The Google Art Project

As a lover of art and travel I hope to visit most of my favorite works of art in person but with my one to two vacations a year it feels like it just isn't happening fast enough! So maybe you love art too, but you can't make it to Amsterdam right now to see Van Gogh's Self Portrait, what do you do? When I need my art fix but I can't get where I want to be I use Art Project by Google!

What is the Google Art Project? It is a website that allows you to explore museums from around the world (like the Tate, MoMA, Uffizi, the Met and more!), discover and view hundreds of artworks, and even create and share your own collection of masterpieces you find and love.

It's very simple, just select a museum from the homepage and then either choose ‘Explore the museum’ or ‘View Artwork’. Once you are in the main site use the drop-down menus or the side info bar to navigate between artworks and museums.

At the bottom right of the page there is a 'Create an Artwork Collection' button that allows you to compile a collection of your favorite works of art and share them online.

Art that is scattered all over the world is now at your fingertips! As a lover of art and museums I know that nothing can replace the experience of standing in front of a masterpiece but for the time being this is a pretty great substitute. I even re-tour museums and art I have visited in the past. When I was in Florence the Uffizi wouldn't let me take home Botticelli's Birth of Venus but this way I get to see it whenever I want!










http://www.googleartproject.com/

Taylor

Bowled over by Boulder

After more then 20 years, I'm still blown away by the mysterious nature of opal. One designer refers to it as the "captive rainbow". One type of opal that is especially fascinating to me is Boulder Opal. No it doesn't come from Boulder, Colorado. Boulder Opal refers to a special type of opal that occurs near Queensland, Australia.

Opal comes in infinite variety but there is one distinctive characteristic of Boulder Opals that gives them away. The presence of the brown ironstone matrix. In the area where these opals occur, there are ironstone formations that have cracks and small fissures. Opal filled those cracks in the form of a silicate gel which eventually hardened into brilliant crystalline opal. When cut from the rock with a natural backing of the dark colored ironstone, these opals flash with incredible colors. Also, boulder opals typically have an irregular surface where they were broken open along the seam of opal.



Even the thinner and sparcer seams of opal can be intriguing. Some boulder opals are more matrix than they are opal, but the colorful flash of opal peaking out through the brown ironstone is fabulous. Here is a particularly unique pendant we recently received that is sculpted to include both the beautiful patterns of the ironstone and a strong color seam of opal. The jeweler who created the mounting got extra creative and her freeform gold setting looks like something from the Jetson's. As usual, photos don't do these things justice, so if you can, stop by the gallery and I'll show you all the wonderful Opals we have on hand. Or click here to see a small selection on our website.

Star

History of Engagement Rings

With all of the recent engagement parties and weddings I have been attending lately, it never really struck me until now. Why does the guy go out and pick out a ring that the girl is suppose to wear for the rest of her life and doesn't consult her first? This is a very odd request if you think about it. Would a guy where the same shoes or shirt a girl picked out for him for the rest of his life? What if he didn't like it? What if she didn't like the ring? She is suppose to wear a ring she doesn't really LOVE for the rest of her life. That's a big request. So I went in search of some answers....

The earliest form of the engagement ring came from the Egyptians with the Romans following suit by "claiming' their woman with a ring. The Arabic culture gave puzzle rings that were so difficult to put together, the men would know if the women took them off while they were away, as the rings would fall apart. Americans gave thimbles during colonial times, where the tops were removed to make rings and the addition of diamonds came around the 14th or 15th century when royalty started adding gemstones to the beautiful bands.

It wasn't til the 1920's and 30's that the DeBeers company started advertising that a man should spend 2 mths salary on a diamond ring. This later caused problems for the company when people started holding onto heirloom pieces and passing rings on instead of purchasing new ones.

Whatever the ring, after reading about engagement rings and learning the 'true' meaning behind the ring, I think if someone is blessed enough to find the right person to spend 'forever' with, they are lucky enough, and a certain style shouldn't matter. Star Sosa, owner of Spectrum Art & Jewelry, is an expert jewelry designer that can make any of your ideas come true! Stop in today to get your one-of-a kind engagement ring created for your special one and only!

Chosing the Right Artwork....

by Nicole Wilkinson

How do you know if what you choose will 'fit' your home? Many decorators will have different answers to this question, but ask any artist who lives in a beautifully decorated home and you will always get the same answer; buy what you LOVE!

