North Brisbane Lapidary Club

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COVID-19 Update

Until the 1.5m social distance restrictions are relaxed numbers attending the club will be restricted, therefore bookings are essential.

Upcoming Open Day - click here for more details

More than just links

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By Katarina

For the club competition we can either make a necklace or a bracelet. In the past we have shown you the beautiful necklaces made by Mary Lancaster. I look at them and see the beauty and work and certainly appreciate them but they are not my style.

They might not represent your style either so I wasted some time on your behalf and looked for alternate styles:

For the purpose of the competition the piece has to be made of silver or gold with no more than 25% copper for accent purposes allowed (that is optional). And no stones either this year.

Necklace length definitions:

1. Collar – Collar necklaces sit flush against the skin and rest directly above the collarbone. Contemporary collar necklaces are thick and look similar to a collar on a shirt, measuring anywhere from 12 to 16-inches (30 to 40cm).

Figure 1 - Sterling Silver Collar

Figure 1 – Sterling Silver Collar

2. Choker – The choker necklace can either sit very high on the neck or just below the collarbone. The later style dangles more freely and is slightly longer in length. (16 inches/40cm)

Figure 3 - Starburst Choker

Figure 2- Sterling Silver Choker

Figure 3 - Starburst Choker

Figure 3 – Starburst Choker

3. Princess – defined either by their length or style. The length is longer than a choker but shorter than a matinee necklace. The 18-inch (45cm) length is thought to be the most universal and flattering length. Any pendant or focal piece will usually rest right below the collar bones.

4. Matinee – Matinee necklaces are great for jewellery layering because they are longer than princess length and shorter than opera length. These necklaces will fall somewhere between the collarbone and the centre of the bust. (22 inches/ 55 cm)

5. Opera – long and versatile. When they are worn as a single strand, the necklace should fall below the bust line. Some longer opera length necklaces may even reach the bellybutton. (30 inches/ 76cm)

6. Lariat – also known as a rope or Y-necklace. In terms of length, this necklace is longer than opera length; doesn’t have a clasp. The chain or beads form a long rope that is either tied or pulled through a circular finding like the one pictured here. (Ave. length: 34 inches / 86cm)

Figure 4 – Lariat Necklace

Necklace style definitions:

1.Bib – usually collar or princess length. They consist of a wide front portion that rests just below the neck. Pearls, beads, or gemstones are often sewn or set into the bib, creating fanciful designs along the circular or triangular frame.

Figure 5 – Bib Necklace

2. Lavaliere – a feminine pendant necklace that connects a dainty chain to a larger focal piece. That main pendant also has smaller embellishments dangling from it. This necklace style was popular during the Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco jewellery eras. These delicate pendants look best with light, feminine, and even bohemian fashions. They are usually princess length and will sit right below the collarbone, so any neckline will work well.

Figure 6 – Lavaliere Necklace

Figure 7 – Locket

3. Locket – a small compartment pendant that can hold a small picture or memento. These pendants are personal, sentimental, and are often passed down for generations. Lockets were popular during the Victorian era and were often engraved and filled with a loved one’s hair.  Lockets look best with opera length chains but usually come standard with an 18″ princess chain. Pair a longer locket with a minimal necklace that is choker length.

Figure 8 – Pendant

4. Pendant – can come in many shapes and styles. Pendants are focal points that dangle off a chain of any length. Popular pendant styles include lockets and lavalieres. Pendants are easily personalized. Initial pendants make great gifts and are often worn close to the heart.

There are more styles but I have left them off as they are defined by the use of stones and pearls and so not suitable for our competition.

Reference

  • Figure 1 – Sterling Silver Collar by Artie Yellowhorse
  • Figure 2 – Liquid Chain Choker – by Louise Olsen
  • Figure 3 – Starburst Choker
  • Figure 4 – Lariat Necklace
  •  Figure 5 – Bib Necklace
  • Figure 6 – Lavaliere Necklace – by Kristin Ash. Why not replace the spinner with a wire sculpture
  • Figure 7 – Locket – you would have to make the locket too.
  • Figure 8 – Pendant

We hope this will give you some ideas and inspiration to participate in the competition. If you are not sure if your idea will work, why not contact one of our instructors or talk to any of us to discuss. And remember, you still have plenty of time.

NBLC Presidents Challenge 2021

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The Presidents Challenge is a group of four (4) competitions as follows.

  • Faceting,
  • Metal Smith Jewellery,
  • Cut a Standard Cabochon, and
  • Most Appealing Gemstone.

Individual sheets for each competition will be posted in the next week or so.

Traditionally winners are announced at the Gem Show. In 2021 we may not have a Gem Show, but we can and should still have the Challenge.

