Necklace Set | Pietersite rondelles, artisan copper pendant and toggle clasp, moonstone, rutilated quartz

Notes on this piece: I purchased a strand of Pietersite rondelles last summer (2021). These were gorgeous, tempting, but pricey. They also happened to be on sale and from a very reputable dealer/collector. So I splurged a bit. They have some weight to them and as much as I'd like to imagine the simple elegance of a collar-necklace with these rondelles, I realized that that would make a heavier piece than most wearers would find comfortable. So the rondelles languished (beautifully) on my work table... until when browsing goimagine I found the new work of a fellow maker at The Copper Addict's Attic. The copper work toggle clasps called to me and a pendant design with leaves happened to enclose a lovely round Pietersite bead. Meanwhile I'd found the copper barrel beads which allowed me to work with fewer rondelles, thus less weight. I included smaller rounds of moonstone and reticulated quartz to complete the design.

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 use 49-strand .018 or .019 gauge bead wire, which allows stringing back under an 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.)