Thursday, April 22, 2010

An AHa Design


I had an aha moment when I was talking to a friend about a custom order. In the course of the conversation, she told me that she wanted the focal piece of the necklace to be detachable so that the focal could be worn on a slider or a silver chain. I knew I could do this, but had to give it some thought. I found Fire Mountain Gems carried a sterling silver snap bail that would allow me to do this very easily. I had an aha moment when it occurred to me to use this clip bail now and more often in the future. This bail would give my customers more flexibility with their jewelry.

The result is a gorgeous amethyst and mint green Swarovski crystal with sterling accents. This sterling silver center piece has symmetrical spirals at the top of it. I hammered it on my anvil until I got the perfect texture. It is filled with crystals that are of shades of purple, amethyst, and opal violet as well as a mint green. One the the palest purples contains a hint of pink. The hand hammered sterling silver focal piece made by me is detachable and I think you will agree that it is perfect for a silver slider or chain. For dressy occasions, it belongs on the necklace of crystals. The necklace was originally inspired by a pair of earring that resembled the silver and crystal centerpiece. I decided to use the design as a centerpiece for a necklace. I love the mint green colored beads that are added to provide some contrast in color. The colors in the necklace remind me of a field of summer lavender.