Gemstones were really what inspired me to start seriously making jewelry. In fact, geology was the only science class I was any good in because I love rocks. So, I enjoyed reading about plate tectonics and memorizing the different rocks our instructor brought to class. Now, I say “good” as in not failing the class, but still, a rock is something tangible and beautiful.
If you enjoy rocks as well as beading in general then this new special issue from BeadStyle might be right up your alley. It’s called Beading with Gemstones, and you can special order through their web site.

Beadshop.com has some cool frame charms. Made of sterling silver, they come in three shapes, teardrop, round, and rectangle. I can so imagine a gorgeous gemstone or crystal bead dangling from the center of one of these.

Oriental Trading is has started selling beads and jewelry making supplies in a big way, and along with supplies, they now have free projects posted on their site like this Gemstone Pendant Necklace. The offer instructions in printable .pdf format along with a list of supplies which you can purchase (of course) from their site.
This looks like a pretty good beginner’s project to me. Obviously, you could also adapt the techniques they use to other types of beads and gemstone pieces to make an alternative form of this same pendant.

I’ve started to see various references to Earth Day in my local area, lots of exhibits, talks, nature tours, and craft shows. Yes, that’s right. April 22nd is the official day the Earth is celebrated, and it is also a prime time to hock your beady wares because there are lots of festivals going on. Check places like your local county botanical center, downtown associations, community centers. Chances are you still might have time to sign up. If you are into selling gemstone jewelry, this might be the perfect venue for you.

HHH Enterprises has a trunk show going on for the month of March. While it looks like they mainly have gemstone beads for sale, mot under $20, they also have some glass and wood beads too. The sale goes on until March 31st or until beads are sold out.

The Bead & Button web site has a new free netted donut pendant project available (pictured). Gemstone donuts, called this obviously because they look like a donut, are interesting, but other than sticking a leather cord around them and making a knot, it can be tricky to come up with different methods for incorporating them into jewelry.
This project uses the netting stitch around the donut, and then there are peyote dangles from the center. 

While I have never been of the Catholic faith, I went to Catholic school for nine years, so I have an appreciation for the faith and their beautiful rosaries. I remember while in school, at one point I was required to get one. My mother allowed me to purchase a cheesy plastic one from the church for about $2. I so envied the beautiful crystal rosaries the other “Catholic” girls had, many of them passed down from older relatives or purchased as special communion gifts.
Later, once I learned to make jewelry, I made myself a few “just because.” There are …read more

Beadshop.com is having a charm and pendant sale right now up through July 21st. Get 35% off a large selection of precious metal and base metal and even some gemstone and glass jewelry components as well.
I especially like these large gemstone pendants they have.
 

My husband has made me a number of wonderful pendants and earrings using some gemstones he actually faceted himself and some he bought. He then set them in an Easy Mount setting.
Now, he will tell you that “easy” maybe an overstatement, but after spending about 10 weeks in one of my first jewelry classes making a fabricated prong setting, well, this set up from Tripps is at least “easier” than fabricating them yourself or casting them either.
If you’ve been wanting to make “fine” jewelry that includes facted stones set in gold, then make sure you look at this system available …read more