Mixing natural gemstone beads and cabochons with vintage glass beads and the oxidized findings lends importance to your art. The colors are rich and the markings are always interesting. The stones are very earthy and flattering to your face. Look for natural, not dyed stones, since the dye will change and fade over time.
Steps to a Project… Here’s the evolution of a necklace as it is being created. The focal pendant chosen for this piece is a Chrysocolla oblong gemstone bead with the hole passing vertically across the top. In my travels, I never pass up a bead store, rock shop or bead show. I want to see gemstones in person before I spend big money for something special like this bead.
I threaded a heavy beading wire (#W01) through the hole and then added bead caps (#R399 and #CC75) over one of the koi fish (#S240). I used a tiny dot of E6000 glue to keep the koi where I want it and then used a coated wire clip I bought in a kitchen supply store to hold it in place while the glue sets. Using my hands and flat nose pliers with no teeth, I aligned and conformed the pieces to hug the gemstone.
The next step is to choose beads, connectors and bead caps which complement the theme and scale of the pendant. Since the koi figure is from nature and the color of the gemstone looks like a slice of tropical blue ocean, I chose other beads which are similar in color. The bead caps are also nature inspired or very light weight filigree. The small strand attached to the open area of the fin and tail represents a little spray of water.
Small groups of beads on short pins joined by jump rings will allow for fluid movement. When you use one long eye pin or opt not to use jump rings you can count on crimps and odd angles. Use double jump rings with bolder pendants and chain. It allows for more balance and harmony when all the elements are of the same weight.
Note that I used filigree bead chain, filigree bead caps and a small filigree connector. I also used the same green flat oval bead several times. Repeat elements of your design throughout the piece to help tie everything together.
Here’s Another Project….
The items in the picture below were used to create the pendant in the second and third photos showing the front and back.
The natural Jasper gemstone bead used here measures 40x30mm with a vertically drilled hole from top to bottom. Nylon jaw or padded nose pliers allowed me to customize the shape of the stamping without marring the design which acts as a frame or setting for the bead.
I used brass wire tightly coiled at the bottom, passed through part of the stamping and the hole in the bead and then through the top of the bead and stamping. Next I added bead caps and a vintage Czech glass bead before creating a loop at the top.
The natural Jasper gemstone bead used here measures 40x30mm with a vertically drilled hole from top to bottom. I used brass wire tightly coiled at the bottom, passed through part of the stamping and the hole in the bead and then through the top of the bead and stamping. Next I added bead caps and a vintage Czech glass bead before creating a loop at the top.
Jewelry Terms:
A mineral is any naturally formed homogeneous inorganic material.
A mineralogist is a person who studies the formation, occurrence, properties, composition, and classification of minerals.
A gemologist is a person who has successfully completed recognized courses in gemology (the science and study of gemstones) and has proven skills in identifying and evaluating gem materials.
A lapidary is a cutter, polisher, or engraver of precious stones.
An artist (that’s you!) presents these items combined in a pleasing way as something you want to own, wear and treasure.
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