4 Myths Debunked:

1. "But it doesn't match the couch." No, it probably doesn't. Everything in a home shouldn't be matchy-matchy, just like shoes, belt, earrings and purse shouldn't all be the same color. Its overkill.

2. "But my style is traditional." Its ok. Mix it up. Many beautifully decorated traditional homes have contemporary pieces of artwork. Even beach cottages have serious thematic pieces of art. It is ok to mix and match styles.

3. "Beach scenes belong in beach houses". WRONG! I recently started dating a guy who has a boars head, YES, a stuffed boars head on the wall. I have mixed in my paintings of floral still lifes, contemporary pieces purchased in NYC, coastal paintings, and WOW! It looks sharp! We look like professional art collectors. You don't have to keep the Boars Head in the Lodge, and the Beach scene at the beach house.

4. "Think Think Think about it". For some this may be true, but you should have an AH-HA or WOW! moment when looking at a piece of artwork. You need to have an emotional response to the piece. Whether it reminds you of something from your past, a place you have visited, or something personal, it should be yours! Scenes or images that resonate with your emotions are what the artist is trying to achieve. Don't pass these pieces up! Do what you can to make them yours!

Happy art hunting!

Selling my gold – how does it work?

Nowadays you’ll see promotions on the TV, in the newspaper and in magazines, advertising businesses that will buy your old gold. Everyone claims to pay the most, but how do you really know? There are several factors involved.

Gold is a commodity and has fluctuating prices based on the daily market. The past few years have seen incredible volatility in gold prices from day to day.

Remember when you are selling your old jewelry as scrap that it is only as valuable as the precious materials it contains. You will not receive any value for labor or the markup you originally paid when it was purchased.

The other confusing aspect is that most jewelry is made of 10k, 14k or 18k gold and none of those are pure gold. Each of these types or alloys of gold includes a certain standardized percentage of pure gold and the balance of the volume is made up with other metals. The other metals serve to make the gold a particular color or give it specific strength or malleability characteristics. For instance 14k gold, one of the most common alloys in use in the U.S., is 58.5% pure gold and the balance is made up of various metals such as copper, silver or nickel.

So when you bring your old gold jewelry into Spectrum Art & Jewelry to sell or trade in the following occurs:

I will sort through the pieces, looking for carat stamps indicating if it is 10k, 14k, or 18k. Federal regulations require that karat gold jewelry must have a karat stamp and a maker’s hallmark stamp to verify it is what it is being represented to be.

Sometimes I will be unable to locate a stamp on the piece. In that case, I use my best judgment (along with my experienced goldsmith’s) to estimate what I believe the item to be. Knowing the provenance of the piece is very helpful. Sometimes the stamp is worn off or was removed when a ring was sized. We can usually tell if something is gold plated or another metal all together.

Then I’ll weigh the different collections of 10k, 14k or 18k. We measure gold in Troy ounces. There are 20 pennyweights (or dwt) in a single Troy ounce.

As I mentioned before the different alloys contain different percentages of pure gold. I have formulas that help me estimate the amount of pure gold.

Most of the time we do not melt the gold down ourselves to make into new pieces. Only simple, solid pieces lend themselves to this practice. Pieces like elaborate cocktail rings or chains don’t melt well and the end result risks being unsatisfactory. We usually send the scrap gold to a professional refining company. Typically the same place we buy our gold supplies for making jewelry.

The refining company melts the gold scrap and performs an “assay” to determine the percentage of pure gold. They charge a percentage for this service and a fee based on the amount we submit. Once they have estimated the gold content, they consult the market price on that day to determine what to pay. Then they deduct their percentage and fees and send the balance.

When I take in your gold scrap I am assuming certain risks. I will give you a price based on that day’s market value and my formulas and the fees I expect to pay the refiner. However, it is only worthwhile to submit the gold for refining when I have accumulated enough to offset the fees. So I wait and accumulate the scrap. Fluctuations in the market value can improve or dramatically decrease the money I receive in return.

So there you have it. This system applies to everyone who takes in scrap gold, no matter what they tell you. We are all subject to the same market variations. Most refiners offer a very similar percentage and fee schedule. It is just a matter of how much does any vendor give you from the money they expect to receive when they resell your gold. All of us perform this service in order to profit from it to some degree.

