MeritMade Stones - Hematite

Hematite is one of 2 stones we used in the upcoming Valentine's Mini Collection. Also spelled as Haematite, it is the mineral form of iron oxide (iron and oxygen) and is mined as the main source of iron. When it is turned to a powder, Hematite is a rusty red color. Through out history this red powder has been used on pottery, cave walls, and to pigment oil paints. Not strictly limited to planet earth, this amazing mineral also resides on MARS and is what gives Mars it's red color.

Martian Rocks: In 2004, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity discovered that soil near its landing site contained millions of tiny spheres that researchers nicknamed "blueberries." Upon analysis they were determined to be composed of iron …

Martian Rocks: In 2004, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity discovered that soil near its landing site contained millions of tiny spheres that researchers nicknamed "blueberries." Upon analysis they were determined to be composed of iron oxide, mostly in the form of hematite. Image by NASA.

Metaphysically speaking Hematite is a powerhouse. It is ENERGIZING, EMPOWERING, and GROUNDING.

It is used to bring mental organization and can help with original thinking, logical thinking, and mathematics. Basically any type of thinking which requires significant mental clarity, can benefit from the wearing of hematite.

Emotionally, hematite decreases negativity. Lowering negativity, helps balance the body/mind/spirit connection. It also is said to balance the meridians, boost self-esteem, and self-confidence.

Want some of this awesome material too? Click on over to the shop to pick out a piece. 

MeritMade Stories - Dane

What is your MeritMade story? 
I requested a MeritMade engagement/wedding ring combo from Kelly solely from seeing one piece she did. I believe it was a necklace or something of the like. But I was sold. The detailed work that had been put into something as simple as the object was. I knew that if the attention to detail was so wonderful on it, that she would be even more flawless with something as special as my request. The hardest part was keeping it secret. But we prevailed without a slip up. Kelly and I initially made up a few drawings of what we thought would work well together. She was very careful to make sure I was a part of the entire process, which I really liked. Though she did all the hard work; I still felt like a jewelry designer and contributor without have ever doing so. Once we came up with the design and chose all of the materials, Kelly was great at keeping communication with me regarding the process and timeline. I feel like a custom piece is the way to go. It's the only piece in existence. And I am so very glad I made the decision to go with MeritMade. And so is my fiancè!

How does working with MeritMade compare to buying jewelry in the past?
I don't purchase a lot of jewelry. But even prior to meeting with Kelly, I had gone into a couple jewelry stores to ask some questions. And it felt stale. I didn't feel appreciated for what I wanted. And if I weren't interested in the extremely expensive items, they would quickly disengage from their assistance. But, Kelly really gets customer service. She is a treat others as you'd like to be treated kind of person. Plus she's extremely talented, so you know that the work she does for you will be unique and solely special for you.

If you could get another piece of MeritMade jewelry for free, what would you want?
Probably a pinky ring of sorts. something timeless and classic. Perhaps something that was focused around Kansas City. Perhaps the Royals. Perhaps the royals winning the World Series? Perhaps! (Please note this is foreshadowing written prior to the ROYALS WINNING THE WORLD SERIES!!!!)

What is the best movie quote ever, and what movie is it from?
"You tell 'em I'm coming! And Hell's coming with me!" - Kurt Russel as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone

Anything else you would like to add?
Word on the street that Kelly might be making me a Wedding Band. This is good news!

-Dane

MeritMade Stones - Picture Jasper

Stones whether polished, faceted, or in the rough, are an important part of MeritMade jewelry. Each stone has a unique and inspiring story. Sometimes the story is a stone's metaphysical properties, other times it is the lapidary artist, the material, or perhaps where it was mined. At MeritMade we truly believe in the power of these stories, and It is important for us to share these with you. 

These pieces, in the recently created Desert Collection, are made from Rocky Butte Picture Jasper. It is found near the Owyhee River in Eastern Oregon. 

More broadly speaking picture jasper is a form of Brown Jasper. It can easily be identified by the patterns in the stone that often look like landscape paintings. The pictures and patterns, which are basically petrified mud, are made from flow or deposits by water and/or wind. 

While picture jasper can be found all over the world, specific colors or patterns are unique based upon the geographic region from which they originate. Oregon's Owyhee jasper is known as a particularly fine example, and Rocky Butte is one of the most prized and recognizable picture jaspers from the Owyhee area.

Metaphysically speaking it is easy to see why it is considered a grounding and harmonizing stone with a strong connection to the earth. It is said to promote feelings of responsibility towards the planet, encouraging a need to care for and protect it. This earth-centric grounding energy can give you a strong sense of who you are, where you’ve been and where you are going. It is said to encourage creative visualization, creativity, and business pursuits. 

If you are interested in purchasing a piece from the desert collection click on over to the shop. If you would like to commission a piece made from picture jasper you can contact us here to begin the process. 

xo, Kelly

MeritMade Lessons - How to Create a Silver Bead

Silversmithing techniques as we know them today date all the way back to 4685 BC.  Needless to say the craft and techniques are steeped in rich history and tradition.  However, many of these techniques are now being replaced by machines and computers. Like with all technological advancements this can save huge amounts of time and effort.  However at MeritMade, we strive to respect the craft and stay true to the process by performing many of these techniques in the same way that they have been for centuries. 

One particular technique that is rarely used anymore, is the process of hand fabricating hollow silver beads. Machine made silver beads are prevalent in today's market and can easily be purchased through any bead or craft store. If we look to our past though, we can see some amazing pieces created with hand fabricated beads. Some of the best examples being in Native American jewelry. In this post we will walk you step by step through the process used to create a silver bead.    

native american silver beads
native american jewelry

 STEP 1 - Cut out from thin gauge silver sheet the appropriately sized circle. 

discs cut from silver sheet

STEP 2 - Start shaping and doming the silver using punches and a dapping block (here is a great video by Rio Grande that explains the process)

Using a dapping block
slightly domed silver disc

STEP 3 - Gradually work the silver step by step into the smaller sections of the dapping block. Slowly the depth of the dome will increase. 

dome height comparison

STEP 4 - Repeat Step 3 as many times as needed to get to the desired dome height. As the metal starts to harden from the hammering, you will need to periodically stop between rounds and anneal it to make the silver soft again. (For a great annealing tutorial check out this video)

STEP 5 - Once the domes are the height you want them, use a flat surface and coarse sandpaper to sand the the flat side completely level.  

STEP 6 - Create a hole using a drill bit in each dome. Be sure to create the hole large enough for the chain or string that the bead will go on to. 

half domed silve with hole to become a bead

STEP 7 - Now you need to solder the two domed halves together. (Want to know more about soldering? This video is a good start)

soldeing a silver bead together

STEP 8 - Clean up the edges and any extra solder that might have melted in the wrong place.  Lastly perform any final finishing, polishing, and/or patina.  VIOLA! One Bead Done!!

finished bead in clean up phase

I'd love to hear any feedback or questions about this post.  Was it interesting?  What other techniques or processes would you like to see? 

Interested in purchasing this silver bead necklace, hop on over to the shop! 

- Kelly