little draws and start playing.

Australian trip inspired

2011-07-19T14:59:00.001-07:00

It has been just two months ago since I am back from my one month long trip to a beautiful country of Australia. All those aquariums that I visited left wonderful memories of the sea creatures from the Great Coral Reef and all the oceans that surrounded the continent. I have got a fossil shell opal in Sydney and made it into a necklace inspired by the sea creatures... Then I realized that I would like to go just one step further... And this small collection of one-of-a-kind pieces was born. I think, I will continue with this theme. All the pieces are going to be one-of-a-kind. Unique stones and wire work helps me to create jewellery that is as versatile as the sea itself.

Some of these pendants are available at the Just Jewellery gallery.

Allan Heywood enamels

2011-07-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here is another artist for my inspiration collection. I have been doing a research on enameled jewellery in last few weeks. I am interested in Ceramit, that is basically a type of cold enamel. However, many of the hot enamel techniques may be applied to working with it (as well as those that are not available for working with hot enamels). I got very enthusiastic about the opportunities that Ceramit gave and created an enameling class where I could teach my students how to use it.

I remember a few enameling artists whom I have found in Internet in last few years and who amazed me. One of them was Allan Heywood from Australia. This is his web-site.

After visiting Australia myself (just a couple of months ago) I can understand where he gets his inspiration. Australia is an amazing country! Put an inspiration and a talent together and you can get a masterpiece.

Alexei Zelya

2011-07-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have found an amazing glass blowing artist. It does not look like he has a web-site. This is very unfortunate, as there are many pictures of his work in Internet any way.

The best way to see his work is just to google his name Алексей Зеля.

All his works are very inspiring... to be not afraid of spending time and make something that it is not easy to forget...

Deer necklace (sterling silver)

2011-07-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

HONOURABLE MENTION – Technical competence

Sterling silver, labradorite, cubic zirconia, synthetic sapphire

Everything I like the best can be found in this necklace: wild deers that are so usual for British Columbia, beautiful plant kingdom, ocean waves and Vancouver spring. In order to accent my love for Vancouver nature I used my favourite jewellery making techniques, such as piercing, engraving, fine soldering and stone setting.

My new vulkanizer

2011-07-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Got this new jewellery making toy. I tried it and I liked it! Rubber molds work like magic. Why did I not have it before?

I will go and play with it more!

(Let me know if you need any molds. I will see, what I can do about
it ;)

July and August classes, 2011

2011-06-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

SilverSmithing classes in Vancouver, BC

To learn more about the classes and sign up contact Mountain Gems at (604)298-5883 or Toll-free (Canada/USA) 1-888-593-1888

Basics of enameling workshop. One weekend: July 23&24, from 11 to 5. Price $150.00

Chain Making (soldering techniques) One weekend class: August 6&7, from 11 to 5. Price $150.00

Elementary jewellery making. One weekend: August 20&21, from 11 to 5. Price $150.00

Beaded Bra

2011-06-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

We had a foto session for the bra made for the Wearable Art Award 2011 . Elise enjoyed the modeling too much, perhaps :) This is her the most serious picture that we have gotten!

Brisbane Botanical Garden

2011-05-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

Wearable Art Award (Port Moody, February, 2011)

2011-05-20T20:29:00.001-07:00

This has been a great opportunity to bring 9 artists (and friends) together to work on a single project. It was hard to know what to expect; each of us has our own creative process and individual style, so it seemed daunting to attempt to bring it all together into one cohesive piece. But, as it turned out, having 9 team members provided us with a vast combination of strengths as well as an excellent range of abilities. This, coupled with effective teamwork, collaboration and mutual respect, made it easy for us to draw together one collective artistic vision that culminated in our unique and creative piece of art.

My part is everything made in metal and final assembly.

Megan Parks (Vancouver, Canada) made beautiful strawberries.

Rina Stepnaya (Moscow, Russia) made grapes in a technique that she developed (ANKARS) with her partners.

Svetlana Bacileva (Belgorod, Russia) did unique knitting with beads.

Albina Polyanskaya (Kharkov, Ukraine) created the pink flowers of Vancouver cherry-tree.

Irina Astratenko is another expert in ANKARS and a winner of Bead Dreams, 2008 contest (Riga, Latvia). Her work is the green lace.

Irina Belinskaya made a variety of berries and leaves.

Maria Roudakova, though a high-end jeweller (Geneva, Switzerland) made strawberry flowers.

Olga Makhneva is a talented beader (Vancouver, Canada) who made grape leaves.

Sydney Zoo

2011-05-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sydney Wild Life Park and Aquarium

2011-05-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Sydney

2011-05-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

Ballarat

2011-05-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Melbourne

2011-05-13T21:23:00.001-07:00

Great Ocean Road (Melbourne, Australia)

2011-05-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Silver locket with blue topaz

2011-03-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

I knew that this order was coming a couple of months ahead. We were just waiting for this nice big blue topaz. It was a challenging job, but very exciting!

The customer did not want the high stone to raise above the surface too much. This is why the top part of the locket is so thick (hollow formed). It hides the bottom of the stone.

Dancing pendant

2011-03-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

I will never forget story about "My crazy pendant" that has become an inside joke in our family. Whenever I make something unusual, my husband says: "You will never sell it!"

I always ask him: "What would you like to eat this time? Your shirt? or maybe your boots?"

This is one of those pieces. It is made of copper, silver and gem stones: black onyx, garnets, pearl, iolite and citrines.

Lemon quartz pendant

2011-03-02T22:58:00.001-08:00

The pendant is made of silver and copper. The stone is sitting in a 12-claw basket. This is the biggest basket I have ever constructed of wire so far. It was a fun project.

Dear necklace... No... Deer necklace :)

2011-02-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

I keep working on my one-of-a-kind gallery. This is one of my favourite designs - deers inspired by a 50 years old Russian book for wood carvers. The airy design around it is made with silver and brass wire.

To me the piece looks vintage and modern at the same time. The mixture of styles is just what I like in jewellery.

Art Market is coming in March

2011-02-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

Featured in Bloom Market Blog!

http://www.bloommarket.ca/http:/www.bloommarket.ca/designer-spotlight-natalia-khon

Brass and silver pendant with smoky quartz

2011-02-07T20:00:00.001-08:00

I got to finish this baby today! Just what I really enjoy making: one piece made with as many different techniques as I can only imagine!

The silver piece is cast, the basket for the stone is built of silver wire, the background is pierced and enameled, two background brass pieces are riveted.

Silver locket

2011-02-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

I've decided to create a new gallery of one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces in my web-site. While the page is in progress I start collecting them in my blog.

This is a locket made of silver and brass.

Runway 2011, Vancouver

2011-01-25T22:17:00.000-08:00

Full credit for these picture goes to Keith Walters, the photographer who did a great job during the catwalk at the Vancouver Fashion Week 2010, and took all these great shots!

I was also very thankful to the coordinators who paired my jewellery with Papillon, local fashion company, whose designs I happened to just love! They look great together, don't they?

Vancouver Fashion Week 2010

2011-01-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures from the Gala Opening. Just because they are nice!
(Thanks to the photographer Keith Walters)

Amethist pendant

2011-01-19T10:59:00.001-08:00

Getting ready for my Advanced Stone Setting Class is a good reason to make one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery. This pendant is made of silver, copper and brass with an amethist.

My husband had a funny reaction to this pendant.
- Is this a real diamond?
- No, this is a real amethist.
- Hm... Fake diamond?
- No! A REAL amethist! :)

Canadian labradorite pendant

2011-01-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

Most of labradorite stones come from Madagascar nowadays. This one is from Labrador, the area that gave the name to the stone.

Some times I make jewellery for my personal "not-for-sale"collection. This pendant is one of those pieces.

