Handmade gemstone jewelry - pendant necklaces

Turquoise pendant necklace

click image for more information

Ocean jasper pendant necklace

click image for more information

I love pendant necklaces and I enjoy making them. They're casual without being boring. Some are dressier than others, some are earthy, some are flashy, some are rather classic. They're all unique and different. I like the way the stones complement each other and rearrange themselves on the chain throughout the day.

Making pendant necklaces is a bit of a challenge. I usually wind up taking out boxes and boxes of gemstones wrapped in bubble wrap. By the time I've chosen the stones I want to use it takes me a long time to put everything away again. I take a lot of time choosing stones that are the right size, color and shape. I want them to be exciting without being gaudy. So it's a little challenge - the challenge makes it fun!

There's just one problem - the cost of silver is rising so fast that the chain is becoming very expensive. It is sometimes the most costly single component. I strive to use good quality chain that will hold up and not kink or knot up. I try to keep the cost down on all of the jewelry I sell and still offer high quality.

And by the way, I use small clasps and small stones near the clasps on these necklaces for a reason. With a heavy clasp, gravity pulls the chain down so the clasp continually slides to the bottom, near the pendants. I try to minimize this with lighter weight around the clasp so you don't have to adjust it a zillion times a day. That can be annoying!