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Yes, this is a classic necklace design: a faceted pear or teardrop shaped pendant on a simple silver(ish) chain. This works year round but the ruby red color is especially appropriate right now, since the birthstone color for July is ruby red.  Of course this design works with your favorite color, too. I just wanted to show you the sample in ruby red! It will look great worn over a tee shirt, or with a cocktail dress for dinner. It’s known as classic for a reason – this works! This is a new listing in my Etsy shop. Of course I’ve had peridot octagons before – this new batch is sheer, with no foil backing. It’s a subtle color, but really has its own presence. And sometimes a pretty, feminine light green is just what we’re looking for!  Remember that peridot is the birthstone color for August – and these sheer glass gems are great for pendants and earrings. I do have some two-ring settings as well, so if you’re interested in connectors (that would look great) send me a note. And – just a note in case you like to save money (ahem!) – they’re on sale! (Only while supplies last so you might not want to wait too long.) Sapphire blue is one of the most popular glass jewel colors in my Etsy shop. It’s a beautiful, rich color, flattering to most skin tones, and really works in year-round jewelry.  This earring design idea features two shapes of sapphire glass jewels – 12mm x 12mm cushion cut octagons (a classic faceted square octagon with rounded corners) paired with 18mm x 13mm faceted teardrops. These earrings would be approximately 2″ long – large enough to have real presence, but not super heavy. And sapphire blue is the birthstone color for September. Just in case that’s useful to remember… Easy DIY earrings to make, that are also easy and flattering to wear! This oval crystal necklace is a classic. It’s a simple design – find a beautiful faceted oval glass gem, add a sturdy jump ring to the loop at the top of the setting, and slide the oval pendant on a chain.  And that’s it! Of course you need to use a beautiful pendant – you want something that will be a star on its own, without needing a lot of embellishment. The chain helps too – in this case, I used simple plated cable chain but I used two strands. It adds something extra without a lot of work. Really I wanted to illustrate that good design – and beautiful jewelry – doesn’t have to be time consuming, or fussy. Simple and classic works. Think how beautiful this necklace would be on a bride! (And you know, whether it’s a gift to the bride, or she makes her own jewelry, she isn’t going to mind saving some money!) These “cushion cut” octagons are one of the most popular size and shapeglass gems in my Etsy Shop. The term “cushion cut” means a square octagon with rounded corners. It’s a classic faceted shape, popular from the late 1800s on (maybe earlier!) It’s a versatile size and shape – great for earring drops, glass connectors, and pendants. These sheer stones, with no foil back, are a bit quieter and subtler than the foiled stones. They’re delicate, feminine, and I’m getting a really good vibe from my customers about them. Stay tuned, I’m going to get more colors in!  I recently talked to a bride who wanted crystal gems for herself – and birthstone colors for her bridesmaids, all in a similar shape. These 12mm cushion cut stones worked wonderfully for her. And it’s a concept that could be adapted for other gift ideas. Check out the other colors I have available right now – and as always, if you’re searching for one and can’t find it? Ask me – I might have some stashed! Since my red glass gems are on BOGO sale right now, I thought it would be fun to show one recent earrings style I made to show off just two of the red gem shapes I have available right now.  Of course this is just one design idea – it does show the relative scale and size of these jewels (the mannequin is close to life size). The earrings have some length, and real presence – but they’re not overpowering and heavy. You’ll style your own ideas, of course – and I’d love to see your creations! But meantime, it never hurts to remember the BOGO sale good through May 14, 2022. Just saying! These are just a few of the jewels in my shop that are great for stud or button earrings. Of course, any jewels that can be placed in “no ring” settings can be made into stud earrings. Usually they’re smallish to medium size (though if you want some 18x13mm octagons for strong, bold button earrings, let me know – I still have some of those settings available with no rings).  There’s something bold about button earrings. They have to carry the whole design with just their shape and color – and you know, it really works. Use a good glue to attach earring studs to the back of these settings, allow it time to dry, and your earrings are ready to wear. These are feminine, strong and pretty – and don’t dangle and get in the way when you’re working. Sometimes that’s an advantage! Today I’m highlighting some of the glass connectors in my shop. These can be the start – or focus – of so many jewelry designs. Link ovals together to make a bracelet, or an elegant necklace “chain” of jewels. Create earrings or intricate pendants with dangling, linked jewels. The possibilities really are endless!  Really I should say right off that most of the glass jewels in my shop can be used as connectors. There are a few (mostly pendants) that aren’t available in two-ring “connector” settings, but still… the majority of stones can be sent in the two ring settings. Figure out what shapes and colors you like best, and let your imagination loose. Play with ideas! And as always, if there’s a shape and color of glass jewel you want, and can’t find – let me know, I might have some! Emerald green is the May birthstone color. This is a good reason to be shopping for emerald glass gems. But even more? Emerald is so flattering!  Some greens can be, let’s say challenging. Loden green, olivine, lime green, all have undertones that are sometimes difficult for some people to love. But emerald? Is one of the easiest colors to wear. It’s flattering to pale skin, to dark skin, to redheads, to gray hair, to… well you name it. It’s rich and wearable and flattering. And a customer favorite. Check out the gems I have available right now (click on the pic above). And if there’s a shape you’re looking for and don’t see? Send me a note – I might have some stashed! Blue zircon glass gems – close to teal blue in color – are a customer favorite. Here are three sizes of blue zircon glass octagons I have available right now:  This is a gorgeous color that works all year round. These gems are wonderful for pendants and earrings – also glass connectors. You’ll love them! |
Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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