Jewelry
- Bracelet Making Project
- Guitar String, Leather Bracelets
- Father's Day Gifts 2008
- Martha Stewart Jewelry Kits
- David Yurman at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Alexis Bittar Lucite Jewelry
- Stacked Bangles and Bracelets
- Supplies List for Tiara
- Emerald Beads
- Quick Catalog Jewelry Update
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
The 'guitar string' bracelet is not going as intended and the instructions will not be posted by July 4th. The design will be modified and instructions posted then.
I've been struggling with the design element of the latest jewelry making project - that of the twisted wire 'guitar string' bracelet.
I was going to attach a lettered tag using the 'making memories' brand metal sheets and die stamping kit. This is just turning out to be a nightmare. I worked on stamping the letters into the metal for over 2 hours and I just couldn't get it to look right. Additionally, the metal was just not suitable for the purpose I had intended. So back to the drawing board.
The bracelet is about 1/2 complete and actually looks quite cool. I'm going to put it away for a few days and come up with another idea for it's finishing that will keep it a 'beginner' type project.
In the interim, I'm going to the Bead Museum in Washinton DC and to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond this weekend and will write articles on both topics.
I'm also working on an article on snake jewelry. Angelina Jolie has been spotted wearing a cool wrapped snake ring. I'll find more examples of this type of jewelry that seems to be very popular once again.
All this should be published by mid July 2008.
I was going to attach a lettered tag using the 'making memories' brand metal sheets and die stamping kit. This is just turning out to be a nightmare. I worked on stamping the letters into the metal for over 2 hours and I just couldn't get it to look right. Additionally, the metal was just not suitable for the purpose I had intended. So back to the drawing board.
The bracelet is about 1/2 complete and actually looks quite cool. I'm going to put it away for a few days and come up with another idea for it's finishing that will keep it a 'beginner' type project.
In the interim, I'm going to the Bead Museum in Washinton DC and to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond this weekend and will write articles on both topics.
I'm also working on an article on snake jewelry. Angelina Jolie has been spotted wearing a cool wrapped snake ring. I'll find more examples of this type of jewelry that seems to be very popular once again.
All this should be published by mid July 2008.
Guitar String, Leather Bracelets
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Use 18 gauge sterling silver wire, aluminum metal sheet and a stamping kit to make an inexpensive and easy version of the twisted cable bracelet popular with celebrities.
My next jewelry project for suite101 was to be a black leather bracelet with cut outs similar to what Bottega Veneta was showing in Fall Fashion Week in Milan with his garments.
However, after writing my last article on celebrity bracelet style, I've decided to post instructions first on making a twisted cable bracelet similar to the guitar string bracelets featured in that article.
I've checked out the tensile strength of guitar strings to try to duplicate the look using sterling silver wire. Apparently the tensile strength varies based upon what type of guitar is being played.
While the guitar strings bracelets are very cool, and you might prefer purchasing one made from your favorite musicians' guitar strings, you can duplicate this look for a fraction of the cost using the instructions I give in my article. I'mgoing to get the instructions up before 4th of July - hopefully sooner.
I'll post the complete supply list at a later date, but the main component is 18 gauge sterling silver wire. Buy a 5 foot pack from Fire Mountain Gems or another vendor. I went to Michaels this weekend and purchased some aluminum metal sheet and metal glue (making memories brand) - in the scrapbooking department.
You'll also need a stamping die set with alphabetic characters. If you don't have one, making memories markets one as well.
The instructions for the black leather bracelet will be up sometime this summer.
However, after writing my last article on celebrity bracelet style, I've decided to post instructions first on making a twisted cable bracelet similar to the guitar string bracelets featured in that article.
I've checked out the tensile strength of guitar strings to try to duplicate the look using sterling silver wire. Apparently the tensile strength varies based upon what type of guitar is being played.
While the guitar strings bracelets are very cool, and you might prefer purchasing one made from your favorite musicians' guitar strings, you can duplicate this look for a fraction of the cost using the instructions I give in my article. I'mgoing to get the instructions up before 4th of July - hopefully sooner.
I'll post the complete supply list at a later date, but the main component is 18 gauge sterling silver wire. Buy a 5 foot pack from Fire Mountain Gems or another vendor. I went to Michaels this weekend and purchased some aluminum metal sheet and metal glue (making memories brand) - in the scrapbooking department.
