April 2014 Newsletter Giveaway Prize Winner

Theresa is this month’s newsletter giveaway winner, and a pair of these coal black Czech glass and sterling silver hoop earrings are on their way to her today! Congratulations. If you missed out, and you’d like a pair of these earrings now, you can get yourself some here.

 

Black Opaque Czech Glass Sterling Silver Modern Contemporary Hoop Earrings

 

It’s a special month this month, as it’s The Silver Forge’s 2nd anniversary, and the newsletter earring giveaway is going to be not one, but two pairs of earrings from a brand new collection. Just make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter for a chance to win them. Everyone who is subscribed to The Silver Forge newsletter is entered in every month’s draw! If you can’t wait, and you want some right now, contact me and I just might be able to help out – this collection hasn’t even been officially released yet!

 

Drusy and Sterling Silver Earring Collection

 

Enjoy this sneak peek, and have a happy anniversary month!

Malachite Cabochon

Spotted Malachite Oval Cabochon

The beautiful malachite gemstone cabochon shown here is 33mm long.

Malachite has a high copper content, which is what gives it that fabulous green colouring. It was given its name because of its resemblance to the leaves of the Mallow plant. Read more about Malachite here.

I used this cabochon to create this custom piece:

Malachite and Sterling Silver Ring

Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

Steve Irwin – a man of passion and integrity, who did his utmost to change the way the world views wildlife. His tireless work for his worthy cause and his legendary enthusiasm have always captured my heart, and the hearts of millions of us all around the world.

Irwin, Terri - Steve and Me

I read ‘Steve and Me’ a while back, written by Steve’s wife Terri; as well as being a great and moving read it further increased my admiration for both Steve and Terri and their wonderful work, and inspired me to do something – however small – to help. Without wildlife, we are nothing, and the conservation of nature is incredibly important.

Wildlife Warriors

Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors are carrying on Steve’s legacy. Wildlife Warriors believe that people, wildlife and habitat should be able to survive and prosper without being detrimental to the existence of each other. Their objectives are:

To protect and enhance the natural environment
To provide information and education to the public and raise awareness of wildlife issues
To undertake biological research
To research, recommend and act in the protection of threatened or endangered species.
To enter into cooperative arrangements with like-minded organisations

Apple Green Czech Glass Tube and Sterling Silver Earrings

I am proud to support Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors this month, by donating 10% of sales from The Silver Forge. Shop up and help save the planet!

 

 

{title photo credit – Guillaume Blanchard}

Young Designers Market – May 2014

Young Designer's Markets

I’m happy to say The Silver Forge will be at the Young Designers Market in Little Stanley Street, at South Bank, Brisbane, between 10am and 4pm on Sunday May 4th (this weekend!).

Mulberry Splash Handblown Glass Bubble and Sterling Silver Pendant

I love my day at the market, it’s always fun to see who your neighbours are, and I love meeting new people and catching up with existing customers (and friends). Make sure you stop at my stall to say hello – I’d love to see you!

Hot Pink Cube Czech Glass and Sterling Silver Modern Earrings

Twilight Market – Fundraising for Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia

Little Bee Echinacea

Little Bee (photo credit JaneEmma Photography)

 

If you’re in Brisbane on Friday 2nd May, between 4.00 and 7.00pm a Twilight Market is being held by the Creche & Kindergarten Northside Family Day Care Educators Association at ‘The Community Place’ on Teevan Street, Stafford. The market is being held to raise funds for Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia. As my son is allergic to nuts, this is a cause close to my heart!

 

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia

 

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) is a charitable, not for profit organisation. Their aim is to improve awareness of allergy in the Australian community.

 

Navy Blue Oblong Teardrop Czech Glass Sterling Silver Contemporary Dangle Earrings

 

I am setting up a Silver Forge stall at the twilight market, and will be donating 10% of all sales made during the market to this very worthy cause.  There will be food stalls, art and craft, a playground, face painting and much more. Come and have Carmen’s delicious Sri Lankan food or a fab sausage sizzle for dinner, let the kids race around, and be home in time for bedtime and a nice cup of tea! Make sure you stop by the stall and say hello – I’d love to see you there!

