tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18169627094177967022024-02-18T20:05:12.813-08:00Lauren Grace JewelleryLauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-20014239800599483212015-06-23T05:58:00.001-07:002015-06-23T05:59:27.088-07:00And this is what I have been doing...As this poor little blog has been woefully neglected, I
thought I’d post a little bit about the shiny things I’ve been making. If you’d
like to read more, please visit my blog at <a href="http://www.laurengracejewellery.com/blog">www.laurengracejewellery.com/blog</a><br />
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I made a wonderful necklace for my mother in law’s 60<sup>th</sup>
birthday, a collaborative design between all of her children.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><img alt="Silver birthstone ring necklace" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Silver-birthstone-ring-necklace-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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And another for my mother's birthday:<br />
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<img alt="SAMSUNG CSC" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/SAM_0454-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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I've designed a new logo and shiny new boxes: </div>
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<img alt="New jewellery box design C H Dhalinger" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/New-jewellery-box-design-2-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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Made some sparkly teacups and silver biscuit charms to go with them:</div>
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<img alt="Silver gemstone tea cup charm" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Silver-gemstone-teacup-charm-2-2-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Silver-biscuit-charms-work-in-progress" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Silver-biscuit-charms-work-in-progress-240x160.jpg" height="133" width="200" /> <img alt="Sterling silver biscuit charms" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Sterling-silver-biscuit-charms-2-240x160.jpg" height="133" width="200" /> </div>
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<img alt="Sterling silver custard cream biscuit cufflinks" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sterling-silver-custard-cream-biscuit-cufflinks-450x300.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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<img alt="sterling silver bourbon biscuit cufflinks" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sterling-silver-bourbon-biscuit-cufflinks.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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Carved out unicorn horns from sterling silver and set them with black diamonds:</div>
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<img alt="Silver unicorn horn necklace" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Silver-Unicorn-Necklace_-2-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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I've made some ever popular custom roller derby skate jewellery:</div>
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<img alt="Silver custom roller derby skate necklace gemstones" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Silver-custom-roller-derby-skate-necklace-gemstones-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Gold plated roller skate necklace" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Gold-plated-roller-skate-necklace-240x160.jpg" /> <img alt="Gold plated dilver roller derby skate necklace" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Gold-plated-silver-roller-derby-skate-necklace-240x160.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Sterling silver roller derby skate number necklace" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Sterling-silver-roller-derby-skate-number-necklace-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Sterling silver roller derby necklace mid state sisters of skate" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Sterling-silver-roller-derby-necklace-mid-state-sisters-of-skate-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="sterling silver custom roller derby charm bracelet" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sterling-silver-custom-roller-derby-charm-bracelet.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="sterling silver custom roller derby skate number" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sterling-silver-custom-roller-derby-skate-number.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></div>
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<img alt="Sterling silver custom roller derby skate number necklace" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Sterling-silver-custom-roller-derby-skate-number-necklace-2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <img alt="Sterling silver roller derby skate number necklace 2" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Sterling-silver-roller-derby-skate-number-necklace-2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></div>
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And some new silver skate wheels with wings:</div>
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<img alt="Silver roller derby skate wheel winged necklace" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Silver-roller-derby-skate-wheel-winged-necklace-4-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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<img alt="Silver winged roller skate wheel necklace small" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Silver-winged-roller-skate-wheel-necklace-small-5-240x240.jpg" /> <img alt="Silver skate wheel with wings earrings" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Silver-skate-wheel-wings-earrings-2-240x240.jpg" /></div>
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Created some silver and gold mini-weather jewellery:</div>
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<img alt="Silver cloud and sun stacking rings" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Silver-cloud-and-sun-stacking-rings2-450x300.jpg" /></div>
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And I've built a shiny new website, which is where you will find my blog now, along with my online store:</div>
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<img alt="New website screenshot" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/New-website-450x301.jpg" /></div>
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I hope to update this blog more regularly in the future, but most of my new jewellery stories will be posted on <a href="http://www.laurengracejewellery.com/blog">www.laurengracejewellery.com/blog</a> first. </div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-5918277474729389352015-06-23T05:29:00.001-07:002015-06-23T05:36:14.039-07:00An Update and a New Blog<div class="MsoNormal">
You may have noticed that I’ve not updated this blog for a
good while now! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve rather excitingly built myself a shiny new website that
has its own blog feature, so I’ve not wanted to duplicate entries over two
blogs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My new blog can be found at <a href="http://www.laurengracejewellery.com/blog">www.laurengracejewellery.com/blog</a>
and is updated regularly with work in progress pictures and new shiny things. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll be updating this one occasionally with what I’ve been
up to, and probably more random and personal posts (I’m trying to keep my new
one vaguely on-topic!) but do check out my new blog for all my up to date
jewellery news.<br />
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Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-21617276512952995292013-09-30T12:11:00.000-07:002014-11-08T00:14:02.157-08:00Miley Cyrus M NecklaceI was asked by a customer if I could make her a gold initial M necklace, like the one Miley Cyrus wears. I confess, dear readers, that I did have to take to Google to find out who Miley Cyrus was. I am so not up to date with popular culture - I mainly listen to Radio 5 and shouty punk music! In my defence, this was also a couple of weeks before Miley's somewhat infamous VMA performance...<br /><br /> Anyway, this is her necklace:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDciLLe4wrXhOaskS2PK9ubLTnCW_mdJhRsMK9YjyXKHw_lbG0EMpHY7zeIJaSUdynAIKdzusxa30zC218eYCclmZUVAtvTKGEJN7Vtfv6GfU6dj1i4qauQ9k6BPQJfffWX4O0QVX2Qmc/s1600/Miley-Cyrus-Myspace-Event-at-the-El-Rey-Theatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDciLLe4wrXhOaskS2PK9ubLTnCW_mdJhRsMK9YjyXKHw_lbG0EMpHY7zeIJaSUdynAIKdzusxa30zC218eYCclmZUVAtvTKGEJN7Vtfv6GfU6dj1i4qauQ9k6BPQJfffWX4O0QVX2Qmc/s1600/Miley-Cyrus-Myspace-Event-at-the-El-Rey-Theatre.jpg" height="320" width="293" /></a></div>
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And my version:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBCsH-4XxHqG-D7n8isAySq_NwQYlEHfPMdHPhpInhecE4InPBQmiIR108ZD-zNU-JkOD_emBLrjQJLQbyxlnZp-7S0MwUsYTogk3ZWR9g0ONM4IHh_PtsIoMZsQMCpzM6gM70miG9LA/s1600/Silver+gothic+miley+M+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBCsH-4XxHqG-D7n8isAySq_NwQYlEHfPMdHPhpInhecE4InPBQmiIR108ZD-zNU-JkOD_emBLrjQJLQbyxlnZp-7S0MwUsYTogk3ZWR9g0ONM4IHh_PtsIoMZsQMCpzM6gM70miG9LA/s1600/Silver+gothic+miley+M+necklace.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut it from thick silver sheet, carved all the edges into nice curves, then sanded and polished it. It was then sent off for hallmarking and gold plating.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdUE29_q-faqBIS1TlpCG_82uo91nURQguxT554lkU5k-vwA2jCfdKZdYkvvmbaqWYgG-w3sY2GKP0vUFvFKPxtlFctA3U4r9QJetDunsXplk_wCMCT_wFpXqkZsZ_i2i7NnkvwhX1ig/s1600/Initial+necklace+M+work+in+progress+3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdUE29_q-faqBIS1TlpCG_82uo91nURQguxT554lkU5k-vwA2jCfdKZdYkvvmbaqWYgG-w3sY2GKP0vUFvFKPxtlFctA3U4r9QJetDunsXplk_wCMCT_wFpXqkZsZ_i2i7NnkvwhX1ig/s1600/Initial+necklace+M+work+in+progress+3-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Apologies for the iPhone photography, I didn't get a chance to photograph the necklace properly after it had been plated.</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-37220440635588099652013-09-15T12:07:00.000-07:002014-11-08T00:46:51.929-08:00Silver Beard NecklaceI was recently asked to make a beard necklace from sterling silver.
