August Finale

It's hard to believe it's the last day of August.  Where did the summer go?  Actually, according to the weather, it's still here--it's 95 degrees outside! 

I have taken a little time off during the past 2 weeks, and now feel the pull of the studio calling.  I've been gearing up to work on a few new projects, specific commissions for clients.  While I love the designing process, the commission is a challenge that I enjoy--creating jewelry for and with the person it's made for.  Here are a couple pieces from the past:

This triple strand pearl and sterling necklace was designed as a choker and can be worn with the large mabe in the front or in the back.  The hidden clasp makes for versatile wearability.

These silver and mabe pearl earrings were designed for a client who fell in love with a similar pair that had sold.  But she wanted them designed smaller and more appropriate for her face.  I based the design on the original, larger earrings, but scaled down the size of the pearls and the overall beaded edge and they worked beautifully for the client.  She was thrilled and so was I!

I'm working on a ring design based on this previous layout, but the new ring will be featuring an antique, 10mm faceted amethyst set in gold and silver.  It will be coming to life in the next couple of weeks and I'll be sure to post photos while it's in process. 

Jewelry is one of the best accessories to have tailored to yourself.  Don't be afraid to ask for a necklace to be shortened or lengthened so it lands at the most appropriate spot and I'm always happy to take old, unworn jewelry and turn it in to a piece that you'll love and wear for years to come. 

Fall Is In the Air

It's been showing itself slowly--a whisper of cool air, yellow crowns of goldenrod, and even a tip-tinged maple--glimpsing shots of fall.  With back to school a week away and colorful notebooks and newly sharpened pencils lining the shelves of stores, I find myself getting ready--ready for what's next.  Lot's of thinking and ideas to work through and many of those will come out in the next few months.  But, (sigh), I have work to do (now) and jewelry to create, so today I found myself continuing with my reticulation series. 

Here is a new reticulated silver cuff with overlap and silver and gold balls bubbling over the lip. 

I see a wave--kind of an abstracted ocean look with this--what do you think? 

I also completed these earrings: 

 

They are reticulated sterling with balls and 4mm amethyst cabochons bezeled in fine silver.  The bottom circle wiggles under the top, while reflecting the light beautifully.  

I'm continuing with my favorite series and am coming up with new ways to invent designs and expand my jewelry lines.  This will be an exciting time--just stay focused on all the positive.  Fall is my favorite time of year--wearing a sweater on cool nights, breathing the salty ocean air, and slowing down to a comfortable pace after all the craziness of summer.  I'm not wishing it to arrive sooner than September 23rd, but I am certainly looking forward to it! 

Perfectly Pearl

One of my most fabulous clients commissioned me to make her two matching pearl cuff bracelets and I have just finished and delivered them to her!  Here's a photo of one of the completed pieces: 

Each bracelet consists of seven strands of 5.5-6mm freshwater pearls strung on elastic with a sterling focal point--2 inches high by 1 inch wide each with an 18 x 25mm black onyx cabochon bezeled in fine silver.  I just love how they came out and so does she!

More designs are in the works.  Check back to see what's new. 

Cuff-tastic!

Cuff-tacular! Cuff-a-rific!  As promised, new cuff bracelet designs!  I've been getting great response from my cuff bracelets this summer, which is great because I love making them!  Each design differs from the next, but they all exude a contemporary feeling. 

First up is an off-center split cuff with balls and bars exploding out from the center.  The pieces are 2 inches and 1 1/2 inches high.  The brushed finish is heightened with lightly polished balls.

Here is a second cuff bracelet while in process:

I reticulated three pieces of silver and then soldered them together while flat.  Next I formed to the cuff shape and worked up the design with the balls, bars, and bezel cups.  I thought I'd try to create another cuff similar to the beaded cuff that I loved and sold before I was really able to examine and admire it. 

I opted for black onyx cabochons to contrast with the brushed silver finish for a dramatic effect.  Here's the finished piece:

Look for these designs arriving in my cases soon.  Also, a trip to CRAFT gallery in Rockland is in my future.  I'll report later this week.

Weekend Catch-Up

After a full week of busy, busy work and the wonderfully successful jewelry party, I got myself in the studio and got some commissions completed and some new inventory started.  I started with these reticulated hoops.  A client purchased a wide, reticulated bangle bracelet and wanted a pair of earrings to match.  We decided on hoops, which she loves to wear. 

They are 24g sterling silver that I reticulated and formed to shape--they are about 1-1.25 inches high.  I really like how they came out and I hope to create some more hoops with some decoration.

I decided to go with the flow and continued designing some new earrings, including these reticulated circles with squiggle and balls.  The wire squiggle continues up the circle and forms the earwire. 

Next up, I reticulated these 22g rectangles and embellished them with sterling bars, balls, and 3mm fine silver bezel cups.  I set the carnelians and satin finished the entire piece. 

Cuff bracelets are next on the "to do" list.  A large, new piece of reticulation silver, 3 x 12 inches long is waiting for me.  Watch for new designs tomorrow. 

Thank You!!!

Just wanted to thank everyone for coming to my jewelry party and sale--what a huge success! It was a great evening and thank you, thank you for your support and encouragement. It's a real boost for me to hear what designs clients react to and how pieces fit and feel when they try them on. Looking forward to getting back in the studio--new designs are always brewing.  THANK YOU!!!

Design and Gearing Up

So I've been focused on getting ready for my jewelry party that is coming up on Tuesday, which means finishing up some half-completed pieces and prepping display, mirrors, boxes, etc.  But, I've had these emeralds that have been quietly calling me to use them to design a necklace with gold.  So I answered the call and created this:

A sweet and delicate looking necklace that plays with the glow of the green emerald and the warmth of the yellow gold.  It was really hard to photograph, but in this detail shot, you can see the little 18k royal yellow gold flowers strung along with 18k gold beads and spaced evenly with the emeralds. 

I also answered a call from the gorgeous South Sea pearls that I knotted up a while ago.  When I knot pearls, if at all possible, I try to keep 2 of the smaller to make a pair of earrings.  This was the case here, and because they are such beautiful pearls, I wanted to do something simple but special.  Here's the result:

These 18k royal yellow gold flower studs have the South Sea pearls dangling below.  Put them on and the flower sits nicely on the ear and the pearls wiggle as you move and draws closer attention to their beauty.  This is my version of the "Girl with the Pearl" earrings. 

I'll have more updates later.  Don't forget Jewelry Party on Tuesday, August 3, from 5-7pm at 31 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor.