Sunday, August 22, 2010

Filigree and Gemstone Jewelry

I continue to be fascinated with the versatility of filigree in creating Victorian and vintage style jewelry.  Layering filigree can add such depth and visual interest to a piece of jewelry.  When combined with natural gemstones, the effect can be dramatic!

I purchased the gemstones used in the pieces shown below from Etsy shops:
CabbingRough
BrownChalcedony

The first necklace features a stunning green chalcedony round cabochon from Turkey (bought from BrownChalcedony.)  I used a layering technique by mounting the stone onto an antiqued silver setting and antiqued silver filigree for the back, allowing the edges to show around the edges from the front.  Necklace is beaded with natural gemstone and glass garnets, antiqued silver beads and chain.  Necklace length is 18 inches.

Green Chalcedony and Garnet Filigree Necklace
The second necklace uses a square green chalcedony cabochon (also from BrownChalcedony.) For this design I wrapped the stone in antiqued silver filigree then mounted it onto another piece of round filigree and embellished the front with a small Swarovski crystal "fire opal" rhinestone.  Necklace beaded with strands of antiqued silver links and filigree beads and small Czech glass crystals.  finished with delicate antiqued silver chain and lobster claw clasp closure.  Measures 16 1/2 inches.

Green Chalcedony Antiqued Silver Filigree Necklace - View 1


Green Chalcedony Antiqued Silver Filigree Necklace - View 2
The last necklace features a beautiful pink jade stone from CabbingRough.  This exquisite stone has hints of green mixed with the pink and rose colors.  I mounted the cabochon into an antiqued silver setting, then wrapped it with antiqued silver filigree to form a beautiful pendant.  Necklace beaded with Czech glass beads and anituqed silver bead caps.  Glass beads are combination of faceted pink rondelles with gold highlights and fluted round smokey gray in AB (aurora borealis) finish.  I made the beaded filigree drop with a aclear Swarovski crystal teardrop, then wrapped it in antiqued silver filigree.  Chain is delicate antiqued silver.  Finished with a lobster claw clasp.  Measures 18 1/2 inches, plus pendant drop of 2 inches.

Pink Jade and Antiqued Silver Filigree Necklace - View 1


Pink Jade and Antiqued Silver Filigree Necklace - View 2



Be sure to visit my Etsy shop to find more filigree Victorian and vintage style jewelry!

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