Archive for September, 2008
Ayala Raiter Jewelry Couture
AyalaRaiter asked:
An iterview with Ayala presents her exclusive jewelry couture collection. You can visit her site www.AyalaRaiter.com
The interview was broadcast on a Rogers channel.
Art Presents and Mstyora Collectables Lacquer Miniatures in Present Shop Online
Will Nilson asked:
Mstyora is a very old center of lacquer miniature near Vladimir and Suzdal.
This settlement was mentioned in the chronicles for the first time in 1626. In the reign of Peter I the settlement belonged to Prince Fyodor Yurievitch Romodanovsky, companion-in-arms of the tsar and head of the Preobrazhensky department, and was called the Bogoyavlenskaya Sloboda.
Since the 18th century icon-painting became the leading trade of this village. The icon-painting style of Mstyora was determined by the tastes and demands of the old believers not of the Moscow region alone, but also of the Urals, Siberia, Zavolzhie (the Volga region) and Pomorie (coast area). Different groups of the old believers had different style requirements which made Mstyora masters imitate various icon-painters.
In the 19th century the settlement was named Mstyora. The indigenous inhabitants claim that the name derives from the Russian word “mastera” – masters.
Local master-craftsmen made icon mountings for churches and monasteries. It laid the groundwork for the local jewelry art employing the technique of filigree known in the time of the Kiev’s Russia.
Many talented artists lived here in the 1700s, so many different kinds of folk art arose here such as an icon painting, gold and silver embroidery and engraving.
Artwork with a delicate miniature pattern was developed in Mstyora before the revolution, along with the famous Vladimir stitch with a massive ornament.
Now, Mstyora is center of Russian folk handicraft of lacquer miniature painting, which is done with tempera paints on articles mostly made of papier-mache.
The Mstyora miniatures usually represent scenes from real life, fairy tales, folklore, literary and history works.
Special place in Mstera painting takes icon painting. As it has some specific features. This tradition was held by Byzantine art, the successors of which were first and foremost the Vladimir and Suzdal icon painters.The Byzantine technique of painting with flux and Byzantine icon painting was preserved in Mstera for many centuries, right up until the start of the 20th century.
Carpet decoration, variety and refinement of picturesque tinges, which contain with general tone of all composition are typical peculiarities of Mstyora’s miniature painting. Warmth and gentleness of colors, depth of landscape backgrounds (often with blue dales in the back), small size and squatness of human figurines, and subtlety of framing pattern done in gold are typical for the Mstyora miniature. Colors gamut of Mstera’s artists is blue-silver or yellow-red. Sometimes artists of Mstera are painting their works by only one ornament (pattern from grass, leaves and fruits).
Masterpieces of Mstyora artists are well-known around the world. They were awards by Gran-Prix, the gold and silver medals on the world exhibition. The Art of Mstyora is represented in the collections of the biggest museums in Russia (Russian Museum, Tretyakov Gallery) and in the world. Our online present collection of art propose to you such birthday or anniversary present ideas as icons, lacquer miniatures, wood vases and art tableware.
Mstyora is a very old center of lacquer miniature near Vladimir and Suzdal.
This settlement was mentioned in the chronicles for the first time in 1626. In the reign of Peter I the settlement belonged to Prince Fyodor Yurievitch Romodanovsky, companion-in-arms of the tsar and head of the Preobrazhensky department, and was called the Bogoyavlenskaya Sloboda.
Since the 18th century icon-painting became the leading trade of this village. The icon-painting style of Mstyora was determined by the tastes and demands of the old believers not of the Moscow region alone, but also of the Urals, Siberia, Zavolzhie (the Volga region) and Pomorie (coast area). Different groups of the old believers had different style requirements which made Mstyora masters imitate various icon-painters.
In the 19th century the settlement was named Mstyora. The indigenous inhabitants claim that the name derives from the Russian word “mastera” – masters.
Local master-craftsmen made icon mountings for churches and monasteries. It laid the groundwork for the local jewelry art employing the technique of filigree known in the time of the Kiev’s Russia.
Many talented artists lived here in the 1700s, so many different kinds of folk art arose here such as an icon painting, gold and silver embroidery and engraving.
Artwork with a delicate miniature pattern was developed in Mstyora before the revolution, along with the famous Vladimir stitch with a massive ornament.
Now, Mstyora is center of Russian folk handicraft of lacquer miniature painting, which is done with tempera paints on articles mostly made of papier-mache.
The Mstyora miniatures usually represent scenes from real life, fairy tales, folklore, literary and history works.
Special place in Mstera painting takes icon painting. As it has some specific features. This tradition was held by Byzantine art, the successors of which were first and foremost the Vladimir and Suzdal icon painters.The Byzantine technique of painting with flux and Byzantine icon painting was preserved in Mstera for many centuries, right up until the start of the 20th century.
Carpet decoration, variety and refinement of picturesque tinges, which contain with general tone of all composition are typical peculiarities of Mstyora’s miniature painting. Warmth and gentleness of colors, depth of landscape backgrounds (often with blue dales in the back), small size and squatness of human figurines, and subtlety of framing pattern done in gold are typical for the Mstyora miniature. Colors gamut of Mstera’s artists is blue-silver or yellow-red. Sometimes artists of Mstera are painting their works by only one ornament (pattern from grass, leaves and fruits).
