Rio Grande, based in Albuquerque, NM, is a proud sponsor each year of the New Mexico Jewelers Association “All That Glitters” design competition, held annually at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. On September 28, as the 2013 winners were voted on and announced, that local talent was on full display. Find out more in today’s post!
You may be surprised to learn that the Federal Trade Commission classifies much of what you may consider “Made in the USA” jewelry, created in the United States, as being of foreign origin. In 1997, the FTC published an enforcement policy which outlines compliance standards for product origin claims. These standards pose problems for U.S. jewelry makers large and small.
Nickel in jewelry? The general public is showing a growing interest in the nickel content of the jewelry they buy. As a result, more and more of Rio Grande’s customers are asking us about the nickel content in our findings and fabrication metals. This is understandable since a significant number of people have allergic reactions to nickel. Take a look at today’s post to learn more!
So much more than mere chemistry, mokumé gane is a fusion of two or more metals that, when manipulated by skilled hands, creates intriguing patterned stock coveted by jewelry designers and collectors alike. Americans such as Phillip Baldwin, founder of Shining Wave Metals, are taking this Japanese craft to new heights.
Ronda Coryell, of Jewelry Studies International, teaches and explores jewelry across the globe. In today’s post, she shares tales—and beautiful photos—from her jewelry-making workshops in Bali, Switzerland, and Italy! Take a look and then head over to the JSI website to sign up for your own overseas jewelry adventure!
The five judges spread out among the finalists’ pieces as evenly as birds on a wire. Before long, they were working collaboratively, drawing on individual panel members’ strengths. Excitement builds as we count down the weeks until the winners of the 2013 Saul Bell Design Award competition are finally announced! Take a look at today’s post, to get a peek into the final judging event.
Are you thinking about turning your jewelry-making skills into a full-time business? Or perhaps you already have taken that step and are discovering the million details that always seem to be invisible from the outside looking in? If so, there is a fun and exciting lifeline coming your way!
Rio Grande has reached another milestone in its long, steady growth! Learn about Rio’s exciting news and plans for the new year!
Krista and friends drool over the latest in every kind of technology—plasma welding, hydroforming, automated production systems, gear generations, three-dimensional printing on a massive scale—the list goes on and on! Check out her discoveries at IMTS in Chicago. . .
This year, in the tragic wake of destruction that Hurricane Sandy left behind, the good people of CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund) have been making great strides in helping artists, arts organizations, and other affected creatives get back on their feet. Read on to learn how you might be able to lend a hand or receive assistance. . .
One question we’re often asked is where our gemstones come from, so I thought Rio Grande customers might like to know about an initiative we have been pursuing: buying gemstones from reputable firms and ensuring the production of those stones causes no human suffering. Here’s how we do it.
Argentium International has implemented a continuous research and development program to better understand the properties of Argentium silver alloys and learn how to optimize these properties for different applications. Today, on The Studio, Charles Allenden tells us about the fascinating evolution of Argentium – more reason to try this exceptional silver alloy.
In the previous three parts of my series on Designing a Jewelry Collection, I've talked about what a collection is, design principles, designing for your customer and the … [Read More...] about Designing a Collection part 4
Manhattan jewelry designer and entrepreneur Sandy Baker is the owner and creative force behind Sandy Baker Art Collection. She claims she has been in the business for … [Read More...] about Influencers in Jewelry Design: Sandy Baker
