Black Onyx gemstone, much to my surprise, is a perfect foil for the brilliance of Swarovski crystals.  In this random wire wrapped ring, the blank onyx carries the glory or Swarovski pearls and crystals to dramatic effect.

Not for the wall flower, this ring exudes [...]]]>

Black Onyx Brilliance Ring - wire wrap with Swarovski

Black Onyx gemstone, much to my surprise, is a perfect foil for the brilliance of Swarovski crystals.  In this random wire wrapped ring, the blank onyx carries the glory or Swarovski pearls and crystals to dramatic effect.

Not for the wall flower, this ring exudes strength, clear thought, decisiveness with touches of femininity and controlled joyful exuberance.

Construction Notes

I am always playing with the never-ending surprising ways that wire wrapping ends up forming their desired outcomes when you play with them with abandon.   The dramatic contrast of colors here fully supported the trend of mix wires (silver, copper, brass – 0.7mm).

underside Black Onyx Brilliance Ring - wire wrap with Swarovski

The ring band is made first, braiding combined with simple parallel lines to about the approximate desired ring size.

With (long length) thinner wires (0.4mm), randomly but securely attach onyx stone and embellish with an assortment of Swarovski crystals and pearls.

Once that is firm and secure, create the ring circle (to appropriate size) using a ring mandrel.

Finish off the ends of the wires with swirls, etc.

Work harden (with hammer or mallet) the ring band whilst on the mandrel.

Ring Size (adult): adjustable

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Circles of Glamour necklace and earrings make use of the most delectable circle settings from Swarovski.  Set for understated, undeniable classic style, both necklace and earrings are bound for a swash of little gasps wherever you go.

Cupchains and Findings from the superb SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS range [...]]]>

Swarovski Circles of Glamour necklace and earrings

Circles of Glamour necklace and earrings make use of the most delectable circle settings from Swarovski.  Set for understated, undeniable classic style, both necklace and earrings are bound for a swash of little gasps wherever you go.

Cupchains and Findings from the superb SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS range is not as well known as they should be.  I can only put that down to the fact that not enough sellers stock it and hence the deserving and creative users don’t get to see them as much.

Swarovski 37714 and 37720 Circles (in the Multi-Stone Settings) is a prefect example of this.  This is a deliciously clean and sparkly circle that is so versatile and lends itself perfectly from the simplest, cleanest designs to the most elaborate, rich creations.

Construction Notes

Both the necklace and earrings use a combination of the smaller and larger Swarovski circles (37714, 37720).  Swarovski channels are also used near the focal spot on the necklace.

The construct is quite clear from the pics .. so I will leave it at that.

Only one of each available

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Isn’t there always something alluring and seductive about Hollywood glamorous jewelry? Especially if they have that touch of nostalgic vintage feel.

This pair of earrings came about in my phase of playing with the superb Swarovski Single Stone Settings: 13304 Navette.

I had already played around (and enjoyed immensely) [...]]]> Hollywood Glam with a touch of vintage nostalgia.

Isn’t there always something alluring and seductive about Hollywood glamorous jewelry? Especially if they have that touch of nostalgic vintage feel.

This pair of earrings came about in my phase of playing with the superb Swarovski Single Stone Settings: 13304 Navette.

I had already played around (and enjoyed immensely) the Wire Wrapped Rings with Swarovski Navette and the Simply Rapt wire ring – so it was time to trial the 13304 Navette in the creation of a pair of earrings.

Construction Notes

2 pieces of short wire.  Attach both to one (.7mm) closed jump ring with loop (double-loop wire wrapping)

Thread on each a large-hole silver ball bead. (Hole large enough to cover the closed loop just made).

Thread both wires through the two hole in the Navette double hole setting.

Make loops on other side of navette to close off (and to be used to dangle chains)

From there, via the pics – it is pretty easy to figure out, no?

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After I labored with my first Swarovski Navette wire-wrapped ring, I decided that the crispness of the Navette stone also called for a simpler style.  And so was born this Simply Rapt ring.

