Pearls Galore!

About three months ago, I ordered a big box of supplies from the USA but till today I have yet to see it.  Two weeks ago I ordered another big box of supplies (this time registered and insured) and am praying it will arrive soon.  I was working on a large project that was due in July but it's been stalled since the disappearance of Box 1.  So while waiting for Box 2 to arrive I've got to keep moving...

This past week I've been working on pearls, pearls, pearls!  Multistrand freshwater pearl necklaces to be exact. 

Here's one of the necklaces I made.  I find that 5-strands of  freshwater pearls in differents sizes and shapes work pretty well, giving the full look without being too heavy (or expensive!).  This necklace has a cream and peach tone (other tones include green, pink, copper, lilac and peach).  I added Swarovski crystals which catches the light at certain angles making it suitable for day and evening wear.  I've made my necklaces from 16 inches to 23 inches to suit different people's needs.

One of my customers brought in her 3-strand freshwater pearl necklace to be re-strung because it was too long for her.  I shortened it to the length of her desire and added seashells and coral beads for her which resulted in some extra freshwater pearls so I made the necklace below for her with coral and garnet beads.

This custom order is a Swarovski pearl lariat necklace with apply green round crystals.  The length of the necklace can be adjusted with this 925 silver magnet clasp with Swarovski crystals. 

Right now I'm now working on Russian leaf ear-rings in assorted colours.  I'll post photos as soon as I'm done.  See you next week! 

A New Week!

The past two weeks have been crazy in terms of schedules so it was with great anticipation and pleasure that I sat down at my studio table and started to WORK!  I have so many back orders piling up, I'm getting a bit anxious but with today's longer working hours I hope to complete at least 3 orders.

Last week, one of my customers asked me to change a clasp for her because it had "turned bad."  She had her pearl necklace re-strung by another jeweler a while back which cost her quite a bit.  I looked at it, smiled and without uttering a word I proceeded to show her my miracle!

Here's what she brought in. 

My little miracle after a 15-second polish! Yes, I'm afraid it's just a simple oxidation process that occurs when 925 silver is left outside.  That's why it's important to keep your silver jewelry in zip lock bags after making sure they are clean and free from moisture (aka perspiration).  My customer has ordered a "miracle" cloth to polish her jewelry.  If you need one, drop me a line!

Now I'm off to do more work.  Have a great week, everyone!

Beadwork Making Class #1

Beadwork is the art of threading tiny beads together incorporating crystals, pearls and other gemstones or beads using beading thread and needle.  I'll be teaching a beginners' beadwork class on Sunday July 25th 1.30pm-4.30pm.  I've already got 4 participants and can take two more!  We will start with ear-rings. Teaching fees will be S$10 per hour,  minimum 2 hours.  All the materials you need will be provided in the kit.  Here's what we'll be making:

Flower ear-rings in any colour your choose!  Swarovski pearls and Japanese glass seed beads. You can add beads to make it longer if you like.  Kit will cost S$12 with rhodium ear hooks and S$14 with gold-filled ear hooks.

Hematite squares (only dark gray) in any bead colours you choose!  Swarovski crystals and Japanese glass seed beads. Kit will cost $12 for rhodium ear hooks and S$14 for gold-filled.

Another pair of flower ear-rings.  Any colour you choose!  Swarovski pearls, Swarovski crystals and Japanese glass seed beads.You can add beads to make it longer.  Kit will cost S$15 for rhodium ear-hooks and S$17 for gold-filled.

This is more complicated if you are up for a challenge!  Swarovski crystals, Swarovski pearl (inside the crystals) and Japanese glass seed beads. You can add beads to lengthen it.  Also available in any colour you choose.  Kit will cost S$25 for rhodium ear hooks and S$27 for gold-filled.

For the beadwork classes, you need to be able to use a thread and needle confidently.  This can be really addictive so be prepared... you may want to make more than one pair of ear-rings!  I know, because I made 30 at one go!!