Jorgensen Studio Silversmith

I've been working on options for new handmade wedding sets. This is the second in the series and a completely new design. These bands are hand built using traditional goldsmithing techniques out of sterling silver. I am really excited about the way they turned out. Something earthy and natural but formal enough for wedding bands. I wanted to make something equally appropriate for men and women and I think that this design would be fabulous for commitment rings for GLBT ceremonies. I am really trying to get make something for those who appreciate handcrafted work and want something unique that sets them apart from the traditional and standard fare. You know from my previous blog musings how much I love making wedding bands. I am really looking forward to exploring this new direction. I am going to start listing the options for the wedding sets in my Etsy shop. www.jorgensenstudio.com but until then if you would like more information on these rings or commissioning a unique custom s...

Today my Birthstone Key Pendants were Featured in the "We Love Mom" Etsy Finds. It is so fabulous to be featured in the Etsy finds as they are not only posted on the Etsy website blog (The Storque) but they are emailed to literally thousands of Etsy fans. I couldn't be more excited! Here is the Link if you want to check out all the fabulous items for Mom from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-we-love-mom-7799/

Inspired by Victorian Mourning Jewelry An new idea for a locket I had finally made it off the bench and into the Etsy shop . I wanted to make a locket inspired by antique Victorian morning jewelry. Victorian mourning jewelry - usually pendants and brooches- were made of metal, agate, and most of the time a lock of hair that was braided or woven under glass. A memento of the beloved to be carried with the mourner. These pieces are so striking and personal that I was instantly enthralled with the idea. How to make a modern representation of the Victorian mourning jewelry? What I began to search for was a vintage carbuncle. What is a carbuncle? They are usually pieces of gemstone (like quartz ) or glass that has a hollow concave back. Perfect for setting something under. Months went by and I stumbled upon some fabulous vintage carbuncles from another Etsy seller. They couldn't be more perfect so I bought all she had. These vintage glass carbuncles have raised ridges on the top so you ...

Thought I would show off a custom promise ring I did. Sterling band with a 14kt white gold basket for the setting and a beautiful blue heart shaped topaz. I think it turned out quite well. I love the stories behind the rings. I love the promise rings most because of those stories. So full of romance and love. Ahh makes my heart go pitter patter. So so sweet. It wisks you off to stories of love in old novels and black & white movies. A promise, a vow, so pure and young all summed up in the shape of a ring. Its nice. Its just really nice to hear about instead of all the other stuff we are bombarded with. I like to make the promise rings the best.

I am a member of a wonderful group of Crafty Etsians from Florida who have created a team on Etsy. I am lucky enough to have an interview featured on the Fest blog. if you would like to know just a bit more about me come take a look and read the interview: FEST: Interview with Jorgensen Studio There is also a giveaway on the FEST blog this month from Aquarian Bath for handmade soap. I absolutely adore handmade soap. I have been using it exclusively for over a year now as a body soap and also as a shampoo. I cannot tell you how much better my hair and scalp are - the difference is amazing. Handmade soap smells fabulous too. Not the traditional soapy smell but anything you like. I love to buy soap from a new maker and have in my bathroom right now some made of beer (yes beer) and some divine smelling pineapple brulee'. Whatever you scent preference you can find your scent in handmade soap. Go enter the Fest giveaway and try handmade soap. Once you do you'll never go back to comm...

I often receive requests for custom items. The most favorite of these requests is always engagement and wedding rings. It never stops being an incredible honor to make something so special and important in another person's life. The sentiment behind it is so wonderful and to have your work have that legacy is just humbling. Here are some pictures of a new wedding set for a soon to be wed couple.

I use mostly bezel settings in my work. I make my rings so that the bezel is flush with the band and does not sit atop of it for a more integrated look. Having the bezel setting taper allows for a bigger stone to be set while still allowing the bands to sit closer together for stacking rings. Being mostly self taught, I looked to the google first to see if I could find a tutorial on how to make these types of bezels. There were none to be found. I did find a rather heavy bezel block that is used to make these tapered bezels and bought it, but alas, it did not come with instructions. After many failed attempts to make a cylinder turn into a cone, I figured I must be doing something horribly wrong. Wouldn't you know it, there was math involved, much to my dismay. I am going to show you the process I have come to for making this little tapered bezel step by step. Except for the math part ( you will need that to make your template), it is simple. I did come across this nifty cone ca...