With a story that spans from 17th century Japanese swordsmiths to skilled craftsmen and goldsmiths of today, Mokume Gane is a unique creation that embodies the traits of dedication and determination. 
     The history of Mokume Gane begins with a mighty shift in the use of the Samurai sword.  From the late 1600’s to the mid 1800’s in Japan, the Samurai sword transformed from a warrior tool into a symbol of the warrior class.  Changes in the political and social structure saw the collapse of the Samurai hierarchy, and warriors were no longer allowed to carry their weapons in public. Because of this, the katanas became more of a status symbol, and craftsmen were able to use their skills to create more artistic products.  How intricate the design was and how detailed the sheath and handle were became an indicator of social status.  
    Mokume Gane (moku = wood, me = eye and gane = metal) was invented in the 1600’ s by Denbei Shoami, a master craftsman and metalsmith.  His process entails bonding between fifteen and thirty-five layers of metal together to create a solid billet.  The billet is then forged, carved, cut and shaped using chisels and punches.  The metal is then rolled out to a workable thickness, which showcases the intricate and elaborate designs.  The piece is then bent into a circle and joined together.  Metals used include various karats and colours of gold, sterling silver, palladium and platinum.  It is a very precise technical process that requires an in depth knowledge of all of the different properties (ie – melting temperature) of the materials that are used. 
    At Poag Jewellers, we showcase the Mokume Gane rings of designer Chris Ploof.  The rings are unique masterpieces and the quality is second to none.  His goldsmithing career began almost fifteen years ago when he began taking jewellery making classes and became inspired.  He has a very diverse educational background, which involves studies in everything from and lampwork and large-scale casting to bead making, blacksmithing and machining.  He now has his own studio in Rhode Island where he does his master crafting and designing.  It is at this studio that he pioneered the proprietary process to craft a seamless Mokume Gane ring – a ring that shows no visible line where the material was bonded together. 
    If you are interested in superior craftsmanship and outstanding quality, come check out our selection of Mokume Gane rings today!

 

                   

                          

    Looking for a lamp to fill a space or light up a room in a unique way? A tiffany inspired lamp is the answer. No two lamps are ever identical and are handcrafted and pieced together with outstanding designs.

    Louis Comfort Tiffany the original creator of these lamps had the idea “to provide good art for American homes”. He was the eldest son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, who was the legendary founder of the silver and jewellery business Tiffany and Co. Instead of following in his fathers footsteps, Louis chose to continue his love for art and design.

    The shades of the lamps are fascinating pieces of coloured glass. Glass is most like a super cooled liquid, it captures light incredibly and shines from within each piece. Glass is a jewel like substance made from the most ordinary materials: “sand transformed by fire”. In the past, man learned to make glass and add spectacular colours by incorporating metallic salts and oxides. These minerals within the glass capture specific portions from the spectrum of white light allowing your eye to catch various colors. When adding gold it produces a deep cranberry colour, adding cobalt makes stunning shades of blues, adding silver creates yellows and gold and, adding copper creates gorgeous shades of greens and red.

                            
    All of the Tiffany inspired stained glass designer lamps at Poag Jewellers are hand cut, polished, and shaped pieces. The shade is constructed from copper foil, which is wrapped around each piece of glass and lead soldered. Each lamp varies in colour, size, and shape which makes each piece so beautiful and unique. Tiffany lamps would add a glowing touch to any room in the home. To purchase a lamp or to add to your wishlist click here!

                        

   Having trouble finding that perfect gift, or just want to surprise someone you love with something special?  At Poag Jewellers we have a wonderful gift idea to suit any taste. 
    The Loving Family Collection is a beautiful way to pay tribute to the family unit in all of its contemporary forms, whether biological or extended.  Each little sculpture is a distinctive way to give a very personalized gift to someone special to you.
    Each piece in the collection is handcrafted by a group of highly skilled designers and craftspeople in New Mexico.  Its original concept was inspired by culturally significant and artistic interpretations of love from around the world.  One culture that particularly inspired the collection is the Shona tribe of Southern Africa.  The Shona tribe has beliefs strongly rooted in the concept of family unity and much of the art they produce is sculptural interpretations of those values.

                     
     The Loving Family Collection is meant to represent the faith in a family circle, with the unbroken bond between all of the members of the family. It is meant to give you strength through all of the changes and challenges life will throw our way.  
    Come in to Poag Jewellers today to see this beautiful collection, available in sterling silver or 10K yellow gold, in various sizes and starting at $49.95.

                      

    Pearls have long been a symbol of love, happiness, wealth and honor and have been a fascination for humans for more than 5000 years. There is a perfect piece of pearl jewellery for everyone in any size, shape, or even colour! Most of the pearls available today are cultured. Cultured pearls are those in which a human has given a helping hand. They are cultured by embedding a bead or piece of organic matter into the tissue of an oyster, the oyster then produces nacre, which builds up over time around the matter and creates lustrous pearls. The finished pearls are then strung or fabricated to create gorgeous jewellery.    

    Cultured pearls are available in a wide range of colours such as white,champagne, pink, purple, mauve, silver and brown. The newest and hottest on the market this year are tasty chocolate pearls, with their rich brown hues and luxurious look.  Chocolate pearls are enhanced, but the treatment is stable so the pearls won’ t change colour over time.

    Tahitian pearls are also beautiful accessories for summer as they go with most all outfits with their stunning shades of black. A thick and healthy layer of nacre around the implanted matter creates a spectacular colour, and lustre. These pearls are naturally black in colour, and can have luxurious blue, green and purple overtones.  Because of this unique look they are admired as the "Queen of Pearls".

    At Poag Jewellers we have a fantastic selection of all types of pearls.  Come in and take a look today!