MyWireWorks

GETTING THE JUMP ON JUNE...

2011-06-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

I am not going to let another month go past without jumping right into my June blog post. This is one of those months that seems to whip by every year in a blink of the eye. Kids are out of school and it just seems that the attention gets so wrapped up in vacations and so many other activities the time flies by. And to top it off this means that half a year has almost slipped by as well....geez!

Okay, in the world of gemstones, June brings us the Alexandrite birthstone. This stone was originally founded in the the Ural Mountains of Russia in or around 1830. It was given the name Alexandrite after the boy czar Alexander II and this precious stone was rare and only given to royalty at the time.

The color found in a true alexandrite gem is sensational. It has the ability to change its color from a bluish-green in the daylight to a light purple raspberry-like color in incandescent light. Since I am wrapping synthetic stones they stay the purplish color.

The alexandrite gemstone is very scarce which is mainly due to it's chemical makeup. Its formation requires a specific geological condition of blending the chemical elements of beryllium and chromium together which, as a rule are not known for being mixed together. This is a rare scenario in the Earth's history, thus making the alexandrite gemstone quite unique and rare.

It seems that the Russian deposit were thought to be depleted and no more of this gem was left. However, in 1987 alexandrite was discovered in Brazil and since then India, Burma, Madagascar and Zimbabwe have also been contributing to the future of this gem.

I have displayed for you here several of my pieces which are either wrapped in sterling silver or rolled gold.

www.MyWireWorks.com/Alexandrite

MAY FLOWERS ...OK, JUST MAY BEAUTY!

2011-05-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yet again, another month has flown by and my blogging went to the back burner! May day, Cinco de mayo, a trip to Hawaii and learning all about FaceBook consumed my month. And because of that I missed sharing with you my wire-wrapped jewelry pieces representing the month of May. So here is one for the record. This 2" emerald pendant is made using sterling silver with a 8 mm synthetic stone. A beautiful piece for any time of year. Here is my offering of this May birthstone:

I think that the emerald is a perfect color for the month of May as it goes along with the signs of spring. It has such a vibrant and intense green color and it draws attention whenever it is worn.

The emerald is said to be one of the first precious stones to be mined by the ancient Egyptians. Gotta say Cleopatra loved them if pictures are to be trusted.

It is also a known fact that a true emerald (not the synthetic ones, which I use) will always show visible inclusions. If you pick an emerald and there are no inclusions then you surely are not looking at a true emerald.

There are many sites on the web that go into more detail on this beautiful stone, I just wanted to give you a hint of what its all about.

For a view at more of my pieces go to:
www.mywireworks.com/emerald.htm

Where Has Time Gone..

2011-04-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

My oh my, where has the year gone...to hell and a handbasket for me!

To say that this past year was disasterous is putting it mildly. My family and I, like so very many others have had to overcome a plethora of obstacles. Dealing with the ups and downs of this economy. And that saying, "if it ain't one thing it's another" certainly seem to strick home. But whatcha gonna do except just keep on keeping on! However, despite it all we are surviving and can somewhat see the light at the end of the tunnel...dim, but still a light.

I recently reconnected with an old friend, who I hadn't talked to in over 15-20 years. I shared my moans and groans with her for a bit but she just wasn't gonna have it. One thing I always loved about this person was that she was one of those "get in your face with the truth" type of people. And despite the years passing, she is still that type of person and she wasn't gonna deal with the pessimistic attitude I had developed over the last two years. She grabbed my bootstraps for me, gave a good strong yank and kicked my bootie until I was standing up straight and taking back ahold of my life! She wasn't about to let go until I saw that light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks Carol!

Once I was back up, another friend managed to slap me around a bit more with a slightly different approach and now I'm feeling pretty darn good with both of my feet back on the ground. But she didn't stop there, she set me up with a really good friend of hers, and after talking to this guy for two hours, I now have a spring in my walk again, and hope in my heart. Thanks Dickie and David!

So, after all that abuse, I am reaching back into in my life and bring back doing things that have made me happy in the past. I just love creating aesthetic things, so I am back to creating on my jewelry and this blog.

And with that I am re-introducing to you my Cubic Zirconia pieces for the month of April (even though it's almost over).

My favorite cubic zircon wirewrapped piece in this gallery is this a 6mm cz wrapped in gold filled wire. The length of this piece is approximately 2 inches. The picture may not do it justice because this piece is just so beautiful.

Please take note also of the piece that is on sale for the month. This is a 6 mm cz wrapped in sterling silver. The approximate size is 2 inches in height.

Check out all these pieces at www.mywireworks.com/cubiczircon.htm

CHANGE

2010-03-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Change .. sometimes a good thing and sometimes not such a good thing.