Pale Pink Drusy Agate Cabochon

Drusy Agate – Pale Pink Oval Cabochon

The soft and lovely pink oval drusy agate gemstone cabochon shown here is 25mm long. You can read more about what drusy agate is here.

Agate is traditionally believed to help you to discern truth, improve memory and concentration, increase stamina,  prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant dreams, enhance personal courage, protect you against danger, and provide a calming influence.

I used this cabochon to create this custom piece:

Pale Pink Drusy Agate and Sterling Silver Ring

 

 

Stormy Ocean Blue and White Drusy Agate Cabochon

Drusy Agate – Stormy Ocean Blue and White Oval Cabochon

The lovely dark blue oval drusy agate gemstone cabochon shown here is 31mm long. You can read more about what drusy agate is here.

Agate is traditionally believed to help you to discern truth, improve memory and concentration, increase stamina,  prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant dreams, enhance personal courage, protect you against danger, and provide a calming influence.

I used this cabochon to create this custom piece:

Stormy Blue Drusy Agate and Sterling Silver Ring

Chrysocolla

According to Wikipedia, Chrysocolla is a hydrated copper cyclosilicate mineral with the formula (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4·nH2O. Hehehe, such a convoluted scientific string! I guess that just means it’s a compound, which is apparent from the many wonderful blue/green colourways that can be seen in various pieces.

Chrysocolla  (photo credit Great Rough)

Chrysocolla (photo credit Great Rough)

Chrysocolla is a minor ore of copper, and like malachite, has a high copper content, which is what gives it that fabulous blue/green colouring.

Chrysocolla - Botryoidal (photo credit MinDat)

Chrysocolla – Botryoidal (photo credit MinDat)

The name Chrysocolla derives from the Greek chrysos (gold) and kolla (glue), referring to its use as a flux in soldering gold. The term has been used since antiquity.

Chrysocolla Stalagtite  (photo credit MinDat)

Chrysocolla Stalagtite (photo credit MinDat)

It is believed to have a calming influence, and also to attract love. It is supposed to help heal burns, fever, and detoxify the liver.

Chrysocolla  (photo credit Mineral Miners)

Chrysocolla (photo credit Mineral Miners)

I have some lovely chrysocolla cabochons just waiting to be turned into beautiful jewellery for you – you can find them in my gemstone collectionLet me know what you’d like created!

Chrysocolla Cabochon

Chrysocolla Oval Cabochon

The gorgeous chrysocolla gemstone cabochon shown here is 35mm long.

Like malachite, chrysocolla has a high copper content, which is what gives it that fabulous blue/green colouring. The name comes from the Greek chrysos, (gold), and kolla, (glue).

It is believed to have a calming influence, and also to attract love. It is supposed to help heal burns, fever, and detoxify the liver.

I used this cabochon to create this custom piece:

Chrysocolla and Sterling Silver Pendant

March 2014 Newsletter Giveaway Prize Winner

The winner of these gorgeous sky blue Czech glass and sterling silver crook shaped earrings, which were the newsletter prize for last month, is Rebecca – congratulations to you! If you missed out, and you’d like a pair of these earrings now, you can get yourself some here.

 

Sky Blue Opaque Czech Glass Sterling Silver Modern Contemporary Drop Earrings

 

This month, the newsletter earring giveaway will be a pair of coal black Czech glass and sterling silver hoop earrings. Just make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter for a chance to win them. Everyone who is subscribed to The Silver Forge newsletter is entered in every month’s draw! If you can’t wait, and you want some right now, you can buy them here.

 

Black Opaque Czech Glass Sterling Silver Modern Contemporary Hoop Earrings

 

Until next time, have a great month!