Happy New Year!

[afmetalsmith]

Yesterday I finally got started on my 1500-link loop-in-loop necklace. Now, starting such a chain is always the hard part... but this one's a doozy. At this point I am unsure whether I'll be able to do a double weave, as I'd planned, or might have to go to a single weave (which is still pretty, but I like the denser double weaver better. Sigh.).

Today was a trip tot he stone vendor, where I spent too much money (as usually happens). I got seduced by gorgeous spinels and zircons (no NOT cubic zirconium!). Plus I got some (very heavy) tools: an oval bracelet mandrel, and 2 machines that will put various sizes of pleats into wire or (thin) sheet metal. Should be interesting for plique filigree, among other things.

Comments

[simbel-myne.livejournal.com]

how does one find a gem store? I've gotten stones at the Gem Show (http://www.intergem.net/) that comes to Pittsburgh once a year or so. But I don't know places around here that sells stones on a regular basis.

[afmetalsmith.livejournal.com]

Many vendors take out ads in trade magazines, like whatever Lapidary Journal is now calling itself (it's either "Jewelry Artist" or "Art Jewelry"- I get both). If there's a jewelry school around, they may be able to tell you some vendors in your area.

One thing: many gemstone vendors sell only to the trade, and can be pretty fussy about it (only natural, when you think of the risks of the profession). Ones that advertise are probably more open than ones that don't.

I'm very lucky to have a really good place that's reasonably local; they do most of their business mail order.