Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

The Jester by Joan Bazzel

2012-01-18T10:29:00.001-08:00

New from Asheville, NC jeweler Joan Bazzel: "The Jester" pendant, cloisionne enamel clown on precious metals with a Linde star ruby and blue opals.

Introducing the Ball-in-Cage jewelry series

2012-01-06T11:20:00.001-08:00

Asheville jeweler, Sharon Bailey created this series out of her love of puzzles and games. Her work incorporates Argentium sterling silver with vintage Bakelite. The balls are left loose in each piece.

Baby Ball in Cage pendant and earring set with red Bakelite.

Bracelet with sterling silver balls.

Post earrings with green Bakelite.

Post earrings with patina silver balls.

Sharon makes these in her studio just north of Asheville. Visit her website to see more of her fantastic work.

Estate Black Pearl and Diamond Ring

2011-12-14T14:16:00.001-08:00

Estate jewelry in Asheville, NC from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft. Black pearls and diamonds set in 14k yellow gold. Ring looks hardly worn!

Blue Ridge Mountain Ring

2011-12-06T14:35:00.001-08:00

The Blue Ridge Mountain Ring by Chris Van Dyke in Asheville, NC. Sterling silver with a patina background. Chris was inspired to make this piece after doing a custom order in gold with a mountain scene. This has been one of his best sellers in silver.

Asheville jeweler: Una Barrett

2011-11-09T14:36:00.001-08:00

Asheville jeweler Una Barrett, owner of Relics of a New Age, creates contemporary jewelry out of mixed metals and found objects. Her studio is located in the River Arts District, a popular tourist destination full of art galleries, studio's, and restaurants.

The River Arts District is the location of 12 Bones BBQ, a favorite of president Obama when he comes to town. Another spot not to be missed is The Wedge Brewery, with a great patio to sip a beer while the sun goes down.

Una has a wide range of work, from simple bangle's and hoops to elaborate pendants featuring gemstones and found objects. She is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and operates a shop on Etsy.

To find out more, check out her excellent website.

Ikebana Vases and Flower Arrangers

2011-11-01T14:20:00.001-07:00

Ikeband vases and flower arrangers by Lee Davis of Birdfoot Ridge Studio, in Asheville, NC.

Big Boy

"Wood Top"

Wood Top with Arrangement

Combination oil lamp and flower arranger.

All of these Ikebana vases are hand formed and glazed with Lee's signature black "zen" glaze. These pots inspire simplicity in your flower arrangements, and make a beautiful floral centerpiece for the table.

Phil Brown Benefit Concert and Auction at the Folk Art Center

2011-05-19T09:20:00.001-07:00

Benefit auction at the Folk Art Center, including a cherry burl bowl by Alan Hollar of Winchester Woodworks. Now on display at Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

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Asheville's Top Five Rainy Day Adventures

2011-05-14T16:06:00.001-07:00

And don't forget the Folk Art Center!

Asheville's Top Five Rainy Day Adventures

via Asheville Travel Blog by Asheville on 5/11/11

Rainy days may have made Karen Carpenter sad, but they don't have to affect your trip to Asheville and the surrounding mountains. With rain in the forecast for the next week you may think your activities will be limited, but with a little wet weather planning you'll find that there are plenty of rainy day adventures to keep your vacation from being a total washout. Grab your raincoat and an umbrella - Here are some top suggestions to help you embrace the springtime soak.
Biltmore - With approximately 250 rooms to discover in the house alone, you'll have plenty of time indoors to take in the beautiful decor from this late 19th century mansion. The winery tour and greenhouses will also provide shelter from the elements.

The Health Adventure - This one is perfect for the kids. Experience a fun-filled educational experience that sparks curiosity about health and science. Here you'll find traveling exhibits like Curious George and Sesame Street and permanent exhibits that will stimulate your child's senses.

Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking - Get outside! The rain is a water sport enthusiast's best friend. The current will be faster and the rapids will be larger. Who cares if it's raining if you're already in the water, right?

Hiking & Waterfall Hunting - Many people think you need a sunny day for the perfect hike, but Asheville's mountains are almost magical in the rain. You'll need to wear the right shoes and exercise caution in case of slippery surfaces (no climbing up waterfall faces!), but those waterfalls will be roaring giving anyone willing to make the trek a spectacular show. You'll see why our mountains are considered temperate rainforests.

Coffee & Chocolate - Dry off, warm up and tantalize your taste buds at one of the many unique coffee and chocolate shops around the area. The French Broad Chocolate Lounge, The Chocolate Fetish and Old Europe are some great choices in downtown Asheville, but they are not the only places the locals love. There are many places to choose from.

Opal in jewelry

2011-05-13T14:37:00.001-07:00

There are worlds in an opal. ~Astrid Alauda

Opal is found all over the world, but over 90% of the supply comes from Australia. Here are the three main ways that opal is prepared for jewelry use:

1. Boulder opal. Boulder opal accounts for about 2% of the market. It's simply pure opal that's cut into shape and sold as is. This is the most expensive type of opal and has the most depth and range of color.

"Temporal", boulder opal pendant by Chris Van Dyke

2. Doublet. Opal doublets are a thin slice of opal that's glued onto a darker material like basalt. This is the most common type of opal set in jewelry and is the most bang for your buck. This gives you the great shine and color of opal at far less cost than pure boulder opal.

Gold pendant set with a opal doublet by Jim Charneski

3. Triplet. This is a doublet with another material over the top, often a clear quartz. This is the least expensive option and is usually reserved for less quality material.

Opal triplet.

When shopping for opal, reds and yellows indicate a higher quality stone. Look at the stone from different angles to see how the light plays off of each. Better opal will have a display of color from every direction.

Opal is the birthstone of October.

Opal jewelry in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

Asheville jewelers: Sharon Bailey and Joan Bazzle, fine silver

2011-05-06T13:59:00.001-07:00

Designs in silver by Asheville jewelers Sharon Bailey and Joan Bazzle, now at Van Dyke Jewelry.

Heart of Hearts Pendant, Sharon Bailey

Vibrant red translucent Bakelite set in patina silver with heart designs set into the background.

Summer Tree, Joan Bazzle

Enamel tree design set in polished silver with seed pearls and agate.

Baby ball in cage earrings and pendant set, Sharon Bailey

Patina silver with a loose silver bead in the center. Sharon also makes these with colored Bakelite beads.

Druzy rings, Joan Bazzle

Druzy quartz rings set in decorated silver.

Exceptional silver jewelry by Asheville jewelers Joan Bazzle and Sharon Bailey. Visit Sharon at her studio this weekend at the Weaverville Art Safari. May 7th and 8th.

4.28.11:Asheville Mall Student Art Show

2011-05-03T12:11:00.001-07:00

At the Asheville mall now. Anyone else notice that Cinnabon closed up?

4.28.11:Asheville Mall Student Art Show

via Asheville ~:~ CLicKs by clkunst@clicksphotography.net (C.L. Kunst) on 4/29/11

The Asheville Mall is currently hosting their spring Student Art Show with entries from schools all over the area. There are some really beautiful pieces on display and it gives me hope for the next generation of artists as well as give thanks for the teachers that are inspiring these kids. As a part of the show, the Old Navy Store at the mall hosted a combined chorus presentation of singers from Emma and Johnston Elementary School, led by their mutual chorus director Mr. Preston Prince. The kids performed their entire Spring Show, which is comprised of several selections from the TV show Glee!, and did a great job in front of a packed store of parents and shoppers. Thanks very much to Mr. Prince for bringing his passion for music to our kids and going the extra mile, providing them with performance opportunities outside of school!

How much is your gold jewelry worth?

2011-04-29T12:57:00.001-07:00

There is no better time than right now to sell your unused gold jewelry. As of this writing pure gold is over 1500/oz, the highest it's ever been.

But, there is more to getting a proper idea of value than you think. Here is how jewelers determine the value of your gold.

When you buy gold jewelry without gemstones what you are paying for is the labor involved to make that item, cost of the materials, and of course, profit. When you sell your gold to be melted down, all you are getting back from the piece is the value of the material. But this will vary depending on the amount of actual gold in the item.

Lets say you have a nice heavy wedding band that weighs 8 grams. Due to the fact that alloys (other metals besides gold) are mixed with gold to make jewelry, out that 8 grams you would only have 3.328 grams of pure gold if it is 10K, 4.68 grams if it is 14k, and 6 grams it was an 18 karat gold band. (There is no difference between white and yellow gold in the amount of gold in the item.)

So, if the gold price is resting at $1500 an ounce you will have $160.51 for a 10k ring, $225.73 for a 14k ring, and $289.39 dollars if it's 18k. How much of that value you secure in selling your ring depends on where you sell and how good you are at bargaining.

Shop around and get at least a couple of quotes to make sure you are getting a fair deal. Good luck!

Go Off the Beaten Path at the Weaverville Art Safari

2011-04-26T13:02:00.001-07:00

Brochure/maps are available now at Van Dyke Jewelry! Many of our artists are located in the North side, including: Susan Hutchinson, wrought iron, Sharon Bailey, silver and Bakelite jewelry, and Lee Davis, hand painted pottery.

This is one of the best studio events in Asheville and a beautiful drive out of town.

Go Off the Beaten Path at the Weaverville Art Safari

via Asheville Travel Blog by Asheville on 4/26/11

The Weaverville Art Safari is celebrating it's 10th anniversary from May 6 - 7, 2011. (Mother's Day weekend)
Take the opportunity to explore the scenic wonders of the Asheville area of Western North Carolina, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in springtime, on this free, self-guided tour of artists’ home art studios. You’ll have access to a variety of different studios, representing dozens of local and visiting artists. Browse their new works, watch art-making demonstrations, and purchase art directly from the artists themselves.
A wide range of artwork will be on display and available for purchase at the various studios: Jewelry, Glass Art, Paintings, Garden Art, Sculpture, Pottery, Furniture, Fiber Arts, and more!

Printed 4-color brochures will be available from the information booth located on Main Street in Weaverville during Art Safari weekend. Using the brochure map, and watching for the Art Safari street signs, you’ll be able to guide yourself to studios all over the area. The spectacular beauty of spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a bonus feature.

