Last Week's Roundup

Here are two new necklaces available now...

World Traveler I - Sold

I've named this necklace World Traveler I because it reminds me of something someone might put together after a trip to India and Western or Northern Africa, perhaps. It represents a mix of cultures with its Banjara tribal coin pendant (dated 1974) and rust-colored carved horn beads (that bring West Africa to mind).

Rich red and warm gold wood beads balance the composition and earthy, turquoise and brown ceramic beads break up the red tones in the piece. This necklace would be lovely on someone with a warm or neutral complexion, and would be a striking piece on someone with pink or cool undertones.

To keep the necklace light, yet still make a dramatic statement, the top half is antiqued brass chain. I've added a brass clasp I hand formed and hammered and a tiny white-banded red agate to finish off the chain. The necklace is 18 1/2" (47cm) long including the clasp. The large bone beads are 3/4" (20mm) diameter and the coin pendant is just under an inch in diameter (24mm).

See the pictures for close-ups of both sides of the coin and the clasp.

  The Banjara are nomadic tribal peoples of India (sometimes called the gypsies of India). You can read more about them and their culture on Wikipedia or many other sources.

 Azure - $50.00 

 I love this necklace! Each one of dark blue druzy agate stones are a work of art. The labradorite tubes are framed between tiny mustard-hued delica seed beads; these along with the hammered solid copper chain and add a complimentary color note to the composition.

The copper chain is continuous (~14in/35.5cm) and the asymmetrical clasp adds interest. I hand formed and hammered the copper clasp especially for this design. Another touch of color is found in the aquamarine silkon cording the stones are strung on. This cord is strong and I've reinforced the knots with jeweler's glue.

The copper will take on a natural patina, or you can polish it with a gentle cloth. The chain has a slight patina already, so if you want the color to be more penny-like, you can polish it up (or ask me to do this before I ship it to you.)

The necklace is 19 3/8" (49cm) total. The blue druzy stones are 9/16" (14mm) in diameter. The labradorite dangles are 5/8" (16mm) long.

 

Now on Etsy: Tara Necklace

Tara

Closeup of pewter flower pendant

  Buy on Etsy

Another Treasury Feature!

Silk Road I Earrings

Treasury link: http://etsy.me/oHNjaR

Earrings link: http://etsy.me/r5QIxN

Original Post: http://bit.ly/pKjzoI

Bohemian Engagement I: OOAK Necklace w/ Guanyin Coin, Picture Jasper, Sesame Jasper, Agate, Olivine Jade, and Palmwood Beads

 This necklace was a spontaneous creation.  I originally planned to design a bracelet, but a necklace soon evolved out of the materials I wanted to use together.  I've been experimenting with white backgrounds and lighting, and I think the combination of the two elements was perfect for this one-of-a-kind piece.  Because I enjoyed making this piece so much, I plan to make a few more that incorporate a bohemian palette. 

This necklace is both minimal and bohemian.  And, despite it's neutral palette, it is full of texture and pattern.  The necklace will make a statement with its various natural materials and eye-catching focal piece.

 

The necklace is reversible as the antique bronze Guanyin (Kwan Yin) centerpiece and replica Chinese dynasty coin are double-sided.  Guanyin is the Bodhisattva of compassion and is believed to observe or hear the cries of the world; on the back of this quarter-sized centerpiece is the yin yang symbol.   The dynasty coin, which is penny-sized, bring luck with a dragon on one side and Chinese characters on the other. 

Three picture jasper stones on one side of the necklace feature rich browns and creamy lattes, and tell a story of their own making them perfect for encouraging creativity and awareness.  (Above on the right.)  On the other side, a picture jasper stone accompanies an olivine jade stone and two white shell beads. (Above on the left.)

Two striking saucer-shaped palmwood and  water buffalo horn inlay beads, handpainted and polished by Filipino craftspeople are on each side of the necklace.  These horn used in these beads is a by-product, which makes these beautiful beads a sustainable result.  One of these beads is grouped with an olivine jade stone  and two carnelian colored agate stones with white bands (olivine is perfect for drawing luck and money).

Near the focal piece are two sesame jasper (also known as kiwi jasper) stones.  One stands alone and another is paired with white shell and a fluted, iris brown iridescent Preciosa Czech pressed glass bead.  Near the spring clasp of the necklace is a grouping of olivine and agate that will draw interest to the back of the wearer's neck.  This necklace looks amazing both coming and going!

This necklace is lightweight and measures 23 ¼" from end-to-end.  The pendant is 2" long and is about an inch wide at its widest point.  The chain is gold-plated iron that is nickel and lead free.  The chain has a beautiful soft, yet luminous, luster.  You can buy "Bohemian Engagement I" here on Etsy!

See this necklace for another design featuring Gwanyin : http://www.etsy.com/listing/75461379/sage-necklace-jasper-pyrite-statement

Love minimalism?  See this necklace: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76702162/desert-pearls-i-ii-necklaces-turquoise

*SOLD* Taos Sunshine: Turquoise & Yellow Jade Necklace

"I think this necklace is glorious.  It's full of sunshine and color!"

This necklace is named for Taos, New Mexico because it evokes the colors of the region and takes me back to the time I lived in New Mexico.  I think this necklace is glorious.  It's full of sunshine and color!
 

"Taos Sunshine" is one-of-a-kind and features lovely Meyer Lemon-y yellow jade.  The yellow is positively gorgeous paired with the chunky blue turquoise stones.  Some turquoise nuggets have a heavy matrix, others have hints of green and brown veining.  Little silver beads separate each piece of turquoise, so each unique nugget stands out on its own.
  

The key focal point of the necklace is the white bone pendant bead carved into a beautiful rose.  Two faceted silver beads frame the flower pendant, which measures just under an inch across.

The necklace adjusts from 16 ½" to 18" and will bring lovely summery color to your decollete.













Buy it here on Etsy!

See more turquoise necklaces here:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75890884/princess-of-the-skies-necklace-turquoise
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74739071/kathmandu-dreams-i-necklace-nepalese
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77580176/frida-y-estrellas-frida-stars-earrings

New necklace and bracelet preview!

Here are a couple of preview shots of my two new designs.  

Lillian Bracelet

Taos Sunshine Necklace

I'll post them for sale on Etsy tomorrow.

New Pictures!

Those who know me well know that I have a touch of perfectionism, so I've been retaking pictures of a lot of my pieces and experimenting with lighting, camera settings, and angles.  My goal is to reproduce their colors and texture as accurately as I am able.  So, here are a few new shots I've uploaded to my Etsy listings.  

Click on the captions below the images to go to the Etsy listings.

White Lotus in Golden Bloom

Rustic Golden Leaves

Rustic Golden Leaves

Frida y Estrellas

Kathmandu Dreams I

Kathmandu Dreams I

Kathmandu Dreams I

Stormy Neptune

Princess of the Skies

White Lotus in Silver Lavender

White Lotus in Silver Lavender

Lillian I

And for fun, here are a few shots that I've touched up and manipulated in an (awesome) free photo editor:

Princess of the Skies

Princess of the Skies

Kathmandu Dreams I

*SOLD* Silk Road Earrings I and II: Turquoise Jasper & Chinese Coins - Treasury Item!

Silk Road I in daylight

This design is one of my favorites, and because each Turquoise Jasper stone is unique, each pair is one-of-a-kind.  The great amount of detail on each stone proved challenging to photograph, so these really look amazing in person.

Backside of Silk Road I in daylight

These earrings share their name with the famous trade routes that connected the Eastern and Western worlds for nearly 3,000 years.  Some of these routes, both overland and maritime, are still used today.






These  earrings feature turquoise jasper coin-shaped beads that have a panoply of colors including rich browns, greens, bright teals, creamy yellows, and sandy tans.  Each piece of jasper is different and I've matched similar pieces in each of the two pairs I've made.  Silk Road I has brighter green and teal based hues while Silk Road II has more of a desert oasis feel with more brown and sand tones.

Silk Road I in low light with bright flash

Silk Road II in daylight

Double-sided antique bronze replica Chinese dynasty coins dangle below the jasper stones.  The dynasty coins, which are penny-sized, bring luck with a dragon on one side and Chinese characters on the other.
 

Backside of Silk Road II in daylight

Tiny African bone beads sit atop the jasper stones and add texture and an organic feeling to each pair of earrings.  I only have a limited number of these bone beads left, so I use them in designs sparingly.  I think they complete these earrings and tie together the different tones in the jasper stones and the tone of the gold-over-brass french hooks with the antique bronze coins.

Silk Road I in low light with bright flash

These earrings are moderate weight, 3" long, and 1" at their widest point.  You can buy Silk Road I and Silk Road II here on Etsy.


Update 8/7/11: The 1st version of these earrings are in an Etsy treasury!  The 2nd version of these earrings have SOLD!