I've been working on trying to improve my website and it's Google websites ranking for several months now. I've studied up by reading blogs and many websitess on what many of the SEO's (search engine optimazation)"masters" have had to say about how to improve your website and website rankings.

Well, somehow I must have really misunderstood something someone had said, or maybe they lied to me, because I use to be ranked 5th under the keywords "wire wrapped jewelry" and right now I can't even find where I'm listed, think I might have been banned. Hard to tell if I've been totally rejected for something I changed or what since Google doesn't readily tell you if you've been banned or why you might have been banned.

So, for the last two days I have been working on improving my homepage and hope it brings me back to life. Of course I would love to have some really "true" data to operate with in hopes of finding my lost site. However, in the meantime, I've got tons of work to do in the other pages so I will forge on.

Check out the updated homepage at: www.mywireworks.com

Also, since I haven't managed to get my blogging done or any new jewelry pieces made for March, with job hunting, school, remodeling and such, I would like to just direct you to my aquamarine pieces now. Hopefully within the next few months I will be back in operation to be able to create more aquamarine pieces.

Go to: www.mywireworks.com/aquamarine.htm

JANUARY

2010-01-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

THE MONTH
On the current day calendar, January is the first month of a new year. It is named after Janus (Ianuarius), the god of the doorway; the name has its beginnings in Roman mythology, coming from the Latin word for door (ianua) - January is the door to the year.

January is also most noted as usually having the coldest days of the year and of course if anybody has listened to the whether news at all, this has certainly been the case this year. So many people on the east coast got to have a white Chistmas, cold but still white. Check out my friends blog at http://dragon-quilter.blogspot.com and see some of her incredible winter shots. As for me, I live on the West coast in the Los Angeles area so our Christmas was ashen. We who live in the northern part of the county still continually get to wake up to ash covered sidewalks and streets. This does not make for smiling faces!

However, on with things about the month of January. Of course there are a lot of "Hollywood type" celebrities that have birthdays in January but did you know that Betsy Ross who was credited with making the first American flag was born in January in 1752. There were many other great people in history with birthdays in January like Paul Revere, Benedict Arnold, Dr. Martin Luther King, Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Webster, Robert E. Lee, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John Hancock - a merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot. Many great people born in this month.

And of course... January is the sign of the Capricorn and the garnet represents the birthstone of the month.

THE BIRTHSTONE
Garnet - the name may come from either the Middle English word gernet 'dark red', or Latin granatus ("grain"), possibly a reference to the Punica granatum ("pomegranate"), a plant with red seeds similar in shape, size.

Garnets can be found in many different colors orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink but the medium dark red is my choice. The other colors seem to relate to other birthstones. This stone is sometimes mixed up with the ruby which is slightly darker in color or the Alexandrite which is the pinkish color.

People who are born in January often associate the with having a tendency towards energy, deep down sincere, or devotion. As a birthstone, garnet is a protective and guiding gem. The garnet remains a symbolic sign for the gift of love for those celebrating the 18th anniversary, the ideal gift for a second anniversary.

No matter the date, a garnet is always a beautiful gift to get and receive.
www.mywireworks.com/garnet.htm

Also:
References from: http://en.wikipedia.org

HAPPY NEW YEAR SALE

2010-01-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

OUT WITH THE OLD...IN WITH THE NEW!!

For so many of us the last year was challenging in many ways, so now it's time to close the 2009 book and move on to a more prosperous New Year. So to start the year off right, I am putting some of my jewelry ON SALE! I've never done it before but figured I'd try different things this year. Since January is the month of the Garnet, I am putting three of my pieces up for sale.

This first piece is a beautiful 10mm (synthetic) garnet, wire-wrapped in rolled gold with a 6mm cubic zircon.

The size is 2.5 inches in height.
www.mywireworks.com/garnet.htm

Not only is the garnet known as the birthstone for January,it’s an astrological birthstone for the sign of Capricorn. It’s the anniversary gemstone for the 2nd and 19th wedding anniversaries.

Garnet is derived from the Latin word "granatum" which means "pomegranate" which stone color resembles that of the fruit's seed.

My second garnet piece which I have put "on sale" is a 6mm garnet stone which is wrapped in sterling silver.

The size of this piece is 1.5 inches. www.mywireworks.com/garnet.htm

And finally, I am offering up this last garnetpiece which is also a 10mm garnet wire-wrapped in gold-filled wire.

The size of this piece is 2.5 inches. www.mywireworks.com/garnet.htm

It is said that King Solomon wore a large red garnet along with eleven other magical gems (representing the 12 steps of Jacob's Ladder) in his breast plate to help him win battles and to keep him in touch with the deity. In the 13th century, they were worn to repel insects and evil spirits and the evil eye of others.

In Egyptian times they were taken into the tombs with the dead as payment to the gods of the nether worlds and for their passage through the nether world safely.

Indulge yourself and go for something new.