Besides the many art studios open to the public, on Friday night, May 6, there is a very special Preview Party in an exciting new location. Claxton Farm, located just a few miles north of Weaverville, is a wonderful place for high-end weddings and corporate functions and will be hosting this wonderful event. The fun begins at 7 p.m. and includes door prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a cash bar. The highlight of the evening is a silent auction featuring art from participating artists. Guests have the opportunity to bid on gallery-worthy works of art selected exclusively for the event and its patrons. Event tickets are $10 at the door with additional door prize tickets available for $5 each. All event proceeds fund future Weaverville Art Safari events.
For more information regarding the event please visit the Art Safari website. If you are traveling in to the Asheville area and are looking for a place to rest your head at night, then check here.

The quickest potter

2011-04-23T16:21:00.001-07:00

This is really neat. If you are at all interested in pottery this is worth the two minutes. I didn't expect all the detail!

How to Customize Your Own Flip Flops

2011-04-21T13:17:00.001-07:00

Customized flip flops! This looks fairly easy too..

Crafts in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

How to Customize Your Own Flip Flops

via CraftStylish - All featured posts on 4/20/11

Posted by CraftStylish_Editors
Customize a pair of flip flops to coordinate with every outfit in your closet.

Sign Up Now - Pulp Painting Class in May

2011-04-15T14:35:00.001-07:00

New pulp painting class from our own Chery Cratty. She uses a porcupine quill to apply her paper pulp, building up her images from a black canvas. This will be an excellent three day get away. Includes housing and meals!

Art in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chery Cratty <chery3@me.com>
Date: Fri, Apr 15, 2011 at 3:41 PM
Subject: Sign Up Now - Pulp Painting Class in May
To: Chery Cratty <chery3@me.com>

PULP PAINTING CLASS MAY 27 - 29, 2011

UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULED AT TENNESSEE TECH'S APPALACHIAN CENTER FOR CRAFTS CAMPUS.

This year, the school is also offering onsite housing, and meals.

There is a new chef, and the food is fabulous!

This is always a fun class, and the campus is beautiful.

Click on : APPALACHIAN CENTER FOR CRAFTS CAMPUS for all the details.

Email me if you need more info.

Hope to see you there!

Chery Cratty, Pulp Painter

cherycratty.com

chery3@me.com

Introducing Mija-fiber art from vintage clothing

2011-04-07T14:18:00.001-07:00

Memories by Mija

Introducing fiber art centerpieces by Mija using recycled clothing, now on display at Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

After washing, the clothing needs to be disassembled and meticulously cut into strips before sewn into each piece. The designs have amazing depth; you get a different experience depending on where you view the piece.

For more on Jim and Libby Mijanovich and their artistic process watch this:

http://youtu.be/GYeJ0obGr6Q

Art in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Ikebana Art

2011-04-06T14:25:00.001-07:00

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging that is used as a form of meditation. The design of the vase is part of the display. Each stem and flower is carefully placed to achieve a proper balance in the display.

Below are some very cool examples of the work.

Asheville potter Lee Davis makes a line of Ikebana vases and flower arrangers with his "Zen" glaze.

Asheville pottery from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Ikebana Art

via Zuza Fun by Zuza on 8/9/10

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement dates back approximately 500 years ago. Share on Facebook

Enamel silver and gold jewelry by Joan Bazzle

2011-04-02T13:08:00.001-07:00

Summer Tree by Joan Bazzle

Introducing the fine enamel jewelry by Joan Bazzle, now on display at Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

We are simply blown away with Joan's exquisite work with gold and silver. She brings 40 years of experience to the table and it shows in every detail.

Napolean

From her website:

Creativity is breath to me.....a life force. I wasn't taught how to be creative in schools....although I attended them. Pedantry and pedigrees have never concerned me. I don't intend to suffocate you with grandiose elaborations about my history....lets just say it's been colorful. I have had many talented "mentors" along my journey who served as guideposts for my creative ambitions, and I am thankful for their shared knowledge.

Her work on display at Van Dyke's uses rare and unusual gemstones, pearls, gold, silver, and even beads set up with finely detailed enamel work. Prices range from $100 on up!

Member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Aunt Betty's Button's

Jewelry in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Friday gallery walk- New artists, wine, and live music

2011-03-29T14:59:00.001-07:00

"Trout Lily" by Laura Sims, Aprils featured artist

Spring Gallery Walk

The first downtown gallery walk is this Friday at 5. We will be featuring new work from many of our artists, as well as bringing in three new surprise collections.

This will be an exciting evening with live music, wine, and some of the artists on hand to talk about their work. Don't miss it!

Here is a website with links to many of the galleries participating in the event:

http://www.zvents.com/z/asheville-nc/asheville-downtown-gallery-association-art-walk--events--152757105

See you there!

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

12 Most Creative Objects Inspired by the Rubik's Cube

2011-03-26T14:27:00.001-07:00

I want the flash drive.

12 Most Creative Objects Inspired by the Rubik's Cube

via Oddee - on 3/12/11

Meet some of the coolest stuff inspired by the world's most popular cube.

Things to do in Asheville – April’s Fool Art Walk

2011-03-25T12:56:00.001-07:00

First art walk of the year next Friday! Live music right here at Van Dyke Jewelry from the legendary Ken Cope. You might know him from Sunday nights at Jack of the Wood!

Things to do in Asheville – April’s Fool Art Walk

via Mountain Made Art Gallery by Staff on 3/24/11

First of the summer Art Walk series will be held on Friday, April 1st, 2011 from 5PM to 8PM. Mountain Made will join in the celebration by hosting a live event with various local musicians. Light refreshments will be served. “Art walks are wonderful, yet many people still aren’t sure what one is” says Melinda [...]

Welcome New Merchants

2011-03-25T12:29:00.001-07:00

More great pottery in Asheville from Ray Pottery, originally from Seagrove, NC. It's hard to believe the Grove Arcade is 95% leased. Check it out, it's much more vibrant than a couple of years ago.

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Welcome New Merchants

via Grove Arcade by lindsay on 3/25/11

Downtown’s Grove Arcade is pleased to welcome new businesses to the iconic Asheville building. Continue reading →

Art In A Light Bulb

2011-03-22T13:08:00.001-07:00

Really fine detail work is always fascinating. I guess that's why I'm in the jewelry business!

I've never seen anything like this with a light bulb. The only thing that tops it is the pencil led sculptures.

Art, Craft, and Jewelry in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Art In A Light Bulb

via Zuza Fun by Zuza on 2/25/11

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Metal Detectorist find stolen jewelry in Asheville, NC

2011-03-21T08:27:00.001-07:00

With gold hovering around 1400/oz., maybe it's time to buy a metal detector and start a new hobby!

Jewelry in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Metal Detectorist find stolen jewelry in Asheville, NC

via Treasure Hunting by admin on 8/16/10

These are the kind of events that makes Metal Detecting a truly honorable hobby.
Black Mountain, Asheville, NC — A group of metal-detecting enthusiasts helped police find some stolen jewelry last week.
The jewelry was stolen in a string of home break-ins last month. Five town residents were arrested in the case. The Police Department approached the metal-detecting hobbyists and gave them the approximate location of where they thought the suspected criminals disposed of some items.
The treasure hunters did the rest of the work.

“They did a good job,” police Sgt. Rob Austin said.

Mike Post, a Swannanoa Valley resident and dealer for Minelab brand metal detectors, recruited members of the Blue Ridge Metal Detecting Club and posted a message on Treasurenet.com, a website for hobbyists. They converged on the site Aug. 5 at the end of Vance Avenue and Montreat’s In the Oaks campus, and began sweeping the area, Post said.

Another man out for a walk discovered some jewelry boxes after the searchers told him what they where looking for. They were able to use their metal detectors to uncover the jewelry hidden beneath the leaves and dirt.

“It doesn’t take long for this stuff to bury itself,” Post said. “It settles once it rains and the wind blows.”

Club members came from as far as Sylva, and one man who was traveling through the area from Illinois made a detour to attend after seeing the post on Treasurenet.com.

“It was a good idea,” Austin said. “It panned out.”

The jewelry is now being processed as evidence. Austin is reviewing descriptions from police reports filed immediately after the break-ins to match the jewelry with the owners.
He said the case underscores the need for homeowners to document their possessions with photographs and record the serial numbers of possessions. Having photos can help homeowners claim their stolen goods if they are recovered, and serial numbers can help law enforcement officials track items through nationwide databases.

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A colorful festival of flowers at Biltmore this spring

2011-03-19T14:56:00.001-07:00

April is a welcome busy month on the Biltmore Estate, and it looks like this year will be a good one.

From the Citizen Times:

A meadow of white, purple, pink, yellow and red tulips will welcome guests at the estate's entrance. Tulips in the Walled Garden will shine in hues of purple, orange, yellow and white. Midfestival will feature lavender shades of alyssum, orange snapdragons, poppies, dianthus and digitalis for a rainbow-colored finish in the Walled Garden.

It's going to be a great 2011!

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110319/LIVING/303190008/Biltmore-s-Festival-Flowers-leads-colorful-bloom-season

http://www.vandykejewery.com

Studios & Restaurants open year-round

2011-03-18T15:43:00.001-07:00

The River Arts District is a great way to spend these beautiful early spring days. There is always something new opening up, and if nothing else you can always have a beer on the Wedge patio.

It's amazing how vibrant Asheville remains, with new things opening up and getting built all the time. As I write this I'm watching a new olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting gallery get set up across the street, Olive and Kickin. The grand opening looks to be tomorrow and I can't wait to check it out.

Studios & Restaurants open year-round

via Home by River Arts District on 2/25/10

Ikebana vases and flower arrangers by Lee Davis

2011-01-13T11:58:00.001-08:00

These ikebana vases and flower arrangers are part of Lee Davis' Zen collection, featuring his signature dark glaze. The above version could be used as an oil lamp or vase for flowers.

Ikebana is a Japanese tradition of arranging flowers with a emphasis on the shape of each individual stem, and how it relates to the container.

From wiki:

Another aspect present in ikebana is its employment of minimalism. That is, an arrangement may consist of only a minimal number of blooms interspersed among stalks and leaves. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man and in others sun, moon, and earth. The container is a key element of the composition, and various styles of pottery may be used in their construction.

Below is another, simpler version with a clay branch form for an arranger.

Jewelry and crafts in Asheville, NC

Estate cameo

2011-01-11T11:08:00.001-08:00

Here is one of the more recent additions to our collection of estate jewelry in Asheville.

Her necklace is set with a small .1ct. diamond.

Man finds and returns a 12karat yellow diamond ring

2011-01-08T08:18:00.001-08:00

You have to see this thing. The reporter says, "and this ring was special..it was a 30th anniversary present." I sure hope a 12 karat diamond is for a special occasion.

Ah, no big deal, that was just a little surprise I got for cleaning the house...

It really is so big that it looks like a kids toy.

http://news.yahoo.com/video/minneapoliswcco-15750988/man-finds-returns-12-car...

You have to love these stories about how kind people can be.

Opening at Blue Spiral 1 in Asheville, Thursday, January 6th

2011-01-07T14:15:00.001-08:00

Jason Bige Burnett is doing some very cool work in clay, sort of the Ralph Steadman of the pottery world. Check him out from January 6th at the Blue Spiral gallery.

Opening at Blue Spiral 1 in Asheville, Thursday, January 6th

via (title unknown) by Penland on 1/5/11

Vowels and Bowels by Jason Bige Burnett

Be sure to check out Southeastern Emerging Clay Artists, featuring Penland core student Jason Bige Burnett, in the Showcase Gallery at Blue Spiral 1 in Asheville, from January 6 to March 26. And don’t miss recent Penland resident artist Margaret Couch Cogswell’s solo show in the Small Format Gallery right across the hall.

The opening reception for both shows, as well as New x 3, a Main Gallery exhibit of artists new to Blue Spiral, will be this Thursday, January 6, from 5-8 pm.

Click here for more information from Blue Spiral 1′s website.

Have a look at Jason and Margaret’s websites, while you’re at it.

See you there.

Multi-colored sapphire and diamond estate bracelet

2011-01-03T14:55:00.001-08:00

This set of multi-colored natural sapphire and diamond pendant and bracelet is one of our newest estate jewelry finds, and one of the best deals in the store.

Featuring 468 diamonds in the bracelet and 53 in the pendant, and 19 natural sapphires between them. It's also one of the most unique estate pieces we have. The pendant is set on a thin chain and gives a lightness to the piece.

The bracelet has a good amount of gold for secure setting, and a nice clasp.

Estate jewelry in Asheville, NC from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Downtown deals, end of the season

2011-01-01T11:21:00.001-08:00

Sapphire and Diamond Pendant, Chris Van Dyke

Well, we made it another year. This weekend is the Asheville's last hurrah for the season, and if your shopping downtown you'll find plenty of good deals. Everybody want's to get rid of as much inventory as possible before the winter really sets in.

Here's one from Mountain Made in the Grove Arcade, a whopping 30% off their inventory!

http://www.mtnmade.com/blog/2010/mountain-made-30-off-new-year-sale/

Happy New Year to everyone!

Chris Van Dyke and Ryan Brower

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Handmade wood cigar pens

2010-12-30T14:38:00.001-08:00

Cigar pens by Allen Davis from Waynesville, NC, now at 20% off. Also available in a slimline version.

For more on crafts in Asheville, NC, please visit our Squidoo lens: http://www.squidoo.com/crafts-in-asheville

10 unusual Christmas trees

2010-12-29T14:32:00.001-08:00

Tired of the same, boring old...tree for a Christmas tree? How bout making one out of Mtn. Dew cans?

Or Swarovski crystals?

http://www.zuzafun.com/10-unusual-christmas-trees

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft in Asheville, NC

After Christmas Sale

2010-12-27T11:39:00.001-08:00

We are running our after Christmas sale all this week, with 20% off almost everything in the store.

This includes all of our local Asheville arts and crafts, Christmas ornaments, and most of our original jewelry designed by Chris!

We still have a great inventory of handmade items in stock, including: silk scarves and ties, wrought iron wall art, fabric wall hangings, and turned wood. Now is the time to stock up!

Select individual jewelry pieces and estate jewelry is excluded.

Sale ends on New Years Eve, this Friday.

Can you believe this year's almost over?

All natural golden pearls, an amazing process

2010-12-20T11:55:00.001-08:00

It's truly amazing how much goes into the jewelry we wear. Weather it's mined gems or these pearls.

Here are some great photo's of the process involved with farming all natural golden pearls.

http://www.zuzafun.com/the-road-to-a-golden-pearl/

Elf yourself-you gotta try it

2010-12-19T14:55:00.001-08:00

All you need is a good picture of your face to make a dancing elf of yourself. This is great.

Go to http://www.elfyourself.jibjab.com.

Get your shop on | Asheville Arts and Entertainment | Mountain Xpress

2010-12-18T16:01:00.001-08:00

Get your shop on

by Alli Marshall on 12/16/2010
Related topics: shopping, local business, trunk show, local economy, Locally Made

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There are eight shopping days left, people. This is no time to rest on your laurels. Luckily, the opportunities to score cool, unique, local gifts are abundant this weekend.

• Robin Plemmons holds a trunk show featuring “booze! Whore d’oeuvres! ...Christmas gifts that will make you pee!” at L.O.F.T. (53 Broadway St.). 5-10 p.m.

• The Jolly Jaunt takes place on Lexington Ave. on Saturday, 7-10 p.m. Participating stores (HoneyPot, Nest Organics, Virtue, Cornerstone Minerals, Write-On, Hip Replacements, The Costume Shoppe, Izzy’s Coffee Den and Mountain Lights) will be open late with cider, cookies, family fun and sales.

• Magic: A Scrollwork Designs Trunk Show takes place at Mountain Java Westridge (901 Smokey Park Hwy.) on Sunday, Dec. 19, 3-6 p.m. It’s “a celebration of all things silver and shiny [above] featuring handcrafted art jewelry by local artisan and silversmith Clarity Collins.”

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via mountainx.com

Only eight days left of shopping time! Good thing I don't need to go anywhere to get what I need.

Don't forget that there are plenty of local Asheville artists on Etsy, for those of you who like to shop online.

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Antique style gold ring by Chris Van Dyke

2010-12-16T14:38:00.001-08:00

See this antique style ring by Chris Van Dyke on page 56 of the November/December issue of WNC magazine.

A Golden Moment by Chery Cratty

2010-12-12T13:55:00.001-08:00

A Golden Moment is our latest gallery centerpiece. A three paneled fiber pulp painting that's done by Chery Cratty using a porcupine quill!

When it dries, it's paper. The textured surface looks a bit like paper mache and has a lot of depth.

Asheville art from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Appalachian Vocabulary Test 26

2010-12-10T12:47:00.001-08:00

Here is a cool blog I came across about traditional Appalachian life. Here is a little vocabulary to help those of us new to the area.

Appalachian Vocabulary Test 26

via Blind Pig & The Acorn by Tipper on 12/7/10

Time for this month's Appalachain Vocabulary Test-take it and see how you do. Mourners bench Mouth Meanness Mash Mar up Mourners bench-bench or seat placed at the altar of a church and used for calling out to God in need;...
(Please-click on the title to continue reading-thank you!)

Breakdancing Santa Flashmob in Asheville NC

2010-12-09T14:53:00.001-08:00

Had to share this one, thanks Ask Asheville.

Breakdancing Santa Flashmob in Asheville NC

via Asheville North Carolina by Ask Asheville North Carolina on 12/8/10

Tis the Season! Santa comes to Asheville North Carolina without his reindeer and with some awesome new dance moves.
AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog - Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media
AVL Blog Videos Social Media

How to make 5-pointed paper snowflakes

2010-12-08T14:52:00.001-08:00

I bet you remember doing this as a kid. I really like the red paper, and they look great used to spruce up a gift.

Asheville crafts from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

How to make 5-pointed paper snowflakes

via How About Orange by noreply@blogger.com (Jess) on 12/8/10

Though no longer in elementary school, I still get a kick out of paper snowflakes. I made this snowflake garland the other night from origami paper, dental floss, and tape.
Most snowflakes are based on 4- or 8-pointed stars (fold a square in half diagonally and keep halving it until it's nearly too thick to cut). The second and third flakes in this garland are based on a 5-pointed star. Download the 5-point folding directions right here. I hope these make sense! I think they're easier to cut since there are fewer paper layers.
Here's an 8-pointer. Unfolding is my favorite part; it's practically as thrilling as bungee jumping. To get them nice and flat, iron your snowflakes with the steam setting turned off.

Bee Glow Christmas ornaments

2010-12-06T14:36:00.001-08:00

Larkspur Bee Globe Christmas Ornament

It's hard for me to use the word cute, but I can't think of any other way to describe these Bee Global Christmas ornaments. They will be arriving later this week.

We also have ornaments still in stock from five other local artists, most for under $25.

Five Reasons to Visit Asheville, North Carolina | CheapOair (Not sure about the skiing!)

2010-12-05T09:46:00.001-08:00

via blog.cheapoair.com

It's nice to see Asheville, and especially the Asheville arts, getting a nod from a big travel website.

These all seem like great reasons to visit to me, with the possible exception of skiing. I usually make a trip to Boone for the halfway decent skiing. Maybe I'm just spoiled from my time in Telluride, Colorado.

A Warm and Special Holiday Thank You from Bee Global

2010-12-03T11:30:00.001-08:00

A holiday special from Bee Global. The Bee Globes have been a very popular item in the store this season. Check them out on their website: http://www.beeglow.com/

A Warm and Special Holiday Thank You from Bee Global

via The Royal Jelly by crim on 12/3/10

Spend $100 on our products and in appreciation we will include a beeswax ornament of your choice, with a gift box ($25 value).

Folk Art Center Holiday Sale, 10-50% off

2010-12-02T14:18:00.001-08:00

Leaf Charger by Charles Donaldson

The Folk Art Center will be having it's annual artist holiday sale on December 4th and 11th. This is the only opportunity all year to get discounts on local handmade arts and crafts, from 10-50%.

Each day will have different artists, so if you go both days you get the most variety. For a list of participants, click here:

http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/pages/posts/guild-artists-holiday-sale-8.php

Come see our glass artist, Charles Donaldson, on December 11th!

Ikebana lamp by Lee Davis

2010-11-29T12:48:00.001-08:00

The Zen Collection

This Ikebana vase can be used as an oil lamp or flower arranger.

We have a new shipment of these incredible vases by Lee Davis just in time for Christmas.

We also have small flower arrangers for as low as $55.

Local handmade Christmas ornaments

2010-11-24T09:44:00.001-08:00

Copper leaf ornament by Jim Charneski

Happy Turkey eve!

We have had Christmas ornaments arriving from our local artists all through the week.

Priced from $24-36, these make a wonderful unique gift or souvenier from Asheville.

So far we have ornaments from five different artists in the area, including clay, glass, wood, and metal peices.

Come down this weekend and get them during our Black Friday sale at 15% off!

