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.

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!

More Jewelry for Spring!

The mixed colors of tourmaline are always in style; here the two strand tourmaline necklace is truly seasonless. The necklace has tourmalines in all shapes and sizes from smooth opaque nuggets to translucent rondelles to gem-quality tourmalines.  Sterling silver accents the many colors and a special gemstone clasp holds it all together!
   Below, I've become really enamoured of apatite, especially the neon turquoise color that you see here in this apatite and mixed gemstone bracelet. Gem quality amethysts are beautiful with the apatite, but the unusual addition is that of genuine opals from Australia. 14 karat gold-filled components show off the beauty of the gemstones, and 14 karat gold-filled sand-dollar charm adds a whimsical touch.

Above and below, this chalcedony necklace will mix with most of your chalcedony jewelry since it boasts wonderful spring colors of aqua, light green, purple, pink and yellow.  The purple gemstones are large faceted slabs of amethysts; the small faceted yellow olive gemstones are lemon quartz. Tiny accents of sterling silver are between each of the gemstones and a sterling silver clasp is the closure.

Finally, chrysoprase boasts the ultimate spring green color in this two-strand bracelet with lemon quartz. Sterling silver components are in this bracelet featuring some of our favorite chrysoprase carved and faceted gemstones.
Cluny Grey Jewelry

Jewelry for Spring!

I have missed having my winter snow that I so looked forward to (some north of here would say that I was lucky) and am now looking towards Spring. While I have a Spring Collection of jewelry every year, I seem to have gone overboard this year! It will take me over a week to show pieces from the new Spring Collection.
The first piece is as fresh as Spring itself.  Faceted rose quartz rectangles, gem-quality amethysts, and apatite create a feminine ambiance in this two strand bracelet.  The second strand is made of ropey sterling silver chain with dangles of apatite and amethysts.

Sunstone is perfect to go with nectarine, one of the colors forecast to be big this Spring/Summer 2013. Above, three strands of sunstone glow enhanced by sterling silver from Bali. Below, sunstone mixes with emerald green apatite - perfect, since emerald is another of Spring's most popular colors. Three strands means a rich,  opulent look for your wrist.

Below, large rose quartz rectangles are just as gemmy as it gets in this simple bracelet. The only accents to these magnificent faceted rose quartz rectangles is 14 karat gold-filled tiny beads and a plain toggle clasp.

Below, this bracelet features carnelian in shades of red to orange in a flower theme.  The focal is a large carved open flower; other carved flowers are on either side of the bracelet.  The accents are all gold vermeil (22 karat gold layered over sterling silver). Three little charms dangle from two places on the bracelet.

A tourmaline bracelet is a wonderful portent of Spring! Four strands of gold-filled chain and tourmalines in varying shades of green, yellow, pink and black are accented by small gold-filled beads.  The tourmalines range in shape from smooth heishis to faceted rondelles to gem-quality faceted coin beads and faceted ovals.  A cluster of charms hangs from the front of the chain while others dangle on the sides. With its gorgeous mix of colors, this is the perfect Spring bracelet!

Wishing you a wonderful Spring! See The Jewelry Blog on Tuesday for more jewelry trends from our Spring Collection. 

Shipping is always FREE for purchases over 50.00; 1.95 for purchases under 50.00!

Jewelry Trends for Fall

Although it is not officially here until next week, I can smell Fall in the air, and feel the energy that comes along with the season. I'm continuing to post pieces from the new Fall Collection on the Cluny Grey Jewelry website.  Here are some of the pieces that will be posted this week:
Above and below: the aqua chalcedony bracelet features gold chain which is a big fashion trend this year.  The chalcedony here is beautiful; the smaller gemstone serves as a counter-weight  so that the bracelet does not keep turning over. 14 karat goldfill and vermeil.

Below, a prehnite bracelet features pretty translucent green olive faceted gemstones linked together with sterling silver and closing with a filigree cameo clasp.

Below, a pretty bracelet in chrysoprase has a feminine flowered toggle clasp in sterling silver and little round cabochon chrysoprase charms.

A drusy pendant is the focal of this necklace of tourmalinated quartz and amethysts. The faceted flat quartz nuggets are partially translucent and separated by translucent amethysts pebbles.  The back of the necklace is a heavy sterling silver chain.  The drusy pendant has a sparkling black drusy surround by sterling silver and four faceted bezel-set amethysts. The perfect necklace to go from work to happy hour, to pair with a LBD or with a favorite  dress.

Below, the bracelet of tourmalinated quartz and amethysts, sold separately, is a perfect match for the drusy necklace above. 

The aquamarine necklace features only aquamarine and sterling silver.  The aquamarines are smooth ovals, faceted nuggets, and pretty briolettes clustered at the center. This would look great with navy - the neutral this season, and also with burgundy, the really hot color for Fall/Winter.

Pearls are big this season! The freshwater pearl bracelet above is meant to be worn with the chalcedony nugget and the pretty toggle clasp on top of the wrist.  The toggle clasp has a bezel set pearl.  The aqua chalcedony is a beautiful faceted nugget.
   Below, three strands of freshwater pearls mix with gold and mother-of-pearl.  The gold, including the pretty puffed heart charm, is 14 karat goldfilled.  The geometric look comes from an open square of mother-of-pearl with a fluted 14 karat goldfilled bead inside it.

The earrings below are chalcedony in  a minty green topped with genuine rubies.  All metal is sterling silver. Beautiful with black - and the colors show up with most hair colors.

Chain bracelets are another big trend this year; add charms and you have a real winner.  All sterling silver with a sterling silver toggle clasp with a cabochon onyx embedded in a triangle of the toggle. The sterling chains range in size from 2mm to 8mm.

SHIPPING IS FREE FOR ALL PURCHASES OVER $50.00 AND ONLY 1.95 FOR THOSE UNDER 50.00