My inspiration for these charm necklaces are the simple collections of shells, beach glass, crosses and coins that I see strung on leather cords, worn by those who walk the beaches here on the Jersey Shore. Each charm is a found object or a gift representing a personal memory or a  talisman of good luck. Do you wear something like that? Let me know what it is in the comments. I'm always interested in how the soul is reflected in what we choose to wear about our necks. It's our most ancient and most human impulse.

I added these unique, one of a kind charm necklaces to the Pirate Tides Collection. Each of these is a treasure and has a special story to tell. They will reveal the story to you, as you wear them on your life journey. They are made to layer easily with your other tokens you collect along the way. I have had so much fun making them.  Take a look by clicking each picture below. If one of them speaks to you, please consider buying it. There will never be another one like it, when it's gone.

These are all ready to ship within 1 business day from the order. 

I made this ring this week. I call it the Pirate's Freedom Silver Wedding Band Ring. I am so happy that this design sells so well, because it's one of those rings that I never get tired of making. Although it's alot of work, it is repetitive work, that allows me to enjoy some good music while I file away. I truly get in the zone, enjoying the process and sending good thoughts to the couple who will soon be married. 

You can see more about this ring here. It is part of my Pirate Tides Collection.

Have you ever used a penny machine? That old fashioned, gear driven machine that squashes a coin into an elongated souvenir? If so, you've used a version of a jeweler's rolling mill. A mini rolling mill is the latest addition to my jewelry studio.

The cool thing about making jewelry is that there is always more than one way to perform a task, to get to a similar end result. I've been getting by for several years without a rolling mill, but I finally bought a mini, to make my tasks go a bit quicker. I still intend on saving up for a full size top of the line Durston mill...someday..to make everything even quicker and easier.

Anyway, above are two examples of how I've put an X onto metal. (I use these in my Pirate Tides Jewelry Collection.) The bronze X was created using etching acid. The sterling silver Xs were made with my new Rolling Mill. I used the bronze X that I had etched, and pressed it with annealed silver, so the etching was transferred to the silver. This is how your penny comes out with "Souvenir of ..." on it. 

Don't let the image fool you. Even though it's a machine, it is still hand powered. My strength and adjustment of the gears is needed to perform the tasks. This is true with most "machines" in the studio jewelers shop. Come back next Tuesday and I'll tell you about another tool in my studio.