Showing posts with label jewelry blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jewelry blog. Show all posts

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Gemstone Bracelets & Freshwater Pearl Necklaces for Spring

iolite bracelet
Iolite Bracelet
  I've finally had my fill of snow. I'm ready for Spring, for the cherry blossoms, for kayaks, and for walks in the neighborhood.  I'm also ready for more jewelry, as I am always! 
   Above, the first bracelet is a favorite of mine for 2 reasons: it features iolites, the "water sapphires" that are a pretty dark blue, and the tiny Karen Hill Tribes sterling silver beads that make such great strands with gemstones. Lots of little sterling charms dangle at intervals along the bracelet.
   Below, a labradorite bracelet that is a simple one strand bracelet with every single labradorite gemstone having flash. Some flash is that beautiful, desirable dark blue, some flash is dark green, some light green, and some even has what looks like a bit of pink in it.  A single loveletter charm hangs at one side of the bracelet, and the sterling clasp is a hand-decorated rectangle I import myself directly from Bali.
labradorite bracelet
Labradorite Bracelet

aquamarine bracelet
White rainbow moonstone and genuine aquamarine
   Above, this is an aquamarine bracelet that has been accented by very pretty almost translucent white faceted rainbow moonstone. It would be perfect for a gift for someone with a March birthday who may not wear a lot of aqua or blue - and it will look great with a summer tan!

coin pearl necklace
Creamy Marquise Freshwater Pearl Necklace with Swarovski Silk Crystals
I've been going through my freshwater pearl stash lately and playing with the differently colored pearls and the result is what you see here.  I love the freshwater pearl necklace above with the creamy marquise pearls separated by silk colored Swarovski crystals. The necklace has a sterling silver toggle clasp. This necklace is very rich looking; the pearls have a marvelous lustre.
   Below, yes, those are fuschia pearls, both potato and rectangular. The perfect necklace for jazzing up that plain navy blue business suit!
coin pearl necklace
Fuschia Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Below, oval coin pearls (freshwater) are in a dark blue. This simple necklace looks great with everything from blue jeans to a cocktail dress.
coin pearl necklace
Freshwater Pearl Necklace in Dark Blue


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Sunday, February 15, 2015

Cheery Pink, Green and Aqua for Spring

gemstone bracelet of rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite Bracelet
    At 18 degrees here outside, I know that there are other people dreaming of Spring (not I; I love this!)  Just a couple of pieces today that I've finished this weekend.  Above and below, a gemstone bracelet in rhodochrosite, a pink gemstone that is relatively rare on the jewelry scene. This bracelet has 4 strands: one of gemstones, two of Thai Karen Hill Tribes tiny sterling silver beads accented with a few rhodochrosites, and a sterling silver oval-linked chain with sterling silver charms, a fleur de lis and 2 puffy hearts.  The clasp is a sterling toggle.  This will shortly be on the Gemstone Bracelets page on the Cluny Grey Jewelry website.
gemstone bracelet of rhodochrosite
 Below are two stackable bracelets made of green rutilated quartz.  I love this gemstone and it is a beautiful fresh green with just a touch of lime perhaps, but I have more difficulty photographing it for some reason than almost any other gemstone.  I love the little hammered hearts on the second bracelet! These will go on the Gemstone Bracelets page shortly, and you will be able to buy them together or separately.
Stacking bracelets of green rutilated quartz
 Below, aqua freshwater pearls and tiny little Thai Karen Hill Tribes beads lead to a large modern pendant of faceted faux aqua quartz in this pendant necklace.  This is in the JewelrybyChloemarie Etsy store that I have.
pendant necklace
Aqua Freshwater Pearl Pendant Necklace

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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Gray Days of February are Brightened by Jewelry!

