Mixed Metals

I've returned from the 2011 Arts and Crafts Festival here in Pullman at Beasley Coliseum which is always a wonderful event. I've been working on new Blue Mango Jewelry most of the summer and am excited to share the results of my new designs and materials. Mixed metal jewelry is a new trend. As many of you know, silver prices have gone through the roof and it affects us in many ways. Most artists and craftspeople had been exploring new possibilities to avoid raising jewelry prices. 

I've been creating new combinations with Brass, copper pewter and iron. I'm exploring what are called Cold Connections: riveting, using eyelets, dapping metals, wire wrapping, folding and pounding metals into new shapes... the list goes on. It's been great fun and I'm anxious to share these new ideas. I've also been expanding my World's Treasure Bracelets which many of you already wear. I've added new clasps andcharms and have been working with new tribal beads and stones from around the world. 

Charm bracelets have been featured in many fashion magazines and trade papers lately. They're great fun to make and I'm excited to share the results. In addition, I continue to work with pearls; freshwater, natural, keishi, stick pearls, shell pearls and Swarovski pearls. There seems to be an endless variety of pearls. I'm also working with precious pieces of coral in a variety of colors combined with lampwork beads. 

As the saying goes, "the sky's the limit'. 

What Are Shell Pearls?

For centuries, the lowly oyster held the patent on pearls. Even cultured pearls, required time and the commitment of the oyster. No more. Take Shell Pearls. While the oyster still provides the shell nuclei, the mollusk can now outsource the actual pearl production. These pearls are produced in less time and at a fraction of the cost of precious natural pearls. Shell pearls help by reducing the toll on the worlds dwindling pearl oyster beds. Many of these have already been harvested to extinction.

Shell pearls begin with a shaped piece of shell. They are then drilled, coated, baked and polished to a soft luster. While these cannot be called natural pearls, they boast some significant advantages. Shell pearls are as affordable as they are beautiful. They are more consistent in size, shape and luminousness and are more durable. They are less prone to damage from body oils, perfumes or chemicals and will maintain their rich luster.

I've just created a few pieces using these shell pearls. I have to say that the only way I can tell them from natural pearls is their symmetry and price. I think you will agree. 

Moving to www.bluemangojewels.com

I've moved the original blog to the website.