Kiln-Formed Glass - Dolores Barrett Jewelry

Many of the distinctive kiln-formed glass spheres 
that Dolores Barrett creates for 
her unique jewelry collection
are made with dichroic glass.
This is glass that appears to be different colors
 when viewed from different angles.
Other pieces are made using clear, black, 
or colored glass fused with metallic foils.

Hints of gold leaf, silver luster, textured 
 or jewel-tone glass inserts peek out 
of the characteristic holes serving to invite
 the viewer in for a closer view.

These variously-shaped pieces are made with glass and
fused 24K gold foil with
transparent colored-glass interiors.

 Shapes, patterns, colors and glass come together to
express this artist's unique vision.

See more at Dolores Barrett's website.

Shimmery Shibuichi - Achieving Complex Colors - Jill Hermans Jewelry

I recently came across this beautiful

lustrous jewelry created

by Jill Hermans.
The shimmering colors drew me
as strongly as a moth to a flame;
as one's angle of viewing changes the
 nuanced colors change as well.

She achieves a compelling range of
colorful effects by applying heat to

 shibuichi, an ancient Japanese alloy

of 75% copper and 25% silver. 

There's something about   
her work that I find peaceful and relaxing;
when I read her description of her work,
 it helps to explain why:

“…..At the present time my mind is occupied with the Japanese alloy shibuichi, and Japanese ideals of beauty and truth that seem to click so well with this rich material. By juxtaposing simple shapes and forms with rich and intricate surface colours and textures I am able to create a balance between simplicity and complexity. These explorations result in playful works that push the boundaries of conventional perceptions of the material, while still staying true to the essence of the metal.”

Her textural designs contrast well
with the variegated colors and each
piece presents new, unexpected combinations.

You can see more (much, much more)

at Jill Hermans website.