Swarovski earrings !!

So I have another jewelry post for you.  :)

Whenever I read my magazines and see something I like, want to make, or purchase, I flag the page with a post it.  Then I keep the magazine, and photo copy or rip out the page before I throw it away.  Sometimes I save these clippings in file folders for months or years until I actually remember to make them...then the hunt begins! :):)

These earrings I saw in my InStyle magazine and marked the page, went back, ripped the page out, and looked up the earrings and the designer online.

These are very simple, 35 cts. Swarovski crystals, wire wrapped in solid 14kt gold on gold hooks.

I found the designer online and emailed them to get the exact measurements of the stones, to make sure I knew exactly the size stone to look for.

The stones are 2 3/4" long and approx/ 1/2" wide at the widest point of the oblong.

I usually wear silver, so I decided to make mine out of sterling silver instead.  I ordered my stones online, because I really like the topaz color (topaz is my birth stone)  and the sterling silver wire and ear hooks, well, I already had that so this was going to be easy.

This was the easiest pair of earrings I ever made, just wrap the stone in wire on the top (starting with a loop) then continue down and back up, cut it and that was it.....

I opted for a crystal that was not topaz colored but more champagne colored, a shade lighter than the version in the magazine...the lighter shade sparkled better in the light. :)

Look how it sparkles!

So you want to know my total...I hope your sitting down. :)

The stones were $3.90 each x 2 = $7.80
The wire used was $5.00 each x 2 = $10.00
The silver ear hooks 50 cent each x 2 = $1.00

The whole project took maybe 15 minutes and that was it. $18.80, under $20.00 bucks, need I say more?

Now if I made this in gold (exactly like the magazine) then the price would approx. be double for the wire and the ear hooks, so average $29.80 for the gold version...a long cry from $375.00. (this price is based off of gold prices at the time I made the earrings...several years ago)

Just another reason why I make jewelry instead of buying it, when I can.  I get all my inspiration from magazines, celebrity photos of jewelry they wear, and catalogs... and when I can make it for less...honey please...I love a challenge. :):)

Have a great day! :):)

My other hobby..... jewelry making :)

Among my love for polish is a love for making jewelry! :)

It all started when a friend showed me how to make a beaded lariat necklace.  I started by going every weekend to bead stores and I would purchase tools, beads  and crystals, sometimes pearls.

Then I started to go to bead shows and conventions where you can buy everything for about half the price in stores. Of course, I've moved on from glass and plastic beads and I use semi-precious stones, crystals and everything else under the sun. :)

Now.....if I see a necklace or earrings in a department store or a bracelet on a celebrity, I'll make it, instead of buying it!

The mark-up on jewelry in stores is CRAZY, and I refuse to pay that price when I know I can make it for 50% less, sometimes more than that...easy!....just so long as it does not involve any hot metal work...OUCH!!!!

 Here are two necklaces I made this past weekend.

This one is made from Venetian Glass Agate and Swarovski crystals

This one is made from super tiny turquoise beads, a single Venetian Glass Agate in the center and on each side there are Apatite roundels and London Blue Topaz roundels.

Both necklaces have sterling silver clasps. 

The only bad thing about making jewelry is that is reeks havoc on the nails, but it's worth it to have something pretty dangling from your ears, neck or wrists:)

So now you know about 2 of my passions:)

Have a great Thursday!