DIY jewelry making « Vintage Glass Jewels

Navy blue glass jewels – or montana sapphire

It’s amazing how fresh this color looks for spring. Why haven’t we seen more navy blue, excuse me, montana sapphire, lately? I’ve had several people ask if I had some of these beads – probably because I really encourage my customers to ask me when they’re hunting for some rhinestones or glass jewels and just can’t find them. Sometimes I can’t either – but lots of times I can 🙂

montana sapphire or navy blue glass jewel pendant and earring jewels

See what I mean? Fresh and clean looking. The color doesn’t shout but it’s really good. And of course, it goes with almost everything.

Like I’ve said before: good looking, quality materials, easy to use, affordable. This is a win 🙂

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?

Art deco inspired brass charms

And then, there are times when you want a golden earring – no jewel tones, just metal, and not expensive – but looking rich. Hey, I sell glass jewels, and I love the sparkle – but sometimes I want a little quieter luxe. Like these:

Are those not a graceful, feminine shape? They’re a bit over 1″ long, large enough to have presence but still lightweight and comfy (yes I’m big on comfort). They’re perfect when you want something special – but you don’t want to shout 🙂

Affordable, comfortable, gorgeous: this is a win 🙂

Tiny Silver Acorn Charms

I just love these cute little charms (or can we say, darling minimalist earrings?)

silver acorn charms two pairs showing hollow back

As you can see in the second pic, these little charms are hollow – so they’re very lightweight – perfect for comfy earrings. Also inexpensive. But they’re also beautifully formed – look at the detail! They’re made and plated in the US, and the manufacturer has been a leader in the brass (and brass stampings and jewelry findings) field for most of the 20th century.

These charms are the perfect touch when you want to add a little ornament to your jewelry design – or make a minimalist statement.

Win 🙂

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 😉

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 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 😉

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Navy blue glass jewels – or montana sapphire

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

Art deco inspired brass charms

Tiny Silver Acorn Charms

DIY earrings designs part…next. Play with color!

Aqua glass jewels – and DIY earring designs

Spring 2015 colors

Patina brass and amethyst glass pendant

Blue zircon octagon jewels – so rich!

Peach Glass Teardrop Jewels

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