Archive for the 'Jewelry News' Category

How to make a Josephine Knot or “Pretzel Knot”

 

Let’s make a Josephine knot or also know as the pretzel knot. Here is the finished knot:

This knot is better looking if it is made with 4 (2 on right and 2 on left) or 6 (3 on R and 3 on L) cords. For simplicity I have only used 2 cords. One left and one right. For practicing this knot I suggest using just two cords to start with, and once you are comfortable with what you are doing go ahead and add another cord to each side.

Here we go. Now, if you do not understand my instructions, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment, I will be happy to help out if I can. I don’t bite, you can contact me

Step 1:

 

Take one strand and make a loop.

Step 2: 

Take your second strand and put it over the loop in step one and then under the strand where I have the number 2 in the picture. You can follow the arrow.

Step 3: 

 

Continuing with your second strand, you will take it over the first strand, under the first loop you made, over the second strand, and then under the loop (which is the first loop you made as well). Whew. I know, its confusing. But follow my blue arrow for more clarification.

Step 4:

You will tighten your knot by pulling the bottom two strands sticking downwards, at the same time. You should get something like the first picture I posted at the top of this post.

Another knot instruction that is clear as mud. I tried my best. Again, if you have ANY questions, please ask. If you have any easier way to make this knot,  please share.

Happy Knotting

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Poll: Which Etsy photographer should I feature?

I have chosen six very talented Etsy photographers for you to consider. It was extremely difficult to choose only six; the talent in photography on Etsy is just incredible. The photographer with the most votes by next Wednesday (Feb. 20) will be interviewed and featured in my blog in the near future. Please look at [...]

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Kempinski - Luxury & Lifestyle Magazine - Features John S. Brana Jewelry

Kempinski - Luxury & Lifestyle Magazine - Middle East & Africa - January 2008

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Jewelry Trends from the Centurion Jewelry Show

While cautious about the year ahead, designers at this year’s Centruion Jewelry Show in Tucson, Arizona (Feb 2-6) had not entirely reined in their creativity. The Centurion is the crem-de-la-crem of the fine jewelry industry. As reported by JCK, look for these emerging trends to influence jewelry designs throughout 2008: “Elongated Pear and [...]

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Metal Series: Brass

There are so many alloys of brass that I couldn’t begin to even guess how many, so I’m going to focus on talking about the brass alloy I use in my work; it’s an alloy called C23000. (Also called 230.) Brass 230 is also known as red brass, though to me it appears very yellow in [...]

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February Birthstone Jewelry – Amethyst

Amethyst means sincerity, tranquility, and peace. It is a member of the quartz family, and it is valued for its color, quality, and availability. It has a hardness of 7, ranges from light to dark purple, and makes very beautiful and affordable jewelry. It is so affordable because of its abundance. [...]

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A Little Crabby

Here’s the toy crab I made out of red felt for the Crab Feed tomorrow. He will be given away with the grand prize in our drawing. I just kinda threw him together last-minute, but I _think_ he looks like a crab??? (What you can’t see in this photo is the Lava Jewelry logo on [...]

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Blue Nile vs. Yehuda Diamonds

Yehuda Diamond Company, an online retailer of clarity enhanced diamonds, has recently been sued by their online competitor Blue Nile. Blue Nile claims certain statements about clarity enhanced diamonds can be misleading to consumers. Clarity Enhancement is a process by which microscopic material is inserted into diamonds that contain feathers. This filling [...]

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Creative Burnout

I think every creative person suffers from burnout once in a while - days, weeks, or even longer when the urge to create something new just doesn’t strike. I’ve been feeling burned out the last week or so, I’m sure because I’m 8 1/2 months pregnant and lacking energy, so I thought I’d make a list [...]

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The Year of the Rat

Happy New Year! I’m feeling pretty optimistic going into a new year. I get to continue doing what I love to do. What more could I ask for? 2008 is the Year of the Rat/Mouse. I created a treasury on Etsy to welcome the Year of the Rat - there are a HUGE number of rat items [...]

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