Skystone's Blog

Monkey Jewelry

2009-08-09T16:37:00.003-06:00

Was there ever an animal more amusing and probing than the monkey? Monkeys are clever, inventive, mischievous, and have an insatiable curiosity. Although often popular, their ideas are seldom taken seriously, thus leading to the expression “to monkey around”. This phrase illustrates the humor that the monkey can bring to any situation; it is no wonder the monkey has become a standard collector’s piece. Their cleverness and versatility allow them to be successful in many areas; however, by themselves, they can get into a lot of trouble. Their imagination can lead to good or evil.

The monkey is a witty animal. People used to compare it to an intelligent person. They are thereby bestowed with auspicious meaning and have in the past appeared on pictures pasted on walls and doors to predict good fortune. Most people born in the Year of the Monkey are vivacious, flexible, and multi talented. They love moving and sports. To help others they put their own business aside. When communicating, they do not like to be controlled and have a strong desire to present themselves as unique individuals. In their work, they will show amazing creativity.

Here at Skystone and Silver LLC, were serious about our approach to designer monkey charms. But we know how to have fun too, as illustrated in our full line of monkey jewelry. From monkey pendants to monkey money clips and even monkey key chains, we try to keep it as light as possible without losing focus on our strict standards of high quality and customer satisfaction.

Master jeweler, Rick Sindeband, creates all of our monkey jewelry by hand. Each and every piece is unique and unavailable anywhere else. Sindeband’s monkey jewelry gets attention from both silver collectors and monkey collectors alike. People all over the world have acquired pieces from the collection and are sure to have their own unique meanings behind their love of monkey collectibles, choose your favorite piece and make your own memories today!

The posts in this blog are valid and we thank you for reading them. We have chosen to utilize a different Blog format and so we have continued our Blog at http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/blog/. Our website has access to most of our Web published information at http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/articles.html or always on our site map at http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/storemap.html.

Personalized Money Clips are in style...

2009-07-18T19:15:00.002-06:00

Many of my distinctive Personalized Money Clips have been purchased for and used by athletes, business moguls, and other connoisseurs who appreciate handmade craftsmanship all over the world. These exceptional custom-made gifts have monograms, dates, or sayings applied as part of the artwork. You can leave the design work to me, or provide a great idea that will make your individual gift unusually personal to you.

These imaginative sterling silver Personalized Money Clips make perfect gifts for all occasions A birthday gift for that special someone on their big day, a thoughtful wedding gift to commemorate the couple's new last name, or a Christmas present that is classy and unique. Whatever the occasion, these personalized gifts are sure to impress.

Personalized Money Clips from Skystone and Silver LLC aren't limited to simple engravings, the way other mass-produced gift sites often are. The craftsmanship and authenticity takes Personalized Money Clips to a whole new level, offering what no one else can.

There is an infinite variety of designs to make that matchless clip just for you or your loved one. My basic designs fit into every walk of life. From golf lovers to motorcycle enthusiasts and everywhere in between, the possibilities are virtually endless. Money clips just don't get any more unique than a personalized design, emblem, or artwork

Spoon Rings

2009-06-09T13:48:00.013-06:00

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed...

Something Old: Sterling Silver Spoon Rings are said to have originated in 17th century England. Legends state that servants who could not afford wedding rings would steal silverware from manor houses, and in turn, make the stolen silverware into wedding rings. Precious metal was out of reach for most servants during this time. Spoon rings are an old-time tradition whose popularity has varied over the past 35 years.

Something New: The original Sterling Silver Spoon is made into a Spoon Ring by using the spoon handle. The spoon portion of the silverware is cut from the handle portion, and with the handle, the jeweler uses various techniques to achieve the rings shape and size. Sterling Silver Spoon Rings can be very versatile, they almost always are adjustable to fit any ring finger and size. The original spoon becomes new when it is transformed into your ring!