Winter in a Russian fairy-tale

2011-01-04T21:54:00.001-08:00

Rina took these pictures near by her house in the suburbs of Moscow, Russia. It happened right before Christmas.

Vancouver Fashion Week 2010

2010-12-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

It was my second time at the Vancouver Fashion Week. I definitely was prepared much better. I had more time to make an exquisite collection, to find models and a photographer.

My new collection is devoted to the mystery of a dark forest and how ones imagination interprets these complex mysteries when it is placed in this enigmatic environment.

The colors evoke and extenuate a romantic mood: black, aged gold and shadowy brown. Bright blue, fuchsia and crystals are rarely seen together, like two hummingbirds or that first ray of light from a rising sun.

Dramatic combinations of metals and stones emphasize the essence of this new collection:

tarnished copper, antiqued brass, polished silver,
black onyx, shimmering black pearls and auroral crystals. Elegant black lace and hand-crocheted black wire netting provides a sense that the forest is about to unveil its magical wonders.

This image-evoking jewelry, which is both unique and eclectic, is created from airy webbing, metal fringe and bold elements. Necklaces and bracelets are layered, multi-chained, and feminine. Oversized earrings match the theatrics of the other pieces and complete this sophisticated statement.

I would like to thank the coordinators of the Vancouver Fashion Week for giving me an opportunity to participate in this internationally recognized fashion event. For 10 years now VFW has been showcasing emerging as well as established designers. This support brought a respectable reputation to VFW and a global interest from influential consumers and industry professionals. I am honored to be a part of this world-class show.

Vancouver Fashion Week was a great experience for me. Participating in a well organised world-class show is an inspiration on its own. Also, it helps to promote an emerging designer like myself by providing good reason to contact new buyers, and creating exposure through the press and online presence. It also gives existent clients one more reason to be proud of buying my product.

Natalia Khon,
Canadian Jewellery Designer
http://nataliakhon.com

Pictures are made by Keith Walters

More pictures >>>

Turquoise locket

2010-12-25T14:32:00.001-08:00

This order came unexpectedly. A customer brought a ring and wanted to have a locket made to mach the ring’s design. He chose a stone that replicated the shape of the stone in the ring… I realized that the locket needed to be quite big… Though all other design decisions were left for me and I could use all the creativity I wished.

I really enjoyed making this custom work. An order like this is a gift for an artist. And I really hope that the girl who has received it for Christmas 2010 liked it too. I wish I could see her face… but this is not my privilege. Who knows, maybe I will get to meet her one day… I will be very happy see her wearing the locket.

Upcoming Christmas Fairs and Exhibits, 2010

2010-10-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Fashion Week, Vancouver, 3rd to 7th of November.

Creative Treasures, 10379 Ladner Trunk Road (East Delta Hall), Delta, 10th to 13th of November.

FAB FAIR, a jewelry and accessories show, Heritage Hall (3102 Main St @ 15th), Vancouver, 20th & 21st of November.

Portobello West , Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver, 4th & 5th of December.

Women's Winter Faire, Heritage Hall (3102 Main St @ 15th), Vancouver, 18th and 19th of December.

Designer of the day. The Province.

2010-10-04T18:22:00.001-07:00

http://www.theprovince.com/health/Designer/3618454/story.html#ixzz11OeFmnBt

http://vanfashionweek.blogspot.com/2010/10/designer-of-day-natalia-khon.html

Photo session!

2010-09-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

More pictures from Kiev Bead Festival 2010

2010-09-09T22:04:00.001-07:00

International Festival "Magic Beads 2010"

2010-09-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

I would like to keep this event in my memory... It was a fantastic event... that I missed, alas. It took place in Ukraine and was coordinated by Yurij Shumanskij, the owner of a magazine devoted to the art of beaded jewellery called "Modnyj".

He invited three designers out of the founders of the International Association of Designers "Art-Biser" to be part of a jury. And yes, I have something to do with it, as I am among its founders too.

