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.

Five Easy Pieces

 

These are easy pieces to wear, especially the bangle bracelets!  They are classic pieces with classic gemstones: above, gorgeous faceted rock crystal oval nuggets have a dash of colour added by the genuine ruby rondelles places between them and then again at the very ends of the bracelet's sterling silver sides (from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes). Below is a sterling silver bangle that is made with one of the favorite gemstones of customers, London Blue topazes.  These are gem-quality blue topazes that are finely faceted and complemented by Thai Karen Hill Tribes sterling silver.

Below are bracelets for fire-lovers!The first is a fire agate bracelet and has a gorgeous focal stone with a beautiful pattern and faceting juxtaposed against exquisite lampwork beads in tan colours with turquoise flowers (2) and swirls of darker brown (1). The sterling includes a beaded toggle clasp, a swirled round, a reticulated round, a folded bead and sterling silver flower charm.  The bracelet below is a classic combination of sunstone, lapis and golden vermeil that gives a nod to the ancient while appearing very contemporary. Bali vermeil has the strength to stand with these two dominant gemstones.

Last, a purple and silver lampwork bracelet made with lampwork beads from a favorite lampwork bead artist.  Silver gleams in the lampwork and is picked up by two sizes of little flower charms that hang around the bracelet. It's a fun bracelet that can go casual or extremely dressy!

FREE SHIPPING WITH PURCHASES OVER 50.00; 1.95 UNDER 50.00 
Contest:  Dragonfly Beads is having a contest/drawing for some of her lovely lampwork beads.  Go to her blog at Dragonfly Lampworks to enter.

January's Specials!

January's weather has turned from snow to rain; I can't wait for more snow! I am working (and have been on the new Spring jewelry for this year, and there's something about a heavy coating of snow on the ground that is inspirational when it comes to jewelry. Meanwhile, I've also been getting ready for Valentine's Day and working on a special page of earrings!
Above are two bracelets featuring the Red Magma colour from Swarovski; I love this colour, a muted orangey red with a deep tone. The first is a silver bangle bracelet with Karen Hill Tribes tube beads and red magma crystals in the cosmic shape. Next is a freshwater pearl bracelet with creamy arrow shaped freshwater pearls.
Below, I've had these pink Botswana agate sharply faceted nuggets on the workbench for some time, trying to decide what to do with them. Then I got in some white coral from Thailand and it seemed perfect for the swirling patterns of pink, white, and grey in the Botswana agate. A large sterling silver starfish is on either side of the necklace, and an S clasp features a starfish atop it. All the sterling silver is from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes. This necklace looks great with a crisp white blouse, and with sweaters - the softness of the colours, I suppose. It would be a perfect gift for Valentine's Day. Below the necklace is a pair of earrings with freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal butterflies in red, another perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Pietersite is a lovely gemstone that is both polished and earthy at the same time. It's pretty patterns are brown, but include gold, beige, black, blue, sienna, rust, and tan. The bracelet has two strands: one strand is of gemstones, and the other is a sterling silver chain with Swarovski crystals in mocha hanging from it. The Swarovski crystals, which are also in the main strand, add a sparkle to the bracelet and lift it from everyday to special! Below are matching pietersite earrings.THE SPECIAL I'M WORKING ON will be a page of gemstone earrings which will sell for only $20.10 each. These are all genuine gemstones and sterling silver - no base metals, no faux stones! For example, below: smoky quartz, rose quartz, and chalcedony.
Just for fun, a charm bracelet that is all gemstones and sterling silver. The gemstone charms include aquamarine, chalcedony, smoky quartz, moonstone, Botswana agate, rose quartz, and opal. All the charms hang from the double-linked sterling silver bracelet which fastens with a sturdy toggle clasp.
REMEMBER THAT SHIPPING IS FREE WITH ANY PURCHASE OVER $50.00; UNDER $50.00, EVERYTHING SHIPS FOR THE LOW RATE OF $1.95!