Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry

Another Diamond Ring

2011-05-01T16:22:00.000-04:00

HAPPY MAY DAY!

It is the first of May and bright and sunny in South Carolina. We have a saying around here, "It's not hot, wait until August." Temperatures are in the mid 80's but very nice. I finished this ring about 0330 this morning.

This is the second diamond ring made with small (2 mm) diamonds for the same customer. In this case the shank is made from 10 gauge round halfhard Sterling Silver wire that was wound around a ring mandrel. This was soldered together with hard silver solder. (The difference among the solders is the temperature at which they melt, hard is the highest.) Then an oval plate was sawn from 26 gauge Sterling Silver sheet and soldered to the shank with medium solder. Finally the prong heads were soldered to the plate with easy solder. Pickling and cleaning after each soldering. The polishing to high gloss before setting the stones. The diamonds were then set in the prongs and the ring was done.

Thanks for looking.

John

Stylish Cabochon Pendants

2011-04-30T05:18:00.000-04:00

Hello to all,

I have been thinking for quite a while about how to make a pendant without wire around it. I knew that I would have to drill a hole at the "top" of the stone, but I did not really know how to make the bail. Then while shopping in the new Walmart that has just opened near my house (within 1/2 mile), I saw some bails that would be perfect. They had gunmetal and copper, no silver. On Thursday night while at Downtown Alive Arts, I went into the little bead store, and there were "clip" bails made of Sterling Silver that were obviously not priced at the current price of silver. So I bought ten. One of the stones that I used was too thick for the purchased bails, so I made one with 9 gauge Sterling Silver half round half hard wire. And in one photo, here are the pendants:

Now we will see what I can come up with for May.

John

Diamond Ring

2011-04-22T21:39:00.000-04:00

A friend (and now a customer) asked me to make him a ring with 9 diamonds (2 mm diameter) that were in another ring that he had worn through the metal in the shank. He wanted them channel set. I contacted the company where I buy castings and got three three stone channel settings and a shank that would go with them. Taking the three channels, I soldered them together with hard silver solder; then after pickling and cleaning soldered them into the ring shank with medium silver solder. Pickled and polished the ring. Hand polished to a very high shine. The stones were then placed in the channels and with my parallel jaw pliers the channels were narrowed to secure the stones in the setting. The ring is then finished.

This is a lot of fun to make these. Working on another with six stones for the same customer. This will be more artisan as I will make all the components myself (no casting to be done).

John

AJG MD Competition

2011-04-19T04:24:00.004-04:00

The results of the Artisan Jeweler's Guild competition for Mother's Day are in....I won.
http://artfireajg.blogspot.com/

There were several very high quality entries. One of the distinctions in this guild is that ARTISAN jewelry is handmade, but all handmade jewelry is not ARTISAN. An artisan jeweler does not just assemble pieces made from components made by another person/company. An Artisan makes the components of the jewelry piece. Thus from design to finished piece, the components are made/cut/polished/pierced/cast by the artist.

Yes, I do make some beaded items where I assemble someone else's components, but these are not ARTISAN! While the distinction may seem semantic in nature, it is actually vital to the jewelry community. High end jewelers who design, smith and put together their jewelry are ARTISANS. My congratulations to all who participated in the competition. Please visit the AJG blog and express your support for the Artisan Jeweler.

7000 Bracelets Blog Hop

2011-04-16T18:14:00.002-04:00

It's BLOG HOP day. I'm late, sick wife. Here are the participants and my entry:

Bracelet Blog Hop

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde
35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations
40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio
46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55. Breana Fry, Vault 31
56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79. Sally Russick, WireWorked
80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love
84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy
85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88. Deb Beechy, Beetique
89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields
94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets
102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Online Exhibition

2011-04-13T09:25:00.001-04:00

"ONLINE EXHIBITION OF JEWELRY FEATURING NON-PRECIOUS MATERIALS
To be hosted on www.ganoksin.com

This exhibition will be held online only, and will feature jewelry
that is primarily constructed of non-precious metals and other
materials (Precious metals being defined as silver, gold, platinum,
palladium, and their alloys).The jewelry should be designed to
actually be worn, not just viewed. This exhibition is open to
everyone from master goldsmiths to rank beginners, and is not juried
- all entries with qualifying images will be accepted.

To qualify images must be "jury quality", clearly focussed, show the
jewelry clearly, and be visually pleasing to look at. All images
should be in jpg format only, under 1MB each. Images should have a
neutral background with no props, preferably gray or white. Entrants
will be notified if images are not of acceptable quality, and may
submit new images through the closing date.

Each person may submit up to three pieces.