No way I could join the event (though a couple of people actually came from the USA to be part of jury), but I was lucky to participate in the discussions of the jury girls: Irina Belinskaya, Albina Plyanskaya and Anjelica Susoenkova. It was interesting to look at the Festival from inside, even being a half a planet away from it!

Here are a few pictures that I borrowed from Y.Shumanskij web-site:

1) In this picture you may see (left to right): I.Belinskaya (President of the International Association "Art-Biser"), A.Susoenkova, A.Polyanskaya and S.Bacileva:

2) Irina's necklace is something, isn't it? By the way, the red roses at the top of this page are made by her also:

3) S.Bacileva is teaching a free of charge (as one of the the sponsors of the "Art-Biser" association) lesson of kniting with beads:

4) This is a displey of the Internation Association "Art-Biser":

5) Models wearing jury girls' jewellery:

6) The outfit made by S.Bacileva that got the first prize:

7) Famous I.Belinskaya's necklace (thinking how to translate the name... maybe as a "Russian Phoenix" or "Fire-bird" - it is from a fairy-tale):

8) Ankars necklace made by Rina Stepnaya (one more founder of the "Art-Biser" association):

9) Necklace made by A.Polyanskaya:

I hope you enjoyed reading this report as much as I was enjoing writing it!

Natalia Khon,

Canadian Jewellery Designer.

Glass As Art (Roundhouse)

2010-08-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

There is going to be a very nice installation at the Roundhouse. A very large piece of art that a few artists got together to create. It is made of glass, metal and beads (and maybe something else too!).

Megan Parks, one of the artists and a friend of mine gave me this invitation with the schedule for the opening and exhibit. I think, many other people would appreciate seeing it. You do not need this invitation to go to any of these events listed.

I will go for sure!

This is how the tourists can see Vancouver city

2010-08-14T22:52:00.001-07:00

Autumn classes, 2010

2010-08-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

There is a new schedule at the MG for September and October!

These are the classes that I will be teaching there:

* Beginner Silversmithing course 8-week course, October 6 to November 24, 2010. Time: from 6.30 to 9.30 pm. Price $185.00 + tax.
(We make a pendant with a stone and a ring with a stone at this class)

* Advanced Silversmithing course 8-week course, September 7 to October 26, 2010. Time: from 6.30 to 9.30 pm. Price $195.00 + tax.
(Two main projects are: a hollow ring or a pendant and a free-shaped stone with sharp corners)

* 3D Surface Embellishments: Reticulation and Granulation 1-Saturdays class, September 11. Time: from 11 am to 5 pm. Price $95.00 + tax.
(This is a 2-day class usually, but shortened as scheduled at the last moment)

* Decorative clasps 3-day course, (3 Saturdays), October 2 to October 23, 2010. Time: from 11 am to 5 pm. Price $195.00 + tax.
(Advanced silversmithing skills are required for this class)

* Engraving 7-week course, running on Tuesday nights, November 9 to December 21, 2010. Time: from 6.30 to 9.30 pm. Price $175.00 + tax.
(No previous skills are required for this course)

* Chain Making (soldering techniques) One weekend class, September 18 & 19. Time: from 11 am to 5 pm. Price $150.00 + tax.
(No previous skills are required for this course)

To see the descriptions for the classes and the pictures visit the class page at my web-site: http://nataliakhon.com/classes.htm

My crazy pendant

2010-07-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

It is hard to say now how I have come up with the idea. I had this reticulated circle with the cz stones in it from my reticulation class. Small 3D elements seemed to be fun to use and I wanted to try them out some day. Also, there was a beginner class coming, where I was supposed to show a cabochon stone setting. A piece of copper had a funny edge from piercing something (who would remember now what was it?)....

I placed the elements, cut out another edge and used it for the stone setting demo in July, 2010.

When it was done, I thought it was crazy enough for somebody to actually buy it. Arnold Mikelson Festival of Arts was coming... "I will take it with me", - I told my husband.

- Nobody will buy it! How many of those have you made?
- Just one. It is nice... Why do you think nobody would want it?
- Ok, if you sell it, I will eat my.... (he thought for a few seconds about it).... I will eat my words!

He turned around and left the room, laughing. I ran after him and kept asking: "What??? What will you eat??? Eat you shirt! Eat your shoes! Do not it your words!"

He stopped and turned around. "Ok, if somebody buys it, I will take you to a nice restaurant!"
- This will work... I will eat a lobster there and you will eat your words!

After all this a piece had to be sold! And it was! Another artist bought it at the Art Festival. She asked to add the second silver dish with a stone and change the way it was hanging. She put it on her beautiful strand of gem beads... and the pendant turned into a perfect necklace! And it was perfect on her.

That was one of those experiences that remind me why I make jewellery. I will be smiling every time I think of that piece and its new lovely owner.

Does a big stone always mean "beautiful"?

2010-06-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Finally, the size of your gem is also very important when you evaluating it. Big crystals are rare, therefore, expensive. No woman will stay indifferent when imagines a big diamond in her wedding ring. Also, normally very pale stones (such as aquamarine) get more pronounced and deep colour when they are bigger. This is why the price per carat is higher for the bigger gems.

However, there are exceptions from this "size rule". If a precious stone has a very dark color, then the bigger it is, the darker the color is. For example, a dark-green tourmaline or a dark-blue sapphire will appear almost black. Therefore, the price per carat for such stones is not going to be great.

It is very important that the colured stones have a cut, that is the best for their size, so the colour is shown the best.

I hope, that this article helped you to look at your favourite gem from a new point of view. Use this knowledge (if it is new for you) to wisely choose a piece of jewellery with a stone for your dear people and friends.

Maria Roudakova
A jeweller from Switzerland

Bauhaus

2010-06-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Bauhaus is an art movement that was popular 1919 to 1933 in Germany. The idea was to bring together arts and mass produced goods that needed to be functional, affordable and good looking. As a result, Bauhaus style was applied mostly to interior design, furniture, industrial design and architecture.

There was a parallel movement Vkhutemas in Russia. It was a larger school, though less known outside of the Soviet Union. The ideas of Bauhaus were so influential, that we can see the results of that study till now days: buildings, furniture and appliances often have Bauhaus design that is very geometrical, simple and modern looking.

Very few pieces of jewellery made in Bauhaus design can be found. Of course, as jewellery design students we needed to get enough inspiration from industrial designs to come up with a piece of wearable art!

We watched a video and went to a library. We went through books that had visual art pictures and architecture… As always during such projects I was very excited to see other students’ works. Though learning together and constantly communicating we managed to come up with so different jewellery designs, I was always amazed!

Once, a friend of mine looked at this picture of my project and said that she liked that “key”. It was too late… it was a couple years after my graduation… Too bad, I did not make that piece into a key. That would be the exact reflection of what a Bauhaus piece of jewellery should be… something functional, yet good looking! There would be even better feedback from my teacher too… :)

How much does fashion and rareness of a stone influence its price?

2010-06-11T22:02:00.001-07:00

So, what else can make your stone attractive? Often we are intrigued by anything that is not that beautiful or useful, but because it is rare. Especially if we speak of rare gems.

Synthetic emerald or ruby has the same chemical and physical characteristics as those of a natural stone. Its color and clarity is much better than those of the most of the natural stones. Nevertheless, any perfect synthetic stone is much cheaper than imperfect ingenious gem, because we can get as many of synthetics in a lab as we like.

The thought that the mother nature needed centuries to create your natural stone (and an accident brought it to you) influences the wish to have it and therefore the price goes up.

Is your stone one of a kind? If not, maybe you have any dear memories that you recall every time you look at it? Is it given to you by a dear person? All that is very individual, but influences the real price. This is why a piece of jewellery pre-owned by a famous person (or made by a famous jeweller) costs more, than a visually equal piece of jewellery that does not have a history behind it.