Peridot silver rings

2010-11-21T13:56:00.001-08:00

Peridot "shepards hook" by Cris Van Dyke

Peridot, the August birthstone is one of those semi-precious stones that's equally at home in silver and gold. The ring pictured above is one of Chris' classic silver design's, and our second most viewed ring on Etsy. In fact, we have the ring set with two different other stones and they don't have the views combined that this ring has.

There is something special about this green stone. It only comes in green, varying from yellowish to brownish in shades. One of our most resent custom rings was a very large peridot set in 14k gold and surrounded by diamonds. How's that for versatility?

We like the gemstone so much that we are dedicating a Squidoo lens just for silver peridot rings: http://www.squidoo.com/peridot-silver-ring

Asheville jewelry by Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

White vase by Erin Janow

2010-11-19T15:56:00.001-08:00

We have some new pottery from Erin Janow just in today. Including some new work with her signature white glaze.

White Sapphire engagement ring by Jim Charneski

2010-11-18T13:40:00.001-08:00

White and yellow gold band with a very rare 1.3ct. white sapphire.

Custom engagement ring by Jim Charneski in Asheville, NC.

Etchings, engravings, and paintings by Jay Pfeil

2010-11-16T14:35:00.001-08:00

Introducing Jay Pfeil, one of our featured artists at the gallery this holiday season. Her prints are limited runs with very few proofs and come in a wide range of prices.

Highly detailed, beautiful work. Member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Art in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

The Beat: Here comes Santa Claus (Asheville holiday parade this Saturday)

2010-11-15T08:57:00.001-08:00

We hope you can make it downtown this Saturday to see the Asheville holiday parade. We are stocking up on local handmade Christmas ornaments!

The Beat: Here comes Santa Claus

via MountainX: Blogs on 11/14/10

The holiday season gets an early start this year, with the Asheville Holiday Parade kicking things off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. The 2010 theme is “Mountain Magic!” and Parade Director Sandie Rhodes of the Asheville Downtown Association promises that it will be sure to “conjure up different things for different people, but all very happy things.” “There’s the magic of Christmas and the holidays, so [the theme] seemed to be pretty good,” she adds, noting that for the first time, a number of magicians and jugglers will be stationed throughout the parade route to entertain the crowd. Now in it’s 64th year, the spectacle is one of downtown’s biggest family attractions and a boon to local businesses. “There’s so much family history and memories people have about the parade,” Rhodes explains. “I…

Pulp fiber painting using a porcupine quill!

2010-11-14T10:53:00.001-08:00

Summer Sumac by Chery Cratty

Chery creates these landscapes using a porcupine quill, applying little pieces of colored fiber one little bit at a time. We met her at the Southern Highland Craft Show and are currently the only gallery in Asheville to feature her work.

All of her paintings are original works, to make prints of them would not give the image the proper depth.

Come see these vibrant, dimensional works of art today!

Asheville art from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

History of diamonds in an engagement ring

2010-11-12T14:06:00.001-08:00

The diamond has only recently become the standard engagement ring

Diamonds, though expensive today, were especially expensive prior to the late 19^th century, when they discovered large diamond deposits in Africa. Coincidentally, this large diamond discovery happened during the industrial revolution in the United States. This combination of increased size of the middle class and an increase in supply prompted the rise in popularity of diamonds as engagement rings that continues today. In the United States, 80% of engagement rings are set with a diamond.

Throughout much of history, engagement rings were simple bands made out of the best material the couple could afford. This could be many different metals or even found objects in nature. During the pioneer days when puritans were settling the country the common engagement ring was a thimble. This would be worn until after the wedding when the top would be cut off to form a ring. Let me know if you find a woman that would be happy with a thimble.

It's a beautiful gift if you can afford one, but by all means refrain from going into debt for it. Early in the 20th century the largest diamond company, DeBeers, marketed the 2-3 months salary idea as the “proper” amount you should spend. How long will it take you to save that amount? Say you make 30,000, that's 5,000-7,500 for a ring. That amount will get you a very big diamond, way more than most people have. In fact, as of 2007, the average spent on an engagement ring was $2100, far more reasonable. For that price you can get a very nice ring in a solidly made setting.

Remember this is a token of your love, not some way to keep up with your neighbors. Yet somehow that DeBeers benchmark has stuck, making most of the grooms feel guilty for staying with their means. For something really special, buy a diamond with what you can afford(say 1 months earnings) and use a local bench jeweler for a quality custom setting. Practicality and prudence are valuable too, and I'm sure she'll appreciate those qualities in her future husband.

New Fall Silk Paintings by Laura Sims

2010-11-11T10:51:00.001-08:00

Autumn Maple by Laura Sims

Introducing a new line of silk fabric wall hangings for the fall season by Laura Sims.

A slightly abstract departure from her spring flowers series, these paintings feature close up's of fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The blues, greens, yellows, and vibrant reds are a perfect centerpiece for the fall.

Each piece comes with a wall mount designed by Laura out of local NC hardwoods and has two layers to create a sense of depth in the image.

You haven't seen anything like these silk paintings.

For more on her vat dye discharge method and her teaching schedule, visit her website at: http://indigostonestudio.com

Asheville art and crafts from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

Introducing the turned wood of Allen Davis

2010-11-09T13:36:00.001-08:00

Purple Heart Bowl

Beginning this week we will be featuring the functional turned wood of Allen Davis from Winchester Woodworks.

Come down this month to see the wide variety of designs in domestic and exotic wood from his shop in Waynesville, NC, including wood table settings, bowls, wine stoppers, and hand carved pens.

Allen is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and has been turning wood since "retirement" in 1997.

From his website:

Woodworker Davis spent his professional years as head of two Florida corporations. With leisure time to be filled in 1997, the retired executive revived his interest in woodcraft, dormant since teen years in Industrial Arts classes.
Largely self-taught, he works from his studio/shop in Waynesville, NC, surrounded by great stacks of logs, stumps, branches, roots, castoff cuts, rejected knotty burls, and other natural resources awaiting transformation. Bartered treasures from other craftsmen-pottery & glass-often add artistic function to his turned bowls and trays. Another interest-motorhome travel-presents opportunities to gather unusual additions to his raw materials: Florida beach driftwood, California redwood roots, Louisiana swamp cypress and pecan, Mississippi tupelo or black gum, North Carolina dogwood and apple, and weathered South Carolina barnwood.

Davis attended the University of Miami in Florida, has taken classes at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, and has studied privately with recognized wood turning specialists-Nick Cook, Don Russell and the late Willard Baxter.

Allen is a big believer in functional art, something we can appreciate. He is proud that all his work is made to be used, and just happens to be beautiful.

I believe that art can and should be combined with functionality. My work has value for my buyers because I focus on function. Creating artful one-of-a-kind items from nature’s bounty with a utilitarian purpose seems to me to be the best of both worlds--practical, yet beautiful works of art.

Well said! We are very excited to feature local turned wood in the gallery, and very lucky that Allen chose us to showcase his art.

Asheville crafts from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

2010 THANKSGIVING ARTISANS DRIVE-ABOUT TOUR, November 26-27, 2010( with Bee Global)

2010-11-08T08:27:00.001-08:00

Japanese Maple Bee Glow Lantern

Van Dyke Jewelry is now featuring hand made Bee Glow Lanterns from Bee Global, a member of the Craft Guild from Robbinsville, NC who has been producing them since 1996.

These beautiful lanterns are made with beeswax and decorated with dried flowers and other ornamental leaves. Light a tea light and put it inside to create a nice soft glow. They smell wonderful and will last for years with no more maintenance then a wipe with a soft cloth.

From the website:

Bee Glow™ lanterns are individually crafted, joining the finest natural beeswax with delicately placed flora to produce a lantern with a peaceful, soft glow and soothing fragrance. The beeswax lantern, when illuminated with a tealight votive, creates a tranquil light that silhouettes our original designs as the light shines from within.

You can check out their studio at the Thanksgiving Drive-About Tour coming up on November 26th.

Here is the website for more information: www.beeglow.com

Christmas ornaments

2010-11-03T13:28:00.001-07:00

We will be getting some Christmas ornaments in this month from some other Southern Highland Craft Guild artists. Here is a video on part of the process of making a glass ornament. The sound isn't very good but this gives you an idea of the effort that goes into each piece.

The Thanksgiving parade is only a couple of weeks away, and then it's time to get a Christmas tree!

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft in Asheville, NC

Silk Scarves by Laura Sims

2010-11-02T14:20:00.001-07:00

A splash of color for your fall wardrobe

Laura has a beautiful selection of silk scarves and ties in addition to her fabric wall hangings at the gallery. She uses a marbling technique in a variety of colors and has even wrote a book on the subject!

Come and see the latest inventory this November, including her new fall series of silk paintings.

Weaverville Art Safari this weekend, featuring 43 artists

2010-11-01T12:47:00.001-07:00

The Weaverville Art Safari is happening this weekend, and it's an excellent opportunity to see the studios where some of the Asheville jewelry and crafts are made. Many of the artists we feature in the gallery are located in North Asheville, including Lee Davis, Susan Hutchinson, and Sharon Bailey.

The event is from 10-6 on Saturday and Sunday. From the website:

The Weaverville Art Safari was formed in April 2001, through the joint efforts of local artists and owners of area Bed and Breakfasts.

Weaverville, approximately 20 minutes north of the widely known art destination of Asheville, North Carolina, is the home and workplace of many of the area artists. The core activities of the Weaverville Art Safari are self-guided tours of the various artists' studios, tucked away in the countryside communities of Weaverville, Barnardsville, and Alexander.

This falls event features 43 local artists, and is the last studio tour of the year. Stop by the gallery for a map and brochure, or visit their website here.

Asheville silver jewelry with Bakelite by Sharon Bailey

2010-10-31T12:48:00.001-07:00

Above: Heart of Hearts Pendant

Sharon Bailey uses vintage Bakelite and Argentium sterling silver to create her line of Asheville jewelry. She is currently producing a number of different styles of jewelry, including the heart series shown above and a nature collection inspired by her property in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Bakelite was the first synthetic plastic, developed in the 30's and used for everything in the 40's and 50's. It's no longer in production, but due to it's strength and vibrant color it makes excellent jewelry, which is the main use for it today. All Bakelite is now considered a collectors item, and finding an interesting "lot" has become a second hobby for many jewelers.

Sharon cuts and forms each piece of Bakelite, fixing it to her designs in Argentium sterling silver. Argentium is a trademarked type of silver alloy that has far superior tarnish resistance then regular sterling, while retaining the traditional 92.5% silver. If your looking for silver jewelry with less maintenance, ask for Argentium.