Entries should be e-mailed to: onlineexhibition@earthlink.net Please
put the exhibition name in the e-mail subject line. In the body of
the e-mail identify each piece with title, material(s), dimensions,
price or NFS, country and name of the artist. If you have a web site
or online selling site you would like linked to your piece(s) please
include the correct address(es), or whatever contact information you
would like included. You will have two lines for contact
information. Any broken links will not be used. Sales will NOT be
conducted from the exhibition!

Entries will be accepted between April 1 and May 31.

Beth Wicker
onlineexhibition@earthlink.net
www.bethwicker.com

More Bracelets for Hope

2011-04-10T10:22:00.002-04:00

I have added two additional bracelets to the collection being donated to the 7000 Bracelets for Hope project supporting the fight against multiple rare diseases. These diseases usually inflict themselves on children. They also usually are caused by genetic items. Click on the thumbnail to see a larger image.

7000 Bracelets for Hope

2011-04-08T21:12:00.003-04:00

Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry LLC will be participating in a "Blog Hop" on April 16th. This is part of the 7000 Bracelets for Hope project by the Rare Disease Project. The Blog Hop is being sponsored by Lori Anderson, who is an artisan jeweler and a patient with a rare disease. The rare disease organization has the slogan: "Hope, It's in our genes." So the project color is blue. Each bracelet being donated should have some blue in it. My first bracelet, the blue is obvious with the tourquoise beads. In the second bracelet, the blue is much more subtle, it is in the blue sheen that the reflection of the tiger eye agate provides. Both bracelets were designed and crafted just for this Blog Hop. Follow the hyperlink to Lori Anderson's blog for more information about the Hop. Click on the thumbnail to see a larger image of each bracelet. This was a fun project and I have enjoyed designing and making the bracelets. John

Chain Ladder Ear Rings

2011-04-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

I was reading Art Jewelry magazine last night and they have a project in the current issue for "Chain Ladder" ear rings. I adapted their design a little and produced my version. These are made with Calsilica beads with an oriental flavor and sterling silver wire.

John

Necklaces

2011-04-06T16:39:00.004-04:00

Over the past several days, I have made several necklaces from beads and gemstone chips that are in inventory. The first completed necklace was made for my daughter in law as her birthday is this month. April birthstone is diamond, since I could not make this with diamonds, I substituted rock crystal chips. The chain and clasp are Sterling Silver.

Next I took some Fire Opal chips and strung them on 7 strand Beadlon gold colored crinkle wire. These chips are exceptionally beautiful and have a wonderful play of color.

Lastly, some calsilica beads (enamelled clay fired beads) with a unique coloring were inspiring me to use bright blue artistic wire to make all components of this necklace in the shop. Working with metal, in this case wire, is terrific as I get to create my unique interpretation of the stones.

Going to make a bracelet in multimetals and use cold connections. This will make my first foray into cold connections for a major piece.

Continuing the Passion

2011-04-04T18:13:00.001-04:00

Now that I am practically working at the bench full time; oh what fun. I only have to clean the house, do laundry, mow the grass, repair all things broken, make meals in my other hours. I am exploring multiple areas at the same time. Debbie came in the shop a couple weeks ago and looked in the gem trays and selected several stones (still have some to go) and asked for some ear rings and a ring. So the lab created Emerald stones, the Apatite ovals and the Zandrite (lab created Alexandrite) became pairs of ear rings. The blue moon trillion became a ring. I hate setting trillion stones as there is no opposite prong to balance the pressure in the setting.

She also bought me some gemstone chips to make into various pieces of jewelry. I have finished three necklaces and have many many many more chips to go. So here are an 18" Amethyst, a 20" Aquamarine and a 24" Fire Opal necklace.

Just click on the thumbnail images and you can see the large image.

John

Spring has Sprung

2011-04-03T21:14:00.002-04:00

With the vernal equinox past, daylight is increasing every day. Now I have more time to work outside and also more hours of daylight to brighten my shop. As part of a swap from other artisan jewelers, I received a cabochon cut from an interesting piece of druzy quartz. The stone was beautiful, and shaped like a tear drop. I looked at this stone several times a day, wondering what to do with it. My eighth grandchild was born, his brother, came to visit with us for two days during the birth. He found an old single base metal ear ring that belonged to his mother when she was much younger. This ear ring was the same shape as the cabochon. I immediately saw the cab surrounded by sterling silver in the same shape. Taking 9 gauge half round half hard sterling silver wire, I formed the frame. Then with 18 gauge square half hard sterling silver wire, I made a prong setting that was then wired to the frame and the resulting pendant makes a very unique necklace:

Busy as a Bee

2011-03-03T22:21:00.000-05:00

Hello to all,

I have been busy. So I am going to show some items made in the last week or so. All pictures are thumbnails, click on one to see the larger picture.

