The Power of Peridot

What is Peridot?  Peridot is a bright green to yellow-green gemstone and is the birthstone for August.  The major world supplier for peridot is the United States with the majority of mines being located in Arizona, and some in New Mexico.  While mines in the U.S. produce large amounts of peridot, the finer, more rare and higher quality stones are mined in Myanmar, Egypt and Pakistan.

History and Folklore:  Cleopatra was known for her love of peridot, and it has been said that some of her "emeralds" were actually peridot.  According to legend, peridot possesses magical powers to protect against evil, calm anger, repel negative thoughts, and attract love.

Wearing Peridot:  The tranquil green color of peridot makes it particularly suitable for wearing in the summer months.  Both gold and silver compliment the stone nicely.  It is generally a pleasant, lightweight jewel that can be worn on a casual everyday basis, but can just as easily adorn your evening wear as well.

In addition to actual peridot gemstones, many beautiful pieces of jewelry can be found using glass replicas of peridot.  Check out some of these beautiful peridot gemstone and glass jewelry items created by various Etsy artisans that I organized into an Etsy treasury entitled  Peridot Perfection.


The earrings below are an example of using a combination of peridot glass gems and actual peridot gemstones:

Green Lampwork and Peridot Earrings

Fabulous Filigree

These past few weeks I have been learning about using filigree in jewelry designs.  What I have learned is that it is a fantastic way to showcase jewels of all kinds such as glass and gemstone cabochons.

What is filigree?  It is an ornamental type of jewelry using open lacy type designs.  Gold, silver, brass or other metal "wires" are soldered together into intricate designs.  Learn more about filigree on Wikipedia.

I have been using antiqued silver and brass filigree stampings from VintageJewelrySupply.com.  Their products are high quality, reasonably priced and shipped quickly.  Be sure to also check out their sister site FiligreeJewelrySupplies.com which has some excellent tutorials for learning how to use filigree.

Here are some of my first designs using filigree:

Sapphire Blue Glass Filigree Necklace
This necklace features a beautiful faceted glass gem cabochon wrapped in oxidized silver plated filigree.  Embellished with a smaller antiqued silver stamping and "fire opal" Swarovski crystal in the center.  Matching stampings and crystal rhinestones are used to attach the pendant to double stranded antiqued silver chain.

Mexican Glass Fire Opal Necklace
A gorgeous glass fire opal is securely wrapped in an antiqued silver filigree piece.  Center has a small "fire opal" Swarovski crystal.  I finished the back with an antiqued pewter earring finding that fit the piece perfectly (see third picture below for back of pendant.)  Necklace is finished with links made with Swarovski crystals in dark red coral, antiqued silver bead caps, and antiqued silver chain.

Red Glass Filigree Pendant
I made this pendant using a 15mm round glass cabochon in a color called Rosaline which is a rich rosy red color.  I then used two antiqued silver stampings to wrap the stone so that the back and front actually look alike except that the back shows the flat foiled back of the stone.  Pendant is connected to antiqued silver chain with links beaded with Swarovski crystals in "black diamond" and dark grey Swarovski crystal pearls.

Antiqued Brass and Glass Gem Necklace
This pendant features another sapphire blue glass gem cabochon like the one in the first item above but I used antiqued brass instead of silver.  I used four pieces of antiqued brass stampings to wrap and layer around the edges of the stone, then embellished the center with a  round filigree stamping and clear AB finished rhinestone.  Pendant hangs from a medium 5mm link rollo chain in antiqued brass.

Antiqued Brass Filigree Heirloom Necklace
This necklace has a large round clear faceted glass gem set into a beaded edge four prong antiqued brass setting.  It was pretty just like that, but I embellished the pendant with several layers of antiqued brass stampings.  Center has a round filigree stamping with a clear AB finished rhinestone.   A Czech glass teardrop is hung from the bottom of the pendant.  Pendant hangs from an antiqued brass rollo chain.

