The request: an amethyst bead in the middle of my signature design crocheted disc.

The dilemma: use sterling silver.

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I have to admit.  I shy away from using sterling silver with my designs because cleaning sterling silver jewelry pieces need lots of attention.  A simple brushing with mild soap will not make it shine and sparkle like those in the store.  You need a sterling silver cleaning solution for this and the process of cleaning, I find really tedious.

When I make jewelry, I take into consideration the aspects of cleaning.  I want my pieces to be easy maintenance.  I want them easy to clean and store.  Most of my customers are professionals who value their time so I want to make things easy for them.  With gold, all you need is a soft bristle brush, some mild soap and water.  For brass, a lemon rinse and soft bristle brush as well.  With sterling silver, you need more than just a brush. 

But anyway, I will put aside all my apprehensions when a customer wants a sterling silver piece.  This request was full sterling silver: chain and the main focal point which was the detachable pendant.  I had to incorporate the customer’s birthstone, which is amethyst. Initially, when the piece was finished, I was not satisfied.  If you have been reading this blog since it started, you will now know that I do not sketch when I make a piece.  I will let my imagination flow and my hands do the work.  For customized pieces I will listen to what the customer wants and work from there. 

So here I am with the piece and decided to add more to the original design.  I added a border made of thicker sterling silver wire.  Slowly, the disc started to transform into a rose! The amethyst bead in the middle seemed lonely so I dispersed a couple of Alexandrite Swarovksi faceted bicone crystals around it.

The result: Fabulousity!

If you like this piece, you, too, can buy it here 🙂