Gemstones and selecting the right one

I'd been thinking about this for awhile, about how much I LOVE gemstones but can't stand finding the right one or gauging how many to purchase for a collection.  Sometimes it can be a nightmare!

However, the love of stones outweighs the troubles that come with finding the right stone and also finding the time to make custom pieces with stones.

Lovely moonstone for the Asteria ring.

I've given this some serious thought as much of what happens with the one of a kind pieces I make depend so much on the color, shape and form of the stone.  Over the years I've acquired several favorite gem dealers that I rely on to select the right stone, and this has been a godsend. 

The Shield pendant with an agate and pyrite stone. 

So this post is dedicated to some of my favorite pieces with selective stones that have worked so well in our previous collections.  I also want to take the opportunity to let you know that I love working with customers that want to create a special custom piece of jewelry with a specific stone.  If you are interested, shoot me an email: info@eilisainjewelry.com  

The Black abyss ring with black faceted tourmaline.

Thanks so much for reading and stay lovely!

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Featured Artist: Marissa Saneholtz

Okay, so I will preface this post by saying, that ECU metalsmiths and artists in general get first dibs as featured artists on my blog because, well, I know them and they are ridiculously talented.

Anywho, so this week's featured artist is Marissa Saneholtz, a very recent graduate from the MFA metals program. Marissa is a ball of energy around the studio and she is so, so, so crafty and skilled in her work, I always get blown away by her amazing technical skills!

There are many reasons why I enjoy Marissa's work but I think the best part about her work is the irreverent and tongue-in-cheek commentary on traditional womens' role in society. She tells a story of the traditional 1950's woman that has had it with being the one to cook and clean, the feminine mystique, if you will. Oh and if you ever see her work up close...the details are truly amazing, universal joints and all kinds of hidden settings and magical ways of displaying her work.

She Had No Intention of Listening to Her Biological clock, brooch

She Excelled in Situations Like These, brooch

How Would Anyone Ever Resist Him, brooch

He Would Have to Fight Them off With a Stick, brooch

Revelation, tea infuser

The Idea of a White Picket Fence Terrified Her, necklace

The Trophy Necklace

The Trophy necklace detail shot

A Lady's Pocket Knife, Damascus steel
(Sooooo badass!)

I hope you enjoyed viewing her work, you can see more on Marissa's crafthaus site and the fun titles, they are perfect descriptions. Thank you for reading!

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coral and mangos on the beach

On my last day in Panama my cousins and I drove to Isla Grande (Big Island) for a day at the beach. Despite the cloudy weather (it's the rainy season in Panama) we decided to take a risk. Often times it rains in short periods, plus it's a 1.5 hour drive from the city.

Anywho, we discovered we were pretty much the only people at the beach, along with one couple. And we had a fun time, eating fresh mangos and drinking wine.
Plus, I was in heaven collecting white coral that washed up on the beach.

This large piece of black coral is by far my most prized possession of the trip. And no need to worry, I did not tear it from a coral forest or anything.

After lounging on the beach for awhile we decided to eat lunch. We walked along the shore and came upon a small restaurant. The owner also makes beach jewelry with coral and seashells. I began asking him where he found the enchanting black coral, and he pulled out this large branch. Needless to say, it took my breath away. The branch coral washes up along the shores of the island, they warm it up with a cigarette lighter to bend it.
I had already bought a bracelet make from this coral and a necklace and was out of money! My older cousin whispered to me, trade him what you bought for that branch. I wanted the branch coral SO bad. And he did trade it with me for what I'd already bought.

I CAN NOT wait to use this to make some breathtaking jewelry!!! Pin It