D is for Druzy, Downton-esque and Design

We're at the Letter D in my ABC series (a not so comprehensive guide to jewellery materials, tools and techniques I use) D is for Druzy, Downton-esque and Design.

Druse crust on white quartz, own photo

Druse, or Druzy, is a natural crusty layer of crystal  formation  on  top of  the fracture surface of a rock.    It most commonly occurs on agate, malachite, quartz, chalcedony, or  turquoise. This pretty  piece  is white  quartz.    The   formation  of   tiny   crystals  occurs  when  ground water carrying dissolved silica gets forced into the porous gaps in a rock then cools rapidly. The  stone does not  glow   like it  appears  here  all the time, but does catch the light beautifully as you move it about.

 

Metaphysically, this stone is associated with banishment of negative thoughts, said to help you through worrisome or negative times. In Feng Shui is it believed to bring light and life into a dark corner.

This egg-shaped stone will make a beautiful piece of bridal jewellery or a pretty First Holy Communion gift, most likely a pendant. As yet I haven't decided how to approach the design but am leaning towards treating it like a piece of sea glass.

I have developed my own, light and free style of wire wrapping sea glass and sea pottery that shows off the beauty of the material while making a neat and pretty feature of the wire itself without too much fuss. Above are examples of my sea glass wrapping (the second pendant, Zest, is still available.) I'm pretty sure I can adapt my technique to show off the druse quite easily. In fact, the crusty nature of the rock will probably require less wire on the front to 'stick'.

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D is also for Downton-esque...a made up term yes, but lovers of Downton  Abbey will know  what I mean. If you love the TV series as much as I do, you will probably also be madly in love with the early 20th century style and fashion. So far covering the period between the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 to post war twenties, we get to follow the changes in style from Edwardian through Art Deco and Great Gatsby-like glam. 

I don't religiously copy the jewellery of the era but draw on it to inspire modern designs that capture the essence of the period. I am not a fan of diamonte, a 'D' not found in my glossary, preferring to garner a more subtle sparkle from gemstones and crystal. The above earrings left to right are 'Roaring Twenties' made with freshwater pearl and glass, 'Midnight in Dublin' with Onyx and chain and  'Ballroom' with clear quartz crystal with a hint of lacquered enamel.

'Cora' earrings are my current favourite. I used a combination of  rounds, bicones and cones to evoke the angles and geometry of the Art Deco (post Edwardian) movement.

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Red gemstone fan necklace

D is of course for Design. There are two entirely different ways in which I approach design. The first is the more usual, structured method, familiar to methodical artists. The second, is free style and organic.

Sometimes, particularly when combining gemstones and other beads, I will sketch a few ideas first before drawing the blueprint and laying out the components so I can see where I'm heading. Preliminary sketches are particularly useful with custom orders, where I must interpret someone else's wishes into something workable.

When it comes to wire wrapping sea glass and sea pottery I much prefer to let the shape, curves, dips and crests of the nugget dictate the way to go. I am often completely surprised by the end result so I find this method more fun.

This is where I drop the letter D. Back soon with the next in the series....

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Black Jewelry: Hit 2 Trends in 1: Monochrome and Downton Abbey

Monochrome continues to be a hot trend for the start of 2014 and when it comes to accessories, every woman should have the black staple pieces in her jewellery box. If you go for black and silver, you gain the monochrome look without limiting your choices to black and white outfits only.

Agate slice pendant, 'Midnight in Dublin'

When it comes to statement pieces, this black and white agate slice pendant really packs a punch. Cut on the cross section, you can see the gorgeous banding of the sleek stone. I decorated it with a simple, sterling silver swirl, a nod to ancient Celtic design. A modern classic, you can wear this piece long after monochrome takes a break from the cat walks.

chunky onyx bracelet, inspired by Downton Abbey mourning jewelry

Just like the LBD a black gemstone bracelet is a long-standing must-have in every woman's wardrobe. This chunky onyx bracelet is teamed with pre-oxidised sterling silver for a classic feel.

I was inspired to make it after catching up on missed episodes of season 1 of Downton Abbey over Christmas. The mourning jewelry worn by the Grantham ladies after the death of Lady Mary's first 'betrothed' on the Titanic has fired my imagination into overdrive. Watch this space for some exciting pieces in 2014.

      

     

Great Gatsby Inspired Jewellery; Pearls (June Birthstone)

Pearls are the birthstone for June, although this gem is not a stone at all , but an organic mass that is formed within the shell of a mollusk. With the remake of The Great Gatsby movie, white pearls are a hot trend for 2013. I'm not talking your Granny's sedate & ladylike string of pearls either, but something with a bit more pzazz; reflecting the decadence and flamboyance of the roaring twenties themselves.

Great Gatsby Inspired, white pearl earrings

I finally got to see the movie this month and I don't know which was more distracting, DiCaprio's smouldering gaze or the stunning costumes and jewellery.

I've been inspired to make something very different to my usual style using white pearls and crystal beads. I love art deco furniture and architecture, but it's not a style I generally dabble with in jewellery.  My designs are usually either modern and streamlined or inspired by my Celtic heritage.  Oftentimes I marry both concepts.

 I made these big earrings for fun, allowing myself to experiment and to show a little versatility.

The Gatsby style earrings are just the thing for a summer bride or a graduation ball. The hammered silver flowers are lightweight so the earrings will not drag you down. 'Summer Bloom' earrings are strictly for up-dos and short hair. You will want to show them off!

'The Roaring Twenties' pearl earrings

If you'd prefer something a little less ornate,  how about the simpler lines of 'The Roaring Twenties'  oval hoop earrings?  They are suitable for hair that is worn down, but you wont want to hide them away either!

 

 

Perhaps you have a flower girl or young bridesmaid who would love this pearl bracelet with moonstone charm. I can make a longer bracelet to suit an adult upon request. Please do ask me what charms I currently have available or can make. I can be contacted privately for such requests by hitting the contact button on my Etsy Store.

 Need something blue? This silver plate purse charm is made with mother of pearl discs and indigo freshwater pearls. After the wedding it can serve as daily reminder of your special day - hang it on the rear view mirror of the car!

For information on how to clean pearls please click HERE