Debbie (spouse) bought me a whole pile of beads and beading supplies. Expanding my tool box, now I have two.

First picture is how I learn to do things. In this case soldering jump rings. I did get the job done eventually.

Now, three cabochons that I cut this past month. Each is labelled as to what it is and where it was found.

And finally the jewelry:

Thanks for looking, have a great rest of the month.

John

Retirement Fun

2011-02-17T22:58:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to solder a shank and head together for the past several months. Tried different fluxes, pickles, sanding, all sorts of things. I finally broke down and bought a new torch, the blazer. Wow what a difference. I have been using the same shank and head, so they were a little worse for the wear, but I finally got them together correctly. Added a topaz to the head and bingo a ring:

What's worse, I still had time last night to make a couple pair of ear rings. One with Tahitian pearls and the other with some beads that were sent to me as an introductory sample from a new supplier in Hong Kong:

John

Wife's Ring

2011-02-03T00:05:00.002-05:00

For those new to the forum, Debbie is my wife and the inspiration for most of my artistry. She came into the shop a couple days ago and looked through the gem jars (several hundred) of the cabochons and faceted stones that are in our collection and my inventory and selected a triangular cabochon of rhodonite. She handed me the stone and asked if I could make a ring for her with the "trillion." The cabochon is about 7 mm on each side. The basic ring was not a problem, but I did not want to use standard bezel wire to hold this stone in place. I decided to make a circle the diameter of the stone, so there would be a flap on each side. Folding up these flaps would act as the bezel and hold the stone in place.

The ring was fused together in size 7 using 9 gauge half round half hard Sterling Silver wire. The bezel/back combination was pierced from a sheet of 26 gauge Sterling Silver sheet, then filed to a circle. This was soldered to the ring, then the stone placed and the flaps bent up using my homemade bezel pusher. If you click on the thumbnails you can see a large picture. The lighting makes the metal look yellowish.

John

Big Bead Necklace

2011-01-23T21:19:00.002-05:00

While watching the two playoff games today, I put together the necklace that I had planned to make with the big bead that I cut over the past few weeks. The color of the bead made me put the copper end caps on, and that meant copper chain. Taking copper split rings, I made the chain,attached the large bead and a clasp that my friend Jazzy (CarolsCreations) had sent me for Christmas and made a two focal necklace. The clasp can easily be moved to other locations on the chain to change the view making both the bead and the clasp visible. Here it is:

Large Bead Project

2011-01-15T22:51:00.001-05:00

A bit ago, I read in Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist about a method to take a slab of material and form a large bead. I selected a nice looking slab of agate and laid out the four slabs that would be combined to form the large bead.

After bonding the four slabs together (super glue) to form a rectangular solid, I started cutting the bead on my lap. At this point the bead is round and measures 29 mm long and 14 mm in diameter. Still need to dress up the ends and I am going to add domed copper bead caps. Will post again with more progress.

John

SNOW!!!!

2011-01-10T10:38:00.001-05:00

After waiting for 23 years, we have had another multi-inch snow storm. Still coming down as I take computer in hand to pixel this missive. I worked last night on ambulance stationed at St. Francis Eastside Hospital (part-time job which will end this Wednesday night). This is what I came home to (my partner drove me home with his FWD vehicle):

View to Front of House

View to Rear of House

Click on the Thumbnail to see larger image.

John

Zircon Rings

2011-01-06T08:16:00.003-05:00

Finished two rings with 2 carat round brilliant orange Zircons as the focal stones. One has zircon accents and the other marcasite accents. The focal stones were originally cut to use as a pair in ear rings. I just loved their color with these castings. The metal is Sterling silver and they are beautiful. The are available at my shop: www.gemlover.artfire.com

Now that I am not working (retirement life is great), I am going to be able to contribute more time to my love of stones and making jewelry with them. Everyone have a great 2011.

John

Kristen's Bday Present

2010-11-17T21:38:00.001-05:00

I devoted all day today to designing and making Kristen's birthday present. It is absolutely great that I can now work so much longer on my passion for jewelry and gems.

Birthday Bracelet

2010-11-16T23:30:00.002-05:00

This Saturday is my DILs birthday. She said in reply to my question as to what she would like, that a bracelet would be nice. So I took myself to my shop and have crafted a bracelet with rhodochrosite and turquoise. Silver findings. And her it is:

Click on the thumbnail to see a full image.

John

Anniversary Necklace

2010-10-05T01:08:00.001-04:00

I have worked all weekend fashioning two hearts. One was commissioned as a charm for a bracelet. It was delivered today. Debbie's necklace will be delivered Saturday when we go to dinner together. The "stone" in this is a 6mm natural pearl set in a cup soldered to the heart slightly off-centre on purpose. The setting/pendant was fashioned from with Sterling Silver and pierced from sheet, then slightly folded with a dapping block. The background for the necklace is my bench pin. The lobster claw clasp is necessary because anything smaller and Debbie can not open/close it. Anyway, here it is:

Thanks for looking. Click on the thumbnail to see larger image.

