Our First Launch Party

Hello Gemstone Fans:

We had a very successful launch party this past weekend in Boston.  We are considering having additional parties at other locations since everyone had such a good time at this one.  But we'll have to see what is in the cards for the next few months.  We are also considering an on-line launch party, possibly with an open chat room, free giveaways, discounts, and other fun stuff.  So stay tuned for info.

The activities at our launch party included two guessing games with prizes, a presentation on the interesting aspects of peridot (some of which I've been blogging about), a presentation about the nature of spiritual and contemplative beaded pieces (did you know 2/3 of the world prays with beads of some sort?), great food and libations, and everyone left with a suncatcher as a free gift.

We were pleased that many of our guests chose to make purchases at the launch party.  Although we try very hard to make sure our photographs show the beauty and quality of our work, there is nothing like being up close.  In person, the jewelry has a depth and personality that is difficult to capture in a photo.  Holding and touching a piece of gemstone jewelry allows one to feel the textures, weight, and appreciate the luminous nature of antiqued sterling silver. 

One item purchased was from our line of sterling silver and gemstone keyrings.  This particular piece was perfectly placed with a man looking for something classy, high quality, and streamlined.  Another purchase was a necklace, bracelet, and earring set.  I was very happy to see this set find a home.  The pendant bead is so unique - weighty, very smooth, and with an excellent display of colors characteristic of high quality brecciated jasper.  The more simple bracelet and earrings create a coordinated look without taking away from the staring role of the pendant.

Another favorite that I was pleased to see caught someone's eye was a pair of earrings composed of yellow spider web jasper, orange amber (ambroid) and garnet with sterling wires and spacer beads.  Spider web jasper (also called crab jasper and dragon vein jasper) has such a unique glow, and these stones have an interesting yellow-green-red set of tones.  The deep sparkles found in amber make an interesting juxtaposition, complemented by dark red garnet heshi beads.  I'll be talking more about all these gemstones, especially a series on amber/ambroid, in future posts keep your eyes here for further developments.

All in all, an excellent kick off for us, and a lot of fun for our guests.  We look forward to our next event as we continue with our plans to unfold Lunar Blue Designs on Etsy, in social media outlets, at workshops, and more parties!

Jennifer

Images - All images are from Lunar Blue Designs - Sold.  See post text for details.

Goth Jewelry - Part 4: Putting It Together

Hello Design Fans:

Having looked at inspirations, symbols, colors, and materials, it's finally time to consider how to design something that is both fun to make, and empowering to wear. My inner goth enjoys designing in two different modes; the first creates elegant jewelry with a dark twist, and the second creates statement pieces - some of which are pretty over-the-top.

The first category includes jewelry that anyone might wear, depending on mood and event. It seems to be characterized by silver toned metals, gemstones of black, gray, red and purple, and more subtle symbolism. I particularly like red brecciated/poppy jasper for this look. It is a brick red stone swirled with gray and possibly flecked with black. It matches perfectly with both hematite and onyx

Moving towards statement pieces, I tend to include more glass and crystal, say something that might look like blood droplets. Pewter is a timeless and classic goth jewelry material. It has a attractive antiqued luster, and nicely cast pieces create wonderful jewelry that no one will miss. And yet, it is still generally tasteful and not campy.

And then when I'm feeling adventurous, I'll explore other ideas. I work with symbols like locks, skulls, and tribal markings. I'll use materials like thick metal chain, leather, fake barbed wire, and bone to create something dark and compelling. Consider what your inner goth would like to see, what would be the most fun to create, and then see what happens.

Great goth jewelry is hardly just for Halloween. It is a great way to express your inner goth any time of year, or at any event, that calls for a dramatic, romantic, elegant, and even quirky look.

Jennifer

Image Credit:
Red Brecciated Jasper Pendant - Red Jasper, leather cord, hematite and sterling silver necklace, bracelet, earrings. Lunar Blue Designs - Listed on our Etsy site in September.
Pewter bat - Pewter, crystal, glass, and silver necklace and earring set. Lunar Blue Designs - Listed on our Etsy site in October.