Introducing my Biggest Giveaway Ever! Get Summer-Ready with a Fistfull of Hot New Statement Rings!

It’s not the first time I’ve said this, & it definitely won’t be the last: I have too many rings.

Impossible, I know; but it’s true. The best/worst thing about having a steady stream of awesome jewelry design ideas is I really have more designs than I have fingers for.

For every ring you see in my shop, there’s about three (or four!) more that are waiting not-so-patiently behind the scenes, just wishing for the chance to adorn a pretty hand. But it’s a long process from conceptulization to creation to their debut on my website.

So, what does this all mean? Great things for you! This June, I’m announcing the giveaway to end all giveaways, with a slightly different twist than you’re used to.

This month, EVERY purchase of a soldered ring from Brilliance Found Jewelry has the chance to win a stockpile of NEW, UNRELEASED statement rings! How it works: I’ve drawn a lucky day & time in June, & the order placed closest to this winning time wins the collection! Lucky you will receive 5 neverbeforeseen soldered brass rings, in your size. You’ll know you’re the winner when your package arrives 5 rings heavier than you’ve ordered!

Total value of the prize: $180+. All orders placed through my artfire & etsy shops for any soldered statement rings are automatically eligible for the prize. Whoever orders a soldered ring closest to my Lucky June Date/Time automatically wins! Why only ring orders? Because if you order rings, I’ll know your ring size.. and I can’t ask you for it, because that would ruin the surprise!

Shipping Updates & Shop Announcement.

Brilliance Found has officially relocated to Vancouver, BC.

Now I’m house hunting! I have a temporary residence here & my make-shift shop consists of two desks & a pile of boxes. So, as you can probably imagine, I can’t wait to get a space to call my own! Unfortunately (as is usually the case with house hunting), this is taking a lot longer than anticipated, and my search is peppered with potential places being sold out from under me, on almost a daily basis.

Unfortunately I will not be fully set up & back to production as normal for a little bit still. I’ve been flooded with orders coming in at an unprecedented speed lately, so we are at a 1-2 week wait for all orders. I’m contemplating pulling my custom rings out of my shop in the meantime, since I can’t process orders at my regular speed at this moment, & I hate keeping you waiting! In the meantime, please be patient with me during this busy time & I promise your pretty rings will be worth the wait. 🙂

As always, I am available via email for any concerns or questions you may have. Thanks!

Brilliance Found is back in BC! But not back to business, yet ;)

Finally got my shop all set up here in Vancouver, BC.

I have been busy working on all the orders that have been received while I was away. Please note that there is a 1-2 week wait for custom jewelry at this time, as I can only create rings so fast! 🙂  I’m not going to be updating my site until early June, when I am all caught up on my orders & have time to create again.

Things to watch out for in June 2010:

*More statement/double finger rings in silverplate

*Luxe statement/double finger rings in sterling silver & goldfill versions

*A larger “IN STOCK/READY TO SHIP” ring selection

*More simple hoop earrings, in various metals

I have great things on the drawing board, and I honestly can’t wait to show you them! But I need to get my orders out first 🙂 Till then,

Nyne

OUT OF TOWN! MOVING NOW!

All orders placed through Brilliance Found Jewelry (both on artfire & etsy) will be delayed until after May 26th, while I get organized & unpacked.

Ready to order items MAY ship sooner, depending on how organized I am. No promises, but I’ll try my best, because I know how hard waiting for mail can be 🙂
Thank you for your patience during this busy time.. I’ll see you in Vancouver!

Last Chance to Order before The Big Move!

It’s that time! Brilliance Found will be moving to Vancouver, BC May 22-26! During this time the shop will remain open & I will continue to take orders, but orders will not ship until after May 26th — & then will be completed in the order they were placed. Please allow 48 hours for email replies during this time.

Order before May 21st to avoid the wait!

As a thank you for your patience, ALL JEWELRY ORDERS placed in my artfire shop from May 20-26 will receive a FREE PAIR of titanium drop earrings in faceted glass.

