Handcrafted geometric copper and sterling silver links from John S. Brana's SOMA Collection accentuate the voluminous black lace layers of this high-neck, corset-back top from Revelation by M.E. When wearing an ensemble of all-black, or any other solid neutral color, create dimension and define a focal point with a dramatic statement necklace. This latest fashion trend of 2009 remains a classic look and may be updated each season with vibrant gemstones, geometric shapes, mix-matched metals, and varying textures. Browse ... Read More

Many people shy away from silver jewelry for many reasons. For some, it's because silver loses its luster over time. For others, they think of silver as simply inferior to gold. Neither of these statements are true if the silver utilized is fine silver. Handcrafted silver jewelry made using fine silver, rather than sterling silver – will last a lifetime without much attention. At first glance, sterling silver and fine silver might appear almost identical. In reality, though, handcrafted fine silver jewelry is ... Read More

Some of the most beautiful, yet affordable, pieces of jewelry you can find are made of Sterling Silver. Handmade Sterling Silver jewelry can be worn with nearly any style of clothing, to any occasion, and can be worn year-round. No one would turn down a gift of Sterling Silver jewelry. Sterling Silver refers to silver that is .925 pure. Unless pure silver is hammered, it is usually too soft for most jewelry applications. The derivation of the term, “Sterling ... Read More

Fine jewelry silver is actually pure silver or 99% silver.  Sterling silver, on the other hand, is an alloy of 92.5% silver mixed with 7.5% copper.   Pure silver is usually too malleable to be used in jewelry, unless it is hammered or tumbled to "work harden" the silver to a point where it is just as strong as Sterling Silver.  The advantage of Fine Silver, is that it does not tarnish, making care of fine silver jewelry effortless. Silver and gold are ... Read More

How does an artist design a piece of jewelry? Where does the inspiration come from? How is the initial look decided upon? How is the piece crafted once it's design is final? Well, let's take a look at how silver jewelry is designed and find out. A smart jewelry designer will make no piece of jewelry until its design is finalized. The process starts out by creating a series of sketches of the piece, from all angles, taking into consideration how it will be ... Read More

Some people like gold jewelry, and some people like silver. It all depends on if you like the warmth of gold, or the coolness of silver. If you're a woman or a  man, silver jewelry may very well be your thing.  Silver and gold are the two main metals that have been used for jewelry since jewelry first started being worn! Silver jewelry is actually made from "sterling silver", which is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver with 7.5% copper. That's because silver, ... Read More

What's the difference between manufactured jewelry and designer handmade jewelry? Well, for starters, mass-market manufactured jewelry is obviously going to be cheaper, usually of lower quality, and also lacks uniqueness and creativity. Have you ever purchased a piece of mass market manufactured jewelry, gone to a party, and seen several other women wearing a similar piece of jewelry? This definitely won't be the case if you purchase designer handmade jewelry.  Chances are you have a unique piece, or one of only a number ... Read More

When was the last time you strolled along California Street and climbed the steps of Mason? Or, if you don’t live in our fair city of San Francisco, when have you last enjoyed the nostalgic architecture of those neighborhoods built around the turn of twentieth century? Do you notice that bricks are no longer laid in those patterns, or that columns today aren’t poured in such grand stature but with such intricate detail? That was a time when we didn’t have ... Read More

Here are two new variations I have been working on to compliment my Jellyfish earring designs. Both earrings were fabricated using Sterling Silver and Fine Silver. Please let me know what you think! Resources: Blog for Amber- Andzia's Amber Jewelry : A Beloved Classic Returns: The Cho.. Fashion Blogger » Blog Archive » Two New Hand Fabricated Men.. Polymer Clay Notes » reiter knits silver and copper Read More