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

Handmade for First Communion

Handmade, First Holy Communion bracelet

 For many Irish children, May is the month for First Holy Communion. I remember my own, at the age of 7. It was possibly one of the most important days of my young life, next to losing my first baby tooth.

Yes, I was heavily schooled in the religious significance and cultural meaning of the ceremony, but for many a young Irish girl, the social implications are not to be ignored either. We all know too well the pressure that kids can be under to have the right look, the right dress, the right accessories.  And of course,  the pressure is on the parents too then.

Though I felt a bit hard done by at the time, thankfully, my pragmatic parents would not enter the race for the most extravagant outfit or lavish gifts and celebrations. My Mum, adept with a sewing machine, made me a simple, knee-length, white dress. I yearned for a maxi so I could be a princess for the day and I wished I had tonnes of relatives living in Dublin so I could visit and collect 'Communion money' like my schoolmates. My dress may have been simple but it was in fact, very pretty and my mother hand-sewed little white flowers on the end of my veil. It was more than enough. In fact it was very special, even if I didn't fully appreciate it then. I did get a special silver charm bracelet though, which I treasured forever.

Simple seaglass pendant from Ireland

 I'm proud that I grew up with handmade. I'm lucky that my mother in particular, nurtured our creative side and sometimes ignored our desire to have 'the latest big thing'. (click here for a blog post about my handmade childhood posted on Etsy Ireland Blog in 2010).

How to Care for Pearls (Tips 2)

In the second of the series on jewellery care I'd like to share a few quick tips for keeping pearls looking fresh and beautiful.

(Pearl detail on extender chain of Silver and Blue pendant)

* Give pearls a wipe with a soft, dry cloth after each time you wear them. This should get rid of loose grime, sweat, cosmetics etc which can damage them and/or diminish their lustre.

 *If very dirty you can wash pearls in mild soapy water. (This is also good for solid gold jewellery and amber by the way.) In the case of strings of pearls, it's preferable to use a damp cloth rather than soaking them so as to avoid saturating or stretching the stringing material. Do not clean them in ultrasonic or steam cleaners nor use commercial jewellery cleaners unless indicated on the pack.

 (White Communion or Bridesmaid's Bracelet)

*As for most jewellery, avoid wearing them in the swimming pool or while handling acids including vinegar and lemon etc.

*Store strings of pearls flat to avoid stretching and keep them separate from other jewellery to avoid scratches.

(Indigo Mother of Pearl and Peacock Pearl Beaded Charm)

*Store in a cool place where they wont get dehydrated. Avoid wrapping them in cotton wool or soft tissue as it can dry them out. If the room has central heating, storing them in slightly damp linen can help prevent moisture loss.

*Real pearls should be restrung every so often by a professional jeweller.

Click here for general tips on jewellery care 1