Orchids for Mum

I have to start off by saying my mother is super cute and awesome!  She has always been extremely supportive in my career and my new business venture.  Recently, she pulled out a ring of hers, one I've seen her wear on and off over the years, and asked if I could remodel it for her.  Of course, I was really pleased to be asked, because I knew that my mother had not real desire to have a new ring or to change things up, she just wanted to be able to wear a piece of jewellery that her daughter made and proudly show it off.  I am slightly ashamed to admit, that at that point in time, I had yet to make any jewellery for my mum at all.  

original ring

Being that this was to be the first jewellery piece I was making for my Mom, I had to make it extra special.  However, 4 stones all of equal sizes can be a little difficult to get creative with, it was pretty obvious that they would look best all in a row and my Mom's instructions, "No, I don't want to add extra stones.  Design it however you like.  Make sure I can wear it everyday" left me with very little in aesthetic direction.  Luckily, I saw this....

Now this picture really doesn't do this plant justice!  This orchid is like the healthiest orchid I have ever seen in my life! It flowers all the time and doesn't seem to need any attention.  It just lives in my mothers kitchen, on the windowsill.  My parents both have green thumbs (something that I was not fortunate enough to inherit), and grow all kinds of plants in and around our family home.  My mom in particular loves orchids and grows all different types, from mini ones, small as a finger tip to these stunning, fist sized, blooms, which of course became the source of my inspiration.

The Quick Sketch

The CAD Design

 The Final Product

18K Gold Orchid Ring

www.sinkimjewellery.com

http://www.facebook.com/sinkimjewellery

 http://twitter.com/#!/sinkimjewellery

The World's First All Diamond Ring by Shawish

http://www.vogue.co.uk/jewellery/news/Rings/2011/04/04/shawish-all-diamond-ring

"It seemed impossible but we decided to embark in this adventure, to make a Dream come true" say brothers Mohamed and Majdy Shawesh, Ceo and founders of Shawish Jewellery.




A Dream come true indeed!  In the spring of 2011, through in-depth 3D animation, Shawish Jewellery of Geneva, unveiled a ring weighting 150 carats made entirely of one single faceted Diamond.  Copyrighted and created with precision laser equipment, this historic creation is expected to bring in £43 million ($70 million USD) when sold! www.shawish-jewellery.com

Celebrate Bloor

After years of construction and mayhem, Toronto's "Mink Mile", a stretch of luxury shops and fabulous people watching, was finally declared finished!  To make sure we all believed it, Bloor Street was closed down for a bit of a celebration.  If walking the red carpet on Bloor Street wasn't fun enough, the Stella Smooth Taste Team showed up with FREE BEER and equally awesome bikes!  The Smooth Taste team have been spreading joy in Toronto for a while so keep you're eyes open (or follow them on Twitter). 

Levain Bakery, NYC

These $4 cookies are so massive you may feel like you just had Christmas dinner after eating one.  But so good that it's so hard to stop munching! 

RetroSpecs

Geek never looked so chic.  It wasn't hard to fall for these vintage beauties at the Brooklyn Flea.  I nabbed two pairs and couldn't wait to sport them! 

Full fashion assault in NYC

Photo from: cooperhewitt.org

Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum was great not only for the huge collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery but also for the interesting and engaging way in which they displayed them.  There were display stands that enlarged and projected the image of the jewel so that when you stood looking down the details were more apparent than if you looked straight at the pieces themselves.  There was also this magnifying display case.  Very fun!  As with most exhibits, photos were not allowed so that is all I have!

Next I headed to the Met for Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.  There's nothing really to say that hasn't been said by countless journalists, commentators and other (more eloquent) people in fashion industry.  To see his work in such close proximity is amazing.  The detail, the ideas, the theatrics are extraordinary.  I only have one word: Wow.  (Again, this photo was an undercover shot because I wanted to have something to share.  No photos allowed!)     

Spent four hectic days in New York dealing with temperamental weather, taking in the luxury of the Big Apple and going in circles on the New York subway (literally!).  More to come......

The lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green...





When I arrived home for my nephew's birthday, I was greeted with a sweet, wonderful smell that can only mean that spring has truly arrived.  And then I saw this ridiculously adorable bird feeder.  Now what bird wouldn't want to live among the lilacs?

Hermès Canada Charity Silk and Accessories Sale

Today I attended the Hermès Canada Charity Silk and Accessories Sale at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  It's a biennial event with all proceeds going to support Multiple Sclerosis research at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital.  Such a worthy cause was the perfect justification for picking up this beautiful red scarf!  It's the Faubourg Express pattern.  I arrived much later in the day (it started at 8 am and I heard snippets of conversation that said there were already 500 people in line by 6 am!) so missed the line ups.  Apparently there was also not much left compared to the morning.  I was enamoured with the plaid designs evoking the British Isles but felt that since Hermès was such an esteemed French fashion house, I should go for something more Parisian.  Love!

Fit for royalty...

You don't need to be a Prince to make her sparkle like a Princess.

Blue Sapphire....

There have been a lot of exciting things being created at my studio recently.  Which, of course, is my excuse for not updating my blog in such a long period of time.  To make up for this neglect, I will be posting about some of my recent work over the next little while.  I hope to hear your feedback and hopefully receive a compliment or two?

1.32ct Light blue Sapphire set in 14k gold with paved diamonds. 

www.skimjewellery.com

Rose Petals....

My new ring has me completely enamoured.  Beautiful pink tones, sparking diamonds and lovely little details.... I couldn't ask for more. 

 

www.skimjewellery.com

The centre stone is a 1.76ct Tourmaline.  If you want to see what that looks like visit my display at Made You Look Jewellery Gallery.

 

Heart Lasso bracelet

Still looking for that special Valentine's Day Gift?

 

www.skimjewellery.com

mini heart rings

www.skimjewellery.com

The Green Hornet

This is a bit of a detour from fashion and jewellery, but today I went to see the Green Hornet.   I really didn't know too much about the original series nor did I have any interest in that particular super hero's story.  To be honest, it was Seth Rogen- he's usually a funny guy and I have to say, it was pretty hilarious.  If you are looking to laugh out loud and you can handle complete over the top action, with a bit of broken English, then this is the movie for you.  Seriously, Seth Rogen, Asian Sidekick, Lots of Money and a Modified Super Car... think of the possibilities....     

The Green Hornet Movie Poster                 http://www.thegreenhornet-movie.net/

 

www.skimjewellery.com

Saying Goodbye to 2010....

There were some exciting changes that took place in 2010.  For me, it was the end of that daily grind and that sweat shop labouring.  No longer would I be doing the designing, the sales and the production coordination for someone else!  Instead I’ve stepped up!  I’ve taken on an even more difficult task!  -What task, you ask? Well... working for myself of course!  Sinoeun Kim Jewellery, as my new year’s resolution, I’ll work hard to make you a success! 

With all that optimism and enthusiasm, there was really only one thing left to do when it came to the end of 2010 and that was to get dressed up, put on jewellery from my new collection and welcome 2011! 

 

 

www.skimjewellery.com

New Year. New Blog.

Hi Everyone!  My name is Sinoeun (sin-yu-win) Kim.  I'm a Goldsmith and Gemmologist living in Toronto.  After years of working within the fine jewellery industry, I've started designing and making jewellery under my own label.  This is a blog about all the things that inspire me.