John

ArtFire Artisan Jewelers Guild

2010-09-20T23:25:00.002-04:00

I am the featured artist with the Artfire Artisan Jewelers Guild blog. Visit them and learn something about me.

http://artfireajg.blogspot.com/2010/09/meet-john-from-rasmussen-gems-and.html

John

ArtFire Passion Collection

2010-09-11T12:06:00.002-04:00

One of my rings has been featured in a "Passion" collection in ArtFire. "Artistic expression is a passionate display of the artist's reality. Most of these artisans I know only thru online associations but their passion speaks loudly through their art and their collected offerings." by DGDesigns.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=collections&op=details&cid=2068

Take a look.

John

Ear Ring Project

2010-09-09T01:26:00.002-04:00

I have just completed a graded project for my Jewelry Design course. The assignment was to create a pair of ear rings using brass sheet metal. First cut out the round shapes (20 mm) in diameter with letters pierced from the rounds. I had a design idea in mind with the initials O.O. (Ophilea Osbourne). This design used an outside ring as one of the letters. I also thought that the effect would be enhanced by making the dangles curved instead of remaining flat.

Cat's Eye Ring

2010-09-03T01:47:00.000-04:00

While I was at the dentist a couple weeks ago, the dental assistant asked me to make her a ring with a stone that she had in another ring. She brought in her current ring (cats eye cabochon) with the stone in a four prong setting that was made for a faceted stone. So I have crafted a bezel ring with 9 gauge Sterling Silver to form the shank. and here it is.......

Thanks for looking,

John

Mossy Agate Ring

2010-08-26T21:24:00.001-04:00

In my venture into silversmithing, I cut a small mossy agate cabochon 12 mm round then made the ring to hold it. The bezel setting is fine silver on a sterling silver base soldered to a shank made from 10 gauge half round half hard sterling silver wire. The ring is size 6 (can be sized from 4 to 8). I am making a commission ring with a cats eye agate cabochon for a lady in my dentist's office. Three views below:

Thanks for looking.

John

Cuttlebone Casting

2010-08-11T04:40:00.001-04:00

Working on a class project; I used a cuttlebone (usually used in bird cages) to serve as a mold for a casting. I made a wax model of a labrum (symbol uniting the Greek letter chi and rho), then impressed it slightly into the soft part of the cuttlebone. Then the form was carved from the cuttlebone using brass handmade tools. I then melted pewter in a crucible and poured it into the mold (gravity flow of the liquid metal). Now I am filing and cleaning up the rough casting. I
will finish the symbol with a round stone to fill the space in the
round part of the rho. This will look like an eye at the top of the
labrum. Will let y'all see it soon.

AF150 Labradorite Necklace

2010-07-31T22:57:00.002-04:00

Taking multiple gifts from my wife, I designed this necklace made of faceted labradorite beads (8 mm) in groups of 5 with two colors of bead alternating (light and dark). The groups are separated with Swaroski crystal elements strung with Sterling Silver crimps on silver crinkle Beadlon wire. Suspended from the necklace is a 44 x 31 mm labradorite free form cabochon. This was a fascinating project which I designed in a very symmetrical manner. Hope you enjoy:

John

Eternal Wisdom

2010-07-04T22:24:00.001-04:00

Starting with a piece of 6 gauge grounding wire, I fashioned this necklace into an Eternity Ring with a Wise Owl pendant. 22 inch Figaro chain ends with lobster claw clasp. The jump rings made from 20 gauge square half hard wire. The copper head pin also made from the 20 gauge copper wire. The piece is uniquely beautiful.

Off Topic

2010-06-30T00:08:00.001-04:00

University of South Carolina Gamecocks have won the college World Series defeating UCLA 2-1 in the eleventh inning. This is the first national championship in men's sports in any sport that the Gamecocks have won.

ID Bracelet for Class

2010-06-18T16:27:00.002-04:00

I have started taking a course in Jewelry Repair and Design; a beginning class that covers a wide range of topics. The first project was a monogram pendant, sawing being the primary skill to learn. This is the second project, a generic ID bracelet. The instructor said to make pairs of free-form shapes to make the links. I prefer symmetry, so I made six pairs of mirror images so the design would be consistent. Another skill was the production of the jump rings to hold everything together, and fashioning the clasp. This was a lot of fun. Without further ado, here is the bracelet. P.S. the metal is brass.

