Congratulations to Joanna, who won my newsletter earring giveaway for last month. Her prize is a pair of chartreuse Czech glass earrings of her choice.
Next month’s giveaway is a pair of brown Czech glass earrings. Make sure you’re signed up to receive my newsletter – May is The Silver Forge’s anniversary month, and there are some other giveaways that you might be interested in! Meanwhile, have a totally wonderful month!
In part one of a series of tips about the basics of jewellery wearing, I’m looking at necklaces. A necklace is a piece of jewellery which (as the name would suggest!) is worn around the neck. If the necklace has a primary hanging feature, it is called a pendant. If the pendant is a small container, that is called a locket.
Necklaces come in various lengths to suit different styles and different occasions. Some standard lengths are:
When you’re trying to determine the right length necklace for you, use a measuring tape to measure your neck. Standard necklace measurements as shown above assume a 35 cm (14 inch) neck, but of course we all vary wildly, so calculate accordingly! Add 5 cm (2 inches) to your neck measurement for a comfortable length for chokers; add 10 cm (4 inches) to it for princess length. Alternatively take a favourite necklace, or use a piece of string to measure around your neck from the desired level; then lay the string or necklace out straight and measure how long it is. That measurement will be the length you’re after.
Choker: suits a garment with a high neckline. Chokers can work well for people with long necks.
Princess: sits just below the throat at the collarbone. This is the most common necklace length, and is a good length for a pendant. This style works with most necklines as it can sit above or on top of the garment.
Matinee: sits below the collarbone and just above the bust. People with larger necks may choose this length for a pendant style necklace too. Matinee length draws attention to the center of the bust area, so bear that in mind when choosing this style. Women with larger busts may want to opt for a longer necklace to create a more balanced look.
Opera: hangs below the bust, and elongates the torso. This length works well with high necklines and evening wear. If you have a fuller bust, an opera length necklace can be an issue as it may not hang properly. You could try a necklace that sits slightly higher on the body, such as a princess length necklace.
Rope: can reach all the way to the waist. A versatile length, in that you can double and layer it, or wear a pendant on it. Looks great for business and evening wear.
When deciding what material your necklace should be made from, sterling silver is a good choice – as well as being beautiful, it is usually hypoallergenic, so you avoid allergic reactions and green skin (problems usually brought about by the nickel in inferior quality metal). Stainless steel can also highlight your pendant choice. Leather or ‘pleather’ (pretend leather) is another good option.
If you are planning to wear a pendant on your necklace, take into account the size and weight of the piece you will be wearing when you choose the necklace you will be suspending it from. This is important both physically to support the weight; and aesthetically to balance the piece.
Bear in mind that in a similar way to sunglasses, a necklace helps to frame your face, so try out different lengths and see what they do for you. A long necklace may flatter a taller frame where a smaller frame might need a shorter style. A good thing to consider is that people’s eyes will stop at the point where your necklace ends. And remember, really, a necklace is a personal choice – with a little trial and error you will work out what suits you and your wardrobe.
I am always happy to create you a made to measure silver necklace, whatever size you require. You can contact me here!
Janet won my newsletter earring giveaway for last month, which was a pair of aqua Czech glass earrings of her choice. Congrats to her!
Next month’s giveaway is a pair of chartreuse Czech glass earrings. Make sure you’re signed up to receive my newsletter – there are plenty of giveaways to come! Good luck, and thank you as always.
Congratulations to Evonne, who won my newsletter earring giveaway for last month. Evonne chose herself a pair of these white peacock Czech glass and sterling silver earrings, which are in the mail to her as we speak.
Evonne makes the most lovely bears (and other creatures) – look! You can find these guys and their friends over at Vonne Bears. So cute!
Next month’s giveaway is a pair of aqua Czech glass earrings. Just make sure you’re signed up to receive my newsletter, and you are automatically entered into each month’s draw. Good luck, and thank you for your support!
Danielle was the winner of last month’s newsletter giveaway, so congrats to her! The prize was a pair of orange czech glass earrings.
Next month’s giveaway is a pair of white Czech glass earrings. All you have to do is make sure you’re signed up to receive my newsletter, and you are automatically entered into each month’s draw. Good luck, and thank you for your support!
The winner of last month’s newsletter giveaway was Jenny. The prize was a pair of azure Czech glass earrings, and Jenny chose this pair.
Next month’s giveaway is a pair of orange Czech glass earrings. If you’re subscribed to my newsletter, you are automatically entered into each month’s draw, so all you have to do is make sure you’re signed up. Fingers crossed!
I always love to see behind the scenes of manufacturing – maybe it all stems from that cool crayon factory clip that used to be on Sesame Street? One of my gorgeous clients, Natasha, asked me to use this charoite in a ring for her mum, and her mum was interested to see the work in progress. I have written before here, here and here about my processes, and I thought you might like to see some more!
It started with this luscious piece of charoite which Natasha spotted in my gemstone collection.
Using a strip of silver and my trusty half round pliers, I made a bezel for the stone.
I fitted the stone to a piece of sheet silver.
After sawing out the shape of the backing plate, I prepared to solder.
After soldering, the silver becomes oxidised and it seems far-fetched that this will ever turn into something beautiful!
Some careful measurement, and more bending with my half round pliers, and a ring shank is made.
A quick check that the stone fits properly, then I’m ready to solder the shank to the top.
The shank is lined up on the top, and soldered firmly in place.
Time for lots of filing and emerying to get the silver ready for the stone to be set.
After plenty of time with my engraving ball and chasing hammer, the finished product!
Occasionally I do stop long enough to make myself something! I confess it was over a year ago that I made this ring, and it’s taken me this long to post it.
As you can tell from its well worn appearance, I wear it all the time!
Congratulations to Taran, the winner of last month’s newsletter giveaway. The prize was a pair of pink Czech glass earrings.
The giveaway next month will be a pair of azure Czech glass earrings. If you’re subscribed to my newsletter, you are automatically entered into each month’s draw, so all you have to do is make sure you’re signed up, and sit back!
Pantone have just released their Spring Colours for 2016. I’m ready with some divine gemstones to match this fashion report!
If you see a gemstone you like the look of, and you’d like me to create you a custom piece, let me know.
Pantone’s ‘Color Of The Year’ for 2016 is, for the first time ever, a blend of two shades: Rose Quartz & Serenity, which you can see above. A serene and peaceful feel, just what the world needs right now. Imagine what gorgeous pieces you could have with a combination of these two!
