Necklace set | Rainbow colors semi-precious stones and artisan lampwork rondelles ROYGBIV

Notes on this piece: This necklace/earrings set was inspired by goimagine's Seeing Rainbows Maker Challenge. I started with two ideas — to design a necklace using semi-precious stones with a rainbow color sequence, and to donate net proceeds to an organization that provides services to LBGTQ+ youth.

The design applies the 3, 4, 7 patterns I often use.

This design went through four or five variations... plus lots of research into rainbow flags, semi-precious stone colors, and possible rainbow pendants and/or glass beads to incorporate. (I decided on these charming Moretti-style lampwork rondelles made by artisans in a small town along the Puget Sound — one that we pass by when traveling to visit our older daughter and family.)

There was also soul-searching about whether I should stick with the ROYGBIV seven-color sequence or use the more prevalent six-color PRIDE flag sequence (red, orange, yellow, green, cyan blue, violet) and pondering whether to use the true-blue lapis beads or look for something closer to cyan blue. In other words, I went a bit overboard, but learned some new things in the process. :)

My designs are inspired by the beads, by their color, shape, size and origin.

I’ve been buying/collecting beads for over 20 years, focusing on early and mid-century glass beads, but including semi-precious and other stones, freshwater pearls, contemporary artisan lampwork and ceramic beads. I work with sterling silver, bronze, or copper clasps and use sterling or gold-filled findings. 

In my first years of bead jewelry design, I had to see and/or touch the beads to know what I wanted. After years of experience, I can confidently shop online (fortunately, during these times) and have a growing list of “go-to” artisans, vendors, and brands for my supplies. 

My design descriptions include a list of “ingredients” used in each design.

Some designs come together quickly and organically. Others are re-worked several times, even if I’ve already attached the clasp with crimp beads and crimp covers and need to completely re-string.

Designs are often “retro-classic” as my OOAK designs are bead-centric with a nod to mid-century costume jewelry, rather than inspired by current fashions in jewelry designs or color trends. Add a pinch of whimsy and my personal take on color palettes.

I work on felted bead boards to calculate the length of each necklace (usually “matinée” length 20-24”) and to hold the beads I’ve selected for my design. Sometimes I change my mind mid-design and put away many of the beads I’ve been working with, then search for or order others. I usually work with 49-strand .018 or .019 gauge bead wire, which allows stringing back under a half-inch or so of beads after the crimp bead and clasp are attached. I work by creating my design on the wire, rather than try to lay out the complete pattern, as it’s important to see how the beads will hang and to pick compatible spacer beads.

I use sterling or gold-filled ear wires and headpins, and often create “mis-matched” earring pairs.

The weight and length of each necklace are listed in case you have a preference for lighter or more substantial pieces. (I enjoy both.)