It's not supposed to be this hot here!

Last year we didn't turn our air conditioner on until October! Today, I couldn't stand it. It is so hot and muggy here in So. Cal. It's really gross! Because of that, I have only been working at my bench on purchased orders. Nothing new to create....it's too muggy!

So I leave you with a beautiful picture of natural waterfalls from our trip in Colorado!

New In My Etsy Store

Before I hit the skies for vacation, I wanted to get a few of my projects completed and listed.
I hand set this beautiful Chalcedony in an open back bezel to allow the light to shine through. It
is accented by a tiny cz and petals made from sterling silver.

Then I created this all sterling silver linked bracelet. I really, really love this bracelet. I hammered each link individually, stamped some random images on it and then oxidized it. The closure is a hand made toggle. It's really a perfect bracelet for everyday wear.

Coming Soon-I hope :)

I have this amazing Pineapple Agave tree/bush in my yard (I had to look up what a Pineapple Agave tree actually was).  Apparently it produces some amazing fruit in the late summer, early fall! I can't wait! As of right now, the flowers are beginning to bloom and they are really cool flowers! I am hoping to translate one of the flowers into a ring. I think it could be really beautiful!

I think I might be the most spoiled wife ever......

For Mothers Day this year, my husband out did himself! He knows how much I have been wanting a dedicated space for my work. Well, last week he drove himself down to the Mexican border, not once, but TWICE to get this set for me. Then he set it up and surprised me with it! I was amazed and stunned! Not that he would do that, he is always doing something special for me, but just that I finally had MY OWN space! No more working in the dining room and hating that it junked up the house.

Oh and then I also got the Flex Shaft!!!! I have wanted this FOREVER! Now I just need to learn how to use it!

Fathers Day Gift Ideas

Mothers Day is coming up next weekend, but remember that Fathers Day is just around the corner too! Order now to make sure you get what you want in time! All items can be customized just for you, just shoot me an email if you want to customize a piece you see here.

This first piece is a custom, hand cut sterling silver dog tag. It is made from 18 gauge sterling silver, which is thick enough to stamp on both sides. It has been oxidized and given a matte brushed finish. It hangs from a 20" oxidized sterling silver bead chain. Perfect for your man! Click on my Etsy shop to purchase......

The next piece is a hand stamped keychain. This keychain can be one large sterling silver stamped disc, two medium discs or three small discs. The disc is attached with a soldered sterling silver jump ring. The key ring is solid sterling silver as well. This gift will last forever, and is sure to make dad or grandpa happy! To purchase please visit my Etsy shop.

Such A Pretty Stone!

I bought this turquoise stone awhile ago. I fell in love with it! Okay, I love all my stones, but this piece is extremely beautiful on its own. I was afraid I wouldn't do it justice.

I LOVE the way it turned out! I hand set it in a fine silver bezel with sterling silver back, added handmade sterling silver balls, leaves and a rose. I then soldered the toggle circle to the pendant and finished the chain.  Turquoise is supposed to be the new "in" color for spring and summer! I think the piece has a modern twist with a romantic feel. What do you think?  To purchase see my shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ThirteenGems

For All My Stone Friends.....my little collection

I caught the stone buying bug a few months ago. In the beginning, I bought a stone at a time and then immediately made something with it. That was good for the budget. But then the bug got worse and I started falling in love with stones, and if you love stones, you know once you love a stone, it has to be yours!

Now I have seen many stone collections and know that mine is teeny tiny! You should see some of the metalsmiths collections! They have so many stones it makes me dizzy!

Here is a picture of my little teeny tiny collection-hey you have to start somewhere right?

They are: agate, turquoise, ocean jasper with druzy, amethyst sage, lapis lazul, agate with druzy, onyx, sonoran sunrise (which I set and then hated-so not sure what I am going to do with it.), chalcedony, some type of jasper (I think), not sure, and fordite.

My favorites are:

This Ocean Jasper. It has a great druzy on the top and another pocket on the left bottom corner.

I think I am going to prong set this, just not sure how yet.

This Amethyst Sage. It has the prettiest purples, creams and browns in it, with dendrites

throughout. I want to make sure to set it so light can get to it....hmmm maybe

a good time to try an open back setting.

Lastly, 

This Agate, that also has a beautiful druzy in the middle.

I love these, the crystals shine so pretty in the sunlight.