Something Borrowed: The old time wedding tradition of borrowing an item to symbolize longevity fits perfectly with our Sterling Silver Spoon Ring Collection. Our Rose Spoon Ring, Lily, Sunflower, Tulip, Daffodil, and Large Flower Spoon Ring all come from aged silverware collections. Each ring that is fabricated is done with one of our unique aged silverware pieces that we have acquired through the years. In turn, each new ring that is made is from a unique and beautiful borrowed silverware handle.

Spoon Rings make great gifts for any occasion. Brides, Bridesmaids, Maids of Honor, best friends, or any special time when the gift you need has to be something unique and different. These rings are gifts that will be treasured forever.....

http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?page=sky/CTGY/SPN

Zia Jewelry

2009-05-24T14:22:00.003-06:00

Nothing has quite maintained its hold on the American Southwest in recent years like the Zia (southwest sun symbol) symbol. The New Mexico State symbol and its meanings have exploded in popularity, and today countless people are scrambling to find gifts that have meaning and are not just a gift for gifts sake. Sometimes the best gifts are those that carry that connection into the lives of the people giving and receiving these gifts. Handmade items tend to last longer, look better and have more meaning than their machine-stamped counterparts, and nowhere is that more true than with Rick Sindeband's Handmade Sterling Silver Zia Jewelry.

Master jeweler Rick Sindeband has earned a wide following for his distinct and timeless American Southwest designs. Most of our designs are 100 percent sterling silver, cut and twisted by hand into the kind of treasure you will not be able to help showing off. If you don't see the Zia Jewelry you are looking for, ask us and maybe we can do something special for your gift giving pleasure. Zia Pendant, Zia Earrings, Zia Cuff Links,and other sun symbol jewelry are available in many sizes.

Peace Sign Jewelry

2009-05-04T14:14:00.007-06:00

On March 18, 2003, Lynn Yaeger, of the Village Voice In New York City, included Skystone and Silver's Peace Sign Jewelry to be ranked among the top online sectors selling Peace Sign goods during the start of the war.

The article entitled "Peace Goods No Blood for Oil, and Other Fashion Statements" went on to say:

The fabulous surge of power and solidarity you feel when you attend a peace demonstration begins way before you get to the rally: It starts the minute you board the subway and see so many other people demo-bound too. There is nothing like the thrill of collective action, but if you're not wearing a symbol or a slogan somewhere on your body, how will everyone know you're headed to the same place they are?

After all, the function of clothes isn't merely to keep you covered and warm—it's also to tell the world, before you even speak, what crowd you run with. In a season when more and more citizens are taking to the streets, many for the first time, we searched the Internet for peace-themed merchandise, assuming that since the Web has been instrumental in building the movement so quickly, it would probably also offer a wide assortment of anti-war accessories.

The good news is, there is no lack of left-leaning merchandise online. The bad news? Most of the slogans and symbols have taken up residence on the T-shirt, an item whose ubiquity has rendered it, at least in fashion terms, more than a little boring.

Of course, there are people who wouldn't be caught dead with a patch but who nevertheless want the world to know which side they're on. (If it's truly a mass movement, there ought to be at least a few Dior coats and Manolo's in the crowd.) For these types, we recommend http://skystoneandsilver.com, a site that offers sterling silver peace sign pendant, rings, lapel pins, and for capitalists against the war, even a money clip.

These peace sign items are still as popular as ever and I am enjoying shipping them all over the world! Feel free to take a look at my designs and let me know what you think @
http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?page=sky/PROD//classicpeacesign

Great Father's Day Gift Ideas!

2009-04-27T16:06:00.005-06:00

You can check out our unique classic car moneyclips on our website @ skystoneandsilver.com and in the Father's Day edition of California Car Cover Co. Magazine!

These gorgeous sterling silver money clips depict the unforgettable contours of many American classics, with images that will last for decades. Artist Rick Sindeband's workmanship exemplifies quality other jewelers are judged by.

Each of the five featured money clips measures 1.75" x 1" x 1mm thick.

They include a choice of:1934 Ford, 1939 Ford, 2005 Corvette, 1957 Chevy each @ $144.99 and the chevy bowtie @ $134.99 each

Any of these unique clips would be sure to make your father's day!

