Tag Archives: Jewelry
What’s in Store
Now that Angela’s bridal headpiece is on its way, I have yet to decide what my next collection will be. Apart from the customized orders I have already pending on my desk, I was able to find time to conceptualize 3 new collections. The only problem is, I now don’t know which to set up first:
The Web Series
Twilight Collection
or
The Filigree Collection
What do you think?
The Classic Pearl
I’ve always considered the Pearl to be the most elegant and classic piece to work with. That is the reason why I always name my pieces “The Classic Pearl”. Pearls are timeless and versatile. They can be worn during any occasion without the wearer looking over accessorized or under accessorized.
I first started using pearls last year. Specifically, I opted for the freshwater pearl because it was much cheaper than the South Sea pearls. I started off with simple designs to test the market and they were a hit! I decided on the regular wire wrap because aside from it being easy to construct, I believed that it was simple and elegant enough to match the focal piece, which is the pearl.
Fast forward to today.
The royal wedding draws near and the internet is flooded with photos of the royal couple, particularly the soon to be princess, Kate Middleton. During one of my surfing, I found several photos which took my breath away. The earrings she wore often were an uncanny resemblance to the classic pearl earrings I made last year!! Not only that, she wore another pair of earrings that was also similar to the citrine earrings also from the same collection!!
No, my friends, I did not make those that she was wearing (although I wish that one day she will carry one of my pieces…:). In my excitement, I have made a collage that emphasizes what I have just said.
Here is a photo of the faceted Austrian crystal earrings in citrine gold wire wrapped in sterling silver and another one wire wrapped in argentium wire:
Here is the collage/the photos of “The Classic Pearl” earrings made from freshwater pearls wire wrapped in 10k solid gold wire:
photos courtesy of lifetimetv.com
These two earrings were from my 2010 Collection. I still make them now although I have upgraded into South Sea shell pearls.
For those who would like to request a custom item, please leave me a message here.
All About Diamonds
Image via Wikipedia
But not The diamonds. I’m referring to my current obsession with Herkimer diamonds.
Herkimer diamonds is the generic term for double terminated crystal quartz that were first discovered among the exposed outcrops of clolostone located in Herkimer, New York. The stone’s diamond-shaped appearance are natural faces. This means that the facets appear to have been cut but in reality, the facets were made by nature itself. This becomes possible with a high percentage of the stone’s unimpeded growth.
In the next post, I will show you photos of what these diamonds look like and how I have interpreted them and incorporated them in my designs.
Stay tuned!
Sugar Plum
Turquoise originality needle wrapped in 10k solid gold wire.
The needles hang from 14k solid gold ear hooks with cubic zirconia focal in the most brilliant amethyst color.
Drop from top to bottom is 2 inches long.
Dangle earrings that is organic in construction but elegant and classic. The design makes it wearable during the day, while the cubic zirconia makes it formal to wear at night.
Now available in my shop.
The Gift
Sometime ago I made these:
Focal rainbow jasper beads measuring 18mm and wrapped them with 10k solid gold wire. The earhook was likewise handmade and handtwisted. To give it an edge, I coiled its ends to form the hoop where I could insert the jasper beads. The outcome of the piece looked like a small gift. Thus the name.
Later on, a client sent me a message and asked if I could make one for her using sterling silver. She wanted a pendant instead of a pair of earrings. The challenge was creating the coil that gave its character. After a few nights of recreating the design in my head, I came up with a final piece I truly truly am proud of:
It all started with headbands……
…..and the rest, they say, is history.
Yes, this is how ClassicSparklers started getting noticed. In my headbands I incorporated gemstone chips, mother of pearl, majorica and freshwater pearls, Austrian crystals, and swarovski crystals. Added to this is the fact that I add a bit of history to each item:
Some experts believe that headbands were actually copied from the early day wreaths that were from the early Greek period.
Old mosaic portraits showed Byzantine women wearing jewelled bands and head dresses.
Not just like any other fashion accessory, ClassicSparklers headpieces are designed to be functional. They take you from your day to day activities to an evening out in the town.
August Challenge
This piece is an entry for the “August Based Theme: Intro To Harvest”.
Fall color reports indicate a soft, inviting orange as part of the season’s palette, as we welcome hints of autumn richness.
The Coral Wrap earrings is made from natural coral beads wrapped in crocheted sterling silver. Drop is approximately 1.5 inches.
Now available.
Classic Weddings Part II
Ashlie requested for a grass-green jewelry set composed of a pair of earrings and bracelet for her 5 bridesmaids. The wedding colors are purple and green. I presented her with this:
THE EARRINGS: Crocheted sterling silver wire formed into discs surrounded by green swarovski crystals with smooth amethyst rondelle in the middle. Size 1 inch in diameter. Dangler earring that is very elegant and organic earrings. Sturdy construction but very lightweight.
BRACELET: Austrian crystals wire wrapped with sterling silver wire.
Ashlie loved the idea and request for a bridal headpiece. All she said was that she wanted it white and sparkly.
edit:
Ashlie received the package already!
The color for 2010: Turquoise
I have always been fascinated with this gemstone and if I remember correctly, it was the first gemstone I ever worked with!
The ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewelry. It’s color ranges from greenish-blue or pale sky blue. The name means “Turkish stone” as it came to Europe by way of Turkey. Turquoise was mined more than 6,000 years ago in Sinai and is one of the oldest protection amulets, and was also known as a symbol of wealth in many ancient cultures.
If given a turquoise by a loving friend, that stone would protect the wearer from negative energy and bring good fortune. The turquoise is the symbol of friendship. It also brings peace to the home.
This stone is a very personal and meaningful stone to one who wears it. It takes on the characteristics of the owner.
The baghag, one of my daily blog reads, said that turquoise is the color for 2010. And thus, in honor of this beautiful stone, I’d like to share with you a few creations. Enjoy!
That’s why I love to experiment!
A client wanted something big, but not too big. Round. With turquoise gemstones and definitely not a dangler. Something that can be worn during the day but classy enough for the evening.
A vague description with very little to work with. This is why I do not sketch any of my designs. I love to experiment and I like seeing my imagination run wild. Most of all, I try as much as possible to incorporate my signature designs to the client’s description.
Thus, the final product:
classicsparklers.com 