Necklace set | Ceramic artisan lotus pendant, Kingman turquoise rondelles, serpentine rounds

Notes on this piece: This set was inspired by goimagine's Let's Refresh! Maker Challenge. Refresh, renew, rebalance! Although I haven't studied the metaphysical properties of stones and minerals, I have to confess to emotional responses to some stones. Serpentine ("new jade") and Burma jade are stones I particularly enjoy wearing. Turquoise always just "feels good" and other stones seem to warm on the skin in comforting ways. Turquoise is significant to many cultures, particularly in the Southwest. Qualities attributed to turquoise and serpentine include rebirth, renewal, and aid to emotional balance — worthy goals for a New Year.

This set combines stones and ceramic beads and is spotlighted by a ceramic pendant by artisan Sarah Kandell. The Greek ceramic tube beads are under-strung with seed beads (see 2nd side photo.) The sterling silver clasp, jump rings and crimp covers with purchased from New Mexico artisans.

My designs are inspired by the beads, by their color, shape, size and origin.

I’ve been buying/collecting beads for over 20 years, focusing on early and mid-century glass beads, but including semi-precious and other stones, freshwater pearls, contemporary artisan lampwork and ceramic beads. I work with sterling silver, bronze, or copper clasps and use sterling or gold-filled findings. 

In my first years of bead jewelry design, I had to see and/or touch the beads to know what I wanted. After years of experience, I can confidently shop online (fortunately, during these times) and have a growing list of “go-to” artisans, vendors, and brands for my supplies. 

My design descriptions include a list of “ingredients” used in each design.

Some designs come together quickly and organically. Others are re-worked several times, even if I’ve already attached the clasp with crimp beads and crimp covers and need to completely re-string.

Designs are often “retro-classic” as my OOAK designs are bead-centric with a nod to mid-century costume jewelry, rather than inspired by current fashions in jewelry designs or color trends. Add a pinch of whimsy and my personal take on color palettes.

I work on felted bead boards to calculate the length of each necklace (usually “matinée” length 20-24”) and to hold the beads I’ve selected for my design. Sometimes I change my mind mid-design and put away many of the beads I’ve been working with, then search for or order others. I usually work with 49-strand .018 or .019 gauge bead wire, which allows stringing back under a half-inch or so of beads after the crimp bead and clasp are attached. I work by creating my design on the wire, rather than try to lay out the complete pattern, as it’s important to see how the beads will hang and to pick compatible spacer beads.

I use sterling or gold-filled ear wires and headpins, and often create “mis-matched” earring pairs.

The weight and length of each necklace are listed in case you have a preference for lighter or more substantial pieces. (I enjoy both.)