Electroplated Druzy Quartz Pendant:

Ok, so I know that druzy has been "in" for a while and I was late as usual to jump on the bandwagon.  I saw these wonderful druzy's and I just knew that I would somehow manage to use them in my designs.  As usual I decided that I would use my beloved peyote stitch to bezel the irregular stone, and I was able to complete my quest but I found myself in a quandary (I love thesaurus.com to death, it saves me from using boring words all the time!) in which I must ask your help as a consumer.

Electroplated Quartz Druzy
Encased using Peyote Stitch

Would you buy a pendant with an open back, secured only by the peyote encasing? or would you rather have the stone secured to some sort of leather backing (like in bead embroidery)?  The hydro stone's were quite different, they were symmetrical on both sides, front and back, so the peyote encased it perfectly, the encasement on flat back stone's is incomparable since the tight pull of the peyote does not fully catch the stone and there in lies the problem.

Open Back Peyote Stitch Encasement

So here is what I would like to know, do you prefer
1. Open back using peyote only
2. Bead Embroidered, leather backing
3. Doesn't matter, as long as it is well made

Peyote Pendent Frenzy: Chalcedony, Amethyst, Onyx, and Quartz

I believe it was last year when I stumbled upon a stall at the International Gem and Jewelry Show called Best   in Gems. Usually when I see a vendor that is selling loose cut gemstones I try to avoid them because if I fall in love with a $200 gemstone I would be a goner, anyways, what caught my eyes were three large bins each with a sign 60% off the marked price.  My inner brown instincts kicked in and I bee-lined for the bins. Oh it was HEAVEN!  There were so many different types of gemstones just waiting to be picked up and loved and taken home to be transformed into stunning jewelry. (I know, I talk about gemstones as if they were kittens) What I fell in love with instantly were the hydro stones, the chalcedony, amethyst, aquamarine, onyx and quartz.  I knew immediately that they would make gorgeous pendants if they were bezeled using peyote stitch! And I was right, I love each and every one of these stones to death! I have only made three pendents and have quite a few left to bezel but I hope you enjoy this man made beauty as much as I did.

The first pendant I created was from the blue chalcedony, which is by far one of my favorite pieces I have created
it took my days to figure out how best to encase this rich, opaque stone.
The embellished pyrite gives the pendant a finished feel: cooler and edgier! 

The second pendent I created was the amethyst, as much as I wanted to add pyrite to this one
it just didn't seem to take to the color scheme.
I might have to re-bezel this one in a silver tone to add the pyrite, I'm not entirely sure.

This third pendant, the onyx, was one of my least favorites
It has a tremendous "Bollywood" feel to it,
maybe it's just me and biased view.

 A little explanation on the hydro stone.  A hydro stone is made by crushing bits and pieces of raw gemstone, and re-bonding it to a desired shape.  These stones are not naturally this big, if they were they would cost a fortune.  The hydro version is may be cheaper but it has the same elegance that a natural stone would have.  I still have to finish up my aquamarine pendent as well as my quartz pendants.

*The hubby and I are working tirelessly on my shop, we will not be using the Etsy platform for various reasons.  We are sincerely hoping to launch the shop by this weekend!! If it does then that means a GIVEAWAY!! YAAY!! Stay tuned... the fun is about to begin!*

Triangle Studs

Triangle Olive Green Studs
Bead woven with Swarovski Crystals

Yellow Triangle Studs
Bead woven using Delicas and Swarovski Crystals

These little studs were fashioned using the triangle motif in the Galaxy bead by Gill Slone,  The color ways were inspired by the two other studs that I have created using 8mm Swarovski rivolis which can be seen here, along with the visually aesthetic necklace here.  These studs however won't be going in to my jewelry shop {the hubby and I are working tirelessly on it to get it up and running as soon as possible!} unless I find a better glue to set the post onto the back.  The glue that I'm using right now isn't doing a great job, maybe I just need to let it cure a bit before finishing up the back. I'll test that theory out as well on some other crystals that I have laying around.  I would love it if you left opinions one these designs! I'm always looking for ways to improve my technique along with my skill set especially since I'm taking blogging seriously again so any input is valuable input at this time.

Alvara: Statement Necklace of Strength

Alvara

The leaves rustled, flowers bloomed and the the dew shined like never

before. As the sun rose, little rays of light peaked through the thick brush

of the forest; everything the light touched seemed to be given a new life. 

This was the moment Alvara had been waiting for, she placed pieces of 

rock on an alter with mystical capabilities. As the sun touched the alter, 

it began to glow, the seemingly ordinary stones began to change, they 

turned to dull gold, and she knew the wearer of these stones would be 

protected from the harsh realities of life for generations to come.

This statement necklace was fashioned from seven
iron pyrite beads, each stone was chain wrapped
with fashion chain of different finishes.
This bib style necklace sits comfortable against the
neckline.

Strips, Spikes and Pyrite

Stripes and Spikes and Pyrite by nissa89 featuring Pyrite drop earrings