Flash Tattoos by Flash Tats

Flash Tattoo by Flash Tat

Metallic temporary tattoos are very flattering and I am currently enamored by this fashion trend!  The Southwest inspired patterns repeated can look like shimmering bracelets, rings, necklaces and adorn the body in golden and silver highlights. 

Visit www.Flashtat.com to order a batch to try and see how easy it is to transform skin into meaningful and beautiful art.

Check out the FAQ on how to apply, ideas for combining designs and how to remove.  This couldn't be any easier!

I hope you enjoy this creative expressive art as much as I do!

Event is Over - Stethoscope Giveaway - York Avenue Studio

Stethoscope Giveaway by York Avenue Studio

Welcome to my Giveaway Contest!  The random drawing will be held Nov 17, 2013 and one winner will receive the stethoscope in the photo as well as the airway openers.  Brand new!  Bright cheery colors!  Enter now thru Nov 16th, details below.

I am hosting this Giveaway in order to introduce my charms for stethoscopes, hoping to reach those who use stethoscopes and would be interested in a charm that is personalized and custom made. 



Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio

Stethoscope wide band ring that can be personalized with names and dates. I designed this solid metal cuff to fit around the tubing of your stethoscope and stay in place. The charm shown in the photos has a name and the date, the date is in roman numerals for a classy look. This particular charm has a paw print and DVM for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a caduceus medical symbol.

Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio for Nurse or Vet

This is the perfect gift for anyone who uses a stethoscope! The name charm will identify their property as well as add a personal touch to their equipment. It stays put and isn't distracting or get caught up on clothing or in hair.  I make them in your choice of Golden Bronze or Sterling Silver. 

Gift for Nurse Vet - Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio


Some ideas: Name or initials centered front with tiny paw prints all around. Maybe a dog or cat or both. Maybe the University letters of the school where the degree is from. Butterflies, flowers, stars, hearts, etc.

Veterinary Stethoscope Charm by York Avenue Studio

Please feel free to share this listing with anyone else that you know that might be interested.  There might be others that would like to find out about these charms and also enter the Giveaway. 

Designer made original art jewelry.

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To enter the Giveaway:
Unlimited entries per person, 18 years and older with a US shipping address.  I will mail the package to a US address only.  Be sure to leave an email so I can contact you if you win.  If you prefer to send your contact info and entry to me and remain confidential, send me a note to enter at support@yorkavenuestudio.com

One entry for every Facebook page like - Like my page and then comment below to be counted as entry.  Here's my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/York-Avenue-Studio-Handcrafted-Gemstone-Jewelry/138653009529987

One entry for Share on Facebook - spread the word for the Giveaway and leave a comment below to be counted as an entry.  The comment below can simply state "shared", but I would love to see the link, too, and visit your page!

One entry for every comment below with you ideas for what you might put on a charm - I really look forward to reading the ideas!

One entry for visiting my Etsy shop, YorkAvenueStudio,  looking around, and then commenting below about anything that caught your eye - I have a section in my shop called Personalized that I hope you enjoy browsing.

On Nov 17th, I'll count up the comments below, draw a random number, and contact the winner!

Good Luck!  Thank you for allowing me to introduce my Stethoscope Charms!
Kathy

You Know Your State's Capital, but What about the Official State Gemstone?

If you are one of those people who can name all 50 State capitals, you are good!  Gemstones are officially adopted as well, however, not many people memorize the State Rocks, other than maybe the State they grew up in and went to school.  Gemstones, minerals and rocks are so unique and beautiful and their properties and characteristics are fascinating.  So many factors such as environmental conditions, other chemicals present, etc. affect the formation and substance of stones providing us with a huge number of varieties of colors and structures to admire.

So, what are the State Rocks for the 50 States?  Surprisingly, not every US State has adopted an official gemstone, mineral or rock.  Some States have several, and Texas even has their own official cut for a gem, the Lone Star Cut:



Texas Offical Gem Cut - The Lone Star Cut

I grew up in Michigan and early in school we all had to memorize the State Symbols.  The State Stone for Michigan is the Petoskey Stone.  As kids, we use to find them near lakes.  Spotting them is not too difficult as they have round, spikey circle patterns due to the fossilized coral.  Kids like to find fossils and there is something special about holding a rock that is over 300 million years old!

Petoskey Stone

Another State Rock that's easy enough to remember is California's State Mineral, Gold!  The Golden State also had a State Stone - Serpentine.  This stone, also refered to by some as New Jade has green color and may range from yellower greens to bluer greens.  NOTE:  In 2010 scientists moved to have Serpentine removed as the State Stone due to the fact it is a source for Chrysotile, a form of Asbestos, which is a human carcinogen!  The actual gemstone Serpentine is not toxic, but it is a host for Chrysotile, which has been found formed within the stone.  Making jewelry from Serpentine is not going to pose a health risk, unless you are smashing it up, year after year, releasing what may be lurking inside! 



Serpentine Rough

California also has a State Gemstone - Benitoite.  I've never heard of this gem, so I did some research.  It is a rare, blue gem found almost exclusively in California.  It turns light neon blue under florescent light!  Here is a photo:

Benitoite

Faceted Benitoite gemstone jewelry is very beautiful!  I'll certainly add that one to my gemstone collection wish list!

Well, there are many more interesting State stones and for a complete list and to look up your favorites, visit this site for a nice, handy chart:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_minerals,_rocks,_stones_and_gemstones

Comments?  I'd love to hear from you!





FAQs about Gold

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q:  What is White Gold?
A:  Gold is a precious metal and an element and is yellow.  Jewelry can be made from 24k pure gold because it is so soft and very strong, however, it is still very pliable and can be easily scratched or dented.  Gold jewelry is often made from a combination of gold and other metals, which is called an alloy.  For example, 14k gold is 14 parts gold mixed with 10 parts of another metal, equal to 24 parts or karats.  Likewise, 10k gold is 10k of gold mixed with 14k of another metal.  If the “other metal” is copper or silver, mixing it with yellow gold keeps the gold color.  More copper results in rose gold.  If the “other metal” is nickel or palladium, then the result is white-ish.  Recent years, white gold is commonly rhodium plated, partly because the “other metals” are not as high of quality and most manufacturers may just accept the lower standard because it will commonly be rhodium plated anyway.
Q:  What is Rhodium Plating?
A:  Rhodium is a precious metal and an element, like gold, but much more expensive.  The opposite of pure gold, which is soft, rhodium is too brittle to use for jewelry, but perfect for plating due to the dazzling shine, much like chrome, and the durability against tarnish and wear.  The white mirror-looking Rhodium plating will still wear off after time.  If the metal beneath the plating is a contrasting color, the wear will show up more obvious than a similar white metal below the plating.  Almost every piece of white gold jewelry is rhodium plated, whether it is stated or not.
Q:  What is Gold Plating?
A:  Layering gold over another base metal, the industry standard is .15 to .25 mils thickness plated over the base metal.
Q:  What is Gold Filled?
A:  Also layering gold over another base metal, but the layer or layers are combined and rolled together with a thickness that is usually stated.  For example, 1/20th  14k gold filled means that the piece is at least 1/20th of 14k gold of the total weight.
Q:  What is Vermeil?
A:  Sterling silver piece that is heavy electroplated with 22k yellow gold.  The depth is about .002 or .003 inches thick.