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!

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Sunday, August 03, 2014

Cleopatra and the "Gem of the Sun"

peridot bracelet
 Peridot, the August birthstone, is a pretty gemstone with a clear green color. It is fairly easy usually for us to find translucent peridot that are especially pretty for the jewelry that I make. I do like working with it; the only drawback to peridot is that it is usually difficult to find very large stones.
three strand peridot bracelet
    Peridot has a rich history, full of legends and lore that makes it an especially interesting gemstone.
The Egyptians called peridot the "gem of the sun" and believed that it was best mined at night when it shone brightly; during the day, it shone so brightly that it couldn't even be seen!
    Most of the peridot mined in the ancient world came from St. John's, an island about 50 miles off the coast of Egypt.  It was so overrun by snakes that the miners had a difficult time until the Pharaoh had all the snakes killed.  Much easier for the miners, not so good for the snakes. As a result, however, peridot is still believed by many to be a guard against snakebite!
   The first three photos are of Minuet Verde, a three strand peridot bracelet with a two-sided sterling bead in the middle of the middle strand.  The bead has two cabochon peridots bezel-set into it.  The bracelet also has a double sided toggle clasp with a faceted square peridot set diagonally in each side of the toggle.
peridot bracelet with 3 strands of peridots and sterling
    Many historians believe that the emeralds that Cleopatra wore were not emeralds at all, but actually peridots which would have been readily accessible to her and can easily be confused with emeralds. 
   For many centuries, people thought the 200 carat gems in the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral in Germany were emerald. They are really peridots (gia.com).
   Above and below, another three strand peridot bracelet. The gemstones are small and sparkling and accented by 5 sterling silver flower charms and a pretty heart-shaped sterling lobster clasp.
peridot bracelet with sterling charms


peridot bracelet with quartz crystal
    Peridot is thought to help one achieve harmony in marriage. The ancients believed that it would give one eloquence and also protect one from evil spirits. It is often used today by proponents of crystal healing for asthma and a slew of other ailments.
   Above and below, this peridot bracelet has 5 strands of peridots on one side of the bracelet and faceted peridot rondelles set between large faceted nuggets of quartz crystal on the other.  In the center, sterling silver and peridot charms are clustered next to a faceted rose quartz square.
peridot bracelet with rose quartz
 Today, most peridots come from Burma since St. John's island has not been mined since the 1950's.  The largest peridot is approximately 310 carats and resides here in Washington, D.C.'s Smithsonian museum.
peridot bracelet with lampwork beads
    Above, a double-stranded bracelet of peridots with the main strand featuring quite large faceted peridots while the second strand has small peridots. The peridots are accented by square artist's lampwork beads shot with silver handmade by Robin Weber. Below, a bracelet made of peridot rondelles and sterling silver butterflies from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes.
peridot bracelet
    Below, another peridot bracelet featuring lampwork beads and large faceted peridot nuggets.  The second strand is a large oval-lined chain dangling Thai Karen Hill Tribes flower charms.
peridot bracelet with peridot nuggets and sterling silver



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  • 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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    Sunday, June 29, 2014

    Rubies: Just a Bit Less Than Wisdom

    ruby bracelet
     I've been busy working on rubies when I haven't been visiting my mother and my best friend in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  I do love working with rubies! Rubies are the July birthstone, of course, and how appropriate since it is the red-hot month of summer. Rubies, like Fourth of July fireworks are compelling; one has to look at them. 
       Rubies look good on everyone whether your complexion is dark or light, your haircolour brown, red, grey, blonde, or black (yes, rubies look soooo good on redheads!), whether you are big or small-boned, short or tall. Rubies are universal.
       Above and below, a sterling silver ruby bangle bracelet is so flirtatious with its dangling ruby charms.  The rubies here are faceted rounds that are a soft reddish-pink.
    ruby bangle bracelet
     In ancient India, ruby was considered to be the "Lord of Gemstones."  It symbolizes love and devotion and is the preferred gift for both the 15th and 40th years of marriage.
    ruby bracelet with lampwork beads
     Above and below, large faceted ruby nuggets are combined with beautiful sterling silver handmade beads, Thai Karen Hill Tribes sterling silver, and some of the finest artist's lampwork beads we've ever had. The toggle clasp has a cabochon ruby bezel-set into it.
    ruby bracelet with sterling silver
       Rubies are supposed to help the wearer have happiness, good health, and wisdom.  One of the famous ruby quotations is Biblical: " Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. .."  Proverbs 31:10.
       Below, 14 karat gold-filled bangle bracelet features a large faceted ruby nugget with two smooth good-sized oval rubies on either side.
    gold ruby bracelet
     Rubies are also said to bring good luck to gamblers as well as those who are in love.
    ruby bracelet with gold and apatite
     Above, rubies play well with other gemstones.  Here rubies are combined with apatite and 14 karat gold-fill. 
       Below, ruby earrings are made with large faceted nuggets and all 14 karat gold-filled components. 
    ruby earrings with gold

