ADZIA | Custom Jewelry Design | Chicago

Jewel of the Week at pricescope.com

2011-07-18T09:27:00.009-05:00

Great news at the start of another week!

A pair of my custom swirly dangle earrings have been chosen as Jewel of the Week at pricescope.com. I have set amethysts, blue zirconias and demantoid garnets in baskets with custom scrolls on the sides. A big thanks to customer Melissa who ordered the lovely earrings.

June/July ADZIA Newsletter with Coupon

2011-07-06T15:09:00.021-05:00

Hello Everyone,

I have finally gotten around publishing my first of two newsletters for this summer.

In this latest edition I am announcing a new line of items: the ADZIA Vintage collection. To start the collection, I am currently running a promotion of 15% OFF any ADZIA Vintage item listed in my Etsy shop. This promo coupon will be available for a limited time only.

To get the coupon code, visit the online version of the newsletter.

If you would like to start receiving my free, once-a-month newsletter, then please send a blank email to my email address. You will receive a confirmation email shortly after.

Thanks for reading!
ADZIA

Kaboodle Feature

2011-02-24T16:54:00.008-06:00

This coming Sunday we will be celebrating the Academy Awards. Kaboodle.com has featured my swirly 14k white gold diamond earrings in their selection of 'oscars worthy items'. Check out the fine selection of glitzy and glamorous items from several etsy designers.

Silver Wooden Ring With Cross and Shells

2011-01-20T13:06:00.037-06:00

I am wishing you all a Happy & Healthy New Year!

I agree, it has been a very long time since my last post. But I haven't been exactly sitting around, either. I have been working on many exciting and extraordinary projects.

One of these projects: designing and constructing a custom sterling silver ring with wood, cross and shells. The dark red wood is mahogany and has been applied using epoxy. I have cast the shells and cross separately. Six welding points connect the shells to the shank.

Take a look at this series of images that illustrate the entire process from initial conception of the idea to casting, assembling and finishing of the ring. The first three drawings and illustrations have been provided by Director Mick Traen. Visit his website here.

So you're enGAYged - Approved Vendor

2010-09-24T14:05:00.007-05:00

I thought I would let readers, friends and customers know that since last week, ADZIA has been approved as a LGBT-friendly vendor at soyoureengayged.com.

Feel free to take a look at my vendor page. You can read reviews written by some of my same-sex customers.

Apart from using the site as a resource, you will also enjoy lots of fun engagement and wedding photos. So, don't be shy and visit soyoureengayged.com.

Swirly Wedding Band Variations II

2010-09-24T13:16:00.010-05:00

And while I am working on a swirly wedding band for an etsy customer, I might as well post more pictures of additional modifications I have done. Shown here are three more versions, one involving a bezel set stone mounted on top of the band, with sapphires set in the swirls. As I keep receiving more request for customized versions of the swirly band, I will post pictures here!

Swirly Wedding Band Variations I

2010-09-01T16:23:00.020-05:00

It's good to be back in blogging business after the summer break! One of my most popular items at the ADZIA etsy shop is this swirly, curly gold wedding band. I started out making the band in 14k white gold, but customers have increasingly been requesting their own custom version, which I think is really cool! Posted above are pictures of a few variations on my swirly wedding band.

Aquamarine Diamond Earrings

2010-06-27T18:57:00.010-05:00

Here is my third set, out of five total, of dangle earrings. Each set of earrings features a pairing of two gemstones that complement each other. This set has gorgeous antique cushion cut aquamarines and round diamonds. The aquas are set in 14k white gold baskets that I have custom made. The baskets have a swirly, flower pattern on the side. The aquamarines measure 11.9 x 6.2 mm and have a total weight of 2.21 ct. The diamonds have a total weight of 0.24 ct. Additional images of this classy set can be seen here.

Ruby Diamond Earrings

2010-06-22T14:22:00.015-05:00

I haven't made earrings lately, so I have started working on five different sets of dangle earrings. Each set will be a pairing of two kinds of precious gemstones, set in either 14k white or yellow custom made bezels or baskets. The first pair, combining lemon citrines with rhodolite garnets, is now for sale at my etsy.com shop. This second set pairs pear shaped rubies with diamonds, set in a custom 14k white gold basket. I have added extra detailing on the side walls of the basket. Three additional pair of earrings are on their way. The next one will have gorgeous aquamarine gemstones.