These are new for Summer 2010 & are not yet available for purchase anywhere! Simple drop earrings are definitely a summer staple — just slip them in & you’re good to go. Looking elegant has never been easier. And did I mention they’re titanium, so they’re hypoallergenic & comfortable to wear. You get your choice of Spring Sapphire (shown), Ruby or Golden Topaz. These beads are incredible because they have a glamorous AB coating for a rainbow of shine. (Reg: $28)

See you soon!

Fun with Oxidized Brass: Oversized Cactus Tree Earrings

One of the wonderful things about metal is how it reacts when treated. Brass & copper in particular are known for their reactions to chemicals & heat, which creates a rainbow of iridescent colors & textures.

Heat-treated brass shows off it's iridescent rainbow properties.

These cactus earrings started out as raw brass; you can still see some of the original golden metal color at the very top. After cleaning the brass to rid it from oil & dirt (a very important step if you want drastic results!)  I painted it with my torch flame, which creates the rainbow pattern shown here. Not quite satisfied with that, I treated these pieces by dipping them several times in a liver of sulfur bath. The result is incredible — a one of a kind finish, which fades from shiny gold at the top to matte charcoal grey at the bottom.

Of course, if you want the color to stay as vibrant as it is here, it’s important to seal the patina, so it doesn’t tarnish further.

Lately I have been in love with all things gold — brass included. It always amazes me how simply you can change the look of a ring with just a little bit of patina. Suddenly it becomes a completely new ring!

All of my patina’d metals are hand-oxidized with liver of sulfur & a lot of hot water. The liver of sulfur reacts with the raw brass & deepens the color the longer it sits in the water bath. Of course, this process is not permanent: oxidized brass can be cleaned & polished back up to a golden sheen with a little bit of work. Gently polishing the oxidized metal creates contrast in the raised areas & really makes the coloring pop!

Left unpolished, the oxidized brass takes on a deep matte gingerbread color, as seen above in my Fern Frond Wrap Ring. Polished brass shines much like gold. Which finish is your favorite?

Garden Fresh Colors for your Fingers: New Filigree Leaf Wrap Rings in Candy Colors!

True innovation never sits still. Introducing the Summer 2010 version of your favorite Filigree Leaf Wrap Ring: Candy Colors! Carefully painted & coated with a glossy sealer for extra shine.

Left to right rolecall: Ocean blue, Hot pink, Grass green.

These would look great with anything from a summer sundress to a pair of jeans and a simple tee. Summer is all about the color — so isn’t it about time you wore some on your fingers?

Lavender has never looked so good.

For those with more refined tastes, I have something special in store for you! Same smooth glossy finish, but in monochromes (and burgundy):

You know I love giving you options. Click through to shop these colors.

A) Burgundy B) Lavender C) Hot pink D) Schoolbus yellow E) Grass green F) Ocean blue G) Black gloss H) Whiteout

I’ve also added some more Filigree Leaf Wrap rings in Sparkle finishes: Silver, Gold & Gunmetal. I have been sitting on these lovelies for a while now, but a custom order inspired me to finally list them.

Left to right: Sparkle Silver, Sparkle Gold & Sparkle Gunmetal.

These Filigree Leaf Rings are hand-finished for an unique, crinkly texture that makes them really shine. Unfortunately this finish is notoriously difficult to photograph, so you’re just going to have to trust me that it looks rad 😉

Small Sparkle Gold.

And while we’re playing with rings, check out this prototype design of mine! Unfortunately this thing took a lot longer than I’d like to admit to create, so don’t expect to see it in store soon. But if you’re in love with it, maybe we can work something out. Maybe. It’s super lightweight & reminds me of champagne bubbles. If they were gold, of course 😉

The one and only: 24kt Vermeil Bubbles Knuckle Ring

Mr. Bisteries tells me I’m not allowed to list any more new creations until after the move, because I really should be packing. But what can I say, I’ve always had a defiant streak. And as if I could keep these a secret for that long.

Shop all Filigree Leaf Wrap Rings.

Behind the scenes with Brilliance Found Jewelry: Working with Crystals & Rainbows.

I have been putting off sharing these pictures for long enough. You can see all the wonderful creations in store, but have you ever wondered where they come from? Let me show you!