What else influences the price of a gem? Fashion. Though this is a temporary variable in the price. Whatever has been in fashion yesterday is going to be forgotten tomorrow. Only few gems are practically not touched by the fashion dictate. You can guess, that they are diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

Some time ago pearls were rare enough to be beyond fashion. Now the pearls are cultivated and became an "ordinary" gem.

Here is another sample of how fashion influences the price. Opaque black crystals of carbonado were used for rock drills, saws and other industrial purposes, until... somebody has made them fashionable. So, now it is being put into the most expensive pieces of jewellery together with the timeless gems.

One little note. You probably have your own style. Do you choose your gems so they go with your style and not just for the stones that are in fashion? Remember, that your jewellery should go with your style and the places you wear them to. The proper use of your jewellery adds to its attraction and therefore to the price.

Maria Roudakova
A jeweller from Switzerland

Why it is important to know about the hardness of your stone

2010-06-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

Another important characteristic of a precious gem stone is durability. How hard and how tough is your stone? Often people think that these words are the same characteristic of durability of a stone. It is wrong.

For example, diamond is the hardest stone on the Earth. Though, it can cleave. Opposite, jade can be easily scratched, but you cannot split it.

By the way, all the minerals can be ranged in an order by their hardness. The Austrian mineralogist Friedrich Mohs has created the scale of hardness. He selected 10 common and easily obtained minerals, with quite distinctive hardness, as the comparison minerals. The harder a mineral is, the higher number it has in the scale. A harder mineral can scratch a softer mineral.

1- Talc (can be crushed with a finger nail)
2- Gypsum (can be scratched with a finger nail)
3- Calcite (can be scratched with a copper coin)
4- Fluorite (can be easily scratched with a knife)
5- Apatite (can be scratched with a knife)
6- Orthoclase feldspar (can be scratched with a file)
7- Quartz (can scratch glass)
8- Topaz
9- Corundum
10- Diamond

This is only an order of hardness, but the scale does not show how much one mineral is harder than another. Nevertheless, it is very useful to know about the hardness of your stone.

It is considered that only the gem stones with the hardness 7 or higher can be called precious, because they are durable. You might think that this is not the rule anymore in our century of plastic and other jewellery made of disposable materials for one season fashion. Nevertheless, the hardness keeps influencing the prices of the gems. Therefore, the amethyst (with its hardness 7, as it is quartz) is going always be more expensive than the violet fluorite that looks practically the same (except its hardness is 4).

Consider the hardness when you are trying to keep your gem stone jewellery in a perfect condition. Put the jewellery pieces with the gems of different hardness into the separate boxes or the harder gems will scratch the softer stones.

Maria Roudakova
A jeweller from Switzerland

Granulation

2010-05-24T23:12:00.001-07:00

Granulation is a jewelry making technique used for decorating surfaces of gold and silver jewelry. Granules are small spheres of the same metal as the pieces of jewelry, and they are attached to (preferably) pure gold or silver.

The process of attaching granules is so old that different sources ascribe it to different civilizations, such as Etruscan, Sumerian and Egyptian. It is believed that the first samples were found in Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC, and work of later dates has been found in Anatolia, Syria, Egypt, Cyprus, and Mycenaean Greece.

Sumerians were improving the technique in 2500 BC. Although granulation might have first been used by the Sumerians, it was the Etruscan who truly developed the technique' possibilities. The Etruscans really excelled in granulation. Not only was it used in the formation of patterns, but also to illustrate entire scenes.

Nevertheless, when we mention granulation we think of Egypt. Why does this happen? There is no mystery in it. Egypt produced 80% of the world gold output in ancient times. They colonized Nubia for its gold and invented mining. By the 2nd half of the 3rd millennium BC Egypt was circulating gold rings of standard weights as money. The Middle Kingdom, 2040-1730BC, marks a high point in the art of the Egyptian jeweler. Chasing, repousse, inlaying in cloisonne and granulation were used.

