Archives

Archives

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!

Multi Stone Pear Jewels

The faceted stone duos that I refer to as ‘multi stone pear jewels’ are one of the most popular jewel styles available in my shop. They’re great “as is”, for pendants or earrings. Add a jump ring, slip the jewel on a chain, and you’ve got a lovely necklace with almost no work. The same is true for earrings: add earwires in your preferred style, and presto! Your earrings are ready.





Ready to wear, or to give as a gift – or to sell. And an extra special thing about this two-jewel style is that you can customize them. You choose the color of the tiny stone at the top of the setting, so you can match your bridesmaid dresses. Or accommodate a special customer request.

You choose. That’s what do-it-yourself jewelry is all about. Spend less, and get exactly what you want!

Vintage Glass Jewels – Really :-)

Yes, that’s the name of this blog. It’s also the focus of my post this time! Faceted glass is pretty terrific anyway – adding sparkle and glam for a low cost. But vintage, well that’s extra special. These gems are great examples. Well cut, wonderful colors – and no extra carbon footprint.
My shop has many faceted glass beads and jewels – and many of them are a classic vintage style, but recently made. The faceted ovals in this pic truly are vintage glass jewels!




They’re fabulous for small oval pendants, or earring jewels, or glass connectors. They’re beautifully made. They’re super affordable. What can I say, I think you’ll love them!

Emerald and Crystal Earrings – Customizable!

Okay, first let me say, when I say “Emerald” I really mean faceted emerald green *glass* stones. I’m not promoting uber expensive rare gemstones here – lovely though they can be. But I’m really big on gorgeous, flattering, affordable jewelry.





If you click on the pic you’ll see several color choices I have available in this same style. And – these are customizeable! You choose the color of the tiny round stones.

I think you’ll love them!

Black Glass Beads and Gems on sale!

Black glass gems, beads, and jewels are always in style! You know when they mention “basic black” it’s because a Little Black Dress or suit or jeans always look good, they’re always chic, and you can dress them down or up as you want.

The same applies to black jewelry! Jazz it up, go boho, go elegant. Impress your mother in law if you need to. It’s all up to you – your attitude, your chutzpah, your style. You got this!




And right now there is a sale on all the black glass jewels in my shop! From today through Wednesday, September 28, 2022, when you buy any black glass gems, you can get another pair or pendant for free. Just mention this blog post when you order!

Design your own jewelry for yourself and for gifts – and save money. This is a win!

Earring design idea – peach and silver!

First off I should say – the “silver” acorn charms shown here are silver plated over brass, not sterling. The plating (and charms) are made in the U.S. by a premiere jewelry supply company – and this plating is quality. It’ll stay shiny silver for a good long time – and costs way less than sterling!





And the sheer peach diamond shape glass gems are just one example of the colors you might choose. If you don’t see your fave, send me a note – I might have some others in my stash!

Black diamond glass gems in a new earring design!

This earring design features neutral, faceted glass gems that look good all year round! That’s one of the perks of wearing “neutral” jewelry. You don’t have to match your outfit – though of course that’s fun too. Think about it – these deep gray earrings would look good with blue, with red, with emerald green, with white. Gray goes with pretty much everything!





And now that I think of it – the mannequin “model” I use is close to life size, so very useful that way. And her hair is reddish brown. But now I wish I had a wig for her in gray, or white! Because more people are choosing to let themselves go gray – or dying their hair gray/white, why not? It looks fabulous!

If (when!) I get a gray wig for my model I will definitely be showing off jewelry on her. Stay tuned! And in the meantime – remember that neutral glass jewels, neutral jewelry, works with every skin color, every hair color, year round. That’s a major win!

P.S. If you look closely you’ll see that these black diamond jewels are not the exact same shade. Close, but not exact. And that is totally all right. Everything does NOT have to be matchy-matchy. Best thing I’ve heard today!

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!

Navy Blue Glass Teardrops in a New Size

New in my shop! These montana sapphire or navy blue glass gems are a graceful teardrop shape. They’re wonderful for pendants and earrings, and because they’re also available in two ring setting styles, they’re terrific glass connectors too.



I’ve had coordinating navy blue teardrops in a larger 18x13mm size (3/4″ x 1/2″) – and they’re very popular. But sometimes you want a more petite jewel, yknow? These are a bit smaller and of course very lightweight. And hint: a pair of these, plus a larger teardrop, make a great pendant-and-earrings jewelry set!

As always, do it yourself and save money. And really, check them out – I think you’ll love them!

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!