Collections, Jewelry Making Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Collections, Jewelry Making Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Air: The Third Chapter of the Elementals Collection

Air, the third chapter of the six-part Elementals Collection, captures the elegance of breath and movement. Twisted sterling silver designs accented with Australian opals and clear quartz embody grace and inspiration. Following Fire and Water, and leading to Earth, Metal, and Ether, Air is part of a journey through nature’s elemental forces.

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Jewelry Making, Collections, Inside the Studio Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Making, Collections, Inside the Studio Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Elementals Collection: Chapter Two - Water

Flow with elegance. The second chapter of Michelle Pajak-Reynolds’s Elementals Collection captures the serene beauty of water in shimmering gemstones and intricate silverwork. Discover aquamarine, quartz, tourmaline, opals, and more—each piece a graceful tribute to clarity and transformation.

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Gemstone Spotlight, Jewelry Care Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Gemstone Spotlight, Jewelry Care Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Moonstone: Gem of Beautiful Dreams

Moonstone, the gem of beautiful dreams, has captivated cultures for centuries with its shimmering glow and mystical lore. Believed to be solidified moonlight, it is tied to love, intuition, and the water signs of the zodiac. From ancient Rome to modern design, moonstone’s silken adularescence makes it a favorite among jewelers. Discover its history, meaning, and care tips here.

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Jewelry Making, Tool Talk, Inside the Studio Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Making, Tool Talk, Inside the Studio Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

The Art of Pin-Set Gemstones: Behind the Scenes of Handmade Jewelry

Discover the beauty of pin-set gemstones, a centuries-old jewelry technique reimagined with modern artistry. Unlike traditional settings, pin-setting allows gemstones to shimmer from every angle, creating luminous, one-of-a-kind designs. From delicate chains to bold statement necklaces, explore how this artisanal process transforms natural gems into wearable works of art.

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Jewelry Making, Jewelry Care Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Making, Jewelry Care Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

More Than Just a Letter: The Difference Between Carat and Karat

Carat and karat are often confused, but one measures gemstone weight while the other defines the purity of gold. This post breaks down the history and meaning of both terms, explains how gold fineness works, and offers practical guidance for choosing the right karat based on lifestyle, aesthetics, and personal values.

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Jewelry Making, Inside the Studio Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Making, Inside the Studio Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Voyageuse: Jewels Inspired by Moss

Inspired by moss, literature, and long walks through Ohio’s forests, this post traces the creative journey behind the Voyageuse Collection. From ancient moss colonies and national park trails to chrome diopside, golden enhydro quartz, and vesuvianite, it explores how nature’s textures, colors, and quiet resilience are translated into ethically crafted fine jewelry with a deep sense of place and purpose.

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Jewelry Making, Gemstone Spotlight, Jewelry Care Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Making, Gemstone Spotlight, Jewelry Care Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Labradorite: Frozen Fire Within

At first glance, labradorite appears soft and grey, but when light hits its surface, it reveals vivid flashes of blue, green, and fiery orange known as labradorescence. Rooted in Inuit legend and inspired by the Northern Lights, this post explores the history, symbolism, and unique beauty of labradorite, along with how I love to work with these ever-changing stones in my jewelry designs.

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