I am always busy creating something from the silver mine, as well as in the kitchen. Lately, I have been making a lot of sets, which require more time and work because they usually consist of earrings and a matching pendant. And of course, with every set, at least so far, there have been many trials and tribulations along the way, before the final result. That being said, and lots of setbacks and trials and tribulations later, here is my latest set of creations. It is a set with silver, bronze and turquoise. I believe these are Royston turquoise, from the Fox Mine in Nevada.
There are many different types of turquoise, from many places around the world. Most people don’t realize this. They think turquoise is generic and only comes in the traditional blue, and is only found in the American Southwest. Not so. Here are a few selections of the many different types of turquoise you can find, if you know what you are looking for. I am learning more and more about turquoise, and many other stones, everyday.
And you have already seen my Chinese turquoise pieces. These were mined out of the Hubei Mines in China.
I mentioned above this set was once again filled with trials and tribulations. One of the setbacks, was that as I was making my bezels, I put them all on backwards, so I had to remove them all and start again. Another setback was when did get the stones set, I noticed how different the colors were. I thought I had picked the right colors that matched when I was purchasing my stones. Boy was I wrong. So I had to start all over once again and try to match my stones. At least this way though, I will have two different sets. 🙂 Can you see the color differences?
One stone perfectly matched the beautiful Persian turquoise that was a gift from Bruce and Julia. The other stone was a perfect match for another piece of turquoise I already had.
So ……. the best solution was to get more stones and to make two different sets. Yes, I really am going to use the silver spoon for my setting for my Persian turquoise. I will use the spoon in a couple of different ways, but you will just have to wait to see what and how I create with it. 🙂 This set will be for me. The set I just finished is yet another gift set, that I made for my Aunt Ginger.
The settings are all sterling silver. That’s pretty obvious. But there is bronze in there too. I wanted to bring out the bronze/copper colors of the turquoise, so the rope framing the bezel is bronze.
Even though I am usually cooking up something good and delicious in the kitchen, I am also found in the “silver mines” and the “rock quarries” quite a bit as well. I am always up to something. You know the saying, “a rolling stone gathers no moss”. Well, I am that rolling stone. 🙂 Not only was I working on these multiple turquoise pieces, but I was also cutting some stones in my lapidary class too.
I just finished these two pieces. One is petrified wood and the other I believe is a type of red jasper; again there are many different variations. The red jasper stone will be turned into a bracelet. I’m not sure what I going to make with my petrified wood yet. Only time will tell; when the muse comes to me.
This was a perfect time to talk about my latest jewelry creations and work because I am getting ready to work the craft fair, where my jewelry school will have a booth. I am volunteering at the booth today.
Keep busy. Learn new things. Break out from your comfort zone and live life to the fullest. You just never know what you may get into until you try. Have a great day and make everyday great, no matter what you do. ‘Til next time.
