*SOLD* Fire Priestess Bracelet: Red Cinnabar & Antiqued Copper

 

I love the rich colors in this bracelet.  I've paired antiqued copper beads, with intricate floral detail, and rich, red cinnabar beads to create a fiery design.  (A fire priestess, or fire sign, wouldn't leave home without it!)

I bought the smaller cinnabar beads about five years ago and never incorporated them into a design.  These oval beads feature a deeply carved floral pattern, are 5/8" wide and 1/2" tall.  I placed them temporarily in a few arrangements, but never felt I had the right combination of elements.  Everything changed when I paired the beads with the large circular focal piece and this one-of-a-kind piece was born. 



The focal red cinnabar bead has a floral wreath pattern and a carved center with an Asian design.  This piece measures 1 1/8" in diameter.  The antiqued copper beads create balance and  daisy spacers add drama and interest. 

By the way, in Chinese and other East Asian cultures, red has long been associated with luck and happiness, so wearing this bracelet can only be good for you!

Clasped, this bracelet measures 7 ½".  From both ends of the toggle clasp, it measures 9".  This lightweight bracelet will work best for medium to large wrists.  For reference, though, it looks great on my 6" wrist.

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*SOLD* Desert Pearls I & II Necklaces: Turquoise Jasper, Pyrite, & Freshwater Pearls

 I originally intended to sell these necklaces separately, but I think they look great together and hate to see them parted from one another.  These necklaces were challenging to photograph because I wanted to capture the detail of each stone and the iridescence of each pearl.  I plan to make more minimalist style necklaces in gold and silver tones.

Description:

These necklaces are of minimalist design, yet they are visually stunning.  They can be worn layered together or on their own.  While designing these necklaces, I had Albuquerque, where I lived for four years, in mind.  In the high desert there are so many colors, many of which are captured in these necklaces.

Desert Pearls I has two turquoise jasper stones along with an inset of three freshwater pearls in beautiful desert tones of brown and green.  Each stone is unique and has its own inclusions that make it one-of-a-kind. The pearls echo the colors in the jasper and add interest to the necklace.  This necklace is 22 ¾" long.

Desert Pearls II has an inset with one turquoise jasper stone with a small chunk of pyrite and another inset with two light green pearls and three chunky pieces of pyrite.  I love the look of the pyrite with the other stones.  They have just the right amount of luminosity and accentuate the luster of the pearls.  This necklace is 20 ½" long.

Metaphysically speaking:

This necklace has a lot to offer for the gemstone and metaphysical enthusiast.  According to Angel'sLove.net, all types of jasper have been called nurturing stones because they are calming, soothing, and help balance male/female/yin/yang energies.

Pyrite "attracts and balances" male energies, is associated with intelligence and increases psychic abilities.  Also known as Fool's Gold or Healer's Gold, Pyrite is believed to promote "good investments."  





On the other hand, peals enable a goddess connection and help "attune the wearer to the ebb and flow of life."  Pearls also help with centering and vibrate "truth, purity, charity, integrity, and loyalty."  Read more at Angel'sLove.net. 

Both necklaces are lightweight and close with a spring clasp.  The chain is nickel and lead safe gold-plated iron.

 

Buy these OOAK necklaces here on Etsy!

Starry Night Earrings: Lucite and Blue Goldstone

These earrings remind me of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings "Starry Night" and "Starry Night over the Rhone." 

In the swirling gold pattern on the black Lucite globes I see the unforgettable clouds in Van Gogh's masterpiece.  

 The deep midnight blue goldstone has flecks of copper that look like the stars covering the night sky in Van Gogh's painting "Starry Night over the Rhone."






Bali-style hardware and gold-over-brass kidney wires complete these earrings.



These earrings are lightweight, 2 1/4" long, and approximately 1/2" wide. 

Limited Edition: 1 of 2 pairs.

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Fireworks Earrings: Statement Making Vintage Lucite Earrings

These earrings photographed beautifully with little effort on my part.  I had Independence Day fireworks in my mind when I made these and I'm more than happy with the result!