Victorian Filigree Heart Earrings
These earrings feature antiqued brass filigree stampings and Czech glass teardrops.  I wire wrapped the teardrops using antiqued bronze wire.  Dangles hang from antiqued brass fish hook earring wires.

Antiqued Silver and Mexican Fire Opal Pendant Necklace
For this pendant I used a genuine Mexican opal cabochon and wrapped it like a tiny treasure in two antiqued silver filigree stampings.  I used no other decoration, just hung it from a delicate antiqued silver chain.

With the exception of the last item above (which I am thinking of keeping for myself), all of these pieces can be found in my Etsy shop:  DJAjewels.etsy.com

Another Glass Fire Opal Design

I am still enjoying my newest fascination with glass fire opals.  For my newest creation I used a topaz glass opal with a rich warm mix of gold, amber and topaz colors.  I created a setting for this stone using a simple round mounting which I layered with a more ornate round setting - both in antiqued brass.  Czech glass beads in clear fire polish and "vintage bronze" add to the vintage style charm of this piece.  A medium weight 5mm rollo textured chain gives this piece a substantial feel.  Measures 18 inches long.  Finished with an ornate antiqued brass pewter hook and eye clasp.

I found this stone and several of the metal components at VintageJewelrySupplies.com.  Remaining components are from firemountaingems.com.

This necklace is available in my Etsy shop DJAjewels.etsy.com.

Glass Fire Opal Jewelry

Glass fire opals are some of the most beautiful man-made stones I know of.  Also known as Harlequin glass art, they are known for their fiery  play of colors.  Glass fire opals come in various colors.  Please remember these pieces of glass art are not really opals.

The most well-known are the Mexican fire opals - also known as Dragon's Breath.  These beautiful glass stones have mixtures of red, orange, and yellow colors.  When light passes through these transparent glass stones, streaks of blues and purples are seen.  This characteristic is achieved when the glass artisan adds various metals to the molten glass as it is being made.  In fact, the name "Dragon's Breath" originated because of the blue and purple "breath" inside the reddish orange glass - giving the illusion of a dragon's breath.  The first picture below is a Mexican glass fire opal set into an antiqued silver setting.

Glass fire opals are also made in other colors such as topaz, amethyst, blue and green.  The second and third pictures are some examples.  This topaz fire opal has a rich warm mix of gold, amber and topaz colors.  The amethyst piece is an electric mix of pinks, purples and golds.

All three of these necklaces were designed by me and are available for sell in my Etsy shop:  DJAjewels.etsy.com.

How to Make a Collage Pendant

My latest obsession has become creating collage pendants. The possibilities are endless, but I particularly enjoy vintage and art nouveau themes.

Making a collage pendant is not difficult, but does require some time and thought. Here is the process I use:

Supplies: Image or photo, pendant frame, E-6000 glue, glaze such as Diamond Glaze. You will also need simple tools such as an Xacto knife - or a paper punch, toothpicks or wooden craft sticks, and waxed paper.

1. First select your pendant shape and style - circle, oval, square, rectangle. Decide on either a simple frame or an ornate one with fancy edging. Since I like vintage style jewelry, one of my favorite places to purchase frames is VintageJewelrySupplies.com. This site offers good products at reasonable prices and fast free shipping.

2. Next, select your image to fit the frame. You can use wrapping paper, magazine photos, and greeting cards. Or you can purchase collage picture images already sized and shaped for common pendant frames. I purchase many of my images on Etsy where there is a wealth of styles and themes from various sellers.

3. Prepare your image. If you are printing out a collage sheet or other image from your computer, first be sure to use the best quality settings for your printer. I find printing on photo paper works best. Next seal your image to prevent the ink from running and smearing during gluing and glazing later - I use Aleene's spray acrylic sealer which I purchase at Michael's craft store - you can choose either a matte or glossy finish (both work fine.)

