Jewelry and Beading » pearls

Jewelry artist: Aria Nero-Seder

Cyndi Lavin — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:00:09 +0000

Artist: Aria Nero-Seder
Website: Aria Nero

I’ve always had a passion for being creative, and ever since I began creating my jewelry line, I’ve found it to be the most natural form of creative expression for me. I find my inspiration in the world all around me, from times of the past, other cultures, art, nature, and really just from anything that I find to be beautiful or interesting.

I am truly inspired by fashion from all periods of history, from the Victorian Age to modern times, from the simple to the extravagant. I thrive on the ability to translate these many varied periods in time and the fashion trends that defined different eras into a one of a kind creation that is both modern and relevant, and of course beautiful.

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Jewelry artist: Kate Casolaro

Cyndi Lavin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:15:49 +0000

Artist: Kate Casolaro
Website: Kate Casolaro Designs

Kate Casolaro’s jewelry designs evolve from the shape of a single bead into creations that celebrate the infinite and complex relationships between color, form, and texture. A freshwater pearl takes on a life of its own when combined with the bright orange of vintage coral beads on a delicate pendant. Necklines demand attention when gemstones like chalcedony, citrine, carnelian and labradorite, as well as pearls, crystals and unique glass beads are woven through her diverse necklaces. Her crocheted wire necklaces are sparkling and organic and her hammered silver and gold-filled forms are artistic and funky. Bold, beautiful and feminine pieces compliment any outfit in a sea of color combinations and are intended to reflect the unique and personal style of each wearer.

Kate’s designs often begin with a simple geometric shape and end with a flourish, from sterling silver chain tassels to whimsical and quirky forms made out of wrapped wire and beads. Kate uses a variety of materials in her designs, from vintage crystal and glass beads to uniquely shaped gemstones and pearls, which she links, wraps, strings and crochets together with sterling silver and gold-filled wire and chain. Each piece of jewelry is original and unique, designed with a respect for the natural beauty of the materials and with an astute eye for shape, color and texture.

Kate began her jewelry design in 2004 after graduating from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, with a Bachelor’s degree in American Culture. Born and raised in Westwood, Massachusetts, she currently resides in Davis Square, Somerville MA. During the day she works as a Senior Account Executive on the Energy and Environment practice at Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications in Boston. Kate spent four years as a jewelry design instructor at Spark Craft Studios in Cambridge, MA. Kate sells her work at local arts and crafts fairs, trunk shows, private parties, and online.

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June Pearl Finale

Tammy Powley — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 12:22:47 +0000

I’m ending my June tribute to pearls with a big BANG and this fabulous crystal and pearl necklace designed by Design by Apple and written by Tammy Honaman, Media Content Manager for Fire Moutain Gem & Beads. It’s called Crystal and Pearl Mystique.

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Classic Pearl Necklace

Tammy Powley — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:05:00 +0000

Nothing beats the classic designs when it comes to pearls, and WigJig offers a free pearl project on its site to shows how to include some WigJig style clasps into different pearl designs, including the necklace pictures.

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Pearl Info

Tammy Powley — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:59:16 +0000

If you want to learn a little more about pearls, not just how to make pearl jewelry, but also info on things like history, pearl care, and more, then consider reading my article, The Power of Pearls. It goes into more detail about this wonderful gift from the sea, or actually, now I guess it’s a gift from pearl farmers!

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Speaking of Pearls & Knotting

Tammy Powley — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:57:57 +0000

For those who want a more intensive lesson on knotting and some practice to boot, you may want to consider taking one of my two free knotting e-courses. Pearls aren’t the only beads you can knot between, and if you’ve been stringing for awhile (in fact, I recommend you know how to do bead stringing first before signing up for one of these), then learning to knot between beads can take your stringing skills to the next level:

Crash Course Bead Knotting: You’ll get a lesson a day, so this is a course designed for those who want it now, now, now!
Slow & Easy Bead Knotting: This has the same classes as the crash course, but you’ll get one lesson a week. So, you can slow things down and learn at your own pace.

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Traditional Knotting

Tammy Powley — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:50:21 +0000

For those traditionalists, you can find instructions here: Traditional Knotting. Pearls can be delicate and you don’t want them to rub together too much, so knotting is a good way to keep a little distance between each pearl bead. Knotting is also helpful in case a necklace breaks. This will keep the beads from going all over the place. If you wear your pearls a lot, then normally it’s a good idea to reknot them about once a year.

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Side Drilled Pearl Earrings

Tammy Powley — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:44:24 +0000

Side-drilled pearls are beautiful, but they can also be a buger to try to design jewelry with. I came up with these earrings as a way to incorporate them into dangle elements at the end of the earrings: Side-Drilled Pearl Solution Earrings.

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Pearls, Chain, and Crystal Necklace

Tammy Powley — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:42:53 +0000

Of course, I had to make a complete set for my prom pal, and I wasn’t sure what she wanted as far as a necklace. Thus, I ended up making one for her that was adjustable. It combines chain sections with pearls, crystals, and hematite hear beads. Plus, it has a sterling heart bead at the end. This can be worn a number of different ways.

Though I orginally made this for someone going to the prom, the design could easily be adapted for a bride as well: Adjustable Prom Queen Necklace project.

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Purple Pearl Bracelet

Tammy Powley — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:36:27 +0000

Nothing sweeter than pearls, crystals, and little hematite hearts – so that’s what I combined in this bracelet I made for a young friend of mine who was going to attend her high school’s prom: Prom Queen Bracelet.

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