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Just another example of how contrasts make all your elements look better:
You see what I mean? Whether this filigree-style “ornament” or another, the drama of using black with clear jewels adds a little extra something. These clear glass ovals are nicely faceted – the light and sparkle add just enough pizzazz to this combo to make it extra fun for a necklace focal. These were on my worktable – if I was going to make a necklace, I’d use gunmetal chain – or silver – or copper.
Contrasts. Play with stuff. Don’t match all your elements – on purpose. It works!
I know, I’ve said this before – it’s worth repeating. Mix up your colors. Mix your metals. Mix clay and glass. Mix plastic and metal – why not? (Okay, not if you’re paying real gemstone prices.) But for fun stuff – why not?
Here’s another peek at some of the combos I found on my worktable:
The point here is, you don’t have to Match. Copper and silver together? Sure. Brass, copper, silver…. they can all look good. You’re the one who decides. If you like it – it works. If you decide you need those colors – it works.
You’re in charge. You like it? It works.
And why do I say “Fun”? Because when you find something you like, and it’s a good price, and then you realize you can wear it all year round, with practically any outfit, because it’s neutral in color?
Now that’s fun. Economical, and smart, and feel-good-fun. We should all find a few little pleasures like this – and it costs you $3.59 plus the earwires? You’re going to beat that? Yeah, I don’t think so.
P.S. By the way – that’s me and my camera, reflected in the charcoal gray cabochons. Now that’s highly polished!
And what makes these a little bit unusual, is using sparkly (or sheer) jewels paired with opaque ones. It’s like having a new visual “texture” – it’s fun, it’s interesting, and when the colors are beautifully coordinated like these, it really works.
They’re not exactly the same shade of peach – which doesn’t strike me as a bad thing. They’re gorgeous together. And will look good all summer. And winter.
Which is what you want your (DIY, inexpensive, wearable) jewelry to do 🙂
And this is the pic I mentioned earlier. Here we have a darling summer dress (vintage of course). And the red jewels – just for comparison’s sake, with a couple other colors that could work.
Any of these could work (even the green ones, which aren’t quite the kelly green that would be perfect). But the red vintage jewels, well, I just think they’d be the most fun 😉
I just wanted to show you how a simple little jewel can totally work for you. You’ll remember that pretty green summer dress I featured the other day – well it has calico trim with red in it. Think how pretty these vintage oval jewels would be as earrings with that dress 🙂
I’m going to post a pic in a little while, showing the dress – and the jewels (wish I could do it on a model! Oh well). Just so you can get the idea. Contrasts work. Simple works.
Color works 🙂
I think of these pretty oval duos as “wedding jewels”. Of course you can wear them for other occasions, but they are so graceful, simple, and feminine, that I think they are perfect for brides:
The little sparkle of color at the top of the setting can be matched to your wedding colors – or of course can be clear, sparkling, bridal crystal. Hmm. You could use crystal for your earrings – and a color stone for your bridesmaids 🙂
DIY. Save money. Sparkling, pretty, bridal jewels. This is all to the good!
I mentioned cushion cut jewels the other day – one of the other major trends I’m seeing lately is stud earrings. Small, pretty earrings that don’t shout out loud – but look great.
Like these pretty glass octagons:
Those little jewels can be placed in one-ring, two-ring or no-ring settings. I think people are liking the no-ring, button earring styles lately because they don’t get in the way, they look girly and pretty, and sometimes it’s nice to have a change from big dangle earrings.
Which we will talk about later. Because they’re still wonderful. But the little earrings? They’re fun too 🙂
The term “cushion cut” refers to an octagon shaped glass jewel, usually with rounded corners. It’s a classic cut harkening back to the fine Czech glass rhinestones of the 1800s – and probably to beautifully cut gemstones for a long time before that.
They are still one of the most popular cuts, and you can see why:
They’re one of the most flattering, versatile styles of stone to wear – whether glass, lucite, or gemstone. You’ll love them!
Just a quick note, I wanted to mention what a good idea it is to combine different materials. Okay, I know this is a thing of mine – I love unmatchy bits and pieces. These earrings are just one example:
Yes, I have those glass jewels available in my jewelry supplies shop, Weekendjewelry1 at Etsy. And if you don’t have any pearls, drop me a note, I probably have some. The thing here is, the addition of a simple handwired pearl takes these pretty glass jewel earrings to a whole new level. Delicate, girly, pretty. And a simple DIY. Ask for help if you need it – pretty soon you’ll have it down pat 🙂
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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