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New Necklace Design Idea

The 18mm x 13mm (approx. 3/4″ x 1/2″) faceted glass octagon pendant featured in this necklace design idea is the color known as “light colorado topaz”. It’s a golden tan, fairly neutral, and super flattering. I’ve paired it with silver chain and small handwired beads in a complementary colors.





The small irregular beads I used here are genuine turquoise, but honestly any vivid beads would work here – the rich color is a striking complement to the golden tan pendant. But of course, you could use any colors with this design.

That’s what’s so fun about do it yourself jewelry. Take a look at the beads and stones on your worktable – I bet you could make some terrific combinations, interpreting this design in your own unique way. Make gifts for your friends – and for yourself!

DIY jewelry design with a brass flower and aqua glass pendant!

Yes, this is a traditional jewelry design, a pendant linked on a chain. Simple and gorgeous. The details here? The brass flower component is linked to a sheer aqua, faceted glass pear or teardrop shaped rhinestone pendant.





The design is classic – and the pieces are affordable. Of course you can choose other elements, or do what I did – look at the pretty components scattered on your worktable, and try a few new combinations! The most important idea here is that you can create lovely jewelry without a lot of fuss, or having to spend a lot of money. Use your favorite colors – or the ones your customer chooses. Add a few of your own special elements. You’ll love it!

Orange and Black Earring Design

Well since I featured a design earring jewels yesterday with colors of red and gold, the team colors of the Kansas City Chiefs, I figured it was only fair to show an earring design with orange and black jewels.





Orange and black, which just happen to be the team colors of the Cincinatti Bengals, the team playing against the Chiefs. I am no football expert so I am saying nothing about the game except I hope people have a good time and I’m sure it’ll be a great game. But orange and black? Fun colors to design with!

PS The orange teardrops shown here are a little larger than I usually wear, myself. These are 25x18mm, where normally I use 18x13mm teardrops for earrings. I’ll get a new pic with that size – stay tuned!

Red Glass Pears – a Necklace Design Idea

This necklace design is really a classic: faceted pear or teardrop shaped rhinestone jewels in two sizes, used as the focal and surrounding jewels for this pretty necklace.





** Like I said: a classic. Of course you’ll think of your own creative ways to adapt this idea. Use your own favorite color – or colors! Maybe the colors of your children’s birthstones. Or your favorite team!

I show the jewels here with a brass cable chain with just a hint of antique patina. The jewels are available in golden raw brass and silver plated brass as well (honestly I think the golden color is my favorite, but that’s a personal thing.)

Try your own idea(s) for focal design – I would love to see pics of your creations!

DIY Bracelet Design Idea

This bracelet design idea features one of my favorite styles – the colors in the bracelet don’t match! No, seriously, think about it. We are usually careful to coordinate colors in our outfits, our jewelry, etc. But sometimes it’s fun to just…not match.






In my example, I combine turquoise cording with a golden topaz glass octagon. Just because I like the colors. Yes, I could use a golden cord or chain. Or a turquoise stone (which of course would be great). But why not try this idea?

It’s very freeing. Don’t match your colors. Go to your workbench and look for random stones and beads. Use them in a new piece. I think you’ll love it!

Emerald green glass gems – customizeable earring design!

This earring design idea has a couple extra special things going for it. First, the jewels have great style and presence – but they’re not huge and heavy. Second, emerald green! One of the most flattering colors to wear for most skin tones.



And this is super special – these are customizeable! Because *you* choose the color of the tiny round stone, shown here in peach. So you can combine two of your best friend’s favorite colors – or the color your customer likes best. Or your mom. Or, you know, your favorite! ***

And the goal – customized, gorgeous earrings that are comfortable and easy to make! Just link the two settings with jump rings, sturdy but unsoldered. Add earwires. You’re good to go!

*** You can also choose another color instead of the (wonderful) emerald. Sapphire blue, crystal clear, olivine green, red…. so you can *truly* customize these!

Black and White Necklace Design Idea – Classic Style

This is a classic necklace design idea – use interesting beads or gems, linked together, to form a necklace chain. Add a fabulous pendant. Voila: great necklace design, easy to make and flattering to wear!

It’s also classic to use black and white stones or gems. How many times are we wearing black to work – jacket, dress, pants and shirt – and we need something to complement that black without seeming all dark and gloomy? Like I said – black and white, a great combo that adds interest and looks great!

P.S. I think this just needs to be said once in a while. Great jewelry does not have to be made with diamonds, gold, and pearls. Yes those can be wonderful. But so is individuality, personal style, and affordability. And feeling happy with your jewelry. And loving that you made it yourself (or gave it as a gift!) and did NOT have to spend your rent money to do it. Make your jewelry. Love your jewelry!

DIY Earrings Design with Aqua Glass Gems

Yes this earrings design features all the same color stones. It’s not my usual choice – but I think these aqua glass jewels are gorgeous together!

Actually there are tiny differences in the color – it’s subtle enough that it’s almost impossible to catch with the camera. Which tells me that people seeing your earrings wouldn’t see the difference either. But either way – very well coordinated color choices, or all the same color – these really work.

do it yourself jewelry design idea featuring three sizes and shapes of aqua glass jewels, all available in my Etsy shop

I know you’ll grab this idea and try your own variations – all crystal jewels, tiny to larger, or all the same shapes in different colors, or… well next time you send a note, you tell me! What combination of stones worked in your new earrings? I’d love to hear!

Bronze Open Work Large Leaf Charms

These are big, lightweight leaf charms – great to use “as is”, or to combine with other elements to make stunning earrings or pendants. These are not Serious. These are fun!

bronze leaf charms for earrings or pendants

Click on the pic to see the listing – and to see a few variations in ideas for using these charms. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated – “as is” is good too!

Earring design idea – red glass pears and brass flowers

Check out the combination of golden brass flower charms and opaque, red glass cabochon jewels. Linked together (the flowers have links, more easily seen from the back) – here’s an easy, pretty pair of earrings!

red glass pears and brass flowers linked for pretty earring design idea

Change the jewel color or style – you’ll love these made with your own individual style!