Castaways

For me, a holiday just isn't a holiday without sand and sea. Jewellery that captures ocean blues and natural driftwood or sandy colours and shapes are perenially popular. When I wear it, it never fails to lift my mood.

Blue Crackle Agate, Bronzite, Tiger's Eye.
The chunky Bronzite barrels give a casual look to these pieces, and are a popular look for men's jewellery too. The tiny Tiger's Eye beads add an element of delicacy to the pieces to balance them, particularly the earrings, and the lovely frosted crackle Agate just reminds me of frothy white waves on a blue ocean.

SOLD: Blue Crackle Agate, Blue Fire Agate, Picture Jasper.
Rather than the highly polished shine that is usually found in Agate, this Crackle agate has a frosted surface, giving a different texture to the jewellery. The smaller fire agate beads are polished and faceted, to catch the light. The long nugget shapes of Picture Jasper have myriad patterns and colours, giving a natural look  reminiscent of driftwood.

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.

Sweetie Pie.

Fire Agate, Adventurine, Blue-pink Jade, Pink Magnesite.

There is something universally appealing about gems that look like sweeties. These summery bright colours give a slightly tribal design a contemporary look. As I make more jewellery I bcome less concerned about trying multi-colour combinations: I know I can always snip the thread and start over. But there is always someone that will like the unique piece you have created. 

Large focal beads such as these lush honeycomb-like Fire Agate look lovely alone but when framed by a design of smaller beads, they really stand out.