You'll also need a stamping die set with alphabetic characters. If you don't have one, making memories markets one as well.
The instructions for the black leather bracelet will be up sometime this summer.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Justin Giunta, named best accessories designer by the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation at the Spring/Summer 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, also designs male jewelry.
I've just finished one part of my series of articles on Subversive Jewelry. Designer, Justin Giunta was honored as best accessories designer by the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation at the Spring/Summer 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
In addition to designing for women, he also has a Mr. Subversive design line for men. The Cha-Ching necklace shown in my article is one of Mr. Subversive line.
If that necklace is a little to elaborate for the father in your life, there is also a pair of handcuff cufflinks that are really unique and a prison link and handcuff necklace. The cufflinks are offered at his website for $240, the necklace is $460.
Not down with the prison theme, check out the family crest shield cufflinks, also offered at $240.
Go to the artist's website for the complete male line of jewelry. Follow this link, click on Collections > Mr. Subversive.
In addition to designing for women, he also has a Mr. Subversive design line for men. The Cha-Ching necklace shown in my article is one of Mr. Subversive line.
If that necklace is a little to elaborate for the father in your life, there is also a pair of handcuff cufflinks that are really unique and a prison link and handcuff necklace. The cufflinks are offered at his website for $240, the necklace is $460.
Not down with the prison theme, check out the family crest shield cufflinks, also offered at $240.
Go to the artist's website for the complete male line of jewelry. Follow this link, click on Collections > Mr. Subversive.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Check out Martha Stewart's new line of jewelry making kits. The charm bracelet kit comes fully assembled. The only thing you have to do is select small pictures.
I started sewing my own clothes when I was 8 and started dying fabric using those Paz Easter egg kits at the same time. I used to stockpile the Paz kits at Easter to use year round.
I'm the type of designer that just gets sick of whatever it is I am making during the design process, hates it when it is done and has to put it away for a few days to gain perspective. Then I'm normally back in love with the design. The same is not true with the Mother's Day charm bracelet. I was happy with that design from start to finish - that's probably because the whole project took about 10 minutes to make and I didn't have a chance to get sick of looking at it.
Want to make a charm bracelet or memory pendant in less time? Check out Martha Stewart's new line of jewelry making kits. The charm bracelet kit comes fully assembled. The only thing you have to do is select small pictures to press on the glue pads placed on the bracelet's flat oval charms. The kits also come with a nice fabric gift bag.
The bracelet kit was $9.99; memory pendant $7.99. I didn't buy one but both kits seemed a good value for the price. After you select the pictures, these projects would probably take less than 3 minutes to complete.
I'm the type of designer that just gets sick of whatever it is I am making during the design process, hates it when it is done and has to put it away for a few days to gain perspective. Then I'm normally back in love with the design. The same is not true with the Mother's Day charm bracelet. I was happy with that design from start to finish - that's probably because the whole project took about 10 minutes to make and I didn't have a chance to get sick of looking at it.
Want to make a charm bracelet or memory pendant in less time? Check out Martha Stewart's new line of jewelry making kits. The charm bracelet kit comes fully assembled. The only thing you have to do is select small pictures to press on the glue pads placed on the bracelet's flat oval charms. The kits also come with a nice fabric gift bag.
The bracelet kit was $9.99; memory pendant $7.99. I didn't buy one but both kits seemed a good value for the price. After you select the pictures, these projects would probably take less than 3 minutes to complete.
David Yurman at Saks Fifth Avenue
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
If your mom is a David Yurman fan, check out the Mother's Day selection at Saks. There is also a fantastic selection of less expensive Gucci jewelry.
Sak's Fifth Avenue has an assortment of about 20 pieces of David Yurman jewelry they suggest for Mother's Day gifts. The jewelry runs the gamut from earrings to bracelets. The cheapest item is $390; the most expensive is $700.
Any one of these pieces would be a much appreciated gift for a Yurman fan. However, I don't see much value in purchasing any one of the pieces otherwise. Honestly, they all look like a stripped down version of Yurman - maybe to keep the prices less than $1000 - who knows.
Don't get me wrong - I like David Yurman. It's just that I'm not particularly fond of any of these pieces.