Other sale items can be found at:
www.mywireworks.com/sale.htm

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

OCTOBER

2009-10-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

THE MONTH
On the Gregorian Calendar, which is the common calendar used, October is the tenth month of the year. On the old Roman calendar October is the eighth month, hence "octo" meaning eight.

October is commonly associated with the season of autumn, which is pretty evident with the changing colors of nature in many parts of the country. I do remember however, many many times growing up that October really meant winter was here or "snow time" has begun. Just two weeks ago I visited Virginia where the beginnings of the color change was happening.

Yet, in talking to my sister who lives in Colorado, she was shoveling seven inches of snow off her porch, and who could forget the snows of Alaska at this time of year, oh so beautiful.

THE BIRTHSTONES
The Australian Opal

An opal is most notable associated as a birthstone with the month of October. As an anniversary gemstone it applies to the 14th and 18th years of marriage.

Opal comes from Latin opalus, from Greek opallios, from Sanskrit upala stone, jewel. It is a mineral that is a hydrated amorphous silica softer and less dense than quartz and typically with definite and often marked iridescent play of colors. The color various dramatically depending on where the opal is mined and how it is cut.

Most opal is more than 60 million years old and generally dates back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It is found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once flowed. The minerals bubbled up from beneath the surface of the earth and slowly, over the centuries, lined the walls of cracks, vents and underground cavities in the bedrock. Most opal is found where geothermal hot springs dried up during seasonal periods of rainfall and extended dry periods.

The most striking quality of opal is its ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light. In fact, the term "opalescence" was coined to describe this phenomenon. The size and spacing of the amorphous spheres of silica within the stone refracts specific wavelengths of light; each sphere refracting a single, pure spectral color much like the individual microscopic droplets of water in a rainbow. The interplay of these pure wavelengths of light gives opal its unique visual appeal, and makes it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.

The Opal - often referred to as the October birthstone - is a brilliant gemstone which shows off the interplay of a variety of iridescent colors. The opal is composed of a white or colorless compound (silica) which occurs in quartz, flint, sand or agate. The silica produces the vibrant internal colors by the diffraction of color passing through the stone. The veins that display the 'play of color' are quite thin and this is where the cutting of the stone is important.

The opal is Australia's national gemstone, and Australia is credited for the largest production of the worlds opals.

There is a rather large array of opal colors and classifications and I could go into breaking them all down here, but I think I will refer to Wikipedia. I think it offers a great source for further information on the Opal and it's various color breakdowns and classifications. Though a little technical, I feel it breaks it down better than I could. Check it out.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opal

Rose Zircon Gemstone

The birthstones associated with zircon are October (rose zircon) and December (blue zircon). Zircon's are not associated with anniversary gemstone.

The name Zircon is from Zargun which means "gold color". The etymology is German, modification of French jargon jargoon, zircon, from Italian giargone.

Zircons come in a variety of colors and degrees of colors of yellow, yellow-brown, brown, orange, red, violet, blue, and green. The color of zircons sometimes can be changed by heat treatment. The zircon stones used in my site are synthetic (lab created) stones.

On the spiritual level, the zircon supposedly helps one be more at peace with oneself. It was believed to provide the wearer with wisdom, honor and riches. The lost of luster on a Zircon stone is said to warn of danger.

The legend of Zircon began when Hyacin, the Greek youth, was killed. A blue hyacinth flower grew from the spilled blood. The blue color of the zircon found in Greece matched the blue of the flower. Pliny, the elder, started this legend by his written comparison of colors.

Zircon is a natural stone - not to be confused with Cubic Zircon which is manmade. It is known as a colorless stone used to imitate diamonds but also comes in: blue, yellow, orange, red, brown and green.

Whichever your choice, both stones are a joy to own. Check out my jewelry pieces for this month
http://www.mywireworks.com/wirewrapped-opal.htm
http://www.mywireworks.com/rosezircon.com

HUNTING FOR SAPPHIRES

2009-09-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Seeings as this is my favorite stone, I thought I would do a little research and see where I might go hunting for this precious find and share it with you.

If you are a West Coaster it seems that one great place that one can go to try their hand at digging is in the big sky country - Helena, Montana right on the banks of Hauser Lake as the Missouri River flows. The place to check out is Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine. They are open year around (but I'm thinking digging through the ice in the cold would not be my first choice). Check out the rates, supplies needed and the whatevers at

If you are an East Coaster Franklin, North Carolina is a good place to go. Check out The Sheffield Mine, they say that you can pretty much be assured that you'll go home with a stone of some size. You may find a sapphire or maybe even a ruby. Sapphires and rubies are both variations of corundum and this is what is found digging in their dirt. They are open April 1st through October 31st. For more info check them out at

Of course there are other mining areas one can choose from - like if you'd like to take a trip to Australia, but these are two that I think are worth checking out. Happy digging to all!