It's definitely one of the more unusual custom requests I've had, but I
really loved the idea.<br />
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The customer emailed me a picture of what the beard should look like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yLkYX3YCfXOPPzGcYSLFbPKrLgdgMKupS_L7NGtxyQzhWmsYAihoBxcAPN3eQ7J7ZQo-Xz_wDpmBPOAFVmfIdVg3xgxGwSSlq4KUDjtyAs64Rmd0VfZKzDPA4ESzvckvgYSvUQGGL8o/s1600/Beard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yLkYX3YCfXOPPzGcYSLFbPKrLgdgMKupS_L7NGtxyQzhWmsYAihoBxcAPN3eQ7J7ZQo-Xz_wDpmBPOAFVmfIdVg3xgxGwSSlq4KUDjtyAs64Rmd0VfZKzDPA4ESzvckvgYSvUQGGL8o/s1600/Beard.JPG" /></a></div>
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I carved it out of wax:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcxZ1j5q-TvTewfHWVF5HePlG24dfwV43fo1NXc3ilJAdWfP60sQIfxJuxbbENAb9ZMM5RsuUaKtoPoEhyphenhyphennEDbPB1m24PbwpybOTdTip1WQh6KeKwE6WXv-Uw7NQFDJRZIg2R1j0kfTQ/s1600/Beard+necklace+work+in+progress+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beard necklace work in progress" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcxZ1j5q-TvTewfHWVF5HePlG24dfwV43fo1NXc3ilJAdWfP60sQIfxJuxbbENAb9ZMM5RsuUaKtoPoEhyphenhyphennEDbPB1m24PbwpybOTdTip1WQh6KeKwE6WXv-Uw7NQFDJRZIg2R1j0kfTQ/s1600/Beard+necklace+work+in+progress+3.jpg" height="133" title="Beard necklace work in progress" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi049qW7c1YVHy9PBhRb4-P9P_SnjW2oljwTCCZBX5SWmDbksrV7-vhFhL2V7vuer29MfGe8IDyaTfeegHGmRyQLosl_cYFRCHgbwnH9x7rIq8No7TvMvOBZyfS_FCHURmhHTs-RAWih1U/s1600/Beard+necklace+work+in+progress+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beard necklace work in progress" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi049qW7c1YVHy9PBhRb4-P9P_SnjW2oljwTCCZBX5SWmDbksrV7-vhFhL2V7vuer29MfGe8IDyaTfeegHGmRyQLosl_cYFRCHgbwnH9x7rIq8No7TvMvOBZyfS_FCHURmhHTs-RAWih1U/s1600/Beard+necklace+work+in+progress+4.jpg" height="133" title="Beard necklace work in progress" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CFulfjLE65lkRr7asALD5I4x0gHdu8A0e9BgJLpW5Pz0l_po47m3pjw7BnhGyf2RMTEm3qDu3_VgC6KLpf_YZmt7YINva4dZ39WQtCIJW-ZF-C8_qrzzgjW-LGJtJhXMmzbXaBcP_yU/s1600/Beard+necklace+work+in+progress+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CFulfjLE65lkRr7asALD5I4x0gHdu8A0e9BgJLpW5Pz0l_po47m3pjw7BnhGyf2RMTEm3qDu3_VgC6KLpf_YZmt7YINva4dZ39WQtCIJW-ZF-C8_qrzzgjW-LGJtJhXMmzbXaBcP_yU/s1600/Beard+necklace+work+in+progress+1.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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Then
cast into silver, after which the sideburns and joining rings were
carved, as the wax was too fragile to carve any further before casting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4XtCp26ltqI4E86koSPR-kPwAKH0btkLUQmU8qaV9H3MWYEsCRctMcaHs9dpQ1_5rtgVhSsVenB2SHLftbnapkzJ670izB4H-0cZMQwL3jB-b4oQj0bSs1Akz6xU0gQCWmZApvyyrQ8/s1600/Silver+Beard+Necklace+work+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sterling silver beard necklace" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4XtCp26ltqI4E86koSPR-kPwAKH0btkLUQmU8qaV9H3MWYEsCRctMcaHs9dpQ1_5rtgVhSsVenB2SHLftbnapkzJ670izB4H-0cZMQwL3jB-b4oQj0bSs1Akz6xU0gQCWmZApvyyrQ8/s1600/Silver+Beard+Necklace+work+in+progress.jpg" height="213" title="Sterling silver beard necklace" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chain soldered on, hallmarked, polished and ready to go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO1zYMrhchO9mOUyMmnYrD-CN-law5bSs9f3BJN1M1RVggnRHjl5IE0FYoB2aygj0-S6cJ3-lbm4-5-IpWvTPpaIJdUdosNO1T4G_LKza5yofF2q1_mkPSpLF5DBLsd5CX3HzwHJUNkw/s1600/Silver+beard+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sterling silver beard necklace" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO1zYMrhchO9mOUyMmnYrD-CN-law5bSs9f3BJN1M1RVggnRHjl5IE0FYoB2aygj0-S6cJ3-lbm4-5-IpWvTPpaIJdUdosNO1T4G_LKza5yofF2q1_mkPSpLF5DBLsd5CX3HzwHJUNkw/s1600/Silver+beard+necklace.jpg" height="213" title="Sterling silver beard necklace" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-79908670433060351292013-09-15T11:25:00.000-07:002014-11-08T01:10:13.239-08:00Custom Skate NecklaceI am getting better at taking pictures of custom work before I send it off, even if they're not my best photography work!<br />
<br />
This is another custom roller derby skate necklace I did recently with semi-precious gemstones for the skater's team colours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIIJ6REBQL5UF3Bvvf0bgbsRNk_3ysO16GJGMZsEEw0FtSCAUXU9mV7c71JCS2kQ4Fu6jh6wNQlId8LwqJ2QdN00he-I7pZyXIa2i-DwsLOx-PBaO0vi4ROO3io0SQcglUccQH_W27Yc/s1600/Silver+custom+roller+derby+skate+necklace+garnet+and+citrine+gemstones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silver custom roller derby necklace with garnet gemstone" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIIJ6REBQL5UF3Bvvf0bgbsRNk_3ysO16GJGMZsEEw0FtSCAUXU9mV7c71JCS2kQ4Fu6jh6wNQlId8LwqJ2QdN00he-I7pZyXIa2i-DwsLOx-PBaO0vi4ROO3io0SQcglUccQH_W27Yc/s1600/Silver+custom+roller+derby+skate+necklace+garnet+and+citrine+gemstones.jpg" height="213" title="Silver custom roller derby necklace with garnet gemstone" width="320" /></a></div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-31090784674110295602013-09-01T08:47:00.000-07:002014-11-08T01:11:21.032-08:00Custom Jammer Helmet with Skate NumbersMore little skate numbers!<br />
<br />
This jammer helmet necklace was
customised with the skater's colours and skate number, 03. Threes are
one of my favourites to cut out. Not sure why really, there's just
something pleasing about the shape of them...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_EBEd8an4_5bRdGfw1xZQJoyBoe1noqjozs0I4GlW8-rVmKrwwxfsFiw6vliIoTyXrn-VvQtZ_apx-NZX2l_q6gQFFQZ4Fung297xKYOfhVxDnMy3hwYjwQUd81vP-sfiYfsHVVXzY0/s1600/Silver+custom+jammer+helmet+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silver custom jammer helmet necklace" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_EBEd8an4_5bRdGfw1xZQJoyBoe1noqjozs0I4GlW8-rVmKrwwxfsFiw6vliIoTyXrn-VvQtZ_apx-NZX2l_q6gQFFQZ4Fung297xKYOfhVxDnMy3hwYjwQUd81vP-sfiYfsHVVXzY0/s1600/Silver+custom+jammer+helmet+necklace.jpg" height="213" title="Silver custom jammer helmet necklace" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Also,
I have been promising some new roller derby jewellery for a really long
time now. I keep getting distracted by all the other new ideas
floating around my little head, but it's really, really, nearly finished
now! I'm just finishing off my prototypes ready to be moulded and
cast. Watch this space, roller derby fans!Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-27607974156348501102013-08-26T11:38:00.000-07:002014-11-08T01:11:46.038-08:00Custom Wedding Rings for Emerald Cut StoneI was recently asked to make a pair of complimentary wedding rings from silver, with a hammered texture.<br />
<br />
So
far, so right up my street - I love hitting stuff with hammers. The
slightly tricky part was that the bride's ring had to fit around her
engagement ring, which had a large, emerald cut stone. Having done some