For more info on Sharon Bailey, visit her website at SharonBailey.com.

Asheville jewelry with Australian opal

2010-10-29T14:51:00.001-07:00

Above: Opal doublet in gold by Jim Charneski

We love the range of color in Australian opal for our Asheville jewelry. Its a very special stone that can display any color in the spectrum. We appreciate all the varieties, and carefully choose the setting to compliment the individual stone. The quality of stone will determine the type of metal we use; lower grade opal for silver, and the good stuff for gold settings.

Opal Supply

Opal is found in many places, including the United States, but 90% of the supply comes from Australia. Opal is found in small supply in a few different states of the US; Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. Mexico produces a type of transparent opal often referred to as “fire” opal that is a different class of opaque stone without the play of color you see in Australian opal. We prefer Australian opal for the depth and unique look.

Types of opal in jewelry

2% of the supply of Australian opal is boulder opal, making it the most prized and expensive. Any opal that is a solid piece of opal is boulder, and it's almost always used in fine gold or platinum jewelry. Most of the opal you see in most fine jewelry are opal doublets, thin sheets of opal that have been overlayed on top of potch opal or another material and glued together. This achieves that bright iridescence you commonly see in opal jewelry, with less material. This type of opal has a much lower cost then boulder. Opal doublets really capture attention and are the best value for the money. The third step down would be a triplet, which is a doublet with another clear material over the top of the piece, such a quartz. This layer helps to protect the stone, but is usually reserved for lesser quality opal.

What to look for

When choosing opal and opal jewelry look for a depth of color. Flashes of red or yellow that seem to dance underneath the surface, giving the stone a layered affect. The best specimens can be light or dark in color, but they will have a depth of color to them that sets them apart from cheaper stones. Better stones have more reds and yellows throughout the stone, and you want to look at the stone from every direction to see how the colors play in the light. Better quality stones will have that iridescence from every viewing angle.

Canvas: Paint and Mingle

2010-10-28T13:56:00.001-07:00

New painting business opens in West Asheville. This sounds like a great idea, no signing up for a big commitment to a full semester of classes or filling out paperwork. Just show up and learn a little something about painting. That sounds right up my ally.

They are available for parties, which sounds much more appealing then the annual trek to Fun Depot with the kids.

What a great idea.

Canvas: Paint and Mingle

via Asheville Business Blog by Marissa Jamison on 10/28/10

Canvas: Paint and Mingle is a fun, step-by-step painting class where adults and kids can walk out with their own fabulous artwork - no skills required. Grand opening is in West Asheville this coming Tuesday, November 2.
Press release below....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Canvas: Paint & Mingle to open in West Asheville on November 2, 2010. Now you can paint your own masterpiece and mingle with friends in super fun, instructor-led art classes in West Asheville. Owned by Anna Blair Publow and her husband Andrew, Canvas offers you the chance to explore you artsy side through two-hour, step-by-step paint classes. The schedule will always change but Canvas will offer evening classes for adults 7pm to 9pm during the week, classes for kids on the weekends and occasionally classes for adults weekday afternoons depending on demand.
“Canvas is an artistic and social outlet. We want people to relax and have a good time. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your inner artist and spend a great evening with friends.”
Located in the heart of West Asheville at 735-C Haywood Rd. near West End Bakery, Westville Pub and the West Village Market and Deli, Canvas provides the supplies and asks you to BYOB and snacks.
Canvas will hold its first class on November 2 so you can register now at www.paintandmingle.com or call 254.4486.
“We are planning on hosting several classes benefiting local charities in the next few months including one for Arts For Life on November 9 and one for Meals On Wheels on December 3,” says Publow. “It will be a great way to celebrate our opening and to give back to the community.” Canvas is also available for private parties for birthdays, girls’ night out, bridal and baby showers and holidays.
"Painting skills are not required but the desire to have a good time is!" says Publow.
For more information about Canvas go to www.paintandmingle.com, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter account (@paintandmingle), or call 828.254.4486.
About Canvas: Canvas is a fun and relaxing, 2-hour, step-by-step painting class that gives adults and children the chance to create their own masterpiece in a social setting. Canvas is located in West Asheville at 735-C Haywood Rd. The schedule will change weekly but there will be evening classes for adults 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, classes for kids on the weekends and occasionally classes for adults weekday afternoons depending on demand. Supplies are included but it is BYOB and snacks. Register today at www.paintandmingle.com. For more information about Canvas, please contact Anna Blair Publow at 828.254.4486.
###

Hope Diamond gets a new setting

2010-10-26T13:26:00.001-07:00

The Hope Diamond, a 52ct. deep blue diamond, has been sitting at the Smithsonian without a setting for the last year. After a public vote between three different settings, the design by the Harry Winston firm was chosen.

From the Smithsonian website:

It has traveled through the depths of the earth and around the world. It has been downsized by more than half its original size, stolen under cover of night and blamed for any number of tragedies. It has been passed around, passed down, re-set and ultimately immortalized on a pedestal in Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Now the museum is celebrating the Hope's 50th anniversary at the Smithsonian, in style, with an elegant new temporary setting.

To see the other designs submitted visit the website:

http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/show.do?show=136360#learn-more

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

New art at the gallery this week

2010-10-25T13:32:00.001-07:00

Now that the craft show is over we have some new work coming in from the artists currently in the gallery and some new faces we met at the show.

Laura Sims has brought in a wonderful line of fall themed silk fabric wall hangings. These are quite a departure from her flowers series. They feature a closer perspective of the fall foilage around the area, giving the work a more abstract look. They have a vibrant fall color scheme, with reds, yellows, and deep blues.

We are really enjoying this new work, and hope you'll come check it out.

We also just got in some work from Chery Cratty, a painter from Tennessee who works with paper fiber (pulp) that she applies with a porcupine quill! We should have her work up in the next two days, along with even more local artists. For now, you can get a preview at her website: www.cherycratty.com.

We have lot's of exciting new inventory coming in for the holiday season. We'll be sure to keep you posted as it arrives.

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

The Craft Fair of The Southern Highlands

2010-10-24T09:52:00.001-07:00

Here are some photo's of the craft show, including our own Susan Hutchinson. It looks like it took every ounce of her energy to give us that smile. Last day of the show today!

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

The Craft Fair of The Southern Highlands

via MountainX: Blogs on 10/23/10

Photos from The Craft Fair of The Southern Highlands at the Asheville Civic Center. Doll Maker Rebecca Kempson Jewelry designer and metalsmith Molly Dingledine Artist Gordon Batten

Setup of the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

2010-10-22T07:45:00.001-07:00

Some pictures of the setup at the Civic Center.

Yesterday was busy downtown with the craft show and Bill Clinton here speaking. Don't miss coming downtown this beautiful weekend!

Setup of the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

via MountainX: Blogs on 10/20/10

Photos of artisans setting up their exhibits for the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, which takes place Thursday, Oct 21 through Sunday, Oct 24 at The Asheville Civic Center.

Southern Highland Craft Show, starts today

2010-10-21T09:13:00.001-07:00

The Southern Highland Craft Show is the best way to see Asheville jewelry and local crafts all in one place. Two full levels of artists showing off their latest work.

The show happens twice a year and runs all weekend. If you haven't been it's a must see, and well worth the 7 dollar admission.

Most of the artist's that show at our gallery are members of the guild, and the following will have a booth this weekend:

Susan Hutchinson- wrought iron and fused glass. Granite tables, shelves, and other functional wrought iron art.

Laura Sims- silk wall hangings, scarves, and ties. Her work gets more attention then anything else in our gallery. We've seen nothing like it.

Lee Davis- hand painted pottery and a zen collection of ikebana vases. Don't forget to check out his pillowpots!

Chris Van Dyke- after a long hiatus from doing this event, Chris is back with a corner booth. He'll be showing his latest work in fine gold and silver jewelry.

Visit the Southern Highland website to learn more:

http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/

Come downtown this beautiful weekend and enjoy the show!

Antique Style Gold Ring by Chris Van Dyke. See it in WNC magazine

2010-10-18T08:52:00.001-07:00

Asheville jewelry by Chris Van Dyke. An antique style gold ring highlighted with a diamond. Also available in sterling silver.

Chris casts each one by hand. Made right here in Asheville.

See it in the next issue of WNC magazine!

This ring is available in our Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49789749/antique-style-diamond-ring

Sterling Silver fall collection by Sharon Bailey

2010-10-17T14:02:00.001-07:00

Asheville jeweler Sharon Bailey designed her leaf series from inspiration around her home.

Matching pendant and earrings in Argentium sterling silver and vintage Bakelite.

Click the link below and view Sharon's work on our Etsy site:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VanDykeJewelry

She has already been featured in two treasuries!

Coosing a Diamond Video part 2, Clarity

2010-10-15T14:25:00.001-07:00

Asheville jeweler Chris Van Dyke explains diamond clarity and how to save money by choosing the right grade. This is part two is our diamond buying series and a must see if you are considering a purchase.

As with the other factors, we always recommend sight inspection, and if possible a comparison of similar stones, because just because a stone has imperfections doesn't mean it wouldn't suit your purpose. Even if the inclusions are visible to the eye.

We hope you enjoy this video!

Save Money on Diamonds Video Series, Color

2010-10-14T13:50:00.001-07:00

Don't buy a diamond without watching these videos!

Chris has been working on this series of small video's to share with us his tips on buying a diamond. There is a lot of information out there; so much, in fact, that by the time you start shopping you've made up your mind on what you want.

This is the wrong approach. The best thing to do is trust your eyes. Decide if it looks good to you, in person, and with how you are going to use it. Just because the diamond doesn't have perfect characteristics "on the books" doesn't mean it wouldn't work for you, and save you a bunch of money in the process.

Click the following link to see our latest video's done in the series, on our Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/VanDykeJewelry

Here is the video on color, the most important variable on saving money on a diamond:

Asheville jewelry by Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Crafts.

Success at your art? All you need is 1000 true fans.

2010-10-13T11:44:00.001-07:00

1000 doesn't seem so hard, does it?

With all our social media apps and easy ways to communicate, it should be a snap to find 1000 people who really like your work. All you have to do is reach them.

http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2009/05/the_arc_of_comp.php

Assume conservatively that your True Fans will each spend one day's wages per year in support of what you do. That "one-day-wage" is an average, because of course your truest fans will spend a lot more than that. Let's peg that per diem each True Fan spends at $100 per year. If you have 1,000 fans that sums up to $100,000 per year, which minus some modest expenses, is a living for most folks.

