Losing Weight, Kitties, and What About Jewelry?!

 I am the proud loser of 33 pounds!  I have been eating healfully since January of this year, eliminated all sodas, and even most artificial sweeteners, and I have learned to adore iced green tea - plain.  I've gone from wearing a size 12, sometimes 10, pant to a size 4! (Note: sizes have changed; even when I weighed 10 pounds less than I do now in the 'eighties, I still wore an 8, sometimes a 6 on rare occasions). 
Sorry, but I have to brag just a little.  The main motivator was my son who told me that he wanted me to be around for a long time for my 4 year old grand-daughter. I want to be here too!

 What are the cat pictures?  The upper picture is of Cluny, my namesake, and the lower of Cuervo Sebastian; both are boys.  They like to hang out up here on the fourth floor with me to, ahem, help me make jewelry.  You haven't lived until you've spilled an entire container of small beads and watched 2 cats go crazy.  I like it when they help me as they are in the pictures here.

 Don't forget that it will soon be Christmas before you know it and you are going to want some jewelry!  If it's custom jewelry that you want, please let me know in plenty of time, so you can choose designs and beads and gemstones at your leisure.  
Cluny and Cuervo will be here to help me!

Opals for October and More from the Fall Collection

 I'm enjoying the cooler weather of October here in Virginia, and hoping that it will get slightly cooler still.  Meanwhile, work continues on the new website, but I am busy making jewelry and posting it on the old one!
 October has two birthstones: the traditional birthstone is the opal, and the modern is also the tourmaline. The three opal bracelets you see here are made of Pink Peruvian opal, the first a three-strand bracelet with sterling silver, the one below has sterling silver and two strands, the the third boasts gold-filled accents to show off the pink opal.

 I've been obsessed with pink lately because I've gotten some very pretty rose quartz.  Rose quartz is a "love" gemstone (for those who believe in the mystical properties of gemstones); I just think that it is feminine and pretty.

 The one strand rose quartz bracelet above has chunky rose quartz and sterling silver; below is a three-strand bracelet with rose quartz, sterling silver, and smoky quartz.

 Below, this multi-strand iolite bracelet has a punch of garnet to liven it up. The toggle clasp is double-sided with a faceted iolite on each side.  Iolite is known as the "water sapphire" and where beads are concerned, it is often easier to get beautiful iolite than comparable sapphires.

 The lapis bracelet above is made with gold-fill and wonderful large faceted lapis nuggets. The lapis earrings below hang from vermeil earwires with flowers facing forward; a special touch of luxury is the ruby topping each lapis rectangle.

 I have a similar bracelet made with sterling silver; this aquamarine, smoky quartz, and sunstone bracelet is made with vermeil.  These three gemstones are such a good mix together that I wear one myself quite often (I am very fond of peach and turquoise in clothing).

 The last two bracelets are very different from one another, but both are made of blue agate. The first bracelet has deeply colored bright blue agate ovals, faceted to shine and catch the light.  A minimal amount of sterling silver keeps the attention on these lovely agate gemstones. The second bracelet features blue agate with an almost "crackled" look that is quite intriguing. Sterling silver shines here in the form of charms, chain, and the tiniest beads from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes. What is wonderful about these agate bracelets is that both will go with casual to dressy clothing.

I will be back with more Fall Collection jewelry. Meanwhile, don't forget that shipping is always free for any purchase over $50.00, only $1.95 for purchases under $50.00!

The First of the Fall Collection

We are still working on the new template and revamping the entire Cluny Grey Jewelry site, but meanwhile, the old site is up and going strong.  And here are the first bracelets of the new Fall Collection.  Today, with the exception of the last labradorite bracelet, all of our bracelets are what we term our "unique bracelets," that is, they mix unusual and sometimes usual combinations of gemstones for a unique look.
  While gold has been touted as the metal of the season, we still are making our bracelets in sterling silver as well as paying homage to my ever-favorite gold.
  Above, our first bracelet is from the Raj Collection, based on Cluny's time in India.  Pretty deep bright red rubies in smooth ovals mix with ancient lapis and gold-filled chain and accents for a remarkably pretty and lush bracelet. The second strand, the gold-filled oval-linked chain has little charms of rubies and lapis hanging from it.

