General Info

The Spruce Claim, known for its museum-quality quartz and pyrite clusters, is an active mine site in the Snoqualmie Pass area. The author and Chris H. hiked to the mine, where they assisted miners in blasting and collected specimens from the newly exposed rock. Despite the challenging conditions, including steep climbs and the risk of falling rocks, they found several impressive quartz and pyrite crystals.

Trading desert sun for northern stone, I journeyed to British Columbia in search of something more hands-on than the usual gem show experience—a deep dive into jade carving. Under the guidance of master carver Deborah Wilson in her cozy Vernon studio, I spent five immersive days learning how to shape, carve, and polish BC’s famous nephrite jade. From rough block to finished pendant, each step offered not just a technical lesson, but a new appreciation for the beauty and complexity of this ancient stone.

General properties of fused glass which help create these man-made jewels Glass has a melting point of about 1400-1600 °F, depending on its composi...

Turning an empty gin bottle into two beautiful pendants was a rewarding endeavor that a one point in my life would have never occurred to me. Through lessons, practice, failures, and drive, I grew my artistic abilities beyond my prior world of logic and structure, I now see things in a different lite and crave the exercise of creating things, especially those that are unique and inspiring.

Once completed, your pendant can provide years of wear while still maintaining its beauty. The method and pattern chosen will enhance the beauty of the stone in a way that satisfies both the wearer and those who see it.