Remember this?

Part I of this series can be found here.

Part III of this series can be found here.

The molds that we left in the steam de-waxer have lost more than 90% of their wax. They are now ready to enter the next phase of casting! Here is the de-waxing machine:

Not very impressive by itself. Here is the inside, after a de-waxing. Note t ...

This ring was born in our store this past month. It isn’t just a simple process of scraping a chunk of silver off a block and gluing a gemstone down inside. It takes just a bit more work (and equipment!) than that…

Here you can observe- in painstaking detail- the conception, gestation, and final delivery of a custom designed ring from Wexford Jewelers.

It all begins with a wax model. This is extruded sheet wax that has been bent into the primary form, cut to shape, cut to size, and ...

Late 1997

Michael and I suddenly find ourselves with two months to throw a respectable wedding together. Not a shotgun wedding, just a rush due to business needs & living situation circumstances. I’m working at the store one day and the mother of my sister’s boyfriend whirls in. I’ll have to introduce you here to Judy Nichols, choir and chorale director at our local high school, piano player at our church, general musical angel at large. She always has a kind word for everyone around her, a quick laugh, and a beaming smile on her face. I mention to her that I would be honored to have her play at my wedding, and s ...

“Just make me something pretty.”

The elderly lady was one of my spunkiest customers to date. Her eyes sparkled with dry wit, and her touch on my hand was kindly.

“What kind of pretty?” I asked, laughing, “Swirly pretty? Floral pretty?”

She shrugged and grinned at me,

“You’ll do fine. I know I’ll love it.”

Rarely do clients put their complete faith in my design capability. Most people have an idea, a thought or a stone for a basis, or at least a size reference. I appreciated her confidence in me, but felt completely at sea at to where to start.

A f ...