Check out my jewelry pieces associated with this months birthstone.
http://www.mywireworks.com/sapphire.htm

SEPTEMBER

2009-09-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

THE MONTH
In Latin, septem means "seven" and septimus means "seventh"; September was in fact the seventh month of the Roman calendar until 153 BC, when the first month changed from Kalendas Martius (1 March) to Kalendas Januarius (1 January). [1] In the Northern hemisphere, the beginning of the meteorological autumn is 1 September[2].

September marks the beginning of the ecclesiastical year in the Eastern Orthodox Church.[citation needed] September begins on the same day of the week as December every year, because there are 91 days separating September and December, which is a multiple of seven (the amount of days in the week).
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September)

THE BIRTHSTONE

Sapphire - [saf-ahyr]
Origin: [Middle English saphir, from Old French safir, from Latin sapphīrus, from Greek sappheiros, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew sappîr, a precious stone.]

Traditionally this birthstone is associated with the month of September. It’s the anniversary gemstone for the 5th and 45th year of marriage. Even though this is not my birthstone it is my favorite.

The Sapphire is a member of the corundum family and gets its name from the Latin sapphirus and the Greek sappheiros (blue). It gets its color from titanium and iron oxides. The depth of the color comes from the amount of oxides present.

Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Sapphire is used for clear thinking. Kings used to wear sapphire around their necks as a powerful defense against harm. The stone preserved the wearer from envy and attracted divine favor.

Sapphire represents truth, sincerity and consistency. The stone was used by the Greeks to stimulate the opening of the third eye and to tap into the subconscious and super conscious. Clear sapphires, like diamonds, are the guardians of love. In the old days, it was used to banish envy and jealousy. It also promotes chastity in virgins and insures fidelity in marriage.

Check out my jewelry pieces associated with this months birthstone.
http://www.mywireworks.com/sapphire.htm

AUGUST

2009-07-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

THE MONTH
This month was originally named Sextilis in Latin, because it was the sixth month in the original ten-month Roman calendar under Romulus in 753 BC, when March was the first month of the year. About 700 BC it became the eighth month when January and February were added to the year before March by King Numa Pompilius, who also gave it 29 days. Julius Caesar added two days when he created the Julian calendar in 45 BC giving it its modern length of 31 days. In 8 BC it was renamed in honor of Augustus, who did not take a day from February (see the debunked theory on month lengths). (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August)

In common years no other month starts on the same day of the week as August, though in leap years February starts on the same day.

THE BIRTHSTONE
Peridot - [per-i-doh] or phonetically - [pair-a-doe]
a green transparent variety of olivine, used as a gem.
Origin: 1300–50; < F péridot; r. ME peritot < MF

Peridot name derives from Greek, but the meaning is uncertain. The dictionary says that it is etymology is from French. The name chrysolite (Greek for gold stone) was formerly applied not only to period but also to many similarly colored stones.

Peridot is a transparent lime or olive green stone. Italian peridot is olive in color. American peridot is a light yellow-green.

Peridot is given as a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection. Legend has it that pirates favored it to protect them against evil. When the peridot was set in gold it also protected the wearer from terrors in the night. It has been mined from St John's Island in the Red Sea for over 3500 years.

Peridot is the created during volcanic action. Occasionally, its crystals are found on the black sands of Hawaii. Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality. It is the stone associated with the 16th anniversary.

I like to wrap this stone especially in gold as it really brings out he colors in the stone. Some versions of it are so light they get confused with Topaz and other versions of it can be dark and resemble emeralds.

Check out my jewelry pieces associated with the month of August.
http://www.mywireworks.com/peridot.htm

THE BEGINNING....

2009-07-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to MyWireWorks Blog, which was created to share my thoughts and viewpoints on wire wrapped jewelry. Wirewrapping is one of the oldest techniques for making jewelry the old fashioned way, by hand. The wire is bent, looped and tucked thus using no heat or soldering, all hand and wrist manipulated.

I wirewrap most any kind stone. My wire sculpted jewelry pieces include opals, turquoise, pearls, malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx or man-made (also known as synthetic) gemstones. Each custom designed piece is unique in that, for me, I can rarely duplicate any of them exactly. Some of my pieces may also incorporate some beading aspects. It all comes down to what my mood was at the time of creating. I strive to create the most unique wire wrapped and sculpted jewelry pieces.

This style of jewelry making is also known as wire wrapped jewelry or simply wire jewelry. Because of the style I use, it is also referred to as sculpted wire jewelry. All work is made up with 14K gold-filled (also known as rolled gold) wire or sterling silver wire. The gemstones are man-made (or synthetic) but the rest of the stones are natural (from Mother Earth).

Please check out my jewelry pieces at
http://www.mywireworks.com