I was introduced to jewelry making several years ago by my sister who gave me some beading wire and crystal beads and showed me how to make a bracelet. From there I was hooked! Since then, I have taken many classes and have been fortunate to sell many of my designs. It didn't take long for me to discover goldsmithing classes that were offered at local jewelry design studios. I immediately fell in love with working with precious metals and semi-precious gemstones. I remain passionate about learning new techniques which I enjoy including in my work.
I earned my Graduate Jeweler diploma at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts (located in San Francisco, CA) and have recently completed the Applied Jewelry Arts (AJA) diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (located in Carlsbad, CA). I will begin my Graduate Gemologist studies in August 2012.
I am inspired by ancient jewelry styles and techniques. I prefer to design pieces that can actually be worn (versus the art jewelry styles that are interesting to look at in magazines but not practical to wear). I love working with semi-precious gemstones: Amethysts, Garnets, and Tourmaline are always a favorite. I hope to one day be able to share my knowledge of this amazing art with others by teaching and publishing a book (with lots of pictures!).
Tonia Rockwell
www.sageinspirations.com
http://www.facebook.com/tonia.rockwell
Jewelry Designer and Graduate Jeweler
Graduate Jeweler (GJ), Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts
Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP), Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Applied Jewelry Arts (AJA), Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
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Comments (4)
jocko500
this is super. like a photo of it
trockwell
Jocko500, Yes, I know what you mean! Although I use Rhino as the core CAD/CAM Software, I also use Matrix 3D (it's sort of an add-on like Flamingo, or Penguin, or Bongo etc...). I was surprised when I didn't find Matrix 3D on the list of rendering programs for this website. I may even write the Admin Staff and see if they'll add it to the drop-down menu. It would involve quite a few more additional steps to create these drawings of mine in pure Rhino without the other software enhancements I acquire when using the add-ons. Regardless, thank you so much for your comments! TJ.
UVDan
Amazing work! Do you make the jewelry yourself or do you have to send the Rhino files somewhere to have it done?
trockwell
Hello UVDan, In answer to your question, I can do both. It really depends on what's most practical and cost-effective at the time. Sometimes I will get a request from a customer that I personally fabricate the piece, and at other times the customer may just want the completed piece regardless as to how, or by whom, it is manufactured. Time is also an issue, and sometimes it is faster to send the piece out for rapid creation and assembly (after all time is a huge factor). The good news is that Rhino and Matrix have allowed me to actually design and render each piece to perfection prior to actually building it. The customer can then choose the type of precious-metals and the stones/color-combination to ensure it is exactly what they desire before I even start the fabrication process. What a time and cost saver! I can now do magic! :) Thanks, TJ.