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Find these emerald green vintage glass teardrops, and emerald 8x8mm diamond shape (or diagonal square) glass gems here:
my Weekendjewelry1 jewelry supplies shop on Etsy
And just for fun, I’m having a aecret BOGO sale – buy one, get one free! Make any purchase in my shop, small or large, and you can get a free pair of jewels, or pendant, for free! Just mention this blog post when you order – and let me know what freebie you want. Offer good through midnight on Monday, February 20, 2023. Happy hunting!
This time I wanted to focus on clear glass jewels. Totally clear, transparent – not the “crystal clear” that has a foil backing (yes those are lovely, but not this post!) No, I mean faceted, transparent glass. There are obvious advantages – clear glass beads go with everything. But more important, even clear glass earrings can have sparkle! Case in point:
And no, I didn’t artificially add sparkle and contrast to the pics. My lighting was the usual (for me) – a fairly bright overcast day, filtered through translucent plastic at one window. Hey, it (mostly) works. And the clear glass will sparkle sometimes, sometimes not. Just like all faceted glass gems 🙂
The great thing about clear glass gems: yes they go with everything. Which makes it smart to use them when making DIY jewelry. Whether you make and sell jewelry, or make jewelry for yourself and for gifts: you know that clear glass will work!
P.S. Clear glass is also great for bridal jewelry if you don’t want loud flash, or to compete with your gown. Something to keep in mind!
Another example of earrings that look use aqua blue round glass jewels as a design element. Aqua is the birthstone color for March, so it’s kind of an appropriate time to show a few design ideas. But honestly, aqua is always a good idea!
These earrings pair the aqua round gems with sheer amethyst purple teardrops. The earrings have real color and style, but they’re not “in your face”. Sometimes you want pretty jewelry that doesn’t shout real loud, yknow?
And of course you could use this same style idea with your own gems and colors – make your own creative design! That’s what do it yourself jewelry is all about. Your own style. Well, that and saving money and having just exactly what you want!
I’m really happy with this new earring design idea. The earrings would be long(ish), but the jewels are not massive and the earrings are not heavy (I tried on a pair!) And the combination of aqua 10mm rivoli rounds, black diamond 8x8mm diamonds, and the vintage white 18x12mm teardrops, makes these really interesting and attractive.
At least I think so! Let me know what you think 🙂 And of course, this design idea would be easy to adapt to your favorite colors. Use the beads and jewels scattered on your work bench, try new ideas, and create a fabulous, custom-made pair of earrings!
And as long as I’m thinking of birthstone colors (see previous post!) – March is not that far off! I’ve got quite a few aqua glass jewels in my shop but I wanted to take a minute to highlight a few of the terrific sheer aqua glass gems I have in stock right now:
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I know I mentioned that amethyst purple is popular year round. Which is true – but amethyst has nothing on aqua! Aqua blue is one of the most popular colors – or even the most popular (emerald is high on that list too). It’s flattering on – well I was going to say every skin tone. I think that’s actually true: aqua is flattering to every skin tone. Light, dark, sallow, peachy, pale… you name your skin color, you can wear aqua! I’m astonished that more retailers don’t capitalize on that.
Of course they have to continue to sell new merchandise that changes every season, so we’ll just let that go. But believe me – you look good in aqua!
The birthstone color for February is amethyst – so I wanted to show you guys some of the rich amethyst glass stones I’ve got in my shop right now. A couple of these are vintage resupply (yay!) but honestly, I’m pretty fond of each of these. And more that you’ll see if you peek in my shop!
Amethyst is actually one of the most popular colors anyway. What can I say, people love purple! And it’s not really limited to one season. Amethyst is gorgeous for romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day of course (hey, not everything needs to be red!) but it looks good all year round. Great with a tan. Great with winter pales, and winter whites, and blacks.
What can I say, amethyst looks good all the time!
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!
It’s just a coincidence that red and gold are the team colors of the Kansas City Chiefs. No, actually, it is! A customer asked to see a couple design ideas using red and gold, and I couldn’t help think of it, since there is a major football playoff this weekend. I’m not going into details. I couldn’t resist mentioning the team colors, but I’m not trying to just trade off on the Chiefs.
And you probably noticed, the top set of jewels – the red vintage glass ovals – are in patina brass settings, when the other jewels are in golden brass settings. I didn’t even realize it till I took the pic, and I was going to change it.
Then I thought, it’s a fine way to show that Stuff Happens, and the jewelry can still look good. We don’t have to be matchy all the time. Go with what you’ve got!
I love to feature “birthstone colors”, especially if they are stones I have just found or resourced. And it’s always handy to remember what the birthstone gemstones, or gemstone colors, are for any particular month. How many times have we tried to think of an appropriate gift? A little extra info really helps!
Just for reference – or in case the print is too small on the pic. Birthstone colors listed here:
January – Garnet
February – Amethyst
March – Aquamarine
April – Diamond (Crystal)
May – Emerald
June – Alexandrite or Pearl
I know there have been times I’ve wanted to think of something special (without breaking the bank) when I bought (or made) a gift for my sister or my girlfriends. Knowing their birthdays – at least the birthday months – can help you choose a gift!
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!
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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