A bejeweled key...

[FrekeChild]

I decided to post this today because on Wednesday we''re leaving town to get married.

Anyway, this is a project that was begun a long, long time ago when I got a parcel of 38 stones from Barry Bridgestock. There were several green/teal stones in there and I loved them all. And they just sat there. Then Julia started making keys, and I had this great idea to put these awesome stones into one key. BUT I didn''t have the funds.

But then I had an amazing friend experience Julia''s work first hand and she knew that I had wanted this key, and because of the many milestones going on in my life right now (graduating college, getting married) she gifted it to me.

Julia is overnighting it to me tomorrow, and with any luck it should get here by Tuesday before we leave. I hope I''m able to wear it to our "engagement" shoot.

I have driven Julia nuts throughout.

Without further ado, some of the inspiration images, sketches and then the final product...

This is a small chunk of an image than hangs in our bedroom. It is a watercolor print of stained glass in a spa/garden type area. I love the shape, and so did Julia.

 

[FrekeChild]

A collage of various key parts that I liked...

 

[FrekeChild]

A "key" made using photoshop.

 

[FrekeChild]

The "key" and the gems

 

[FrekeChild]

The "key" with painted "gems".

 

[FrekeChild]

The final key collage...

 

[FrekeChild]

JKT sketch one

 

[FrekeChild]

We talked about adding scrolls/filigree...JKT sketch 2.

 

[FrekeChild]

The final sketch. This one had a little bit of detail added to the very top of the key.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Ooh, Freke that is going to be gorgeous!

 

[FrekeChild]

The almost finished key...stones are not set but resting in their bezels.

 

[FrekeChild]

The completed key.

 

[FrekeChild]

Last one.

I will be able to take pictures when I get back, but it's not likely that I'll be able to take pictures before we leave! Fingers crossed it gets here by Tuesday!

ETA: it is one inch wide at the top. It is on silver chain with 16 and 18 inch stations. The stones are: 1 demantoid, 1 tsavorite, 1 peridot and 6 tourmaline/indicolites. I'll have to look at my gemmie spreadsheet and see if I can add up the carat weight...

 

[neatfreak]

It''s beautiful Freke-just beautiful. Have a great wedding!

 

[MonkeyPie]

I like seeing the whole process, even though I already knew it. She really made your dream come to life - it was worth the wait! Soooo beautiful!

I have got to get me one of these!

 

[bling addict]

It''s gorgeous! I love it

and such a great way to use all the stones

Best wishes for a fun filled fabulous wedding

 

[icekid]

Lovely idea... it turned out beautifully, too! Enjoy the wedding, Freke. It goes by too quickly.

 

[FrekeChild]

Ok. Total of about 4.46cts

.4ct gray teal-blue oval tourmaline, Barry
.95ct teal rectangular stepcut tourmaline, Barry
.65ct teal rectangular stepcut tourmaline, Barry
.3ct blue baguette tourmaline, Barry
.56ct native cut teal green oval tourmaline, Southwest Gems and Minerals
.25ct round bright green tsavorite, Southwest Gems and Minerals
.1ct round acid green demantoid, Southwest Gems and Minerals
.3ct lime green peridot, Barry
.95ct dark limey green baguette tourmaline, Barry

Thank you Bella, NF, MP, bling addict and icekid! I have been waiting for this for such a long time and I'm so happy it is finally finished!

 

[marcy]

It is beautiful. What a wonderful gift. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

GORGEOUS!!!

 

[packrat]

oh wow that''s beautiful! What a great gift!

 

[Hest88]

Oooooh, gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing the entire process as well as the incredible finished result!

 

[iheartscience]

It''s seriously gorgeous and I can''t wait to see your pics of it!

 

[Blackpaw]

its gorgeous Freke, i

it

what a great way to acknowledge such a year

 

[Largosmom]

What a cool way to use that collection of greens!

 

[Arcadian]

Thats really an awesome key!


Early congradulations on your wedding!

-A

 

[tsavvy]

Freke -- Your key is beautiful and so unique. Love the gemstone colors

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, too

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Sorry I interrupted your photos! I love the finished pendant. Have a wonderful wedding

 

[T L]

What a beautiful key, I can see a lot of work went into the design process. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!!

 

[chiquitapet]

WOW!!! The finished key is so beautiful!!!! Love it!!!

Have a wonderful wedding!!!