Birthstones and other inspiration

Well, so much for me getting lots of lovely handmade birthstone jewellery in my shops each month. I've done pretty well, but I have let May down. The May birthstone - Emerald started off pretty well. I got some gorgeous little stones, all beautiful and deep green. And then messed up completely in trying to set them. Whoops. They aren't the strongest stone, and I was probably a little....ahem over enthusiastic.

Never mind, onwards and upwards.... June is pearl, and I've got a box full of pearl goodies and a brain full of ideas - well half a brain anyway, the other half is trying to deal with all the everyday stuff and failing miserably.

In the meantime, I've been loving the warm weather and was out in the garden yesterday taking pictures.

 I love how this chive flower is bursting out of it's bud. Yippee... sun.

 These Lily of the Valley are such a gorgeous delicate shape. I would love to make some earrings in silver based on these flowers. Might take me a while to figure out how to put it all together though.

 Stunning stunning peonies. Love this splash of colour in our garden. Big flouncy and beautiful!

Ah we have so many forget me nots all over the place. I know people think they're a weed, but I think they're so pretty. I can't bring my self to get rid of them, so now they're everywhere. I love how there are so many teeny flowers clustered together. Definitely gives me some jewellery design ideas.

May Birthstone

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

Emerald is the birthstone for May. It's a true gemstone, as opposed to a semi-precious stone. Emerald tends to have numerous inclusions and is graded by eye, rather than a loupe. These inclusions mean that it is not a particularly strong stone. It's such a special stone it even has a cut named after it. Which shows off the stone's colour to it's best, whilst maintaining a strong shape.

In 1953 Jacqueline Bouvier was presented a 2.88 carat diamond and emerald engagement ring by Senator John F. Kennedy. Apparently, John Kennedy's father, Joe Sr. picked out Jackie's emerald engagement ring. Not the most romantic, but still who wouldn't be thrilled with this beauty....

I've always loved that deep emerald green colour. I always look for clothes in this colour, but rarely find any. I once saw Mary Hansen, from Stereolab on stage in a gorgeous emerald green sequinned dress many, many (many) moons ago. I wanted that dress then, and I still want it 20 years later. One day I'll make it happen. I'll probably be in a nursing home by the time I get round to it, but I will make it happen dagnammit.

I'm working on a couple of emerald birthstone pieces for the shop - some gold wire wraps, a first foray into the world of gold!! Plus I have some lovely teeny cabs which I'm setting onto silver to make some pretty little earrings. I'll let you know when I have pictures!