Uncommon Goods Jewelry Review

I have the privilege of telling you about a website, Uncommon Goods. Their motto: “Unique Gifts and Creative Designs.” Perfect slogan for their website. It is full of creative designs that make it is easy to find something you like.

I was approached with the offer to choose any piece of jewelry from their website to review. How exciting! I chose a beautiful blue pinecone necklace, like the one pictured above. I found it while searching through their jewelry for women. Check it out here. I guarantee you will find beautiful jewelry for both men and women. Check out the jewelry for women here and the jewelry for men here.

I was delighted when the necklace I had chosen to review arrived in the mail. I was impressed with the packaging to! Let me show you!

The box the necklace was in came tucked inside this ingenious bag made from remnants of recycled t-shirts in the USA.

Inside the bag was this jewelry box with the jewelry designers name and signature look. The necklace was designed by Nancy Nelson of West Virginia. You can read more about her bio here. I like the twig wrapped up in the thread that is tied neatly around the jewelry box.

Upon opening the box I was greeted with more simple, yet cheerful packaging that made the pinecone necklace stand out. Included in the jewelry box was Nancy Nelson’s business card.

Isn’t this necklace beautiful? I love nature. I often go outside to enjoy the scenery. The outdoors is my cathedral. It is where I go to rest, relax, and find peace when I am stressed. The sights and sounds of nature is often times the best type of therapy. This pinecone reminds me of the outdoors, and blue is a soothing color. It I also my favorite color. Thus the reason I chose this beautiful blue pinecone necklace.

Read Nancy’s description of this blue pinecone necklace and you will no doubt find that her love for the outdoors is what inspired her to create the necklace Read about it here.

The pinecone pendant is hand cast in brass from an actual pinecone that was found at Swallow Falls State Park in Maryland. The brass pendant was painted blue patina. The pinecone pendant hangs from a beautiful 14kt gold filled wire chain that can be adjusted between 16′ – 18′ inches.

Take a look at two more photographs I took that show off the blue pinecone pendants intricate details.

This is by far one of my favorite necklaces I own. Priced at $72.00 you can own one to! To purchase a blue pinecone necklace of your own visit Uncommon Goods. While you are there you might find even more jewelry to add to your shopping cart. With Christmas around the corner, Uncommon Goods is a good place to shop this year, right in the comfort of your own home!

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In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

Solder Like a Pro with these great tips

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