Alex: OOAK Unisex Necklace

Here's Alex! 

I made this necklace for my RAW artists showcase. There are a few more new pieces coming this week.

Read more here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/111710802/tigers-eye-shell-and-seed-beads-ooak

Alexandros: Custom Piece for Gene

When Gene asked me to create a masculine bracelet with a rainbow colored beads, I knew the design process would be challenging and rewarding.  I've never made a man's bracelet before and I had to think of a rainbow-based design that wasn't evocative of Skittles--I needed to create an understated and handsome, pride bracelet.  So, I'm happy to present, Alexandros.

I had a lot of fun designing and making this bracelet.  The highlights of the bracelet are the leather cording and  handmade ceramic beads--both are made by Mykonos in Mykonos, Greece.  The company has long been known for the quality of its ceramic beads and leather products. 

The bracelet has earth-toned and bright toned beads in every color of the rainbow framed by five gunmetal black beads on each side.  The two beads near the clasp are special additions to the bracelet: one lovely brown reminds me of my client, Gene, (his hair and warm personality) and the other bead is deep brown, almost black, the color of rich soil that symbolizes the loyalty, respect, and nurturing we all need to get along in the world.  I know that may seem like a lot for one bead to symbolize, but I think it compliments the pride the rainbow beads convey.

The clasp is a bead I've had since my Albuquerque days.  It's a brass colored bead with some patina on it already.  I believe it is a metalized ceramic bead, and the design is reminiscent of Celtic, Turkish, or North African designs.  I only bought four of these beads, so it's a very special addition to this custom bracelet.

Thank you again for the challenge, Gene!

"Alexandros" is Greek in origin and means "defending men" or "defender of men."

Liam Necklace: Brown Mosaic Turquoise and Goldstone for Gene

I'm thankful to Gene for inspiring me to create this necklace and I'm humbled that he's happy with the result!  

When I accepted the challenge of designing my first decidedly masculine necklace, I thought of a long strand of brown turquoise that I'd been unable to successfully incorporate into any previous designs.  I thought the beads were beautiful, but I was at a design stalemate.  So, thanks to a friendly suggestion, "Liam" was born. 

I've named this necklace Liam, an Irish name meaning "strong-willed warrior," mostly because I've liked the name for some time, but I also think the name suits the necklace's energetic properties.  Liam is 21 3/8" and features brown mosaic turquoise, brown goldstone, and an antiqued copper lobster clasp.   I've loved copper-rich goldstone since I discovered it about six years ago in Albuquerque.  Goldstone is known for its ability to clear one's chakras, to help one find courage and strength, and to fill one with light and love (source here).  And because it is copper-rich, goldstone will naturally help ground a restless spirit and help enhance non-verbal communication (source here).

Each piece of mosaic turquoise is unique and quite beautiful.  Mosaic turquoise is a blend of turquoise and magnesite.  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 (source here).  Magnesite helps open the third eye and crown chakras and helps dissolves blockages that bind one to the past (source here).  So, altogether, this necklace will enable a sense of calm and enhance intuition and communication while increasing one's courage and strength.

By the way, this necklace has 92 stones in all, which according to this site is "very auspicious."  Cheers to you, Gene!

See more pictures in the previous post here.

Preliminary shots of new men's necklace

Here are a few preliminary shots of my first ever men's necklace featuring 

brown mosaic turquoise, goldstone, and an antiqued copper lobster clasp.

The colors are somewhat more muted in person

 

The goldstone and brown mosaic turquoise seem fit for the antiqued copper clasp

And one with some photo manipulation

I'll post more information (and think of a name for it) soon!