Tahatian Pearl Ear Rings

2010-06-06T00:55:00.002-04:00

Had a great time coming up with something to show in "It's Better Handmade" for Sea Shell Sunday: These ear rings were put together with Sterling Silver and should remind us that the sea has a lot of beauty in it.

Necklace and Ear Rings

2010-06-02T00:22:00.002-04:00

Well, here is a project that has taken a little while to finish. A friend and customer gave me a piece of Jasper some time ago and requested the project. I cut a slab from the original rock, and then cut the three cabochons from the slab. This was a fun project and I have finally finished it. All the metal is Sterling Silver.

Have a great day.

Sodalite Necklace

2010-05-18T20:32:00.002-04:00

Well, here is another creative evening while watching Stanley Cup playoff game; completed cutting three cabochons, now for polishing. They are two rubies and a sapphire that were mined by some folk in Helen, Georgia. These are not facet quality, but have made some very nice cabs. Then I worked on the Sodalite necklace for another customer. This is a Sodalite cabochon that I cut last year, wrapped with Sterling Silver wire and hung from a Sterling Silver ball necklace with lobster claw clasp. Here is a picture of the necklace:

John

Diopside Necklace

2010-05-04T22:28:00.003-04:00

Completed a "Chai" necklace for Debbie for Mother's Day this Sunday. I did a copper prototype, but changed some of the design (shape) for the Sterling Silver finished pendant. Made the ball chain necklace with the lobster claw clasp with parts in the shop. Hope she likes it.

John

AF101 Adventurine Pendant

2010-04-02T14:26:00.002-04:00

and another pendant, they are so much fun to make. they don't have to be sized to fit on a finger. and they allow more creativity than rings do.

Lapis Lazuli Pendant AF107

2010-03-26T22:41:00.002-04:00

Today's addition to my Artfire and website is a Lapis Lazuli pendant. The Lapis was purchased in the bazaar in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The pendant measures 40 x 30 mm and is wrapped in silver wire.

Jasper Necklace

2010-03-25T22:19:00.002-04:00

New Jewelry Creation: Thinking of a friend who loves red; my eyes spotted some jasper cabochons on my workshop table. Add some silver jump rings, Figaro chain and Lobster Claw Clasp and we have a Necklace.

See everything in my Artfire Shop Kiosk and become a fan of Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry on Facebook.

Off Topic

2010-03-22T18:02:00.002-04:00

Nothing to do with the Jewelry business ---- my college alma mater (Rensselaer) is ranked #19 in the National Division III Lacrosse Poll this week. Our coach has won 110 games and set the college record passing our legendary coach Ned Harkness (coached an olympic team in 1950). Just made my day when I was reading my blogs.

John

Working along, along, along

2010-03-12T19:13:00.000-05:00

cutting some custom order cabochons from a unique looking jasper. slabbed it a couple weeks ago; doing this very slowly as I am trying a different style cut, oval with flat table. if it doesn't work out, i've still got the original rock and slab.

Currier and Ives Pendant

2010-01-31T19:53:00.003-05:00

Here is the completed pendant from the cabochon in the last post. Named it Currier and Ives as it reminds me of the Christmas Cards that Currier and Ives prints were used to create. Used 18 gauge Sterling Silver wire to complete a bail for the 40 by 30 mm cabochon. Placed the bail after drilling and burring the hole in the stone.

John

Copper and Jasper Cabochon Ring

2010-01-23T23:24:00.001-05:00

Very unique ring made from a 1 by 6 cm copper band cut from copper sheet, then formed into a ring and soldered to create a symbol of loves unity. Jasper Cabochon cut to fit the ring then attached.

John

Present Prototype

2009-12-03T23:12:00.002-05:00

As Christmas approaches (and Hanukkah), I have to think about making a present for Debbie. She was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home, and still tries to keep with the Jewish traditions. Buying Kosher in the deep south is fun. I digress, I designed a pendant for her to wear, the prototype is shown here:

The final piece will be done in Sterling Silver. The blue stone is her September birthstone (sapphire) about 0.3 carat. I will probably change the overall shape to round, she would prefer not to have sharp points (even if they are rounded). All is handcut/crafted.

John

Pearl Ear Rings

2009-11-15T22:20:00.002-05:00

With birthdays approaching in the next week, I took my mind in hand over the past several weeks to craft presents. I decided to make pearl ear rings with sterling silver wire, headpins, jump rings and ear wires. As is my usual design style, I prefer simple lines (not ornate). My muse thought of dangles with the pearl at the end of the wire, and this is the result:

Hope you like them.

Banded Agate Pendant

2009-10-19T03:29:00.002-04:00

Spent most of the weekend playing in the streets (paramedic) and having fun. Needed to relieve some stress, so I got out my tools, stones and wire. This asymmetric pattern just seemed to fit the stone so well:

So much fun to make.

