Image Courtesy of Hearne Hardwoods If you've ever watched light dance across a piece of wood and wondered why some materials seem to glow from within, you've witnessed chatoyance. It's one of nature's most captivating optical effects. The word comes from the French "chatoyer," meaning "to shimmer" like a cat's eye. That's exactly what chatoyant materials do: they display a luminous band of light that shifts and moves as you change your viewing angle. What Creates This Magic? Chatoyance occurs when light reflects off parallel fibers, tubes, or needle-like inclusions within a material. Think of it like thousands of tiny...
Image Courtesy of Hearne Hardwoods Tasmanian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) represents an intriguing paradox in the world of fine woodworking. While native to Australia, this adaptable species now grows successfully in many parts of the world. Sometimes even too successfully – it's considered invasive in several regions outside its native range. This widespread availability, combined with its excellent working properties, makes it an increasingly popular choice for sustainable wooden jewelry. Understanding Tasmanian Blackwood's Natural Character Image Courtesy of Hearne Hardwoods For those familiar with Hawaiian Koa wood, Tasmanian Blackwood offers remarkably similar characteristics. In fact, they're often considered close cousins in...
Image by Pana Trees When it comes to creating stunning wooden jewelry, few materials capture the imagination quite like ziricote. This remarkable Mexican hardwood, scientifically known as Cordia dodecandra, transforms nature's artwork into wearable masterpieces. The wood's distinctive characteristics and rich cultural heritage make it particularly well-suited for crafting unique, high-end accessories. Understanding Ziricote's Unique Patterns The visual appeal of ziricote begins with its dramatic grain patterns, which often resemble abstract landscapes or topographical maps. The wood typically displays a dark chocolate-brown background interwoven with black streaks that create mesmerizing spider-web or landscape-like figures. These natural patterns are actually the...
Black Palm Wood Necklace with Diamond As an artist who loves to work with natural materials, I'm always on the lookout for unique and beautiful woods to incorporate into my jewelry designs. Lately, I've become enamored with black palm wood. This incredible material has a rich, deep color and an intricate grain that makes each piece utterly unique. In this blog, I'll share my experiences working with black palm and why it has become one of my favorite mediums. Origins and Characteristics Antler Point Necklace with Black Palm Wood Black palm is not your typical wood; it's a fibrous material...
Few materials hold the allure and charm that ebony wood exudes. I find myself irresistibly drawn to the timeless beauty and exceptional qualities of this dark, lustrous timber. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the captivating world of ebony wood, exploring its history, unique characteristics, and the artistry it inspires in crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. The Rich History of Ebony Wood Ebony wood boasts an illustrious history that spans continents and centuries. Originating primarily from tropical regions in Africa, Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia, ebony has been cherished for its exquisite, deep black hue...
As an artisan who is passionate about handmade wooden jewelry, I am constantly on the lookout for unique materials that captivate the imagination and bring forth exquisite creations. One such remarkable wood that has captured my heart and challenged my craftsmanship is Purpleheart. Renowned for its vibrant purple hue, Purpleheart wood possesses both beauty and formidable difficulty in woodworking. In this article, I delve into the allure of Purpleheart wood, exploring its distinctive properties, its challenges, and how it brings out the true artistry in crafting handmade wooden jewelry. Unveiling Purpleheart Wood Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.) is a tropical hardwood native...