googling on shaped wedding rings for emerald cut stones, I drew a bit
of a blank, as most wedding rings for this rectangular shape of stone
are flat bands that fit under the stone, rather than going around it.<br />
<br />
Carving the band so the setting fitted perfectly into it was definitely a challenge, but it turned out really well I think. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-gemstone-shaped-wedding-ring.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-gemstone-shaped-wedding-ring.jpg"><img alt="Emerald cut gemstone shaped wedding ring" class="wp-image-2726 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-gemstone-shaped-wedding-ring-1024x682.jpg" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-gemstone-shaped-wedding-ring-1024x682.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-engagement-ring-shaped-wedding-ring.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-engagement-ring-shaped-wedding-ring.jpg"><img alt="Emerald cut engagement ring shaped wedding ring" class="wp-image-2725 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-engagement-ring-shaped-wedding-ring-1024x682.jpg" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-engagement-ring-shaped-wedding-ring-1024x682.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The
rectangular shape and squared off style looks quite art deco, and would
look great with a matching shaped diamond eternity ring on the top.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-rectangular-shaped-wedding-ring.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-rectangular-shaped-wedding-ring.jpg"><img alt="Emerald cut rectangular shaped wedding ring" class="wp-image-2727 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-rectangular-shaped-wedding-ring-1024x682.jpg" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Emerald-cut-rectangular-shaped-wedding-ring-1024x682.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The groom's ring was much easier!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Silver-wedding-rings-hammered-texture.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Silver-wedding-rings-hammered-texture.jpg"><img alt="Silver wedding rings hammered texture" class="wp-image-2729 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Silver-wedding-rings-hammered-texture-1024x682.jpg" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Silver-wedding-rings-hammered-texture-1024x682.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-22365255260781619492013-08-15T11:41:00.000-07:002013-10-01T11:41:56.343-07:00Look at the New Tools! I discovered the marvelousness that is the GRS Benchmate system on my
diamond setting course and have been coveting one ever since.
Unfortunately they are very much on the expensive side, so didn’t think
it was something I’d be able to have any time soon.<br />
<br />
But look!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/GRS-Benchmate-tool-2.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/GRS-Benchmate-tool-2.jpg"><img alt="GRS Benchmate tool-2" class="alignnone wp-image-2737" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/GRS-Benchmate-tool-2-768x1024.jpg" height="400" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/GRS-Benchmate-tool-2-768x1024.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
Thanks
to the amazing generosity of a jeweller that I’ve never even met in
real life, I now have my beautiful Benchmate. Sometimes people really
are just brilliant!<br />
<br />
I’ve ordered a bench peg and a couple of extra
bits to go with it, then it can be mounted on to my bench ready for me
to do all the stone setting I’ve been saving up.<br />
<br />
Exciting!Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-70997167472594322792013-08-01T11:40:00.000-07:002013-10-01T11:40:37.544-07:00Silver Khanda CharmI was asked to make a small silver Khanda pendant recently, and here it is.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Small-sterling-silver-khanda-pendant-necklace.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Small-sterling-silver-khanda-pendant-necklace.jpg"><img alt="Small sterling silver khanda pendant necklace" class="alignnone wp-image-2773 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Small-sterling-silver-khanda-pendant-necklace-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Small-sterling-silver-khanda-pendant-necklace-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
It was hand cut and carved from sheet silver, before being sanded, finished and polished.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Small-silver-khanda-pendant-close-up.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Small-silver-khanda-pendant-close-up.jpg"><img alt="Small silver khanda pendant close up" class="alignnone wp-image-2772 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Small-silver-khanda-pendant-close-up-1024x683.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Small-silver-khanda-pendant-close-up-1024x683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
Other
than that, I've been mainly making skate necklaces and faffing about
with ideas for tiny silver biscuits. All will be revealed...Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-65752704291773232162013-06-26T11:27:00.000-07:002013-10-01T11:30:25.766-07:00Silver Angel Fish Charm<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
I went
home last weekend to see my family, do some skating with the newly
formed Jersey Royal Rollers roller derby league and go to my godmother's
birthday party.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
I've
been promising her a little fish charm for her sea-themed charm
bracelet for so long now, so finally sat down and got the design
finished.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
Tada!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Sterling silver hand made angel fish charm" class="alignnone wp-image-2655 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Sterling-silver-angel-fish-charm-1024x682.jpg" height="337" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Sterling-silver-angel-fish-charm-1024x682.jpg" width="506" /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
The
charm was cut from solid sterling silver sheet, then filed, polished
and lines engraved with one of my exciting new GRS gravers. I then
soldered tubing through for the eyes (there's one on each side) and set
two tiny 1.5mm sapphires. This reminded me I really need to by a
magnifying visor!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
I
was really happy with the little angel fish - sadly I didn't have tine
to make a mould of it though, but I might make another when I have some
spare time.</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-45398676423661294972013-05-30T11:26:00.000-07:002013-10-01T11:30:56.677-07:00Stone Setting Course - Whitney Jewellery SchoolI've been dithering for ages now about doing a stone setting course.