The double-strand unique bracelet above features a wonderful color combination great for Fall or really any time of the year.  Faceted smoky quartz, pretty deep blue aquamarine, and brilliant sunstone are accented by sterling silver from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes and Bali. A pretty sterling lacy toggle clasp is the closure.

Above, lovely faceted citrine nuggets are alternated with genuine faceted sapphire rondelles.  Feminine pieces of sterling silver add to the feminine look of this citrine bracelet.
   Below, this mixed gemstone bracelet boasts the wonderful colors and textures of lapis, genuine rubies, aqua chalcedony, citrine, and golden chalcedony.  It's a strong statement for a simple bracelet and will go with many pieces in your closet.  All sterling silver.

The unique bracelet, below, features genuine rubies and iolites (also know as the water-sapphire). Thai Karen Hill Tribes charm and tiny sterling beads make this bracelet very special as does the "harmony ball" charm that hangs from one side of the bracelet.  An extra luxurious touch is the pretty toggle clasp with inset iolites on both sides of the sterling toggle.

   Below, smoky quartz warms up the cool tones of prehnite and apatite in this unique bracelet. Two strands of gemstones are joined by gold-filled beads and accents as well as a gold-filled toggle clasp.

The last bracelet today, below, is made of flashing labradorite sprinkled with gold-filled beads and also has a third strand consisting of a gold-filled oval chain with little labradorite charms dangling from it.  The labradorite has plenty of flashing light.

We still offer FREE SHIPPING for purchases over $50.00; only 1.95 for purchases under $50.00.

Bracelets for the Hot Days of Summer

Summer calls for looks that are as cool as can be, or conversely, as red hot!  Today's handmade bracelets answer both requirements.  Above, a double-strand bracelet mixes cool sterling silver with cultured freshwater pearls, keishis, including a large Baroque centerpiece that is lovely.  Swarovski crystals in Pacific opal lend their cool as water touch for a bracelet that is perfect against summer skin.
   Below, this hot as can be carnelian bracelet features some our favorite chunky faceted carnelian nuggets that are further warmed by the addition of gold vermeil, including little vermeil charms of flowers and a dragonfly.  Artist's lampwork beads contribute a touch of coolness but have orange carnelian-colored circles on the beads. Delicious for a summer day.

Pretty faceted quartz crystals are reminiscent of chunks of ice; the crystals are separated by large rondelles of 14 karat goldfill. A gold-filled toggle clasp is the closure for this chunky icy bracelet.
   Below, the wonderful iridescence of abalone takes center stage in this silver bangle bracelet created with handcrafted Thai Karen Hill Tribes components in sterling silver. A bali toggle clasp is the closure.

Perfect with jeans, office clothing, or dress-up, this bracelet with lapis lazuli, Sleeping Beauty turquoise and carnelian is a classic favorite. Thai Karen Hill tribes charms hang from three sides of the bracelet. 

Hope that you are enjoying your summer! We certainly are! Don't forget that SHIPPING IS ALWAYS FREE with purchases over $50; only $1.95 with purchases under $50.00.

Swarovski Crystal Bracelets for Summer!

The sparkling days of summer need a bracelet to match!  I've been busy and here are some of the newest creations:  Swarovski crystal bracelets.
  Above, I adore red magma, a deep mysterious red that is even more beautiful in the large cosmic bead size.  They are mixed with gold, copper, indigo and sterling silver - tiny beads so that the Swarovski crystals get all the attention.  Sterling silver toggle clasp.
   Below, this wonderful summer green and pale topaz mixes with sand opal and sterling silver.

