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!
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.
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.
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.
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If the above bracelet doesn't make you think of spring or that summer is almost upon us, then you are a glass-half-empty person! Today's "motley crew" of bracelets range from precious gemstones like rubies to odd combinations in colors and gemstones such as the one you see above and below. Many of these do not have prices on them yet, so if you go to the Cluny Grey Jewelry website give me a day or two to get the cart on these. The Harlequin bracelet that you see above is made of chalcedony, aventurine, carnelian, sterling silver, and one of my favorite artist's lampwork beads made by James Derrick Reeves (he is no longer making beads, unfortunately, so I treasure the small supply of his that I have). The flower charm is from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes.
Two of my favorites are having a fine romance here in this aquamarine and sunstone bracelet which has gorgeous aquamarines, including the large faceted aquamarine nugget that is the focal. The sparkling sunstone beads hold their own however, since they are equally beguiling. Thai Karen Hill Tribes tiny faceted beads show off these pretty gemstones. The charms are also Thai Karen.
I really like the unusual rectangular reticulated sterling toggle clasp on this aquamarine bracelet.
I adore sunstone and I'm always trying to see how it is going to look with other gemstones, but it is great just on its own! For proof, just look below! Four sumptuous strands of sunstone in different shapes and sizes are set off by the tiniest of Thai Karen Hill Tribes sterling beads. Because of these beads, the bracelet, while very full on the wrist, also has a daintiness to it.
The unbelievable focal here is what is known as crab fire agate. It looks splendid with orange gem-quality carnelian and vermeil from Bali. It's a real show-off bangle bracelet!
What can I say about rubies? That I adore them, love to work with them, love their luxuriousness and the way they always make me think of fairy tales or India? All of this is true. That may be why I love to use large ruby nuggets in my jewelry such as in the ruby bracelet below. An added attraction is a focal that is a large wire-wrapped bead with little ruby rondelles sticking up out of it like cabochon gemstones.
The wonderful sterling silver accents are from Bali.
And speaking of focal beads, I'm captivated by this large faceted labradorite nugget which flashes blue or green depending on the way that you look at it. The other coins and rondelles of labradorite also have blue or green flash, and an unusual dragonfly toggle clasp is the closure.
I don't know why the bracelet below makes me think of summer, but it does. Maybe it's the bluejean color of the pretty royal blue lapis gemstones - or the yellow opals which are actually a glowing deep creamy ivory, the color of really old genuine ivory. Could it be the flowers cut out in the sterling charms or on the toggle clasp. Whatever it is, I can see myself at 22 wearing jeans and an eyelet top with skinny straps, proud of my summer tan. (22 was a long time ago!)
I also have more new jewelry than is shown here on the site and I am adding more daily. Want something special? Just let me know - my custom work is the same price range usually as what you see on the site.
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $50; ONLY 1.95 UNDER $50.
Today a sampling of jewelry with no rhyme or reason as to its inclusion except that all pieces are part of the Cluny Grey Spring Collection.
The first is a labradorite necklace with accents of 14 karat goldfill. Each single bead was chosen for its flash, and the little smooth briolettes in the center of the necklace gives it a "ruffled" look.
This labradorite necklace has two strands of labradorite in varying shapes, both faceted and smooth gemstones. Again, each gemstone of labradorite was chosen for its flash. The star of the necklace is the wonderful sterling silver pendant with bezel set smooth and faceted gemstones set in an assymetrical pattern. The largest stone is a labradorite cabochon with amazing blue flash. There's also a bezel-set garnet gemstone on the actual bail of the pendant. The two other gemstones are faceted rectangles of amethyst and blue topaz.
Sunstone earrings are simple smooth teardrop briolettes.
The emerald bracelet, above, boasts the addition of cultured freshwater coin pearls in the same emerald color. Emerald is one of the biggest colors for this spring.
Above and below, an aquamarine bangle bracelet features pretty blue aquamarines and sterling silver bangles; the mother of pearl bracelet below has clover-shaped cultured freshwater pearls as an accent on one side and 14 karat gold-filled accents. Both bracelets will look wonderful with Spring's colors of dusk blue, Monaco blue, and African violet.
Tourmaline is a perennial favorite and one of the most beautiful gemstones with its many varying colors which are mixed here in both the necklace and bracelet. Both pieces of tourmaline jewelry have a good measure of the valued pink tourmalines.
Both pairs of quartz earrings are accented by sterling silver earwires with bezel-set white freshwater pearls.
More jewelry on Thursday!