This is one of the most ancient techniques in jewelery history, but it has been considered modern at different times. It is modern again. These days when hand made accessories are thought after granulated jewelery is considered the top of the line. It cannot be faked. It is always one-of-a-kind. It is contemporary in design and historical in technique, making it timeless and forever fashionable.

Natalia Khon
http://nataliakhon.com/classes.htm

Faberge and Reticlation

2010-05-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

Reticulation is a three-dimensional texture on metal that can be described as dendritic or tree bark looking surface. It can be produced by heating up silver, gold or brass. The patterns can be somewhat controlled, though the technique itself is difficult to master. There are very few pieces of metal art that can be considered “fine”.

Different sources ascribe the technique to either Faberge or Scandinavian jewelers. Whether he invented or just developed it, he gave recognition to the reticulation starting from 1860. Most well known metal art pieces made in this technique are of Russian origin, mostly from the Faberge company.

Reticulation is known as “samorodok” which is a Russian name for it. You can find a translation to the word as “born by itself” (and that is true), but it is important to mention that the word refers to “nugget”. The wrinkled surface of metal looks like a nugget and this is why it has got that name.

A jeweler needs to have lots of experience to become very good at controlling the patterns. This is why it can be seen mostly in silver than gold. Though experienced jewelers can find a way to transfer a pretty pattern from silver to gold if they need to do so. Also, a special reticulation silver alloy gives better pronounced patterns than sterling silver.

Reticulation comes back in fashion from time to time. Nowadays, when organic shapes and forms are thought of, reticulation seems to be one of those surface embellishments that can give a modern look to a piece of jewelery.

Only a few years after school I tried this technique the first time, as it got me interested finally. I like the texture a lot as it really can change the look of an object and give it a visual dimension. A piece of jewelry made with it is truly eye-catching, especially if there are further embellishments taking place, such as stone setting and granulation. A course where I teach all the above has become one of my most favorite.

Natalia Khon
http://nataliakhon.com/class/class7.htm

"Cut", "fire" and "luster" of a gem. What is it? (Part 2 of 5)

2010-05-22T20:45:00.001-07:00

Beauty is another characteristic that affects the gem's price. You can see, that your favourite gem is beautiful. How can you describe this to others?

Beauty is a color, whether it is invigorating and warm color of a ruby or mysterious color of an emerald. Shape and cut is of a big significance too. They can show the beauty of the stone or kill it.

Only a professional gemologist can see if there is an interesting optical effect in the rough gem and choose the cut, that should be individual. Transparent stones mostly have faceted cuts, but if there is a "star" or a "cat's eye" effect then the stone must be cut as a cabochon.

How really beautiful is your stone? You need to know what to look at, so look at its lustre, brilliance and "fire".

Lustre is an optical effect produced by the light reflected from the surface of a mineral. Rays of light partially pass through a stone and are partially reflected. So, the brilliance depends on the internal nature of the stone on one hand and on the surface and the quality of its polish on another hand.

Look closely at your stone. How well is it polished? The surface should be smooth and shiny. If it is, you will be able to see the most brilliance and lustre that your stone can show.

Most transparent and translucent gems have brilliant (adamantine) and glass (vitreous) lustre. What lustre does your stone have? Does it have the same lustre as glass or is it much brighter, like a diamond?

Vitreous lustre is a characteristic of a quartz, sapphire or topaz.
Adamantine lustre is a characteristic of a diamond, zircon and demantoid (green garnet).
Resinous lustre is a lustre like that of a resin (examples: some garnets and amber).
Pearls and moonstone has pearly lustre.
Satin-spar has silky lustre.

If there is "fire" in a stone it adds more beauty to it. Move your stone under the light. Do you see the sparkles of rainbow? Fire is especially important for the colourless stones. Usually the gems judged by the combination of lustre and fire. A cut is chosen individually for each gem in order to enhance them. The most brilliant stones that have the best combination of both: diamonds, zircons, garnets almandine, rubies, sapphires, spinels and topazes.

Maria Roudakova
A jeweller from Switzerland