Masterpieces of Mstyora artists are well-known around the world. They were awards by Gran-Prix, the gold and silver medals on the world exhibition. The Art of Mstyora is represented in the collections of the biggest museums in Russia (Russian Museum, Tretyakov Gallery) and in the world. Our online present collection of art propose to you such birthday or anniversary present ideas as icons, lacquer miniatures, wood vases and art tableware.
All About Mexican Jewelry
Jack Gourden asked:
US is among the biggest importer of the Mexican Jewelry. Due to the elimination of all tariffs by NAFTA, US traders have embarked on an ambitious plan to benefit from Mexico, the third largest producer of the costumer Jewelry.
Characteristics
The use of color is evident in the Mexican Jewelry which itself is characterized by the passionate craftsmanship of its artisans. The Mexican silver jewelry ranges from $50 to almost $5000 depending on the individual pieces. You will also find a lot of metalwork with inscribed religious themes and items for decorative body art.
History
Mexico is rich in mineral deposits of silver. In fact the modern resort town of Puerto Vallarta originated as the premier silver trading port. These pieces high light the importance of culture and religion on the Mexican mindset. In Mexico, artists colonies between 1930’s to 1950’s produced great silver designs. Margot de Texaco and William Spartling became the ultimate household name in the Jewelry business in 1970’s and still demands the highest accords. Get a professional advice as even the marker Jewelry can easily be forged. Many of the pieces are mistaken for silver when it is actually crafted from a bright durable material, Alpaca.
Tips for Shopping
Experts recommend that shoppers check the weight of the silver and examine any splits. The best indication of any restoration is the back side which will be affected from constant hammering. Look for the number marks inside the necklace or ring. These are signs of a high quality craftsmanship. Many of the silver Jewelry parts originate for Texaco which has been the keeper of silver art for over hundred years. Look for minute imprints of Texaco, which may require a magnifying glass. Be wary when shopping for major brand like William Spartling that has most fakes.
US is among the biggest importer of the Mexican Jewelry. Due to the elimination of all tariffs by NAFTA, US traders have embarked on an ambitious plan to benefit from Mexico, the third largest producer of the costumer Jewelry.
Characteristics
The use of color is evident in the Mexican Jewelry which itself is characterized by the passionate craftsmanship of its artisans. The Mexican silver jewelry ranges from $50 to almost $5000 depending on the individual pieces. You will also find a lot of metalwork with inscribed religious themes and items for decorative body art.
History
Mexico is rich in mineral deposits of silver. In fact the modern resort town of Puerto Vallarta originated as the premier silver trading port. These pieces high light the importance of culture and religion on the Mexican mindset. In Mexico, artists colonies between 1930’s to 1950’s produced great silver designs. Margot de Texaco and William Spartling became the ultimate household name in the Jewelry business in 1970’s and still demands the highest accords. Get a professional advice as even the marker Jewelry can easily be forged. Many of the pieces are mistaken for silver when it is actually crafted from a bright durable material, Alpaca.
Tips for Shopping
Experts recommend that shoppers check the weight of the silver and examine any splits. The best indication of any restoration is the back side which will be affected from constant hammering. Look for the number marks inside the necklace or ring. These are signs of a high quality craftsmanship. Many of the silver Jewelry parts originate for Texaco which has been the keeper of silver art for over hundred years. Look for minute imprints of Texaco, which may require a magnifying glass. Be wary when shopping for major brand like William Spartling that has most fakes.
Cant find a certain celtic art poster?
Mindy S asked:
In a celtic goods mag I recieved through the mail a few years ago, (I cant remember which one but I know it wasnt gryphons moon but a similar one) where they sell celtic jewelry, art, clothing such as capes, skirts, home decor, etc. I saw this art poster which displayed a baby with grass for hair, fairies around sitting in front of a wterfall or something with strange looking mystical creatures around. The title of it had Dream in the name but thats all I remember. I have googled this thing for months with no luck. Anyone remember this? I am desperate to find this art poster.
In a celtic goods mag I recieved through the mail a few years ago, (I cant remember which one but I know it wasnt gryphons moon but a similar one) where they sell celtic jewelry, art, clothing such as capes, skirts, home decor, etc. I saw this art poster which displayed a baby with grass for hair, fairies around sitting in front of a wterfall or something with strange looking mystical creatures around. The title of it had Dream in the name but thats all I remember. I have googled this thing for months with no luck. Anyone remember this? I am desperate to find this art poster.
Fancy Diamond Jewelry
art morse asked:
Fancy Diamond Jewelry
Fancy color diamonds are unique and very rarely found diamonds. A fancy diamond is available in an array of colors such as red, pink, green, blue and various shades of yellow. These diamonds are valuable owing to their rarity and are the most valuable diamonds mainly because their color surpasses the GIA color scale. Fancy color diamonds are based on two features. The first is the basic color such as pink, blue, yellow, green, etc. The second is the concentration. Both the color features form the basis for determining the worth of the fancy colored diamonds. Generally, the more the concentration of the color, the more is the cost and the rarer will be the diamond.