I find the best system for me is to encourage people to trade their old gold toward store credit or a new jewelry project. That way I can afford to offer a higher price for their old jewelry. The reason you don’t see me running big ads in the newspaper and attracting 100s of people to the gallery to sell their gold is that I don’t want to take the risks that come from a volume of gold trade. I prefer to keep each transaction personal and sort out the best possible way for someone to get the maximum value (be it money or acquiring something new and beautiful) from their old treasures.

The single most important consideration when selling your old gold is to deal with someone you know and trust and who will be there in the future.

Get Ready for Inauguration Day!

The history of the US Presidential Inauguration is a long one steeped with deep roots. No matter who you voted for, we all know that this presidential inauguration will be historic. Stop into Spectrum today to get your inauguration day jewelry! We can custom design a piece of jewelry for you to match ANY budget! So come on over and get decked out in your red, white, and blue! We have plenty of gems and beads to create a special piece for such an historic event!

Jewelry on Inauguration Day has been a favorite among First Ladies. The photo above is of Mrs. Eisenhower's jewels she wore on the special occasion!

A Message from Wendy Rosen - Publisher of American Style Magazine

Wendy Rosen published two magazines, American Style and NICHE. She is also the producer and promoter of the Buyers Market of American Craft which is where we made contact with many of our wonderful craft artists. I received this email from Wendy and wanted to pass it along to those individuals in the arts and crafts industry as well as any other small business owners. Here are her comments following yesterday's historic election and regarding the challenges that face us all:

"For many of us, today we feel that our nation has exhaled a breath, one we’ve been holding for years. Today, it is time to move forward. Regardless of whom you supported, yesterday’s election was a testament to all of us and the world of the importance of the collective impact of individual actions.

Going forward, we feel assured that Main Street’s needs will be at the top of the list of “special interests” for our next president. Now is the time to share and promote our stake in the revitalization of our nation, our economy and the world at large. We encourage you to join us by taking action toward sustaining and supporting the economic importance of craft industry. Many of you – artists and retailers – have struggled over the past weeks, months and in some cases, years. Each of us owes it to each other to work together toward making our community a strong partner in creating a new small business-dominated economy. But before the turnaround occurs we need to be sure that we keep our own promises to each other, sharing resources, keeping informed and increasing both business and artistic skills so that when the time comes we are prepared to take our place as the small flame that ignites the resurgence of a stronger economy.

You can begin by sharing with friends and neighbors the incredible difference that can be made to our economy with each dollar they spend locally on products made by hand in the U.S. and Canada.

If the thousands of members of the craft family took one simple action a day – even one a week – imagine what we could accomplish in raising our community’s profile, and our individual prosperity. In the coming weeks, we will be offering easy, step-by-step small tasks that will help to create social action, craft and good cause consumerism. Visit us on Facebook, our blog, and on Twitter to hear our thoughts on spreading the word about our community. And we hope that in exchange, you’ll share your suggestions with us and others as well.

We can no longer retreat into the isolation of our studios and galleries or stores. Building relationships inside and outside our community benefits us all. Today is a new day – we hope you will join us on the journey."

Warm Regards,
Wendy Rosen & the Staff of the Buyers Market of American Craft

Pearls & Politics

By Nicole Wilkinson

Why is it when I think of pearls and first ladies I immediately think of Barbara Bush? Political stylists have had a way of dressing political figure heads and spouses with dignity, grace, elegance and conservatism. This style is easily executed with a beautiful strand of pearls, or in Barbara's case, three strands. According to Peter Bazar of Imperial, Rhode Island, "If a woman is going to be taken seriously, she needs a strand of pearls...The more successful she is, the bigger the pearls."
Pearls are always in style and never out of season. Serving as a classic staple for the woman's wardrobe no matter what decade, pearls make a striking impact. Sarah Palin wore South Sea pearls for her convention night speech, "Michelle Obama's Jackie O-style strand, Cindy McCain's four-strand akoya, or Nancy Pelosi's multicolor South Seas, and all are the foundation of a well-dressed woman's jewelry wardrobe" according to Modern Jeweler. "That's the great thing about pearls, say Avi Raz of A&Z Pearls, Los Angeles. They cross party lines."

As we gear up for election day, Spectrum Art & Jewelry is excited to offer a wide variety of pearl selections to meet all of your jewelry wardrobe needs. We can accommodate all budgets and styles. Stop in today to look at our collection or have a custom designed piece! And don't forget to VOTE!

