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I received a wonderful compliment in my shop the other day and it made me so happy, I just had to share. I had mailed some of this style black glass teardrop jewels:
to a lovely customer in Italy. By way of letting me know she’d gotten her package, and that she was pleased, she left this comment on the feedback page in my Etsy shop:
“Incantevole! Talmente bella da sembrare ossidiana..Sono davvero soddisfatta, non avrei potuto ricevere di meglio. Grazie!”
which, translated, says: “Lovely! So beautiful as to seem … Obsidian I am really satisfied, I could not get any better. Thank you!”
That totally made my day. That she thought the jewels compared to obsidian! and that she took the time and effort to write. Such a kind, thoughtful – and valued – customer!
Grazie, bella!
These aqua beads have two glass jewels, a sparkling aqua round “rivoli” jewel (the faceting comes to a point rather than being “table cut”) – and a tiny sparkling rhinestone chaton. They’re a fine example of simple, easy to use, and beautiful. You really don’t need to do a bunch of Stuff to have a lovely pair of earrings.
They’re about 3/4″ long, large enough to have “presence” – and to add color and sparkle to your outfit. But they’re not big and heavy. It’s easy to use them – just add earwires (or leverbacks, my favorite). But you could also dangle them from other crystals, from jeweled links, from wire-wrapped pearls. Make them into long dangles if you like.
Still: used exactly “as is” (whether in the patina brass settings shown, or golden raw brass, or shining silver plate) – they’re lovely earrings. Perfect for your bridesmaid – or your bridal earrings. Perfect for gifts. Perfect for you.
This is what easy DIY is about. Perfect for you.
The color known in the jewelry trade as ‘light colorado topaz’ is a wonderful golden tan, not too dark, that is totally reminiscent of champagne. Or the color we think of as “champagne”. Or a rich beautiful sparkling mysterious light lovely topaz.
You get the idea I think this is a good color? That would be a Yes 🙂
These are just a few of the shapes I have in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop in this lovely color. It’s so flattering (not too yellow-greenish, not too washed-out beige) and easy to wear. It looks rich (i.e., reference to ‘champagne’ I mentioned earlier). It’s great for bridesmaids – and brides. And if you stretch a bit, it’s even the birthstone color for November (topaz).
It’s just a GOOD COLOR. And girls love it 🙂
Now this is why vintage is cool. Take a look at this totally wearable, everyday, just-for-fun jacket:
It’s basically just a baseball jacket. It’s casual, it’s not meant to be Grand, it’s probably fairly lightweight. Perfect for fall days or nights when you just need a little something. The thing is, somebody decided to make it fun. It’s hand-embroidered, it’s got lots of colors, it’s not super expensive, and you’re definitely not going to see a bunch of them running around the neighborhood.
I found it at Last Call by T a new vintage shop on Etsy. Tierney, the shop owner, has a great eye. She gives details, she has good clear photos, she finds good stuff. This is the kind of shop we all want to find 😉
It’s why vintage is fun. Something a little different, something you can enjoy without stressing about it. Just wear it 🙂
Just another example of how contrasts make all your elements look better:
You see what I mean? Whether this filigree-style “ornament” or another, the drama of using black with clear jewels adds a little extra something. These clear glass ovals are nicely faceted – the light and sparkle add just enough pizzazz to this combo to make it extra fun for a necklace focal. These were on my worktable – if I was going to make a necklace, I’d use gunmetal chain – or silver – or copper.
Contrasts. Play with stuff. Don’t match all your elements – on purpose. It works!
I know, I’ve said this before – it’s worth repeating. Mix up your colors. Mix your metals. Mix clay and glass. Mix plastic and metal – why not? (Okay, not if you’re paying real gemstone prices.) But for fun stuff – why not?
Here’s another peek at some of the combos I found on my worktable:
The point here is, you don’t have to Match. Copper and silver together? Sure. Brass, copper, silver…. they can all look good. You’re the one who decides. If you like it – it works. If you decide you need those colors – it works.
You’re in charge. You like it? It works.
And why do I say “Fun”? Because when you find something you like, and it’s a good price, and then you realize you can wear it all year round, with practically any outfit, because it’s neutral in color?
Now that’s fun. Economical, and smart, and feel-good-fun. We should all find a few little pleasures like this – and it costs you $3.59 plus the earwires? You’re going to beat that? Yeah, I don’t think so.
P.S. By the way – that’s me and my camera, reflected in the charcoal gray cabochons. Now that’s highly polished!
And what makes these a little bit unusual, is using sparkly (or sheer) jewels paired with opaque ones. It’s like having a new visual “texture” – it’s fun, it’s interesting, and when the colors are beautifully coordinated like these, it really works.
They’re not exactly the same shade of peach – which doesn’t strike me as a bad thing. They’re gorgeous together. And will look good all summer. And winter.
Which is what you want your (DIY, inexpensive, wearable) jewelry to do 🙂
I saw this adorable dress on Etsy and loved the casual style. Then I noticed it’s made from upcycled components, and appreciate it even more. This is so smart!
Isn’t it great? Casual – funky – and kind of sexy/fun. I found it at Revival boutique on Etsy. The designer said it beautifully: “What better way to be kind to the planet and create something unique, classic and timeless?”
So: kinder to the planet. Ecologically smart. Original stylish dress. One-of-a-kind, well-made, affordable garments you’re going to love.
This is what I call a win. Go shopping – you’ll thank me!
And this is the pic I mentioned earlier. Here we have a darling summer dress (vintage of course). And the red jewels – just for comparison’s sake, with a couple other colors that could work.
Any of these could work (even the green ones, which aren’t quite the kelly green that would be perfect). But the red vintage jewels, well, I just think they’d be the most fun 😉
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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