NOTE: The 1957 Chevy is being exclusively sold through California Car Cover Co.

Check out this link for the rest of our similar products:

http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?page=sky/CTGY/T1

Veterinary Symbol Jewelry

2009-04-24T16:44:00.004-06:00

Graduation is just around the corner and some of our friends know people who are graduating form Veterinary Schools. In the past our Veterinary Jewelry has made great gifts for these friends and loved ones. Some of the greatest inspirations for our Veterinary caduceus jewelry is the stories behind the pieces. Our Veterinary Key Chain, for example, was designed for one of our customers who had a wonderful experience with some Veterinarians after devastating Katrina, and wanted to show her appreciation for the care of her animals. If you don't find what you're looking for in our catalog, just call us. We love to hear our customers design ideas, and we will make a perfect piece just for you.

See more Veterinary Jewelry
http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?page=sky/CTGY/vt

Ed Hardy watches now available!

2009-04-24T16:34:00.005-06:00

Click the link to see our watch slide show!

http://s679.photobucket.com/albums/vv154/skystoneandsilver/?action=view&current=ee36279e.pbw

Skystone and Silver LLC is now a licensed dealer for Ed Hardy watches by Christian Audigier. Each Ed Hardy watch is produced using the latest technology. All watches are individually tested and have passed quality controls. Each watch is packaged in a custom box and carries a two-year warranty from date of purchase. We have several styles available and the prices are a great deal!

We currently have styles in all the following categories as they are available:

Mens: Gladiator, First Class, Apollo, Mercenary, Samurai, Kool Steel, Industrial, Revolution,Undercover, Speeder, Warrior

Womens: Chic, Antoinette, Rebelle, Love Child, Lynx, Show Girl, Temptress

E-mail us if you are interested in checking out what is available @ rick@skystoneandsilver.com

Custom Money Clips

2005-06-15T21:21:00.006-06:00

What is a handmade Money Clip?

They are not mass produced. Each piece is made individually by a craftsman and every one is slightly different, making them a piece of art.

What do I get when I order a handmade Money Clip from Rick Sindeband at Skystone and Silver?

You get a solid piece of Sterling Silver or 14k Gold that has been hand cut from a large sheet of metal.The piece is flattened with a hammer and hallmarked with the artist's mark and a quality stamp,the edges are rounded with a file. If the Clip is to be appliqued or overlayed (that is artwork made and attached to the clip by Silver soldering), then the clip is bent and prepared for soldering. If the Clip is to be cutout or see-thru, then the metal is cut out to make the design before the clip is bent. No soldering is necessary in this process.

If you are ordering a design that must be attached to the clip, this artwork has to be drawn to scale so that when cut out of Sterling Silver, Brass, Copper or Gold, it will fit properly on the Clip. This cutting only involves the use of a hand jewelers saw and a tiny drill. Artwork could be cast from a master model and attached to the clip. You will see most artwork for clips is made this way. I currently only have one design that I cast; most in my line of clips are fabricated from scratch. If you are ordering a cutout design, I drill the holes in the proper place and cut
everything out that is not wanted. Then while the clip is still flat, I add any stamping or line work. This is done with a little tool called a stamp. This stamp is struck with a hammer at just the right force to give the desired effect. Most of the stamps that I use are handmade out of steel. The Clip is bent before soldering and after being cutout. If soldered, the clip must cool and then it is put in a hot acid bath called Pickle. After the pickle, the polishing begins. If oxidizing is needed, it is applied at this time. Oxidizing gives some black highlights to the piece and looks great when done properly. Polishing is done in a two step process. A pre-polish which helps remove fine scratches and a final polish for the finishing luster. Most of the Money Clips you see are not made in this fashion and are made by machinery. A few of the clips you see are pre-made and castings soldered on top. I look at clips all the time and many are nickel silver or German silver or are plated. There is NO SILVER in nickel silver or German Silver. The myth that only nickel silver holds a spring is false. If Sterling is heated and cooled properly, it has great spring and will last a long time. I currently have over 250 handmade designs, more than any other artist who is currently making Money Clips anywhere in the world. People call every day with ideas about new clips or new artwork for clips, everything from company logos to sayings.

