jewelry making « Vintage Glass Jewels

Crystal AB Glass Jewel Sets for DIY Jewelry

The glass stones I’m showing here (okay, showing off!) are “crystal AB” which is a commonly used abbreviation for “Aurora Borealis”. It’s the finish applied to crystal clear glass gems – and it really does reflect many colors of the rainbow!

In a way it’s almost hard to get good pictures of these stones – because they have so much reflection, so many colors depending on the angle and the light. They are always beautiful. Sometimes they seem to have more pink highlights. Sometimes blue, or purple, or gold. Did did I say they are always beautiful? Truly.

They make wonderful jewelry with very little extra embellishment needed. Slip the pendant on a chain. Add earwires to the smaller teardrops (in my shop) or the cushion cut octagons shown. Combine them with other stones or use them “as is”. You’ll love them!

Silver Leaf and Glass Jewel Earrings

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!

Sapphire and Crystal DIY Earrings

Sapphire glass and sparkling crystal earrings in a slender, wearable two-jewel setting…You can get fancy, you can get complex – but this simple setting really makes a fabulous pair of earrings!

sapphire blue and sparkling crystal earrings with a multi stone setting

Really I just think it’s a good idea to point out that you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to have pretty jewelry. Of course you can – and I’m not talking just about precious gems. There are intricate, complex designs that can produce fabulous pretties.

But you don’t have to. Be easy on yourself sometimes. Find a pretty jewel, or a pretty combo like these in one setting. Figure out the colors you want. Add earwires. Done.

And they’ll be great. It really can be that simple. (And hey, click on the pic to see more combos that are ready in my shop – and remember you can ask to see others!)

Clear glass beads and jewels – on sale!

Really I just wanted to point out how pretty clear glass jewels can be! They’re not bright and vivid, but they have their own charm – and a lovely delicate sparkle, all depending on the settings we use, and the faceting of the glass. Take a look 🙂

You see what I mean? These are pretty wonderful. Minimalist jewels, lovely for bridal and wedding jewelry without stealing the show – and of course for everyday, they go with everything.

And for the next few days – from January 26, 2019 through midnight January 30, 2019 – when you buy any two pairs of clear glass jewels, you get your third pair free (yes, equal or lesser value – you know the drill!) Order any two clear pairs (or pendants) – and then send me a note to tell me the ones you want for free. Don’t wait too long, this is limited to the next few days, and available stock.

Hey, buy two, get one free – that’s a pretty great deal!

DIY earring design idea, with flowers!

This is another example of how useful jewelry components or ornaments can be – and how easy it is to use these brass flower links (the ornaments) to make pretty earrings!

You see what I mean 🙂 Sometimes we want to take the time and effort to make intricate, time-consuming jewelry. But sometimes we just don’t have the time or energy! And we still want to be able to give pretty gifts. So – personalize these earrings with custom colors. Make a gift for your mom, or your best buds, or for customers.

Easy to make jewelry with these pretty, affordable jewelry components – rhinestone (glass) teardrops paired with patina brass or golden brass flower links. Add earwires and you’re good to go!

Amethyst glass octagon jewels – vintage pendants and earrings

I am so happy I was able to get another supply of these fabulous amethyst purple vintage glass beads – this size and shape is hard to come by anymore. These are in great shape for their age (from the 1950s, if the packaging is accurate and I think it is – the paper they’re wrapped in pre-dated telephone area codes!)

The 16x11mm octagons are a terrific faceted shape – not too small, not too large, with wonderful faceting. And the color is wonderful – true amethyst, not too dark but still rich. I wish I could get every stne shape in this color!

Your bestie would love a Christmas gift made with these jewels. Or make a gift for your mom. Or, hey, for yourself!

Design your own ring

Just for fun – with this easy ring base and cabochon combo:

antiqued brass adjustable ring base and clear glass cabochon

You can see how easily it works. The ring base is lightweight and flexible – and adjustable, so it fits most fingers easily. You just find a graphic you like (the example was from an old magazine ad) – cut it into the oval shape inside the ring base (it should be approx. 25mm x 18mm, or 1″ x 3/4″). Slip it into the base. Add the clear glass cabochon, then gently squeeze the prongs closed. It’s that easy.

And you can make one to match every outfit. Or day of the week. Or, maybe, make a typeset graphic saying something you’re just dying to tell the world. “I’m getting married” or “Bite me” or whatever mood strikes you.

Easy, cute, inexpensive. We’re not talking the crown jewels here. We’re talking fun 🙂

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2013 – Emerald

Drum roll! Feature stories today are talking about Pantone’s “Color of the Year” for 2013. I’m not even sure how they got the job but by now, Pantone’s predictions heavily influence the colors that will be Hot for the next season – in housewares, fashion, and of course, jewelry. I don’t think it’s the be-all and end-all that they want us to believe but still, it’s interesting.

So it was serendipity that I had just made a graphic of some of the lovely emerald jewels in my my Etsy jewelry supplies shop:

some of the emerald jewels at weekendjewelry1 jewelry supplies shop at Etsy

I have to say, I love emerald. It’s not just because I’m (sometimes, with a little help) a redhead. It’s just such a rich, flattering, luxurious color. And it looks good on just about everybody. And it’s gorgeous. And did I say rich?

Color of the year: emerald. They could do worse 🙂

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Crystal AB Glass Jewel Sets for DIY Jewelry

Silver Leaf and Glass Jewel Earrings

Sapphire and Crystal DIY Earrings

Clear glass beads and jewels – on sale!

DIY earring design idea, with flowers!

Amethyst glass octagon jewels – vintage pendants and earrings

Design your own ring

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2013 – Emerald

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