gemstone bracelet of mookaite
Mookaite Bracelet featuring the color Marsala
   It's cold and gray here in Arlington, Virginia, but that's okay because when it's cold and gray outside, I get lots of work done inside.  And I have so much work to do!  
   I am looking forward to my visit from my Brazilian daughter, Fernanda, next week!  She is always a breath of fresh air, and I haven't gotten to see her for a while.  Thank goodness she has a job that brings her to the US periodically and allows her to come to see us.  We've known her since she was 16 and came to stay with us in Arkansas.  We have seen her almost every year after that, (and occasionally several times each year) with the exception of a couple of years when she was beginning her career (she is an engineer and businesswoman).
   I've been working on jewelry both for the Cluny Grey site and for my new Etsy site. The Cluny Grey site features the new bracelet above that is made of Australian mookaite and sterling silver.  Mookaite happily possesses one of Pantone's colors of the year: marsala, which is prevalent in the bracelet you see here. Mookaite also has other vibrant shades varying from mustard to rose to red and all shades in between in the warm spectrum. 
    Below, a labradorite bracelet with sterling silver and lots of flash which may not be readily visible here.  The true beauty of labradorite displays with movement.
labradorite bracelet
Labradorite Bracelet with Sterling Silver
   The bracelet below is another labradorite bracelet, but this time mixed with genuine amethyst. I chose the name Velvet Orchid because there was something about the bracelet that reminded me of the dark, mysterious Tom Ford perfume of the same name. The special accents here include the pretty box clasp with a cabochon labradorite inset into the swirling top, and a plethora of labradorite and amethyst gemstone charms hanging from huge rings on one side of the bracelet. A special note: the amethysts in the bracelet are gemstone (high) quality.
labradorite bracelet with amethyst
Labradorite and Amethyst Bracelet with Sterling Silver
   I have so many new pieces in my Etsy shop, JewelrybyChloemarie, that I can't mention them all, but here are a few:
   1. A "Downton Abbey" Edwardian style necklace with genuine pale blue freshwater pearls, and white opal Swarovski crystals leading to antiqued gold filigree with more opal Swarovskis and a blue rhinestone in the center of the oval filigree. Very romantic.
Downton Abbey necklace
Edwardian Pearl Necklace
2.  A pretty 14 karat gold-filled chain necklace with a lotus charm and an amethyst charm. The amethyst is there for 2 reasons: first, because it is a sacred stone to Buddhists, and second, because it is the February birthstone. 
gold lotus necklace
Gold and Amethyst Lotus Necklace
3.  Another lotus necklace, this one featuring a rectangular plaque with the lotus in silver-plate and a pretty translucent amethyst nugget hanging from a silver chain.
silver lotus necklace with amethyst
Silver Lotus Necklace with Genuine Amethyst
4.  A lotus necklace in vermeil and genuine ruby (the tears of the Buddha were said to be rubies).
gold lotus necklace with genuine ruby
Gold Lotus Necklace with a Genuine Ruby
5. Below, an amulet necklace featuring a globe made of gemstone and glass with an amethyst charm because amethyst has been used as protection for travelers for thousands of years. All metal components are 14 karat gold-filled.
amulet necklace
Gold Amulet Necklace for Travelers' Protection - with Amethyst
6.  A favorite necklace of mine (and I'm making one for myself and my 5 year old grand-daughter has requested one) is this freshwater pearls necklace of gray pearls and gold chain dangling a huge bluish-gray rectangular crystal. It is so luxe looking!
pearl and crystal pendant necklace
Pearl Necklace with Large Crystal Pendant
I hope these cold, gray days are inspiring for you, too!  And if you are further northeast than I am, know that I am envying your snow!  I want snow!!! (Well, a reasonable amount anyway).
  Ciao for now, joolies!

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Gemstone Bracelets with Color

gemstone bracelet with citrine, garnet, and apatite
 I love color in the middle of cold winter.  Above and below, Pierres a Trois is a gemstone bracelet with a strand of citrine a strand of garnet, and a strand of apatite.  Sterling silver charms hang around the bracelet and a sturdy sterling silver toggle clasp is the closure. Guaranteed to go with something you have in your closet!
gemstone bracelet with genuine gemstones and sterling silver
 Below, purple goes so well with labradorite whether it's in the form of Swarovski crystals (tanzanite color) or in this case, genuine gemstone amethyst.  Very flashy labradorite and pretty quality amethysts make this bracelet very special.  With sterling silver accents and a wonderful sterling box clasp with a cabochon amethyst set into the top. A plethora of labradorite and amethyst charms hang from rings on one side of the bracelet.
labradorite bracelet with amethyst gemstones
 Perk up your spirits these cold days. Buy some new jewelry to add that je ne sais quoi to your boring winter clothes! Remember that shipping is free!
labradorite and amethyst gemstone bracelet

