NANCY TROSKE CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY

RUBY - the "King of Gems"

2012-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Granulated 22K Gold and Ruby Ring by Nancy Troske For centuries Ruby has been desired as a symbol of wealth, success, love and passion. It's in as much demand today as it was centuries ago. In Sanskrit the term for ruby is "ratnaraj" or the "King of Gems." It is valued for its lush red color and it's name comes from the Latin word "ruber" for red. Ruby is the most valuable variety of the

Speaking of Gemstones - What is Morganite?

2012-01-08T05:29:00.000-08:00

Sterling Silver and Morganite Ring by Nancy Troske A large deposit of "pink beryl" was discovered in 1911 in Madagascar. It's finest color is a deep magenta, but most Morganites offered in today's commercial market are pale pink. Morganite is a variety of Beryl which also includes emerald, aquamarine, golden beryl and bixbite. Some gemstone dealers have called this gemstone "pink emerald.

FREE PROJECT - Hammered Hoop Earrings - Great for Gifts!

2011-11-30T10:39:00.001-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! My little gift to you is a free tutorial on how to make these cute hammered hoop earrings. They take under an hour to make. I've made them with my students in jewelry making classes where I do not have a complete metalsmithing studio and torch for soldering so projects use simple tools. They are shown here in copper but you can use silver, gold-filled or even gold. You

38th annual crafters' marketplace

2011-11-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! On November 19th and 20th the YWCA, Princeton, NJ is hosting the much anticipated 38th annual crafters' marketplace just in time for the Holidays! This juried show of more than 130 great artisans features upscale wearable art, pottery, glass, jewelry, and much more features crafters not only from this area, but also from New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and beyond.

WHAT ARE WE?

2011-09-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

Making an ear wire Ok, I've been making and selling jewelry for over 30 years. But what am I? After all this time, I'm still not sure how to describe what I do when asked. Besides teaching, what is the best way to describe a person who is: an artist a skilled metal worker who works in high karat metals such as 22k gold and .999 fine silver someone trained in diamonds and

How to Design Your Own Engagement Ring

2011-07-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

Because of the fact that preset engagement rings rarely even meet a prospective bride’s expectations; it has become common for couples to design their own rings, even though these rings can occasionally be more expensive. However, it is often the best way to save money while buying a stunning ring for your fiancé-to-be. Here’s a short guide to choosing your own diamonds and designing your own

Summer Travel, Swimming and Your Colored Stone Jewelry

2011-06-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's summer and time for swimming in pools, the ocean and relaxing on the beach. Did you know that chlorine, salt, and even sunlight can attack the gold in your jewelry, especially pieces containing colored gemstones can be attacked by ? Nowadays, many gemstones have been heat treat, filled with oils and dyes (fracture filled) to enhance color and clarity. Especially emeralds and rubies.

Gold Granulated Ruby Earrings

2011-02-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been working in gold rather than silver. As the price of gold has risen I've been collecting all those pieces of jewelry that I never wore and essentially scrapping them. By scrapping I mean removing any gemstones, rubies, diamonds, emeralds, etc. and pulling them from their settings. Then the gold gets sent to a refiner. I get money for the gold scrap which I then set aside for

Where Does Inspiration Come From?

2011-01-18T04:49:00.000-08:00

What inspires you as an artist? Is it the colors you see everyday? Is it the night sky or oily patterns in a puddle? I remember seeing a documentary on one of the Mars rovers and the photos that were sent back to Earth. The landscape was one of black, red and white in swirly textures. I went to sleep that night with those images in my head and in the morning started to sketch a collection of

Happy New Year with no Resolutions

2010-12-31T05:20:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again when everyone is making promises to themselves like - no more dessert, get to the gym, stop this, stop that........ That never works for me so instead of resolutions, I make a list of goals and projects; pieces I plan to make and the challenges I want those pieces to present, stores I want to visit with my work and so on. To me, goals are very important. They are

Holiday Sniffles

2010-12-06T04:10:00.000-08:00

It's the holidays. The pressure is on. You have deadlines to meet and orders to fill. But now you feel that tickle in the back of your throat, your nose is getting stuffy...oh, no... you don't have time to be sick!The very fact that the heat is on can lower one's resistance to fight colds and flu bugs. This past week I came down with the worst cold I've had in years. What to do?I always

37th Annual YWCA Princeton Crafters' Marketplace

2010-11-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

Come one, come all! The Crafting Event of the Season! And I'll be there in my newly designed booth. Please stop by and say "hello!" 37th Annual YWCA Princeton Crafters' Marketplace Saturday, November 20, 2010, 10:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday, November 21, 2010, 10:00 am-4:00 pm John Witherspoon Middle School 217 Walnut Lane Princeton, New Jersey photo Admission: Adults: $6 Seniors (62+) and

Classes Start Nov 1st! Come Join Us!