BACK TO SKYSTONE and SILVER

See all the Money Clips

May's Birthstone "EMERALD"

2005-04-13T20:08:00.000-06:00

So popular as a gemstone has Emerald been (and for so long) that one of the standard gem stone cuts has even been named after the stone which looks its best when cut in that way.

The mining of Emeralds has been dated back to more than 3,000 years ago, during the time of the Ancient Egyptian Empire. Emerald bracelets, Emerald earrings and Emerald rings have all been worn and sought after since ancient times.

The "green fire" was so mesmerizing and highly valued in the courts of Europe that the Spanish Conquistadors went on a bloody campaign to find the location of the emerald mines in South America. In 1557, the campaign finally ended with the discovery of the spectacular Muzo and Chivor mines in present day Colombia - still the world's major source.

Today Brazil and Zambia produce large quantities of fine Emeralds; however, many still consider Colombian emeralds to be of the highest quality. Very fine emeralds, though in small quantity, are also produced in Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Emeralds of Zimbabwean origin are sometimes called "Sandawana" Emeralds, which refers to the region where the gemstones are mined.

Emeralds are made of the base mineral Beryl, with minute traces of chromium and vanadium giving this gemstone the "green fire". Colombian Emeralds are known for their vivid green color, while Brazilian Emeralds are known for their variety of color, ranging from light green to fine medium dark green.

It is quite rare to find emeralds of fine quality over one carat in size, for large Emeralds sometimes contain eye-visible inclusions, known as "jardin" or the "garden".

With hardness close to 8 on the Moh's scale, Emeralds are quite durable. However, ultrasonic and steam cleaning could damage the stone, causing fractures. Therefore, only professional jewelers should clean Emeralds.

Clarity and transparency are the most important characteristics when evaluating the value of Emeralds. When evaluating from a face up position, very fine quality Emeralds should enable the viewer to see the back facet. The brightness of the gemstone, which is determined by the cutting and the number of inclusions, is also an important evaluation factor. Intense medium green Emeralds command the highest value. The purity of the green color is crucial to the value and the beauty of the stone, with blue or yellow overtones diminishing its value.

Skystone and Silver has a large inventory of nice Emeralds at our disposal. We would be glad to quote one for you either mounted or loose.

Military Mother's Ribbon

2005-03-26T11:22:00.001-07:00

With all the wonderful yellow ribbons on every one's autos,
I decided to create some Mother's Day Jewelry for mothers
who have sons, daughters, or other family members in the military and who are away from home
fighting or supporting one of our branches of the service(i,e. Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, or Air Force). The idea came to me to create
a mother's ribbon with birthstones similar to a mother's ring. On this ribbon,
you would put the mother's birthstone on the left and the son or daughter's
birthstone on the right. These ribbons could also be worn for a husband
or wife that is away. The military mother's ribbon could be a pin or a necklace, and
should you choose to place two yellow stones on the ribbon, you would in essence be signifying the "yellow ribbon".
© 2005 Skystone and Silver and Rick Sindeband
all rights reserved

New Buffalo Nickel

2005-03-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

WOW! The new Buffalo Nickel is great......just released at our local banks last week. These classic remakes of the old Buffalo Nickel make great jewelry.I have been creating these new Two-Tone Buffalo Nickel Cutout pieces with 22k gold overlay for about two weeks. I acquired this brand new Buffalo Nickel early from a dealer close by and have been creating new ideas for them daily. One of the great ideas was anyone living in the Buffalo, New York area would love to have one. These gifts make wonderful treasures that are used every day. I will cut any Year or Initials on this piece maximum 4 characters. Just tell me in the monogram box what you desire.
Your designs are welcome; just email them to info@skystoneandsilver.com,
© 2005 Skystone and Silver and Rick Sindeband all rights reserved.

Some Great Ideas for the Monogram- CU, USAF,
USMC, ARMY, NAVY, USA , MOM, DAD, NY or any three letter Initials.