My stone setting is all self-taught, which means I don't do it in the
most logical or time-efficient manner. It also usually results in more
swearing than is strictly ladylike.<br />
<br />
I've been looking at different
courses for so long, but options seemed limited to the super-basic,
which would have been a bit of a waste of time and the advanced,
incorporating pave and channel setting. What I really wanted to learn
was the correct way to do tube, round claw, V-claw and flush setting.<br />
<br />
So,
I started looking into private tuition. Options in London seemed
limited to Holts (probably amazing, but well outside my budget) and the
London Jewellery school, who could only offer me two separate days some
months apart and weren't able to give me the name of the tutor I would
have. I just wasn't comfortable signing up for something without being
able to see the tutor's previous stone setting work beforehand.<br />
<br />
Eventually, some extensive googling led me to Guy Whitney and the <a data-mce-href="http://www.whitneyjewelleryschool.co.uk/" href="http://www.whitneyjewelleryschool.co.uk/" target="_blank">Whitney Jewellery School</a>.
It's in Brigg, a small village just outside of Scunthorpe, which was
obviously a bit of a trek from London, especially as part of the train
journey was by way of replacement bus. I emailed Guy and spoke to him
on the telephone, told him what I wanted to learn and booked three days
tuition. He was very friendly and helpful right from the start.<br />
<br />
The
cost of the tuition is £95 per day, which I think is brilliant value
given that I was the only student there for those three days and for
stone setting courses he only teaches a maximum of two students at any
one time. On top of that is the cost of the metal and stones that you
use - all the castings and stones are provided by Guy based on what you
want to cover so you don't have to worry about taking anything with you -
and any tools you want to purchase (which you will!).<br />
<br />
The Whitney
Jewellery School workshop is a great place to learn - full of light and
amazing tools and equipment. Guy's lovely daughter, Emma (also a
jeweller) helps run the school and very kindly came to get me when my
sense of direction failure kicked in and I couldn't find the place!<br />
Here it is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Whitney-Jewellery-School-gemstone-setting-course-workshop-3-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Whitney Jewellery School gemstone setting course - workshop-3" border="0" class="wp-image-2679 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Whitney-Jewellery-School-gemstone-setting-course-workshop-3-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Whitney-Jewellery-School-gemstone-setting-course-workshop-3-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Whitney Jewellery School stone setting course - workshop" class="alignnone wp-image-2678" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-workshop-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-workshop-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
We
started off with a pear shaped setting, as this was one of the shapes I
really struggle with and want to perfect so I can add little raindrops
to some new rings I've designed for my Rain or Shine range.<br />
<br />
Work in progress:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-1-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Whitney Jewellery School stone setting course 1" border="0" class="wp-image-2681 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-1-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-1-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
And finished, together with the tube setting, which it turns out I was doing entirely wrong!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-2-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Whitney Jewellery School stone setting course 2" border="0" class="wp-image-2682 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-2-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-2-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I
found Guy's teaching style great - he shows you in detail how to do
each thing to start and then has you do exactly the same thing, checking
in on you frequently. I have a few books on stone setting that have
detailed diagrams of technique, but really nothing beats watching a
master craftsman at work!<br />
<br />
Learning how to use the correct tools
was also a bit of a revelation. My stone setting tools are ones I
bought at college and were all entirely wrong for my little hands. Guy
makes his own setting tools, and uses GRS quick change gravers (not
cheap but so worth it for the elimination of graver-related faffing) and
you can buy a little kit at the end of the course to take away with
you, which I'd thoroughly recommend doing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="GRS graver tools" class="wp-image-2684 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/GRS-graver-tools-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/GRS-graver-tools-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
The
Whitney Jewellery School also uses the GRS Benchmate system, which I'd
never heard of before, but found an absolute game changer for jewellery
work. It's difficult to describe, so if you want more information on it
check out the <a data-mce-href="http://www.grstools.com/benchmate-for-jewelers/" href="http://www.grstools.com/benchmate-for-jewelers/" target="_blank">GRS website</a>, but basically it looks a bit like this, with interchangable parts (bench pin etc) for different tasks.<br />
<br />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="GRS Benchmate - stone setting" class="wp-image-2683 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/GRS-Benchmate-stone-setting-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/GRS-Benchmate-stone-setting-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
Another couple of different shaped settings as work in progress, and a couple of shots of all my finished rings.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Stone setting course - oval faceted work in progress" class="wp-image-2685 alignnone" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-oval-faceted-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-oval-faceted-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Stone setting course - princess cut work in progress" class="alignnone wp-image-2686" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-princess-cut-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-princess-cut-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Whitney Jewellery School stone setting course 3" class="alignnone wp-image-2689" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-3-682x1024.jpg" height="400" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-stone-setting-course-3-682x1024.jpg" width="266" /> <img alt="Whitney Jewellery School Stone setting course trillion" class="alignnone wp-image-2690" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-Stone-setting-course-trillion-682x1024.jpg" height="400" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Whitney-Jewellery-School-Stone-setting-course-trillion-682x1024.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
I
also had a go at learning a couple of more complicated settings, pave
and flush set. I struggled a bit with the pave - raising and shaping
the grains I was fine with, but cutting around them in the different
shapes is going to require a LOT more practice! I shall persevere,
however, and will probably go back to the jewellery school next year for
a day to concentrate on the pave.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Stone setting course pave setting work in progress" class="alignnone wp-image-2687" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-pave-setting-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-pave-setting-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
The
flush setting I thought I wasn't going to be able to do - it's always
been a bit of a mystery to me how the stones are fixed into the surface
of the metal. However, this one I managed to pick up far easier than
the pave. Some various attempts at both:</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Stone setting course pave work in progress" class="wp-image-2688 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-pave-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-pave-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
And my little flush set stone. I'll definitely be using this technique more!<br />
<br />
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<img alt="Stone setting course pave work in progress-2" class="alignnone wp-image-2693" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-pave-work-in-progress-2-1024x683.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Stone-setting-course-pave-work-in-progress-2-1024x683.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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In
conclusion, I would thoroughly recommend the Whitney Jewellery school
for stone setting tuition. I felt like I learned so much over the
course of the three days. I also had a lovely time, as Guy and Emma are
both friendly and professional, and Guy also has loads of useful tips
on goldsmithing techniques and tools.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
I've
been saving up a whole bunch of stuff that need stones set in until
after I'd done this course, so I'll be sharing them with you shortly.</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-60349171747708344032013-05-15T10:45:00.000-07:002013-10-01T10:55:03.164-07:00More Custom Skate NumbersBeen doing some more custom roller derby necklaces in the past few weeks - the skate numbers are becoming quite popular!<br />
<br />
We have a skate charm with the number 67:<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Silver-roller-derby-custom-skate-number-necklace-67-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silver roller derby custom skate number necklace 67" border="0" class="alignnone wp-image-2631" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Silver-roller-derby-custom-skate-number-necklace-67-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Silver-roller-derby-custom-skate-number-necklace-67-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And a jammer helmet necklace with the number 153.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Custom-silver-skate-number-153-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Custom silver skate number 153" border="0" class="wp-image-2672 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Custom-silver-skate-number-153-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Custom-silver-skate-number-153-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Silver-custom-jammer-helmet-necklace-153-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silver custom jammer helmet necklace 153" border="0" class="wp-image-2673 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Silver-custom-jammer-helmet-necklace-153-1024x682.jpg" height="266" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Silver-custom-jammer-helmet-necklace-153-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm also working on some prototypes of some new roller derby jewellery, which is going to be really cute, so watch this space...</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-14786858058527474362013-04-07T00:31:00.000-07:002013-04-13T00:37:37.090-07:00Learning New StuffI have been dithering for over a year now about doing some formal stone setting training. My stone setting is pretty much all self-taught, which mainly means that I set stones in probably the most cack-handed way imaginable! <br />
<br />
So, I've finally booked myself on a diamond setting course at the Whitney Jewellery School in Brigg in May. Sadly I have to leave to travel there on the same day that the boy returns from 10 days in China, but they were the only dates I could get. My work has implemented an exciting new holiday policy which appears designed to ensure that no-one can actually take any!<br />
<br />
Anyway, very excited about learning new things. I'll let you know how it goes...Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-70153653580767926092013-04-01T00:23:00.000-07:002013-04-07T00:23:46.326-07:00Am Still Baking Genius by the WayThe boy and I decided to make some hot cross buns this weekend. Yes, actually make them. From scratch. Eek!<br />
<br />
Inspired by Paul Hollywood (isn't he lovely?), we mixed up all the stuff and did the kneady thing to get our initial lump of dough... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjETGkyXA0q0iD-0TCY8pctJJb6vbU4lU3vA3_IhkkTyFhBKpj0VGcWDUSbYcNUvLSVISjDzlE7wfE9P2kHIlxw_7-NgH2X0iHZ_UBMjqy01jHKNioBdudynvvKl42-KOCWfbnSmXrZk/s1600/Hot+cross+bun+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjETGkyXA0q0iD-0TCY8pctJJb6vbU4lU3vA3_IhkkTyFhBKpj0VGcWDUSbYcNUvLSVISjDzlE7wfE9P2kHIlxw_7-NgH2X0iHZ_UBMjqy01jHKNioBdudynvvKl42-KOCWfbnSmXrZk/s320/Hot+cross+bun+dough.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
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...then left it near the heater to rise for an hour (the rest of the flat is freezing!)</div>
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Mix in fruit and spices, leave to rise for another hour. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MIdjh2mDlEp9nZmYq4iH2n5qtkDNnoL66xVh3hiZyBp3xdO6GtqT0_OCfKFrkFJwm_e1qK5LjHwPjAoWXZenn1BM_gINW1LgweXrDnOlcAg4V04oBQmkdDrlnBiOAB13_p_Qxv5V28U/s1600/Hot+cross+bun+dough+fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MIdjh2mDlEp9nZmYq4iH2n5qtkDNnoL66xVh3hiZyBp3xdO6GtqT0_OCfKFrkFJwm_e1qK5LjHwPjAoWXZenn1BM_gINW1LgweXrDnOlcAg4V04oBQmkdDrlnBiOAB13_p_Qxv5V28U/s320/Hot+cross+bun+dough+fruit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then weigh the dough and divide into equal balls of dough. Very precise this dough making thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqANo1SBHDKLlizWhUlXFKQI1crkPS9A3ZsysbyNI1p_NFyYBZJrnuy-WUMA9FuATshZ629zYtSGMGndqcexf6ky2qsN16T4xDFmZ6RKXcAU6VbdgNrJet4kubvyJWNX22ywFHzXVdyvQ/s1600/Hot+cross+bun+dough+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqANo1SBHDKLlizWhUlXFKQI1crkPS9A3ZsysbyNI1p_NFyYBZJrnuy-WUMA9FuATshZ629zYtSGMGndqcexf6ky2qsN16T4xDFmZ6RKXcAU6VbdgNrJet4kubvyJWNX22ywFHzXVdyvQ/s320/Hot+cross+bun+dough+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Leave to rise for ANOTHER hour! This did end up taking all day to do. Totally buying them from M&S next year. <br />
<br />
Put the crosses on:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlUIybfZhO-sVNOWcp8maFsMEaTtGWhq5wcb9JTlkk9HTP6CYipLDFPU_izfsoKrAaQdnnMw6mtpenkZPRoAHzsLgHnv7YYtj0C8OfWo28GyvzNfg108vMXSj7ZoUjUGHO8Uq45muzvo/s1600/Hot+cross+bun+dough+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlUIybfZhO-sVNOWcp8maFsMEaTtGWhq5wcb9JTlkk9HTP6CYipLDFPU_izfsoKrAaQdnnMw6mtpenkZPRoAHzsLgHnv7YYtj0C8OfWo28GyvzNfg108vMXSj7ZoUjUGHO8Uq45muzvo/s320/Hot+cross+bun+dough+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And look! Behold my buns! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lQQ_7dzu5FYRM0SRqzE1Bj4qb6H4jsY9TZJpydFHx5HHB3-f_7-4P_-d0h50aAqhXNDBKWYkjnrtf-eiVH-XuR3tUCH2xUW6aQVdki2N7KmKtPBHL8drMyruEcWy_N4reHvN7JitsT0/s1600/Hot+cross+bun+dough+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lQQ_7dzu5FYRM0SRqzE1Bj4qb6H4jsY9TZJpydFHx5HHB3-f_7-4P_-d0h50aAqhXNDBKWYkjnrtf-eiVH-XuR3tUCH2xUW6aQVdki2N7KmKtPBHL8drMyruEcWy_N4reHvN7JitsT0/s320/Hot+cross+bun+dough+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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All in all, it was a bit of a faff and I'm not sure I'd do it again, but they were very yummy. <br />
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<br />Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-41830656886767073592013-03-24T02:32:00.004-07:002013-03-24T02:32:46.308-07:00On the WorkbenchOn the workbench today are more custom skate numbers:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Custom skate numbers work in progress" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2618" height="159" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Custom-skate-numbers-work-in-progress-240x159.jpg" width="240" /> <img alt="Roller derby skate number 67 work in progress" class="alignnone wp-image-2619" height="159" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Roller-derby-skate-number-67-work-in-progress-1024x682.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They are cut (with REALLY tiny sawblades)
from solid silver sheet, then curves are filed on the edges. After
that, I engrave lines to separate the two numbers. Like so:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Silver derby skate number 67 work in progress 2" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2620" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Silver-derby-skate-number-67-work-in-progress-2-240x240.jpg" width="240" /> <img alt="Silver roller deby skate number 67 reverse" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2621" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Silver-roller-deby-skate-number-67-reverse-240x240.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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Next step, sanding, soldering on the jump ring, more sanding, then polishing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m also doing a custom Khanda pendant at
the moment. It’s only little, so quite fiddly, but me and my tiny
sawblades do like a challenge!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Khanda pendant work in progress" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2622" height="160" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Khanda-pendant-work-in-progress-240x160.jpg" width="240" /> <img alt="Silver Khanda pendant work in progress 2" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2623" height="159" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Silver-Khanda-pendant-work-in-progress-2-240x159.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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I’ve just started to file the edges off, so it’s got a fair bit of work to go yet…</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-41231232307887042622013-03-23T02:31:00.000-07:002013-03-24T02:31:36.263-07:00Hello!So, I’ve not posted anything for a while, huh? Trying to keep up
with orders and new custom enquiries sadly leaves very little time to
write about them!<br />
<br />
But anyway, been designing loads of new stuff recently. I’ve been
trying to carve a teeny tiny 5 claw crown collet from wax, so I can give
tiny crowns to my mini-bees, but have finally admitted defeat, as I
can’t get all the claws aligned and get it perfectly round at such a
tiny size. I’ve sent off my scribblings to a CAD company now to get a
quote. I’ve never used CAD before, as I’ve always felt it kind of
“cheating”. Even though I might have designed the tiny crown, I didn’t
technically make it by hand, so it doesn’t feel quite right, but in this
