Showing posts with label handmade jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade jewelry. Show all posts

Sunday, December 16, 2012

New Boho Chic Inspired Beaded Jewelry

Check out the New Boho Chic Necklace and Earring Sets

Indian Kashmiri beads, crystal, glass, acrylic and metals combine to create these Boho-Chic Necklace and Earring sets. the beads hang on multi-strand cotton necklaces. 

Available at http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/PinkSunsetJewelryDesigns


Monday, September 24, 2012

Bead Weaving Masterpiece

This bracelet is a custom order. I have made a couple of them but this one....wow. It's called a Capricho Bracelet and it is a very labor intensive design.

The bracelet actually has 2 layers. The first layer is made of thousands of seed beads woven, one at a time, in a net pattern. Then I go back and weave more seed beads and crystals onto the netted base. I am backed up with orders on this one, but I love making them. Here is the most recent creation.
The first layer is done and I'm adding  the crystals

The finished product.

The finished product...check out the sparkle!
Capricho Bracelet~~Bling!

And here are 2 others that I have done
Pearl Capricho Bracelet Bangle


Gold Crystal Capricho Bracelet



Gemstone Pebble Pendants

How cool are these pendants. Simple in design, but they make a bold color statement. Each of the pebble pendants is made with semi-precious gemstone pebbles set in a 2 inch by 1 inch bezel setting. The gemstone pebbles are set with Diamond Glaze for a brilliant shine. Great when you need a pop of color around your neck.

The gemstone pebble pendants are available in my Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs Studio for $18 each.



Wine Cork Jewelry Upcycling

A lot of my friends are wine enthusiasts. I even have one who has begun making her own label. I brainstormed and came up with some ideas for a line of wine enthusiast jewelry. I purchased unused authentic wine corks for different vineyards. I hand-cut the corks to fit into 2 inch by 1 in bezel trays.
I secured them in the trays and embellished them with flat back rhinestones. Voila! Wine Cork Pendants. I added matching chains and there ya go!

I've already had several fly off the shelf. I will also customize them if you have your own favorite wine lable.
They are available in my Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs Studio for $23 each. What a great gift idea for you or your wine enthusiast friends.


Jumbo Bracelet Stacks

I just love these new bracelet stacks. Jumbo beads are used to make them. Some of the beads are 3/4 in in diameter. My new obsession, Kasmiri and Maruti beads. These beads are on Indian origin and are made by making beads with a mixture of clay and marble then embellishing them with stones, beads and metal components. I am in love with these.

These jumbo bracelet stacks are sure to make a statement. The bracelet stacks have vibrant colors with accents of copper, silver and brass. You're sure to get looks wearing these layered bracelets.

Jumbo Stack Bracelets are available in my Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs studio HERE


New Bracelet Stacks

I've just listed these gemstone bracelet stacks in my studio. I had a lot of fun making these and plan to make more. Each stack consists of 2 or 3 individually made stretch bracelets. The bracelets can be worn alone or stack them for a real statement.

The bracelet stacks have coordinating gemstone, wood, pearl, crystal or bone beads. The beads are accented in beads of copper, silver, brass and gold. Dangling chains and charms add movement to the bracelets.

All bracelets are strung on power cord elastic thread and are secured with adhesive.

The stack bracelets are available in my Pink Sunset Jewelry Designs studio here.


Saturday, September 8, 2012

A Quick Guide to Caring for Your Artisan Jewelry


Jewely is an investment and can last forever if you take the proper care of it. Here are a few tips on how to care for your Artisan Jewelry. I've added a few convenient links for some of the products I discuss.

  • Put your jewelry on last when getting dressed. This avoids over spray of makeup, lotions, hair products and perfume. All of which can cause dulling, pitting and degradation of gemstones.
  • Do not wear your jewelry while working with harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions. They will have the same affects as makeups and perfumes. If this should happen, rinse your jewelry in warm water as soon as possible and let air dry before storing. 

