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Earring Design Idea – Neutral Glass Gems

I recently made a pair of earrings for a friend – and was reminded that it’s fun to use neutral colors sometimes. How often do you wear black and white, or tan and black? Yeah, me too. So I took some jewels that were already on my worktable, and tried a new design. Let me know what you think!

earring design idea featuring black diamond glass teardrops paired with neutral round glass gems

I think this is a good reminder to me – and to my friends and customers too. Get out of the rut sometimes? I love color, so I tend to move toward using vivid colors in jewelry. And that’s fine, and works well. But gray is strong – and neutral. Combining neutrals works too!

Remember to click on the pic so you can see more jewels in my shop. And let me know if there’s something you’re looking for and can’t find – I might have some stashed!

DIY earrings in new crystal shapes

Yes. Crystal earrings. Again. Because they are so sparkly, so pretty – and so useful!

do it yourself crystal earrings with geometric shapes

One of the nicest things about these earrings (aside from that sparkle!) is that they are not large, and not heavy to wear. The diamond shape gems are just 10x10mm (approx. 3/8″) and the round jewels are 8mm – that’s about 1/4″.

These will be noticed. These would be beautiful for a bride. Or at work, even. They aren’t “in your face”. They’re lovely. And comfortable. And easy to DIY. This is a win, you know?

Do it yourself earring jewels!

It’s winter, it’s cold, and a little bit of DIY sparkling jewelry can just be a bit of lift, you know?

crystal rounds and petite sapphire glass pear jewels available in my jewelry supplies shop

Click on the pic to find these jewels (and more) in my shop! As shown here, this is just a potential do it yourself jewelry design. The beads (or jewels) are smallish – these earrings would be lightweight and delicate.

And pretty. And could be made in your choice of color. And shape, for that matter. Really it’s just an idea to get your creative juices going!

Spring is coming. A little treat right now is just a good idea!

New DIY earring jewels – and happy new year!

These sapphire blue pears are now available in a new medium size – they’re 14mm x 10mm, approx. 5/8″ x 3/8″. It’s a terrific size when you want earrings that are a bit more petite – but still have a great presence. And these new, smaller rounded gems are lovely paired with these teardrops.

sapphire blue glass teardrops paired with small round gems for DIY earrings

And yes, they’re on sale right now. If you buy the 14x10mm pears, send me a note and I’ll include the rounds for free! This is just through Monday, January 4, 2021 (and while supplies last). So don’t wait too long!

And did you notice – “2021”. That’s another reason to celebrate, yknow?

Let’s have a happy new year!

Simple and elegant DIY necklace design idea

It’s always good to remember that fussy, complex design is not the only way to create beauty. Yes, there are designs that require many hours to complete, and complicated elements to create. But sometimes you just need classic, beautiful elements.

Case in point: this necklace idea. Basic cable chain, faceted glass rondelles, and a classic pear shaped pendant combine to make a necklace that would be wonderful for prom, for date night, for work – and in sparkling crystal, wonderful for a bride.

DIY necklace design idea featuring cable chain and a faceted teardrop pendant

Now is that a great idea or what? Make one to go with your favorite outfit. Or start making Christmas presents now and remember that New Year’s isn’t that far away. Even in this weird, troubled year, we will still find ways to share – and celebrate 🙂

Lariat Necklace always fits – Jewelry Design Idea!

We love lariat necklaces!

They always fit. When you want a special gift for your sweetie, you don’t have to worry about “will it fit”.

When you buy – or make! – one for yourself, you know you’ll be able to wear it with many different necklines. So versatile! And a wise way to spend your jewelry money.

And – I’m going to do more with this soon – you can use more than one color on the featured teardrops, or special jewels at the ends of your lariat. Red – and blue? Why not? Purple and green? Why not?

Or just focus on one gorgeous color, like this emerald-tipped lariat:

lariat necklace design idea featuring golden chain and emerald glass teardrops

Now is that a great gift idea or what? A gift for your bestie, using her kids’ birthstone colors. Or for yourself, with your faves. Save money, make fabulous jewelry, this is a win!

Aqua and Jonquil Earrings Design Idea

Sometimes you don’t want matchy-matchy – for example, take a look at these adorable drop earrings 🙂

earrings design idea featuring opaque round glass cabochons paired with faceted jonquil navette glass gems

The round glass cabochons shown here are aqua and totally opaque. The jonquil faceted navette jewels are a sparkling contrast to the solid aqua color. The shapes are opposites too – smooth round stones, paired with sharply faceted navettes. It really works! Choose your colors, adapt the idea for your own creativity.

Also it doesn’t hurt that the jewels are on sale 😉 Check them out in my Clearance section. You’ll find some more goodies at terrific sale prices!

As always, the idea is to take a suggested idea and make it your own. And save money while you make terrific jewelry. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Playing with pretty earring design ideas :-)

Like a lot of us – most of us I hope – I’m staying home right now, finding things to do around the house, keeping my online business going even if times are weird, and sometimes playing with pretty sparkies in my workshop. There is no deep significance, it’s just that sometimes a pretty little bauble can lift the spirits, and I can rationalize it by saying “it’s business”.

Well it is, but it’s also that I like making pretties, and trying new combinations. You know how that is 🙂

I tried out this new combination for earrings and I think they’re lovely!

peridot and peach crystal earring design idea

I really like the combination of the vintage peridot crystal teardrops and peach rivoli faceted round gems – and of course the design could be adapted to all sorts of color combos.

You see what I mean, though. It doesn’t have to be fussy or difficult to make pretty earrings! Or expensive either. It’s just a way to make a little treat for a friend, or for yourself, in these difficult times.

Stay safe!

DIY earring design with clear glass beads

Okay, clear glass jewels. Oops 🙂 (I get so used to using both terms when I’m talking with peers and customers, I tend to think “beads” as the overall category.) Anyway. I was really happy with this earring design idea – and as you can see, it’s made entirely with clear glass… rhinestone… stones. There, does that sound better?

DIY earring design idea featuring clear glass jewels in silver plated brass settings

Yes, I tried to get a good (read: flattering) pic of this design. And I used good lighting. But the sparkle in this pic isn’t just because of the lighting – I also tried to *not* intensify the shine. Clear glass, especially when it’s nicely faceted really does sparkle. It’s not a “loud” sparkle, but it shines!

And hey, clear glass: it goes with everything. And it flatters a bridal gown without being too bold. It’s just a nice trick to remember: clear jewels really make a great piece of jewelry!

DIY necklace design idea – rhinestones and gems!

I just wanted to show you a DIY necklace design idea that combines ‘fine'(ish) jewelry components – with “just rhinestones”. The necklace chain here combines Bali sterling silver, freshwater pearls, and gemstone amethyst rondelles. The pendant is a faceted rhinestone (glass) teardrop in a silver plated setting.

DIY necklace design idea featuring a rhinestone teardrop with freshwater pearls and gemstone amethyst with sterling silver

Both the rhinestone teardrop – and the fancy necklace – look great. They complement each other beautifully. I just want to remind myself (and you too) that nothing is off the table! Use what you have. Combine metals – brass and sterling. Combine components – glass or rhinestones, and genuine stones and pearls.

If it looks good, if you like the combo, you can make it work. It’s YOUR design, it’s your necklace and your creation. It’s all good!