Late last month I traveled to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where some of the best Amethyst in Canada is mined. I was able to hand-pick some brilliant small Amethyst crystals for jewelry making, and how could I resist snapping a picture of the full haul!

Me with Ilene & Clark Noyes & the jewels from their No Name Amethyst Mine

All of the rocks you see here are hand-mined by Clark Noyes in Pearl, Ontario. It is so exciting to see the raw crystals, still all covered in soil & dirt.The larger chunks can also be broken down into smaller crystals for use in jewelry. I was lucky enough to get some pre-broken crystal pieces, because I don’t think I could bring myself to taking a hammer to this one!

Look at this huge chunk of Amethyst! Mined from the No Name Amethyst mine in Pearl, Ontario.

Since I am in the process of moving, I had the Amethyst sent back to Vancouver, instead of here in Alberta. I have enough to pack, anyway! I can’t wait to get my shop set up in Vancouver so I can get started working with these gorgeous specimens. Of course, the one I’m holding here isn’t for sale.. it’s for my personal collection!

A huge THANK YOU to Ilene & Clarke Noyes for their generosity in allowing me to “shop” from the No Name Amethyst Mine! Don’t forget to check back later to see what I’ve turned these Amethyst crystals into.

Before & After: Rough Crystal Quartz points are top drilled for bails, and electroplated in silver

Undrilled crystals can be wire wrapped or electroplated to be worn as natural, beautiful jewelry. Judging by my store, you can probably tell I’m a fan of the electroplated quartz 😉 Electroplated crystals are formed by first plating the crystal with a base metal & then adding voltage & your top metal — in this case, sterling silver. The reaction solidifies a coating of silver or gold onto the crystal, while maintaining the original shape of the stone. I carry both gold & silver versions in my shop. They are very unique! Speaking of unique…..

Raw Crystal Quartz showing a flash of rainbow. I haven't quite decided what this one is going to be yet!

Quartz with rainbows are my favorite kind of crystals. Rainbows are actually contained fractures within the quartz crystal, which creates this brilliant layering of color. When light hits it just the right way, the full spectrum of color is visible. Viewed from any other angle, and it appears as a regular quartz crystal.  Most of the quartz I come across does not contain these little surprises, so I am always thrilled to come across one. The one pictured above has been sitting on my work bench for a little over a month yet — it is such an interesting shape, I’m not sure what to do with it.  I’m not sure if I’m ready to part with it yet, anyway!

Sunlight & Shadow: Little collection of finished & unfinished clear quartz crystals

But crystals aren’t all I get to play with, as a jewelry designer. I also get to stock up on all sorts of fun metals, such as 14kt Goldfill, Niobium, Titanium, Brass, Copper, Sterling… You can never have too many coils of wire when you’re a jewelry designer.

More wire & wire-working tool chest. Well, one of many.

Colored Coils: Kitchen table all covered in titanium, niobium, 14kt goldfill, sterling, copper, brass.. am I missing anyone?

Metallic Rainbows: Niobium wire coils in all the colors!

Niobium is naturally a dark grey color, but when hit with just the right voltage of electricity, it transforms into a glittering array of metallic tones. From left to right: Emerald, Sapphire, Blue purple, Purple, Red, Yellow, Dark blue & Slate. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s also inert, which makes it perfect for those with metal allergies or sensitivities. And it comes in all shapes & designs, too, of course!

All that Glitters is Gold: White, Rose & Yellow in 14kt Goldfill.

And my latest splurge: 14kt Goldfill wire! Goldfill is a process in which pure 14kt gold is essentially welded to a metal base — in this case, brass. Goldfill is approximately 50-100 times thicker than regular goldplate, and does not wear down like goldplate, either. Instead, it has the added benefit of a brass base, which makes it stronger than plain 14kt gold (and less pricey, too!).

All of my wire designs can be made in your choice of sterling silver, niobium, titanium or 14kt goldfill. Aren’t choices grand?

So now you’ve seen the before.. let’s go explore the after, shall we?

Calling All Models, Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists!

Do you want to share your talent & your love for artisan jewelry with the world? Of course you do! Brilliance Found is now accepting applications for models, makeup artists & hair stylists willing to showcase hot new jewelry designs! No professional experience required. Accepting applicants through till June 15th. Photoshoots begin after June 20th, 2010.

