Simply Labradorite

I say simply labradorite because, well, it is a very simple necklace.  Labradorite is one of those stones that can stand so well on its own.  Sometimes I like to embellish it with a small stone that complements its inherent blue flash, but this time, I decided to leave it be.

Photographing labradorite has always proved difficult for me.  Even when I can clearly see the flash in the viewfinder, it isn't always visible in the digital image.  This photo captures it pretty well.  Yes, I made this exact same necklace for myself, mainly because it seems to go with almost everything I wear!

If you simply must have this necklace, click on the photo to go directly to the listing in my etsy shop.

Brand New Whiskey Quartz Earrings

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that I love marquis shaped gemstone briolettes.  There's just something about the way they taper to a point at the bottom.  It is so very graceful and appealing to my eye.

These earrings feature whiskey quartz briolettes in that shape.  The color is like warm honey.  Working with that warm theme, I added a small briolette of orange-y mandarin garnet alongside each one.

These earrings are for sale in my etsy shop.  Click on the photo to go directly to the listing.

Tucson Gem Show Purchases . Part I

Carol & I landed at the Anchorage airport last night around midnight.  We had a fabulous gem buying trip to Tucson followed by an equally terrific visit to Scottsdale.  All together, we were gone 10 days.  It was a great way to spend Carol's milestone (50th !) birthday.

Now it's time to share some gem photos with you!  The primary gem in the photo is a strand of gorgeous London Blue Topaz briolettes.  Above you can see part of a strand of large labradorite briolettes.  

From top to bottom, here are quartz (whiskey or cognac) brios, deep turquoise apatite brios and long, large prehnite brios. (See this post from last year to hear about my theory of the variety of quartzes)

Stay tuned -- tomorrow, I'll share some more gem photos.

Pink and Black . Necklace

Recently listed in my etsy shop, this necklace features a classic color combination, with a twist. The briolette of pink opal has some black and caramel inclusions -- caramel being the "twist". I think this must make it a less than perfect specimen, but I think the colors add quite a bit of interest.


The cluster on top is composed of faceted black onyx, pink freshwater pearls, rhodochrosite and camel colored agate. Click on the photo to go directly to the listing.

Rutilated Quartz . Mixed Gemstones . Necklace

I listed a brand new and quite delicious necklace in my etsy shop recently. I'd like to share it with you here. You've seen the gorgeous rutilated quartz briolettes featured in these earrings and in this necklace. I do believe I have made all of the "pairs" I'm going to get from this particular strand of briolettes, so the remainder will become necklaces -- no more earrings. This makes me a little sad.

Sad, that is, until, I created this necklace. I topped the briolette with a collection of rondelles in a rainbow of colors. I gathered some citrine, pink tourmaline, aqua blue apatite, amethyst and bright green chrysoprase.

Now I'm happy.

This necklace is for sale in my etsy shop. Click on the photo to go directly to the listing.

Aqua Chalcedony Earrings

I may have blogged about these before, so forgive me if I repeat myself. These stones have proven to be quite popular! The color is a gorgeous aqua and chalcedony has a natural luster that's hard to beat.

Several pair have sold in my etsy shop and locally. I have a bunch more "matched up" to make more earrings. But what happens when there are no more matches to make? You beaders out there know what I'm talking about. You still have plenty of stones, but there are no two that actually look like a pair. It can be frustrating.

I believe that's why necklaces were invented ...

Prasiolite ... or Green Amethyst

I listed these earrings in my etsy shop yesterday. The shape of these stones is amazing. They remind me of those hanging crystals from a fancy chandelier. But they really are prasiolite, or green amethyst.

They need little adornment, so I wrapped them with oxidized sterling silver wire and suspended them from my hand formed sterling earwires.

I must remember to save 2 of these stones for myself!


Once again, I'm featured in the Etsy Weekend Deals. My deal is 20% off your entire order August 7-9. You must enter the words "weekend deal" in the message to seller. I will refund the appropriate amount via Paypal.

Looks Like a Full Moon

This creamy colored coin pearl remind me of a full moon. I teamed it with a large faceted briolette of whiskey quartz and small briolette of golden tourmaline.

The combination is warm and appealing. The neutral colors make this necklace so easy to wear. The sterling silver chain is 17" long.

Now is a good time to mention that I purchase most chain styles that you see in my etsy shop in bulk. This means that if you need a different length than offered in a particular listing, I can do it! Just be sure to mention it when making a purchase.

I have a special going on right now in my etsy shop -- but you need to be a newsletter subscriber to be eligible. Sign up using the form on the right and I'll send you my latest newsletter.

Large Citrine Briolettes

These beauties are huge! They are a nice medium yellow color and not nearly as heavy as you might think. I wrapped them with sterling silver wire and suspended them -- all by themselves -- from lever back earwires. Click on the photo to go directly to the listing in my etsy shop.

You may have noticed that many of my newest earrings are simpler than ever. The beauty of the beads so often speak for themselves, that I've decided to let them do just that. I will still do plenty of earrings with tiny gemstone clusters and more complex designs.


On another note, I'm planning my next newsletter, so be sure to use the form on the right to sign up!

More Rutilated Quartz ...

... this time with a deliciously smooth Ruby briolette! Black and red is a classic color combination. This necklace captures that, but adds a modern flair.

I found it very difficult to get a good photo of these stones, so I'll share two photos with you here. The photo on the right shows the beauty of the rutilated quartz. It's full of needle like inclusions of black tourmaline.


This second photo better highlights the depth of color found in the ruby. It's the nicest quality ruby I've ever seen in bead form. It was a real splurge for me to purchase that strand of rubies while in Tucson, so I'm using them very judiciously. Click on either of the photos to go directly to the listing for this necklace in my etsy shop.


I just sent out my May newsletter with a special offer. If you want to be eligible for that offer, use the sign up form on the right and I will send you a copy of newsletter.

Really, Really Big Amethyst

I listed this necklace in my etsy shop on Friday and it was immediately purchased! So I made another one. These amethyst briolettes are beautifully clear and very deep purple.

I found it very difficult to get a good photo that captured the richness of the color, but this one isn't too bad.

It's hanging on an oxidized sterling silver chain. More details can be found here.