John

Breccia Cabochon Pendant

2009-10-11T23:46:00.002-04:00

On this First Day evening, I finally thought of the design for a trapezoidal breccia cabochon pendant. The cabochon was cut several months ago, and I have been thinking about how to make it into some form of jewelry. Size and shape tended to make me think of a necklace pendant. Gathering my self and tools together finally, I used 21 gauge sterling silver square and half-round half-hard wire to form the pendant. Standing the trapezoid on end seemed to be the best shape.

Making and designing jewelry is so much fun.

Black Pearl Necklace

2009-09-30T21:37:00.002-04:00

Commissioned Necklace for the client's daughter's 21st Birthday. She had just returned from England where she was visiting her fiance. Matching bracelet was also made.

We also have just returned from North Carolina and Tennessee where we mined for gemstones. Very disappointed with the fee mines in Franklin, NC. Small return for the investment. Mason Mine 16 carats of very, very small rubies that can not even be cabbed; cost $60 to enter the mine. Then Cowee Valley Gem Mine -- 160 carats of small rubies; cost $35. We then went to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where on Saturday we got to watch the Little Pigeon River flood the parking garage at our motel. However, Pigeon Forge Gem Mine 350 carats of rubies and pounds of other rough for $75. Had a great little vacation.

New Wire Work Books

2009-08-18T22:19:00.002-04:00

I have recently received two books on Wire Work by Jim McIntosh.

Wire Wrapping: The Basics and Beyond

Very well illustrated and written in an easy to follow manner. While some very interesting items are used to illustrate the methods; it is the methods and how they can be used that are emphasized. Once you learn the method being illustrated for pendants, rings and more; you can adapt to almost any style cut stone. Well worth the purchase price.

Wiresmithing: The New Look of Wire Art

Not for an entirely inexperienced wire worker, but this text is so well illustrated and written that almost any wire worker could easily follow and create using the techniques being presented. Wonderful book and as above well worth the price.

Two excellent choices for your library.

John

Emerald Pendant

2009-08-10T00:56:00.003-04:00

Debbie and I went to North Carolina last year and mined many great pieces of rough. Most of which I have not even started. However, I have just finished cutting a piece of emerald that we found, and then wrapped it in sterling silver to make this pendant. The emerald is 30.8 carats, and the wire was 20 gauge square half hard for the frame and 21 gauge half round half hard for the wrapping. We are planning on traveling to Franklin next month to do some more mining.

John

My Artfire Shop

2009-08-04T17:22:00.003-04:00

My website and my Artfire shop are linked together. In fact, I have a quick shop link on my website that displays items from my Artfire shop randomly every time it is opened. This shopping link is a great way to promote both sites. Artfire has the best unique gifts. These unique gifts are made by some of the best artisan jewelry and craft persons.

My Artfire items are styled uniquely. Both gemstones (faceted and cabochon) and completed jewelry pieces are featured on my website and Artfire shop. Please stop by and browse either location.

John

Cabochon Making Conclusion

2009-08-03T02:23:00.003-04:00

So here are the three stones that survived the process. The two that flew off the dop will be finished later. Clicking on the above thumbnails will take you to a larger image. After rounding the preform with 170 grit wheel, I used finer and finer grits until polishing with chromium oxide on felt pad. Next will be designing a wrap/setting for each of the cabochons. I will start (actually have already started) designing the emerald as a pendant first.

This has been a fun project to run around work, and other family duties. Off for a week of no work, only family and stones (yeah, annual leave).
John

Blue Chalcedony Ear Rings

2009-07-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

Debbie wanted a pair of ear rings (oh yes, Debbie is my inspiration and wife) made from blue chalcedony, so I did it. Very simple easy setting with quartz stones, great translucent blue color. And here they are:

Birthday Present

2009-07-17T21:07:00.000-04:00

My older grandaughter has a July birthday, so had to make something that involved Ruby. Debbie and I got some interesting ruby in matrix that we mined in Franklin, NC last spring. Took some of it and made cabochon (18 x 13 mm); got some 6 gauge copper wire (local hardware store -- ground wire in the electrical department); some 23 gauge copper sheet and tools. Hammered the wire to make a flatish bar, cut the sheet to make a cabochon holder and soldered the two together and voila: A BOOKMARK

Cabochon Cutting Step 3

2009-07-02T22:47:00.000-04:00

Third step is to put dop sticks on the back face of each preform. I try to put them in a balanced place where the weight of the stone is equal in all directions. This can result in a weird looking placement, unlike faceted stones where you need to center and be very accurate and then change the dop to the other side after you have cut the first side, cabochons work well when the stone is balanced by weight, not by shape. Heat dop wax (a high shelac wax) in my Covington Dop Pot, and heat the stones at the same time. Then put a dollop of wax on a wood dowel and mold it to the face of the cabochon with your fingers (water helps prevent burns). Next is the cutting on the lapidary (I use a flat lap) machine.

