Q: Are your hooks functional?

‍   ‍A: Of course, but their primary function is to be ornamental works of art. They are not replacements for a standard crochet hook. Always use extra caution and store properly when not in use. Consider it like fine China in your crochet hook cabinet, only used on special occasions and intended to be passed down through generations. 

Q: Can you make them in brass/bronze/copper/aluminum etc?

   A: No, simply because non-precious metals have different temperaments, and often lie outside the realm of jewelry and what I'm used to working with. 

Q: Is silver too soft to be an everday hook?

   A: It depends entrirely on your crochet habits and tension. these are intended to be works of art, not a replacement for a standard hook. silver is softer than steel or aluminum, so If you do decide to crochet with your silver hook, do it only with soft yarn and loose tension.  relaxed tension is an absolute must!  if used delicately there is no reason for it to bend or break.

I use thick silver rod and work harden the metal by aggressively hammering it on a steel anvil. Thinner gauges are more prone to bends, which is why I don’t offer them in sizes that are easily compromised. 

Always use with caution and care, it’s jewelry disguised as a crochet hook and must be treated as such!

Q: What hook sizes do you offer?

   A: My most common size is G/6. I occasionally offer different sizes when I have the right supplies, ranging from C-K.  (Hook sizes may vary slightly up to .3mm due to the nature of handmaking)

Q: Are your hooks tapered or inline?

   A: The most functional design I came up with features somewhat of a hybrid style, The head is in-line with the body but has a tapered neck just below the tip.  

Q: Is opal too soft for a crochet hook?

   A: It’s not too soft for an ornamental crochet hook. I use genuine Australian opal because is it considered the most durable opal on the market. It is non-porous which makes it a bit harder and doesn’t lose or absorb water unlike more common porous opals. Opal on the Mohs scale is 5.5-6.5 hardness, similar in hardness to Glass.

As long as you are cautious and not dropping or bending your hook, touching these opals will not damage them, even during use.

Q: Where do you get your materials?

   A: I only go through reputable refineries and gem dealers, the same as your local jeweler does. My metal and gem suppliers are located in the US, namely Rio Grande and Stuller. My metals never contain hazardous alloys like cadmium or nickel and many of my gems are pre-loved from estate sales.

Q: How are your engravings and settings done?

‍   ‍A: All by hand. My engravings are extremely small,  pictures on the internet really can’t show you the scale until you're looking at it with your own eyes. I use a hand engraver with an air compressor. I sketch out a design and chisel away metal. It’s all freehanded under a microscope. I will never use stamps or lasers or any of the things that can make art feel impersonal. And I will never turn to mass production. My stone settings are custom made in a similar fashion by hand as well, this often takes longer than the engravings.  When I engrave a name on the back, that’s my own cursive handwriting. This is a dying skill few jeweler’s practice anymore.

Every piece that leaves my bench is focused on individually, one at a time. It’s very slow work and a single hook can take several days to finish.

Q: Will yarn snag on the engravings / stones?

   A:  My engravings / settings are small and superficial; but I still do snag tests when I’m finished with any piece of jewelry (including hooks) to assure nothing grabs fibers. However, I am a human so If you do notice any snagging or defects please let me know and I am happy to take care of it for you.

Q: Can you create a customized piece for me?

   A: I have moved away from taking customized engraving requests. In my hook listings I offer an “artist’s choice” option which will get you a surprise engraving. It may be similar to engravings I have already done, but there’s also a chance it will be a one of a kind. 

Q: How long are the crochet hooks?

   A: They sit between 5 - 5.5 inches long. This may vary a bit due to the nature of handmaking.

NOTE for those who own my older hooks pre-2023:

Some of my older hooks are longer, sometimes much longer, than the hooks I produce today. I didn’t use to measure when I first started experimenting with this concept. Nowadays I’ve been more uniform in having all sizes sit between at least 5-5.5 inches long. I don’t use any fancy crochet hook making machines, just my hands and hand tools, so there’s always going to be some variance no matter what. 

Things you should never do to your Jeweled crochet hook:

Bend, use any chemical cleaners or abrasives, drop, chew on, or generally mistreat. If you wouldn’t do it to your great grandma’s wedding ring, don’t do it to your hook.

Caring for your hook the same way you would care for any silver or gold jewelry will help keep it in tip top shape through the years.

This is a functional ornamental item, and although it is made of fine materials, I encourage -mindful- use. 

Not a toy. Not for children. Not a replacement for standard crochet hooks.

Jewelry / Crochet Hook Care

Q: How do I store and clean my jewelry or crochet hook at home? -

     A: Store jewelry (and sterling silver hooks) in a soft moisture free area, like a jewelry box. I highly recommend using anti-tarnish strips wherever you keep your precious metals/jewelry. Silver should be cleaned periodically, especially if not being worn or used, to prevent tarnish. Dry jewelry wipes like sunshine cloths are very effective for regular cleaning and mild tarnish buildup. 

A soft bristle toothbrush, warm water, and plain dawn dish soap are also great for at home cleaning.

Thank you for taking the time to read!