You want a little more bang for your buck, and still want to be able to present the gift in a Sak's bag? I suggest the Gucci Bamboo Heart Necklace at $275. It's got a nice twist on the heart shape and the bamboo theme shows you're eco-friendly.
Any one of these pieces would be a much appreciated gift for a Yurman fan. However, I don't see much value in purchasing any one of the pieces otherwise. Honestly, they all look like a stripped down version of Yurman - maybe to keep the prices less than $1000 - who knows.
Don't get me wrong - I like David Yurman. It's just that I'm not particularly fond of any of these pieces.
You want a little more bang for your buck, and still want to be able to present the gift in a Sak's bag? I suggest the Gucci Bamboo Heart Necklace at $275. It's got a nice twist on the heart shape and the bamboo theme shows you're eco-friendly.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Lucite jewelry is hot, hot, hot and has been for the past couple of seasons. The king of Lucite design is Alexis Bittar. Some of his designs are now available for rental
Lucite jewelry is hot, hot, hot and has been for the past couple of seasons. Honestly, factoring in it's attractiveness and overall just cool appearance, I don't see Lucite fading from the fashion scene for quite a while.
The king of Lucite design is Alexis Bittar. I mentioned in my wedding article one of his bracelets that would be totally appropriate for a wedding and beyond - it's priced at $395.
The good news is, if you don't want to shell out that kind of money for a special event, Bag, Borrow or Steal now offers about 12 of his pieces for rental.
Two problems - the bracelet that I specifically mention in the wedding jewelry article in not among those available for rental and two most of the pieces are wait listed.
However, it's worth a look. There is one hinged gold bracelet that would also be just fantastic for a wedding or other special event.
The king of Lucite design is Alexis Bittar. I mentioned in my wedding article one of his bracelets that would be totally appropriate for a wedding and beyond - it's priced at $395.
The good news is, if you don't want to shell out that kind of money for a special event, Bag, Borrow or Steal now offers about 12 of his pieces for rental.
Two problems - the bracelet that I specifically mention in the wedding jewelry article in not among those available for rental and two most of the pieces are wait listed.
However, it's worth a look. There is one hinged gold bracelet that would also be just fantastic for a wedding or other special event.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
They have a new line of adjustable bracelets to fit any size wrist.
The big jewelry news for Spring 2008 is stacked bangles and multiple bracelets. I reported that a couple of months ago when reporting on Spring and Fall Fashion weeks. Check out the ads in any current fashion magazine such as W, WWD or Vogue you'll see what I mean.
A reason post at In Style's style file addressed the question of finding bangles and stacked bracelets that were the right size. Alex and Ani to the rescue. They have designed a line of adjustable bracelets that you can stretch out or bring in so that they fit your personally sized wrist.
The standard size bracelet in the USA is 7.5 inches. Have petite wrist bones or slightly oversized ones? No worries, now you can wear just the right size.
"I wanted to create bangles that everyone can wear comfortably" states designer Carolyn Rafaelian. Mission accomplished.
A reason post at In Style's style file addressed the question of finding bangles and stacked bracelets that were the right size. Alex and Ani to the rescue. They have designed a line of adjustable bracelets that you can stretch out or bring in so that they fit your personally sized wrist.
The standard size bracelet in the USA is 7.5 inches. Have petite wrist bones or slightly oversized ones? No worries, now you can wear just the right size.
"I wanted to create bangles that everyone can wear comfortably" states designer Carolyn Rafaelian. Mission accomplished.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Where to buy the copper rods, Swarovski crystals, seed beads, sterling silver beads and beading wire for the prom/wedding tiara project.
All of the supplies for the prom/wedding tiara were purchased at Michael's. Here they are:
Some other suggestions:
Crafts Etc sells 3 1/16" copper rods for less than $3.
Artbeads sells 4mm wide hole sterling silver beads (maybe use 2 copper rods instead of 3) for .16 each.
If you have a beading shop in your area, they should also have a wide selection of beading supplies. Try doing a google search for 'bead shops, your city, your state'. Just for fun I did that for St.Louis Mo and I got about 6 hits in the greater St.Louis area.
- Amaco brand Wire Form three 12" thin copper rods (1/16 inch in diameter). Amaco also has a web presence where you can buy rods. (you'll have to convert the diameter and length)
- Darice brand - TOHO Treasure Beads 11/0 Round. Color: Opaque Luster Creme
- Crystal Elegance brand - 32 Swarovski 4mm Bicone Silk beads. Color:Toupie Coral
- 2 5mm sterling silver wide mouth beads.
