Chalcedonie

Chalcedony... such an uninviting name for a gemstone, so hard to know how to pronounce... And yet, such a pretty stone, so malleable (it is frequently dyed into the lushest colours) and accessible too, so it is no wonder that this semi-precious gemstone has become more prominent in fashion jewellery lately.

Here is a pair of slightly baroque briolettes of gel-blue chalcedony in a very simple setting swinging from sterling silver lever-back earwires. I have treated these to an oxidising bath, which blackens the silver and creates a lovely contrast to the luminous colour of the stones.

I have been having a lot of fun oxidising silver lately, so more black silver will follow.

Nimue

One day recently I discovered a small parcel of gemstones which I had completely forgotten about since we moved house last autumn (so many things went missing in that move). When I opened it I found a strand of finely faceted aquamarines, perfect for a feather-light bracelet. I used gold to link the stones, to give them a bit of warmth, and I've worn this bracelet ever since. I've called it Nimue, for I think these translucent greens and blues conjure up a delicate image of the Lady of the Lake...

This slim bracelet featuring beautiful faceted rondelles of violet Tanzanite and Sterling Silver is lovely on its own, or mix it a stack of Silver bracelets for a more ethnic feel.

Comment te dire tout est bleu...

I am in love with the beautiful blues from Ralph Lauren's spring-summer collection. Never mind the oddness of couture referencing the American depression and dust-bowl farmhands in faded dungarees... it is just lovely. (I found myself outside the RL emporium on Bond Street the other evening, and I was probably lucky that they had already closed for the day!)

Here are my blues for the day...

FIORDALISA

I have had these lovely faded-cornflower-blue quartz briolettes for quite a while now, and wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them until a friend came to visit and requested a new pair of Golden Curves. I suddenly realised that these stones would look perfect in that style, and here they are - in their faded blue glory...

Florence

I absolutely love cluster earrings; making them and wearing them. Here is another pair, inspired Florence and The Machine, who I am rather mesmerised by this autumn.

These clusters feature extra-large, truly luscious faceted briolettes of peachy Rutilated Quartz, swinging from clusters of twinkling tiny brios of cognac-coloured Tourmaline and espresso-coloured Smoky Quartz, plus tiny faceted rondelles of champagne-coloured Ametrine and apricot Andalusite. Sterling Silver used throughout.

Smoky Clusters

One of my must enduringly popular styles is the cluster earring, with lots of twinkling stones catching the light.

Here is a pair featuring large faceted briolettes of Smoky Quartz, topped with a dense cluster of tiny heart brios and rondelles of Andalusite, Smoky Quartz and Ametrine. These are suspended from Sterling Silver earwires, and come with little silicone nuggets to keep them securely in place when worn.