Contrariwise ramblings

Yesterday I posted the first in my series of articles on increasing blog readership and I'll be back to that topic tomorrow. But first I just had to post this because I haven't devoted much time in my blog to my jewelry designs and I feel a bit guilty about it.

I've been traveling a lot lately and I haven't been working as much on my jewelry. In fact, I've tried to slow down sales in my online shop by purposely decreasing my inventory and not adding new jewelry because I just haven't had the time to keep up with sales. (Sigh.)

But this past weekend I decided to be selfish and devote a little time to my jewelry. (And me.) . And so FINALLY, I made some new pieces using some of the gemstones I bought recently.

The ring on the right features a prenite cabochon which is absolutely luminous! (I think this is now one of my favorite gemstones.) I can't say enough about this stone. It has an amazing glow. When I look at it I think of sunlight shining through a pool. I bought only 2 of these prehnite gemstones at a recent Bead and Gemstone show. I now wish I had bought more.

The ring on the left incorporates a square labradorite set at an angle. When the light hits this gemstone just right, it flashes a deep bright blue that seems to glow.

I love labradorite gemstones, but you rarely find high quality ones. Most are dull grey unless the light hits them just right. This one, however, is a dark, dark blue even when it's not flashing. I got it at Best Beads, a shop on Etsy, and I know I'm going have to go back for more.

Did you notice the bands on the rings? Several months ago, I bought this textured wire at Thunderbird Supply and have been waiting to use it for rings. (These guys should give me a discount. I can't believe the amount of money I've been spending there - oh, but it's worth it.) The pattern is gorgeous and I brought out the details by oxidizing and then polishing the sterling. Overall, the silver is very bright, but the antiquing really make the pattern pop.

Let me just say that it felt great to get back to my workbench again.

(And stay tuned for tomorrow's post: more blogging tips on how to increase your blog's visibility and readership!)