And finally, this week I organized my studio to where I can actually find what I am looking for! Every bead box is labeled, and my tools are all in the tool case that my dad made for his miniature tools that he used to use when he built wooden ship models. I think he would approve. He passed away 10 years ago, just after Christmas in 1999.

This is a brooch that I created for a Christmas gift for a woman who is an environmentalist and an active member of a native plant society. It’s not too feminine, yet it would dress up a sporty blazer, don’t you think?

Kelly Green Dyed-Jade Set with Vermeil Spacers and Clasp

There are many purists in the world of handmade jewelry. By this I mean that they won’t dream of making anything unless the metal components and findings are either sterling silver or gold-filled or high-carat gold… even platinum, along with precious gemstones.

Silver and gold in their purest forms are generally not suitable for use in jewelry.  Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. Gold-filled is composed of a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal such as brass, sometimes sterling silver.  Gold-plate and silver-plate is a process of covering a base metal with a much thinner layer of gold or silver. Over time, the gold will begin to wear off of gold-plating, whereas gold-filled will last approximately 30 years before showing wear.

There is also a very beautiful metal called vermeil, which is sterling silver coated with either 10 or 14 karat gold.  It has a wonderful, rich color and I have several items in my shop made with vermeil clasps and spacers.

Let’s face it – these materials are wonderful and give a real touch of sophistication and worth to any piece. I do make many pieces with sterling silver and gold-filled metals. They are marked as such in the descriptions and of course these pieces are priced higher.They are also very expensive and with the price of precious metals fluctuating every day, the costs must be passed along to the customer. The cost may also be prohibitive in this economy where many people are struggling financially to afford necessities.

Fun Red and Cream Necklace and Earrings Set

But I also find that many people (myself included) enjoy the fun, “costumey” pieces that are cheaper to make and cost less to buy. The less expensive materials include copper and brass – which can be coated with various colors such as “gun metal”, and gold and silver “tone”.

I love these just as much as the expensive ones, and sometimes they absolve one on the responsibility that comes with high-end items. Sometimes you just want to put on something colorful and easy-going.

The wide availability of jewelry supplies and components available make the low-end choices very desirable as well. For the designer, it fosters experimentation without the fear of wasting a precious quarter inch of gold-filled wire.

There is definitely room for both kinds of jewelry in everyone’s box. Sometimes we want to be sophisticated and elegant, other times we just want to have fun.

It’s all good!

Cream and Aqua Enamel Pendant

When I found this pendant I fell in love with the colors. I’ve always had a thing for green. The combination of the sea-green with the cream-colored pearls is very soothing to me. Add a dash of sparkle with some Swarovski crystals and, WOW! What a nice touch.

Blue Jeans Cuff Bracelet

It took me about 3 weeks to make this bracelet. I started it while Daniel and I were on our vacation in Lake Tahoe. Every time I wear it now it makes me think of our vacation.

Because it took a while to make it, I wanted to make sure it would not come off and get lost, so I reinforced the closure with a large hidden snap underneath the decorative brass fold-over clasps.