Etsy Treasury #6 - Tire Thread Band

2010-05-23T12:27:00.006-05:00

Father's Day is fast approaching. In the US, we honor our dads and granddads on Sunday June 20. Some fellow etsians have started making lovely treasuries. The other day, my new tire thread band was selected for a treasury titled 'For the guys'. Have a look.

Daisy Wedding Band - Spring has arrived!

2010-05-20T17:00:00.014-05:00

Out of my latest projects, I have picked this fun and flowery daisy band, which is a re-creation of a vintage ring. My customer, Ms Awesome had some doubts as to what version of the band would be better. I could either cast the ring in white gold with yellow daisies, or a yellow gold band with white daisies. You can see renders of the inversion here, and judge for yourself which one works best. Ms Awesome choose white gold daisies set in a yellow band. She also decided to leave the diamond out of it. I feel that she has made the right choice. Big thanks to Ms Awesome for posting my designs on weddingbee.com.

Swirly Sapphire Ring

2010-05-12T14:18:00.007-05:00

Hello everyone. I would love to share one my latest etsy commissions. Bekki was looking for an engagement ring that would match the setting and style of the location where her wedding ceremony will take place. She told me the ceremony will take place at a beach. So, I gave her some ideas to think about. I told her to write down all kind of words that she would associate with the word 'beach'. Words like wave, sand, sea, shell, surf, ocean, etc.

A couple days later, Bekki came up with this wonderful drawing of swirls that do bring to mind various elements of beach life. I then set out to incorporate her sketch into a matching ring design. Apart from a couple small bead like dots in between the waves, my ring design is almost identical to her drawing. I liked how I could shape the swirls so they would continue into the bezel of the blue ceylon sapphire. I have also added rhodium to make the 14k white gold darker, especially in between the swirls. Now, I hope Bekki will let me make a perfectly fitting and matching wedding band. I would be truly honored.

London Calling - Peridot Sapphire Cocktail Ring

2010-04-28T00:38:00.016-05:00

Lieveke, one of my most loyal customers, is located in London. After a double snake ring I had made for her, she contacted me regarding her new project: a glittery and sparkly free-form ring featuring a fancy cut peridot with over a hundred yellow sapphires. You can see additional images of this awesome cocktail ring here.

Cog Wheel Cufflinks

2010-04-22T21:01:00.016-05:00

Miniature mechanical components always catch my attention. In some magical way, gears, cog wheels, pinions and prongs get each other to turn so that an instrument or device moves, ticks or buzzes. You will find these tiny fangs and differentials in abundance inside timepieces and movie cameras. But your bicycle or car has them just the same, only heavier and bigger in size.

I have made a pair of cog wheel cufflinks in solid sterling silver. Each cufflink measures 22 mm in diameter and is 3 mm thick which makes them very durable. I have removed any sharp edges, and have given them a smooth matte finish for maximum comfort. So, what are you guys waiting for? Time to shift to the next level and get going with a pair of gear cufflinks! The matching tie clip that I am working on will be ready soon!

Bolex Camera Pendant

2010-04-22T14:16:00.059-05:00

When I was contacted by Nikki to build a replica of a Bolex 16 mm camera on a scale so it could be worn as a pendant, I immediately consulted with my husband. His background in filmmaking and his knowledge of classic movie cameras made him a useful partner for this project. (Hm, your husband as a 'useful partner', how often does that happen...?) I must say that he did rise to action and made sure I got all the tiny switches, knobs and dials right. It was also his idea to add the round Bolex Paillard logo on the side of the camera's body.

w 40 mm, h 35 mm, d 13 mm, 33 grams sterling silver, oxidation, high polish

The Bolex Paillard camera is made by Bolex International SA. Since the 1930's, this Swiss company has been manufacturing excellent motion picture cameras, lenses and accessories. The Bolex Paillard 16 mm film camera is one of the company's most revered models and is still very popular among professional, student and amateur moviemakers all around the world. Visit the company website here.

Etsy Treasury #5 - Feather on the front page!

2010-04-12T23:52:00.015-05:00

My white gold feather band with frosty finish was featured on the front page of Etsy.com today. Plenty of convos, emails and orders started coming in right after! This could very well be Etsy's 'thank you' gift for celebrating my shop's first anniversary. On April 5th last year, the ADZIA studio opened its virtual doors. It has been a wonderful first year with over 60 commissions for custom work. To see pictures of the many items I have custom made for Etsy customers, visit my 'Request Custom Item' page here.

