An in-depth exploration of copper jewelry: why some people get green-stained fingers (rusters produce more watery sweat), whether copper has anti-inflammatory benefits, copper’s contraceptive mechanism in IUDs, and how to prevent tarnish using Copper Shield, lacquer, or beeswax.
Custom commission: a gold cherry blossom ring for Laura, an oncology nurse with a full-body Japanese cherry blossom tattoo. 4-month process from sketches to wax model to gold casting, with a 5-karat rough black diamond center and 5 triangular diamonds between petals.
Trip to Switzerland for a 45-year high school reunion. Soglio in the Bergell valley (Hotel Palazzo Salis built 1629, once occupied by Rilke), Chagall exposition at the Kunsthaus, and admiring a 20.67ct aquamarine gold ring by Gabriele Krack and a Tiffany diamond bee pendant.
Posted in Gemology, Jewelry, Travel, Uncategorized
Tagged bergell, diamonds, Gemology, gems, gold, Jewelry, museum, precious metals, ring, switzerland, travel
6th annual visit to Doha. Doha’s architectural contrasts (IM Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art vs strange skyscrapers), Qatar’s wealth inequality between nationals and migrant workers, the Qatar Foundation’s university campuses, and antique Islamic jewelry at the museum.
Posted in Gemology, Jewelry, Travel, Uncategorized
Tagged antique, art museum, diamonds, doha, Gemology, gems, gold, islamic art, Jewelry, necklace, precious metals, qatar, ring, travel
An observational study of teenage jewelry and fashion trends: strong color coordination, snake rings, body piercing accessories, mood rings, and friendship bracelets with social messages. Low price point and personal meaning are key teen values.
Christmas 2012 at Maidstone Park Beach, East Hampton. A wild Christmas tree in the rough with rose hip and raindrops, reflections on Hurricane Sandy, overwintering Great Blue Herons on 3 Mile Harbor, and a winter sunset.
A custom gold closing pin pendant (the essential parachute-release pin worn as jewelry by many skydivers) set with red and yellow diamonds matching the colors of a parachute canopy.
Posted in Jewelry, Uncategorized
Tagged custom made, diamonds, Gemology, gems, gold, Jewelry, necklace, precious metals
A necklace using rough grey diamonds drilled and attached with 28-gauge gold wire (balled up with an acetylene torch) onto an 18-karat gold chain. Diamonds are uniquely heat-tolerant, though occasionally one splits and flies through the studio!
A buyer’s guide to diamond-coated drill bits for drilling beach stones and sea glass with a Dremel. Recommends cylinder and twisted bits, technique tips (slow RPM, drill under water), and compares 8 suppliers with per-bit pricing ranging from $0.35 to $3.50.
Posted in Beach, East Hampton, Gemology, Hamptons, Jewelry
Tagged beach glass, beach stones, bits, commercial diamonds, diamond drills, dremel, drill, gems, glass, Hamptons, Jewelry, sea glass
An index post launching a 7-part series documenting all 40 beaches of East Hampton Town, Long Island, covering beaches from Sag Harbor to Montauk to Wainscott.
Posted in Amagansett, Beach, East Hampton, Hamptons, Jewelry, Montauk, Napeague, Sag Harbor, Uncategorized
Tagged Amagansett, beach glass, beach stone, beaches, bird watching, camp hero, drift wood, east hampton, fishing, Hamptons, hiking, Hither Hills, Jewelry, light house, Montauk, Napeague, Sag Harbor, surfing, walking