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Earring designs – playing with color, Part Two. I think.

Yes, I like to play with beads and jewels – they’re my medium, if you like. And I think it’s good to try things that we aren’t “supposed to do”. After I saw that yummy, fuschia pink silk dress (see my post here), I couldn’t resist playing with some fuschia pink jewels.

fuschia pink glass jewels with multi color beads and jewels

I deliberately grabbed beads and jewels that I wouldn’t usually pair with the fuschia pink jewels. In the example on the left, that big jump ring is aluminum – not a material you expect to see with a classic rhinestone teardrop. And the upper stone is navy blue.

In the middle design, those round(ish) beads are glass E beads – I probably wouldn’t choose those color combinations and those very..hmm…casual beads. But hey, why not try it?

The design on the right has a sapphire blue oval paired with the fuschia pear. And the settings aren’t even the same color. Well, we definitely wouldn’t do that.

But – why not? Okay, if it was me, I’d try to use three different settings, not two, so it looks deliberate. But that’s me. You ought to do – whatever feels right to you. Both gold and silver settings in the same earrings?

Why not?

Design your own ring

Just for fun – with this easy ring base and cabochon combo:

antiqued brass adjustable ring base and clear glass cabochon

You can see how easily it works. The ring base is lightweight and flexible – and adjustable, so it fits most fingers easily. You just find a graphic you like (the example was from an old magazine ad) – cut it into the oval shape inside the ring base (it should be approx. 25mm x 18mm, or 1″ x 3/4″). Slip it into the base. Add the clear glass cabochon, then gently squeeze the prongs closed. It’s that easy.

And you can make one to match every outfit. Or day of the week. Or, maybe, make a typeset graphic saying something you’re just dying to tell the world. “I’m getting married” or “Bite me” or whatever mood strikes you.

Easy, cute, inexpensive. We’re not talking the crown jewels here. We’re talking fun 🙂

DIY earrings designs part…next. Play with color!

Color is one of the most fun things to play with. And we sometimes forget to experiment and try new ideas. We always use blue with green, or red with black, or, well, just imagine the same-old-same-old combo you’ve been wearing forever.

Change the experiment. Break the rules. Or just play.

rhinestone glass jewels available in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop

You see what I mean about playing with color – and shapes? Pull out your bead stash, or the glass jewels you’ve been saving. Spread a white cloth (or paper!) on your desktop or work surface, so the colors really show up. Combine shapes you don’t usually use.

Play. You’ll find combos you love. I promise.

Aqua glass jewels – and DIY earring designs

I wanted to show you a few earring designs – just as examples – that you could make, with a pair of glass jewels and some ornaments. Simple ones, silver ones, inexpensive and easy to use.

DIY earring designs with aqua glass  teardrop jewels

The ornaments I’ve used here are available in my shop – or you may well have some at home that you can use. A feather, a flower, a silver leaf… you see the possibilities. Of course you can use more complex designs – and they can be wonderful. But even simple ideas have great style.

And you can do it 🙂

Spring 2015 colors

Yes, I’m thinking Spring. I’m so looking forward to warm weather and sunshine and playing outside 😉

Spring 2015 colors.... jonquil peridot and aqua glass jewel charms

Aren’t those lovely? And think how pretty as a delicate pendant, on a simple gold chain. Or earrings that will look great with so many outfits. Easy, affordable, wearable.

And pretty. That just sounds good, right now!

Patina brass and amethyst glass pendant

I’ve had so many requests lately for amethyst beads and jewels – and pendants. I think partly because amethyst is known as the gemstone of love – and even glass jewels have that same mystique.

patina brass and amethyst glass cabochon pendant

and – this part is not mysterious – they’re pretty, and affordable, and easy to use. Add a jump ring or bail, slip it on a chain, and your vintage style necklace is ready to wear.

Are we thinking Prom yet? (Yes!)

Blue zircon octagon jewels – so rich!

I don’t think it’s just me. I think these wonderful blue zircon octagon jewels (glass jewels, that is) look fabulously luxurious.

sheer blue zircon octagon beads (glass or rhinestone jewels) in my Etsy shop

I’ve had blue zircon octagons before, in a foiled-back setting, and they’re super. But this is actually one of those colors that I think is even better when it’s sheer, so the light shines through. It looks good on just about everybody, it’s great year-round, and the octagon cut (closely resembling the classic gemstone “emerald cut”) feels very luxe.

Use these jewels in a simple setting – as an oversized button earring (yes I have no-ring, closed back settings for them) – or a simple drop earring – or a fabulous classic emerald-cut pendant. You’ll look like a million bucks.

You just don’t have to spend that kind of money 🙂

Win!

Peach Glass Teardrop Jewels

Peach is such a pretty color – it looks good year round of course, but I’m having those spring thoughts again. Bet you are too 🙂

peach teardrop jewels in my Etsy shop

Peach also has the advantage of being flattering to almost every skin tone. Petite teardrops, pretty color, flattering shade, available in both golden and silver settings…and oh, did we mention affordable? That helps too.

You guys stay warm! And think spring. Couldn’t hurt. Might help 😉

Clear vintage glass jewels

I’ve finally gotten some more of these pretty glass oval jewels! It surprised me how long it took to find them – but here they are – vintage glass at its best 🙂

clear oval vintage glass jewels in my Etsy shop

Okay, it’s not hard to find clear glass jewels, even vintage ones. It is hard to find beautifully faceted, quality glass in this wonderful 12mm x 10mm size. They’re just lovely – large enough to have presence, even in clear glass! but petite and delicate, all the same. And the clear glass? You’d think it would sort of disappear – but it doesn’t. It gets a lovely sparkle from the faceting, and the settings.

Let me rephrase that. *You* get a lovely sparkle 🙂

“Light colorado topaz” glass jewels

It’s just funny, ths little differences in colors – even with jewels from the same vendor and with the same name. Look at these pretty Light Colorado Topaz glass jewels, all in my Etsy shop right now.

light colorado topaz glass jewels in my Etsy shop

You can see that they’re all the “same color”. But there are definitely differences, in light or dark-ness, in color intensity, sometimes beige-r, sometimes almost gold…. it’s just one of the little quirks of the jewelry trade.

Keeps things fun 🙂