Your Finger Print Band

2010-04-10T20:17:00.036-05:00

From soul mates to fiancees, all would love the idea of wearing each other's finger print on each other's band. It is a unique way to keep your loved one close at hand. Always. And everywhere.

I can apply the thumb prints on both the inside and outside of your band. I am still experimenting with different finishes, such as additional engraving, oxidation, paint. Pictures of additional versions of my finger print bands will be posted here over the next couple of weeks.

Should you be interested to know how we can go about taking and applying your finger prints, as well as how much a set will cost, please contact me via email.

Scrabble Tile Cufflinks

2010-03-27T10:49:00.018-05:00

Playing scrabble is good for you. And wearing scrabble cufflinks will only add to the fun. I have made custom frames to house original wooden scrabble tiles so they can be used as cufflinks. The silver frames are great protection for the wooden corners of the tiles. The frames and closing mechanisms are solid and made of sterling silver. I can make them with your future husband's initials. When the groom wears this set, you can rest assured that he will remember his own name at the end of a fun wedding night!

Opal Earrings II

2009-12-22T21:16:00.008-06:00

I quite don't know how and when I was able to find time, between shipping rush orders, doing holiday shopping, and browsing my cook book, to complete this set of drop earrings... Both gemstones are Australian boulder opals with beautiful teal and tan color display. I have set them in custom built frames that also have two gold beads above the frame. Each frame is hallmarked 14K on the back.

Etsy Treasury #4

2009-12-19T19:13:00.005-06:00

My frosty feather band must be popular! It has been selected for a Treasury titled "F R O S T - Be An Ice Queen" at Etsy.com.

Find out which ADZIA item has been featured by clicking the screenshot above. To read more details and see more pictures about my featured item, please visit my Etsy shop at AdziasJewelryAtelier. The curator's shop can be found here.

Leaf Pendant I

2009-12-16T11:14:00.015-06:00

I have been working on a leaf pendant that combines both, organic naturally flowing curves and modern sleek lines. The entire pendant is made of solid 14k yellow gold, and I have given it a very shiny, high polish. I have added the hallmark 14k on the backside, which is even. Up next will be a sterling silver version of this leaf pendant.

Etsy Treasury #3

2009-12-14T09:28:00.006-06:00

My 14k white gold feather band with frosted finish has been selected for a Treasury titled "Winter Witch" at Etsy.com.

Find out which ADZIA item has been featured by clicking the screenshot above. To read more details and see more pictures about my featured item, please visit my Etsy shop at AdziasJewelryAtelier. The curator's shop can be found here.

Feather Band VI

2009-12-14T09:21:00.005-06:00

Market price for gold is currently very high. So, it wasn't easy to put aside some funds to cast this 14k white gold version of my feather band. I have experimented with a new finish befitting the winter and holiday season. I call it my 'frosted finish'. I have achieved it's look by first giving the band a high polish, followed by a thicker brush, one that actually scratches the band. I hope you like it!

Etsy Treasury #2

2009-11-17T18:45:00.007-06:00

My black coin pearl earrings have been selected for a Treasury titled "Light In The Darkness" at Etsy.com.

Find out which ADZIA item has been featured by clicking the screenshot above. To read more details and see more pictures about my featured item, please visit my Etsy shop at AdziasJewelryAtelier. The curator's shop can be found here.

Wood Grain Band I

2009-10-21T21:54:00.006-05:00

Last month, an Etsy customer commissioned this ring. It is a men's band cast in 14k white gold, measuring 8 mm wide, comfort fit and with a unique wood grain pattern. I am thinking about starting a line of bands with variations on the wood grain pattern.

Feather Band V

2009-10-19T22:28:00.005-05:00

Here you see yet another version of my feather band. I have given this sterling silver band an oxidized finish, by applying oxidation after polishing. That way the black and silver contrast stands out really well.

From bean to tasty jewelry

2009-08-25T21:40:00.008-05:00

My love for the origins of coffee has reached another high. Have you ever wondered what silver coffee beans taste like? Well, they are quite metallic in flavor, but they do look awesome! I have made half a pound of beans in solid sterling silver. They are highly detailed with realistic textures and grooves just like real coffee beans would have.
I can turn these silver beans into your favorite pendant, necklace, earrings or charms by making the necessary modifications. I will cast as many as you need in silver, gold or platinum. You can also add my beans to your new fashion accessory, piece of clothing or work of art. Go ahead and request your custom item with these bold looking coffee beans. And no worries, I will do all the grinding!

