Timeless

This week in school has been so fun. My cohorts and I bonded over all the new techniques we learned. Being in the studio and singing to music and not wanting to stop working because we are all so excited. Starting a new chapter can be so overwhelming, but I am so grateful for the tight knit community of jewelers who share in your failures and triumphs. It really helps me feel like I am not alone, and that I have others who are next to me and leading me to where I want to be as a creator. Its also just a ton of fun to have other people to geek out over jewelry with!

It was also pretty special personally because I was able to make pieces with a bit of family history involved. So a little back story is needed here. My great-grandfather is somewhat of a legend in my family. He is best remembered being a loving family man, serving an extended mission in New Zealand, and tragically dying far too young. He left behind his loving wife and three young daughters. Memories and heirlooms from him are something that were cherished in my family growing up. Souvenirs from his mission are extra special. For at least two generations we were able to hold onto items he received from serving the Maori people, as well as mementos from New Zealand. 

When I started the jewelry program my mom gave me a few rocks from my grandfather's things. She gave me a few chunks of amber that fell of the, low key, two foot slab he brought home, as well as an unknown greenish looking stone. During lapidary week at school, I was able to shape a stunning cabochon from the green stone, and with help from instructor Willa (https://www.instagram.com/mineralust/) was able to determine it is most likely Nephrite Jade. I was too nervous to try the delicate amber though. I just didn't trust my skills yet to try such a soft stone. 

Fast forward to this week and our wonderful instructor Liz (www.sterlingperchjewelry.com) taught us how to make inlay rings. It was the perfect solution to using the amber! Inlays are made with crushed stone pieces rather than one complete stone. So I wouldn't have to worry about breaking the stone because that was kind of the point. Sweet!

I couldn't be happier with the end results! The amber is just stunning and so special. I also made a Jade inlay ring with some scrap pieces I had as well. Nephrite Jade is also a challenging stone because of its many brittle layers so I was relieved to have another way to use it as well besides lapidary. 

This is the kind of thing that fires me up about jewelry making. Being able to take something that may only have sentimental value, and then make it into a special heirloom is so freaking cool. Now it is timeless. 

Thanks for letting me share a bit of myself with you,

- Abby