 
These earrings speak for themselves!  The abstract gold splatter detail on these vintage red and blue Lucite globes is breathtaking like the spectacular sight of Independence Day or New Year's Eve fireworks displays.

 
Wavy antiqued brass disks rest between the two vintage globes.  Gold plated Bali style hardware and french hook earwires complete these statement making earrings.

These earrings are medium weight, 2 1/2" long including the earwire, and are 3/4" at their widest. 

Limited Edition: 1 of 2 pairs.

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Lillian II Earrings: Vintage Lucite & Lilac Stone Inspired by Thai Water Lilies

The Lillian collection has been my favorite by far.  I love the glamorous combination of purple and gold, which is inspired by Thai Water Lilies.  The Lillian II necklace and earrings will complete this collection for now as I plan to work on a few other designs.  I tried to capture the rich color of the amethyst and lilac stones in the photos while finding a setting that showed the detail and texture of the beautiful handmade Naga pendant in the necklace (see this post) and the vintage gold Lucite globes in the earrings .  These pieces really are beautiful and will bring many compliments! 

Description:
These are the second pair of earrings in my Lillian collection, inspired by purple and gold Thai water lilies.  These match my Lillian II necklace (see the last image and link below), but will certainly make a statement of their own!
 

These earrings feature vintage gold Lucite globes (that look wonderful in any light), lilac stone beads, TierraCast gold plated pewter Turkish beads, and faceted beads heavily plated with 22-karat gold.  Two  Delica® silver-lined chocolate glass seed beads grace the end of each earring.  These statement-making earrings hang from gold plated brass  kidney wires and are approximately 2 1/8" long and 1/2" at their widest point.  

These earrings are dramatic, but lightweight.  They are limited edition, as the golden Lucite balls are vintage.  Two pairs sold at my line launch and I've heard that they draw many compliments!
 

Buy the Lillian II Earrings on Etsy!

Read about the matching necklace here.  Buy the necklace here.

*SOLD* Green Empress Necklace: Mosaic Turquoise, Cinnabar, & Hematite

Clasp detail.

This necklace is the second in my Empress collection, a collection composed of pieces that make the wearer feel beautiful, creative, and courageous (read about the first one here).

 
I love the color green and the mosaic turquoise that composes this necklace has a beautiful range of green, from light to dark, with a hint of blue turquoise.  The focal piece of the necklace is an asymmetrically positioned black cinnabar bead with a small hematite rondelle on each side.  Hematite also terminates each end of this necklace that closes with a Tibetan silver lucky fish clasp. 

I like adding hematite to jewelry because of its well known grounding and balancing properties.  In our busy world, it's easy to become distracted from what really matters in our lives.  In addition to the properties mentioned above, hematite is also a wonderful stone for teachers and others for whom public speaking is a daily activity, as it imparts courage, self-control, and at the same time, relieves stress.  Read more about hematite here: http://gemstone-dictionary.com/hematite.php

This necklace drapes beautifully and is of moderate weight.  It measures 19" and its largest bead, the cinnabar, is an inch in diameter.  The clasp is new and secure, so the spring mechanism may seem stiff when you first use it.  After time, it will loosen while remaining secure.

Buy this necklace here on Etsy!

Frida y Estrellas (Frida & Stars) - TREASURY ITEM

I designed these earrings a good two weeks before I made the first pair.  I put them on temporary wires and fell in love right away.  But something kept me from finishing them.  I think my hesitation was due to the fact that I've had the wooden beads for a long time and I know that they are irreplaceable.  The yellow mango beads are also one-of-a-kind. 

I love Frida Kahlo.  I love turquoise.  I absolutely love these earrings.

I bought the wooden beads a few years ago and planned to use them in a necklace that never came to be.  I loved the beads too much to put them all in one piece!  These beads are handcrafted, which means that each one is slightly different, but they all have a starry night-like patten.  And, if I remember correctly, they were made in Indonesia.  I paired them with mango yellow glass beads from Java (on top) and Turquoise beads (on the bottom).  A tiny copper tube bead finishes each earring. 

Something about the turquoise beads (with beautiful black matrices) bring in a Frida Kahlo feeling, which is why I decided to name these "Frida y Estrellas" or "Frida and Stars."  The way the colors combine also make me think of Ms. Kahlo, which also makes them versatile and very wearable.  I sold a pair of these at my line launch, and I had to make a pair for myself, so these earrings are limited edition, as I only have a limited amount of the wooden and Javan beads available. 

Metaphysically speaking:
Turquoise is a powerful healing stone that can help wearers with meditation, balance, and communication.  It is also a protective stone that enhances love, friendship, and loyalty.  Find out more about Turquoise here: http://gemstone-dictionary.com/turquoise.php.

Copper lends energy when one is tired and aids in grounding when one is restless.  Copper also helps enhance non-verbal communication.  Find out more about Copper here: http://gemstone-dictionary.com/copper.php.

Buy them here on Etsy!


Update: 7/25/2011 - These have been featured in a Treasury! 

Pink Fire: Gale's Custom Order

   

I loved designing this custom necklace for Gale.  She wanted something that would match her summery pink strapless dress.  When she told what she wanted--something very pink, chunky, funky,  and one of a kind--I immediately thought of agate.  In the finished piece, four faceted, free-form pink agate stones compose the centerpiece of the necklace.  Agate comes in a variety of colors and its striations and inclusions make each piece truly unique.  (See detail on the left below.) 

Metaphysically, agate is powerful stone.  According to BestCrystals.com, agate "balances ying-yang energy, stabilizes the aura, facilitates discernment, imparts strength and courage, opens one to innate creative talents."  Gale also wanted the necklace to highlight the light pink and white of the dress, so I thought column shaped pink striped fire agate stones would add balance and further interest to the finished design.  Like the other agate stones, each piece has its own distinctive inclusions and matrix pattern.  

Detail of rose pink jade and pink fire agate

More detail of free-form pink agate and rose jade

To create a sense of dimension and difference, I chose round faceted rose pink jade, which ultimately enhances the necklace's metaphysical properties.  BestCrystals.com tells us that jade promotes,"Harmony, peace, fidelity, confidence [and is] a wonderful dream stone."

Silver accents finish the necklace and compliment its cool pink tone.  The silver toggle clasp is Tibetan style, and the two white pearl shell beads that terminate the necklace stimulate "intuition, sensitivity, imagination and adaptability" along with providing "insight into decision-making [and]cooperation between the self and others"(CharmsofLight.com).

Detail of white pearl shell and clasp

 

Many thanks to Gale for the opportunity to design this one-of-a-kind piece!

 

For reference, the necklace measures 18 3/4" long.

Rustic Golden Leaves Earrings

Like the Golden Orbs earrings, these earrings also proved challenging to photograph. They are small and appear delicate, but have a distinctive character, which is conveyed through the pairing of metal and organic material.

Description:
These contemporary lightweight earrings are fun and bohemian.  They are the second and final pair of earrings in my golden leaves collection and reflect a more rustic, earthy vibe.  Detailed antiqued bronze tone leaf charms are nestled between two bone beads on gold-plated brass teardrop hoops.  I've had these bone beads for many years, and only have a limited amount left.  Each bead is unique and I've taken care to match each pair, but their subtle differences give these earrings character.   You may clasp these earrings below the second bone bead or wear them open.  These earrings measure 1 1/2" long.

Buy them here on Etsy!

Golden Leaves & Orbs Earrings

I had fun making these earrings, but they proved quite difficult to photograph.  Capturing the tone and detail of the balls and leaf charms took many settings and arrangements to produce something I was happy with.  I'm still not sure if the pictures do these earrings justice.  They may be a simple design, but the movement of the leaves and versatility of the clasp make them unique and very wearable.

Description:
These contemporary lightweight earrings are fun and sophisticated.  Antiqued bronze wire ball beads are secured on gold-plated brass teardrop hoops and detailed antiqued bronze tone leaf charms dangle below. 

These earrings can be worn open with the included ear nuts, so you will never worry about losing them during a night of dancing.  And, these earrings can also be worn closed, with the back of wire secured in the ring that attaches the leaf charm to the teardrop hoop, as the last image shows. 

These limited edition earrings measure 1 3/4" long.


Buy them here on Etsy.