Smoky Quartz ... Two Ways

This cut of smoky quartz has tremendous appeal. It' s large, it's twisted and it's faceted. What more could a girl ask for? These beads are perfect for earrings.

The first pair of earrings is brand new. Here, I've topped them with a loose cluster of tourmaline rondelles in various shades of green. They sit below sterling silver leverback earwires. The combination is both earthy and elegant. Click the photo to see the earrings from some different angles. Too formal, too dressy, you say? How about these? The same beautiful smoky quartz beads, but with a completely different look. These earrings are much more casual. The circles are fine silver, which I fused from 16 ga wire. I handcrafted the earwires. In this case, oxidizing the silver adds to the casual look of these earrings.The takeaway message? Just because a gemstone is highly faceted and super sparkly, doesn't mean it can only be used for formal, dressy pieces of jewelry. Experiment with combinations and you might surprise yourself and your customers!

New Smoky Quartz Earrings

The color combination of pink and brown has been popular for a while and I still like it. In this pair of earrings, the colors are subdued. The smoky quartz faceted coins are a light, cocoa brown and the freshwater pearls are the palest of pink.I created the earwires from sterling silver wire using first a small torch and then a hammer and anvil. I oxidized the silver and tumbled it for that shiny, steel gray finish I love. These earrings are for sale in my etsy shop.

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Smoky Quartz ... with a twist

I adore smoky quartz in all shapes and sizes. These beads are quite large and have a unique cut. The many facets and the twisted shape make them super sparkly. The circle from which the beads hang was fused from 16 gauge fine silver wire. I then flattened it and hammered for texture. I also made the earwires. All of the silver was oxidized and then tumbled. I love the resulting shiny, steel gray finish this of this process.

This Time it's Pink & Brown

This piece is done using the same techniques as the Aqua Blues Necklace. The difference is in the color of the beads. Pink and brown continues to be a very popular color combination and this necklace highlights the combo.

The drops include smoky quartz, pink opal, bronzite and freshwater pearls. All of the silver is sterling and has been oxidized for a vintage, distressed look.