July 11, 2024
Hi Everyone,
It is still hothothot here in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, Green Valley to be exact. We are breaking a few records. This weekend might be bringing some long awaited monsoon rain but I'll just be happy for some cloud cover.
Here are a few photos from my very warm garage studio of both process and a couple of completed pieces. I love pearls and these designs help me to showcase just a small part of my collection. The Trillium design (R) has been retired for a decade but a customer wondered if I'd be making them again. Well... I did but with a bit of variations. The other earrings are called
"The Picnic Basket". I'm not sure why except that it seems to fit and made me smile. They are now on sale in my Etsy shop along with a few rings but that's in the next entry... By Design... check it out
This past week I had a discussion with a fellow jewelry designer who brought the price of sterling to my attention. For years the price has been stable ($19-$26 per oz). It is now over $30 (with a predicted high of $51 by the end of the year - Yikes). It will definitely have an impact on the way I design. For now, I am going to curtail creating my larger pieces which includes brooches and some larger necklaces. There are still some of these pieces for sale in my Etsy shop but when sold out, I will not be making more until the cost of sterling stabilizes.
Since retiring, my focus has been on creating earrings & pendants and some gallery (one of a kind) pieces. I'll use castings I still have in stock or castings I reorder. I'm also experimenting and creating new designs using fabrication methods and the beautiful stones I find at the gem show. I love what I do and I love sharing it with you.
I will endeavor to keep my current pricing until the end of the year, but... (always a but)... if you have been thinking about placing an order, now would be a good time! Here's the link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudieGummDesigns...
I still have pieces On Sale and new designs are in the Gallery. I'm offering free postage on orders over $75 (USA only) and a ThankYou10 which includes a 10% coupon for your next order over $75.
Thanks for reading this long post and Thank YOU for your continued support and interest in my work. I always love hearing from you, whether it's a note or an emoji!
Stay Cool... Keep Hydrated. Best, Judie
