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What is "Wire Sculpted" Jewelry?
Wire sculpted jewelry is an artform dating back nearly 5,000 years that has
recently taken its rightful place in the fine jewelry market. No glue or
solder is used in the construction of the jewelry and the sculpting is done
solely by strong fingers with the help of a few small hand-held tools.
Because wire sculpted jewelry is completely hand-crafted, no piece can be
replicated exactly, which ensures the wearer a truly unique piece of jewelry.
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"Gold-Filled" vs. "Gold-Plated"
Gold-fill is unlike gold-plate in that gold-fill is generally considered
a lifetime product and will not tarnish or wear off like electroplated products
will. Gold-fill contains 100 times the amount of gold than does gold-plate!
Gold-fill (also known as "rolled gold") is a layer of 10k or better gold
that is mechanically bonded under heat and pressure to one or more surfaces of a
supporting metal and then rolled, or drawn to a given thickness. All of
Pizzazz Creations'™ jewelry consists of 14k/20 as opposed to 12k/20 gold-fill
for its higher gold content and lasting durability.
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What is "Dichroic Glass"?
Dichroic glass was originally created for use by NASA. It is a piece of glass
that has been coated with extremely thin films of up to 20 coats of elements such
as titanium and magnesium. These elements are then vaporized and vacuum
deposited onto the glass to such a fine degree of thickness that certain
wavelengths of light will pass through and others will be reflected. This
is the basis to which dichroic glass displays an absolutely stunning array of
color "play" depending on the angle from which is it viewed. Each
piece of dichroic glass is an artwork in itself! *(portions
of the above information courtesy of glass artist PJ Sweeny.)
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What is "Lampwork Glass"?
Lampworking is a centuries-old technique but a more recent addition to my jewelry
designs.
Each lampwork glass bead is wound on a mandrel using either imported Moretti (Effetre),
Spectrum or Borosilicate glass unless otherwise specified. They are individually
torch-blown or kiln-fused and properly kiln-annealed. By annealing the beads,
they are guaranteed hard as rocks -- durable enough for everyday wear with long
lasting, heirloom quality. I've even heard of an artist driving his truck over
them just to prove a point!) The hole of each bead is then diamond file polished.
With their incredible color, depth & dimension -- I think you'll agree that
lampwork beads are a great addition to my recent jewelry designs!
*(I've tried to credit the glass artist whenever possible.)
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"The stones you use are so incredible . . . are they
real?"
Many people are taken aback by the beauty of the gemstones and crystals I use in my
designs. Let me assure you that all of my precious & semi-precious gemstones,
cabochons and beads as well as crystal clusters, freshwater pearls, fossils and
other non-traditional stones are GENUINE, unless otherwise specified.
For those interested in the beauty of a hand-sculpted pendant or ring but would prefer
a less costly alternative to a natural grown gemstone, I do offer high-quality simulated
(i.e. lab-created) stones in all of the modern day Birthstone and
Anniversary Gemstones.
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"Lab-Grown" vs. "Lab-Created" Gemstones
Laboratory grown gemstones are unlike most laboratory created gemstones in
that the lab-grown stones are made from the exact same gemstone material that mother
nature uses. Lab-grown gemstones are precision cut and calibrated from crystal
clusters which are formed by the same complex, time-consuming process that duplicates
the heat and pressurized conditions that cause crystals to form in nature. Laboratory
grown gemstones are real stones and should not be confused with pressed
glass or simulated/lab-created stones. *(source info &
further documentation available upon request.)
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Metaphysical Properties of Metal & Gemstones
Birthstone & Anniversary Gemstones
Throughout the ages, people of many societies have believed in the energies of minerals
and the metaphysical properties associated with them. They have used gemstones
to relieve various ailments and alter moods by placing the stones on the body.
Many believe metals also contain both metaphysical and medicinal qualities such as
increasing circulation and releasing toxins. In fact, even today you'll notice
many pharmacies carry copper wrist bands for similar purposes.
If you are interested in having a piece created with your birthstone
or anniversary gemstone, I would be happy to accommodate you in finding the perfect
design to meet your desires. And if you haven't done so already, be sure to read
about my custom Signature line in which I will custom create
a bracelet or earring set with several stones to best represent and compliment one's
attributes and/or personal desires and needs.
Please keep in mind that although the information I've provided is drawn from several
resources, it is not scientific nor intended as medical treatment; nor does
Pizzazz Creations™ make any claim to the efficiency of gemstones or metals as
healing aids. I do believe, however, that the wearing of gemstones is harmless,
and whether you choose to wear them for their perceived metaphysical properties or not --
to simply wear them for their mere aesthetic beauty is a treasure in itself!
If you are interested in learning more about the healing properties
associated with minerals, I recommend the reference guide "Love is in the Earth," by
Melody.
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