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Small Purchases that Make me Happy (:

paragon1234

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 8, 2020
Messages
206
I had this boulder opal and wanted to make a wire wrapped pendant. I've never made jewellery before so this is my first attempt. I watched some YouTube videos for guidance. It's not fantastic - I didn't wrap enough wire around the frame so there are gaps and the bail is lopsided. I learned a lot so the next one will be much better.

Opal was 44 USD and wire probably £1. I used an existing silver chain.
IMG_20200523_105451__01.jpg
 

shelovesinclusions

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 13, 2014
Messages
349
I had this boulder opal and wanted to make a wire wrapped pendant. I've never made jewellery before so this is my first attempt. I watched some YouTube videos for guidance. It's not fantastic - I didn't wrap enough wire around the frame so there are gaps and the bail is lopsided. I learned a lot so the next one will be much better.

Opal was 44 USD and wire probably £1. I used an existing silver chain.
IMG_20200523_105451__01.jpg

I love this! I just ordered a boulder opal to try out wrapping on. How did you find the process? I've never tried it before, and am scared about possibly breaking the wire or the setting not being secure enough. Was it more fun or more frustrating?
 

leslie1956

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 26, 2017
Messages
974
That shop is where I bought my paraiba from. The seller Daniel is very helpful and nice.

Thanks for letting me know he's a good seller! I really liked the paraiba and other tourmalines in his shop. I thought that his prices were reasonable.
 

Bluegemz

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
4,171
Heres pics of my little morning project: Solid gold danglies for my 18k flower hooks with teal and lavender grape chalcedony ❤

@Bluegemz took my love for the gemstone and amped it up to an obsession! Ive been looking for ready made pieces on etsy that incorporate fine made jewelry with the gemstones rough state but had a difficult time finding anything that felt perfect.

I came upon a huge parcel of tiny pieces that I won for a few dollars on ebay and picked these two beauties out of the lot.
They both have druzy that cannot be seen in the photos but that sparkle beautifully in the sun.

I wasnt sure how theyd look in gold since theyre so raw and organic in their state- but I truly love how they came out!

Ive been wearing them around the house all day (:

IMG_20200523_142043_701.jpg IMG_20200523_142043_700.jpg

Omg omg OMG, those are amazing!!! I love the ombré effect of those colors!!
 

Bluegemz

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
4,171
Re Grape chalcedony, I’ve been wearing my pendant lots...and I’ve been thinking about getting a big chunk of it and making a light cuff bracelet with the chalcedony in the center. I love the pendant, and it would be great to have a piece to look at while wearing it!
 

paragon1234

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 8, 2020
Messages
206
I love this! I just ordered a boulder opal to try out wrapping on. How did you find the process? I've never tried it before, and am scared about possibly breaking the wire or the setting not being secure enough. Was it more fun or more frustrating?

It was quite fiddly. It didn't help that the opal is small. I would start with a big cheap stone first to try it out. Wire is cheap so buy lots.

I used 0.2mm fine silver wire to wrap and it did break once from metal fatigue. Next time I'll use 0.3 or 0.4mm. I used 0.8mm sterling silver for the cage and it's really strong so I'm not worried about the stone falling out. There are designs where the wire criss-crosses the front and back to make it more secure.

I found it really rewarding! Definitely give it a go.
 

MarionC

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
6,246
Paragon, good for you! You are an inspiration.
 

2Neezers

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 8, 2014
Messages
1,874
Heres pics of my little morning project: Solid gold danglies for my 18k flower hooks with teal and lavender grape chalcedony ❤

@Bluegemz took my love for the gemstone and amped it up to an obsession! Ive been looking for ready made pieces on etsy that incorporate fine made jewelry with the gemstones rough state but had a difficult time finding anything that felt perfect.

I came upon a huge parcel of tiny pieces that I won for a few dollars on ebay and picked these two beauties out of the lot.
They both have druzy that cannot be seen in the photos but that sparkle beautifully in the sun.

I wasnt sure how theyd look in gold since theyre so raw and organic in their state- but I truly love how they came out!

Ive been wearing them around the house all day (:

IMG_20200523_142043_701.jpg IMG_20200523_142043_700.jpg

These are so sweet and feminine! Your turquoise cab is gorgeous too - I love it’s asymmetrical shape!
 

shelovesinclusions

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 13, 2014
Messages
349
It was quite fiddly. It didn't help that the opal is small. I would start with a big cheap stone first to try it out. Wire is cheap so buy lots.

