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I think this picture illustrates one of my favorite jewelry design ideas. No, it isn’t “faceted teardrops on a pearl necklace” (though that idea right there is pretty terrific.) It’s simpler than that. Gorgeous colors in a pendant, combined with pretty (and inexpensive) glass pearls. Presto: a great looking necklace that you’d be proud to wear anytime.
But the real point(s) are even simpler than that. One, you don’t have to spend hours, and learn difficult and time-consuming skills, to make pretty jewelry. Of course those skills are fabulous, and yes you can use them to make fabulous items. But you don’t need to, if you just want fun and lovely jewelry!
And point two is even better: you don’t have to spend a lot of money. You can of course, and there are wonderful (and costly) gems to be found. But if you’re not rich, you can still make gorgeous jewelry!
It’s that simple. Buy a few quality items. Learn to string beads, and work with jump rings. Or just buy a pretty (and once again, inexpensive) chain. Make the jewelry you love. Don’t spend a fortune.
That’s a great way to start the new year!
In this earring design idea, I combined a simple glass gem with large jump rings – easy to find (or you could use any metal drops or rings). Combining glass gems with metal elements, especially in different shapes or sizes, adds a bit of surprise and a fun contrast.
The fun part of course is using your own elements and combining them in new ways. Yesterday I mentioned pulling stones that might be scattered on your workbench, and adding surprises – like metal jumps. Maybe use two or three rings, to create a longer earring and a bit of extra movement. Maybe use six of them. These wil be do-it-yourself earrings in *your* style – play with the idea and make it your own!
This jewelry design idea features golden brass filigree flower connectors, and amethyst (amethyst glass, I mean) pear shape jewels. It’s a feminine, gorgeous combination – and these are easy to make. The deep purple amethyst stones are 14mm x 10mm, not too large for comfy earrings but absolutely big enough to make a DIY pendant as well.
And I have to say, “easy to make” and “gorgeous” pretty much sums up my favorite jewelry designs. It doesn’t have to be hard to make pretty jewelry! Yes, intricate designs can be beautiful but you know, sometimes there just isn’t time.
Of course you can use this idea to generate your own special design. Use your favorite colors and your favorite connectors. You’ll love the combo!
I love earrings that combine gems, glass jewels, or other sparkling beads, with chain. The chain adds movement and even more sparkle, without adding a lot of weight. And it’s pretty!
The earring design shown in this pic is super simple. Slip a glass jewel onto your earwire. Then place several lengths of chain onto an open jump ring. Put on the jump ring onto the bottom loop of the jewel setting, close the jump ring, and you’re all set!
Of course this design is totally customizeable – use jewels you have (or purchase some from my shop!) Use your favorite colors, and any chain you have – it doesn’t even have to match. For that matter you could use different color jewels in each earring. I love designs like that – I think a lot of people do. Make the design yours!
If you visit my Etsy jewelry supplies shop you’ll see that the vitrail gems featured below, are my shop avatar! I love them and I think you will too. (And vitrail is one of the best selling jewel “colors” in my shop!)
The most important highlight of this pic is that it shows you the scale of the gems – my mannequin is close to life size so you don’t have to rely on printed measurements. You can see how these work as earrings! And since you pick the color of the tiny round stone at the top of the setting, you can customize these. Just a small added bonus!
The white and white opal glass stones shown here are some of the favorites in my shop – and I’ve been able to resupply recently! Given that these glass gems are true vintage (not just “vintage style”), that can be tricky!
I was going to say that, especially with summer almost here, white stones and gems are particularly appropriate. But really that’s not relevant. White glass gems are always beautiful and useful, year-round. Think of combining them with black for strong neutrals – or with any pretty pastels. With do it yourself jewelry supplies, you are the true designer – and you choose what elements you love most!
But having said all that – white glass gems are great in summer jewelry!
These silver (silver color, that is) leaf and glass jewel earrings have a couple extra things going for them. Well first they’re pretty earrings, which is the most important thing of course 🙂
Also – this is one of the best things about do it yourself jewelry! The components are very inexpensive. So you can make these wonderful earrings, using the jewels shown or whichever color is your favorite – and you don’t have to spend a lot of money.
Inexpensive, easy to make, and pretty – this is what jewelry ought to be!
P.S. I should clarify: the “silver” leaves are not sterling. They’re plated over steel. They don’t tarnish easily in my experience, and they’re way cheaper. Your choice of course!
I wanted to share one more example of how neutral, black and white glass stones can work together to make a fabulous design!
Of course you’ll think of your own special ways to adapt this design idea. I’ve used white, vintage glass ovals for the necklace “chain” – you could use any stones on your workbench. I do love that the white ovals are vintage glass – there’s no new manufacturing footprint, and the stones really are lovely.
Pair the “chain” with your favorite pendant – adapt this idea to your own special style. Save money and make new, original jewelry!
The 18mm x 13mm (approx. 3/4″ x 1/2″) faceted glass octagon pendant featured in this necklace design idea is the color known as “light colorado topaz”. It’s a golden tan, fairly neutral, and super flattering. I’ve paired it with silver chain and small handwired beads in a complementary colors.
The small irregular beads I used here are genuine turquoise, but honestly any vivid beads would work here – the rich color is a striking complement to the golden tan pendant. But of course, you could use any colors with this design.
That’s what’s so fun about do it yourself jewelry. Take a look at the beads and stones on your worktable – I bet you could make some terrific combinations, interpreting this design in your own unique way. Make gifts for your friends – and for yourself!
Yes, this is a traditional jewelry design, a pendant linked on a chain. Simple and gorgeous. The details here? The brass flower component is linked to a sheer aqua, faceted glass pear or teardrop shaped rhinestone pendant.
The design is classic – and the pieces are affordable. Of course you can choose other elements, or do what I did – look at the pretty components scattered on your worktable, and try a few new combinations! The most important idea here is that you can create lovely jewelry without a lot of fuss, or having to spend a lot of money. Use your favorite colors – or the ones your customer chooses. Add a few of your own special elements. You’ll love it!
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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