Saturday, September 10, 2011

Jet of the Day - The Silver Bear

 

Mexican Fire Opal Faceted Heart Necklace

Hi! I’m Augie, otherwise known as The Silver Bear.
Where did “The Silver Bear” come from?
Well … my nickname among family and friends has always been Bear or Bearsie, so when I started making jewelry, as I work primarily with sterling silver, it just seemed the logical way to go.

Amethyst Stalactite and Sterling Necklace

I trained as a silversmith way back in the dim, dark, distant past, then didn’t touch it for almost 40 years, so these days I’m pretty much starting from scratch again, slowly.

Blue Topaz and Sterling Necklace
 I’m a graduate gemologist, hence my tendency to work primarily with natural, quality gem materials. I have always gravitated towards some of the more unusual materials such as pyritized Ammonite, Tektite, Agatized Dinosaur Bone, Mexican Fire Opal, Larimar, Chrome Diopside etc. I also have a thing for gemstone intarsias, and have about 200 waiting to be made into items of jewelry.


Gemstone Intarsia Necklace

I’ve collected mineral specimens, rocks & gems for over 40 years (besides a whole heap of other stuff you don’t want to know about)! My two primary areas of interest are Turquoise and Jade. I set out 30 years ago to acquire a Turquoise specimen from every named mine in the U.S. southwest & Mexico, & am probably ¾ of the way there, with over 150 mines crossed off the list, as well as most other global localities.


Dragonskin Turquoise
My collection of Jades (both Nephrite & Jadeite) is also pretty extensive. I was quite chuffed last year to be asked to exhibit some of my New Zealand Nephrite at a prestigious mineral show, & even more chuffed when the curator of minerals at the South Australian Museum awarded it the trophy for Best Exhibit.


Stunning Larimar and Sterling Necklace
These days I’m trying to take life a little easier, after 45 years in the workforce, first as an RSPCA Officer, then a Fire Service Officer, both of which resulted in cramming about 70 years work into 45 years. I’m learning a whole new set of skills, like chainmaille, & life is good.

Thanks for reading.
Augie

19 comments :

Erika Price said...

I love your work, Augie! That Mexican Fire Opal necklace is just one of the many fabulous creations I covet in your shop!

Val Swanson said...

I love your entire shop Bear, you know that. You are an inspiration for me.

Mollie Ann said...

Hey Augie/Bearsie! Beautiful, beautiful jewelry - I especially love that larimar.

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

You are so talented Bearsie! Your shop is dreamy and your quality of gemstones unparalleled!

Tracy said...

Great blog post! Thanks for sharing!

Shazzabeth Creations said...

Great to find out some of your background, sounds like you have some fab collections to match your fab jewelry!

DG Jewelry Designs said...

Hi Augie, great blog post and lovely jewelry creations.

JillreOzmay said...

Augie, I love love love your shop. I want to come to your house and look at your rocks!!

Michele said...

Great post and lovely jewerly!!!

Unknown said...

Hey Bear!!
I am over here just literally DROOLING(as I always do) over your jewelry. I am so happy to have found out we share so many common interests, but I'm a babe in the woods...I'd LOVE to go rock hounding with you and yes take a peek at your collection.
You are doing everything I WANT to doI'm just off to a late start, but better late than never!!

SendingLoveGallery said...

enjoyed learning more about you Augie, and your beautiful jewelry!

Karen-Ann Lobo said...

You are one talented lady!! I love the Dragonskin Turquoise necklace..

Made By Tammy said...

Stunning Jewelry! Great feature!

ChayaGallery said...

Augie, what an interesting and talented bear you are :-) I too would love to come rock hunting with you (could be tourist potential here !!!)

Beadsme said...

Just love reading about you. Getting to know Jets better is awesome. Great designs and lovely post.

capitalcitycrafts said...

Incredible handmade jewelry, thanks for sharing!

willowcreekjewelry said...

Wonderful post from an extraordinary artisan! Stunning designs and craftsmanship!

Brooke said...

What a fun post, I enjoyed learning about your collections and you make such lovely jewelry.

jemsbyjb said...

Beautiful jewelry and a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing with us!