Archives

Multi Stone Glass Beads – Customize These!

One of the most popular styles of pendant and earring glass jewels in my shop are multi-stone glass gems. These can be ovals, teardrops, octagons – the jewels shown here are just examples of the styles you can find.


First, remember that most of the stones I have available in my shop can be fitted into one of these multi stone settings. Any 18mm x 13mm pear, for example, would fit into the style shown at the lower right. Any 10mm x 8mm octagon can be set into the setting shown at upper right. And on and on.

So in that sense, these can be customized. Even more, you can pick the color of the tiny stones from a long list of colors I have available (see the ‘Variations’ on each listing, to learn about those colors). So if your favorite colors are yellow and purple, you can request those colors in these multi stone settings! And – this is a popular option – your earrings or pendants can match your bridesmaid colors.

Just send me a note and let me know the custom colors you need!

Sheer Peridot Green Glass Octagons – On Sale!

This is a new listing in my Etsy shop. Of course I’ve had peridot octagons before – this new batch is sheer, with no foil backing. It’s a subtle color, but really has its own presence. And sometimes a pretty, feminine light green is just what we’re looking for!

Remember that peridot is the birthstone color for August – and these sheer glass gems are great for pendants and earrings. I do have some two-ring settings as well, so if you’re interested in connectors (that would look great) send me a note.

And – just a note in case you like to save money (ahem!) – they’re on sale! (Only while supplies last so you might not want to wait too long.)

Discount Code for 10% Off

I just activated a new coupon code for use anytime in my Etsy shop. The only catch? Your order has to total more than $50 of jewelry supplies. I don’t think you’ll have a problem finding really beautiful, useful gems, findings, and assorted other beads and goodies in my shop – they really are a good value.

It’s just that easy. I primarily created it to give a little perk to my Instagram peeps, but it’s good for anybody who wants to use it. When you order, use the coupon code INSTA10, and you’ll get 10% off any order over $50.00. You’ll find some great deals – and now you can get 10% off. Have fun shopping!

Sapphire Glass Jewels – DIY Earring Design Idea

Sapphire blue is one of the most popular glass jewel colors in my Etsy shop. It’s a beautiful, rich color, flattering to most skin tones, and really works in year-round jewelry.

This earring design idea features two shapes of sapphire glass jewels – 12mm x 12mm cushion cut octagons (a classic faceted square octagon with rounded corners) paired with 18mm x 13mm faceted teardrops. These earrings would be approximately 2″ long – large enough to have real presence, but not super heavy. And sapphire blue is the birthstone color for September. Just in case that’s useful to remember…

Easy DIY earrings to make, that are also easy and flattering to wear!

Crystal Oval Necklace – a great jewelry design

This oval crystal necklace is a classic. It’s a simple design – find a beautiful faceted oval glass gem, add a sturdy jump ring to the loop at the top of the setting, and slide the oval pendant on a chain.

And that’s it! Of course you need to use a beautiful pendant – you want something that will be a star on its own, without needing a lot of embellishment. The chain helps too – in this case, I used simple plated cable chain but I used two strands. It adds something extra without a lot of work.

Really I wanted to illustrate that good design – and beautiful jewelry – doesn’t have to be time consuming, or fussy. Simple and classic works.

Think how beautiful this necklace would be on a bride! (And you know, whether it’s a gift to the bride, or she makes her own jewelry, she isn’t going to mind saving some money!)

Cushion Cut Octagons – Sheer Glass Gems

These “cushion cut” octagons are one of the most popular size and shapeglass gems in my Etsy Shop. The term “cushion cut” means a square octagon with rounded corners. It’s a classic faceted shape, popular from the late 1800s on (maybe earlier!) It’s a versatile size and shape – great for earring drops, glass connectors, and pendants.

These sheer stones, with no foil back, are a bit quieter and subtler than the foiled stones. They’re delicate, feminine, and I’m getting a really good vibe from my customers about them. Stay tuned, I’m going to get more colors in!

I recently talked to a bride who wanted crystal gems for herself – and birthstone colors for her bridesmaids, all in a similar shape. These 12mm cushion cut stones worked wonderfully for her. And it’s a concept that could be adapted for other gift ideas.

Check out the other colors I have available right now – and as always, if you’re searching for one and can’t find it? Ask me – I might have some stashed!

Crystal cluster necklace design

Really it would be more accurate to say a “new version” of the cluster necklace design I featured a few days ago. This time I used crystal clear glass stones in three sizes – a 26x13mm teardrop, 10mm round glass gems, and 8mm rounds as well. The gems are handset in silver plated brass settings, and I added sturdy silver plated jump rings to slide the jewels over the chain. They’re free to move around, tumble a bit, and create a new cluster every time you move. It makes the necklace design a bit more organic!


Of course this version, with all crystal clear stones, would be perfect for a bride! But also for prom, for New Year’s, for any special occasion where you want sparkle. Actually this design is versatile enough that you could use it with a formal gown – or a scoop neck longsleeve tee. As always, style it to work for *you*.

Sparkle with affordable jewelry components – take this design idea, adapt it to your own special creative ideas. I think you’ll love it!

Red Glass Jewel Earrings – one design idea :-)

Since my red glass gems are on BOGO sale right now, I thought it would be fun to show one recent earrings style I made to show off just two of the red gem shapes I have available right now.


Of course this is just one design idea – it does show the relative scale and size of these jewels (the mannequin is close to life size). The earrings have some length, and real presence – but they’re not overpowering and heavy.

You’ll style your own ideas, of course – and I’d love to see your creations! But meantime, it never hurts to remember the BOGO sale good through May 14, 2022. Just saying!

Red Glass Gems – a BOGO sale!

I thought of this because ruby red is the birthstone color for July – which is coming up faster than we realize! But really I just think red is a fabulous color. These aren’t all “ruby red” – some are bright red, some are a bit lighter, some are truly ruby red. A lot of that depends on the lighting as well as the stones. But they’re gorgeous red, either way!


And they’re on sale right now! From today through Saturday, May 14, 2022, for every pair of red glass jewels you buy (or red pendant) you get a pair, or pendant, for free. BOGO sales are the best time to buy, yknow?

All you have to do to get your freebie is send a note to me when you make a purchase – I’ll get back to you quickly to confirm your freebie. And ship it quickly. (Good only while supplies last!)

Necklace Design Idea with Aqua Glass Jewels

A lot of times I play with random stones on my workbench – I don’t let myself choose from my whole stash – it has to be on the table already. This can get creative (okay sometimes). But this time I wanted to illustrate how deliberately using stones in the same color, gathered simply on a chain, can be a gorgeous piece of jewelry.


Of course this necklace design idea is just one example. Use your favorite colors. Use jewels in your own stash – or choose any style in the colors you love. Be random – or not. I think I’ll try that soon – a classic, simple idea like this, with different shapes and colors.

But in the meantime? I think this is a wonderful illustration that good design doesn’t have to cost a lot, or take a lot of work. Go for it!