WOWsers, now THAT's a STATEMENT necklace!

I had the opportunity recently to work with a lovely Etsy customer from California. I had at first bid on making a blue agate tangled chain necklace for her, which I completed in April. Check it out! Then she requested another tangled chain necklace, this time in bright, cheery, summery colors. I was thrilled! the hunt for the perfect beads turned up some sunshine yellow and apple green dyed magnesite, and when complementary beads were added, WOW!! Where the first

necklace was silver, gold, and gunmetal, this one has no antiqued finishes at all. There's a double pendant, for balance, and big bold chains everywhere. I really liked the finished product.

My lovely customer was invited to be a bridesmaid in her friend's wedding, so another statement necklace was in order. This time, we went over the top. 8 strands of glass pearls, rhinestones, and amethysts are woven into a 4-strand braid, with 18mm rhinestone balls entwined in the mix. A rhinestone and pearl brooch accents the side, and the sides are silver satin ribbon. Under the main swag of the necklace are two additional strands, one with faceted crystal beads, and one with silver glass pearls. On the bottom pearl strand are vintage chandelier crystals. Their brilliance and flash were fantastic!

These are the boldest statement necklaces I've made to date. Weighing in at 1 1/2 pounds, the pearl one is by far the largest! When I jumped back into jewelry three years ago, I never anticipated these babies! I think that's why custom orders are so fun. You get to know someone, their tastes, and you see things through their eyes. By learning about the statement or vision they are trying to create, you get to participate in their special event, and sometimes it's the most important day of their lives. It's a very gratifying experience!

A June Bride

A June bride Blushes with a light rouge Butterflies fill her stomach As she awaits the moment Of destiny before her. Her train of white Buries the room like snow. Her smile makes the Room glisten. She takes a deep Breath as the time Soon comes, To join the man of her dreams In Holy eternity. By TheFuzzyOne (About TheFuzzyOne) © 2002 TheFuzzyOne (All rights reserved)

These braided pearl bridesmaids' necklace sets were commissioned by a lovely bride through Etsy's "Alchemy." Etsy has a great forum for submitting any request for handmade goods under the sun (you can't imagine the requests I've seen!) and artisans like me lurk there to bid on the custom work opportunity. Thankfully, my customers can also request a custom item directly on my front page in my shop, here. The color palette for these necklaces was "warm, with some chocolate," and with the variety of glass pearls available, easily found by a search through Etsy's sellers. Dark and light chocolate, gold, champagne, ivory and cream glass pearls create an eye-popping symphony of warm, sensual colors that will complement the groomsmen's cummerbunds and highlights in the floral arrangements. The combination is luscious and warm. Gold chain and rings provided the structure for supporting the pearl braid, and a lobster claw clasp kept the necklaces adjustable "just in case." The earrings echo the style of the dangle attached to the extender, and feature hand forged wires.

Working with brides is very exciting, because I feel like I'm participating in their big day, though vicariously. Making their jewelry is a joyous event, and an investment of time well worth the effort. Best wishes to Meagan, and her husband-to-be!!