    gold ruby earrings
     Above, 14 karat gold-filled fluted accents give these ruby earrings a formal touch, while, below, faceted ruby rondelles are cooled down a bit with genuine aquamarine and sterling silver.
    ruby earrings with sterling silver and aquamarines
     Below, a sterling silver and ruby necklace, great for everyday or formal occasions.
    ruby necklace
    Celebrities wearing ruby jewelry: proof that everyone looks good in rubies!
    ruby earrings worn by christina hendricks

    ruby earrings worn by celebrities

    ruby earrings worn by Helen Mirren

    ruby necklace and earrings worn by Kate Middleton

    ruby earrings worn by Kelly Osbourne

    ruby earrings worn by Mila Kunis
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    Sunday, June 15, 2014

    Ankle Bracelets, Aquamarines, and Earrings That Dangle!

    It's almost official SUMMER, and summer is the time for ankle bracelets.  Nothing shows off summer skin like a gemstone ankle bracelet; nothing looks sexier on your legs except bare skin! Very feminine, but slightly edgy, ankle bracelets have long been the summer jewelry of choice.
       Above, a sterling silver ankle bracelet made with amazonite and genuine abalone; perfect for your beach vacation! The shell abalone hangs next to the tiny sterling toggle clasp.
       Below, a red-hot carnelian ankle bracelet cooled off with just a touch of aqua apatite and a single sterling silver Bali bead. The closure is a sterling lobster clasp.
    carnelian and apatite ankle bracelet
    Wonderful tourmalines in this mix will go with almost anything. This ankle bracelet is a mix of tourmaline chips and gem-quality tourmalines with a touch of sterling silver.  The wonderful sterling silver shell charm makes this perfect to wear with a sundress after a day frolicking in the sand.
    tourmaline and sterling silver ankle bracelet
    Gem-quality amethysts and carved amethysts have a touch of sterling silver and an exotic starfish charm in sterling hanging from one side.  The clasp is a sterling lobster.
    amethyst ankle bracelet with sterling silver starfish

    gemstone bracelet with aquamarines and carnelian
    I've been working with aquamarines; I love them because they mix so well with so many different gemstones.  Case in point: the aquamarine and orange carnelian bracelet above.  The special flowered sterling silver toggle clasp is a real looker, but these faceted aquamarine rondelles really sparkle! Of course, so do the wonderful faceted carnelians, especially the cross-drilled squares on the second strand.
       Below, more of those sparkly aquamarine rondelles, this time with genuine abalone and 14 karat gold-filled accents. This abalone shell is gorgeous on both sides. This aquamarine bracelet is a real stunner!
    aquamarine bracelet with gold and abalone

    Aquamarine Bracelet with Abalone
       Below, dangle earrings are created from different sizes, shapes, and textures of sterling silver chain and feature small gemstones such as apatite, carnelian, green aventurine, and gem-quality citrine rectangles hanging from the bottom.  The simple sterling earwires have a textured ball for their only decoration. These are wonderful, colorful, flirty earrings!

    dangle earrings with gemstones and sterling silver
    Dangle Earrings

    dangle earrings with gemstones and sterling silver
    olsen twin wearing ankle bracelet
    Ashley Olsen wearing two anklets.
    Above, one of the Olsen twins wears ankle bracelets on both ankles.
    Below, more celebrities wearing ankle bracelets.

    Rashida Jones wearing an ankle bracelet
    Rashida Jones
    Above, Rashida Jones sporting an ankle bracelet with green heels, and below, Jennifer Aniston stepping out in an ankle bracelet on her left ankle.
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