The bracelet above is a favorite Swarovski mix of mine:  morion, a strange deep blackish-green, and the light-hearted silk.  There are two strands for twice as much sparkle and interest.
  Two strands make the bracelet below special, too. Red magma and tiny little sterling silver beads from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes make this Swarovski crystal bracelet a real winnder.  Little free-floating Thai Karen flower charms are on the second strand.  A gorgeous toggle clasp, square-shaped with intricate handwork on the top is the closure.

For bangle lovers, a Swarovski crystal bracelet with gold-filled bangles and other accents.  A large amethyst crystal is the focal; other cool blues and purple are enlivened with a hot shot of pink.

Pretty colors are what this bracelet is all about; it's a tropical paradise on your wrist.  Sterling silver and a pretty Swarovski crystal starfish hangs from one side.

Another double strand Swarovski bracelet features Pacific opal and cyclamen opal. The colors are cool and beautiful; the second strand with an oxidized sterling silver chain adds depth and interest to the bracelet. Sterling silver toggle clasp.

The last bracelet is another favorite of mine.  I am extremely fond of the opal colors that Swarovski has; two of my favorites are together here: sand opal and Pacific opal.  Mixed with gold-filled accents, these wonderful crystals are great together.

FREE SHIPPING WITH PURCHASES OVER $50!!!

It's Time for Coral! (and Rubies and Sunstone and Turquoise)

I adore summer! I love summer clothes, summer shoes, summer hats, and of course, "summer" jewelry.  Although the jewelry here can be worn at any time of the year, something about each piece makes me think "summer"! Above, the gold bangle bracelet with its large faceted ruby nugget is red-hot! Ruby is the July birthstone - how much more "summer" can you get than that?
Below, although I do wear coral in the winter (I wear peach and coral clothing all year long), it still just says summer to me. This chunky coral bracelet with its very fine artist's lampwork beads (some of the best that we have) is accented by gold vermeil (22 karat gold over sterling silver). Even the little Cupid charm is vermeil.

Turquoise is a summer favorite! If you tan, (and if you do, please do so carefully), turquoise looks wonderful against tanned skin.  We see so much turquoise with sterling silver, its fun to pair it with gold for a chain.  The gold here is 14 karat gold-fill that will last a lifetime! The turquoise in this turquoise bead bracelet is especially pretty - a deep turquoise blue.

Sunstone is reminiscent of the sun in summer with its sparkle and shine. The sunstone bracelet below is handmade of three strands featuring lovely shining sunstones, little Thai Karen Hill Tribes beads and sterling chain and Bali charms.  All components are sterling silver.

Another summer favorite of mine is the mix of coral with turquoise: it's the best of both worlds! Here the angelskin coral is a pretty peachy pink that looks great both with sterling silver and the faceted ovals of turquoise which are from the famed Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine. Three strands of beauty are held together with a sterling leaf toggle clasp that curves gracefully. Little coral charms dangle from three place around the bracelet.
  Below is one of our newest bracelets made with the tiny little Thai Karen Hill Tribes sterling beads that we are liking and using quite a bit now.  This elegant handmade bracelet has 3 strands, one that is a Karen Hill Tribes chain, and pretty gemstones scattered throughout.  Gem-quality London Blue topaz as well as amethyst, labradorite, and rose quartz are in the bracelet.  The box clasp has two bezel-set iolites set into it. Little sterling silver charms hang at intervals from the handmade bracelet.

More coral bracelet, above and below, mix coral with gemstones and freshwater pearls.  Above, genuine emeralds may not be a common gemstone to mix with coral, but it makes a stunning match for the pinky-peach coral and gold-filled accents.
   Below, two sizes of coral and freshwater pearls are accented by sterling silver including a starfish charm and a pretty toggle clasp with flowers on the toggle ring and bar.

Above and below, wonderful golden coral shines and is made very versatile by pairing it with sterling silver. The earrings are simple, while the one strand coral bracelet gets added shine from Robin Weber's silver-laced golden lampwork beads. Very unusual!

 

FREE SHIPPING WITH PURCHASES OVER 50.00; ONLY 1.95 UNDER 50.00!