Designs By Marty: Jewely, Cabochons, Photographs & More

Thank you for visiting.  Here you will find just about anything and everything designed by Marty Andersen.  Jewelery and cabochons are my main focus however you will also find photographs and anything else that Marty designs or may be involved in.   This website has been designed as a hub to take you to the many websites and blogs that have Marty's designs.

My cabochons are always one-of-a-kind designer cabochons.  I design my cabochons in a shape and size that best brings out the natural beauty of the stone.  Most of the cabochons I sell are cut from natural materials that are hand selected and cut by me.

Because the materials I use are hand selected and cut by myself.  You can be assured that they are all natural and not treated to the very best of my knowledge.   If I choose to use an altered or treated stone, I alway note it with the cabochon information.

Natural Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan

Natural Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan 

 There are times were I may choose to use an altered or treated stone due to it's exceptional beauty.   For example, Victoria Stone is a man made stone, however the formula was lost when the producer/inventor died.  Victoria Stone is a fabulous looking stone that comes in many colors and is highly sought after.   

Another reason I may offer a treated stone, would be in the case of Turquoise.  While natural untreated Turquoise is sought after by collectors, it is not always the best choice for use in jewelry.  Natural untreated Turquoise is very rare in a hardness that can be used to make cabochons.  Natural untreated Turquoise can easily get stained by oils from your skin or from common chemicals used to in perfume and hairspray.  These stains can dramatically change the color of the stone.

Most Turquoise on the market today is made from what is called "Chalk Turquoise".  Chalk Turquoise refers to the Turquoise that is usually found deeper in the ground and is too soft to create cabochons.  For this reason, the Turquoise is treated or stabilized, to help make it usable for cabochons and beads.

Care should be used in selecting Turquoise.  There are many "Fakes"!  I only sell natural untreated Turquoise or stabilized (not dyed) Turquoise.


Marty's Photographs for sale

Living in Northern Arizona gives me the opportunity to photograph some of the most beautiful places found in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. 

Photography Prints

 


My Blogs: 

ArgentiumĀ® Sterling Silver experiences

Working with Argentium Sterling Silver?  I would love to hear of your unique experiences using Argentium Sterling Silver and post the info here.  I've posted some of my experiences here, both good and bad.  I try to keep the information as simple as I can.  If there is anything I can help with, please feel free to ask.

Using ArgentiumĀ® Sterling Silver - Casting, Fabrication, Fusing and More

This Blog is my Ganoksin Blog that contains much of the same information as my Argentium SterlingĀ® Silver experiences blog. Ganoksin is a great resource for Jewelers, Designers, Artisans, or those who just want to learn more about the Jewelry industry.

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Jewelry and More

This Blog showcases my latest designs

Random Cool Stuff

This blog is just for fun.  Here I can share things I find on the internet with my friends.

 

 

Ebay

If I'm selling anything on Ebay, you'll find it here: 

Cranberry_Kitty at Ebay

 

 

Queen of Hearts Collection:  Entangled

Queen of Hearts Collection:  Entangled 

 

 

Handcrafted Sterling Silver Filigree

All of my jewelry is handcrafted.  Most of it is one-of-a-kind.  Most of my silver jewelry is made using  Argentium(tm) Sterling Silver, a highly tarnish resistant Sterling Silver that has amazing properties.  For more information about Argentium(tm) Sterling Silver, please refer to my Blogs.

When working in Argentium(tm) Sterling Silver, I love to work in filigree.  Most of my filigree work uses heavier than normal wire that allows the piece to be very open yet quite strong.

Lucky Penny Earrings With Surgical Steel Earrwires

I also love to work using U.S. Pennies and other coins.  I have several designs including Buttons, Necklaces, Earrings, and more. 

Because there are so many people that believe in health benefits of copper, most of my designs made with copper are not sealed with lacquer or any other type of finish other than museum quality wax that protects the finish for a short time.  If a lacquer finish is desired, I am happy to put on on for you at the time you order.

 

Set of Penny Buttons

 

 

 

Make a Free Website with Yola.