Hot Stuff

Shades of red are so popular in jewellery. From the bright crimson of Coral to muted tones of Jasper, reds offer something for everyone. Glamorous, fun, earthy, sexy: whatever you want from your jewellery there will be a red to suit you! I love that people who feel that they can't wear red clothes, or that it doesn't suit them, still love red jewellery as it can add a bit of pizazz to your outfit!

SOLD: Red and Leopard Jasper
The colours of this piece are really rich (it has paled a bit in the light on this photo!) and the variant tones within the leopard jasper compliment the red jasper beautifully. I love the more matt texture of Jasper, and it feels lovely against the skin. This is such a comfortable, wearable set.

Red Coral and Dalmatian Jasper
Its no secret that I love Dalmatian Jasper, and I often seem to pair it with coral as I think reds compliment it beautifully. The square shapes of the Dalmatian add a different look, and really make the design of the pendant stand out. Again, dress it up or down for night or day a really versatile set (apologies I had run out of earring hooks when I took the photo, but you get the idea!)

Himalayan Influence

Turquoise, Red Coral.
When I was in Tibet, I noticed that a lot of people wore Turquoise and Coral beads. This struck me as a little odd at first: here, at the highest plateau of the earth, for thousands of years, people had had access to this organic gem of the sea. But geologically, the mountains of Tibet used to be at sea level: millions of years ago, when the Indian sub-continent smashed into the Asian mainland, the land that was once at sea-level was forced upwards to eventually produce the highest mountain range in the world. And the coral of course moved with it.
I love the history - both natural and cultural - of gemstones, and to use them in the combination that is traditional to a culture adds interest to the pieces. Plus, the colour combination is lovely and bright, with a summery, tribal feel enhanced by the design of the necklace.

Volcanic!

I am a little bit in love with Fire Agate, it has a wonderful organic, volcanic look that adds an exciting fiery earthy element to jewellery, and always makes a statement! Though it comes in different colours (the blue and burgundy will follow in later posts) the red/orange does it for me every time!
The look of a gemstone can be altered depending on the gemstones surrounding it, as these two necklaces show: the first has a dramatic, autumnal feel, the second a lighter summer feel. This is also an excellent illustration in the effect of light on the gemstones: the second photo captures the essence and beauty of the gemstones in natural sunlight, which is sadly lost in the first picture.

Fire Agate, Coral & Lava Rock.
The use of lava and coral adds lovely texture to this piece, and further enhances the organic quality of the agate: think bright orange embers burning amongst dark coals. The smaller stones are light, so make lovely earrings, and look dramatic when worn with hair up so the shape can be seen against the skin.

Fire Agate, Carnelian, Orange Chinese Jade.
Teaming the agate with lighter colours brightens the overall effect. I have used Carnelian nuggets and round beads to add variety in texture, and a jade drop pendant that sets off the agate nicely. Orange is very on-trend for summer, but I love it through the autumn as well with black or brown clothes.

Mini Sets

I personally don't always like to have complete matching sets of jewellery. Often I make a whole necklace, bracelet, earrings combo, but sometimes a cute earrings and bracelet set is preferable. Some people like big statement necklaces, but I know lots of people who actually don't wear things round their neck. Also, because the necklaces use such a large number of beads, these smaller sets can be a cost-effective option for buyers.

 

 SOLD: Fuschia Tiger's Eye and Rutilated Quartz. 

The "texture" of some gemstones amazes me: while the surface is smoothed and polished, the way light is refracted internally gives Tiger's Eye its beautiful characteristics. Rutilated quartz is a white quartz with needle-like inclusions of another mineral, in this case tourmaline. They give a striking dimensional look to the gem.

 

SOLD: Purple Agate & Labradorite.
This agate is a gorgeous colour, and the different densities within the stone give a lovely two-tone effect of a deep dark purple and a lighter translucent purple. Labradorite is a lovely stone, which has a subtle blue internal shimmer which sadly isn't picked up in this photo. The faceted cut of both these stones really makes them sparkle.

SOLD: Dalmatian Jasper, Red Coral & Red Jade.
Jasper is an opaque stone with a fascinating array of different patternings. Dalmatian is one of my favourites, giving a chic animal print look in a natural gemstone. The red coral really complements the jasper. For the record, the coral that I buy is ethically sourced, mined from dead or fossilised rather than living reefs. The small red jades finish off the earrings and charm beautifully.

Semi-patriotic!

Red and white, but no blue! This necklace is white coral ovals, with red jade small beads. I love flower designs in my jewellery, so I experiment with different ways to add them. The necklace is strung on clear nylon with gaps in the beads for an "illusion" effect.

I'm still experimenting with photographing my jewellery, at the moment using my dressing table stool as a background. I'd like to find ways to improve, but I've always struggled to photograph my crafts to the best effect.