Care and Cleaning of your Silver Jewelry

2005-01-28T20:44:00.002-07:00

I get many questions about how to care for and clean silver jewelry, liquid silver jewelry, marcasite jewelry, and jewelry with gemstones. I own a shop where I sell sterling silver and gold jewelry, as well as beaded and other stone jewelry such as Native American fetish necklaces and jewelry carved from stone.

Here are my observations and suggestions:

(1) Sterling Silver tarnishes from sulfides in the air. You will notice the tarnish will take on a golden hue, and eventually, it will turn black. This is a natural process.

Higher sulfide levels are associated with humidity and/or air pollution. Remember, the more humid the climate, the faster sterling will tarnish. A lot of my customers come to me in the summer months with tarnished chains that they have been wearing in hot humid settings and the combination of perspiration and humidity has turned them an ugly color.

Silver does not do well in hot tubs or swimming pools, Chlorine reacts with the metal and oxidizes it, turning it black very fast.

(2) Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth. A chemically treated cloth, like a
Rouge Cloth or Sunshine Cloth, makes the job a lot easier and faster. Sometimes when the tarnish is too far gone, it takes a professional cleaning with polishing compounds and machinery.

(3) Sterling silver dips are fast and easy. However, be careful! I do not recommend them!

First, many dips will take the color and polish off many gemstones.

Second, when using a dip, if you leave the piece in too long, or don't rinse it well enough with fresh water,residues will be left on the piece when it dries. The residue is difficult to rub off, and it is very hard to get the piece back to a shiny silver look.

When using a silver dip, dip the piece quickly in and out of the dip. Then immediately rinse it in clean water. When the piece dries, buff it with a treated
Rouge Cloth.The buffing brings out more of the shine, helps take off any residue left on the piece, and with a treated
Rouge Cloth,leaves a little bit of a protective anti-tarnish coating on the piece to keep it shiny longer.

When using a dip, it is better to do an in-and-out dip, then rinse and dry, then another quick in-and-out-dip, then rinse and dry, than to leave the piece in the solution for a long time.

Any dip, however, is a last resort. The piece would have to be very difficult to buff up with a soft cloth before I would resort to this.

(4)The
Money Clips I make when used every day do not really get tarnished. The only cleaning recommend is to use mild soap and water with a soft tooth brush, and then proceed to a treated Rouge Clothfor final polishing. I recommend that you never use dips on your money clips. You will notice that there is black in the recessed areas and around the edge of designs when your jewelry is new. This is because the oxidation was put there by me or the manufacturer of the jewelry and you are not supposed to remove it.

(5) Keep your silver in a plastic bag after cleaning and completely allowing it to dry effectively shielding it from the sulfides.

(6)As far as Marcasite jewelry goes, your concern is to prevent dissolving the glue holding the marcasites in place.

First, use a soft cotton cloth or treated
Rouge Clothto buff up your jewelry. Never use a silver dip. The dip will dissolve the glue.

Finally, take off your marcasite jewelry before you wash your hands in soapy water. Never wash dishes with your marcasite jewelry still on as dish detergent dissolves the glue.

If you need to replace your marcasites, use an epoxy glue. Never use superglue!

Return to Skystone and Silver

Valentine's Cufflinks

2005-01-27T18:48:00.001-07:00

Artist and Master Jeweler Rick Sindeband creates these Cuff links for you in Solid Sterling Silver. Cuff links are Hot right now for the ladies. French Cuff Blouses are being offered by many fashion clothing outlets. My wife, Lesli, loves the pair I made for her. Get Your Valentine some!. These are natural Turquoise stones and have not been treated. Garnet, Amethyst,and Black Onyx are also available
The posts in this blog are valid and we thank you for reading them. We have chosen to utilize a different Blog format and so we have continued our Blog athref="http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/blog/"> http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/blog/. Our website has access to most of our Web published information at href="http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/articles.html">http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/articles.html or always on our site map at href="http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/storemap.html.">http://www.skystoneandsilver.com/storemap.html.

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