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* Lillian III Earrings: Amethyst & Lilac Stone Inspired by Thai Water Lilies

I love my Lillian I earrings, so I decided to make a similar pair that is also  one-of-a-kind.   These lightweight earrings are full of movement and the purple and gold--the colors of the Thai Water Lilies that inspired my Lillian Collection.   

These earrings feature deep purple to violet amethyst chips and Delica®, glass, silver-lined chocolate seed beads, which are secured by a gold tube bead on gold-over-brass teardrop hoops.  A golden faceted bead, heavily plated with 22 karat gold, a lilac stone, and a precious Delica® seed bead complete the drop that dances below the amethyst. 

This third version of Lillian earrings will compliment the Lillian I or Lillian II necklaces well.  Lillian III earrings come with ear nuts so you can wear them fastened through the first or second ring, for a touch of elegance, or unfastened, for a more contemporary look (e.g. see images above and below).  They are approximately 2" long fastened or unfastened (including the 3/4" drop).

 Buy them here on Etsy.

See the matching necklace here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74705511/lillian-i-necklace-faceted-amethyst
and here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76404970/lillian-ii-necklace-amethyst-naga
And more earrings in the Lillian series here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74889161/lillian-i-earrings-amethyst-lilac-stone
and here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76405838/lillian-ii-earrings-vintage-lucite-lilac
See the Lillian bracelet here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/77650266/lillian-bracelet-yellow-jade-amethyst

Search Lillian on this blog's search feature to view pieces from the collection.

What I'm working on...

I've been ordering materials and sketching ideas like mad lately.  I'm very excited about pieces I will be making in the next couple of months.  I plan to create a few high-end pieces featuring vermeil, Karen Hill Tribe silver, and 22k and 24k gold dipped brass.   Currently, all the materials I use are carefully chosen and of high quality, but I'd like to design a few pieces that are considered "fine jewelry" for those looking for the perfect wedding day necklace, anniversary gift, or special birthday present.

One piece that I'm working and am truly in love with features amazonite in a beautiful pale aquamarine shade, vermeil, and a 22k gold over brass pendant.  When the special clasp arrives along with a few other accents, I'll compete the design and begin work on another fine necklace featuring white coral, an opaline mother-of-pearl pendant, gold dipped and vintage accents.  There is also a blue jade and gold piece in the works and a few minimalist designs featuring handcrafted Hill Tribe silver (which is approximately 99% pure silver).

I'm also researching materials for my next 13/20 piece.  I'm not sure if I want to make another bracelet, which is more functional for dancing, or a necklace or long earrings.  I'll decide and create something in the next few days.  And, there are a few Nepalese, Turkoman, and Afghani pieces I need to build designs around--I'm waiting on a few more materials to arrive and then I'll get to work.

I will say that all of the upcoming pieces will be one-of-a-kind, so I plan to spend a lot of time with my camera and good lighting before I send them off to new homes.

I'm off to sleep now, as it's almost 2am local time!

*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

Lillian Bracelet: Yellow Jade, Amethyst, & White Cinnabar - Treasury Item

 I photographed this bracelet on a beautiful sunny day.  The yellow jade looked amazing and I hope I've captured its beauty alongside the purple, silver, and cream tones here!

I love this bracelet!  The Lillian bracelet is lovely, one-of-a-kind, and the first bracelet in my Lillian collection inspired by purple and gold Thai water lilies. 

Lillian features yellow jade, which is looks amazing in sunlight  (as shown above).  Even in lower light, the jade is a beautiful, Meyer lemon-like yellow.  Antiqued silver bead caps with a woven-like texture showcase four larger jade stones.  A deep purple amethyst bead and carved cinnabar lotus flower in a creamy white hue help complete the bracelet.

 

This bracelet is 9" long, fits a wrist or arm up to 8", and closes with a Tibetan silver toggle clasp.  Although this bracelet will fit a larger woman's wrist best, it drapes well on my 6" wrist.  

Buy it here on Etsy!

See other pieces in the Lillian collection here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76404970

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76405838
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74705511
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74889161

Update 8/29/2011: Featured in an Etsy treasury!

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.

Updated photos of Sage Collection

Enjoy!

Buy them on Etsy:  Sage Earrings, Sage Necklace

Seethe original blog posts here and here.