So here are the first items I have made with some rather lovely rock crystal briolettes I bought on that trip:

They’re very simply designed, but I didn’t want to complicate these pieces as these pretty gems ought to be the focal point. I used just use two materials: Sterling silver and gemstone.

Rock crystal is sometimes also used for the April birthstone, as a substitute for diamond. I can also see this set being used as a wedding day jewellery.

Actually I find all these popular notions or “traditions” fascinating- for example the whole diamond engagement ring “tradition” has been around for less than a hundred years and is entirely down to an advertising campaign by, none other than, a company who sells diamonds!

If diamonds suits your pocket then you’re in luck- diamonds abound in all styles, shapes and colours and you’ll be spoiled for choice at any conventional jeweller’s shop.

However, if the price is a little steep then you may be surprised to learn that diamonds are not the only options when it comes to the gemstone for April. They may be the Modern gemstone, but the Traditional Birthstones for April also includes Sapphire, and the Mystical Birthstone is Opal.

I only recently discovered opal, and it’s just a lovely stone. I got hold of some delicate pale pink stones and just combined them with faceted pale pink ovals of rose quartz and it makes a pretty combination with their differing opacities and shapes, take a look:

^{47cm necklace – one-off unique item}

It’s March and the Birthstone for this month is Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Jasper or Jade- depending on which tradition you’re using. Personally I don’t stick to just one tradition for birthstone jewellery, I use whichever stone best suits the wearer and my pocket!

In March we have the following options:

For me, my favourites from this list are aquamarine and jade- I just love the colours, plus they’re quite widely available and in a range of shades.

Some of my own designs use these stones-

Aquamarine Jewellery

This is Mona, a Sterling silver necklace with a combination of pretty and pale blues and greens: Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Jade and Freshwater Pearl.

Jade Jewellery

This is Kuta- a range using brown leather with gemstones and finished with a dragonfly charm. The gemstones used are Aquamarine, Jade, Moonstone and Amazonite.

In the UK and Ireland it’s linked to Easter (4th Sunday in lent) so it changes every year. In 2009 this will be March 22. I live in Spain and it’s al little easier to predict here, being the1st Sunday in May- in 2009 it will be on May 3. The US, along with dozens of other countries are just a week later with the 2nd Sunday of May so Mother’s Day will be on May 10 2009.

Mother’s Day Ideas

For those of you in the UK and Ireland it means that it’s now time to plan!

Mother’s day brunch or dinner is a popular option, and white carnations are a traditional flower in China and the US. I wonder what sort of things they did back in the old days when Mothering Sunday was first initiated; back then young apprentices and young women in servitude were released by their masters that weekend in order to visit their families so for some, just physically being there (alive) would have been the main event.

These days, thankfully, we’re not obliged to work quite so hard so a gift or some other token of affection is traditionally given. Below are some of my ideas for mother’s day.

Or come and take a look at my eBay shop (where all orders over 10 GBP receive FREE Worldwide Shipping for a limited time) or the special selection I have right here.

Pretty in Pink

Classic Pearls

Amethyst Jewellery

That’s it for now, I hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day!

“Briony” Crystal Silver Shade with Freshwater Pearl

The main pendant is 18mm so big enough to make an impact but not too large. This weekend I was at a christening and I wore a cream dress, pity I didn’t think about making myself one of these as it would have been just the thing!

Apparently I was in a rather romantic mood because I made a set of bridal jewellery! I have a range called “Briony” which up until now has only been earrings made of a single heart and crystal. Yesterday I decided to throw some ivory freshwater pearls in the mix:

“Briony” Crystal Silver Shade with Freshwater Pearl

“Briony” Crystal Moonlight with Freshwater Pearl

I really liked the combination of Crystal Silver Shade with the pearls, so I decided to make a matching bracelet:

“Briony” Crystal Silver Shade with Freshwater Pearl

Today I made a new set using the Swarovski Avant Garde shape crystal, but more on that next time…!

Paula: Swarovski 5523 in Crystal Silver Shade

And here’s a closer view of the pendant, bail and flanking Swarovski 5301 bicones:

Paula: Swarovski 5523 in Crystal Silver Shade

Soon…matching earrings!