Etsy Treasury #1

2009-08-11T22:17:00.018-05:00

One of my items has been selected for a Treasury titled "Aqualicious" at Etsy.com.

Many Etsy sellers create Treasuries - curated collections of Etsy items that are featured on Etsy's "Treasury" page. These Treasuries are featured on Etsy for a limited amount of time only, usually no more than three days. Most Treasuries have themes, such as color, price, or function, and feature twelve different items. Etsy users visit the Treasury page to browse curated items, and see what new or cool things curators have found to share.

Feather Band IV

2009-08-10T22:02:00.022-05:00

Finally, I have found time to cast a version of my feather band in sterling silver. In my opinion, this ring works as well in silver as it does in gold. I do feel that the yellow gold version, especially the one in 18k, makes the biggest impact. The deep yellow coloring creates shades that make the grooves between the feather hairs really stand out. The silver version leaves a lighter impression. Nonetheless, it is equally delicate and organic in feel. I am toying with the idea of casting one in rose, green or chocolate gold.

Jewelry Tools II

2009-08-08T16:56:00.014-05:00

Ballerina Pendant

2009-08-08T14:46:00.024-05:00

I have made this dancing ballerina logo for a client. I cast it in sterling silver and it measures 1.5 inch in length. I had started out with gaps in the corpus but changed that later on. The ballerina looks so much better that way.

By using small engravings I have accentuated body contours and lines. I have added a .925 hallmark on the back. Attaching the chain on the hands was not such a good idea, because then the ballerina would carry too much a resemblance of the Christ figure. So instead, I have added a loop in the center on the back and balanced the pendant.

Tanzanite Aquamarine Ring I

2009-08-04T19:50:00.020-05:00

Last month, I made an 18k white gold engagement ring with a tanzanite stone accompanied by two round aquamarines. It is a classic design with a fairly unusual combination of colors, violet and light blue. I apologize for the inferior quality of the pictures, as I did not have access to my usual camera and lighting set up.

Glass Pendant

2009-08-03T11:55:00.021-05:00

Setting this murrini pendant in a custom made silver frame was a little bit tricky. Glass has its own kind of qualities. Applying too much pressure during setting, might have easily resulted in the different parts of the murrini to have come apart.

A murrini is constructed of sections of glass that were previously blown. These sections have tiny pockets of air between them. When too much pressure is applied, the sections can break easily, and damage the artwork.

The backside shows a mirror image of the artwork on the front. I made the frame on the back as thin as possible, not to cover the artwork. I also added the .925 hallmark on the back of the frame, just under the loop.

Jewelry Tools I

2009-08-02T20:19:00.020-05:00

Coffee Bean Bracelet

2009-07-26T17:01:00.038-05:00

I have made a double 14k yellow gold bangle bracelet with five gold coffee or chocolate beans attached. The coffee pellets are real size, solid gold and showing original organic texture like real coffee beans would have. The beans are randomly spaced. One bracelet carries four coffee beans, the other has one.

You can easily customize the design of your own bracelet. First, choose your favorite color of gold. I have available chocolate gold, pink, green, white and yellow gold. Another option and less costly would be silver. Instead of two bracelets, you could choose one, or I could add a third.

Then tell me how many coffee beans. I can mount the beans on the bracelet wherever you would like them to be. I can also add as many beans as you would like. The beans in the bracelet shown are fixed, but I could make one with beans that move or 'float' around.

And here is yet another option: why not adding a single gold or silver coffee bean to your charm bracelet?

As you can see, there are plenty of possibilities to customize your bracelet. Additionally, I am working on more variations on the 'coffee bean' theme, such as coffee or chocolate bean earrings, pendants and rings. So stay tuned!

Feather Band III

2009-07-21T00:18:00.028-05:00

Finally finished the 18k yellow gold feather band for my client. We have chosen not to add a bezel with brown diamond on top. The ring works just fine without the addition of gemstones. I have given the entire band a high polish. The line in the middle dividing the feather and both edges are given a matte finish. Interesting detail: I have enhanced the grooves by extra engraving between feather hairs. I am glad I finished this feather band to my customer's satisfaction.

Coming Soon - 3 New Opal Pendants I

2009-07-18T23:10:00.030-05:00

Currently in development are three new pendants for the Opal Jewelry Collection. Here is a set of pictures showing the building of the first one, from CAD image rendering to carving the wax prototype.