With it’s 2 hole setting, it was just a pure temptation to make a ring band [...]]]>

Simply Rapt Swarovski Navette ring ch0237

After I labored with my first Swarovski Navette wire-wrapped ring, I decided that the crispness of the Navette stone also called for a simpler style.  And so was born this Simply Rapt ring.

With it’s 2 hole setting, it was just a pure temptation to make a ring band that would utilize and engage the holes into a less common band style.

Construction Notes

Using 2 ball head-pins, one through each of the holes in the navette setting, and in opposite directions, I fastened them on by ending the head-pin with a wire-wrapped, closed loop.  (The loops are essential to attach to band).

The band  is made using 2 pieces of wire, held closely and parallel to each other.  This is curved over a ring mandrel for the desired size.  Then each end of the dual-wire is put through the loops formed earlier with the head-pin.

Fasten off and firmly attach to the navette stone with decorative swirls.

Work harden the wire on the band – put it over the ring mandrel and lightly but repeatedly hammer.

Ring Size: USA 5, Australia J 1/2 (1 15/16 inch, 49mm)

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Bit of a challenge was this ring.  I wanted to make a ring with my latest toy from Swarovski, namely the gorgeous #13304 Navette from their Single Stone with Settings category.

Read more about Swarovski 13304 Navette in our Swarovski Library

However for many a [...]]]>

Wire Wrap Ring with Swarovski Navette ch0236

Bit of a challenge was this ring.  I wanted to make a ring with my latest toy from Swarovski, namely the gorgeous #13304 Navette from their Single Stone with Settings category.

Read more about Swarovski 13304 Navette in our Swarovski Library

However for many a night, the Navette, while looking sparkly and delightful, defined my every attempt to make anything out of it.  I think I loved it so much that I was treating it like too-precious, trying to plan ahead for every contingency and twist and turn.

But really, that is not my way.  My way is really to let it have its way!  Most of the time, for me, what works out the most satisfyingly is if I put my trepidation and have-to-be-perfect aside, and Trust. Somehow in the actual process of just doing it, the creation that wants to emerge will find its own form – every twist and turn revealing itself as it comes to life.

And so, that is how this ring came about.  It is an eye-catching, mega-bling ring – boldly and proudly sitting on a braided band of copper and silver (over brass), and topped with 2 tiny (3mm) Swarovski Bronze crystal pearls.

From recollection, I believe that the hand-braided band was made first and brought together end to end, to fix the size, add the side scrolls as well as the Navette setting, Swarovski Simplicity beads and pearls.

I have included photos of the underside as well so that there is a “full” picture and hopefully a hint as to how the construct all came together.

Size: USA 7, Australia O (2 3⁄16 inch/55mm)

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Playing with earring components that always fascinated me but never got around to using much, was born this Dancing Blues Earrings.

The earring component coming from Greece has an innate flair for flare. And with just a few loops of wire and a bunch or gorgeous Swarovski crystals [...]]]>

Dancing Blues Earrings with Swarovski

Playing with earring components that always fascinated me but never got around to using much, was born this Dancing Blues Earrings.

The earring component coming from Greece has an innate flair for flare. And with just a few loops of wire and a bunch or gorgeous Swarovski crystals with a touch of contrast Topaz – it was wholla, let’s dance!

At time of writing I still have some of these earring components.

Silver Greek Earring Chandelier/ Pendant Drop

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Let me just say – this is Mine! This wire wrap ring fits me to a T and I do love it.

Another one of my experimentations – randomly wrapping a gemstone to start , securing it with wire and making a multiple style (yes, experimental) ring band [...]]]>

Random Wire Wrap Gemstone and Swarovski ring

Let me just say – this is Mine! This wire wrap ring fits me to a T and I do love it.

Another one of my experimentations – randomly wrapping a gemstone to start , securing it with wire and making a multiple style (yes, experimental) ring band and then adding oodles of Swarovski crystals and pearls.

I chose the gemstone that had a bit of a concave beneath so that it would have a better sit on the finger.  (However I found out with later experimentation that that is not so important at all).