I used 0.2mm fine silver wire to wrap and it did break once from metal fatigue. Next time I'll use 0.3 or 0.4mm. I used 0.8mm sterling silver for the cage and it's really strong so I'm not worried about the stone falling out. There are designs where the wire criss-crosses the front and back to make it more secure.

I found it really rewarding! Definitely give it a go.

Thank you!
 

Bluegemz

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
4,171
I bought these 2 agate bangles...the one with the orange in it to go with my agate ring, which I adore. It’s one of my favorite silver rings...and I’ve always had a love for agates and chalcedony. Hence, I’ve always wanted an agate bangle . The wider grey one is for my daugher because she loves them too. There’s another one which I have my eye on, which is super wide...but I’m going to sleep on it. There is something about the patterns in agate bangles which to me is meditative and mesmerizing... almost like watching the sky during sunset, or a storm.
1C5C1DDE-A8D0-487F-8CCE-1A54B6684C6D.png 50B19528-9774-46F4-ACFF-7302AAB4D5C1.jpeg 53350CAE-D9FA-4309-AAB6-F316680D56C9.jpeg
 

Yelena

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Aug 7, 2019
Messages
408
I bought these 2 agate bangles...the one with the orange in it to go with my agate ring, which I adore. It’s one of my favorite silver rings...and I’ve always had a love for agates and chalcedony. Hence, I’ve always wanted an agate bangle . The wider grey one is for my daugher because she loves them too. There’s another one which I have my eye on, which is super wide...but I’m going to sleep on it. There is something about the patterns in agate bangles which to me is meditative and mesmerizing... almost like watching the sky during sunset, or a storm.
1C5C1DDE-A8D0-487F-8CCE-1A54B6684C6D.png 50B19528-9774-46F4-ACFF-7302AAB4D5C1.jpeg 53350CAE-D9FA-4309-AAB6-F316680D56C9.jpeg

I agree they are gorgeous.
 

Niffler75

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 3, 2020
Messages
1,112
I found this beauty on Ebay from someone having a destash of their collection. It's a bluish grey star sapphire 8mm round. I've tried to capture the star as best I can. For my first star sapphire I am very pleased! The star is well defined and the lines pretty straight. :mrgreen2:

20200605_142832.jpg
 

Gloria27

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 21, 2015
Messages
977
Gorgeous! do you buy them online Bluegemz?
 

Bluegemz

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
4,171
Gorgeous! do you buy them online Bluegemz?

Thank you, @Gloria27 ! I bought the 3 bangles from this seller on eBay...
aya811 (209)
the pendant and agate ring I bought locally and were a lot more pricey, but fabulous metal work and I love supporting local sellers! After all, each dollar we spend with local businesses gets circulated/ changes hands around 8 times within the community ( I read) instead of moving immediately out of the community.
 
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stracci2000

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 26, 2007
Messages
8,345
@Bluegemz, I love your new agate pieces!
I have a lot of agate. It is a very special stone that I don't think gets enough recognition!

I love supporting local sellers! After all, each dollar we spend locally gets circulated/ changes hands around 8 times within the community ( I read) instead of moving out of the community.

Yes! I have said this over and over again here on PS----support your local artists!!!
Go to local art shows and find the unique jewelry made by artisans in your area.
 

Bluegemz

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
4,171
@Bluegemz, I love your new agate pieces!
I have a lot of agate. It is a very special stone that I don't think gets enough recognition!



Yes! I have said this over and over again here on PS----support your local artists!!!
Go to local art shows and find the unique jewelry made by artisans in your area.

@stracci2000 , I COMPLETELY agree with you. Agate gets diminished because it’s “common”.... whatever that means. I see the creator in agate in all of its manifestations of beauty. To me, it is such expressive material with its patterns and colors. Very metaphorical...for example, in my agate bangle, I see an overarching vision, like a great arch of sky. It gives me strength and hope....it’s not about preciousness, but about poetry.
And, if anyone has tried to cab agate as I have, one sees just how tough it really is.
And here is another bangle which I hope someone else will buy..