Asheville jewelry at Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

Pocahontas

2010-10-11T11:59:00.001-07:00

Pocahontas is a running joke around the shop. It's our latest estate piece and weighs in at over 72 grams of 14k. gold.

I promised Chris I'd take a picture of it after he decided to carry it, so here she is.

Now is the right time to sell if you have pieces like this. Gold is at record highs, so even if you can't sell it outright, it may be worth melting it down.

Better yet, turn it into a new piece of jewelry.

Asheville jewelry, estate jewelry and crafts at Van Dyke Jewelry.

Asheville jewelry on Etsy

2010-10-10T12:33:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of Etsy shoppes selling affordable Asheville jewelry:

Misty Ridge Designs by Heather Lewis. Very affordable wired wrapped and sterling jewelry with semi precious stones. She has some nice copper earrings that are great for fall.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mistyridge?ref=seller_info

The Nesting Nomad. Very cool antiquey style jewelry made from beads and found objects.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NestingNomad?ref=seller_info

Jennifer Kelting Studios. Beaded jewelry inspired by nature.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenkelting

For more Asheville artists on Etsy an excellent resource is the Asheville Etsy Street Team blog:

http://avletsy.blogspot.com/

Happy hunting!

Map of Asheville Breweries

2010-10-08T12:11:00.001-07:00

We had some people come in that were interested in touring the local breweries around town. Most of them being a little out of the way, I couldn't give exact directions. Well here is the solution:

http://beermapping.com/maps/citymaps.php?m=asheville

Fall Color Report for October 7

2010-10-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

Here's a report on the fall color around Asheville this week. We are right on the cusp of seeing some change, and it's warmed up again. The next couple of weeks should be perfect timing for a weekend trip.

Our visitors are reporting some change up in the higher elevations. My favorites are about 45 minutes north or south of Asheville, north to Craggy Gardens, or south to Graveyard fields.

Asheville jewelry and fine craft at Van Dyke Jewelry.

Fall Color Report for October 7

via Asheville Travel Blog by Justin on 10/8/10

Changing Weather, Changing LeavesAlthough summer’s warmth lingered in Western North Carolina a bit longer than usual this year, the weather has quickly changed to ideal color-inducing conditions. The days are still warm and mostly sunny, but nighttime temperatures have been dipping into the 30s. Leaves stop producing green chlorophyll when they feel such cold, revealing their stunning fall

Ten Interesting Facts about Gold

2010-10-06T10:04:00.001-07:00

Gold is on everyone's mind right now. It's setting record prices at over $1300/ounce. That's great if you have some gold to sell, but any custom designed jewelry is going to hurt the pocketbook.

Here are some interesting facts about gold, one of the most important metals in human history.

1. Approxamatly 165,000 tonnes of gold have been mined as of 2009. This is the world stock of gold, so there is a fixed amount is what get's traded back and forth, adjusting it's price in the local currency.

2. Gold is the most malleable metal known. It can be worked into a sheet so thin as to be semi-transparent, and is even used as foil and food decoration.

3. Semi-transparent sheets of gold are used in sun visors for space suits.

4. Injectable gold reduces the pain and swelling of rhumatoid arthritis. Though eating gold is non-toxic, it doesn't get assimilated into the system and goes out the same way it came in.

5. Gold's malliability makes a superior cap and crown then porcelain. It's also a fashion statement to sport gold fillings.

6. 50% of all gold ever produced comes from South Africa.

7. At $1200/ounce, all the gold in the world is worth approxamately 6.6 Trillion dollars.

8. India is the largest consumer of gold, buying 800 tonnes of gold yearly.

9. Many sayings involving gold have surfaced with a good connotation, eg. golden rule, golden mean, golden boy.

10. Historically the gold standard is the most stable form of money supply and keeps inflation (and bad policy) in check.

Asheville jewelry by Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.

Is Bigger Better? When Bold Jewelry is Best

2010-10-05T10:17:00.001-07:00

Chris Van Dyke's dad Terry packed up his Yamaha 250 from Bloomsburg, PA this summer to bring us a collection of large handmade pendants. All of them are real statement pieces, with multiple gemstones and precious metals. They are a beautiful addition to our collection of fine Asheville jewelry.

We love the large pendants, and Chris' latest opal pendant is a testament to that. If you like larger jewelry, a pendant should be the top on the list. As an accessory, nothing makes a statement like a bold pendant for a night on the town.

Here is a article on choosing and wearing chunky jewelry:

Is Bigger Better? When Bold Jewelry is Best

via Handcrafted Fine Jewelry Blog by John S. Brana on 10/5/10

Jazz Up a Simple Outfit with Bold Jewelry Big, bold jewelry isn’t for everyone, and it certainly isn’t for everyday wear but sometimes a bit of bling can be just what the fashion doctor ordered to jazz up a simple outfit and take it to a whole new level. The Little Black Dress is a [...]

Scene at Eliada Home corn maze

2010-10-05T09:48:00.001-07:00

The Eliada Home corn maze is a lot of fun for the kids. I went a couple of weeks ago and had three of them convinced that goblins lived there. I would run ahead at any chance to hide, and by the end of it I had to stop because they would start bawling!

They really stepped it up this year, they have much more to do, including corn guns (that's right, and they shoot far!), a peddle bike track, and a pit full of dried corn kernels like sand.

The last two weeks of October they make it a haunted corn maze at night. Awesome.

Scene at Eliada Home corn maze

via Ashvegas by Ash on 10/5/10

Tips on buying pearls

2010-10-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

Buying pearls can be confusing, with lot's of different names for them and an endless range of prices. From wiki, here is what jewelers look for when determining quality:

The value of the pearls in jewelry is determined by a combination of the luster, color, size, lack of surface flaw and symmetry that are appropriate for the type of pearl under consideration. Among those attributes, luster is the most important differentiator of pearl quality according to jewelers.

All factors being equal, however, the larger the pearl the more valuable it is. Large, perfectly round pearls are rare and highly valued. Teardrop-shaped pearls are often used in pendants.

We like to use mainly cultured pearls for our fine Asheville jewelry. They are the most affordable and have a consistent luster on par with most saltwater or wild pearls. They give the most bang for the buck.

With all the different brands floating around, it's easy to feel like you have to spend a fortune to get the best name. This just isn't true. Unless you have a lab to do testing on them, you really won't be able to tell the difference between cultured saltwater or freshwater pearls. Look for the size you like, good symmetry, and a nice iridescence in the color you prefer.

The exception to that is the black pearl, still relatively rare and difficult to produce. A nice black pearl can get expensive. Here is more on the black pearl from wiki:

Black pearls, frequently referred to as Black Tahitian Pearls, are highly valued because of their rarity; the culturing process for them dictates a smaller volume output and can never be mass produced.^[

citation needed] This is due to bad health and/or non-survival of the process, rejection of the nucleus and their sensitivity to changing climatic and ocean conditions. Before the days of cultured pearls, black pearls were rare and highly valued for the simple reason that white pearl oysters rarely produced naturally black pearls, and black pearl oysters rarely produced any natural pearls at all.

Black cultured pearls from the black pearl oyster – Pinctada margaritifera – are not South Sea pearls, although they are often mistakenly described as black South Sea pearls. In the absence of an official definition for the pearl from the black oyster, these pearls are usually referred to as "black Tahitian pearls".

One of the most valuably types of pearl is the wild South Sea pearl, which must be dived for, and comes in different colors depending on the host. Sometimes black pearls are mislabeled South Sea pearls, further adding to the confusion. The harder they are to harvest, the more valuable they become. Before culturing pearls, three tons of oysters would yield only 3 or 4 pearls.

Pearls are another one of those heavily marketed industries that make you feel like you need to spend a fortune to get good quality. This just isn't the case, if you arm yourself with some good information.

Here is a natural cultured pink pearl pendant set in yellow gold by Jim Charneski.

For the full article from wiki, click here.

Opal, Octobers Birthstone

2010-10-03T10:48:00.001-07:00

We are especially fond of the Australian opal, which happens to be the birthstone for this month. There are many fine local artists using opal in Asheville jewelry, and our most recent piece happens to be a pendant using Australian boulder opal. We have at the shop right now some beautiful designs with opal by Jim Charneski and Chris Van Dyke.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you are buying opal:

1. Look for warm colors, reds and yellows are more rare.

2. Look at the stone in every direction. The more consistent it is the better the stone.

3. Over 90% of opal comes from Australia, and usually the best specimens. It doesn't hurt to ask where it's from.

4. If you can't see the piece stone from the side, ask if its boulder opal or a doublet, or backed opal. Doublets have less material and are less expensive then a solid stone.

5. Pick a shade and color combination that looks interesting to you. If it's vibrant to you that probably means it's a better quality piece to others as well.

Below is a pendant by Jim Charneski, a beautiful specimen Australian opal with tons of reds and yellows. It's not too well represented in the picture, but you get the design idea. The opal is set in yellow and rose gold.

Buying Loose Gemstones Requires Due Diligence

2010-10-01T15:03:00.001-07:00

Here is an article on buying loose gemstones. He mentions that you should see them before you buy, which is important, but above all trust your judgement. Pick out what looks good to you in regards to color, shade, and inclusions, if any.

It's fun to create a piece of custom designed jewelry starting with the stone. That way you get to be involved each step of the way.

Buying Loose Gemstones Requires Due Diligence

via Handmade Jewelry Shops by andrew on 9/13/10

Gemstones are natural formations of minerals found in the earth, and have been treasured for their beauty for centuries. Sapphires, emeralds and rubies are the most commonly thought of gemstones, but many varieties such as topaz, garnet, and tanzanite loose gemstones are very popular, also. With more than forty commonly recognized varieties to shop for, how do you decide what to buy? Of course, the overall look and appeal of a stone is important, but there are other things to look for when you shop.

Loose Gemstones: Quality is the Name of the Game

All gemstones are not created equally, and you will certainly get what you pay for when you go to buy one. You will quickly see there is a wide variety of quality available in the loose gemstone market. You can pay $10 for a certain gem of lower quality, and a superior quality gem of the same type will cost $10,000. The difference between them is all about the color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Those last four terms are commonly referred to as the “4 C’s” of gemstones, and you should memorize them along with a few facts about them before you shop for any loose gemstones. Just because the stone you are looking at is huge doesn’t make it valuable – low quality stones can be large, yet not very valuable. Also keep in mind that just because the stone is part of a handmade jewelry set does not mean that you should pay top dollar.