Cabochon Cutting Second Step

2009-06-29T23:33:00.000-04:00

I have taken on another round of cutting stones (cabochons this time). A friend on the About.com Jewelry Making forum provided me with three rocks from California a while back to identify for her. So I have take a slab from each of them, a breccia from Florida (courtesy of Carolee) and a green beryl (emerald) that Debbie and I found in North Carolina. Cut them with the trim saw, the to the grinding drum (80 grit diamond) to form the general shape (preform) that I want to end up with. You can see on the pudding stone that I (or maybe the stone) have changed my mind as to the shape. Next step is to put the stones on dops and start using the lapidary to shape/polish the stones. Here is the preform step:

The Muse has Returned (at least a little)

2009-06-17T00:55:00.004-04:00

Well, I have finally gotten out of my slump. Looked at a piece of dendritic agate and just started making a pendant out of it. The colors of the stone said copper, the design of the drenditic pattern suggested the method of wrapping. I think it turned out pretty well:

Click on the thumbnail to see a larger picture.

Then, I took some 7 mm round Peridot stones and put them together with some silver settings to make a matched set of Necklace and Ear Rings. These turned out extremely well:

Again, click on the thumbnail to see the larger picture. Working on some interesting breccia and "green" beryl. Just starting the cutting, will take a little time, but the rough is great. See you in a while with the finished products.

John

Hiatus Over (Brain Block Done)

2009-05-24T18:10:00.000-04:00

I have received a commission to add a ruby to the center of a horseshoe of 10 karat gold set with accent diamonds. First will be the repair of the horseshoe. It has been bent out of shape, the owner does barrel racing in rodeo competitions. For those not familiar, barrel racing is done on a horse around barrels set in an arena for time. Serpentine course around barrels down and back to start place. The ring is being worn on the hand that holds the horse’s reins, so can not be weak or it will break.

Recently, I got to see an engagement ring that I made for two friends from a stone that they gave me as a rough. That is the ring was on her finger. They mined the topaz in Hiddenite NC; took the rough, cut stone and set it in sterling silver (they did not want traditional diamone/gold combination). The topaz was cut in an oval shape and not treated so it remained as a beautiful clear stone.

Last evening, a friend brought to work several stones (and two very old loupes) that his great grandfather had. The great grandfather had been a jeweler. He had several very well cut stones and pearls. He is quite interested in pursuing having some jewelry made for his wife with these stones.

I am feeling almost useful again. Designing some new items to manufacture in the shop. BRAIN BLOCK is over!

Artfire Rapid Cart

2009-05-10T20:51:00.000-04:00

gemlover

Buy Handmade

Branching Out

2009-04-27T22:39:00.002-04:00

With the economy doing such a terrific job of regenerating itself; I have chosen to try an additional method for presenting my jewelry and stones. I will start having "home parties" where I will show my wares from cabochons, to faceted stones, to finished jewelry. When I go to someone's home, I will take a sampling of the faceted stones and cabochons that are in inventory. I will also then show the people at the party how to take one of the stones and make a pendant or ring that will be one of the prizes to be given away at the party.

The host/hostess will get a credit of 20% of the total sales / paid orders for custom jewelry that occur from the party. We will see what this tactic will produce.

In the meantime, I continue cutting stones and making jewelry.

Fly to the Moon

2009-04-23T21:21:00.004-04:00

On the WWJ yahoo forum, we had a challenge -- "A Midsummer's Night's Dream." Sherry Dancingfeather sent me a beautiful copper butterfly. I finally got the idea of a "dream catcher." So I made a crescent moon with hammered aluminum wire, then strung the moon with hemp twine. With a jump ring and some wire work, I attached the butterfly to the hemp web to make my dream catcher. It will hang in my truck. And here it is:

Hope you enjoy as much as I enjoyed making it.

Update

2009-04-18T17:46:00.002-04:00

The past week has been a bit hectic. I have had more than enough to keep me very busy. I have gotten a little jewelry and gem fun in during the week also. I have finished today doing identifications of a parcel of faceted stones for a friend. She had purchased about 200 stones, but they came in an anonymous package.

Still working on set of emerald cabochons to make a set of ear rings, ring and necklace. This will be for my daughter on her birthday next month (birth stone = emerald). So I am taking even greater care to make the stones come out well.

Yesterday would have been my brother's 61st year of life. Brings tears to my eyes that he is no longer with us; also makes me realize how fragile life is. Everyone out there take care to live you life to the fullest.