Sunday, January 04, 2015

Garnets: The January Birthstone

garnet bracelet with gold
 I am extremely fond of garnets and wear them almost everyday.  I have an oval garnet ring I love that I've had for many years; it goes with everything and especially looks good with black.  I have made myself a garnet nugget bracelet that I wear also almost everyday.  The garnets are large (large garnets are hard to come by) and the flat faceted nuggets really catch the light.  The best part is that garnet jewelry goes from an everyday situation to a dressy one and looks perfect for both.
   Above and below, a garnet bracelet very like the one that I wear almost everyday.  14 karat gold-filled beads and accents look great with the deep red garnets.
garnet bracelet with gold accents

garnet bracelet with sterling silver
 Above and below, this 2 strand garnet bracelet features smooth garnet nuggets and a second strand of Thai Karen Hill Tribes chain dangling 3 garnet charms and 2 leaf charms.  Lots of sterling silver give it a really rich look.
sterling silver and garnet bracelet

garnet necklace with teardrop garnets
 Garnet necklaces are good for every occasion. Again, both of these necklaces can be worn to work and then out to dinner or a party.  The garnet necklace below features gem-quality faceted oval garnets that give it a really feminine look.
garnet necklace with gem quality garnets
I love fluorite! Below is the newest fluorite bracelet to grace the Cluny Grey website. The faceted nuggets are especially colorful and pretty. The focal lampwork beads pulls all the fluorite colors together.
fluorite bracelet with lampwork bead and sterling silver
 NEW:  Some of you may know that I have opened an Etsy shop called JewelrybyChloemarie to sell my jewelry that I make that may not be on the website.  I've had a love affair with vintage costume jewelry since I can remember and many of the pieces that you find there are made with Czech beads, vintage beads, crystal, Swarovski, gold-plate, silver-plate, brass, and bronze.  Everything from minimal necklaces with a single drop to assemblage necklaces can be found here.  Below is a bracelet that I've been making since 2007 but have never sold online.  It features vintage lucite, silver-plated filigree and chain. It covers the top of the wrist and is really a feminine and fun piece!
flower bracelet with vintage lucite flowers

 A 14 karat gold-filled chain bracelet with a heart charm and a Swarovski crystal cross.
gold bracelet with Swarovski cross
 A Renaissance style necklace with faceted glass beads, gold-plated filigree, vintage glass opals and a cameo like medallion featuring a princess.
gold pendant necklace with glass beads
 Another favorite bracelet: silver-plated filigree hugs the top of the wrist completely and 4 chains wrap around to a swirling leaf toggle clasp.  The flowered filigree is topped with a larger flower and leaves and centered with a light blue sparkling vintage rhinestone.
flower bracelet in silver filigree

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  • Sunday, November 09, 2014

    Life and Bracelets and Where's the Fall Collection?

    apatite bracelet with sterling silver
    Apatite Bracelet
    I have been spending some time in Hot Springs, Arkansas lately where my best friend and most of my family live. That means that I am woefully behind on so many things and  I am struggling to catch up. 
     From the Fall Collection, now long overdue to be shown, are these bracelets that look great alone or stacked together on the wrist.  Above is a bracelet with sterling silver, apatite and a single lotus charm; below,  a similar bracelet with gem-quality faceted coin amethysts, sterling silver, and a fleur de lis charm.  The bracelet has a lobster clasp with a pretty flower on it.
    amethyst bracelet with sterling silver
    Amethyst Bracelet

    chalcedony bracelet with sterling silver
    Chalcedony Bracelet
    Above, a bracelet of blue chalcedony faceted ovals with sterling silver and a puffy star charm.
    Below, simple round garnet beads are enhanced by a pretty little toggle clasp with a leaf design.  Thai Karen Hill Tribes charm has three sterling rounds hanging from a single loop.
    Sterling silver and garnet bracelet
    Garnet Bracelet
    Below, my favorite, because it's gold, of course, is this lapis bracelet with 14 karat gold-filled components including an oval blank that can be stamped with your initial. The coin lapis beads are especially pretty.
    lapis lazuli bracelet with gold-filled accent
    Lapis Lazuli Bracelet

    unique bracelets worn together
    Above and below, the bracelets paired.
    unique bracelets handcrafted with sterling silver
    unique bracelet handmade with lapis, turquoise, and carnelian
    Lapis, Carnelian, and Turquoise Bracelet with Gold-fill
    I love the classic combination of carnelian, lapis, and turquoise in this mixed gemstone bracelet.  The large lapis nugget is especially beautiful with its golden sprinkling of pyrite. The gold is a mixture of gold-filled and vermeil.  The vermeil charms are little dragonflies hanging from a 14k gold-filled chain.  Two of the carnelian beads are beautifully carved and rather unusual. The turquoise is from the Sleeping Beauty mine and is a wonderful deep shade of blue.
      Please order early for Christmas this year as I will be heading off to Vienna, Salzburg, and then Bulgaria in mid-December.  If you need a custom piece, remember that they seldom cost more than any similar piece you would find on the site, yet you get personal attention and preferences.
      Now shipping is FREE to AUSTRALIA as it is in the USA: anything over 50.00 is FREE while purchases under $50 are only 1.95 to ship.

