At Sticks & Stones, we are always on the lookout for exceptional materials that can elevate our handcrafted jewelry designs. One gemstone that has captured our attention is topaz, a brilliant and versatile stone that comes in a wide array of colors and holds a wealth of fascinating properties and meanings. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of topaz, exploring its origins, variations, and the ways in which it can be incorporated into stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. The Origins and Formation of Topaz Lignum Vitae Ring with Blue Topaz Topaz is a silicate mineral that forms in...
I've always believed in creating pieces that aren't just beautiful but are also enduring symbols of nature's timeless elegance. Today, I want to share with you some insights into preserving your cherished wooden jewelry, ensuring it lasts a lifetime and beyond. Wood, with its warm tones and unique grain patterns, brings a piece of nature’s soul into our daily lives. Each piece of wooden jewelry in our collection is handcrafted with love and a deep respect for the material’s organic beauty. To maintain this beauty, proper care and storage are essential. Why Proper Storage Matters Wood is a living, breathing...
Black Palm Wood Necklace with Diamond As an artist who loves to work with natural materials, I'm always on the lookout for unique and beautiful woods to incorporate into my jewelry designs. Lately, I've become enamored with black palm wood. This incredible material has a rich, deep color and an intricate grain that makes each piece utterly unique. In this blog, I'll share my experiences working with black palm and why it has become one of my favorite mediums. Origins and Characteristics Antler Point Necklace with Black Palm Wood Black palm is not your typical wood; it's a fibrous material...
As I sit in my workshop in Portland, surrounded by the tools of my trade and the gentle Pacific Northwest rain tapping against the windows, I find myself reflecting on one of the most revered gemstones in my craft – the sapphire. In my journey with Sticks & Stones, I've had the privilege of working with various gemstones, but there's something undeniably special about sapphires. Perhaps it’s their deep, enigmatic blue or their story that spans across cultures and centuries. In this post, I want to share with you the allure of sapphires, a stone that continues to captivate and...
Opals are the stuff of legend, a gemstone with a kaleidoscope heart. They’re also one of my favorite gemstones to work with. With their play of color and mystical appearance, they have captivated jewelers, monarchs, and poets alike, securing their place in history as one of the most fascinating stones in the world. Opals are nature's canvases, painted with the most delicate and intricate touches. These are the gems that come alive with every movement, a painter's palette of hues locked within smooth, lustrous surfaces. Unlike other gemstones, opals don’t derive their allure from a single hue. They are famed...
As someone who's dedicated over a decade to handcrafting wooden jewelry, I often get asked whether wooden jewelry is a good fit for sensitive skin. Today, I'd like to delve into this topic and share my insights from years of experience. The Allure of Wood vs. Traditional Metals Having worked with a wide array of woods – from brilliant bacote to exquisite amboyna – I've come to appreciate the organic, hypoallergenic nature of wood. Many people with skin sensitivities often react to metals, especially those containing nickel, a common allergen. Wood, in contrast, doesn't contain such irritants, making it a...
