18 Karat Gold Unisex Wedding Bands cast from Central Park Twigs
The brand new Huffpost Weddings launched this week and I’m pleased to say that the Unisex Golden Twig Rings were selected as the Handmade Etsy Object of the week. Yay!
Read the article here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/02/etsy-weddings_n_990322.html#s382851&title=Golden_Twig_Rings
To purchase on Etsy
Last summer I wrote an article about the creative process behind my collection, Beauty in Imperfection. My friend Alma suggested that I submit the story to Stampington Publications and it was just published it in their lovely Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine.
Beauty in Imperfection
Belle Armoire Jewelry Spring 2010
By Barbara Polinsky
It’s not perfect, and that’s the point. File marks, visible seams and solder – things that other jewelers might consider bewildering – are the trademark of my collection.
Inspired by the imperfection that abounds in nature, people, and in life, these rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings are a tribute to acceptance. The forms are clean and simple. As in life, It’s the blemishes that add the depth and character.
Beauty in Imperfection was born in a moment of frustration. I was working in the studio, trying unsuccessfully to fabricate a new design. That day, nothing was going right and I kept making careless mistakes. In total exasperation, I squished the entire piece I was working on through a rolling mill! When it emerged through the other end of the mill, I was astonished at the graceful irregular form. I sat back and smiled. Through this experience, I began to think about how much time and energy we spend in pursuit of perfection. This accidental discovery has been golden (pun intended). The ordinary, ho-hum bracelet that I was trying so diligently to make has been reshaped and transformed into something so much more genuine. Viewed only technically, my bracelet is a disaster – an ornamental fender bender, almost inconceivable through the eyes of an experienced metalsmith. Examining this same bracelet with introspection and sentiment, it is so much more valuable than the sum of its parts. What do you think? As a final flourish and visual metaphor, a small white faceted diamond is handset into each piece of jewelry. It serves as a reminder that precious gifts in our lives are not always in plain sight and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
The more I think about this concept and share it with others, the more I see how freeing and powerful it is. Our personal experiences and definition of perfection may vary but I believe that our desire for acceptance is universal.
I’m so touched and honored by the stories people are sharing with me. A friend of mine gave her teenage daughter a small pendant to applaud her uniqueness and protect her from the body image messages in the media. Some are choosing to wear these rings as wedding bands – Representing each person’s individuality and their commitment to each other: two pieces coming together as one – but not seamlessly. When I feel uncertain about something I find comfort in slipping on a bracelet or ring. It’s my subtle way of acknowledging that things don’t always unfold as I anticipated and it is my cue to be open to new possibilities. As a designer, it is so exciting to watch this product evolve and know that it is affirming to people at the same time.
This week I stumbled upon the Green Bride Guide and knew that I just had to be a part of this great organization. I took their “Green” survey and was qualified because I use recycled metals and antique or ethically mined stones but it got me thinking about what else I could do.
After a little research, I
- Joined 1% for the planet where I have committed (based on tax returns) to donate 1% of my sales to my choice of their affiliated and approved vendors.
-Sourced packaging made of renewable resources which I will be switching to for silver jewelry. The new Celebrate Reclaimed Silver collection will be packaged in renewable sinamay. More info to follow soon.
-Researched and purchased “green” chemical alternatives for the studio.
Not bad for one week! But stay tuned for more….
Wow! Now that 2009 is over and I have a moment to reflect, I just want to thank everyone for your help in making 2009 such an amazing year. My very small business has grown tremendously thanks to Etsy, my awesome customers, reliable suppliers and the spectacular reception of the Wedding and Celebration ring styles.
I feel great about 2010 -there are some fun and exciting things brewing. Look for designs with recycled diamonds, inspiration from Walden Pond and maybe even some bar accessories….. Excuse me while I go buckle up. I have a feeling it’s going be a wild ride!
Best wishes for much happiness and only good things in this new year.
B.
rose cut
Rose cut stones were popular in Europe in the 1500′s and are enjoying renewed popularity today. The most notable feature of this cut is the stone’s flat, or near flat bottom. Picture a low gumdrop with facets cut into the top. The facets start from the center of the stone and spread outward, usually in multiples of 6 appearing like a rose opening up. Although antique rose cut diamonds can be found, the majority of rose cut diamonds available in the market today are newly mined and cut in India.
Personally, I’m enamored with this cutting style because the large shimmery surface and thin profile offer lots of great design possibilities but there are a some limitations too. Here are some things that are good to know…
Shapes- Rose Cuts can be found in round, oval, pear, triangular and irregular shapes. The majority are flat on the bottom and faceted on top however some are faced on top and bottom The depth varies from stone to stone.
Optics- Because rose cut stones are usually shallow and not faceted on the underside, they don’t sparkle as much as a traditional brilliant cut stone. White Diamond rose cuts larger than 2mm become transparent in open back prong settings. Light travels right through them and they aren’t the best choice if you desire sparkle.
Settings- Most often incorporated in bezel settings and secured around the perimeter with metal.
Size Perception- This is where it gets interesting…… Since stones are traded by their carat weight, rose cuts give the appearance of being much larger than they are because of their large surface area. Rose Cut diamonds offer more bang for the buck, so to speak.
Bead Trends Magazine
I’m flattered to have been contacted by Bead Trends Magazine who wanted to feature one of my beaded lariat necklaces. I had forgotten all about our conversation and sent in the sample off months ago. What a thrill it was receiving copies in the mail!
A shout out to my fellow artists and friends who meet on Wednesday mornings to share ideas and inspire each other. Some weeks are more inspiring than others but I cherish coming every week – even if I haven’t done my homework. This morning we were bidding farewell to Laura shortly before her move to Atlanta.
Pictured: Lise Aug, Elise Margolis, Me, Laura Freeman, Alma Stoller, Camilla Marstrand Golden
Not pictured: Donna Levinstone, Patricia Childers
If your Twig Solitaire needs to be re-sized, here are some instructions you can bring to your local jeweler….
Because of the continuous detail on the band, it’s best if your jeweler removes a section from the front of the ring, right beside the stone. If a small piece is removed from the inside, near your palm, the two ends will have to be hand engraved to recreate the texture. Please be sure to tell your jeweler EXACTLY where you would like the piece removed from. One side has a small bud and taking out a slice from that side will change the overall appearance of the ring.
Here are the steps:
cut on top
remove section
reshape
solder using 18K Plumb Gold Solder
file any rough spots
Polish very lightly
Either a piece can be inserted into the back inside of the ring or it can also be made a little larger by filing the inside of the ring. Please note that this second option will remove the natural organic pattern from the inside of the ring resulting in a smooth surface.
To enlarge by adding a piece:
Cut band in back near palm
Solder in new section using 18K Plumb Gold Solder
File rough edges
Reshape
Hand Engrave texture into new section
*** I just need to note that I warranty the loss and replacement of small accent stones for 1 year. This does not include center stones. However, if another jeweler works on the piece, the warranty does becomes void. This includes stones falling out after another jeweler resizes. There is no warranty on center stones. To protect your investment, center stones and/or complete pieces are commonly covered as a rider on your homeowner’s / renter’s policy or by insurance firms such as Jeweler’s Mutual or Chubb.
