lake's Profile

Bio

I am a welder currently living in Taos, NM. My current line of jewelry is inspired by simple, distilled forms and repetition.

I started working with metal as a child alongside my father who is a craftsman with work in the collections of the Smithsonian and the American Metal Museum. His influence taught me how to work precisely and cleanly. Later, I studied metalsmithing at the Oregon College of Art & Craft in Portland and studio art at the University of Oregon.

I love working with industrial processes (ie, welding and machining), but I utilize these tools to create small scale work. Often, I discover new techniques by using tools in ways they weren't originally intended.

Please check out my blog for images of other projects or more information about my work.

http://julielake.blogspot.com


ABOUT STAINLESS STEEL AND FUSE WELDING

Much of my jewelry is made with stainless steel. I use a combination of 304 and 316LVM (surgical grade, used in implants). The wonderful thing about stainless is that it does not tarnish like sterling silver, is much stronger, and is much, much less likely to irritate your skin than sterling. Jewelers do not usually create with stainless steel because of its difficulty to work with. I use no solder to join the stainless. The metal is fused together using an electrical arc welding process that is usually used to create large sculpture or steel buildings. With a lot of magnification, a steady hand, and extreme patience I am able to utilize this process to create small scale work. I also fuse weld sterling silver elements on my rings combined with traditional metalsmithing techniques.


..................SHIPPING POLICIES....................

DOMESTIC SHIPPING - Most items are individually handmade to order. Please see item description for production time. I mail all domestic orders USPS first class (3-5 days est.), insured with delivery confirmation. Please contact me before purchasing an item if you would like to upgrade shipping.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING - All International shipping may be subject to customs fees (rates vary by country).
The shipping rate quoted under the item descriptions is for First Class shipping. The postal service does not state the shipping time for this method. In my experience shipments have arrived in ten days to three weeks. Also, THESE ITEMS CANNOT BE TRACKED OR INSURED. Although I have yet to have any problems with First Class shipping, I cannot offer refunds on lost shipments sent this way.

-Registered (high security) mail includes indemnity insurance and will cost an additional $6 to $10 - depending on country of destination. This method delays delivery time quite a bit - possibly over a month.

=Priority Mail is expedited (6-10 days) and insured and will cost a total of $20 to $25.

Please contact me if you prefer either of these methods and I will send you an adjusted invoice for the new cost.


.....................RETURNS.......................

I do want you to be happy with your purchase. I take great aims to uphold a high level of craftsmanship. I also try to show the item clearly and with listed measurements. Please read item descriptions thoroughly and contact me with any questions before you make a purchase.

That being said, exchanges are possible if contact is made within 5 days of package receipt. All jewelry must be shipped back with postal insurance, unworn, in its original packaging and condition. Buyer is responsible for all shipping. Refunds will be considered on an individual basis. Please, please contact me with any issues.


.....................CUSTOM ORDERS..................

A 50% nonrefundable deposit is required for all custom orders. Allow 2 weeks plus shipping on custom ring sizes. I cannot offer refunds on custom orders.




Thank you!






















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Female, Born on July 20

Favorite Materials

Silver, gold, stainless, steel, aluminum, plastic, resin, wood, chocolate