The History of Valentine's Day

By Nicole Wilkinson
While searching the internet, I have come to find that there are many different legends about the history of Valentine's Day. There is one in particular that I like the most and thought that I would share. According to the legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Another legend tells us that according to church tradition St. Valentine was a priest near Rome in about the year 270 A.D. At that time the Roman Emperor Claudius-II who had issued an edict forbidding marriage. Lack of quality administrators led to frequent civil strife. Learning declined, taxation increased, and trade slumped to a low, precarious level. And the Gauls, Slavs, Huns, Turks and Mongolians from Northern Europe and Asian increased their pressure on the empire's boundaries. The empire was grown too large to be shielded from external aggression and internal chaos with existing forces. Thus more of capable men were required to be recruited as soldiers and officers. When Claudius became the emperor, he felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families, and thus, will not make good soldiers. So to assure quality soldiers, he banned marriage.

Valentine, a bishop , seeing the trauma of young lovers, met them in a secret place, and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony. Claudius learned of this "friend of lovers," and had him arrested. The emperor, impressed with the young priest's dignity and conviction, attempted to convert him to the roman gods, to save him from certain execution. Valentine refused to recognize Roman Gods and even attempted to convert the emperor, knowing the consequences fully.On February 24, 270, Valentine was executed.

No matter which legend you prefer, there is one thing that is certain...tomorrow is Valentine's Day, so make sure you stop in today for your Valentine's special gift!

Mardi Gras History in New Orleans

By Nicole Wilkinson

By Nicole Wilkinson
Right after Huricanne Katrina, I had the opportunity to travel with the head of the Jazz Department of NYU and 12 students to New Orleans to learn of the culture and music of this old French town. One of the stops we made on the trip was in a very poverished area. On site was a museum that housed the different costumes from neighboring tribes that participate in the Mardi Gras Parade.

Many years ago due to segregation, it was almost impossible for African Americans to participate in the parade, so by wearing masks and covering their bodies, they represented the 4 parts of town and became known as the Parade Indians. Though they use to come out and settle violent scores between neighboring ghettos, today's parade is much different. Today these tribes have Dukes, Kings and Queens as well as their traditional Indians.

Mardi Gras is no longer a day to "settle scores" among the Mardi Gras Indians. Violence is a relic of the past. It is now Mardi Gras tradition and practice for the Indians to simply compare their tribal song, dance and dress with other tribes as they meet that day. Each Indian has invested thousands of hours and dollars in the creation of his suit, and is not willing to risk ruining it in a fight. This tradition, rich with folk art and history, is now appreciated by museums and historical societies around the world. It is a remarkable and welcome change from the past.

So while you are watching clips of the parade from your local news channel, realize that Mardi Gras isn't just about king cakes, sazeraks, po-boys, beads, and burbon, but also about tolerance; racial tolerance that focuses on the beauty of the African American/Creole community.

For more info, click on

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-10-mardigrastribes_N.htm

The History of New Year Resolutions

To all of our Spectrum Friends, Happy New Year!

The first day of a calendar year is one of the world’s oldest holidays. The Babylonians are known to have celebrated the new year approximately 4,000 years ago, and this ancient civilization is credited by some with originating an annual tradition still going strong: The New Year’s resolution. The first day of a the Babylonian year was considered to be March 23rd, and a common Babylonian New Year’s resolution was their custom of returning something borrowed from a friend over the course of the previous year.

The Romans used a different calendar and named the first month of the year after the mythical figure of Janus, a symbol of beginnings and endings, whose two faces allow him to look both forward and backward in time. The Romans celebrated the coming of the new year on January 1st by exchanging gifts, and had their own version of the tradition of resolution-making begun by the Babylonians. A common resolution in ancient Rome was to seek forgiveness from enemies of previous years.

The Chinese New Year, which falls at the time of the first full moon after the sun enters Aquarius (late January through mid-February), has also been celebrated for thousands of years. Among the many customs associated with the Chinese New Year is housecleaning, frequently found today on lists of the most common New Year’s resolutions worldwide.

At Spectrum Art & Jewelry we carry the work of Norah Pierson. Her jewelry is Greco-Roman inspired with pre-Columbian motifs. The imagery of prancing horses, maltese crosses, and ancient shells adorne Norah's pieces. Her jewelry encompasses the same feeling, emotion, and decoration found on jewelry 4,000 years ago in Babylonian times. Stop in today to see her work.