case is definitely necessary. It’s supposed to look like this:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Crown collet 2" class="alignnone wp-image-2609" height="140" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Crown-collet-2-1024x319.jpg" width="451" /></div>
<br />
I’ll let you know how it goes…<br />
<br />
I’ve also designed some new mini-weather – the moulds are currently
with the caster and I should get them back on Thursday – exciting!
There will be more earrings, necklaces, and even some rings! I know, I
know, I hardly ever make rings, but I’m trying to start doing them
more. Because I just make jewellery that I love and want to wear, and I
don’t wear rings, it never occurs to me to make them! These are going
to be awesome though.<br />
<br />
I’ve also done another custom skate number necklace recently – I’ve
been doing quite a few of these recently, but don’t always get time to
photograph them before they’re posted out.<br />
.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Custom roller derby skate number" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2613" height="299" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Custom-roller-derby-skate-number-1024x682.jpg" width="450" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Custom roller derby skate number 27" class="wp-image-2612 alignnone" height="218" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Custom-roller-derby-skate-number-27-1024x1024.jpg" width="218" /> <img alt="Silver roller derby skate number" class="wp-image-2614 alignnone" height="218" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Silver-roller-derby-skate-number-1024x1024.jpg" width="218" /></div>
Terrible pictures! I just did a super-quick white background
experiment with bright underlighting, but didn’t have time to set up the
other lights, so the exposure is all out of whack.<br />
<br />
I’ve also got some more custom work on the bench – more of which soon.Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-16508531540061754122013-01-20T12:29:00.000-08:002013-03-24T02:29:50.346-07:00An Earring for a Disney FanI was recently asked to make a single earring for a lovely Disney fan.<br />
<br />
As the commission was for a boy, I kept it simple and went with plain silver in the iconic Disney Mickey Mouse head silhouette.<br />
<br />
Here it is:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Sterling silver mickey mouse disney earrings" class="alignnone wp-image-2590" height="299" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Silver-mickey-mouse-silhouette-disney-earring-1024x682.jpg" width="450" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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I think it turned out really cute!</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-68151204037785687802013-01-07T19:27:00.000-08:002013-03-24T02:27:41.461-07:00New Silver Cloud JewelleryI’d been working on some new shiny weather last year, but have only just found the time to photograph it.<br />
<br />
I liked the idea of taking the double cloud design from my large raincloud necklace and translating to a smaller version.<br />
<br />
So, we have some new stud earrings:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Silver and diamond rain cloud stud earrings" class="alignnone wp-image-2582" height="329" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Silver-and-diamond-rain-cloud-stud-earrings-3-1024x682.jpg" width="493" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Silver mini cloud rain stud earrings-2" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2568" height="239" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Silver-mini-cloud-rain-stud-earrings-2-240x240.jpg" width="239" /> <img alt="IMG_3412" class="alignnone wp-image-2569" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_3412-1024x1024.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And a new raindrop version (I may have mentioned previously how much I like dangly earrings…)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Sterling silver rain cloud earrings blue topaz drops" class="alignnone wp-image-2572" height="338" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sterling-silver-rain-cloud-earrings-blue-topaz-drops-1024x682.jpg" width="503" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Sterling silver rain cloud earrings blue topaz drops" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2571" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sterling-silver-rain-cloud-earrings-blue-topaz-drops-3-240x240.jpg" width="240" /> <img alt="IMG_3408" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2570" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_3408-240x240.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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And a delicate little rain cloud necklace:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img alt="Sterling silver mini rain cloud earrings and necklace-4" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2575" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sterling-silver-mini-rain-cloud-earrings-and-necklace-4-240x240.jpg" width="240" /> <img alt="Sterling silver rain clouds blue topaz necklace-3" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2574" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sterling-silver-rain-clouds-blue-topaz-necklace-3-240x240.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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I’ve used sky blue topaz for the raindrops on these, rather than the darker London blue topaz I usually use.</div>
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There’s also a little pair of London blue topaz mini cloud drop earrings, which are much less dangly:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img alt="Silver tiny raincloud earring" class="alignnone wp-image-2578 aligncenter" height="331" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Silver-tiny-raincloud-earrings-2-1024x682.jpg" width="499" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Silver mini rain cloud earrings" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2576" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Silver-mini-rain-cloud-earrings-240x240.jpg" width="240" /> <img alt="IMG_3411-2" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2579" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_3411-2-240x240.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ll have them up for sale on my website in the next couple of months.</div>
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<br /></div>
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New stuff. Exciting!</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-45155594455693007952013-01-06T02:25:00.000-08:002013-03-24T02:25:18.635-07:00New Custom Skate NecklaceI made another custom skate necklace in between Christmas and New Year, with the skater’s number, 333, on it.<br />
<br />
Here are the numbers after I’ve cut them out but before the carving on the edges and the engraving has been done:<br />
<br />
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</div>
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<img alt="Silver custom derby skate number" class="alignnone wp-image-2561" height="265" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Silver-custom-derby-skate-number-1024x682.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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And the finished necklace:</div>
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<img alt="Silver custom roller derby skate number" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2562" height="191" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Silver-custom-roller-derby-skate-number-240x160.jpg" width="287" /> <img alt="Silver custom skate necklace roller derby" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2563" height="190" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Silver-custom-skate-necklace-roller-derby-1024x1024.jpg" width="190" /></div>
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I’m also working on some new ways to customise my little crash helmet necklaces, but it requires a bit of experimentation!</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-60778523278399791292013-01-04T02:12:00.000-08:002013-03-24T02:23:29.741-07:00Hi There 2013Well 2012 disappeared pretty quickly! I’m amazed how fast the end of
the year especially went by. One minute it was August, and then
suddenly December snuck over the horizon, bedecked with tinsel and
blowing little glittery raspberries at me.<br />
<br />
Again, I had rather failed to be organised in the run up to
Christmas, mainly due to foolishly deciding to entirely rebuild my
website from scratch a couple of months previously. Next year there
WILL be organisation. No, really, there will.<br />
<br />
So, 2012 then. Achievements included the aforementioned new website. Pretty, isn’t it?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Website capture" class="alignnone wp-image-2554" height="392" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Website-capture.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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I also designed an entire new collection, inspired by baroque architecture, for a wedding:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img alt="Baroque tanzanite ear studs" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_baroque-tanzanite-ear-studs-4.jpg" title="Baroque tanzanite ear studs" width="120" /> <img alt="Silver amethyst baroque earrings" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_silver-amethyst-baroque-earrings-2.jpg" title="Silver amethyst baroque earrings" width="120" /> <img alt="Silver baroque amethyst necklace" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_silver-baroque-amethyst-necklace3.jpg" title="Silver baroque amethyst necklace" width="120" /> <img alt="silver-baroque-necklace-and-earrings" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_silver-baroque-necklace-and-earrings.jpg" title="silver-baroque-necklace-and-earrings" width="120" /> </div>
