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Penny: Posted on Sunday, May 13, 2012 2:08 PM
Also known as Trystine, this is a gorgeous variety of
Quartz, a combination between Amethyst and Citrine – it has a lovely pale
purple colour with a frosted, translucent look to it, creating a beautiful,
subtle effect, sometimes showing the mix of purple amethyst and yellow citrine
elements more clearly. This stone is found in Bolivia,
where the oldest mines are and the best quality stones come from as well as some
areas of Brazil.
Ametrine combines
the properties of both Amethyst as well as Citrine and is said to calm the mind
by clearing stress and tension from the head. It balances and soothes emotions
and relieves depression as well as stimulating creativity. The stone supports
taking control of one’s own life by aiding concentration, bringing clarity, and
action, easing transitions. Ametrine also strengthens the immune system and
aids the autonomic nervous system to help heal physical, mental and emotional
exhaustion.
The images here
show a necklace set I made recently using Ametrine beads, interspersed with
Sterling Silver. The colour change between the Amethyst and Citrine is not so
clear on these beads, but they still create a beautiful effect! |
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Penny: Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 8:34 PM
I had a really lovely day out today, visiting Goldsmiths Fair, and Origin - two of my favourite jewellery / contemporary craft shows. I can't begin to describe all the beautiful jewellery I saw today, but i thought I'd share here some artists that stood out in my memory today - click their names to see their own websites and galleries; - Catherine Martin - I always look out especially for Catherine's elegant and intricate braided wire jewellery -absolutely stunning pieces on show as usual
- Teri Howes - Teri's intricate crocheted wire-work is also stunning - some lovely silver spirals in the collection that i hadn't seen before
- Gilly Langton - Gilly makes big, bold and colourful pieces which I really love - using hand dyed elastic and silver, she creates gorgeous woven and looped shapes
- Lesley Strickland - Lesley creates beautifully subtle yet bold bangles that i love, using her trademark cellulose acetate and silver - i particularly loved the new translucent purple colour she's added to her range
- Joanne Bowles - Not a jeweller, but i loved the stunning shapes she creates and the contrast between the steel frames and delicate porcelain dishes in her sculptural vessels.
- Jill Devon - I was very excited to see Jill's stand at Origin - it's the first time I've seen stitched bead work displayed alongside more traditionally 'precious' jewellery and it looked fabulous - a lovely colourful mix of intricate work and a great showcase to bring bead work to the attention of jewellery collectors - fantastic
- Carol Mather - i have to admit, Carol's animal sculptures would not normally have grabbed my attention, despite being beautiful and skillfully made, but Carol had a little rat amongst her silver menagerie, and as I'm a little obsessed with my own (rather poorly at the moment) pet rat, i fell completely in love..... absolutely gorgeous
- Yen - I'm particularly intrigued by the necklaces, almost spiky (spiky always gets my attention) but with round pin heads - they give a lovely unusual and tactile look to the jewellery - you just want to pick them up and play!
- Wally Gilbert - again not a jeweller, but this time a silversmith - creating the most lovely vases, goblets and silverware - just ready for any medieval feast - beautifully heavy and intricately detailed
- Chris Knight - another silversmith, this time creating spiky vessels (did i say i can't resist spiky?) gorgeous and perfect in their spikiness
There were of course many, many more fabulous artists and artworks, you can find full exhibitor listings on the Origin website, and Goldsmiths Fair is still open for another week, with a change of exhibitors at the weekend. I'm looking forward to see what treats are in store when i go back next week! |
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