- 2 sterling silver bead caps. Size: fit 5mm - 6mm beads
- 20 gauge Beading wire - gold tone was used for this project. You could also use gold filled or sterling silver wire.
Some other suggestions:
Crafts Etc sells 3 1/16" copper rods for less than $3.
Artbeads sells 4mm wide hole sterling silver beads (maybe use 2 copper rods instead of 3) for .16 each.
If you have a beading shop in your area, they should also have a wide selection of beading supplies. Try doing a google search for 'bead shops, your city, your state'. Just for fun I did that for St.Louis Mo and I got about 6 hits in the greater St.Louis area.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Three suggestions for purchasing emerald gemstone beads online.
My latest article about Wedding Jewelry 2008 trends mentioned emerald beads as a cost conscious alternative to emerald gemstones. I also have a few images accompanying that article of various strands of emerald beads.
Wondering where I bought them?
It's a process to purchase reasonably priced precious gemstone beads. You just have to keep your eye out and be ready to buy when you find them.
The spring green emerald necklace with ruby beads - I purchased the emerald gemstrand on ebay for $137. All gemstrands come temporarily strung. I restrung the purchase using about 1/2 the beads on the strand. So two emerald necklaces for $137 - not bad. The emerald is a very light green indicating that it's not the best of specimen but it is faceted and has alot of flash.
Two other venues - Fire Mountain Gems will occasionally carry faceted ruby, sapphire and emerald gemstrand. Make sure it clearly states 'faceted'. WIthout the facet you won't have the flash. So does The Earth Bazaar.
Wondering where I bought them?
It's a process to purchase reasonably priced precious gemstone beads. You just have to keep your eye out and be ready to buy when you find them.
The spring green emerald necklace with ruby beads - I purchased the emerald gemstrand on ebay for $137. All gemstrands come temporarily strung. I restrung the purchase using about 1/2 the beads on the strand. So two emerald necklaces for $137 - not bad. The emerald is a very light green indicating that it's not the best of specimen but it is faceted and has alot of flash.
Two other venues - Fire Mountain Gems will occasionally carry faceted ruby, sapphire and emerald gemstrand. Make sure it clearly states 'faceted'. WIthout the facet you won't have the flash. So does The Earth Bazaar.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Neiman Marcus has some fantastic cubic zirconia jewelry set in 18-kt white gold vermeil. Give the jewelry to Mom in a Luxe Jewelry Box from West Elm.
I'm putting up an article on how to make charmed layered chains for mother's day. Check back in about 2 -3 weeks. I've also just put up an article on how to make a killer pair of princess cut cubic zirconia earrings.
Can't be bothered to make it yourself? Neiman Marcus has some fantastic cubic zirconia jewelry - the brand is Fantasia by Deserio. They are not set in 14k gold - the setting is 18-kt white gold vermeil. The 5 carat square cut studs (Item #17E) cost $125; round cut 4.5 carat studs (Item # 17F) are $89.
Total cost to make the 6mm princess cut (square) 14K gold leverback earrings in my article was under $100. So I still think if you are the least bit handy it's a better bet to make 'em yourself - but the Fantasia jewelry is a nice alternative.
Give them to Mom or that special lady in the West Elm Lux Jewelry Box (Item #59-9480179). It comes in three lacquer finishes: ivory or antique silver with black velvet lining and yellow with natural linen lining. Cost: $89.
Can't be bothered to make it yourself? Neiman Marcus has some fantastic cubic zirconia jewelry - the brand is Fantasia by Deserio. They are not set in 14k gold - the setting is 18-kt white gold vermeil. The 5 carat square cut studs (Item #17E) cost $125; round cut 4.5 carat studs (Item # 17F) are $89.
Total cost to make the 6mm princess cut (square) 14K gold leverback earrings in my article was under $100. So I still think if you are the least bit handy it's a better bet to make 'em yourself - but the Fantasia jewelry is a nice alternative.
Give them to Mom or that special lady in the West Elm Lux Jewelry Box (Item #59-9480179). It comes in three lacquer finishes: ivory or antique silver with black velvet lining and yellow with natural linen lining. Cost: $89.
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