A custom designed ring for an illustration artist

This is another ring I custom made for a good friend of mine, who is a very talented illustration artist. Her name is Jessica Boehman and she specializes in pencil and color pencil drawings for children books, animals and fantastic characters from myths.

The rutilated quartz was chosen as it ressembles the lines in a pencil drawing. Jess does a lot of drawings of nature so I have chosen a tree design around the stone. I made the ring model from droplets of wax. After the model was done and cast in sterling silver, I soldered the bezel on, hand-polished and oxidized the silver to create an antique look that matched the darkness of the stone. And set the quartz in myself.

This is a fun project! If you want to collaborate on a design, drop me a line!

The Making Of the Custom Made Wedding Ring Project

This is a project that I started with a customer since mid-2013. Between discussions, travel plans, pregnancy...etc it took much longer than we both thought it would be. But the process is collaborative and exciting, the result is amazing and I love (even the most painful moments) every second I spent working on them.

The original brief is to create a set of rings designed around the concept of being "together." We started with a yin-yang concept. Then I designed 2 very rough 2-D sketches to show what I have in mind and this one was picked.

(Excuse the ugly rendering...did it all on photoshop :P)

My concept is an elongated heart shape, with each ring carrying half a heart. Together, the two rings form one pattern. Yet when separated, each would still retain its own individuality.

After I got the approval to proceed, I started carving the original wax model for the male ring because it provided the most surface to work on, so we could really see the effect of the curves. It was a tedious process. Click on the snapshot below to read a little more about each step on my flickr album.

There were 3 different models created before we finally arrived at something both of us liked. And in between, I found out I was pregnant, and went through a couple months of inactivity from the all-day sickness. We joked about how the wedding rings were actually made by 2 of us - me and my baby. Talking about good omen!

The final set was cast in tarnish-resistant sterling silver and hand-polished to a mirror finish.

I love working on custom designed projects because each one is designed with a person in mind. They are "born" to be a part of someone's life. When I started creating jewelry, I always believe that jewelry is more than accessories to an outfit, but it should call upon the wearer's reminiscence of an unforgettable moment.

I hope I can continue to work more on these meaningful projects. If any of you are interested at creating your own set of jewelry with me, simply drop me a line and let's collaborate!

Get cozy at my revamped eBoutique ;)

Harlequin&Lionhead eShop is revamped! Head over to play and browse at my new website :) Let me know what you think about it.

Oh, remember, if you sign up for my mailing list, you get 10% off your first purchase! And there is a secret gift for whoever opened an account on my Harlequin&Lionhead fashion jewelry homepage ;) Sh...

Chic weekend with our Whirls Collection

Chic Weekend with Harlequin&Lionhead by harlequinlionhead featuring a matte pink lipstick

Hudson Jeans / Rag & Bone real leather boots / Clare Vivier real leather handbag Harlequin&Lionhead Whirls Collection No.1 Ring / Kate Spade Wallet / Burberry matte pink lipstick / NARS Cosmetics mini nail polish / Shu Uemura Precise Volume Waterproof Mascara / Harlequin&Lionhead Whirls Collection No 7 Necklace

Some interesting ways to wear your jewelry

Since my last photoshoot and trunk show, I have shown 2 pairings of my rings that turned out to be quite unexpected for my customers. So here they are...I Hope it will inspire you to create more unique ways to wear your jewelry. Remember, share with me at the comments section!

2 of my Rose Adjustable Rings

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Robert Lee Morris Collection Galactic Petal Ring

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2 of my Whirls #1 Statement Rings

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On Trend: Femininely Gothic Fall/Winter 2012/13

With the chilly months moving in on us we look to warm up with thicker clothing, like knits and heavy coats. Staying up to date with trends is ideal for any fashionable gal, and this fall winter 12/13, it is all about the gothic vibe. Gothic inspired many collections and has become a key trend this season. Leather, velvet, and lace are the fabrics most used to convey this darker mood, and are definitely on trend. When going for the gothic trends opt for long silhouettes, and of course, the color black. Remember Roccobarocco’s collection that featured a stunning fitted knee length dress with a white collar and cross? (see above) This look is the perfect example of femininely gothic. The dress had a body conscious fit, yet still classic and sophisticated with the stark white collar, cinched belt, tights, and heels.

