That golden glow

A week or two ago I was asked to make a custom jewellery set of earrings and pendant necklace as a birthday present for a lady who had lost much of her own jewellery in floods, and the subsequent house moves while refurbishment took place.

I love (and I mean LOVE) making special one off pieces, and especially when you know a little about the background. However, in this case the customer particularly wanted a gold set, which I have to admit, did make me feel a little anxious.

As you probably know, I usually work in sterling silver, or copper. I do love the look of gold, and have been wondering about offering a gold option of certain items, but gold is just so costly! I mean, really expensive. I just can't afford to have it sitting in my stock cupboard at the moment.

Gold is similar to silver to work with, and so although I don't use gold as often as silver there was nothing particularly different in terms of work. But I was so nervous about wasting even a millimeter of the precious wire.

But oh my, isn't it pretty...

The gold is 9k and the stones are a delicate pale green amethyst. The gems are micro facetted, meaning it has many, many little surfaces to catch, reflect and bounce the light all around making them super sparkly.

I do love this combination of gold and green. What do you think?

You can see some other handmade green amethyst jewellery  in my becky pearce designs shop.

And whilst I can't offer 9k or 18k gold ready to go in the shops at the moment I do offer custom pieces on request. Just get in touch with me at becky@beckypearcedesigns.co.uk to discuss.

Ooooh and do keep an eye out for some gold alternatives popping up in the near future!

Custom Goodies

I thought you might like to see the lovely earrings and pendant set that I made recently for Carly, who got in contact with me via this blog.

Carly had a definite idea of the colours and length she wanted for her earrings, and I got to do just what I love to do, plan the design and put it all together. I was really pleased with  the finished result.

 The rose quartz looks beautiful with the creamy pearls and delicate greys. I lightly oxidised the sterling silver components and polished them to a gorgeous shine.

The photos don't really do them justice; it was when we were still in the throws of the building work and I couldn't get all my photo bits and bobs set up properly.... but you get the idea.

Carly said "Hi, they've arrived safely thank you and I'm really pleased with everything, just perfect! Thanks again for interpreting all my demands into something pretty, and for getting it to me on time!"

If you have an idea of your perfect earrings that you'd like me to help realise, just get in touch and we can work something out. I'd love to help you get hold of the perfect necklace to go with that summer wedding outfit, or a special pressie for your sister who loves green.....

A special gift....?

I'm getting the feeling that I'm the only one who hasn't got at least half of their Christmas shopping done. (Tell me I'm wrong!) But I thought that now might be a good time to let you know about my jewellery design service.

You might not have realised that I take custom orders. I love to get your ideas and input in order to design a special piece of jewellery, for you, or for special gift. And don't worry - it doesn't have to be expensive to make it special and personal!

I recently had a lovely customer, who contacted me via my Folksy shop; she had spotted a necklace of mine that she liked, but who was buying a gift for a friend who was an "earring person" and she wondered if I could make matching earrings to make up a set. The earrings needed to be special, and  the necklace would match them. She even gave me an idea of the kind of thing she had in mind, a couple of emails later the set was ready.

Sorry, the photo isn't the best, as I wanted to get them in the post as soon as possible, rather than waiting for good light!

Perhaps you would like a name or initials enscribed on your nacklace, perhaps you would like a birthstone attached to one of my leaf pendants? Or perhaps you have your own idea that you would like me to create?  If so, get in touch, and I'll do my best to help.