4. Cut out your image. If you are "free styling" (not using a pre-sized and shaped" collage sheet) then make a template of your shape by tracing the shape on a piece of paper - preferably thick cardstock type. Then cut out the shape leaving a circle (or whatever shape you're using) opening in the paper. Then you can place the template over your desired image, trace with pencil and cut it out. I usually leave about 1/8 inch around the edge to trim later - this makes for easier handling. Use a craft knife or xacto knife to cut your image - be careful as they are quite sharp!

A quicker easier method for cutting your image is to purchase a paper punch at a craft store such as Michael's. These come in standard 1 and 2 inch circles, ovals, squares and many other shapes. I recommend this method if you are going to be making a number of pendants.

5. Glue your cut out image to the pendant frame. I use E-6000 glue (I purchase from Michael's) placing a small amount on the back of the image and pressing it onto the frame. Use a toothpick or small wooden pointed craft stick to clean off excess around the edges. But if you leave some E-6000 dries clear and excess can be cut off later with your craft knife. E-6000 becomes tacky in 2 minutes and begins to set in 10 minutes - but takes 24 to 72 hours to fully cure. After drying, you can trim the edges of your paper if needed with your Xacto knife - if you used a paper punch, this step is usually unnecessary.

6. Now it is time to apply glaze to seal and protect the image. Be sure to allow the glue from step 5 to dry sufficiently - I usually allow several hours (4 hours or longer.) Although not fully cured yet, this is enough time for proceeding.

I use Diamond Glaze which can be purchased at various sites on-line. One site I have used is CreateForLess.com but there are many others - even Ebay where this product can be found.

Applying the glaze is a bit tricky but not overwhelmingly so. Place your pendant on a flat surface where it will be able to sit without being disturbed for at least 24 hours. I use a flat chopping board with waxed paper placed on top for easy clean up.

First squeeze out a small dab of the glaze onto the waxed paper to expel any bubbles. Then without turning the bottle back upright, immediately squeeze the glaze onto your image - I start from the center and work my way outward in a circular motion. If air bubbles develop, pop them with a needle or even your fingernail.

Now let the glaze dry and cure. It will be sufficiently dry to carefully move after 24 hours, but takes 72 hours before fully curing. If not fully cured, you can leave smudges and indentations on your glaze with handling.

7. Now you are ready to place your pendant on a chain or cord and proudly wear!

Here are some collage pendant I recently made and have for sale on Etsy at DJAjewels.etsy.com:

Victorian Beauty Art Nouveau Pendant:  This pendant features an Alphonse Mucha image of a Victorian era woman encircled  within an antiqued silver collage pendant.  Hangs simply on an antiqued silver chain.

Vintage Roses Circle Collage Pendant :  Nostalgic image of vintage roses encircled within an antiqued silver collage pendant.  Suspended on delicate antiqued silver chain.

Antiqued Gold Bluebird Pendant :  Circle collage pendant featuring a delightful pair of bluebirds tending their nest.  Nest has four eggs including one surprise golden egg.  Collage image is set into  an antiqued brass frame and hangs simply from a 22K antiqued gold plated chain.

Art Nouveau Mucha Pendant :  Art Nouveau style pendant featuring an Alphonse Mucha image of  a lovely Victorian era woman.  Simple yet elegant antiqued brass frame  forms a golden halo around the beautiful young woman.  Hangs from an antiqued brass chain.

Wedding and Bridal Jewelry

June is almost here and that means weddings!  Wedding jewelry is some of my favorite to create with all the pearls, crystals, hearts, silver and gold.  Here are some of my favorites from my Etsy shop:

Crystal Pearl and Sterling Silver Wedding Necklace:  This extravagently beaded necklace is beaded with sparkling Swarovski crystals and crystal pearls, sterling silver beads, antiqued pewter beads and an ornate sterling silver S-clasp.

Something Blue Swarovski Crystal Pearl Necklace:  Every bride needs something blue for their wedding and this is the perfect way to wear it!  This necklace is beaded with a large lampwork bead in "crystal silver" as the center focal piece.  Remaining beads are Swarovski crystals and crystal pearls, glass pearl seed beads, and two blue lampwork beads situated quietly at each end.

