I normally use bright, colorful lampwork in my work, creating things like these:
But I've been trying to stretch my repertoire and use the extensive drawers of gemstones I've collected over the years. I love them, I buy them show after show, but I don't use them that much. I don't know if it's because they're in the bottom drawers, or if they don't lend themselves to whimsical things, but enough is enough.
Some time ago, a bead vendor was liquidating a ton of their ready-to-wear gemstone pendants for a ridiculously low price. Things that were over $100 were now in the range where I could buy them and use them in my jewelry and still be able to charge my customers a rate they would be comfortable with. Months ago, I made this necklace, but I just now got it photographed (and yes, that's how this summer has gone!).
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The pendant is a large shell, genuine turquoise, a set pearl, and strangely, a set faceted aquamarine. Color me puzzled on the aquamarine. Anyway. I've always admired asymmetrical designs but there's a trick to it -- keeping it balanced when worn, not using too many materials and turning it into a circus of color and texture -- so I'm not sure if I succeeded or not.
I linked pearls to pick up the color of the shell and the set pearl. I found some turquoise that was the same color as the pendant (that took forever). I added one modern sterling silver bead that I picked up heaven-knows-where. And I finished it out with fringy chain.
I skipped adding aquamarine. I just don't get that aquamarine.
I'm charging 158.00 for this, and I hope it goes to a happy home. I'd be interested to know, before I post it on my web site, if you think I should change anything. I have to admit, putting this together was a LOT harder than working in my usual color palette and preferred lampwork. But I see more of this in my future.
Lori Anderson creates jewelry for Lori Anderson Designs and also writes the blog Pretty Things. Ironically, her birthstone is aquamarine.