C1B29484-136A-4A43-9F17-AFC169C39E63.jpeg 3EC75047-13E9-4698-BC72-DC715D305048.jpeg CF627F95-A751-4A2B-8A46-9BABF0628B7D.jpeg
 

stracci2000

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 26, 2007
Messages
8,345
@stracci2000 , I COMPLETELY agree with you. Agate gets diminished because it’s “common”.... whatever that means. I see the creator in agate in all of its manifestations of beauty. To me, it is such expressive material with its patterns and colors. Very metaphorical...for example, in my agate bangle, I see an overarching vision, like a great arch of sky. It gives me strength and hope....it’s not about preciousness, but about poetry.
And, if anyone has tried to cab agate as I have, one sees just how tough it really is.
And here is another bangle which I hope someone else will buy..

C1B29484-136A-4A43-9F17-AFC169C39E63.jpeg 3EC75047-13E9-4698-BC72-DC715D305048.jpeg CF627F95-A751-4A2B-8A46-9BABF0628B7D.jpeg

Truly stunning!
Like a Santa Fe sunset!
 

Bluegemz

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
4,171
Truly stunning!
Like a Santa Fe sunset!

Exactly! And, I agree, I’m happy to pay much more for local people, with all of their rents etc, and I have time and again. No regrets...ever. This keeps me deeply connected to the experience of each piece, which is a different kind of meaning making. It’s preciousness cubed.
Another thought about the commonality of agate...this is a phase in I am thinking about our commonalities...and maybe that’s why I feel better wearing agate than Other gems.
 
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Bluegemz

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
4,171
The “common-ness” of agate makes this a stone which is accessible to everyone, and therefore, the choice of it is much more representative of a personal sentiment. And, ironically, there is such a variety that there is something for everyone no matter how unique
 

Gloria27

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 21, 2015
Messages
977
Thank you, Bluegemz, I hardly could find anything online that isn't dyed.
 

leslie1956

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 26, 2017
Messages
974
My moonstone ring from Daniel M is done and on it's way to me, as of today :) Here are some pictures that Dan sent to me. I'm very happy with the outcome!

il_794xN.2351947696_9rul.jpg il_794xN.2351941778_aqve.jpg il_794xN.2351941642_97ae.jpg
 

prs

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 26, 2017
Messages
1,883
I bought these 2 agate bangles...the one with the orange in it to go with my agate ring, which I adore. It’s one of my favorite silver rings...and I’ve always had a love for agates and chalcedony. Hence, I’ve always wanted an agate bangle . The wider grey one is for my daugher because she loves them too. There’s another one which I have my eye on, which is super wide...but I’m going to sleep on it. There is something about the patterns in agate bangles which to me is meditative and mesmerizing... almost like watching the sky during sunset, or a storm.
1C5C1DDE-A8D0-487F-8CCE-1A54B6684C6D.png 50B19528-9774-46F4-ACFF-7302AAB4D5C1.jpeg 53350CAE-D9FA-4309-AAB6-F316680D56C9.jpeg

Bluegemz, your agate pieces have a quiet, ethereal beauty to them!

DW's agate bead necklace is interesting in its own way, but isn't quite so ethereal. :)

Agate Bead Necklace 4.jpg
 

Niffler75

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 3, 2020
Messages
1,112
Oooh @leslie1956 I have been reading really good things about Daniel M and am thinking about a project with him, maybe for christmas! ;)2 Love your ring!
 

elle_71125

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 29, 2012
Messages
6,194
My moonstone ring from Daniel M is done and on it's way to me, as of today :) Here are some pictures that Dan sent to me. I'm very happy with the outcome!

il_794xN.2351947696_9rul.jpg il_794xN.2351941778_aqve.jpg il_794xN.2351941642_97ae.jpg

Beautiful! :love: I love the two tone look...especially those perfect rose gold cuffs.
 

Bluegemz

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
4,171
My moonstone ring from Daniel M is done and on it's way to me, as of today :) Here are some pictures that Dan sent to me. I'm very happy with the outcome!

il_794xN.2351947696_9rul.jpg il_794xN.2351941778_aqve.jpg il_794xN.2351941642_97ae.jpg

Really lovely, congratulations! It’s very icy and moonlike! I love the rose gold touches.
 

stracci2000

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 26, 2007
Messages
8,345
I received the super wide agate bangle. Love it! It has a great ombré effect and feels very grounding because of its weight.
DA234248-CF20-4833-8F30-DEE99C3D1D05.jpeg A58525FA-9227-4440-A23C-E449C10A4402.jpeg

I love it. Delicate yet bold.
The heft of the stone must feel very satsfying on your wrist.
 
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