    Sunday, August 31, 2014

    Fluorite, Sunstone, and Swarovski

    Fluorite jewelry
     I saw with dismay this morning that at 6:00 a.m. it was still dark.  Yes, summer is over, and where did it go so quickly?! Fall is almost here and with it will come the new Cluny Grey Fall Collection. Meanwhile, here are a few pieces I've finished lately.
    Above, a fluorite bracelet with a dichroic focal bead echoing the colors in the green and purple fluorite.  This bracelet is made with some of my favorite faceted fluorite nuggets in beautiful shades including a blue fluorite.
    Below, a sunstone bracelet with flashing sunstone and a 14 karat gold-filled large-linked textured chain with a pretty cross dangling from it.  Vermeil spiral beads and toggle clasp.
    sunstone bracelet

    Swarovski crystal bracelet
     Above and below, a Swarovski crystal bracelet in my favorite Swarovski color of Pacific opal.  Alhambra, (name of the bracelet) features a wonderful focal cloisonne beads with the aqua color as well as gold and coral.  Vermeil accents accompany the pretty crystals.
    Swarovski crystal bracelet
     Below, large hunky Swarovski cosmic crystals in Golden Shadow complement the single cloisonne bead. The oval cloisonne beads not only has a peach background and blue and yellow flowers with green leaves, but has a rhinestone on each side.
    swarovski crystal bracelet
    Back to work on the Fall Collection.  See you soon!

    Don't forget that shipping for purchases over $50 is always FREE; for purchases under $50, just 1.95.

    Sunday, July 13, 2014

    Coral Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings: Gifts from the Sea

    coral bracelet with pearls and sterling silver
     I adore coral; it's an organic material straight from the sea with all the magic of the sea. Coral combines well with pearls and other gemstones, and of course, it looks wonderful with artist's lampwork beads. I'm especially fond of peachy-pink colored coral of any kind, and I am bewitched by  branch coral with long twiggy-looking sprigs.
    Above, a coral bracelet with peachy-pink coral nuggets mixed with irregularly shaped freshwater pearls and sterling silver.  The sea-themed charms include a mermaid, a seahorse,and a fish.
    red coral bracelet with sterling silver and lampwork beads
     Above and below, coral bracelets with slices of red coral.  The bracelet above has deep red coral mixed with brightly colored artist's lampwork beads; a second strand features a super-heavy length of sterling chain and tiny Thai Karen Hill Tribe beads and dangles sea-themed sterling charms. The coral bracelet below has brighter red slices of coral with special artist's lampwork beads and vermeil accents.
    coral bracelet with lampwork beads and vermeil
     The coral bracelet below combines slices of darker peachy-pink coral and short twigs of coral as well as golden coral tubes.  The mix in this bracelet includes charms of sterling and artist's lampwork beads.
    coral bracelet with peach and gold coral and sterling silver

    coral bracelet with turquoise and sterling silver
        Above, a wonderful mixture of corals with accents of genuine turquoise and sterling silver. 
        Below, golden tube coral with special golden and sterling silver leaf artist's lampwork beads, sterling silver charms.
    gold coral bracelet with sterling silver and lampwork
    red coral bracelet with sterling silver
    Above, star-fish themed coral bracelet with red coral slices.              
        Below, a double-strand branch coral necklace with coral rounds and special artist's lampwork beads including a lampwork flower.
    coral necklace with lampwork beads

        Below, a black coral necklace with golden coral tubes and artist's lampwork beads.
    black coral necklace with lampwork beads
        Below, huge red coral slices and coral nuggets with vermeil and artist's lampwork beads.
    coral necklace with golden vermeil

    coral earrings with vermeil
        Above, black onyx, vermeil, and coral earrings.
        Below, large coral slices with Bali sterling silver and special earwires with diamond-shaped decorations.
    coral earrings with sterling silver

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