Summer Collection 2009

Yes, it is finally here - my Summer 2009 collection, with lots of bright summery colors and design combinations. Below you can see all the new selections - the descriptions and prices will be available on the website next week. If you wish to see an enlarged view, just double click on the picture:

Well, spring is here and the new necklaces are ready!! I am excited to have found some unique and vibrant new stones for this year's spring collection. The first series of pendant necklaces are made from Brazilian rock - amazing multihued semitransparent stones with splashes of colors that appear miraculously when the stones are held up to light. The stones are accented with Toho and Czech beaded rope chains and attached with Swarovski crystal bales. They are an amazing focal point on a solid background. There are three in this collection, and each is offered at the remarkably low price of $85.00.

"Rio"


"Nature's Gift"


"Ice Castles"



Additionally, I was excited to find a source for glass oval pendants which make beautiful glistening necklaces. These are available in cabochons and pendants.
As you can see, the vibrancy of the ovals matches the always sparkling Swarovski bicone crystals.
This is a deep blue cabochon that I have fashioned in two styles. These necklaces take about 3 weeks to complete and are made with the highest quality Swarovski stones and beads. They normally sell for $195-$215 but are being offered this spring at $175 each:

"Serenity"



The same oval is available also in rose and green. Here is the pendant in green, with wire wrapping, attached to a Russian spiral rope chain. This pendant necklace is currently available in green, pink or blue, but I do not know how long the oval supplies will last. It sells for $85.


For more detailed descriptions of these necklaces, please visit my website at
handcraftedjewelrybycj.com.

Thanks to all who purchased those necklaces and bracelets which were on sale for 33% off. Most of them are now sold, but there are still a few pieces left. I am offering them at an additional and final discount. Please note below:

Mocha shell necklace with green fringe and Russian spiral chain:
Final sale price: $75 (original price $129)


Aqua shell pendant with Russian spiral chain:
Final sale price: $75 (original price $129)


Pearlized mosaic pendant necklace with Russian spiral chain:
Final sale price: $85 (original price $145)

JEWELRY SALE!!

I have been creating some new jewelry pieces for 2009, and must clear out some of the previous inventory - so I am offering selected necklaces and bracelets at an incredible discount of as much as 33% off!
Please check the specials below:

Mosaic style pearlized shell necklace with handfashioned gold and ivory Russian spiral rope chain.
Necklace length: 18 1/2"
Regular price - $145
Sale price - $99 plus shipping


One-of-a-kind oval black shell necklace with imbedded pearls. Black and silver Russian spiral rope chain with silver bale, silver and black Bali clasp and hemmingbone bead caps. Elegant!
Necklace length: 18 1/2"
Regular price: $145
Sale price: $99 plus shipping




Multihued mocha shell from Canada is displayed with a crystal bale from a Russian spiral pearl and mocha rope chain. A small green fringe highlights the shell.
Necklace length: 17 1/4"
Regular price: $129
Sales price: $85 plus shipping




Striking bead strung pendant with multihued blue Swarovski bicone crystals from turquoise to cobalt shades, with copper accents and delica beads.
Necklace length: 17 3/4"
Regular price: $68
Sales price: $49 plus shipping




Sterling silver leaf pendant with handfashioned two-tone silver rope chain in DNA spiral pattern. Very delicate appearance.
Regular price: $58
Sales price: $39 plus shipping



Vibrant red rivoli pendant made with a central 14mm Swarovski rivoli crystal and surrounded by 36 sparkling Swarovski crystals! If you like lots of sparkle, this will do it! Looks great on a thin silver chain.
Regular price: $62
Sales price: $45 plus shipping



All gold and silver chakra bracelets made with 6mm Swarovski crystal bicones and gold or silver balls and spacers. Magnetic clasp. While supplies last - check with me for availability.
Regular price: $35
Sales price: $25 plus shipping

New jewelry

I have just completed two new jewelry pieces!


This cabochon is "Silk and Satin". It is a combination of a honey-hued striated central stone paired with pewter and opaque white delica beads. Added to this are crystal AB delicas, Swarovski bicones and teardrops. The AB finish creates a translucent, luminescent effect which accentuates the satiny finish of the stone. The result is a lacy, delicate vintage look with rich golden sparkle. Price: $185 Availability: 1


This is a lightweight, fun pendant that exudes spontaneity! The rope chain consists of a DNA pattern with fuchsia and galvanized gold delicas, finished with fuchsia 4mm Swarovski bicone crystals. This playful necklace is "Julianne". Price $25. Availability: 1.

My jewelry website is now up and running! This site has all the categories of jewelry I make, previous and current jewelry pieces, descriptions, prices and availability. You can click on the main page, www.LightworksbyCJ.com and then select the jewelry site, or go to the site directly at www.HandcraftedJewelrybyCJ.com. Stay tuned because I have just completed some new pendants and cabochons which will be added soon. Happy visiting!

Sometimes jewelry making leads me in unanticipated directions. I just completed a car mirror decoration for a client using a Swarovski teardrop with 6mm bicones in the chakra colors, interspersed with silver barbell spacers. It is continually sparkling, but when the sun's rays shine on it, the result is breathtaking. What a way to bathe the interior of the car with chakra energies!

Valentine's Day Specials

If you're needing something to wear with a special outfit for Valentine's Day or looking for a gift for someone, I just completed two rivoli pendants you may be interested in.

The first pendant is created with sparkling bright red delica beads and Swarovski bicone crystals. Added to this to create the absolutely iridescent look are small translucent beads with an AB finish (which adds color highlights to the otherwise clear beads) and Swarovski bicone crystals, again with the AB finish.

The result is an irresistible pendant with diamond-like sparkle at a fraction of the cost! A crystal bale is added so this pendant can be worn with an elegant silver chain.

"Cupid's Bow"

The second pendant is a favorite with those who like some romance in life. The deep garnet red rivoli is paired with striking opaque white crystal bicones to create a rich dramatic presence with a vintage look. Deep red Siam Swarovski crystals and cranberry delicas, along with opaque white beads, were added for this effect. A beaded bale was attached at the back so this can be worn with a simple elegant chain.

"Wine and Roses"

Each of these pendants is only $62 plus insurance, shipping and handling. Please place orders early so they can arrive in time.

Cabochons

This was just completed - a custom-made piece in black and light lavender-blue. The cabochons are always unique and designed for a specific stone or shell. However, often they are also designed in a particular style or color depending on the preference of the buyer.
See below for a description of cabochon designing.


Cabochons
Cabochons are the most time-intensive, expensive and complicated jewelry that I create. They are also extremely satisfying and rewarding. This is a way to highlight the subtle hues of color and design in the original stone or shell by bead weaving beautiful beads, Swarovski crystals and silver or gold around it, transforming a rather plain piece of natural beauty into a sparkling, vibrant creation of art.
The initial stone or shell can be very inexpensive ($10-15) such as many agates or abalone shells, or expensive ($100-150) such as some types of jasper. The style, type of beads, and enhancement with silver, gold and Swarovski crystals will affect the cost of the finished piece.
The first step is to select a particular central piece, which is usually a stone or shell.


Beads are woven in a pattern around this, both front and back.


The completed bead weaving around the stone holds the stone in place.

















A rope chain is added at the top -


Fringe is added at the bottom:



And here is the finished piece:




Here are some other types of chains I use:






Some additional types of fringe are:
Feather pattern


Diagonal


Soft fringe with Swarovski crystals



Soft fringe with dagger beads