Boston University WINS

2009-04-11T22:06:00.002-04:00

Colby Cohen scored in the overtime period to win the 100th game for the senior class at BU. This is the fifth National Championship for the BU Terriers. An absolutely fantastic game. Miami of Ohio played extremely well, but the power of number one ranked BU outlasted into the overtime period.

Now the emotional let down, that is the end of the college hockey season for another year. The ice breaker tournament will commence the next season in October.

John

Overtime

2009-04-11T21:32:00.002-04:00

And the game goes to OVERTIME, tied 3-3. BU was losing with one minute to go and scored two empty net goals in the final minute of the game to tie Miami. BU played without a goalie for the final 3 1/2 minutes of the game after giving up two 3rd period goals to give Miami a 3 to 1 lead.

Absolutely great playing. College hockey is so great to watch.

Championship Game

2009-04-11T20:34:00.003-04:00

Boston University vs Miami of Ohio in the national hockey championship game. BU defenseman Gilroy received the Hobey Baker award last night, at the end of two periods tied at 1-1. Both teams are showing the quality of college hockey. For Miami, this is the first time any team from Miami to make a national championship. For BU, this is one of many opportunities to win the national championship. Waiting with baited breath for the third period.

Random Acts of Kindness Update

2009-04-06T05:01:00.001-04:00

I have my five persons to bestow some random kindness upon. Anyone else who wants to can still start their own trail of kindness. Hopefully, my five will do so to.

John

Random Acts of Kindness

2009-04-04T16:07:00.000-04:00

Give Away & Pass It On - Random Acts of Kindness Alert - my turn to pass this on after participating with Lori Anderson
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

-I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
- What I pick will be just for you.
- It'll be done this year (2009).
- You have no clue what it's going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be a handmade card, or jewelry, something lovely made out of paper, beads, or a random treasure (like candy!) Who knows?

- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
And in return, all you need to do is post this text into a blog of your own and make 5 things for 5 others.
Won't this be fun????

Just a little cabbing

2009-04-03T21:24:00.003-04:00

Well, I have been busy making some very special cabochons for several weeks. I use some aventurine that Debbie and I mined in North Carolina and some Lapis Lazuli from Kandahar, Afghanistan courtesy of a Navy pilot. I worked the aventurine up into a rectangular cab, then wrapped it with 18 gauge Sterling Silver square half hard wire. Sized the resulting ring for me, and I am keeping it. (clicking on the thumbnail takes you to a full size image):

The lapis is a denim color, after cutting the edges from around the preform for the cab (40 x 30 mm), I decided to use the cut off pieces to make ear rings that would match the pendant. Tried for the first time using dead soft round wire to wrap the cab. Only difference was that I used nickle wire 20 gauge, silvery color, but when trying something new, much less expensive than silver. I found that wrapping the bindings was much more difficult than I expected. Binding with half round on square is much easier to maintain tight wraps. Of course I mad a mistake and identified the wire incorrectly in my photo.

Next project will be using some emerald (North Carolina variety) to make cabochons to make necklace, ring and ear rings as a set. Also working on a set of cabochons from some material sent to me by Jazzy (Artisan from California). Will keep y'all informed as things progress.

Rethinking

2009-03-28T19:02:00.002-04:00

I have decided to maintain as current both of my blogs, many people only use blogspot and I have found that the ganoksin blog does not import well into blogspot. It does show up in my blog listing, but I can not get the link to it to go to my blog only the general entry page. I will be posting our Team SC Etsy meeting this evening, after the college hockey games.

Ganoksin Blog

2009-01-12T03:59:00.000-05:00

My blog on Ganoksin has stopped working, the upgrade gave me the white screen of death, so I will reopen my blogspot blog, and hope that someday the other may start working again. I have finally cut the Peruvian Blue Opal and I am absolutely happy with the results. The angle of the photo does not show that the three cabs are all the same size.

I made them into a necklace, but I am not happy with the result, so I will probably take the pendants off the chain, and keep them as single pendants, and use them later. I wrapped the stones in Sterling Silver, and then tried putting them in a triangular arrangement on a silver chain. Way too busy for me.

I also cut three moss agates in a free form style and one amazonite at the same time. I will post the results of them later.

Last night, Austin and his brothers were here while Mom and Dad went to dinner for their eleventh anniversary. Austin, as he usually does, wanted me to make him a rock. He picked out a 30 by 40 olivine cabochon, so I did another basket wrap and made him a necklace.

New Blog Spot

2008-10-02T00:10:00.000-04:00

I have migrated my blog over to a server operated by Ganoksin (a jewelry making group) who own and run the ORCHID email/discussion forum. the link is:

http://rasmussengems.ganoksin.com/blogs/

thanks,

John

"Gemlover"