|
The round glass jewels in the pic below are a few of the rivoli faceted gems I have available in my shop right now. These 10mm round stones (that’s approximately 3/8″) are great for small pendants, earring jewels, and of course connectors that link design elements.  I’ll post a few pics showing these jewels being used for necklaces and earrings, over the next days. But you know you’ll think of lots of ways to use them – with your own style. That’s the way DIY jewelry is meant to be! Your first thought when you hear “white stones” is summertime, right? But think about it. “Winter white” is a common expression for a reason! And think of all the fall and winter outfits you’ve seen (and own) that are “black and white”, “red and white”, “blue and white”… you get the idea. Adding white to another color can create a beautiful, dramatic, year-round appropriate piece of jewelry.  This pic is really to show the scale of the white 10mm and 12mm white cabochons, especially when used with / compared with, the 18x13mm pears (probably the most popular jewel size). Plus it suggests how we can combine these stones. Of course you’ll take this idea and use it with your own beads and stones – and make it your own style. That’s the fun of do-it-yourself jewelry! The glass stones I’m showing here (okay, showing off!) are “crystal AB” which is a commonly used abbreviation for “Aurora Borealis”. It’s the finish applied to crystal clear glass gems – and it really does reflect many colors of the rainbow!  In a way it’s almost hard to get good pictures of these stones – because they have so much reflection, so many colors depending on the angle and the light. They are always beautiful. Sometimes they seem to have more pink highlights. Sometimes blue, or purple, or gold. Did did I say they are always beautiful? Truly. They make wonderful jewelry with very little extra embellishment needed. Slip the pendant on a chain. Add earwires to the smaller teardrops (in my shop) or the cushion cut octagons shown. Combine them with other stones or use them “as is”. You’ll love them! I just got in these adorable rainbow vitrail glass connectors. Small, useful, and so pretty! I show them here paired with vitrail glass pears (teardrops) – I think the shapes and sizes are so complementary.  I think these small – gorgeous! – glass gems are going to be about the most useful stones I’ve got. They’re quite rich in color, and while in my experience, absolutely no two vitrail stones are exactly the same – this is a wonderful batch, rich in color and it’s been quite easy to find coordinating (“matching” – for vitrail!) pairs. And the delicate size works with so many shapes. I’ll probably post another pair or two, just to show the possibilities – and to show them off! A friend of mine recently asked for some ideas for golden topaz glass earrings – and she knows I usually have several jewel styles and shapes in my shop. I showed her these (plus a few others in that section):  Seriously she had trouble making up her mind! She surprised me – she went for the small(ish) round gems shown in the upper right pic, a little more conservative than I expected from her. But she said they were perfect: they had enough color and presence to really show, without being large or heavy. I’m going to surprise her next week with another pair or two, just to show her some variety. I’ll post some here. But you know that’s the great thing about DIY jewelry – you get to make what you want! I recently made a pair of earrings as a gift for a friend of mine, using the sheer garnet teardrops shown here in the lower right of the pic below. They were very simple (and of course easy to make) – with no embellishment except for the golden brass prong settings. She loves the earrings!  Now I was prompted to make this particular pair after I saw a new dress she’d bought. But we all have our own spark – something that makes us think hmm, I would love to find (buy)(make) something in this-or-that color. It might be a gift you want to make, it might be something for you. That’s what’s so great about DIY jewelry – you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money. And you can make great jewelry! Yesterday’s post shows some of the faceted glass 10mm x 8mm octagons I have available right now (and on sale!) I thought it would be helpful to show you the scale of these small glass gems. The mannequin head in this pic is close to life size – so you can see that these octagons, while small, definitely work as earring jewels!  Of course they work wonderfully when you combine them with more glass gems, charms, and other elements. But on their own they are terrific. These small-but-pretty earrings would look good day or night, with jeans or cocktail dress. And remember, through August 13, 2023, they’re on BOGO sale! I love octagon shaped glass gems, big or small. They have a classic “emerald cut” shape (and that refers to the faceting this time, not the gemstone). They’re classy. They look good all alone or in combination with other shapes and sizes.  And right now, these octagons are on sale! Buy one pair, and get one pair free. It’s easy – when you purchase a pair you send me a convo (right there on Etsy) and let me know what color freebie you want! Equal or lesser value and all that, and only while supplies last. But I’m pretty well stocked up, I think. Don’t wait too long – this offer’s good through midnight on Sunday, August 13, 2023. P.S. And yes – if you buy five pairs (just for example) you get five freebie pairs, too. Go for it! This simple, fun earring design has two main components: silver plated leaf charms that are a bit under 1″ long, and 10mm rivoli faceted, emerald green glass stones, linked to hang from a large ring. The elements complement each other beautifully!  Of course you can choose any color glass jewel that you love (or that you have on your work table!) I do think the 10mm round stones are a pretty contrast to the slightly longer silver leaf charms. But as always, you’ll adapt this idea using your favorite stones and shapes. Will love to see what designs you come up with! The golden brass flower connector in this pendant is one of my favorite charms. It’s so pretty – and useful. I’ve used it in necklace designs as shown, and it works for earrings too. Add a small jewel dangle and you’ve got your new favorite pair of earrings!  I have a few more colors of that faceted oval pendant – if you don’t see the color you need, send me a note – I might have some stashed! |
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
|