Color is the most important factor when judging colored gemstones. Very vivid and saturated colors are preferable. Some gemstones have a muted, less vibrant color and will generally be worth less, even though they may still be perceived as very attractive. Always look at gemstones in various types of light, not just the bright store lights. Clarity is also very important. Clear stones with no visible inclusions are preferable, and usually it is very rare to find such stones. Emeralds almost always have visible inclusions, for example, but if there are none visible to the naked eye, they are considered flawless and will be very expensive! The cut of a gemstone does not necessarily make a stone cost more or less, but definitely affects the way a stone looks. A poorly cut stone will not let as much light into it, and it will look darker. Well cut stones look brighter and more “lively”. Large natural stones are quite rare, so generally are worth more, but the quality of the color, clarity and cut has to be high for them to be very valuable. Gemstones are measured in carat weight. One carat equals 1/5 gram in weight. Loose gemstones are minerals, and vary in weight depending on the mineral they are made of. So, a one carat sapphire will be a different size than a one carat tourmaline, and a one carat topaz will be a different size than the sapphire or tourmaline.

Choose Your Loose Gemstone Jeweler or Retailer Carefully!

As above, quality counts when choosing where to purchase a loose gemstone. Generally it is preferable to buy gemstones where you can see them before you buy. Ask to see the stones up close, not in a package or plastic, and look at them in different types of lighting. Also, ask to see appraisals and certificates that should accompany loose gemstones. If you are refused, do not buy anything there! Don’t be taken in by a dealer who tells you a stone is worth much more than they are asking you to pay. A reputable, honest jeweler/dealer will talk to you and answer all of your questions. Remember, you aren’t going to get a gemstone that is worth $1000 for $100!

Just by knowing a little about loose gemstones, and keeping in mind the 4 C’s, color, clarity, cut and carat weight, you will greatly improve your chances of finding and buying a good quality loose gemstone. When you are shopping for cheaper jewelry, such as cubic zirconia rings, or any fashion jewelry like sterling silver hoop earrings, you don’t need to be as cautious as you do when you shop for quality gems. Find a great jeweler, and you will definitely end up with a beautiful stone to add to your collection!

Etsy Treasury, Your Driving Me NUTS!

2010-09-30T14:44:00.001-07:00

Willowcreek Jewelry was kind enough to include one of Sharon Bailey's oak leaf earrings in her Etsy treasury. Check it out at:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca27540c9fe8eef8fccaac3/youre-driving-me-nuts-in-a-good-way

Price of gold goes over 1300

2010-09-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

We are all feeling these astronomical gold prices. It's amazing how fast even the littlest amount of gold brings the price of any handmade custom designed jewelry through the roof. It's hard for jewelers who have to spend a fortune on keeping inventories up, as well as the consumer, who make feel like they are getting taken.

The question many of us ask is how long it's going to stay at the current level. I wish we had a crystal ball, but with the state of the world economy it doesn't look like its moving down any time soon.

Here is an article from JCK, an jewelry industry publication:

But analysts don't see the price rising forever.

With gold prices settling at over $1,300 two days in a row, investors are saying that price level may be here to stay.

“The longer gold can hold that level that stronger this new range becomes,” wrotethestreet.com.

The site quoted an analyst as saying “investor sentiment remains very positive towards gold.”

The gold price hit $1317 this morning, a new record, though it soon slid to $1307.

Analysts said that “marco-economic uncertainty” is driving the current upward push. And yet most forecasters don’t see the price of gold rising forever.

Industry analysts, meeting at a professional conference in Germany, declared that the gold price will mostly hold steady over the next year.

And another analyst told the Telegraph, “Historically gold has not always been the safe haven it is portrayed to be today and there is every possibility that the price will fall, especially if we start to see real signs of a global economic recovery.

Meanwhile, you can save your wallet by repairing or cleaning up your existing jewelry collection, or shopping for estate pieces. Silver is another option, though even that is high at the moment.

Cleaning Custom Designed Jewelry

2010-09-29T09:00:00.001-07:00

I came across this article about the care and cleaning of your fine jewelry. Custom designed jewelry, if properly designed for wear, requires very little maintenence overall, but you will want to inspect it periodically for loose stones and have it cleaned once in a while. You can perform a quick test yourself by pressing lightly on both sides of the stones in your piece with a pair of thin tweezers. If they wiggle at all bring it in to a jeweler to have the stone re-set. This shouldn't be a substitute for having a trained eye periodically inspect the piece, but it's a good habit to get in, in-between inspections and cleanings.

Here are some more tips from www.barbieinablender.org:

Training Your Fine Jewelry:

The first thing you should do is to give your fine jewelry its own little space for when it is not being worn and train it to stay there. Jewelry items do not live or party well together. Much of the damage, other than wear, that is done to jewelry happens in jewelry boxes. Stones scratch each other and the metals around them.

Cleaning Your Fine Jewelry:

The best way to clean your fine jewelry is with a soft (used) toothbrush and a mild dish detergent. If the pieces are very dirty, you can soak them in detergent and water.

Any competent jeweler can polish items on occasion, but this process also removes small amounts of metal and so should be used sparingly.

Checking for Wear and Tear:

Over time, gold and silver will wear down. This can happen over months or years. This can be a problem for people who do certain kinds of work. The solution to this type of problem is the use of heavier metal in the prongs, the use of platinum for the setting or the use of a bezel setting to secure the stone. Prongs should be checked occasionally and if thin they should be replaced.

If you invest in quality made pieces you will have very little maintenance to worry about, aside from the occasional cleaning. It's worth investing in better work simply for the piece of mind.

Here is an excellent video on cleaning your jewelry from Youtube.

The Richmond, by Chris Van Dyke

2010-09-27T15:09:00.001-07:00

Here is the latest custom ring design by Chris Van Dyke. 14k gold, huge natural peridot, and diamonds circling the stone and on the side.

Fwd:

2010-09-27T09:25:00.001-07:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ryan Brower <ryanvdj@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Sep 27, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Subject:
To: post@posterous.com

Asheville, NC salt glazed mountain pottery.

We have a lot of salt glazed pottery in Asheville. It makes a very interesting type of stoneware with a rustic quality.

From Wiki:

Definition:

Pottery referred to as salt glazed or salted is created by adding common salt, sodium chloride, into the chamber of a hot kiln. Sodium oxide acts as a flux and reacts with the silica and clay in the clay body. A typical salt glaze piece has a glassine finish, usually with a glossy and slightly orange-peel texture, enhancing the natural colour of the body beneath it.

Salt fumes have a dramatic effect on clay under heat. When kiln temperatures reach the melting point of common salt, approximately 900 °C (1660 degrees °F), granulated or rock salt can be introduced into a kiln through peepholes or other openings. This results in a surface blush of colour formed on the ware body.

Salt can also be used as a decorative element on selected individual pots. Bisque ware can be soaked in a brine solution to create salted patterns. Rope and other textiles can also be soaked in brine and wrapped around bisque ware. Salt can also be added, in solution, to colored clay slips and can be sprinkled onto bisque ware in pottery containers called saggars.

History:

The unique characteristics of salt glazing were discovered in the Rhineland of Germany, probably in the 14th century.

Salt ware was also popular during the colonial period in North America and in the early years of the United States. Initially, significant amounts of salt ware was imported from England. Americans began producing salt-glazed stoneware circa 1720 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Yorktown, Virginia, and American Stoneware became the predominant houseware of nineteenth century America. Contemporary potters in both North and South Carolina are well known for ongoing salt fired production.

Present Day:

Modern studio potters using traditional salt processes are working in many areas of the world. The unique salt glaze finish captures spontaneous changes in atmosphere and color. The method is considered a tool for ongoing experimentation and creativity.

Here is a video of some work by David Cuzick with soda glaze, a similar process:

You can see a large variety of Asheville potters at the Southern Highland Craft Fair coming October 21-24th.

Suzanne Evon Fine Jewelry

2010-09-26T10:31:00.001-07:00

Fine Asheville jewelry by Suzanne Evon.

Suzanne Evon is a fine metal jewelry artist and member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. She makes beautiful jewelry with different layers and shapes, often with a mix of metals.

To quote Suzanne:

While attending Parsons School of Design I discovered my greatest skill was in wax carving. With this skill, and a passion for medieval metalwork and architecture, Q Evon Design was born.

In 1992, I began as a small production business that grew to several hundred gallery and catalog accounts worldwide.

My work has always reflected a love for ancient metalwork and architecture. My current collections combine both gold and silver with an emphasis on texture. Reticulation, anti-clastic raising, acid etching, granulation, roller printing and the ancient art of keum-boo are combined to create rich metal tapestry.

Currently living in Weaverville, NC, Suzanne has lived and worked all around the country, first as an actress and model, and later working with jewelry under master jewelers and at school. Her work is featured at galleries throughout the country and the Asheville area.

You can see her work, as well as many other fine Asheville jewelers, at the next Southern Highland Craft Show, October 21-24.

Visit her website at :http://www.qevon.com

"Temporal" by Chris Van Dyke

2010-09-24T12:49:00.001-07:00

Here is the latest custom designed Asheville jewelry by Chris Van Dyke. Temporal was just finished using a large piece of boulder opal that we've had just waiting to be set.

You can clearly see the influence of his dad in this piece, where Chris began learning the jewelry trade.

Representing at least 20 hrs. of work to make from the ground up, Temporal includes a large amount of white and yellow gold, a 32.8ct. boulder opal, and 2 round diamonds at .2 and .21 ct.

This piece reminds us of a sundial and represents the value of time. Temporal seems fitting.

A Better Sterling Silver

2010-09-23T13:20:00.001-07:00

Finally, we have a true tarnish resistant sterling!

Sterling silver is traditionally 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, hence the traditional number we see on most silver, 925. Argentium is a new type of silver patented by the Argentium Silver Company located in the UK, that replaces some of the copper with germanium while still keeping 92.5% silver. Keeping this amount of silver in the metal allows it to still be called sterling.

Argentium sterling is far more resistant to tarnish, a drawback of silver that has plagued jewelers and buyers since it's been used for decoration. This is a true breakthrough for ease of use and maintenance free wear.

With the price of gold being through the roof, we now have a great silver option that's almost as easy to own.

New York 2 By Terry Van Dyke

2010-09-21T12:27:00.001-07:00

Chris' dad Terry brought us some beautiful work down from Bloomsburg, PA a couple of months ago. We were finally able to take some pictures that do the piece justice. All of Terry's work is completely hand made with impeccable detail and has an extravagant look. Wow, now we know where Chris gets it.

