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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!
Really it would be more accurate to say a “new version” of the cluster necklace design I featured a few days ago. This time I used crystal clear glass stones in three sizes – a 26x13mm teardrop, 10mm round glass gems, and 8mm rounds as well. The gems are handset in silver plated brass settings, and I added sturdy silver plated jump rings to slide the jewels over the chain. They’re free to move around, tumble a bit, and create a new cluster every time you move. It makes the necklace design a bit more organic!
Of course this version, with all crystal clear stones, would be perfect for a bride! But also for prom, for New Year’s, for any special occasion where you want sparkle. Actually this design is versatile enough that you could use it with a formal gown – or a scoop neck longsleeve tee. As always, style it to work for * you*.
Sparkle with affordable jewelry components – take this design idea, adapt it to your own special creative ideas. I think you’ll love it!
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!
I thought of this because ruby red is the birthstone color for July – which is coming up faster than we realize! But really I just think red is a fabulous color. These aren’t all “ruby red” – some are bright red, some are a bit lighter, some are truly ruby red. A lot of that depends on the lighting as well as the stones. But they’re gorgeous red, either way!
And they’re on sale right now! From today through Saturday, May 14, 2022, for every pair of red glass jewels you buy (or red pendant) you get a pair, or pendant, for free. BOGO sales are the best time to buy, yknow?
All you have to do to get your freebie is send a note to me when you make a purchase – I’ll get back to you quickly to confirm your freebie. And ship it quickly. (Good only while supplies last!)
A lot of times I play with random stones on my workbench – I don’t let myself choose from my whole stash – it has to be on the table already. This can get creative (okay sometimes). But this time I wanted to illustrate how deliberately using stones in the same color, gathered simply on a chain, can be a gorgeous piece of jewelry.
Of course this necklace design idea is just one example. Use your favorite colors. Use jewels in your own stash – or choose any style in the colors you love. Be random – or not. I think I’ll try that soon – a classic, simple idea like this, with different shapes and colors.
But in the meantime? I think this is a wonderful illustration that good design doesn’t have to cost a lot, or take a lot of work. Go for it!
This ‘do it yourself’ earring idea is a classic one. Combine faceted glass jewels with charms to make fun dangling earrings. I used two different colors of glass jewels here. One, to show that even similar shapes and colors do create a slightly different look. And actually, I love the idea of deliberately using two different color stones. Maybe the birthstone colors of you and your significant other. Or have several earrings in this style, and coordinate the colors you wear today, with the outfit you wear today!
Of course you can take this idea in your own creative direction (always!). Combine different colors, different charms and jewels, and maybe use more jewels. Play with this idea – you’ll come up with your own interpretation. And make them *yours*!
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!
Let’s take a look at more glass connector links available in my shop right now. I deliberately chose a few neutral, non-vivid colors this time. Subtle colors are just as useful as brights. Both are worth trying! And hey, maybe combine them in your own inspired design. Black with red. Garnet with emerald. Play with ideas!
Again -and as always, if there’s a shape and color you want, and can’t find – let me know, I might have some! Or know where to find some. Hey, can’t hurt to ask!
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!
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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