Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Featuring Rachel Houfek (Jeweler)

Organic and Natural.  
Two words to describe my jewelry.  Each piece is carefully thought out and one of a kind. I love being able to look at a piece of jewelry and see its own unique beauty.  Being from an artistic family with a dad as a pottery teacher, it was only natural that I find my own distinctive talent.  I've been making jewelry for seven years and have been metal working for three.  Now, announcing the arrival of my jewelry here at Art & Soul!


Sterling Silver and Rainbow Moonstone Necklace:
Moonstone is believed to balance out one’s yin and yang and give a calming spirit.  Being a not so calm person, I made this necklace asymmetrical, unbalanced, and beautiful.  Moonstone owes its name to the striking play of light on its surface, a gorgeous blue, when the stone is moved.  And for all you Florida natives, this necklace is for you!  Moonstone was named the Florida gemstone in 1970 after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon after lift off from Florida.  However, Moonstone is not found in Florida, or on the moon for that matter.


Sterling Silver and Pyrite Necklace:
Gold! Gold!  Fool’s gold that is.  Pyrite, fools’ gold’s technical name, can be found in the rivers of Colorado, the mines in Arizona, and every other continent except Antarctica.  To brush you up on your Native American history, pyrite was often carved and polished so bright, it was used as a mirror.  I hand textured and prong set a big ole’ chunk of pyrite and strung it with pyrite chunks with fine silver tubes and beads.



Coral, Freshwater Pearl, and Shell Pendant Necklace:
Green coral? Yes, green coral!  Dyed from its naturally light pink or peachy color, these green coral beads are combined with their fellow water friends: freshwater pearls and shell.  With accents of Swarovski crystal and sterling silver, this nautical necklace will certainly stand out.  Freshwater pearls come from freshwater mussels and unlike saltwater pearls, have a-not-so round shape.  But we’re all a little irregular and abnormal right?!



Even-Count Peyote Bracelet:
Seafoam green and flat out mean!  After the three hours of repetitive stitching this bracelet took, I hate it.  Nah, how could you hate it? It’s so simple and cute!  And surprisingly, this shade of green is very neutral and goes with just about anything.   



Amethyst Necklace:
Calling all February babies!  Did you have a little too much to drink on your birthday?  Well, you should’ve been wearing this necklace!  Ancient Greeks and Romans believed wearing amethyst could prevent drunkenness.  And now the gemstone is featured in the British Crown Jewels.  This necklace features lavender freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and Dog Teeth amethyst.  Don’t worry, no dogs were harmed in the formation of this stone; it’s only calcite.



Jade and Freshwater Pearl Necklace:
Did you know jade can also can be naturally pink?  Well, not in this necklace, but it can be!  A strand of bronze colored freshwater pearls accompanies carved jade barrels into a double strand necklace.  Jade is the Wyoming state gemstone, but hey, the Huskers just beat Wyoming!  So let’s ignore that little fact.  Or flaunt it.  Jade has been treasured in China for thousands of years and is often found in the tombs of past emperors.   



Other various pieces of jewelry that couldn't be spoken of in clever and witty manner:

Green and Purple Bead Crochet Bracelet:


Copper Folded Metal Cross Necklace:


Sterling Silver and Amber Fishhhhh Necklace: