Tuesday Treasuries, May is the Month for...

Treasuries are showcase lists of Etsy goodies from various shops. They are artfully put together by members of the Etsy community. As always, I am thrilled to have been included. Thank you!

May is officially the start of the Irish Summer, and if you don't  believe me, you will find more info HERE on an old blog post I wrote on the subject.  The change in seasons certainly shines through the brighter, lighter treasuries seen on Etsy.

'Just Because' by Erinn , creator of Off on a Whim Jewellery  evokes the very essence of May for me- cool seas, a fresh breeze and that first hint of Summer warmth, and sandy beaches. Thanks Erinn! I'm so happy to see my Tiger eye pendant in the mix.

I really love the subtle tones of 'Merci', tastefully picked by Mara, owner of Italian shop, Mad Rab. Thanks so much of including my Connemara marble pendant with these gorgeous finds.

Thanks once more to Rosalba of Dream Up Graphic, for including me in a beautiful list for the second week in a row, 'Home is...'  So glad to see my amber purse charm in this elegant and tasteful list. 

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.