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We’re going for simple today. Pink glass beads – cabochon jewels, if you want to be technical about it 🙂 I’m getting more pink jewels in lately – people are wanting them. And it’s such a pretty color!
Use them “as is” with dangling pearls or jewels. Or buy the settings with only one ring, on top of the stone – add earwires and you’re done. Or with no rings at all, you just glue on earring posts – and again, done. A classier pair of stud earrings, you are just not going to find!
Well – you might be looking for other colors, which is totally doable. Check out the other “cushion cut” glass beads in my Etsy shop.
DIY earrings are easy, they’re super affordable, they’re fun, and they will totally match your new outfit. This is a win!
You know I’m a convert to glass cabochons and jewels. I had to learn that good jewelry didn’t have to be made with “precious” gemstones or cost a fortune. This pic below is just another example of how glass jewels can be lovely 🙂
These were jewels that were on my worktable from a couple different projects – and you know how I do sometimes – I just fiddle with different combos. These are all strong colors – golden topaz navettes, peridot green round rivoli jewels, and deep aqua glass octagons. Any of them could be used alone, as is, for earrings or necklace jewels.
And when you put them together? Stunning. Fun. Fab. Easy to make, easy to wear, easy on the wallet. You see what I mean? This is a win 😉
I’ve talked about these adorable sparrow connectors before but I just wanted to take a moment to show you how pretty the golden (raw) brass birds are:
They really do make terrific earring links or dangles – or connectors for your necklace or bracelet. They’re versatile and work with so many styles.
But – small tip – you can also clip off one ring, file the ends gently, and use them “as is” for earrings. Pretty little golden birds, just a touch whimsical, and of course as earrings they go with practically everything. Plus, they’re lightweight and inexpensive. This really is a win!
White jewels are classic for wedding jewelry, of course – and I recently paired these two different styles – and made this super combo 🙂
The opaque white teardrops are vintage glass cabochon jewels made in post-war Japan (talk about “something old” – very cool!) The crystal jewels are new, and the faceting’s clean and modern.
Linked with silver jump rings, these would be fabulous for a bride. Modern, clean, and vintage too? This is a win 🙂
We can’t all wear rubies and sapphres. And – I will say it right here – this doesn’t bother me at all. I’m kinda over feeling the need for Expensive Gemstones. Yes they’re beautiful (when they’re quality). But mostly I love color – and I think a lot of women feel the same way. Glass jewels are beautiful, they’re affordable, and they don’t damage the planet. Not as much as mining gems, anyway. So – glass jewels? A win-win.
Like these:
Used together as shown, wouldn’t those make a terrific pair of earrings? For about one squillionth the cost of “Fine gemstones”.
I don’t need fine gemstones. I want good looking jewelry, that I can make (or you can make), that I can afford, that’s fun to wear.
That’s a win 🙂
The “hangman’s noose” wire wrap is probably the single most useful wire wrap you’ll ever learn. Once you master it (and it’s not hard) you can create professionally secure dangles and connectors with any beads and components.
The wrap is called the “hangman’s noose” (really!) I guess they used the same technique back in the old days, with rope. I’m going to just move from that now…!
I did a simple sketch to illustrate how to make this wrap:
Basically you slip your bead onto a headpin, make a loop around the tip of round-nose pliers, slip the loop onto a chain link, and then wrap the remainder of the headpin around the straight part of the wire. I think – I hope – the drawing makes that clear!
Holler (email me) if it doesn’t! And check YouTube too – there’s handy files there. This drawing is just an extra reference 🙂
I just wanted to show another quick example of how combining rhinestones and simple charms can make stunning earrings. You don’t have to fuss for a long time! Or spend a lot of money.
See? This is not a new idea or anything, it’s just a fun example of what you can do. A bit of color – a bit of silver or gold. Link these with simple jump rings, add an earwire, and you’ve got a lightweight, pretty dangly earring.
This isn’t rocket science. It’s fun 🙂
This is a design I love – and my customers have been pretty happy with it too 🙂 These crystal (glass) octagons are pointed back cabochons, glass jewels that measure 14mm x 10mm (approx. 5/8″ x 3/8″). They’re well faceted, sparkly, and feminine.
And here’s the even-cooler part. Take this same basic design, and instead of adding silver(y) chain, attach a clasp.
And presto, you’ve got a gorgeous bracelet! Hint: try this. When you’re making the necklace, instead of adding the chain to the octagons with a jump ring – use spring rings instead. Made that way, you can attach the chain to the jump rings anytime you want to wear your necklace. Or you can leave the chain off, clasp the spring rings *to each other*, and wear your octagons as a bracelet! (I’ll do up a pic soon and add it here.)
Double sparkly goodness for your prom, your Saturday night date… or your wedding. Win!
I haven’t done an “Etsy Mini” in a while – that’s sort of a snapshot, of some of the items currently available in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop. Here, take a peek!
That’s just a few of the 300 items I’ve got in my shop right now. And also – if there’s a glass jewel, maybe a color or shape you’re looking for and can’t find – just drop me a note. I might have some, or know where to find them.
Have fun!
These pretty oval jewels are crystal pointed back cabochon stones and they are probably the most popular oval jewel I’ve ever found. Such pretty gems! The size is perfect when you don’t want gaudy but you do want sparkly 🙂
They’re about 1/2″ long. Demure and girly. Also sparkling and sexy. Kind of the perfect stone. Think how pretty these would be for your wedding earrings, or a tiny lovely pendant on a delicate silver chain.
And if you want something a bit more complex, but still not huge, and still sparkly?You can choose the two-jewel setting. Pair your crystal ovals with a tiny rhinestone (and you choose the color!) Wonderful for wedding jewels – and bridesmaids.
Or prom. Or Friday night. Or Sunday. Or, well, you get the idea 🙂
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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