Eilisain aka Lisette in Gaelic

Welcome to my blog, where I document my process in making jewelry, muse on the influence of art and the joy of making beautiful objects.




Tuesday, November 27, 2012

How to care for your jewelry


18kt gold plated crow claw ring and amethyst.
I've been thinking this over the past couple days, how frustrating it can be when people come to the Jewelry Dr. (where I work as a repair assistant part time) and are baffled that their jewelry broke or why a stone came loose, etc.   Then it got me thinking, well no wonder they don't know why their jewelry broke...because, maybe no one told them how to take care of it!

Most jewelry doesn't come with 'how to' instructions, but they really should.  For example, plated jewelry (gold and silver plating) must be removed from the body before coming in contact with soap or water, because if you don't the plating will come off.

So here are some simple steps on how to care for Eilisain Jewelry as well as any other jewelry.

1.  Remove your jewelry before washing your hands or any contact with water IF it is gold or silver plated AND if there is a sensitive stone/gem.

2.  Store your jewelry in a jewelry box or a bag with chalk (especially if it is silver, chalk prevents tarnishing).

3.  Check your jewelry and look at it closely from time to time (say once a month, if you wear it often).  The way I check for loose stones and diamonds at the jewelry dr. is I run my fingernail along the edge of the stone, if the stone moves...well then it needs to be tightened.

4.  Also remove your jewelry if it has been epoxyed, aka glued.  Some of my stones are additionally set with epoxy.  Epoxy is a very strong adhesive for metal objects - most jewelry out there has epoxy in it, even fancy (aka expensive) and commercial jewelry.

5.  And even if you've checked your jewelry yourself, take your most prized jewelry once or twice a year to a jeweler to have them inspect it professionally.  Most of the time this is free, unless it needs repair.

6.  POLISHing:  There are several methods to polishing your jewelry.  One is to buy the soapy liquid at the store...those never seem to work! A polishing cloth is great, you can usually buy one at a fancy jewelry shop or maybe at Michaels.  Sometimes just an old soft tshirt does the job. Dish soap works just as well, use your hands and gently clean your jewelry with just a teeny bit of soap.  Then dry with a soft cloth.

I hope that these tips help you in caring for your jewelry.  I know I do it myself because, I LOVE my jewelry and I don't want to lose it or have it damaged!

Thanks for reading.
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Sunday, November 25, 2012

Deep blue azurite and flourite

Oh Thanksgiving break was too good to me, I ate way too much but also got some good work time in.  I gave myself two days off and in between I was able to finish up some pieces with new stones I got in the mail from a fellow Etsy seller, Instant Karma.

I am just in LOVE with the deep blue of the azurite stone, which fits perfectly into the claws of a crow!  Just listed on my Etsy shop and will be available for sale at the ECU Holiday sale and Brody School of Medicine sale. 

Also used a new faceted flourite stone for the crow claw pendant below.  Next week is going to be really crazy but I'm ready for it! And excited. 

Thanks for reading and I hope all of you had a happy Thanksgiving!
The Hunted Triple Crow Claw ring in sterling silver.


The Hunted Crow claw pendant in sterling silver, with the makers mark stamp.

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Friday, November 23, 2012

Black Friday SALE


It's here: BLACK FRIDAY!
And I'm joining in on all the sales and offering the biggest discount - 30% off
Use coupon code: BLK30 for today ONLY.
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

ECU School of Art and Design HOLIDAY SALE


It's coming...SALES! Ha, I almost feel like it's a monster, in a good/crazy/busy way. 
Hope you can make it to our infamous sale, I always end up spending half of my sale money on 
pieces of art work at the sale too!
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Alabama Shakin'it



Ya'll know the dealio, I'll be DJing sweet smooth tunes like this today, from 4-6pm on ECU's college radio station, WZMB 91.3, don't fret you can listen online - we livestream!
 
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Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Forgotten

'Lo olvidado', Joyas Sensacionales // Lalabeyou from Laura González on Vimeo.

I really enjoyed the way the necklaces were displayed on the table in the room, and of course the interviews!
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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Numen: Divine Will or Power

I got all my postcard & poster proofs yesterday and they're off to the printers!  It's all happening within a matter of weeks.  Above is my schedule for holiday sales and events.  I'm very excited but overwhelmed, there is still so much to do!
And my Senior Exhibition postcard.  Timothy Weaver did a great job designing the cards and poster for me.

Thanks for reading!
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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

One Of A Kind



Such a brilliant concept, I've been tracking this site for awhile now...maybe I can get a limited edition piece on their site? 
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Friday, November 2, 2012

Eilisain Jewelry Newsletter!





Just created an account with Mailchimp...has taken me about 3+ hours to set it up.

If you'd like to receive exclusive offers on my jewelry - sign up today!
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