|
|
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!
Hey, just one more reminder of why neutral glass gems can be so terrific! The pendant jewel in this pic is a faceted glass pear or teardrop that measures 25mm x 18mm – about one inch high. The round glass gems shown here are 10mm in diameter, or approximately 3/8″. They’re small enough that they are super lightweight when used as earrings – or as earring components. Imagine them linked to pearls, to small faceted beads, or to a bit of filigree – if you want to make fancier earrings. Yes, I’ll post a couple examples later, maybe next week. Stay tuned!
But even without those pics, you can see how useful these black diamond (gray) round gems could be! Link several together to make a bracelet, or necklace ‘chain’. Pair them with coordinating glass gems, or add rich color to provide contrast. Use your own style to make them work the way you want!
And – I don’t usually do “sales” – but from now through December 31, 2023, if you buy the gems shown in this listing you get a second pendant for free. Just let me know what freebie you want when you order!
These black diamond (medium gray) faceted glass gems are a great year round jewelry choice! Now don’t laugh, you know I like rich colors in my jewelry. But sometimes a neutral is just right. And especially if you’re making jewelry for someone else, and are not sure about their favorite colors, neutrals totally work.
These are what I would call “medium small”. The diamond shape stones are 10mm x 10mm, about 3/8″, and are great glass connectors as well as small pendants or earring jewels. The pear or teardrop shapes, shown inverted here as connectors, are also fabulous in one-ring settings for smallish pendants or earring jewels. Together or separately, these are terrific with most colors – and they work wonderfully for last-minute Christmas gifts too. Just saying!
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 🙂
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!
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!
Another vote for neutral glass jewels! Yes I love color, don’t get me wrong. But sometimes neutrals – gray, cream, black – speak quietly. But with great panache (love that word). Neutral has power!
And many times you don’t want your earrings (or tiny pendant) to compete with your outfit. You want quiet – but gorgeous. These earring jewels do that.
And – bonus! These are customizeable. You pick the color of the tiny round stone at the top of the setting. Use light gray (black diamond) as shown here. Or sparkling crystal. Or vivid aqua! There’s a whole list of colors to choose from. Go pick the combo that works best with your bridesmaid dresses, or your best Business Suit. Custom jewelry – and affordable. This works!
I was just looking at stones on my worktable, after doing up some new photos and..okay, I was playing. These stones are red, and white. Christmas colors, you know? And Valentine’s Day colors. And, colors that we actually wear.
So yeah, with holidays, this idea comes at a great time. But of course, the design works with any colors you want. And any shapes, for that matter. I think it works well to have a bit of contrast – the larger, opaque white round stones paired with the smaller, sparkling red diamonds. With green – also great. How about black and white?
You get the idea, I know. Play with shapes and colors. Make the design your own!
P.S> No those aren’t actually diamonds! Diamond shape. You know I don’t think we should have to spend big bucks to make jewelry. Diamond shape!!!
I love this set of clear glass “gemstones”. I put quotes around the word “gemstones” because of course these stones are not precious. But they are lovely – and work beautifully for a pendant and coordinating earring jewels. You could use this octagon pendant all alone, “as is” – it makes a lovely pendant. Add the two diamond-shaped glass gems to make a more elaborate necklace. Use the smaller stones in one-ring settings for coordinating earrings, or add other beads and jewels. You can imagine the possibilities!
Part of what I want to focus on here, is that “just” clear glass – (nicely faceted and clear of flaws, well mostly) can make fabulous jewelry. You don’t need to have Bright Flashy Stones, or spend a fortune.
And of course, these go with pretty much everything. Talk about a win!
Rainbow stones – often known as “vitrail” in the jewelry trade – are some of the most wonderful and popular glass stone colors available. I should probably say “color combination” because they are never just one color! Take a look at the vitrail gems in this pic:
I’ve just gotten in some new packets – and the colors, as you can see, are rich and varied. Shades of purple and pink, green and gold, blue and aqua. Truly, no two are exactly the same – but they can be closely paired. Just saying – when you buy vitrail rainbow stones in my shop, they’ll be a set that truly works, for earrings, or pendants, or glass connectors – and in my experience they are wonderfully received when made into gifts for friends and family.
I think you’ll love them!
|
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
|