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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!)

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!

Faceted Glass Jewels for Christmas gift ideas!

You know that jewelry is a lovely Christmas gift, for your mom, your bestie, your sisters. And of course, if you make your own jewelry, you give a very personal gift – and you save money!

red, green and sparkling crystal glass gems for Christmas jewelry

And it’s always fun when you use “traditional” Christmas colors for your DIY jewelry.

Red and green glass jewels are always appropriate for Christmas – and when you use faceted crystal alone or combined with colors, you get year-round sparkle!

Great DIY jewelry – great prices – this is super for do it yourself jewelry!

Clear Teardrop Pendant with Silver Chain – DIY Necklace Design

You’ve probably seen me use multiple chains before in a necklace design – I think it’s a great way to add texture, acomplexity and movement to a necklace design.

peach glass beads and jewels on sale in my shop

Partly I wanted to illustrate that even a transparent jewel – the teardrop pendant – can add sparkle and presence. The chains just add a bit of “more”, when it’s not just a single chain. And you may have noticed the loop of chain that anchors the pendant. That loop – and pendant – is removable. So you have a multi strand chain necklace with no pendant at all. Two necklaces in one!

As always, I’m hoping this idea will spark your own creative juices. That’s what DIY is – or should be – all about. Do it yourself – the way you want it!

Black Diamond Glass Gems – on sale!

The glass gems called “black diamond” are grey glass jewels – in colors ranging from light gray to deep charcoal. They’re neutral, strong, and great to use for year round DIY jewelry.

black diamond glass jewels for DIY jewelry

I just got in some new black diamond glass gems – the 10x10mm (3/8″) diamond shapes shown above. And to celebrate, I’m offering all my black diamond gems on sale.

So from today through midnight on Sunday, May 16, 2021, you get a free pair of black diamond glass jewels with every pair you buy. Buy any pair – and let me know what shape you want for your freebie!

Do It Yourself Bridal and Wedding Jewels

Wedding season is coming!

That’s true of course. But also true is that sparkling crystal jewelry is always in fashion. It always looks great. It goes with almost everything. And crystal jewelry makes wonderful gifts. So, you knew all that already.

faceted crystal glass gems for Spring 2021

But the “goes with everything” and “makes great gifts” is something to keep in mind. If you want to make a pair of earrings or a pendant or bracelet for your favorite customer, or for your college roomie, or for yourself… you KNOW that crystal is going to look great.

Do it yourself jewelry. Save money. Make personal gifts for your friends. This is a win!

P.S. Click on the pic above to see even more crystals available in my shop right now. And just a note – I’m going to try some new bridal designs in the next weeks. Stay tuned (and tell me what you think!)

Spring 2021 Sheer Glass Gems for DIY Jewelry

And it just feels good to be looking forward to Spring, you know? Pretty colors, lightweight dresses, and eventually we can all get together again. At least we’re going in the right direction!

sheer glass gems in spring 2021 colors

And right now you can get a BOGO sale! Buy one get one free – a pendant, or a pair of pretty jewels…. when you purchase a pair of sheer glass gems, or a pendant, you can ask for a second free! Just mention this blog post when you purchase. And the offer’s only good through Friday, April 9, 2021 – so don’t wait till long. Once they’re gone, they’re gone (well until I can restock at least!)

Sheer glass gems. Add a necklace chain, or a pair of comfy earwires – and your jewelry’s ready to wear. Easy. Beautiful. And on sale!

Clear crystal jewels – April birthstones

You know that diamonds are the birthstone for April, right? Well if you’re not in the market for gem grade diamonds (I’m not), there’s a beautiful alternative. Clear crystal jewels – faceted, cut rhinestones – are a wonderful, affordable April birthstone.

crystal glass rhinestone jewels available in my shop...more shapes available...clear crystal is the April birthstone color

Click on the pic to see more clear crystal rhinestones I have available right now – there are many more shapes and sizes available. These sparkling glass gemstones are great for your April birthday girls – and of course for your wedding. And anytime, for a pretty pair of earrings or necklace for anybody that likes sparkle!

Oh, did I mention? These are also on sale right now. Buy one, get one free! A BOGO sale good through Friday, March 19, 2021. When you buy a pair of clear crystal gems, you get a second pair free (and you can dicker if you want a different style, equal or lesser value, but still!) Same thing with pendants. Buy one, get one free. Just mention this blog post!

DIY earrings in new crystal shapes

Yes. Crystal earrings. Again. Because they are so sparkly, so pretty – and so useful!

do it yourself crystal earrings with geometric shapes

One of the nicest things about these earrings (aside from that sparkle!) is that they are not large, and not heavy to wear. The diamond shape gems are just 10x10mm (approx. 3/8″) and the round jewels are 8mm – that’s about 1/4″.

These will be noticed. These would be beautiful for a bride. Or at work, even. They aren’t “in your face”. They’re lovely. And comfortable. And easy to DIY. This is a win, you know?

Crystal heart earrings

These earrings are classics – crystal hearts in a silver setting. Lovely!

crystal heart jewels in classic bridal earrings

These are simple – and flattering. The jewels are a modest 5/8″ high (15x14mm) so they’re not heavy. They’re perfect for wedding earrings – but honestly, anytime you want a sparkly, feminine earring you could reach for these.

Click on the pic to find the heart jewels I have in my shop right now – and if you don’t see a color you need, please do ask – I might have some stashed!

(P.S. Yes, these are wonderful for a bride. But also…think how great these would look on the beach!)