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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!
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!
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 18mm x 13mm (3/4″ x 1/2″) sapphire blue pear or teardrop shaped faceted glass stones in this pic are a rich, almost royal blue (though just a bit deeper in tone). The smaller diamond shape stones are gorgeous fuschia pink. Of course I love neutrals – but sometimes you want rich, fabulous color in your jewelry!
These teardrops are probably the most popular jewel shape – and of course I have them in lots of colors in my shop. Please go take a look when you have a few minutes – I think you’ll fall in love!
And just to make them even more tempting, from now through midnight on Friday, December 8, 2023, when you buy one pair of 18mm x 13mm pears (teardrops) in my shop, you get a second pair free! You just have to mention this blog post and the BOGO sale I mentioned!
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!
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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