White Pearl & Sterling Stud Earrings
by Virginia Stevens
$45
Bright Spiral
Pearl Necklace
by Erica Zap
$125
Sterling, Pearl &
Indigo Enamel Ring
by Jenn Parnell
$175
Abacus Bracelet
with Pearls
by Danielle Miller
$235
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April 2008
This Mother's Day, give Mom handcrafted pearl jewelry that is as unique and special as she
is.
From classically elegant to bright and colorful, Artworks
Jewelry has unique handcrafted pearl earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets for every taste.
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Jewelry
Jargon
What is a Keshi
Pearl?
Keshi pearls and traditional pearls begin the same way: when an irritant of some sort is introduced into a
mollusk like the pearl oyster. A round pearl is formed when, as a protective mechanism, the mollusk covers this irritant with concentric circles
of nacre – a hard, iridescent substance. A keshi pearl is formed when the mollusk expels the nacre-coated irritant before
it has a nucleus, or when a just-forming pearl splits apart. Keshi pearls are characterized by their small size, flat, organic shape,
and high luster. And while keshi pearls aren’t considered true pearls, their luminous sheen and unusual shapes are perfect inspiration for
beautiful, unique handcrafted pearl jewelry designs.
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Keshi Pearl Pendant
by Virginia Stevens
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Mother's Day Special
Save $10
On Every Purchase of
Virginia
Stevens Jewelry
Use Code VGS5N at
Checkout
Valid through Mother's Day
May 11, 2008 |
Meet the
Artist
Virginia Stevens
Virginia Stevens is a jewelry artist who creates beautiful designs using sterling silver, button
pearls, keshi pearls, and moveable elements. She draws her inspiration from both antiquity and modern designs. Her work is a juxtaposition of these
two opposing elements. With a BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology at the School for American Craftsmen where she studied metal crafts and
jewelry making, Virginia has a studio in Cranston, RI where she works designing her line of sterling jewelry.
What is your favorite
medium to use?
"I love using sterling silver - it provides a cool color palette, but there is still so much warmth that
other metals don't have. It is possible to achieve a soft and warm look with silver and I can do so much with it in terms of finishing: antique,
high-polish, satin. It also works so well with other elements and different stones, and especially pearls."
Why do you make kinetic
jewelry?
"Kinetic jewelry is just more fun and interesting.
Moving pieces add one more element of interest and fun for the wearer to appreciate, and I enjoy playing with the mechanics of a piece as I am
designing my jewelry. The kinetic elements really make the jewelry more special and unique."
What jewelry do you
wear?
"I always wear my own jewelry - I often wear the
kinetic pieces such as my round sterling silver earrings and ring. This helps me ensure the pieces are comfortable and wearable as well as
beautiful."
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"Circles in Motion" Earrings by
Virginia Stevens |
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