So, How Do You Say That / Hammer

Hammer: A tool with a heavy metal top attached to a straight handle, used for hitting an object such as a nail into a substance that holds it firmly in place.

** In the jewelry field, both jewelry makers who work with wire and metalsmiths who work with materials such as metal plating use hammers to harden metals, straighten them, or even texture them.

If you would like to hear how to pronounce this word, in English and/or in Spanish, you can do so here. Just click on the sound icon on the lower right of each side of the translation and voilà.

The Cutest Mother's Day Gift

 

I'm in love with the You are my Moon & Stars necklace from Catbird. So sweet!

JOOL TREND - No. 06 / Hand Jewelry

One trend that I currently love but I have yet to try is hand jewelry. I have been wondering if there is an official name to this hybrid jewelry, but so far I haven't been able to get a definitive answer. Perhaps it should be called back hand jewelry?

I'm currently gravitating towards back hand jewelry pieces that lean on the delicate side. Pieces with thin chains, dainty rings and small connector pieces. Maybe I would venture to use a chunkier piece if I was faced with the right occasion. Like Daisy Buchanan did when she attended Gatsby's party. Oooo if I could only actually do that.

Which kind do you guys prefer?

If you know the proper name for these, please don't hesitate to let me know on the comments section below!

As a side note, I had the chance to watch The Great Gatsby on Monday thanks to an awesome friend who had extra tickets to an early screening. The movie was so much fun! If you guys get a chance you should definitely go see it.

Images:
Sincerely, Jules, Studs and Roses, Zoe Chicco, OutsaPop, The Hunt, Catbird

Interesting Links

During the last few weeks I have gathered some interesting links that I think could make for a relaxing and entertaining break to your routine (they sure were to mine):

I enjoyed this tidbit describing how Erie Basin found this ring.

This video shows the artistry that goes behind drawing and painting an emerald ring design. Kind of awesome.

A short but interesting read about how many people perceive fairy tails and what actually happens in real life.

An awesome video showing a behind-the-scenes look at the Tiffany jewels created for The Great Gatsby. I particularly got excited to see some of the process behind making some of the pieces (you can see then as wax models as well as finished products).

The best trailer for The Great Gatsby that I have seen so far (with plenty of jewel shots).

A short article about the contemporary jewelers who are transforming the opal into a covetable gem.

Interesting Q&A with Carrie Eddmenson (co-founder of Imogene + Willie). I particularly enjoyed the video posted on this interview. Very inspirational.

And a great DIY for statement necklaces that I will have to take a crack at. You definitely need to take a look at this.

Hope you guys had a wonderful weekend!

JOOL WORDS / April 2013

Quote by Victoire de Castellane

Designed by Alexandra Nieto

TEACH ME MORE - No. 03 / How to Know if a Pearl is Real

As I was looking at this month's Vogue cover my eyes went straight to Carey Mulligan's two identical hand pieces. Each piece consists of a five strand pearl bracelet that connects to her middle finger's ring through a beautiful diamond encrusted brooch. While looking at them, I wondered whether those perfectly shaped pearls were real. Then, my brain responded by saying: Duh Alex, of course they are real. Tiffany & Co. made these jewels. Fair enough, I thought.

The white pearls on her bracelets made me think of the two pearl necklaces I own. Unfortunately, my pearls are not as smooth looking nor round as the ones on Carey's wrists. But the one good thing about their imperfection is that it made it a lot easier for me to figure out that they are, in fact, real pearls.

The first tip I used in order to know if my pearls were real comes from a book that teaches how to differentiate costume jewelry from real jewelry.

TIP #1: YOUR TEETH WILL TELL
Take one of the largest pearls that you want to test and rub it gently across the outside of your front teeth. If it feels smooth it's a fake pearl. Culture and natural pearls will feel gritty or slightly sandy rough. If you have difficulty distinguishing the texture you can rub a round glass bead against your front teeth for comparison.
** This tip only works if you use your real front teeth.

The second tip I learned from a jewelry vendor back in the Island of Margarita (Venezuela). But before I wrote this I did a bit of research to make sure that the tip actually works.

TIP #2: PERLA EN FUEGO (PEARL ON FIRE)
Using tweezers (and caution) take the pearl you would like to test and place it over a flame for 7 seconds. If the pearl you are testing is an imitation pearl known as "Shell Pearl" then place it under fire for double the time (14 seconds). It will become clear when a pearl is not real as its outer shell will literally burn and/or melt exposing its core material. Keep in mind that it is possible for a real pearl to be covered in soot after heating it. If the pearl is real you can remove it and the pearl will be intact.
**This tip only works for pearls that have not been submitted to artificial staining.

Now go on and test some of your own! I hope you can clear out any doubts you have about their authenticity. (Of course, if you don't want to damage your pearls with the fire test, please do take them to a jeweler or appraiser who can use other tools and techniques to test your pearls without damaging them.)

Do you have any other easy tips on how to tell if a pearl is real? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Image: Harper's Bazaar