Fall Fashion...Light Gems and Dark Metals, a Winning Combination

I love the look of combining light gemstones with dark metals.  It's a little glitzy, a wee bit goth, and makes a few heads turn.  This is a subtly rutilated quartz, nicely faceted with loopy caps...

For lovers of blue... angelite, a natural light blue stone...

                

Moonstone, a perennial favorite...

 

A chalcedony, citrine, amber mix...

 

 

 

Faith and Bravery in Jewelry Making

Ah, it's been a bit of a dry spell for my jewelry making mojo.  Maybe it's the nice weather taking my attention away, or maybe it's just the ebb and flow of any creative endeavor.  I just keep telling myself these two things:

Have a little faith.

It's worked before - it will again.  You know your work is good.  People tell you this all the time.  Your customers love you.  Your mojo will return.  Until then, repot some plants.

Be brave.

Try new things.  If they're terrible (and they won't be)  people will let you know.  Growth is inevitable, and good.  Jump in with both feet and make those dangly, cherubic-gothic earrings you've been imagining...

Or how about some nice wirey chandeliers with gems.  That's always therapeutic, at least...  You can always keep them for yourself. That's acceptable. :)

Have faith, and be brave...

What Is Moonstone, the Gemstone, and What Is "Moonstone" Glass?

What is Moonstone?

Moonstone is a highly sought-after feldspar gemstone that displays flashes of color in blue, violet, or aqua.  These flashes of color are a result of its internal structure, which is feathery and layered.  It can be found in "rainbow", white, peach tones and, my personal favorite, a range of light blueish to deep grays.

Moonstone is so named because its color and sheen are thought to resemble the moon.  It is the birthstone for June, and is thought bring reason and balance to one's emotions.

There is also a type of glass called "moonstone" or "opalite".  It is also pretty, and has a more consistent appearance, but it is not a gemstone.

I love making jewelry out of moonstone because of its variable color, and the beauty I find in its imperfection.  Its pale, ethereal tones are beautifully complemented by oxidized metals like copper and sterling silver.  I love the look and feel of wire-wrapped gemstones, and the combination of moonstone and metal is always pleasing.  Like us, it has flashes of brilliance to offset its variable, mysterious interior.  No wonder it is the gemstone of balance!

Thanks so much for stopping by to read, and please check out the moonstone and other jewelry in my shop at http://www.thetwistedpretzel.etsy.com/.