How would this look on your hand? Let's find out!

Apply now to be a model for Brilliance Found’s Summer 2010 Collection!

INSPIRATION:
The Summer 2010 look is light, airy & romantic, with a focus on statement jewelry pieces. Soft floral print dresses, flowing skirts with a lot of movement, delicate layers, stiletto pumps, strappy sandals, gold jewelry. Over-sized bright flowers for the hair, big vintage-inspired sunglasses, layers of chunky jewelry.

Makeup focus is on creamy pastels for the eyes, matte brown shadow eyeliner, long eyelashes & soft natural lip. Rose flush blush & highlights with a shimmery/sheen on the cheekbones/collarbones. Hair preferred loose, wavy & undone, or simple updos for showing off hair accessories. Glossy nails in taupe, rose, blush or peach. Toenails can feature a punch of candy color in turquoise, fuchsia, grape, peach.

Sound like you?
We’re looking for confident models for action/movement themed shoots & some posed closeup shots. Emphasis on the contrast between pretty & angular, with delicate dresses/hair/makeup & “clumsy” natural in-action posing. Very low pressure photoshoots.

CUSTOM JEWELRY, JUST FOR YOU:
Jewelry will be hand-picked for each model to highlight her favorite features in complimentary colors. Brilliance Found Jewelry is all inclusive! We welcome models of all shapes, sizes & colors & we’ll outfit you in jewelry designed to make you feel gorgeous 🙂 Photos will be used as promotional displays for Brilliance Found Jewelry, as well as on internet sites such as BrillianceFound.artfire.com & BrillianceFound.etsy.com Brilliance Found retains all rights to all photography images.

Here's a bright orange monarch for your hair!

SEEKING MODELS FOR THE FOLLOWING JEWELRY SHOOTS:
SUMMER COLLECTION:
*Featuring: Long layered necklaces, bangle bracelets, statement rings, hair accessories, earrings
*Full body/group theme shots; staged in a park/field
*Models must provide their own sun dresses/sandals
*Loose, wavy hair styles preferred
*Makeup skill preferred, but not necessary

BRIDAL COLLECTION:
*Featuring: Simple necklaces, drop earrings, hair accessories, shoe clips
*Various settings, individual shoots
*Requires own wedding dress/bridal attire (please specify your colors)
*Makeup/hair skills preferred, but not necessary

Simple Faceted Glass Drop Earrings are part of the new Bridal collection

BIKINI COLLECTION:
*Featuring: Chain harnesses, chunky bracelets, toe rings, clip on brooches, hair accessories
*Beach setting, both individual & group
*Models must provide their own beachwear/button up shirt/sunglasses/flip flops/sandals
*Loose, wavy hair styles preferred
*Makeup skill not necessary

FOCUS MODELING:
*Close up outdoor shots featuring: bangle bracelets, pierced earrings, hair accessories
*Hair/makeup not required

It's hard to be both model & photographer, so I'm passing on the torch.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
*18-30
*Love of jewelry
*Situated in Vancouver, BC, Canada region
*Willing to travel to location (within the greater Vancouver area)
*Modeling experience appreciated, but not necessary
*Makeup/hair skills appreciated, but not necessary

PERKS/PAYMENT:
*Models receive name credit & mini-bio combined feature page on http://www.BrillianceFound.com
*Models receive finished electronic copies of the photographs for use in their portfolio
*Models walk away with a giftbag of jewelry, including all earrings they modeled during the shoot
*All models receive discount card valid on all future purchases from Brilliance Found Jewelry
*Makeup artists/Hair stylists receive Gift Certificates to Brilliance Found Jewelry, varied amounts depending on number of models

See more of what you could be wearing at: http://www.BrillianceFound.artfire.com

Apply now to model for Brilliance Found Jewelry.

Don’t forget, you can always moonlight as a Brilliance Found model by submitting your pictures here. All submitters receive 15% off future orders & the chance to appear in future Brilliance Found promotions!

While we appreciate all entries, only those suitable for our Summer 2010 campaign will be contacted at this time. All applicants are kept on file for possible use in future modeling campaigns.