Search Results
Isn’t It Charming? Aquamarines, rubies, and Swarovski Crystals
July 11th, 2010 | 
Author: I am a great fan of charm bracelets. I personally prefer them in gold with weighty charms, some encrusted with gemstones; they are especially endearing when the charms have been collected over a long period of time and have a special or sentimental va…
Posted in Uncategorized | 
Ruby: The July Birthstone
/
My blog about jewelry designing and creating . Most of the jewelry I make can be seen at www.clunygreyjewelry.com or at www.leslieturtlejewelry.com.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Ruby: The July Birthstone
Rubies are wonderful! Most of the rubies that I get are an opaque colour and usually a dark red or a pinkish red. I wish that I could find more rubies in different sizes (especially larger sizes) and shapes, but I do jump on any opportunity to get some that look out of the ordinary. Rubies belong to the corundum family of gemstones and are generally the most valuable of that type. They register a 9 on the Moh’s scale (with ultimate hardness a 10), so they are a perfect gemstone for jewelry. Almost every ruby is enhanced in some way (unless you are dealing with very rough natural stones), and you can assume that most rubies are heat-treated.
The lore surrounding rubies is legend. Rubies are believed to be able to ward off evil, to protect health, and to imbue a warrior with strength and courage. A ruby under the pillow is supposed to ward off nightmares (I love that one!) And of course rubies represent romance and passion to this day.
The first ruby bracelet features a hexagonal ruby at its center and lots of sterling silver as well as a ruby cabochon bezel-set in the toggle clasp. The ruby bracelet, below, is quite simple and symmetrical. Below the bracelet are three pairs of ruby earrings featuring shield-shaped rubies, faceted rondelles (with great drum-shaped sterling beads), and smooth teardrops.
Lapis bracelets, below, are as deep and intense blue as the ruby bracelets and earrings are red. The first lapis bracelet is an especial favorite since it features 2 strands of variously shaped lapis stones and a Karen Hill Tribes strand dangling sterling silver charms. The second lapis bracelet features large, beautifully coloured lapis nuggets, smoothly polished and matched perfectly to some lampwork beads I commissioned from artist Robin Weber. Its pretty bird clasp makes it really special!
Stay cool, and stay tuned; my family, including my darling grand-daughter have left the country to be abroad. I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands!
Don’t forget: FREE SHIPPING (first class, over $50.00 purchase; only $1.95 for under $50.00).
The First Day of Summer!
/
My blog about jewelry designing and creating . Most of the jewelry I make can be seen at www.clunygreyjewelry.com or at www.leslieturtlejewelry.com.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The First Day of Summer!
Finally, the first day of summer! It’s a busy time of year especially at Cluny Grey. As I sit and make jewelry, I can’t help but think how each piece will look with a sundress or tanned skin or a halter-top. Although jewelry really isn’t “summer” or “winter” the way clothes are, certain materials, such as coral, lend themselves to a summery, even beachy feeling. For example, the top bracelet, above, is made with the new Swarovski colour (which I love) called cyclamen opal, but it evokes the beach with the swirling wave-like pattern of its lampwork beads. The next bracelet, made of rainbow moonstone and triangular-shaped freshwater pearls seems perfect for a white or patterned sundress. And, of course, the bracelet below, made of blue coral, would make anyone think of the beach because of its ocean-themed beads and charms: shells, dolphins, starfish.
The two last bracelets feature cloisonne. The Swarovski bracelet with its sea-blue crystals (Capri blue) has cloisonne eggs with silver trim instead of the usual gold. The bottom bracelet has just one cloisonne bead, but it is gorgeous and looks terrific with Swarovski crystals in Pacific opal – all the elements of this bracelet are 14k GF.
Enjoy these summer days, and don’t forget our FREE SHIPPING!!!!!