The Diamond Industry (and Other Ways Advertisers F*ck With Society for Money)

I remember at some point in high school math class, the subject of diamond ring prices came up in an example problem. One of my classmates raised her hand and asked "What's the deal with diamonds? They're overpriced shiny rocks."

A good point, I thought, but the rest of the class looked at her in utter shock. "What do you mean 'what's the big deal'?" the teacher responded. "They're diamonds!" Note that she didn't really answer the question.

But that got me thinking: Just what is the big deal with diamond culture? I mean, sure, they're shiny, which is always a plus, with with so many gemstones in the world that are just as beautiful and far more economical, why are we obligated to demand the most expensive ones, especially given the amount of corruption involved in the process of diamond mining? College Humor offers a delightfully cynical insight in this video.

Spray some mildly poisonous cleaning solutions
up your genitals or your husband will leave you and it
\will totally be your fault. Yeah, seems legit.  

And that made me wonder some more--what other things do we do just because advertisers imply that its "normal"? One of the most infamous examples would be the prevalence of douching in the 20th century, which thank goodness, is a trend that's pretty much died out. The same goes for shampoos, deodorants, and plenty of cleaning products; all things that are stunningly easy to make on one's one.

In any case, here's a thought: why not try offering/accepting a ring without a diamond, or maybe even getting a used one. Personally, as a history geek, I'd be utterly delighted to get a piece of vintage jewelry, regardless of  how much or little money the giver spent on it. Hell, if you're really adventurous, you can actually get engaged without having to trade status symbols.

DIY Necklace!

I've liked making jewelry for quite some time, but I have a confession to make: all I really do is buy pendants and put them on chains. Until now, that is.

That's right, I made this. It may be a little rough and derpy-looking, for lack of a better description, but I've got to start somewhere, and this is the first time when, in a metalworking class I'm taking, I've had the materials and knowledge to make something like this.

The eye in the center is fused glass, a process which took a great deal of cutting glass with an annoyingly dull knife and sending little shards everywhere. The pendant itself is from cut sheets of steel and copper. I cheated and used a manufactured chain and gears.

Scrollwork Ring Tutorial

A very simple ring that I designed for a jewelry making class, inspired by the ironwork gates of Victorian manors. This takes only a few minutes and supplies that can easily be found at a craft or hardware store.

1. Cut a length of wire (approx. 12 gauge) about 2 inches long. Exact length, of course, will vary depending on the size of your finger, so you may have to do some trial and error.

2. Use a pair of pliers to bend the ends of the wire into two spirals. To do this, curl the tip of the wire into a small hook, steady it with the pliers, and curl the wire around it. The two spirals should be pointed in opposite directions.

3. Curl the ring around a ring mandrel or other ring-sized cylindrical object that you find lying around the house. Gently pounding it into place with a wooden mallet will help it form a more geometric ring shape.

DIY Jewelry Hanger

A simple jewelry rack made from some screw-on hooks and a wooden coat hanger. I really wish I'd found this tutorial earlier: http://www.ispydiy.com/2012/07/diy-collaboration-hanger-jewelry-holder.html.

Nautical-inspired Necklace Tutorial

This is a necklace that can be made with fairly basic materials. I think it has a Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea-esque look, but different colors of beads and chain could be used to create a variety of styles.
1. Start with a length of chain long enough to fit loosely around your neck. Jewelry-making chains from craft stores tend to be easiest to work with, but other kinds will work, as well.

2. Use two pairs of pliers to pry apart the last link of chain. Hook it onto a clasp, and use the pliers to close it again. Do this for both ends.

3.Arrange the beads next to the chain, varying them by color and size.







4.Cut a length of copper wire, about 1-1.5 inches long. Use a pair of pliers to curl one end of the wire into a hook.
5. Hook the wire onto a link of chain, and continue curling it until it makes a loop.









6.Put a bead on the open end of the wire, and curl the end to hold it in place.

 5. Repeat this process until you have a bead attached every few links across the entire chain, using varying lengths of wire to create a wave-like effect.

Ribbon Choker Tutorial

            So since I was gone all last week, I’m doing more posts than usual for a little while. Here’s a tutorial for a basic choker made from a ribbon. I like to think of this as the neo-Victorian equivalent of the punk dog collar. It’s quite versatile and looks great when layered with a pendant or longer necklace.

1. Cut a piece of ribbon about two inches longer than the circumference of your neck.

2. Fold over the end of the ribbon. 

3. Push down on the fold to make two flaps

4. Sew it down, making sure to leave the two flaps separate. Iron them flat.

5. Repeat steps two through four on the other end.

6. Place the two hook clasps between the flaps on one end and hand sew into place. Repeat on the other end with the eyes.

7. Sew on any ornamentation, beads, etc, if desired. 

Here's a finished one, layered with a cameo necklace.