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<img alt="Small silver baroque pearl earrings" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_small-silver-baroque-pearl-earrings.jpg" title="Small silver baroque pearl earrings" width="120" /> <img alt="Silver baroque pearl necklace" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_silver-baroque-pearl-necklace.jpg" title="Silver baroque pearl necklace" width="120" /><img alt="Silver baroque swirl earrings large" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_silver-baroque-swirl-earrings-large.jpg" title="Silver baroque swirl earrings large" width="120" /> <img alt="Silver large baroque drop earrings" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_silver-large-baroque-drop-earrings-2.jpg" title="Silver large baroque drop earrings" width="120" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="baroque-necklace-and-earrings-2" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_baroque-necklace-and-earrings-2.jpg" title="baroque-necklace-and-earrings-2" width="120" /> <img alt="baroque-necklace-and-earrings" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_baroque-necklace-and-earrings.jpg" title="baroque-necklace-and-earrings" width="120" /> <img alt="baroque-wedding-jewellery" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_baroque-wedding-jewellery.jpg" title="baroque-wedding-jewellery" width="120" /> <img alt="2012-08-17days-175" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_2012-08-17days-175.jpg" title="2012-08-17days-175" width="120" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="baroque-wedding-necklace" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_baroque-wedding-necklace.jpg" title="baroque-wedding-necklace" width="120" /> <img alt="2012-08-17days-303" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_2012-08-17days-303.jpg" title="2012-08-17days-303" width="120" /> <img alt="shelley-wedding-earrings" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_shelley-wedding-earrings.jpg" title="shelley-wedding-earrings" width="120" /> <img alt="shelley-wedding-necklace" height="120" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/gallery/baroque-wedding-jewellery/thumbs/thumbs_shelley-wedding-necklace.jpg" title="shelley-wedding-necklace" width="120" /></div>
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My roller derby jewellery was excitingly popular this year, and I got to
do a few custom skate necklaces. I love making the little numbers.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The most exciting thing about 2012 though,
was finally managing to reduce my hours at my day job, which completely
saved my sanity! My jewellery is starting to be a full time job in
itself, so combining that with working full time hours at a law firm was
just no longer sustainable.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, what awaits me in 2012 then? I’m
pretty excited about this year actually – I have so many ideas that I
want to get off the ground. I have plans for new shiny things to add to
my roller derby range for a start. I’m also going to learn about
etching and cold enamelling – watch this space for experiments with
alarming chemicals!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Right, back to the workshop now – need to get started on my plans for world domination.</div>
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Happy new year!</div>
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Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-55834424404769094402012-12-28T05:38:00.000-08:002012-12-30T05:40:07.686-08:00New Custom WorkPhew, survived Christmas unscathed! Chrismas dinner was nice, almost
on time, and I didn't poison anyone with the turkey. The less said
about my doomed from the very start Christmas cake, however, the
better...<br />
<br />
Also I can now share some custom orders/pressies that I made for people, as (hopefully) they'll have received them by now.<br />
<br />
A silver initial letter 'T' in my gothic font:<br />
<br />
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Custom silver initial necklace gothic T-2" class="alignnone wp-image-2409" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Custom-silver-initial-necklace-gothic-T-2-1024x1024.jpg" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Custom-silver-initial-necklace-gothic-T-2-1024x1024.jpg" width="240" /> <img alt="Custom silver inital necklace T-2" class="alignnone wp-image-2408" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Custom-silver-inital-necklace-T-2.jpg" height="240" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Custom-silver-inital-necklace-T-2.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
A custom roller derby necklace with skate number and black spinel gemstone:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Silver custom roller derby skate number necklace-2" class="alignnone wp-image-2411" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-custom-roller-derby-skate-number-necklace-2-1024x682.jpg" height="324" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-custom-roller-derby-skate-number-necklace-2-1024x682.jpg" width="487" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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And a Christmas present for my mum, made to match the earrings I made for her 60th birthday:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img alt="Silver baroque pearl necklace 4" class="alignnone wp-image-2413" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-baroque-pearl-necklace-4-682x1024.jpg" height="225" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-baroque-pearl-necklace-4-682x1024.jpg" width="151" /> <img alt="Silver baroque pearl necklace 3" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2412" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-baroque-pearl-necklace-3-1024x682.jpg" height="225" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-baroque-pearl-necklace-3-1024x682.jpg" width="338" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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And a pair of earrings for someone at work, with little garnet stones:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Silver baroque stud earrings" class="alignnone wp-image-2414" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-baroque-stud-earrings2-2-2.jpg" height="325" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-baroque-stud-earrings2-2-2.jpg" width="488" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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The
photography was done on my iphone, so it's rubbish I'm afraid, but I
didn't have time to get out my proper camera and lights before I had to
send everything out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I've also done another couple of custom orders that I can't share just yet...</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-24571612794656135732012-12-24T07:29:00.000-08:002012-12-28T05:11:50.844-08:00Christmas Chaos!Yes, I know every year I say I'll be more organised in the run up to Christmas, but every year I fail!<br />
<br />
This
year, I decided to rebuild my entire website a couple of months before
Christmas. That was silly. I spent so long having a nervous breakdown
over Wordpress, I was frantically making orders and posting them out
right up until December 20th.<br />
<br />
I finally did my Christmas shopping
and put up decorations the day before Christmas Eve! Didn't get round
to getting a tree this year, so I put up ALL the lights instead.<br />
<br />
Here's some fairy lights in a vase:<br />
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<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2383" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Fairy-lights-in-vase-1024x682.jpg" height="272" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Fairy-lights-in-vase-1024x682.jpg" width="409" /></div>
<br />
I managed to make the cuckoo clock look even more mental:<br />
<br />
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<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2385" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Cuckoo-clock-fairy-lights-682x1024.jpg" height="615" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Cuckoo-clock-fairy-lights-682x1024.jpg" width="410" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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And my ultimate triumph:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2386" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Tropical-birds-Christmas-lights-2-1024x1024.jpg" height="409" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Tropical-birds-Christmas-lights-2-1024x1024.jpg" width="409" /></div>
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This
piece of gorgeous tropical bird fabric was a gift from the boy's lovely auntie. She's an interior designer and makes the most amazing curtains
and I fell in love with this fabric when we helped her move workshop.