Harlequin&Lionhead features many pieces that will fit well into this gothic trend. While you don’t want to go overboard with accessories, for fear of looking like a vampire, keep things simple, and bold. The piece that I would like to mention is the gold plated Rose Bouquet Ring from Harlequin&Lionhead. This ring works amazingly for the gothic trend because roses are a classic symbol of the gothic era and this ring brings that beauty, in a colder way. The beautiful cocktail ring infuses a romantic feeling with old world charm, and works perfectly with the darker clothing this season. The ring comes in oxidized sterling silver, as well as pink silver, which has a lovely hue close to the more popular rose gold color. The ring is bold enough to make a statement and compliment the gothic trend well, while still being delicate and feminine enough to keep the romantic edge.

Introducing the new Whirls Collection!

Some of you may have read about it on my facebook page. Yes the long awaited Whirls Collection, a crossover between my 2 jewelry online shops, is now available at Harlequin&Lionhead.

First off the bat are my 2 rings, now available in 4 different plating options - 14K yellow gold, white gold, black gold and rose gold. It is also available in silver and can be custom ordered to be made in other precious metal. You can email me for a quotation on that.

#1 Ring, shown here in black gold plating

#2 Ring, shown here in silver

#2 Ring, shown here in 14K gold plating

The "Whirls" Collection features clusters of organic shapes that inspires imagination. Someone may see it as feathers, flowers, leaves or even coral. It is edgy but still with a subtle sensibility. There are more styles coming but the beautiful organic shapes are always accompanied by my signature twisted bands. The larger rings and bracelets are supported by double bands.

The line featured here is made of clay models except for the bands. Architecturally, the bands are quite difficult to make because the back side of the ring is not flat. It has contours that follow the shape of the "feathers" in the front. And the half bands are not soldered together because I want it to look more fluid and sleek. To top that, the band is sculpted out of round metal rods and it is diagonally twisted from one side to the other (flat at the bottom so it feels comfortable wearing it). That way the band carries the same "whirly" DNA from the shapes on the front, without being too literally. And it can still be supportive without being overly dominating and clunky. It was so hard to create, and even harder to re-create it in different sizing. I am very proud of it and I think the end result looks fantastic. It is unique in the marketplace.

The line featured at my Bunnies Can Dream store is made of the original clay and are all necklaces. They are all statement pieces that will go very well with the metal collection here. It will be available offline soon in New Jersey. More details to come. For now, you can find them here.

So how are these pieces created? It is a complicated and long process...

I created these in clay models first. The polymer clay is hardened through a baking process, which makes it stable and can be used for moulds.

The polymer clay pieces are then made into silicon moulds. From there, I can get a wax model and continue to work on the piece.

The wax model then needs to be "hollow out" so the final metal piece will not be too heavy. That is why the back of the rings are contoured. Here, they are not a "ring" yet.

The wax model will then be casted into metal and from there, I add on the bands. And that will be polished up and become my prototype for a second mould. I like working with the rods in metal because they can be made "sharper" with the angular twist. The issue is that after the bands are criss-crossed they cannot be resized or reshaped. So the piece has to be made perfect and wax models are NEVER perfect. Coming out from casting they always have to be worked upon more. So the key is to get the wax models as perfect as possible coming out from mould. So the original mould needs to be 200% and that is why I finish the bands at metal stage for all my prototypes.

Here the prototype will then be used to make a final mould. From that mould, I will generate wax models for casting for production moving forward. And this is only for one ring, one size. Imagine each ring will come in size 6-10, this process will need to be repeated 5 times per ring model. Now I have 2 rings, so 10 times. And the process is pretty much the same for bangles...Keep counting :P So seriously, this is my sweat and blood.