  • Do store your jewelry in airtight containers. Metals will oxidize naturally over time. Storing them in airtight containers, will extend the natural process. You can also place a  piece of chalk or an anti-tarnish square inside your container. This will help with moisture and oxidation control.
  • Do store your jewelry pieces individually to prevent them from rubbing against each other. This could cause scratches and chips in the metal and gemstones. Store them in separate compartments in your jewelry box or in small zipper top plastic bags.
  • If your jewelry should tarnish, do not use chemical jewelry cleaners. Some gemstones are softer than others and the chemicals can break down the stones composition. 
  • Use only a jewelry polishing cloth for cleaning. (for dirt and dust in crevasses, you may use a dry, soft bristle toddler toothbrush to loosen the dirt.
  • Avoid wearing your jewelry during rough activities, this will avoid cracks, scratches and breakage. 


Artisan Jewelry is wearable art and an expression of yourself...............So take care of both of you!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Necklaces and Necklines~How to find the perfect match!


Not sure what type of necklace to wear with what outfit? It does matter. The style of necklace that you wear can enhance or detract from the look of both your outfit and your jewelry.  Here are a few tips to follow when choosing your perfect accessory. Following these will help to spotlight you, your outfit and your jewelry.


Plunging neckline:
A plunging neckline, believe it or not, usually does not fare well with a neck

lace even though there’s a lot to bare. It takes away from the outfit, which is already a statement. Instead, skip the necklace and accessorize with rings, earrings, bracelets, hair/head bands or barrettes.

Sweetheart neckline:
A sweetheart neckline gives a lot of room to work with since the shoulders are also bare. It’s a flirty style and looks great with a short bib necklace, chunky necklace, pendant necklace, and it can be simple or bold.

V-shaped neck:
A V-shaped neck always looks sweet with a Y-shaped necklace, pendant necklace, or a cascading necklace that follows the V shape.

Square neck:
A square neck dress or top looks perfect with short layered chains, a dainty necklace, or a short chunky necklace that creates a structured round curve to complement and balance the square shape.

Bateau neckor Boat Neck:
The bateau neck covers you up on top, so you want to go the opposite with a long necklace–layered or single.

Draped neckline:
A draped neckline paired with a necklace can look like too much is going on, so if you must, opt for a short dainty necklace.

Round neck:
Just like the bateau neck, a round crew neck style covers up the neck. A short necklace can compete with the neckline so you want to go the opposite with a long necklace. Go with a long pendant necklace or one with charms or tassels dangling at the ends.

Necklace lengths: Which one is right for you?

Necklace lengths: Which one is right for you?

Choosing the right necklace length is an important factor to take into consideration while buying jewelry. Jewelry can enhance your outfit or your body.

Do not underestimate the importance of size when buying jewelry Whether you're trying to find a necklace of appropriate length for a formal gathering, wishing to accentuate your best features, or wanting to deemphasize your flaws, you need to be armed with knowledge about how size affects the way jewelry looks. Use this guide to the terminology of jewelry size and the related tips to pick the perfect jewelry for you.

No matter what size necklace you choose, there are some things that you should keep in mind. If you want to look taller, choose a necklace that falls below the bustline. If you're 5 foot 7 inches tall or taller, a necklace of any length will look good on you. Long, thin necklaces will look good if you have a small bust. Women with larger busts should go with necklaces longer than 22 inches. If you have a long neck, choose a short necklace with multiple strands. Ladies with shorter necks look best in long necklaces.


 

Collar (12’’-13’’): Collar sits snuggly on the middle of the neck, and can be worn a
s single or multi-strand.
Princess (17”-19”): The princess length is very popular, lies just below collar bone.
Matinee (20”-24”): The matinee drapes on the chest.
Opera (28”-34”): Opera drapes extravagantly to one's mid-section.
Ropes (Over 45”): Recently popular, rope length necklaces are elegant, sensual and sexy.Ropes can be looped, wrapped or draped as desired. Ropes can also be used as double-strand necklaces or multi-strand bracelets.
Lariats (Over 45”): Lariats are long like ropes but have open, unattached ends. They can be loosely knotted in the front or wrapped around the neck.