Rhinestone Reflections

Of All The Beads

Newsletter

July '11

Hazel Brutsché

Newest Designs

Rhinestone Reflections

For the past six months or so, I had on my desk a necklace that was in need of a rhinestone. And this wasn't just a little rhinestone that was needed to fill in a small spot. No, this was huge, by rhinestone standards -- 9 mm wide and 22 mm long. The places I usually shop for rhinestones had nothing nearly as big as this, and after some rhinestone research, I decided to wait for something to come my way.

The missing stone was pink, and while I hoped to find another in that color, I knew my best bet would be to find 2 matching stones in any color that fit the design.

It wasn't quick, but it finally did happen. An online vendor that I sometimes use was selling vintage rhinestones, all set to make into earrings and pendants. They were in base metal settings, which I removed. Now before I go on, take a look at the necklace, with the 2 sets of stones I found as possible replacements:

Not only are these stones a slightly different size, but they are faceted on top, whereas the pink rhinestone is flat. But they would fit, with just a bit of tightening the prongs, and I knew the colors would work so . . . I sent the photo to the customer, and asked which ones she preferred.

She chose the green, which were perfect, because they have a bit of brown in them that really made a good match with the opaque green/brown stones in the necklace.

And here's the finished product:

What's the longest time I've kept a piece of jewelry while looking for a replacement part? Just over a year, apparently. So while jobs like this can't be rushed, I take immense pleasure in being able to reunite a customer with her cherished piece.

Last month, I worked on another piece of labradorite. This was the second time in as many months that a customer brought me a labradorite stone and asked for a pendant with a simple setting. See the latest one below:

New, rare, and possibly my favorite are these gray opal earrings: Elegant, moody, and sophisticated:

Light as a feather for a summery day, a set made with capiz shells and Swarovski crystals:

Fabulous summer colors that seem to glow in the dark, continue in this bracelet and earring combo:

Two more bracelets: First, is a stretchy bracelet of red coral sticks that I found on a recent trip to Rehoboth. And last, wire-wrapped lampwork beads found on last year's trip to San Francisco:

Of All The Beads » Hazel Brutsché

	Of All The Beads Newsletter	July '11 Hazel Brutsché
Newest Designs	Rhinestone Reflections For the past six months or so, I had on my desk a necklace that was in need of a rhinestone. And this wasn't just a little rhinestone that was needed to fill in a small spot. No, this was huge, by rhinestone standards -- 9 mm wide and 22 mm long. The places I usually shop for rhinestones had nothing nearly as big as this, and after some rhinestone research, I decided to wait for something to come my way. The missing stone was pink, and while I hoped to find another in that color, I knew my best bet would be to find 2 matching stones in any color that fit the design. It wasn't quick, but it finally did happen. An online vendor that I sometimes use was selling vintage rhinestones, all set to make into earrings and pendants. They were in base metal settings, which I removed. Now before I go on, take a look at the necklace, with the 2 sets of stones I found as possible replacements: Not only are these stones a slightly different size, but they are faceted on top, whereas the pink rhinestone is flat. But they would fit, with just a bit of tightening the prongs, and I knew the colors would work so . . . I sent the photo to the customer, and asked which ones she preferred. She chose the green, which were perfect, because they have a bit of brown in them that really made a good match with the opaque green/brown stones in the necklace. And here's the finished product: What's the longest time I've kept a piece of jewelry while looking for a replacement part? Just over a year, apparently. So while jobs like this can't be rushed, I take immense pleasure in being able to reunite a customer with her cherished piece.
Last month, I worked on another piece of labradorite. This was the second time in as many months that a customer brought me a labradorite stone and asked for a pendant with a simple setting. See the latest one below: New, rare, and possibly my favorite are these gray opal earrings: Elegant, moody, and sophisticated: Light as a feather for a summery day, a set made with capiz shells and Swarovski crystals: Fabulous summer colors that seem to glow in the dark, continue in this bracelet and earring combo: Two more bracelets: First, is a stretchy bracelet of red coral sticks that I found on a recent trip to Rehoboth. And last, wire-wrapped lampwork beads found on last year's trip to San Francisco:
Of All The Beads » Hazel Brutsché