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The term “cushion cut” refers to an octagon shaped glass jewel, usually with rounded corners. It’s a classic cut harkening back to the fine Czech glass rhinestones of the 1800s – and probably to beautifully cut gemstones for a long time before that. They are still one of the most popular cuts, and you can see why:  They’re one of the most flattering, versatile styles of stone to wear – whether glass, lucite, or gemstone. You’ll love them! Just a quick note, I wanted to mention what a good idea it is to combine different materials. Okay, I know this is a thing of mine – I love unmatchy bits and pieces. These earrings are just one example:  Yes, I have those glass jewels available in my jewelry supplies shop, Weekendjewelry1 at Etsy. And if you don’t have any pearls, drop me a note, I probably have some. The thing here is, the addition of a simple handwired pearl takes these pretty glass jewel earrings to a whole new level. Delicate, girly, pretty. And a simple DIY. Ask for help if you need it – pretty soon you’ll have it down pat 🙂 A customer asked me to show her some of the crystal jewels I currently have available – she was playing with ideas for her wedding jewelry. I sent her several individual links, and showed her this pic too:  We shared a few ideas back and forth until she determined exactly what she wanted – I can’t wait to see her wedding pics! When it comes down to it, that’s what really counts. Pretty bridal and wedding jewels that can be combined into your very own creation – perfect for your special day! And now we get back to our main love – sparkly glass jewels. These are a few unexpected combinations I put together on my work desk, just to see how they’d fit together:  Any of these could be used “as is”, and they’d be charming. Combining unusual colors and shapes is a fun way to up your game 🙂 And of course you can customize – and get exactly the colors you need for your event or, say, your bridesmaids. Custom colors – just what you want and need – this is a win! One of the advantages of making your own jewelry (or, having a jewelry supply shop!) is that you can make exactly the jewelry you want. You can choose the color – or combinations – or shapes, sizes, metal colors. It’s like a smorgasbord all for you, and you get to choose the goodies. For instance, if I wanted to make some earrings to go with the totally adorable vintage sundress I posted about a few days ago, any of these lovely set stone combos would be great.  And aside from saving money (which come on, is usually pretty important) the beauty of DIY is that: you can get what you want. That’s worth repeating. You can get WHAT YOU WANT. Go for it. I recently added another color combination to my collection of “triples” – glass earring (or pendant) dangle beads that actually have three rhinestone jewels. I’m already getting a super response to this emerald, aqua, and crystal combination:  A little added perk to these “triple” listings is that I can offer a “choose your color” option – there are several color variations (and of course you can always let me know what colors *you* want and I’ll create a combo just for you 🙂 I’ve said it before: it’s all personal. If you can get just the colors you want, well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it? Yeah. Thought so. I love this amethyst glass jewel set. It’s a pretty color (amethyst purple, the color of love, but you knew that). It’s feminine and classy and delicate without being so dainty it disappears. And it’s easy to use!  Add a jump ring and chain and your necklace is ready. Add earwires and you’re good to go. If, just as an example, you needed a jewelry set for your Mom? You order this, I send it out next day, you get it in 3 days (okay, knock wood) and you add the findings. Voila: a great gift for Mom. But also for you, of course. And did I mention it’s an affordable glass jewel set? Yes. Easy, pretty, affordable. This is a good trend 🙂 Clear glass can be simple and stunning – it has a lot more “presence” than you might think. I had taken this pic recently, just as a test to see how my mannequin “model” might work for necklace pics. Then a customer wanted to get a guesstimated idea to see how her 18mm x 13mm oval jewels might work as a necklace.  The model (mannequin) here is close to life size. A little smaller (and slimmer, because everybody must be a size 2, of course)(pffft!) – but still, it gives an idea. Clear jewels are just too much fun 😉 When in doubt, go with the classics. I’ve recently restocked this size and shape – 14mm x 10mm crystal oval rhinestone jewels. Just over 5/8″ long – delicate and pretty.  This “mid-size” oval just works, yknow? They’re large enough to be noticed – but not heavy or in-your-face. They’re actually wonderful pendants. They’re great for earrings. I do have two-ring settings available as well, so you can use them for links in your necklaces or bracelets. and, I mean – when you don’t know what color to wear, or you want the reflected light to flatter your face? Crystal, faceted jewels. Tiny little bits of sparkle. Girly and gorgeous. Why do you think diamonds are so popular? These don’t cost quite so much 😉 (Okay, compared to diamonds, these cost practically nothing.) They look good. They’re easy to use. This is a win. 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.  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? |
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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