Connemara marble earrings inspired by Irish bog heather

It's no secret that the colourful and varied landscapes of Ireland have long inspired painters, poets and artisans. Even Irish jewellery artists like me garner ideas from what we see, smell and hear. 

Connemara marble drop earrings, 'Irish  Heather'

The idea for these Connemara marble and purple and black glass earrings came from my trips to the bog lands in Co, Offaly, near where my mother was reared.

Offaly Way. Own photo

Much of the midlands bog areas of Offaly and Laois and the green mountains throughout Ireland are covered in a riot of purple heather.

Ridge of Cappard, Slieve Bloom Mts, Laois, own photo

Irish bog oak, Lough Boora. Own photo

The black seed beads used in the earrings design are there as a nod to Irish bog oak. This is ancient oak that has been preserved and naturally blackened in the peaty earth of the bogs. In the 1800s bog oak was used to make black mourning jewellery. I have yet to find a piece of usable bog oak myself, but if I ever do it will be fashioned into a very special piece. In the meantime, you will just have to make do with this increasingly rare and very beautiful Irish marble.......

Irish Earrings Inspired by Lighthouse

Last month I posted photographs of beautiful lighthouses, mostly located in Dublin Bay. The Baily lighthouse in Howth is one of my favourites as it is near the cliff path that is just perfect for a decent walk.

The Bailey Lighthouse, Howth, view from lower Cliff path

After a recent walk from Howth village up the cliff path to the lighthouse, I was inspired to make a pair of green, Connemara marble earrings featuring emerald Swarovski crystals. They sold almost immediately and as a once-off design, I won't be making them exactly the same again.

Lighthouse earrings (sold)

 So I just had to go and make another pair based on the Lighthouse. Naturally, I used the same Irish stone and the deep emerald crystals, albeit in a completely different design, one that I have used once before, but also inspired by the view.

Connemara marble teardrop earrings, Emerald Lighthouses 

'Emerald Lighthouses' feature teardrop stones in mossy Connemara marble matched with emerald Swarovski crystal, accented with Bali silver spacers. The hooks are, as always, solid Sterling silver. I hope I have captured the essence of the Baily lighthouse and the surrounding landscape for whoever eventually wears these elegant, Irish earrings.

Inspirations, Pink Cherry Blossoms

I grew up on a quiet, Dublin, suburban crescent lined with alternating cherry blossom and apple blossoms trees. I used to love when they were in bloom, looking like giant pink and white candy flosses. When the petals were shed, the pavement became a carpet of marshmallows fit for a little princess like me to step on.

Cherry Blossoms in Dublin city

For a city, even the centre of Dublin is pretty green, and at this time of year, often rosy pink. I love that you can turn a corner and accidentally happen upon a row of blossom trees in full blush. Above is one of those surprisingly quiet streets off the main artery from the South into the city centre. I took this shot on my way home a week ago......

rose quartz and rhodonite earrings, Cherry Blossom

...and then I made these. I couldn't help myself!  Cherry Blossom earrings are made with delicate pink rose quartz and candy-hued rhodonite. I hope I've captured the essence of childhood summers in them.

Clear Quartz Crystal Earrings.

Crystal, rhinestones and vintage glass earrings are back in vogue in 2014. They are all over the catwalks and cheaper, diamante or  other glass versions are available on the high street. 

clear crystal quartz earrings

Still on my Downton Abbey vibe, but not a fan of too much glitter and sparkle, I've taken my own spin on the style, matching clear quartz crystal stones with lacquered enamel. Much of the Earth's crust is made up of quartz. This comes in many varieties, the most commonly found including amethyst and rose quartz. 

Clear quartz is also known as rock crystal. It is transparent and very beautiful. A rock crystal cluster is often similar in appearance to icicle structures. This glass-like rock has long been used in hard stone carvings. The Lohair crystal on display at the British Museum has been dated to between  AD 855 to 869.

figurine of a child in clear quartz c1500 to 1200 BC, credit Walters Art Museum

The Anatolian figurine of a child was carved in Rock crystal some time between 1500 and 1200 BC. (Acquired by Henry Walters, 1929 and on show in the Walters Art Museum, USA)

Newgrange. Photo sourced on Wikimedia Commons

Clear quatrtz has a long tradition in healing, believed to help all ailments, to aid meditation and to bring clarity, awareness, a sharper mind and to dispel negativity.

In Ireland, clear quartz was used in prehistoric times to carve weapons and artifacts and is found in ancient passage and tomb burial sites such as Newgrange, which at more than 5000 years old predates the pyramids. (See my previous post Winter Solstice Pendant inspired by Newgrange.)

I chose rck crystal for my vintage style earrings for its timeless style. I wanted to include other references to early 20th century jewellery. Lacquered enamel was very popular in the early 1900s through the twenties. for decorative home ware, trinket boxes and also jewellery. These small, 3D enamel beads feature a floral pattern.

My poor photography cannot do these earrings justice. I have been unable to capture the clarity and sparkle. Suitably named 'Ballroom' these elegant beauties will make you the belle of the ball, no matter what the occasion.

Downton Abbey Inspired Earrings

Yesterday I posted about new black jewellery I've been making, much of it inspired by Downton Abbey. I've been pigging out on the drama series...only to research the fashions, you understand.

Long black onyx earrings, inspired by Downton Abbey

You see, a friend lent me the DVDS of series 1 and 2 as I had missed many of the early episodes. Over the Christmas break, as a treat for all my hard work in the busy season, I have watched 12 episodes over the course of a week. Some may call that over indulgence...but it's all in the name of research! Really.  

By now I am totally immersed in early 20th century style. To consolidate it all, yesterday I visited a wonderful temporary exhibition of Paris fashion plates from 1912 to 1914 at the Chester Beatty Library. If you are in Dublin and you  love the history of fashion, it's a must see.

There wasn't much in the way of jewellery to see, but the beading and details on the costumes sparked my creativity.  After sneaking in another episode of the drama, I made the above pair of long, elegant onyx earrings.

'Midnight in Dublin' earrings are made with onyx gemstone beads and silver chain dangles. The ornate cones are silver plate. I always use hypoallergenic, solid sterling silver hooks as they are kindest to the ears. These dangle earrings will look stunning with up-dos or short hair.

I will be making a few more pairs in stones of other colours this season as well as listing pearl jewellery also inspired by the first 3 decades of the last century.

Now if you will excuse me, I think I need to do another hour of research.....

long pearl earrings 1920s style

New Pieces in Connemara Marble Jewelry

Last week I added a few new items in Connemara marble to my Esty shop. This calming stone is unique to Ireland and increasingly rare.  I'm very proud to use it and other, quality Irish  materials.

Deep sage Connemara marble earrings, Calm

Irish Connemara marble pendant, Calm

'Calm' Earrings and Pendant are both in a versatile shade of deep sage with typical light and dark marbling. The earrings hooks, pendant bail and chain are sterling silver, stamped .925. The coin pendant feels very comforting to wear.

Modern Connemara Marble pendant, Inniu

I named this cute pendent 'Inniu', meaning 'today' in Irish. It blends contemporary design with traditional materials. The stone bead sitting atop the dappled silver plated disc is a softer shade of green and has a good polished sheen to it. As always, the bail and chain are solid sterling silver, also stamped .925.

Long teardrop, Connemara marble earrings :Cara'

For a woman who prefers a slightly longer earring, these long teardrops in Connemara marble make for elegant earrings. They will look amazing with that LBD.  'Cara' means friend in Irish.

Irish Christmas ornament

Soon I will be listing Christmas ornaments, though I started early with this beaded disc shape, which was popular last year. This line will be very limited this season.