new pieces

[claudenancy]

Hi all: A few new pieces. I did a temp string on my GGS necklace, and also created several keshi necklaces. One is a long strand of white FW keshis, black coral, and kamoka keshis. The other is a crescent shaped fw keshi, black coral, kamoka keshi, seed SS keshi and ruby strand. I show them with the first wrapped as a torsade.

 

[Miriam Reed]

Looks like you've been having fun!

 

[pattye]

That crescent shape is very interesting! Must have been a bit of a challenge to find what to do with those pearls! Love keishi myself!!

 

[Nerida]

All beautiful.... thanks for the photos!

 

[knotty panda]

Quite elegant pieces. My favorite combination is ruby and white pearls so I'm partial to the crescent. Where do you get your gem beads? I get mine from migem.com.

 

[claudenancy]

Thanks Miriam, Pattye, Nerida and Knotty Panda: Yes the crescents were quite tricky as were the minute SS keishi used to cover the wire on which the rubies were dropped. Oddly enough--the ruby holes became the real problem. The wire had to run twice through the holes. I tested most but not all of them. Some appeared to have ample holes---however, at some point they were just barely drilled through the center--arghhhhh! It is not quite as long as intended because I gave up on a few rubies--I guess now I can make some long drop ruby earrings--on very thin wire.

As for the crescents--I have not located additional lots of these.

Knotty, I got the rubies from Druzy. I am glad to learn of an additional good source for rubies too!

Peace, Beth

 

[waimeamomi]

These are really great! Most gemstones have holes drilled according to their value. The higher the value, the smaller the hole because they don't want to lose the material. I keep 24 and 26 gauge wire around for those. I like Earth Bazaar for gemstones, but you have to wait for their specials which are very regular. I like how they aren't afraid to call a C strand a C strand. If you want the best - Gemorex in NYC! They are working on a website as well, but you have to have tax id.

 

[knotty panda]

Michelle at Migem is a great source for beads. She will drop her prices by 30% without too much of a fuss. A 50% drop takes some work. Look for deep discounts around late July to August and February; in other words, just before the Hong Kong shows. The only problem with waiting for the big discount is, the really good stuff is gone by then.

 

[claudenancy]

Wow Sheryl and Knotty. I just checked those websites. New sources of gems to covet. I have never seen the faceted rounds that are drilled to string--interesting possibilities. Thanks so much for sharing your sources--just in case I win the lottery

Beth

 

[BeadersSecret]

Great display of creativity......well done!

 

[claudenancy]

thanks Bernadette!

 

[waimeamomi]

Wow Sheryl and Knotty. I just checked those websites. New sources of gems to covet. I have never seen the faceted rounds that are drilled to string--interesting possibilities. Thanks so much for sharing your sources--just in case I win the lottery

Get on MiGems and Earth Bazaars mailing lists. Earth Bazaar does huge and frequent specials, I never buy at the regularly listed prices. MiGem is now offering a weekly special and as well as her big close-outs. I've never negotiated with her before - good to know that's possible. I've been very happy with both dealers. Wish Gemorex would get their website finished. I was there in Sept. and they have awesome beads of different quality tiers, and they do fair trade with their workers in India.

 

[claudenancy]

I borrowed my friend's beautiful neck to show off a my necklaces. She is a cousin of the legendary blues singer, Howling Wolf. You should hear her sing the blues (or anything else for that matter)--fantastic voice in the event that any of you are talent scouts!

 

[The Pearl Outlet]

Impressive! Nice designs.

 

[claudenancy]

Thanks Terry for your generous comment.

 

[pattye]

Stunning pieces on an equally stunning model!

 

[Island Bound]

It's probably a good thing she was your friend as I don't think anyone else would have given those amazing pieces back to you! Your work is beautiful!

Julie

 

[Nerida]

Beth your pieces are gorgeous... the GSS ones are my favourites (always).. gorgeous model too, pity you couldn't include a sound byte or two..

 

[jerin]

I second that, Beth. Beautiful pieces and a lovely model. Very nice designs and colours!

 

[pearlescence]

really great. You are developing a clear design 'look'