The birds are a combination of applique fabric and embroidery with
sparkly threads and it's just brilliant! I'd stretched the fabric over a
canvas and stapled it, then I found these amazing lights for half price
in the Habitat sale - the colours and shapes went perfectly with the
birds.</div>
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<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2388" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/42528473.jpg" height="144" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/42528473.jpg" width="503" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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The
boy initially despaired (his first reaction was "Oh god, my eyes!") but
I think I've won him over to its awesomeness and will be allowed to
keep the lights after Christmas, hurrah!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
I
also managed to go home to Jersey for a far too brief weekend with my
mum just before Christmas, which gave some much needed relaxation. Mum
had left putting up the tree so I could help as I don't have one of my
own this year. My mum is the best!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is the tree:</div>
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<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2389" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Christmas-tree-682x1024.jpg" height="613" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Christmas-tree-682x1024.jpg" width="408" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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We
were checking all the old lights that have been on the tree since we
were kids. This set of alarmingly demonic decapitated Santa heads used
to scare me when I was little. Eeeeeevil Santa!</div>
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<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2390" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Evil-christmas-lights-1024x682.jpg" height="211" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Evil-christmas-lights-1024x682.jpg" width="320" /> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2391" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Evil-Santa-Christmas-lights-1024x1024.jpg" height="200" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Evil-Santa-Christmas-lights-1024x1024.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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Also took some pictures of the Jersey Christmas lights and various cats whilst I was home.</div>
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All
I need to do now is pick up the turkey and buy a few last minute food
bits, and await the arrival of the boy's lovely family.</div>
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Merry Christmas!Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-28026284910223535742012-11-30T03:04:00.000-08:002012-12-27T03:04:34.697-08:00New Website!After months of shaking my fist at Wordpress and despairing wails of
"but I don't understand WHAT THAT MEANS!" my new jewellery website is
finally (pretty much) finished, hurrah! I'm so proud that I didn't give
up at any of the many hurdles, especially given my general lack of
technical ability.<br />
Thanks to my very patient first customer, who helped me iron out a couple of final glitches :)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;">You can see it here: <a href="http://www.laurengracejewellery.com/" target="_blank">www.laurengrace<span style="color: #0000ee;">jewellery.com</span></a></span><a href="http://www.laurengracejewellery.com/" target="_blank"> </a>Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-59940646874302874612012-11-20T08:29:00.000-08:002012-12-27T03:02:52.724-08:00New Skate NecklaceI've had a few requests now for a derby skate necklace without the wings.<br />
<br />
As the wings are actually a big pain in the bum to do, I am delighted to oblige!<br />
<br />
Here you go:<br />
<br />
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<img alt="Silver roller derby skate charm" class="alignnone wp-image-2143" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-roller-derby-skate-charm-240x240.jpg" height="180" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-roller-derby-skate-charm-240x240.jpg" title="Silver roller derby skate charm" width="180" /> <img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2144" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-Riedell-Skate-Charm-240x240.jpg" height="180" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-Riedell-Skate-Charm-240x240.jpg" title="Silver Riedell Skate Charm" width="180" /> <img alt="Silver roller derby necklace" class="alignnone wp-image-2145" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-roller-derby-necklace-240x240.jpg" height="180" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silver-roller-derby-necklace-240x240.jpg" title="Silver roller derby necklace" width="180" /></div>
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<div data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">
Now available to purchase <strong><a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/products-page/necklaces/silver-roller-derby-skate-necklace-2/" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/products-page/necklaces/silver-roller-derby-skate-necklace-2/" title="Silver Roller Derby Skate Necklace">here</a> </strong>on my website.</div>
Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816962709417796702.post-601503608762217722012-10-31T17:40:00.000-07:002012-12-27T02:59:52.077-08:00Spooooooky...Given that it's Halloween today, I decided to go to work dressed as a
sort of goth circus master. Did think I may have been pushing it a
little with lack of office-appropriateness of outfit, but no-one even
batted an eyelid.<br />
<br />
Check out my rather fabulous Halloween spider necklace. The boy is afraid of spiders and does not like it at all!<br />
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<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Halloween-Necklace.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Halloween-Necklace.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1632 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Halloween-Necklace-240x240.jpg" height="440" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Halloween-Necklace-240x240.jpg" title="Halloween Necklace" width="440" /></a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Crystal-spider-gothic-necklace.jpg" href="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Crystal-spider-gothic-necklace.jpg"><img alt="" class=" wp-image-1633 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Crystal-spider-gothic-necklace-240x159.jpg" height="293" src="http://laurengracejewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Crystal-spider-gothic-necklace-240x159.jpg" title="Crystal spider gothic necklace" width="440" /></a></div>
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I
picked this up, along with some other gorgeous crystal costume
jewellery, at a trade fair a couple of years back. I'm thinking about
having a costume jewellery section on my new website, so watch this
space if you fancy having your very own giant crystal spider. Everyone
wants a giant crystal spider, right? Right...?Lauren Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14242619283865977122noreply@blogger.com0