You would not believe it – I wasn’t sure myself at first – but though it might look a bit rough, it fits like a glove.  I have worn it day and night, night and day – in the shower, washing up, garden work, and of course more jewelry work – and it doesn’t catch nor snag on anything.  So I love it!

You might think that the band looks a bit tatty (I told you I was experimenting!) but it works really really well and looks uniquely intriguing on.  The ring band is something I can improve on but I do like the idea – a combination of style (manual wire coiling and braiding).

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A transformer Necklace & Bracelet – Necklace can be worn in 2 styles.  Double clasp allows the tranformation into a duo-style necklace.

Handmade chain with Swarovski crystals and cracked glass.

Necklace Style 1 – worn as a double strand necklace.

The back portion – between the 2 clasps, [...]]]>

Transformer Necklace-Bracelet with Swarovski ch0233

A transformer Necklace & Bracelet – Necklace can be worn in 2 styles.  Double clasp allows the tranformation into a duo-style necklace.

Handmade chain with Swarovski crystals and cracked glass.

Necklace Style 1 – worn as a double strand necklace.

The back portion – between the 2 clasps, can be detached and worn as a bracelet.

Necklace Style 2 – long necklace

as long necklace and bracelet

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To make something for a friend – why not a suncatcher?  Why not Crystal Suncatchers?

Recently we had occasion to visit a dear friend of ours.  He lives on a boat he has built by hand over a period of 40 years at least: a 70 foot concrete [...]]]>

Crystal Tree of Life Suncatchers ch0232

To make something for a friend – why not a suncatcher?  Why not Crystal Suncatchers?

Recently we had occasion to visit a dear friend of ours.  He lives on a boat he has built by hand over a period of 40 years at least: a 70 foot concrete schooner.  We seldom get to see him so it was a bit of an occasion.  And he has been a wonderful friend when times were shaky.

While there I saw that he had some crystals hanging in his window (or should I say, ‘porthole’).  And me being me – I just wanted to add something that I hope he will think is even lovelier than that.  And something that he might treasure .. plus with Tree of Life, there is always an innate deep significance to it evoking feelings of good health, connection to the earth (even when he is on the high seas), and longevity (he would like to live to over 100).

This was a first time experiment.  I had already tried my hand at Tree of Life (and Tree of Death) pendants towards the end of last year.  However making it with crystals called for more experimentation.

Working with crystals (bicone beads) in a Tree of Life requires a different wire technique than the usual threading of gemstone nuggets which is more the norm when making Tree of Life (pendants).

Blue Crystal Tree of Life

To make it work, each crystal has to be wound with wire in a random but secure way.  The final effect wanted is that the branches look natural – just laden with sparkly crystals.

I have quite a few Jewelry Donut Seamless Rings 54mm (in store) which is the perfect strength and size for this project.

Copper wire (0.7mm) and crytals – some pliers and I am good to go.

Light Topaz Tree of Life Suncatcher

It is much easier to work from the bottom (roots) > twist each wire (folded in half) on > combined all of them and twist to form gnarly trunk > add crystals as you go towards top > end off with multiple loops around donut ring (ensure all wires neatly trimmed in and pressed as close to ring as possible)

Even though it does not show here, I finally ended off by making ‘bails’ on each suncatcher – making it easier to hang up.

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This is one brilliant artist.  I fell in love straight away – gasping all the while. 

Each piece is brilliant and as with all great art – it evokes and provokes in the viewer a frenetic and [...]]]> Today my baby brother Alex pointed me to a most exceptional site: Carl Kleiner: Photography & Imagery

This is one brilliant artist.  I fell in love straight away – gasping all the while. 

Each piece is brilliant and as with all great art – it evokes and provokes in the viewer a frenetic and sublime avalanche of designs, thoughts, feelings, inspiration, and ideas.

This is the place to come to be Inspired, Entertained, or just to be set In Awe.

Some of his works ….

Carl Kleiner - Photography & Imagery

For real details and even more out-of-the-box Creative output – please visit his site: Carl Kleiner

About Carl Kleiner

About Carl Kleiner

(image source: Carl Kleiner site)

Thank you Alex for pointing the way to one great site!