This pendant features an Australian doublet opal. A doublet opal is a very thin opal that has been mounted (usually glued) on top of another stone, in this case a slick black onyx. A white diamond will be added at the top of the thinner end. The frame will be cast in 14k yellow gold. I am not quite sure if the pendant works better horizontally... or vertically. More info to come.

Ruby Opal Pendant

2009-07-14T17:37:00.025-05:00

A 14k white gold pendant with rubies and an australian opal doublet, that I had made a few years ago. My customer brought it in for a thorough cleaning and for a check-up on its stones, setting and chain. She told me she had worn it almost daily for about three years now. As it turned out, the pendant did not show any signs of heavy usage, just a few tiny marks, nothing out of the ordinary. All stones were still in very good shape. After the check-up, I gave the white gold a new machine polish so the pendant looks just like new again!

Recycle Your Jewelry I

2009-06-18T10:57:00.034-05:00

My friend Kasia opened her jewelry cabinet, and noticed two loose stones she had completely forgotten about, together with a ring she had inherited long ago. She dusted them off and asked if I could design something new with the old. Something wild and free spirited.

I re-used a white diamond and a square green peridot. I suggested the addition of a third large stone. She picked a gorgeous looking oval purple tanzanite. I custom made a ring that could hold three bezels and showcase these three different stones. The scrap metal that she provided was used to cast this 14k white gold, freeform ring.

Recycling jewelry is a great way to turn your tired and broken pieces into your favorite fashion accessories, such as this fun cocktail ring. Contact me today and see how making your old jewelry over, makes beautiful sense.

Free Bezel Ring I

2009-06-16T12:33:00.023-05:00

Another project I have been working on is to design a series of bands, featuring a gemstone that gives the appearance that it is 'loose'. The stone and bezel are attached to the ring in such a way that they can move around, dangle or swirl. I plan to design five variations, each with a different stone, metal and finish. The one pictured here features an 8.4 mm diamond cut green tourmaline, set in a 14k white gold bezel. It is currently for sale at adziasjewelryatelier.etsy.com

Feather Band II

2009-06-16T12:19:00.045-05:00

The wax prototype of the feather band has been cut. I have inspected the carvings and detailing and the client has given final approval. Before I cast the ring in 18k yellow gold, I need to mount a custom bezel with a brown diamond. I will apply the same ruffled pattern to the bezel, that way the diamond will receive additional light from the sides through the feathers.

Feather Band I

2009-06-14T02:27:00.036-05:00

This is a 'feather' band that I am custom designing for a client. Pictures have been generated through CAD. After making final adjustments, I will carve a wax prototype. There are many different approaches to designing a 'feather' band, because feathers come in all kinds of shapes and textures. I kept the symmetry that you see within most feathers and tapered it off towards the bottom. To make it more interesting and dynamic I created an uneven movement in the feather. I wanted to give the impression that 'wind' is blowing through the hairs of the feather. In keeping the ripple effect subtle, I made sure the ring did not loose its comfort for daily use. The ring could be worn as it is at this stage, but I need to incorporate a brown diamond into the design. More pictures of the work in progress will follow.

The ADZIA Logo

2009-06-12T17:37:00.024-05:00

Designing a logo that works in print as well as in a tiny engraving, is not the easiest thing to do. I like 'modern' and 'architectural' fonts without serif. This one is called Gotham (thin version). Because of the miniature scale of most engravings, the additional graphic elements are kept to a minimum. Pictured above is the SAME logo executed in three different ways: first enlarged with a colored dot, second in reverse for stamping and printing, and third as a small printed version just black on white. Big thanks to my friend and graphic designer Bryan Jalowitz.

Opal Earrings I

2009-06-12T12:54:00.029-05:00

My latest project for The Opal Collection. I am working on a new set of opal earrings in 14k yellow gold. This matching set of Australian boulder opals is cut from the same rock. I have custom made both frames, following shape and contour of the stone. Both stones are not identical, so neither are the frames. As pictured, the earrings measure 15 mm long. The 'waves' or 'curves' in the frame allow the opal rainbow to be seen from the side as well. I still have the option of adding a gem on the top corner of each earring. I am thinking about adding a Brazilian citrines or a couple of champagne colored diamonds. To take a look at all my opal jewelry, please visit opalrocks.com.