Something Blue Swarovski Crystal Teardrop Earrings:  The perfect compliment to the "Something Blue" Necklace above.

Simple Elegance Crystal Pearl Necklace:  Simple and elegant is what this necklace is all about.  Beaded with Swarovski crystal pearls and crystals.  Focal point is a wire-wrapped Swarovski crystal teardrop pendant.

Simple Elegance Crystal Heart Earrings:  Sparkling Swarovski crystal hearts wire-wrapped onto sterling silver earring wires.

Pearl Heart Wedding Necklace:  A beautiful freshwater pearl heart pendant on necklace beaded with more freshwater pearls and sterling silver beads.

Bella's Crystal Teardrop Necklace:  A beautiful Swarovski crystal teardrop wire-wrapped onto a sterling silver chain.

Bella's Crystal Teardrop Earrings:  Swarovski crystal teardrops with Czech glass beads on sterling silver earring wires.

Bella's Crystal Wedding Necklace:  A large German crystal wire-wrapped onto a silver-plated necklace.  This is a larger bolder version of Bella's Teardrop Necklace above - this one is also silver-plated rather than sterling silver as is Bella's Teardrop Necklace.

Twilight's Dawn Glass Pearl Earrings:  Long dangle earring with large glass pearls accented with antiques silver bead caps on gunmetal earring wires.

Dazzling Swarovski Crystal Heart Earrings:  Swarovski crystal hearts on 14K gold filled earring wires.

Heirloom Crystal Pearl and Sterling Silver Earrings:  Beautiful Swarovski crystal pearls accented with antiqued silver beads on sterling silver earring wires.

My Newest Beading Addiction: Czech Glass Beads

I have been busy this week beading several new pairs of vintage style earrings after finding some really interesting and pretty Czech glass beads.  These beads can be addictive to work with because of the incredible assortment of styles, colors and finishes available.  I order my beads from various vendors and I really never know for sure whether I'm going to like the beads until they arrive - but every single one of these beads turned out to be spectacular and I could not wait to start beading with them.

Temptation Glass Garnet Earrings:  These glass garnets are simply too tempting to resist!  I beaded these earrings with deep garnet Czech glass beads dangling from antiqued brass chain and earring wires.  Accented with antiqued gold Heishi beads and bead caps.  Faceted rondelle Czech beads are 14mm size.  Drop is 2 inches.

Picasso Purple Amethyst Earrings:  These vintage style earrings are prettily beaded in purple and sterling silver,  Faceted Czech glass rondelle beads are an eclectic combination of pinks, purples and white.  They have a picasso finish giving them a beautiful marbled stone appearance.  The faceted edges allow the light to dance and reflect off of them - they measure 9x6mm.  Round amethyst gemstone beads sit atop the Czech glass rondelles and small amethyst Swarovski crystals dangle beneath them.  Accented with antiqued silver Heishi beads and bead caps.  Bright sterling silver kidney shaped earring wires.  Drop is 2 inches.

Celestial Blue Vintage Style Earrings:  I beaded these Celestial Blue dangle earrings using pretty blue Czech gire polished rondelle beads.  These faceted opaque beads are a soft tranquil light blue - but their faceted edges contrast beautifully with the soft color as they allow the light to reflect and dance off of them.  Small round cloud white Cats Eye beads add to the celestial appearance.  To give these earrings a Victorian and vintage style appeal, I used oxidized antiqued sterling silver earring wires along with antiqued silver plated Heishi beads and bead caps.  Gunmetal eye pins and jump rings complete the vintage style charm.  Drop is 2 inches.  Blue rondelle glass beads measure 9x6mm.  Cats eye beads are 4mm.

Glass garnet rondelle, Picasso purple, and celestial blue czech beads are all from ShipwreckBeads.

To see more of my vintage style jewelry, be sure to visit me at DJAjewels.etsy.com!

For explanation and descriptions about Czech glass and other types of beads, click here.