Small Purchases that Make me Happy (:

[paragon1234]

I had this boulder opal and wanted to make a wire wrapped pendant. I've never made jewellery before so this is my first attempt. I watched some YouTube videos for guidance. It's not fantastic - I didn't wrap enough wire around the frame so there are gaps and the bail is lopsided. I learned a lot so the next one will be much better.

Opal was 44 USD and wire probably £1. I used an existing silver chain.

 

[shelovesinclusions]

I had this boulder opal and wanted to make a wire wrapped pendant. I've never made jewellery before so this is my first attempt. I watched some YouTube videos for guidance. It's not fantastic - I didn't wrap enough wire around the frame so there are gaps and the bail is lopsided. I learned a lot so the next one will be much better.

Opal was 44 USD and wire probably £1. I used an existing silver chain.

I love this! I just ordered a boulder opal to try out wrapping on. How did you find the process? I've never tried it before, and am scared about possibly breaking the wire or the setting not being secure enough. Was it more fun or more frustrating?

 

[leslie1956]

That shop is where I bought my paraiba from. The seller Daniel is very helpful and nice.

Thanks for letting me know he's a good seller! I really liked the paraiba and other tourmalines in his shop. I thought that his prices were reasonable.

 

[Bluegemz]

Heres pics of my little morning project: Solid gold danglies for my 18k flower hooks with teal and lavender grape chalcedony ❤

@Bluegemz took my love for the gemstone and amped it up to an obsession! Ive been looking for ready made pieces on etsy that incorporate fine made jewelry with the gemstones rough state but had a difficult time finding anything that felt perfect.

I came upon a huge parcel of tiny pieces that I won for a few dollars on ebay and picked these two beauties out of the lot.
They both have druzy that cannot be seen in the photos but that sparkle beautifully in the sun.

I wasnt sure how theyd look in gold since theyre so raw and organic in their state- but I truly love how they came out!

Ive been wearing them around the house all day (:

Omg omg OMG, those are amazing!!! I love the ombré effect of those colors!!

 

[Bluegemz]

Re Grape chalcedony, I’ve been wearing my pendant lots...and I’ve been thinking about getting a big chunk of it and making a light cuff bracelet with the chalcedony in the center. I love the pendant, and it would be great to have a piece to look at while wearing it!

 

[paragon1234]

I love this! I just ordered a boulder opal to try out wrapping on. How did you find the process? I've never tried it before, and am scared about possibly breaking the wire or the setting not being secure enough. Was it more fun or more frustrating?

It was quite fiddly. It didn't help that the opal is small. I would start with a big cheap stone first to try it out. Wire is cheap so buy lots.

I used 0.2mm fine silver wire to wrap and it did break once from metal fatigue. Next time I'll use 0.3 or 0.4mm. I used 0.8mm sterling silver for the cage and it's really strong so I'm not worried about the stone falling out. There are designs where the wire criss-crosses the front and back to make it more secure.

I found it really rewarding! Definitely give it a go.

 

[MarionC]

Paragon, good for you! You are an inspiration.

 

[2Neesers]

Heres pics of my little morning project: Solid gold danglies for my 18k flower hooks with teal and lavender grape chalcedony ❤

@Bluegemz took my love for the gemstone and amped it up to an obsession! Ive been looking for ready made pieces on etsy that incorporate fine made jewelry with the gemstones rough state but had a difficult time finding anything that felt perfect.

I came upon a huge parcel of tiny pieces that I won for a few dollars on ebay and picked these two beauties out of the lot.
They both have druzy that cannot be seen in the photos but that sparkle beautifully in the sun.

I wasnt sure how theyd look in gold since theyre so raw and organic in their state- but I truly love how they came out!

Ive been wearing them around the house all day (:

These are so sweet and feminine! Your turquoise cab is gorgeous too - I love it’s asymmetrical shape!

 

[shelovesinclusions]

It was quite fiddly. It didn't help that the opal is small. I would start with a big cheap stone first to try it out. Wire is cheap so buy lots.

I used 0.2mm fine silver wire to wrap and it did break once from metal fatigue. Next time I'll use 0.3 or 0.4mm. I used 0.8mm sterling silver for the cage and it's really strong so I'm not worried about the stone falling out. There are designs where the wire criss-crosses the front and back to make it more secure.

I found it really rewarding! Definitely give it a go.

Thank you!

 

[Bluegemz]

I bought these 2 agate bangles...the one with the orange in it to go with my agate ring, which I adore. It’s one of my favorite silver rings...and I’ve always had a love for agates and chalcedony. Hence, I’ve always wanted an agate bangle . The wider grey one is for my daugher because she loves them too. There’s another one which I have my eye on, which is super wide...but I’m going to sleep on it. There is something about the patterns in agate bangles which to me is meditative and mesmerizing... almost like watching the sky during sunset, or a storm.

 

[Yelena]

I bought these 2 agate bangles...the one with the orange in it to go with my agate ring, which I adore. It’s one of my favorite silver rings...and I’ve always had a love for agates and chalcedony. Hence, I’ve always wanted an agate bangle . The wider grey one is for my daugher because she loves them too. There’s another one which I have my eye on, which is super wide...but I’m going to sleep on it. There is something about the patterns in agate bangles which to me is meditative and mesmerizing... almost like watching the sky during sunset, or a storm.

I agree they are gorgeous.

