Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist January - February 2019

WHAT ARE TENTERHOOKS? I’m not sure, but I’ve been on them ever since learning that one of Pantone’s 2019 Spring/Summer Fashion Forecast Colors is a brilliant shade of orange. Will it make it to the very top as Color of the Year? I might be exaggerating. I do love intense oranges, and it would please me to see this year’s honor go to Fiesta Orange, but I’ll be drawn to it and its kissing cousins whether any of them is number one color kitten or not. What does jazz me is Pantone’s big, splashy celebration of color itself. Waking up every morning to an infinite and irrepressible spectrum adds zest to my entire day. As a medium for color, gemstones are without peer, and nothing rivals the Tucson “gem show”…

WHAT ARE TENTERHOOKS? I’m not sure, but I’ve been on them ever since learning that one of Pantone’s 2019 Spring/Summer Fashion Forecast Colors is a brilliant shade of orange. Will it make it to the very top as Color of the Year? I might be exaggerating. I do love intense oranges, and it would please me to see this year’s honor go to Fiesta Orange, but I’ll be drawn to it and its kissing cousins whether any of them is number one color kitten or not. What does jazz me is Pantone’s big, splashy celebration of color itself. Waking up every morning to an infinite and irrepressible spectrum adds zest to my entire day. As a medium for color, gemstones are without peer, and nothing rivals the Tucson “gem show” for opportunities…

Your Design Riffs Designs based on projects and jewelry shown in previous issues of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. Your Settings…

Re: “Graphic Grace,” September/October 2018 In Mark Lurie’s profile of Susan Mahlstedt, it was mentioned that “Mahlstedt stabilizes the finish by lacquering most of her work.” Would it be possible to learn which lacquer she is using (name, manufacturer) and any special tips? I am using silver oxidation to accent silver jewelry and would like to learn which lacquer would produce a good result to protect oxidation from wear. I tried Renaissance Wax recommended by some silversmith experts, but I learned that it wears off easily. Nina Lara Novikova Kirkland, Washington Susan Mahlstedt responds: The lacquer I use is Permalac. It can be found online. I brush it on, and for the most part, it’s self-leveling if applied properly. Please note this is not a “coat of steel.” I still tell my customers they need…

Your Design Riffs Designs based on projects and jewelry shown in previous issues of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. Your Settings…

Re: “Graphic Grace,” September/October 2018 In Mark Lurie’s profile of Susan Mahlstedt, it was mentioned that “Mahlstedt stabilizes the finish by lacquering most of her work.” Would it be possible to learn which lacquer she is using (name, manufacturer) and any special tips? I am using silver oxidation to accent silver jewelry and would like to learn which lacquer would produce a good result to protect oxidation from wear. I tried Renaissance Wax recommended by some silversmith experts, but I learned that it wears off easily. Nina Lara Novikova Kirkland, Washington Susan Mahlstedt responds: The lacquer I use is Permalac. It can be found online. I brush it on, and for the most part, it’s self-leveling if applied properly. Please note this is not a “coat of steel.” I still…