Glossary & Techniques
Welcome to the Glossary and Techniques Page for BSBee Designs. Here, we delve into the captivating world of our unique materials and the meticulous artistry behind each piece. This glossary serves as a comprehensive guide to the elements that make up our collections and the traditional as well as innovative techniques we employ. Whether you are a curious newcomer or a seasoned collector, these insights will enhance your appreciation of the intricate details and cultural richness embedded in every design.
Marra Mamba Tigereye: Originating from Australia, this variant of Tigereye combines elements of Tiger Eye, Hematite, and Jasper. Its striking resemblance to dramatic canyon and western landscapes makes it a favorite among collectors.
Chrysoprase: A translucent variety of Chalcedony from Australia, Chrysoprase is distinguished by its vibrant green shades. Its dendritic form contains dark, branching lines that evoke images of trees and landscapes.
Platinum and Gold Oco-Agate: These agates are known for their sections lined with crystals of gold or platinum. Some specimens are dyed to enhance their dramatic visual impact, with a crystalline quartz druzy as the centerpiece.
Warthog Tusk: Sourced from the African wild boar, these tusks carve similarly to ivory and whale teeth. They are a sustainable choice as warthogs are not currently endangered, making them an ethical material for organic carvings.
Opal: Classified into five categories, our opals range from non-absorbent precious opals, which display vibrant color plays, to hydrophane opals from Ethiopia. Our collection often features the Boulder opal, celebrated for its rich, natural beauty.
Paul Nicklen: A renowned National Geographic photographer whose work has inspired many of our nature-themed pieces. His photography highlights the beauty and the plight of polar regions affected by climate change.
Ishidashi: A Japanese metal forming technique where metal is shaped only from the upper side using hammers and chisels. This method is derived from the traditional arts of Chasing and Repoussé but focuses on creating relief from one side.
Keum Boo: This Korean technique involves applying 23-24K gold leaf to silver or other metals. The metals are heated, and the gold is burnished onto the surface, forming a permanent molecular bond that highlights specific areas with a rich golden hue.
Cricket on a Fallen Branch: This intricate piece combines a Jasper donut with autumnal hues, a silver and copper leaf, and a branch of Mexican Bocote wood. It features a cricket in silver and copper, designed to be worn in multiple configurations.
Maw Sit Sit: A rare metamorphic rock that includes jadeite, known for its distinctive streaks of black and green. Primarily sourced from Myanmar, it is often mistaken for jadeite due to its similar appearance.
Peaceful Marsh: Inspired by the serene marsh view from Kiawah Island, South Carolina, this piece features a scene of Opalized Petrified Wood perfectly matching the marsh’s hues. A Wood Stork flies above, intricately carved to enhance the natural landscape theme.
Kingfisher on Lotus: Inspired by a captivating photograph, this pendant features a Kingfisher carved from Peruvian Opal with a vibrant green diamond eye, perched on a lotus shaped through Ishidashi metalwork.
Beehive Cuff #1: A masterful representation of a beehive, this cuff features segments of Mexican Cherry Amber and a bee carved from silver with gold highlights. The interior showcases a golden patina with a hidden bee, symbolizing the hidden wonders of nature.
Storm Clouds at Sea: Centered around a Boulder Opal that evokes the famous Hokusai wave, this pendant includes a cultured abalone storm cloud, accented with silver clouds and Keumboo gold lightning bolts.
Subscribe To Our Mailing List
bruce@bsbeedesigns.com
403 N Wabash Ave
Chicago, Illinois