When you hear someone referring to an “AB” finish on their beads, they’re talking about an “aurora borealis” coating. It’s a treatment that gives glints of many colors over what would otherwise be clear glass. I think it might have originated with Swarovski but by now, most reputable manufacturers have their own version.

Add just a bit of glam to your day – don’t spend a lot of money – you know the deal. Try it – I think you’ll like it 😉

Now don’t get me wrong – I love fine gemstones. Amethyst and jonquil (or citrine) can be truly beautiful. But, you know, if they have good clarity and faceting (the way we love them) they’re also really expensive.

But we can find a lovely alternative, easy peasy 🙂

Good clarity? That’s what glass does! Good faceting? Just look: These glass gems (pointed back cabochons) have wonderful faceting. And history (some of these are 60 years old – of course, some are about 6 months old, too.)

Once I got over my snobbishness and realized how beautiful cabochons and glass jewels could be, I never looked back. These are gorgeous. And affordable. That’s a win.

I’ve been having a lot of requests lately for antique black brass settings – smoky, brown-black, inky midnight… people are really loving the punk, boho look! And I’m lucky, I’m able to find some good supplies of these black brass settings, so most of my jewels can now be outfitted with your choice of golden raw brass, or antique patina brass, and now blackened brass. Like these:

and

Puts me in mind of the Orient Express, and Irene Adler for some reason 🙂

And remember, you can ask for any jewels in the blackened brass settings now… I don’t have all the listings updated yet, but the option is definitely available!