Here’s another example of how you can combine classic jewelry-making tecniques with simple, strong elements – to create a fabulous necklace that you can totally customize:
The necklace “chain” shown here is made with navy blue pearls, hand-wired together to make the necklace length you prefer. The pendant is a faceted rhinestone teardrop. Combine the hand-wired chain, the teardrop pendant, and decide how you can customize your design (colors? more strands? a cluster at the pendant?) Play with ideas here 🙂
An idea I thought of after I combined these elements… if you don’t want to take the time to hand-wire your beads to make this chain (it’s not a difficult technique, but to do it carefully takes time) – you could buy a simple beaded necklace with no pendant. That beaded necklace could be glass, pearls, crystals, you name it – it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Then add your pendant with jump rings, or bails. Presto: your necklace is unique, and it’s yours, and it’s great!
And speaking of necklaces, and like that: I love it when combining simple, “ordinary” elements can create such a lovely piece of jewelry. Like this one:
The necklace is made of simple, well-made black beads (in this instance they’re black hematite, but they could easily be onyx, or black glass, or ceramic). The idea is that the beads are strong, and simple, and don’t compete with the pendant. And the pendant is a fabulous bright red rhinestone oval that measures a bit over 1″ high. Not huge, but look at the impact!
That’s the beauty of designing your own jewelry – for yourself for gifts. You can customize colors, materials, and sizes – how bold you want to be, or how delicate. Do it yourself, save money, and make exactly what you want!
I deliberately chose “non Christmas” colors for this earring design idea, though of course earrings made with these rhinestone jewel clusters would be a wonderful Christmas present. I just wanted to illustrate the idea that pretty colors are good all year round! The main color here is peridot green, which is the August birthstone color – and terrific for springtime. But it’s a good color for fall, winter, and summer, too. I know you guys know this – gorgeous color is always in style!
I added an extra bit of color with the tiny (4mm) round stones – shown here in aqua and sapphire blue. I think this is a great way to personalize your earrings. If they’re a gift for a girlfriend (or your Mom!) – you could personalize with the birthstone colors of her kids. Or just use her favorite colors. A little detail like that makes these DIY earrings just an extra bit of special.
They’re already great – affordable and pretty and you made them. So a little bit extra special? Is just the icing on the cake!
You know I’ve talked about how useful “ornaments” can be. In this context, ornaments are links or charms – components that you use in your jewelry design to add texture, shine, and a bit more complexity to boost your design up another level.
Case in point, this lovely do it yourself necklace design idea!
I show a sheer sapphire blue rhinestone pendant here – you’ll use your favorite shape and color (or your customer’s favorite!) The textured brass flower is new in my shop and is a wonderful component used as an earring or pendant link (stay tuned, I’ll be showing some more cool ways to use these charms!)
Easy to use, customizeable, and affordable – this is the way it’s supposed to be!
I just got in some gold plated chain – it’s inexpensive, lightweight, and totally fun for DIY jewelry!
The second pic shows an earring design that’s one of my favorites – using the round glass jewels paired with golden chain ‘tassels’ makes lightweight earrings that have sparkle, and movement, and they are super fun to wear. Also flattering.
Also inexpensive, especially with this gold plated chain. It’s not precious, just pretty. But you know, sometimes that’s just what we want!
And as always, it’s the details that make the difference. Tiny, pretty aqua rhinestones are set in patina brass or golden (raw) brass prong settings. The brass filigrees are a restock in my shop – my customers have been loving them and I totally agree – the flower filigree is so pretty!
Link the filigree flower connectors and gems with sturdy little jump rings, add earwires, and your fantastic chandelier earrings are ready to wear. And of course you can customize them with your own details – colors, gem shapes, and extra details you’ll think of and I didn’t. Still – the basic idea totally works – and they’re doable and affordable and you will love wearing them! Or gifting them.
These brass sparrow two-ring connectors (in one incarnation or another) have been popular for a while now – they aren’t as trendy as foxes, or as last-season as owls: they’re a perennial favorite. And this particular batch is lightweight enough that they’re wonderful for earring dangles and connectors. They have a vintage patina (though are actually new brass) – the antiqued look is always in style.
They’re available in blackened brass (newly popular this year) or golden raw brass as well – and they add a fresh, pretty touch to your earrings. And of course they’re fabulous for links in your bracelets or necklaces.
I was looking for a vintage ruby rhinestone necklace recently – a customer request made me curious. She was looking for a Miriam Haskell (or knockoff). Anyway it got me to looking, and I found to my surprise that there were very few to be found! I’m not sure why red, or ruby, is a hard color to find.
I had just made a classic style, ruby rhinestone necklace for another customer – obviously this one isn’t vintage (though the ovals are true vintage, made in West Germany about 50 years ago). I thought it turned out well:
It’ll be a wonderful Valentine’s present – and yes, it’ll be available through Weekend Jewelry. It’s not even onsite yet – but will be pronto!