2010-10-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

If you live in the Princeton, NJ area I'm inviting you to sign up for my next 6 week session of Jewelry Making. In this session we'll explore some new chain maille weaves, as well as learn some fun techniques such as hammered earrings and bracelets, spiral wirework, riveted mixed metal pendants and more! Classes will be held at the gorgeous new West Windsor Art Center on Alexander

ARTISTS RECEPTION FEATURING NANCY TROSKE

2010-10-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

I'm a featured artist at the upcoming 2nd Saturday Art Reception. The 2nd Saturday of each month is special at the LMS Artists Network Gallery—that is when they host receptions that are open to the community. Visitors are invited to enjoy wine and light refreshments as they get to see each artist’s creative response to the new theme for each month. In addition to learning more about the

Tagua Nuts and Acai and Huayruro Seeds by Tania Cavencia Torres

2010-09-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

From time to time I like to feature a jewelry artist who has caught my eye. I came across Tania's work on Etsy and I was immediately intrigued by her materials. When I see jewelry made from new and unusual ingredients and it's been well-executed.....I'm impressed! And to tell the truth, I've never worked with this type of natural material, so this was even more interesting to me! Besides

Traveling with Jewelry

2010-08-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

It's Summer and everyone seems to be on the move; coming or going from vacation, a wedding, a beach house.....whatever! Have you ever wanted to have a safe and secure way to travel with your jewelry? I know I have and I have tried all kinds of things like lingerie rolls, fancy fabric rolls with a million zippers. No matter what things seem to tangle and rub against each other. Well, I found

Oldie but Goodie - Book Recommendation

2010-07-24T05:19:00.001-07:00

It's really, really hard to pick out one book for students, one that gives a good overview of technical information. I've like this book: JEWELRY MAKING - FOR SCHOOLS, TRADESMEN, CRAFTSMEN by Murray Bovin I've had this book since I first started making jewelry in 1975 and I still refer to it. It's basic - it uses time tested jewelry making techniques and doesn't rely on fancy gadgets or

Down the Shore Artists Reception

2010-07-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Lawrenceville Main Street Artists Network Gallery is having a Second Saturday artists reception from 4pm to 7pm this weekend July 10th. There will be a free art project for children 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.). As one of the newest members of this exciting network, I'm proud to share with you this article by Pat Summers of www.newjerseynewsroom.com READ THE ARTICLE ON THE GALLERY SHOW AND RECEPTION The

Any Ideas? Win a Prize!

2010-06-25T12:25:00.002-07:00

Ok, I give up! I've been trying all sorts of ways to display my jewelry without using these very common neck pieces to show my necklaces and other jewelry. I've been combing jewelry stores, craft stores and this is all I see. Maybe it is like trying to re-invent the wheel and that they are seen everywhere because they work so well. But honestly, I feel like the jewelry gets lost on

Fun Stuff for Summer

2010-06-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

Check out 9 new bracelets in copper and porcelain enamel. Created by firing at very high temperatures these cuff bracelets are unique and great for summer.....they're light, colorful and polished. They sell for $60 so they're affordable little pieces of jewelry art! See my bracelet offerings.........I've also made a bunch of earrings in pastels and bold colors with marble and other strange

Why I Love Teaching

2010-05-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

Look at these girls! Aren't they so focused? I just love the concentration on their faces. I had the pleasure of having them in my jewelry making workshop this past Sunday. They are amazing and they catch on in two minutes and breeze through the project. I just love teaching! It is a wonderful feeling to teach someone a new skill and to see the light come on in their face when

New Pieces, New Prices, New Places

2010-03-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

Well, for the last month or so I've been playing with enameling techniques that are very different from cloisonne. For me it was time to think out of the box, or the cloison, in this case! Amazing things happen in my kiln when I'm not looking! Colors intermingle, textures are created, patterns seek their own domain and interesting jewelry is born:

REGISTER TODAY!

2010-02-12T05:08:00.000-08:00

I'll be teaching at the Winter Weekend Arts Workshop Series beginning February 20, 2010. There is something exciting and new for everyone in your family. Register today to partake of the West Windsor Arts Council’s Winter Weekend Arts Workshop Series. Workshops begin February 20 and run through March 21st. They have classes for the young and the young at heart. Learn about the latest in

Laura Greb of L-G Reps

2010-01-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

At the BoConcepts event this past December in NYC, I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Greb of L-G Reps. I was very impressed with her career path and the fact that she started her own agency. She agreed to be interviewed & I hope you find it as interesting as I did, especially if you are an artist looking for exposure: How did you get started as a rep? I moved to NYC in 2003 from Colorado and

Haiti Relief

2010-01-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

Donate Financial Donations Donate $10 to the American Red Cross – charged to your cell phone bill – by texting "HAITI" to "90999."Contribute online to the Red Cross Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information. It might seem like a drop in the bucket but many drops make an ocean.

HAPPY NEW YEAR PICKLE!

2009-12-31T09:10:00.001-08:00

Ok, I've made some good changes in 2009, like switching to organic foods, adding healthy greens like mustard greens, dandelion and beet greens to my family's menus. And to continue it into the New Year I made a change that is also healthy - I've changed my pickle. If you do not do metalsmithing you probably won't know what pickle is. Pickle is an acid compound used to clean metal after soldering.

Holiday Sip n' Shop at BoConcept SoHo on 12/11

2009-11-30T18:44:00.000-08:00