Now if you subscribe to my mailing list,
you get a special discount off the Whirls rings. 

Click here to subscribe ;) 

Angry bunny - Here comes the Elusive

The thing with Etsy or any fashion or design item is that you have to go into market asap. Or someone else gets to go onto a page being promoted. And honestly, I wasn't too keen on launching Elusive because it is not the most innovative shape in the world. It is interesting because of the concept - that I use recycled sprue metal pieces from casting to create new jewelry so I don't waste anything and you get a lovely piece with quality metal.

But I'm so mad today seeing this piece on Etsy Find email blast.  I thought, "There you go, now people will think you are a copycat!" But of course, mine has a concept more than just a design. But still...So I thought, what the hack I will just kick off the Elusive collection. Call it a destined launch because if I have a choice, I would launch the whole collection together, with all the other pieces. But that means it may be next year given my snail paced production.

Hey look at it this way, theirs costs $253, mine is just $60. Maybe it will work for me better :P

Make my day, go "favorite" my ring on My Etsy Store.

A recent feature

I have been working a little hard and didn't even post any feature updates. Well here is an elegant one created by LeshasWorkshop, featuring my silver Adjustable Rose Ring.

A sneak view - Lilac collection #1

I know, it's been too long. The second collection of flowers are coming out soon. This time it is lilac.

First one will be an adjustable ring. Same as my previous Adjustable Rose Ring, this will be flexible in size without looking like one. A bouquet of lilac blossoms wraps around your fingers with a little bloom at the end.

I will be casting it early next week. I hope it will come out as adorable as it is right now. The goal is that these will be partially plated - Flowers will be in rose gold, and the ring itself and the bloom will either be gold plated or kept as silver.

More to come about this series.

The capricious and inspiring April

Besides the cherry blossoms and Easter, April is known for it's capricious weather in NY. Here are some treasury on Etsy inspired by April weather featuring my jewelry. More to come...


"The days of milk and honey" by luluknitsnyc featuring my 24K gold plated Little Rose Studs.

"April Shows and the Promise of Rainbows" by Tyramade featuring my 24K gold plated Adjustable Rose Ring.

"April showers bring May flowers & I hope June brings you" by Valdera featuring the 24K gold plated Full Rose Ring.

Etsy Treasury Featuring Full Rose Ring

Thank you HeartOnMySleeveStore for featuring my ring. Click on the image to view the treasury on Etsy.

24K Gold Plated Roses

As posted earlier, the Rose Collection is now available in 24K gold plating. All the current listings in my shop under sterling silver can be purchased as 24K gold plated version.

And as an alternative to the higher end line, I'm offering brass/bronze versions. To ensure these will not cause reaction to some hyperallergic customers, I have also plated it with 24K gold. Some slight tarnishing around the deep crevices between the pedals may happen but that will only add to the beauty of the roses making it more dimensional.

I'm also introducing a little baby to the collection - the single rose studs.  They are just adorable. 

It is also 24K gold plated. The posts are of sterling silver plated in gold so, like the 2-Way Rose Earrings, it is a good option for sensitive ears.

The best thing is that these babies are very affordable so for those who are curious to see the roses in person first before taking a dive into the full collection, or if you are looking for an affordable lovely gift for a friend, this is perfect for you.

The blog/mailing list subscription offer is always on. So come take a look at my store:
http://harlequinlionhead.etsy.com

Another feature on Etsy Treasury

Thank you MrsTurtle. Click HERE to go to the feature online.

My first feature on Etsy Treasury

Thank you Terraform! Click HERE to go to the feature online.

24K Gold-Plated versions are available

First off the oven is the full rose ring plated in 24K gold. This is done over sterling silver. But the final on sale version will be done over brass to keep the price point similar as the sterling silver version.

I like the roses in gold even more myself! They are so adorable isn't it?

I hope to post the pendant and earrings in 24K gold plating by Friday. Let me know what you think!