Gone Shopping

Been on vacation.

The prices for silver and gold have been depressing--they just keep going up, up, up....

Finally found some inspiration-- these lovely jewels (and photographs) from :

http://www.siamgempalace.com


They have so many lovely things! Lots of different cuts. I can't wait to start working on these. As you know--a girl can never have enough earrings!


Shipping costs are very reasonable coming from Asia.

I'm looking forward to getting some work done!

The Price of Silver

The price for silver keeps going up, up up! Don't even ask about the price of gold....

It's sort of depressing and really makes you think twice about committing to your designs. I need a new pendant--maybe I'll use these teardrop gray moonstones?

Luckily, my favorite designs are petite in size. I'll probably have to put off the idea of silver bangles for awhile.

Here's a new moonstone earring that I'm working on-- just something that I can wear with everything. The bottom, oval stone has not been set yet (hence the bezel standing up around the stone) but I have a feeling that I'll get a lot of use out of these!

Opals and Pearls

Sometimes it's hard to get work done during the winter months-- it's too cold and freezing in the shop just doesn't sound like much fun.

I started working with this dainty little 3-leaf flower motif a few months back. They look really easy to make, but you have to be careful--they are easy to melt with a little too much heat!

Here it is again but I've added a few more. I love how it looks! Sometimes you just have to play with a design and it's amazing what new ideas spring up! I've added little seed pearl drops to this one-- can't wait to wear them! I'll have to add some updated pictures of it.


Here is another new little design that I'm playing with. Since this is the time to celebrate Chinese New Years I created a "money plant" necklace. Still playing with the design.... I really want to incorporate more mother-of pearl into my work. We'll see what happens!