 

[Niffler75]

I found this beauty on Ebay from someone having a destash of their collection. It's a bluish grey star sapphire 8mm round. I've tried to capture the star as best I can. For my first star sapphire I am very pleased! The star is well defined and the lines pretty straight.

 

[Bluegemz]

I agree they are gorgeous.

Thank you! My daughter loves hers, and I’ve been wearing mine non stop since it arrived.. here are some pics of it.

 

[Bluegemz]

Added to my agate collection with this extra wide bangle, to go with this huge, 3 inch agate pendant which I got.

 

[Gloria27]

Gorgeous! do you buy them online Bluegemz?

 

[Bluegemz]

Gorgeous! do you buy them online Bluegemz?

Thank you, @Gloria27 ! I bought the 3 bangles from this seller on eBay...
aya811 (209)
the pendant and agate ring I bought locally and were a lot more pricey, but fabulous metal work and I love supporting local sellers! After all, each dollar we spend with local businesses gets circulated/ changes hands around 8 times within the community ( I read) instead of moving immediately out of the community.

 

[stracci2000]

@Bluegemz, I love your new agate pieces!
I have a lot of agate. It is a very special stone that I don't think gets enough recognition!

I love supporting local sellers! After all, each dollar we spend locally gets circulated/ changes hands around 8 times within the community ( I read) instead of moving out of the community.

Yes! I have said this over and over again here on PS----support your local artists!!!
Go to local art shows and find the unique jewelry made by artisans in your area.

 

[Bluegemz]

@Bluegemz, I love your new agate pieces!
I have a lot of agate. It is a very special stone that I don't think gets enough recognition!



Yes! I have said this over and over again here on PS----support your local artists!!!
Go to local art shows and find the unique jewelry made by artisans in your area.

@stracci2000 , I COMPLETELY agree with you. Agate gets diminished because it’s “common”.... whatever that means. I see the creator in agate in all of its manifestations of beauty. To me, it is such expressive material with its patterns and colors. Very metaphorical...for example, in my agate bangle, I see an overarching vision, like a great arch of sky. It gives me strength and hope....it’s not about preciousness, but about poetry.
And, if anyone has tried to cab agate as I have, one sees just how tough it really is.
And here is another bangle which I hope someone else will buy..

 

[stracci2000]

@stracci2000 , I COMPLETELY agree with you. Agate gets diminished because it’s “common”.... whatever that means. I see the creator in agate in all of its manifestations of beauty. To me, it is such expressive material with its patterns and colors. Very metaphorical...for example, in my agate bangle, I see an overarching vision, like a great arch of sky. It gives me strength and hope....it’s not about preciousness, but about poetry.
And, if anyone has tried to cab agate as I have, one sees just how tough it really is.
And here is another bangle which I hope someone else will buy..

Truly stunning!
Like a Santa Fe sunset!

 

[Bluegemz]

Truly stunning!
Like a Santa Fe sunset!

Exactly! And, I agree, I’m happy to pay much more for local people, with all of their rents etc, and I have time and again. No regrets...ever. This keeps me deeply connected to the experience of each piece, which is a different kind of meaning making. It’s preciousness cubed.
Another thought about the commonality of agate...this is a phase in I am thinking about our commonalities...and maybe that’s why I feel better wearing agate than Other gems.

 

[Bluegemz]

The “common-ness” of agate makes this a stone which is accessible to everyone, and therefore, the choice of it is much more representative of a personal sentiment. And, ironically, there is such a variety that there is something for everyone no matter how unique

 

[Gloria27]

Thank you, Bluegemz, I hardly could find anything online that isn't dyed.

 

[leslie1956]

My moonstone ring from Daniel M is done and on it's way to me, as of today Here are some pictures that Dan sent to me. I'm very happy with the outcome!

 

[prs]

I bought these 2 agate bangles...the one with the orange in it to go with my agate ring, which I adore. It’s one of my favorite silver rings...and I’ve always had a love for agates and chalcedony. Hence, I’ve always wanted an agate bangle . The wider grey one is for my daugher because she loves them too. There’s another one which I have my eye on, which is super wide...but I’m going to sleep on it. There is something about the patterns in agate bangles which to me is meditative and mesmerizing... almost like watching the sky during sunset, or a storm.

Bluegemz, your agate pieces have a quiet, ethereal beauty to them!

DW's agate bead necklace is interesting in its own way, but isn't quite so ethereal.

 

[Niffler75]

Oooh @leslie1956 I have been reading really good things about Daniel M and am thinking about a project with him, maybe for christmas! Love your ring!

 

[elle_71125]

My moonstone ring from Daniel M is done and on it's way to me, as of today Here are some pictures that Dan sent to me. I'm very happy with the outcome!

Beautiful! I love the two tone look...especially those perfect rose gold cuffs.

 

[Bluegemz]

My moonstone ring from Daniel M is done and on it's way to me, as of today Here are some pictures that Dan sent to me. I'm very happy with the outcome!

Really lovely, congratulations! It’s very icy and moonlike! I love the rose gold touches.

 

[Bluegemz]

I received the super wide agate bangle. Love it! It has a great ombré effect and feels very grounding because of its weight.

 

[stracci2000]

I received the super wide agate bangle. Love it! It has a great ombré effect and feels very grounding because of its weight.

I love it. Delicate yet bold.
The heft of the stone must feel very satsfying on your wrist.

 

[leslie1956]

Oooh @leslie1956 I have been reading really good things about Daniel M and am thinking about a project with him, maybe for christmas! Love your ring!

Thanks, @Niffler75 Dan is great, you'll love working with him!