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Obsidian, black onyx, jet – these are all popular names for genuine, semi-precious black jewels and stones. They’re also descriptions that are often used when referring to black glass. Well I don’t see any need to use confusing “gemstone” titles. I love opaque black glass. Honest, easy to use, always classic. You can’t go wrong, and you don’t need to dress it up with fancy (fake-ish) names.
See what I mean? These gorgeous glass stones can easily be used to make gorgeous earrings, necklaces, bracelet links…. with emphasis on “easily”. Not to mention they aren’t costly.
With fall coming, black is going to be a basic. Well. Let me rephrase that. Black is always a basic, always classic, always looks good.
You could say that Black is the new Black 😉
With school starting up, this is a great way to make some money at local craft shows. Make some earrings (or whatever floats your boat) in your team colors. I’m not suggesting infringing on any trademarks…. just that, if your son’s high school football team colors are blue and gold, well, it couldn’t hurt to offer some jewelry in those colors, when you’re selling at the local fundraiser.
No reason you can’t try a few ideas along those lines, yknow? No copyright infringement, please. Don’t claim that you’re offering official North Kansas City Hornets jewelry – you’re just selling earrings made with purple and gold. Other teams – say, the Dallas Cowboys – might get a little touchy if you say you’re selling their licensed jewelry – without the license. But selling earrings made in montana sapphire (navy blue) and white (crystal) – well those are just going to be pretty. And they certainly don’t need to be licensed.
You see what I mean. It be a great way for your neighbors to learn about your jewelry biz – and a cool way to raise money for the football team!
I’ve been getting in more gorgeous red glass beads and jewels and wanted to show them off a bit. It’s amazing how many different colors fall under the name “red”, but these are fairly traditional – from light siam red (a hint of orange in the scarlet) to crimson to deep ruby red. The common denominator? Vivid, rich color 🙂
I’m getting some new shapes in too – or in some cases, resupplying – I’ll post more in a day or six. Octagons, chatons, rivolis, teardrops…. red is such a great color for fall!
And Christmas, of course. And holidays. And, well. Red is always a great color 😉
Golden topaz is pretty year round of course. But somehow in fall, it seems a more magical color. The color of changing leaves, maybe?
Or because it’s the November birthstone? That’s partly it. But mostly it’s like little rays of sunshine, I think. For example:
Pretty color, low cost, do-it-yourself sunshine jewels. This is a win 🙂
I had featured some fuschia pink bead “triples” several months back see post here – and just recently started playing with fuschia again. Sometimes that rich, bright color is just what you need!
Yes, I love to try new combinations – almost at random. The center design shows simple, small round glass beads hand wired (using inexpensive gold craft wire) to a teardrop bead. None of the colors match. And yet, isn’t it kind of interesting? I thought so. And of course, you could “randomly” choose colors that are just what you need for a special outfit…
That’s the fun of making your own jewelry (and having lots of bits and pieces from previous projects!) You can try stuff. You can create your own look. You don’t have to spend a lot of money.
That’s a win 🙂
I was talking about crystal AB glass beads recently (see post here and realized I hadn’t added my newest style! I am totally in love with these 🙂
They’re wonderful used with other AB beads – make dangling earrings by combining them with teardrops, for example. But they’are also wonderful with any tiny bead or pearl added to the bottom ring – lightweight and comfy and also totally adorable! I’m going to post some examples soon (stay tuned!)
The sparkle and tiny glints of color are so pretty!
I’m trying a little experiment over in my Etsy jewelry supplies shop. I’ve made a listing where you can pick any three pairs of “cushion cut” glass beads or jewels in one listing – and you get to choose the color(s).
I want to see, over say a month’s time, how many times people want three pairs of the same color, or all pastels, or all warm colors, or – well, you get the idea.
And of course I’m offering a little extra incentive – a sale price 🙂
That’s called a win for me, because I learn stuff (and maybe make a few extra sales), and a win for you the customer, because you get just what you want, and you get a really good deal. See? Win!
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!
When you hear someone referring to an “AB” finish on their beads, they’re talking about an “aurora borealis” coating. It’s a treatment that gives glints of many colors over what would otherwise be clear glass. I think it might have originated with Swarovski but by now, most reputable manufacturers have their own version.
Add just a bit of glam to your day – don’t spend a lot of money – you know the deal. Try it – I think you’ll like it 😉
And just a quick peek at some of the jonquil yellow glass cabochon jewels I’ve got in stock right now. Jonquil is such a lovely crystal!
There are a few I haven’t got listed yet, too – so if you’re looking for a particular size or shape, and don’t see it? Please do ask!
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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