Black Magic

I love silver jewellery. And black onyx holds a special place for me as it has a great design potential when paired with silver beads and other semi-precious beads.On its own it creates a mystery and combined with warm-coloured stones like garnet, carnelian, coral, it offers a striking contrast. It has a special affinity with Turquoise.

            
     Onyx comes in different colours, but black is the most popular.Usually it is found in black or brown with white bands.But on rare occasions, it can be found in shades of orange, red, or honey coloured. Onyx is widely available in Germany, Canada, Uruguay and the US. They come in different shapes, sizes and cuts-- round, oval, oblong, square, faceted.

       Black has been associated with regeneration and new beginnings. Black onyx is thought to have protective qualities, making it advantageous to carry when one is traveling. It is also said to be useful in fighting basic fears and in helping to create the opportunity to move beyond bad relationships--and to heal old emotional wounds. The Romans associated it with courage and it is thought to be useful when one is defending himself/herself against unfair criticism.

     
       Contemporary authors say that onyx brings increased vigour, strength, stamina, and self control. 

      

Here are some of my favourite designs....

Black onyx and Turquoise

Rectangle Onyx bead bracelet

Silver and oval Onyx beads

Simple-- Onyx and Garnet

Onyx and hematite 5-strand necklace

Onyx silver choker

Onyx and silver Choker

Onyx strand necklace

Floral ring

Pearl and Onyx flower pendant

Faceted Onyx with Pearls

Onyx, Turquoise and glass beads

Onyx filigree pendant

Onyx beads and dotted glass beads

Pearl and Onyx

Pearl,onyx danglers

Onyx round flat bead and pearl necklace

Onyx and stick pearls

Onyx heart

Onyx discs

Brazil supplies the best multi-colored raw material, but onyx is found worldwide. Grey chalcedony is found in India and China. For more gemstones, check here.

Images via novica.com, jewelryimpressions, beemanjewelrydesigns.com, firemountaingems.com.

Jewels from God's Island

The island of Bali is popular all over the world for its azure blue waters and the vast stretch of sandy beaches. However, this famed Island of the Gods also boasts of a varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides -- all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture.

       But the island of Bali also produces some fantastic jewellery, especially in silver, making it truely a paradise on earth. 

      Bali jewels are handmade by silversmiths using exquisite carving techniques that are centuries old. Each piece of jewellery reflects the passion and the hardwork of the artisans.

And takes a place of pride in the owner's collection.

A Carnelian Cuff

Flower Set

Silver on Rubber Cuff

 

Temple Bell Danglers

Cocktail Rings

An Onyx Bracelet

Onyx Pendant

Amethyst Dome  Ring

Bracelet

Carved Hoops

If you have a penchant for silver and are always looking for unusual and exquisite handmade pieces, grab some Bali jewels and be the cynosure of all eyes at the parties.

Images courtesy: www.novica.com,www.bali-beads.com.

Fiery Carnelians

Of all design forms, jewellery design and interior decors are my most favourite. In jewellery, silver finds a pride of place in my collection. And when combined with colourful semi-precious gemstones, the pieces exude a sophisticated charm. I myself often try my hand at making my own necklaces-- combining small silver beads with coloured stones. That I will show you later some time.

Today I would exhibit some of my favourite pieces made of fire red Carnelian.

Carnelian is available in colors ranging from orange to reddish brown.The Planetary ruler of this stone is Mars. Carnelian is the Zodiac stone for the signs of Aries, Taurus, Leo, Virgo and Capricorn.


  
Designed with silver, antique silver, or pewter and off-set with black or green onyx, blue Lapis Lazuli or Sodalite, or green Adventurine or blue-green Turquoise,the rich tones of  Carnelian become more vibrant.




Amber, Turquoise and Carnelian

 


Black and Green Onyx, Carnelian

 


Carnelian Hearts

 




Red and orange Carnelians







Turquoise and Carnelian

  

Jade and Carnelian




Green Adventurine and Carnelian

 



Carnelian and Black Onyx

Most of these you can buy at http://www.novica.com/



Do let me know if you like these pieces. More gemstone pieces are here. I would love to hear from you. So, pause for a moment and leave your mark!!!

  Images courtesy: Novica