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Black Diamond and Crystal Pendants or Earring Jewels

The light gray “black diamond” glass gems shown in these earrings are cabochons with interesting, ‘checker’ faceting. They look great in these two jewel settings, combining the black diamond pears and tiny round crystals.





And one of the great attributes of these jewels is that you can customize them – you pick the color of the tiny round stone at the top of the setting. Black diamond (gray) with sparkling crystal, as shown, is great – but what about birthstone colors? Or vivid contrast? There are many colors you can choose from – I think you’ll love them!

DIY Earrings with Peridot and Emerald Green Glass Gems

It’s always cool to see how the faceted glass jewels I sell look when made into actual jewelry! The mannequin I use in these pics is close to life size, so you can get an idea of scale.





The emerald green octagon is 10mm x 8mm (that’s approximately 3/8″ x 1/4″). The peridot green teardrop is 13mm x 8mm, a bit over 1/2″ high x 1/4″. You can see the earring has real presence, large enough to be sparkly and “seen”, but not large and heavy. (Love that they’re really not heavy!)

Of course you’ll choose your own beads and stones – or find some in my shop 🙂 And adapt this idea to your own style!

Necklace Design Idea featuring Peach Glass Gems

One of the interesting things about this design idea is that it combines foil-backed glass gems (the 10mm x 10mm diagonal square stone) with a sheer, no-foil-back teardrop shaped pendant.





Really I just wanted to point out that we can do that – we can combine colors that aren’t actually the same. Or textures. Or in this case, sheer and foiled stones. And it works!

That’s the fun of do it yourself jewelry – make it the way YOU want (and save money!)

Vitrail Glass Gems – Vivid Rounds and Octagons

The rainbow vitrail glass gems shown here are terrific when combined to make earrings. They aren’t heavy, but are vivid enough and have enough sparkle to really catch the eye. And they go with so many colors!





Now I know sometimes we want neutrals, or soft pastels. But you know, sometimes you want color that sparkles and is strong and vibrant and… fun!

That’s what you get when you wear rainbow vitrail. Combine the 10mm rivoli faceted rounds, and 14x10mm octagons as shown here. Or wear each shape alone. Or coordinate with other colors.

That’s the fun of rainbow colors!

Crystal and Emerald Glass Gem Earrings – DIY and Save!

These lightweight, delicate-seeming earrings are great for every day – and hey, if you need emerald earrings for a special occasion? These have the fabulous color of precious gemstone emeralds – without the high price tag!


These would be great for May birthstone earrings – but they’d also look good with blue jeans. You know: as jewelry ought to. You’ll love them!

Sapphire Glass Gems for DIY Earrings or Pendants

This sapphire blue, two-stone glass jewel combination is turning out to be a customer favorite! These are sheer rhinestones (glass stones) – with no foil backs. The color is rich enough to shine even without the foil backing – as you can see here:





They are slightly different shades. Note too that the lighter sapphire octagons are handset into silver plated brass settings with closed backs – so the silver shows through and helps to actually lighten the color a bit. If we used patina brass settings, the octagons would appear to be much darker.

Really what I want to show here, is two different shapes, and how wonderfully they combine. And how much fun it is to try different prong settings! You’ll adopt the idea to your own particular style. That’s the fun of DIY jewelry!

P.S. Well, and also that you can save money when you design and make your own jewelry. Now that is *really* fun!

Necklace Design Idea – Happy 2024!

I think this picture illustrates one of my favorite jewelry design ideas. No, it isn’t “faceted teardrops on a pearl necklace” (though that idea right there is pretty terrific.) It’s simpler than that. Gorgeous colors in a pendant, combined with pretty (and inexpensive) glass pearls. Presto: a great looking necklace that you’d be proud to wear anytime.





But the real point(s) are even simpler than that. One, you don’t have to spend hours, and learn difficult and time-consuming skills, to make pretty jewelry. Of course those skills are fabulous, and yes you can use them to make fabulous items. But you don’t need to, if you just want fun and lovely jewelry!

And point two is even better: you don’t have to spend a lot of money. You can of course, and there are wonderful (and costly) gems to be found. But if you’re not rich, you can still make gorgeous jewelry!

It’s that simple. Buy a few quality items. Learn to string beads, and work with jump rings. Or just buy a pretty (and once again, inexpensive) chain. Make the jewelry you love. Don’t spend a fortune.

That’s a great way to start the new year!

Aqua Blue and Silver Chain Earrings

The earrings shown on this model (mannequin) are faceted glass ovals in rich aqua blue, paired with dangling silver chain – in this case, not even sterling silver but rather silver-tone chain. These earrings would be easy to make – and easy to wear – and affordable!





Sometimes you don’t need “precious”. You want pretty jewelry, and you probably want to be able to make gifts for your friends and family. These would be great gifts!

Adapt the idea to your own style, have fun, and make great jewelry! That’s what it’s all about 🙂

Montana Sapphire or Navy Blue Pendant and Earring Jewels

The “montana sapphire” or navy blue glass gems in this pic are an easy-to-use pendant and earring jewels set (though they are sold separately). Navy Blue is super popular this time of year – it’s a great color for fall and winter, deep and rich. And if you want to make some jewelry for yourself, or for gifts, this is a super option for you!





The teardrop pendant measures 25mm x 18mm, or approximately 1″ x 3/4″. The smaller teardrops, or pear shape stones, are 18mm x 13mm. That’s probably the most popular size for earrings. These jewels are large enough to have great presence with no more embellishment, but not big enough to be heavy.

I think you’ll love them!

Do it yourself – a classic necklace design idea

I think I’ve featured a similar style before, though not with these stones. I think it’s important to show (show off!) a necklace design idea that looks great, can be adapted to any color combination you prefer, and doesn’t take a lot of time or money to accomplish!





Take this basic idea – two beautiful gems or beads in complementary colors – and run with it! Look at the stones and beads you have available (or of course, go shopping at my shop (hey, I have to put in a plug, right?) Pick the colors that match the outfit you love – or the one you want to make for your bff. Use different shapes – use *what works for your style and eye for beauty*.

Make it your own. You’ll love it!