This piece makes a statement with an opal onyx doublet, mother of pearl, 28pt. diamond and five other cabochon gemstones. All of this is set with a mix of white and yellow gold.

We have it hung on a gold strand necklace made in Germany.

Copper Leaf Ornaments

2010-08-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Jim Charneski makes these leaf ornaments by hand out of copper and pewter. They are inspired from the trees on his property in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Bakersville, NC. Each one is sawed out by hand and then carefully etched and bent into the shape of the leaf.

They would make beautiful keepsake Christmas ornaments or simple fall decor around the house. People have used his bigger pieces for unique key holders on a hallway table. They are nice to put out during the fall before the Christmas decor comes out.

How to Identify True Bakelite

2010-08-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

Kiss Pendant

Bakelite, the first entirely synthetic plastic, is now out of production and a popular material for jewelry. It's heat resistant, colorful, stable, and lightweight, which make it perfect for inexpensive jewelry. Its also fun to use and collect, so jewelry makers are always on the lookout for the next "lot." There are some imitators out there, and unless you have a really trained eye, its helpful to know a couple of simple tests to determine if the piece is real Bakelite.

1. Click together two pieces of Bakelite. Real Bakelite will produce a distinct clicking sound.

2. Put the piece in hot water, rub with your finger, and sniff. True Bakelite will smell like camphor.

3. The 409 test. You will want to do this in an inconspicuous place on the jewelry just to be safe. Dab a little 409 on a Q-tip and rub it in the Bakelite. If its true Bakelite the cotton will take on a yellow patina. Rinse the piece of jewelry after you apply. Alternately you could apply simichrome, a metal polish.

4. Heat up a small pin with a match and try to poke into the piece. True Bakelite is very heat resistant so the pin won't go through. This could damage the piece if its another material, so this test should be saved as a last option.

You will want to use the less invasive options first, leaving options three and four if there is still any doubt. As you become more familiar with the features of vintage carved Bakelite you'll be able to get a good idea of its properties on sight. Unless you trust the source online its best to see the piece before you buy, and perform a couple of these simple tests to be sure.

Fabric Wall Hangings, Spring Poppies Series

2010-08-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Laura brought in a few more fabric wall hangings recently, including one of her Spring Poppies series. The color in the Poppies series is especially vibrant, the reds really come out well in the process. The flowers pop out at you against the greens and teals of the background. She frames them in black and specially designs a mount to complement each piece.

Spring Poppies, Laura Sims

Adding a fabric wall hanging to your wall decor instead of a traditional painting gives a etherial look to the space, allowing you to cover a larger area without dominating a room. Included in Laura's work is her custom mount, and the Asian inspired wood complements the silk painting by being specially made for each piece. The mounts keep the fabric about three inches away from the wall so they get just a slight bit of movement, making the layered image shift and shimmer.

Fabric wall hangings are a beautiful alternative to hanging just another picture. With minimal care and kept out of direct sunlight, silk paintings like these will give you a lifetime of beauty. The colors used are transferred into the fabric, displacing the original black. So you can hand wash them gently and never need to worry about loosing color. They are at there best with a good, direct light source. We love the movement and style that these paintings bring to the gallery.

Custom Design Jewelry

2010-08-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sapphire Pendant, Chris Van Dyke

Custom design jewelry is a fun way to save some money and get and new design that's uniquely your own. That ring you have had sitting around since the 70's can be made into a nice pendant, or take some links out of a bracelet to do the same. We recently had a customer come in that found an estate piece she liked, a bracelet, that was too big. One option we gave her was taking some of the links off to make a matching pendant, something that is easily done with a very little amount of gold and labor. For just a little more then the price of the bracelet she would have a matching set!

Another option for custom design jewelry is trading in some of your old gold jewelry to add or enhance some of your other pieces. With gold being at over 1000/oz., the price of gold jewelry gets up there fast. If you trade some of in you can offset this cost, and even come out ahead if you look into estate or work that was done some years ago. Jewelers, like every other retailer, want to move their older inventory and make room for new inventory. This includes custom design jewelry that's been made and sitting in the case for a few years.

Opal Ring, Chris Van Dyke

You can also use the credit from your gold trade in to add some fresh work to an existing estate piece. The possibilities are endless, and its fun to help design a unique piece custom design jewelry yourself. There is something about knowing that what you are wearing is created by you and a trusted jeweler. You never know, you might just start getting interested in different stones or the virtues of various types of metal. You could be the only one you know who knows what a rutilated quartz is!

Leaf Collection, Sharon Bailey

2010-08-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the oak leaf set from Sharon Bailey's Bakelite earrings in silver. She forms the leaves in a traditional cast and hand wraps each acorn in silver wire. Each piece is detailed by hand to an exacting finish. She then applies liver of sulphur to give them a slight patina, which brings out the depth of each set of Bakelite earrings.

Sharon has introduced this nature collection after being inspired by the plants near her home near the Blue Ridge Parkway in north Asheville. In addition to her Bakelite earrings in oak she has matching pendants, bracelets, and a variety of other plants found in the mountains near here. The acorns are a smokey looking mustard yellow and are available in silver as well as the vintage Bakelite.

Here is the silver version of oak leaf earrings. More of her Bakelite earrings in silver include Black-eyed Susan, Cherokee Rose, Sassafras, and Tulip Poplar.

Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft

The Jester by Joan Bazzel

Introducing the Ball-in-Cage jewelry series

Estate Black Pearl and Diamond Ring

Blue Ridge Mountain Ring

Asheville jeweler: Una Barrett

Ikebana Vases and Flower Arrangers

Phil Brown Benefit Concert and Auction at the Folk Art Center

Asheville's Top Five Rainy Day Adventures

Opal in jewelry

Asheville jewelers: Sharon Bailey and Joan Bazzle, fine silver

4.28.11:Asheville Mall Student Art Show

How much is your gold jewelry worth?

Go Off the Beaten Path at the Weaverville Art Safari

The quickest potter

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12 Most Creative Objects Inspired by the Rubik's Cube

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Art In A Light Bulb

Art In A Light Bulb via Zuza Fun by Zuza on 2/25/11 Share on Facebook

Metal Detectorist find stolen jewelry in Asheville, NC

A colorful festival of flowers at Biltmore this spring

Studios & Restaurants open year-round

Studios & Restaurants open year-round via Home by River Arts District on 2/25/10

Ikebana vases and flower arrangers by Lee Davis

Estate cameo

Man finds and returns a 12karat yellow diamond ring

Opening at Blue Spiral 1 in Asheville, Thursday, January 6th

Multi-colored sapphire and diamond estate bracelet

Downtown deals, end of the season

Handmade wood cigar pens

10 unusual Christmas trees

After Christmas Sale

All natural golden pearls, an amazing process

Elf yourself-you gotta try it

Get your shop on | Asheville Arts and Entertainment | Mountain Xpress

Get your shop on

Antique style gold ring by Chris Van Dyke

A Golden Moment by Chery Cratty

Appalachian Vocabulary Test 26

Breakdancing Santa Flashmob in Asheville NC

How to make 5-pointed paper snowflakes

Bee Glow Christmas ornaments

Five Reasons to Visit Asheville, North Carolina | CheapOair (Not sure about the skiing!)

A Warm and Special Holiday Thank You from Bee Global

A Warm and Special Holiday Thank You from Bee Global via The Royal Jelly by crim on 12/3/10 Spend $100 on our products and in appreciation we will include a beeswax ornament of your choice, with a gift box ($25 value).

Folk Art Center Holiday Sale, 10-50% off

Ikebana lamp by Lee Davis

Local handmade Christmas ornaments

Peridot silver rings

White vase by Erin Janow

White Sapphire engagement ring by Jim Charneski

Etchings, engravings, and paintings by Jay Pfeil

The Beat: Here comes Santa Claus (Asheville holiday parade this Saturday)

Pulp fiber painting using a porcupine quill!

History of diamonds in an engagement ring

New Fall Silk Paintings by Laura Sims

Introducing the turned wood of Allen Davis

2010 THANKSGIVING ARTISANS DRIVE-ABOUT TOUR, November 26-27, 2010( with Bee Global)

Christmas ornaments

Silk Scarves by Laura Sims

Weaverville Art Safari this weekend, featuring 43 artists

Asheville silver jewelry with Bakelite by Sharon Bailey

Asheville jewelry with Australian opal

Canvas: Paint and Mingle

Hope Diamond gets a new setting

New art at the gallery this week

The Craft Fair of The Southern Highlands

The Craft Fair of The Southern Highlands via MountainX: Blogs on 10/23/10 Photos from The Craft Fair of The Southern Highlands at the Asheville Civic Center. Doll Maker Rebecca Kempson Jewelry designer and metalsmith Molly Dingledine Artist Gordon Batten

Setup of the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

How to Customize Your Own Flip Flops

via CraftStylish - All featured posts on 4/20/11

Posted by CraftStylish_Editors
Customize a pair of flip flops to coordinate with every outfit in your closet.

Ikebana Art

via Zuza Fun by Zuza on 8/9/10

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement dates back approximately 500 years ago. Share on Facebook

12 Most Creative Objects Inspired by the Rubik's Cube

via Oddee - on 3/12/11

Meet some of the coolest stuff inspired by the world's most popular cube.

Welcome New Merchants

via Grove Arcade by lindsay on 3/25/11

Downtown’s Grove Arcade is pleased to welcome new businesses to the iconic Asheville building. Continue reading →

Art In A Light Bulb

via Zuza Fun by Zuza on 2/25/11

Share on Facebook

Studios & Restaurants open year-round

via Home by River Arts District on 2/25/10

A Warm and Special Holiday Thank You from Bee Global

via The Royal Jelly by crim on 12/3/10

Spend $100 on our products and in appreciation we will include a beeswax ornament of your choice, with a gift box ($25 value).

The Craft Fair of The Southern Highlands

via MountainX: Blogs on 10/23/10

Photos from The Craft Fair of The Southern Highlands at the Asheville Civic Center. Doll Maker Rebecca Kempson Jewelry designer and metalsmith Molly Dingledine Artist Gordon Batten

Setup of the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

via MountainX: Blogs on 10/20/10

Photos of artisans setting up their exhibits for the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, which takes place Thursday, Oct 21 through Sunday, Oct 24 at The Asheville Civic Center.

Scene at Eliada Home corn maze

via Ashvegas by Ash on 10/5/10