Grading of fancy diamonds is done using nine categories such as light , mild light, faint, , , light fancy, fancy, dark fancy, intense fancy, deep fancy and vivid fancy. The most interesting factor of this diamond is that the secondary undertone is a plus if it enhances the color and the secondary undertone is negative if it detracts the color. Fancy color diamonds were found in Brazil, Australia, Venezuela and many parts of Africa as the conditions were suitable for the natural color to get developed.
Natural diamonds are rough diamonds as they are not cut or polished. The natural diamonds are found in Cubic, Octhahedra, Macle and Dodecahedron crystal shapes. In the earlier 1800s diamonds were located in riverbeds and were traded to noblemen who knew the value of the hard crystal. They used it for armor studding and later on kings and queens used to beautify their crowns and other jewelry. They were not identical to polish stones but were highly prized for their uniqueness. Diamonds became a major trade item and Brazil was the next to follow the development of diamond trade. Later Africa succeeded in diamond production. In the 1990s Canada entered the diamond rush and is believed to accomplish the position of being the world’s topmost diamond producer in next 20 years.
Gemstone jewelry is fun, exciting and also confusing. Gemstones are measured by size, weight, as well as both. The main unit used for weighing gemstones is the carat. Carats are segmented into 100 units known as points. For instance, half carat gemstone means the weight is .50 carats or points. Natural gemstones are available in nature. Similarly, the laboratory manufactured stones possess the same physical and chemical properties as other natural gemstones. Laboratory created stones fail to possess the rarity of natural colored stones and are less expensive. In fact, imitation stones are identical to natural stones in appearance, but may be of glass, plastic or any inexpensive stone. Gemstones undergoing some common treatments vary in many forms such as
• Heating a gemstone lightens, darkens or changes the color of gems, or improves the clarity of the gemstone.
• Irradiation can enhance the color to colored diamonds, gemstones and pearls.
• Impregnating certain gems with wax or resins or colorless oils brings variety of imperfections that are less visible but can work on the gemstones’ clarity as well as appearance.
• Filling cracks in gems using colorless plastic or glass improves the gemstones, durability and appearance.
• Dyeing enhances the color and improves the uniformity in the color in the gemstones and pearls.
• Bleaching reduces some gems, including pearls and jade.
Fancy Diamond Jewelry
Fancy color diamonds are unique and very rarely found diamonds. A fancy diamond is available in an array of colors such as red, pink, green, blue and various shades of yellow. These diamonds are valuable owing to their rarity and are the most valuable diamonds mainly because their color surpasses the GIA color scale. Fancy color diamonds are based on two features. The first is the basic color such as pink, blue, yellow, green, etc. The second is the concentration. Both the color features form the basis for determining the worth of the fancy colored diamonds. Generally, the more the concentration of the color, the more is the cost and the rarer will be the diamond.
Grading of fancy diamonds is done using nine categories such as light , mild light, faint, , , light fancy, fancy, dark fancy, intense fancy, deep fancy and vivid fancy. The most interesting factor of this diamond is that the secondary undertone is a plus if it enhances the color and the secondary undertone is negative if it detracts the color. Fancy color diamonds were found in Brazil, Australia, Venezuela and many parts of Africa as the conditions were suitable for the natural color to get developed.
Natural diamonds are rough diamonds as they are not cut or polished. The natural diamonds are found in Cubic, Octhahedra, Macle and Dodecahedron crystal shapes. In the earlier 1800s diamonds were located in riverbeds and were traded to noblemen who knew the value of the hard crystal. They used it for armor studding and later on kings and queens used to beautify their crowns and other jewelry. They were not identical to polish stones but were highly prized for their uniqueness. Diamonds became a major trade item and Brazil was the next to follow the development of diamond trade. Later Africa succeeded in diamond production. In the 1990s Canada entered the diamond rush and is believed to accomplish the position of being the world’s topmost diamond producer in next 20 years.
Gemstone jewelry is fun, exciting and also confusing. Gemstones are measured by size, weight, as well as both. The main unit used for weighing gemstones is the carat. Carats are segmented into 100 units known as points. For instance, half carat gemstone means the weight is .50 carats or points. Natural gemstones are available in nature. Similarly, the laboratory manufactured stones possess the same physical and chemical properties as other natural gemstones. Laboratory created stones fail to possess the rarity of natural colored stones and are less expensive. In fact, imitation stones are identical to natural stones in appearance, but may be of glass, plastic or any inexpensive stone. Gemstones undergoing some common treatments vary in many forms such as
• Heating a gemstone lightens, darkens or changes the color of gems, or improves the clarity of the gemstone.
• Irradiation can enhance the color to colored diamonds, gemstones and pearls.
• Impregnating certain gems with wax or resins or colorless oils brings variety of imperfections that are less visible but can work on the gemstones’ clarity as well as appearance.
• Filling cracks in gems using colorless plastic or glass improves the gemstones, durability and appearance.
• Dyeing enhances the color and improves the uniformity in the color in the gemstones and pearls.
• Bleaching reduces some gems, including pearls and jade.




