Tag Archives: 14k gold
Trio Burst
The request: Make a jewelry set that will match the dress of a client’s wife
The dilemma: It has to be done in 2 weeks.
The solution: I asked the client to send me a photo of the wife’s dress. I received the email 5 days later.
The dress had hints of red-orange. It had a satin sheen that displayed darker colors under different lights and under shadows.
I was at lost with what necklace design I could make.
I had to make the necklace stand out against the dark and light effect of the dress but without making a distraction. I wanted to make it blend but not really. I wanted to craft it in a way that the client’s wife will be able to use it on formal occasions, during casual days, and even at the office. That’s the ClassicSparklers’ trademark: versatility in all aspects.
The dress’ neckline grabbed my attention and I knew I had to start with that.
Also, the client’s wife wanted me to use the garnet gemstone. I made a rundown in my head if I had enough available in stock. The garnets that I had have a dark, wine red color. With my 14k gold, they will stand out, yes, but they will look too drab plain. I had to add something else.
After considering all these, I was finally able to create another beauty:
I used garnet, carnelian and rubellite, thus calling it “Trio Burst”. They gave good contrast to the garnet while at the same time adding texture because of their difference in size.
Also, I used pyrite for that usual sparkle!
But this would not be a ClassicSparklers piece if it were to be used ONLY for this occasion, right? So I gave it the ability to turn into these other options:
Notice something missing compared to the first photo?
It’s this pendant:
I made this part detachable so that the client’s wife can use it separately with a nice gold chain or a satin ribbon.
But I did not stop there 🙂
If you would like me to create something as fabulous and one of a kind as this set, you can contact me thru:
1. Drop me an email at thedesigner@classicsparklers.com
2. Leave a message at my store
3. Or simply leave a comment in this entry.
Everyday Necklaces
I like pairing my jewelry with the clothes I wear everyday.
Well, not exactly pairing per se. I just like wearing accessories to complete the whole ensemble. They may not be in the same color family or theme but they should at least complement or highlight the look I am going for.
However, one cannot buy every and all kinds of jewelry! And knowing us, girls, with the way we love buying clothes, there should at least be that versatile piece of accessory to fit all kinds of look.
This dilemma can only be solved by affordable but elegant and timeless pieces that you can change everyday!
Thus, I created the “Everyday” Necklace.
Wear it with your business suit, your casual outfit, or even your evening dress. Pair it with a collared top and jeans during dress down days. The versatility of the necklaces are enhanced by their unique designs. Subtle but creative. Semi precious gemstones, South Sea shell pearls, freshwater pearls, faceted Austrian crystals and more wire wrapped in 14k gold filled (rolled gold). They hang from dainty chains that glimmer as they “disappear” into your skin. A little twist and a little turn here or there, wait for the chain to catch the light and give out that sparkle.
The J. Pedreria for ClassicSparklers Everyday Necklace Collection is now available here.
Now for some eye candy 🙂
What Inspires Me
A Very Productive Weekend
My sister needed a gift for her boyfriend’s sister. She requested me to make something for her. I was not satisfied with just one, instead, I made these new earring pieces now available at my store:
As you all are aware of by now, gold prices have gone up. The price for these items are based on the old gold prices (read: very affordable). When my stock runs up, I have no choice but to increase the price of my new items as well.
So what are you waiting for? 🙂
Amethyst & Silver
The request: an amethyst bead in the middle of my signature design crocheted disc.
The dilemma: use sterling silver.
*****
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 🙂
Bordeaux
The latest object of attention of Neiman Marcus‘ Senior Accessories Editor, Roopal Patel are fabulous bordeaux items.
I have always loved this color. Most of the time, however, I’d forget its name and would just describe it as dark red or the color of wine. I think it’s a safe bet if you want to wear something within the family of the color red but are not daring enough to do so or if it does not fit your skin complexion.
Upon browsing through all of Ms. Patel’s bordeaux choices, I can’t help but realize that the color can and does resemble that of garnet! Garnet has a deep dark red color which is sometimes difficult to photograph. I have spent hours trying to get the right hues of the color come out. Most of the time, I’d wait for different times of the day just to get that perfect shot.
I am not a professional photographer but I do know how to balance light or ISO settings. Most of the time I will use macro shots. But thanks to my trusty Canon G10, which was a gift from my dad, I was able to capture these wonderful shots of garnet:
The necklace in the first photo is available here.
The one in the second photo was a custom request for a garnet necklace and earring set, garnet being her birth month.
What JJ Used Today
.…my own champagne South Sea shell pearl nest setting earrings. I was finishing orders this weekend and loved the combination of the light golden peach color of my new set of pearls that I finally made one for myself! 🙂
The soft golden glow of the South Sea shell pearl and the stark contrast of the nest setting gives this piece an elegant and contemporary feel. The size (10mm) is just right for the setting and the style of the ear nut backing are perfect for its size.
Hmmm. Not quite clear yet.
How about this one:
Love it?
Order now 🙂
Oh! And I wore my Everyday South Sea shell pearl necklace. Not too matchy-matchy but just right.
Custom Work
One thing that always gets me excited with this little business endeavor of mine is when a client requests for something I have not done before, meaning: custom work.
This always presents as a challenge to me because I get to be creative as much as I can without sacrificing the idea or theme that the client wants. Most of the time, the request will just be a vague as asking for a specific stone, like garnet to represent her birth month, which is January. With all the exchange of conversations we’ve had over the internet, emails, mostly, I had to make a necklace and earring set using garnet gemstones.
When I make custom work, I always put into consideration what the personality of the client is. Expect me to always ask:
1. What is it for or where will it be used?
2. When do you want it done?
3. Any other special consideration?
After taking all these into consideration, of course, I will have to end up with a design that will also include my signature nest setting. I will check my inventory to see if I have all the materials. If not, I will visit my supplier the following weekend. Otherwise, the creativity begins.
During the process, my original idea will evolve. Most of the time I will not stick to my original design but instead, I will make it better! I think that’s where creativity is best measured. It is the ability to innovate and create something while in the middle of trying to meet all the specifics. In the end, I will be happy with the result, and the client happier than I.
So, anyway, here is one of my custom work.
Garnet. Nest setting. Necklace and earring set. Perfect!
classicsparklers.com 