Natasha, one of my gorgeous clients, found this parrot wing chrysocolla cabochon in my collection and fell in love with it.
She asked if the sides of the shank could come up over the stone to provide more protection and to enhance the beauty of the ring.
I’m always happy to try to work with my client’s vision!
After seeing this opal ring that I made on FaceBook, Alina chose this gorgeous piece of labradorite from my gemstone collection and asked me to make her a ring.
Originally she wanted it to have two small smoky quartz cabochons beside it, but this stone was too large to fit them all together on a finger!
I think it’s pretty fabulous just by itself, anyway. The stone was more amazing than my mediocre photography skills could do justice to!
My lovely client Natasha found me when she saw on FaceBook this ring that I had made. She asked me to source a tourmalinated quartz cabochon for her partner, and I was happy to be able to do that for her.
Philipp is a jazz musician, and needed something that would not impede his playing.
I think we nailed it!
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!
My lovely client Rosie loved a pearl ring I’d created for another customer and wanted one of her own.
I made her this one. Pearls and silver look so gorgeous together!
My lovely sister had knitting markers on her Christmas list this year, so I thought I’d have a try at making some silver ones!
I wanted to decorate them with tiny glass beads, but I also wanted to solder them closed so that they wouldn’t catch on the knitting.
I often say you learn something new every day – and that was the day I learned glass (well, those beads, anyway!) will withstand 700⁰C plus temperatures. Seems logical, given that glass is sand, which presumably melts at a higher temperature than that – I was a bit worried to put my theory to the test though! All’s well that ends well – and happy Christmas to my sister!
A client asked if I could make her these very simple yet striking staple earrings.
I like to do small commissions as well as larger ones.
These earrings are a fabulous every day addition to a wardrobe!
Rosie, one of my lovely clients, commissioned me to create this necklace for her. It is completely handcrafted from sterling silver and black onyx, and the cabochons were cut specially for this commission by the lovely and talented Annaig from Annaig’s Gemstudio.
I’m often wowed by the ideas and requests I receive, and this was one of those times.
It’s a real statement piece, and I envisage it being worn by generations. It’s a privilege to do this kind of work for such wonderful people. Thank you, Rosie!
My lovely friend Kylie asked me if I would be able to take an opal pendant that her Nan had given her, and use the opal to make a ring.
I was very happy to try. The pendant was sweet, but just not Kylie’s thing.
I was able to get the stone out, and set it in a simple silver bezel.
Super happy result! Bless you, Nan!
Adam was after a piece to give his partner for a special day. Mookaite has some significance to them, so Adam chose this cabochon that I had in my collection.
I love this cab – look at that little fish that occurred as part of the natural pattern of the rock!
As always, I like to keep the ring setting simple so that the gorgeous stone can be the centrepiece. Fabulous!