COVID  19 RESTRICTIONS

Some members like to work on their entry’s at home others like to work at the Club. Because of the limitations imposed Covid 19 My intentions are to.

  • Run day workshops starting at 9 am finishing at 4 pm. (cost $6)
  • Have no more than ten (10) member sat each workshop, 2 Faceting, 4 cabochon, 4 Jewellery.
  • Design competition so you should be able to complete your entry in two (2) workshops.
  • The number of workshops will depend on the number of members wishing to attend. Members should attend two (2) workshops they do not need to be consecutive

WORKSHOP DATES

I need some information from you so I can compile a list of workshop dates. Please send me the following as early as you can.

Presidents Challenge

Presidents Challenge







The competitions you would like to enter
*
Preferred workday
*

I urge you to enter, it could improve your skill level and hopefully you will enjoy the challenge.

Regards

Peter Smith

Your Club – North Brisbane Lapidary Club Inc.

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by Ray Wilson for the Building Committee

About 3 years ago plans were formulated to improve safety around the soldering area, create a dedicated area for all of the hot working activities and consolidate the diamond saws into an area closer to the cabbing area and increase the power supply to 3 phase to ensure sustainable supply for the future.

In August 2019, the building committee started working on formal plans and drawings with a view to obtaining a grant to undertake the work.  In early December 2019 we were advised that we had been successful in getting a $32,000 grant from the Brisbane City Council under their Building Stronger Communities program.

The work commenced in early January with members assisting in clearing out the areas ready for the building contractor.  Around 20 members assisted in the project overall with clearing the site, painting, assembling furniture and re-establishing the work areas.  The final part of the construction work – installing 3 phase power – was completed last week.  There are still things to resolve and work out where they will finally be located ; like 24” saw and flat lap machines, but the majority of the project is now complete.

The collages below show the progress of the project with before, construction and fit out photos.

The removal of a wall has opened up the soldering area and now includes casting and enamelling equipment.  The main corridor through the building is now clear of naked flames making it a safer environment for members.

From a corner in the cabbing room a dedicated saw room has been constructed which now houses all 4 trim and slabbing saws.  This allows members who are using grinders to view the operation of the saws.  The volume of traffic  through the club has been reduced by having the saws proximate to the grinders.

We are appreciative of the support from the Brisbane City Council, our local Queensland government member and Patron Leanne Linard, our local BCC Ward Alderman Adam Allan and also of the many members who gave of their time to completing this project.

GIANT ROCK SALE

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NBLC Club house- 574 Nudgee Rd, Albert Bishop Park, Nundah. We are very excited to announce our GIANT ROCK SALE is on Saturday the 21st of September 2019/ From 8am – 2pm.

Sausage sizzle and drinks available.

We have so many rocks from all over.  Small and Large Agate Creek agate nodules.  Prehnite rough – 1kg bag lots.  Windera/Cloyna Agate – Tumble and slabbing grade.  Petrified wood from Chinchilla.   Jasper.  Rhodonite.  Faceting rough. Garnet.  Peridot. Tourmaline.   Lots to choose from.

Contact: rocksale@nblc.com.au   for your full catcalogue of itmes for sale – one week out from 21st September 2019.

No Sales before 8am.  Material will be sold on a first come first served basis.

All we can say is Thank You – you all rock

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The North Brisbane Lapidary Club Gem and Jewellery Festival has been a massive success. Thanks to all of our volunteers who turned up and worked hard to make another show a success for the visitors, dealers and ourselves.

We also have to say “Thank You” to local businesses who have supported us – both financial and with goods. These businesses were:

    • McDonalds Bracken Ridge who donated meals to our hardworking set-up volunteers.
    • Nathan Street Bakery – 130 Nathan St, Brighton QLD 4017. If you are in the area, don’t forget to drop in and try their yummy baking goods.

For outstanding sausages and meats go to:

  • Rode Meats – 261 Appleby Rd, Stafford Heights QLD 4053
  • Marjax Meats – 743-757 Deception Bay Rd, Rothwell QLD 4022
  • For fresh fruit & veggies and great prices check out T-Bone Fresh Fruit Market – Robinson Road Marketplace; 605 Robinson Rd W, Aspley QLD 4034
  • Nadras Eggs – 65 Muller Rd, Boondall QLD 4034
  • Woolworths Bracken Ridge – 154 Barrett Street
  • Coles Bracken Ridge – Bracken Ridge Village, Telegraph Rd, Bracken Ridge QLD 4017
  • Woolworths Aspley – 95 Albany Creek Road
  • Woolworths Albany Creek – Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek QLD 4035

And last but by no means least we are sending a massive thank you to the Sandgate Scouts and Venturers who helped us for three days. The young helpers were absolutely amazing, on the ball and always looking for more work to be done. It was a pleasure and honour working with you.