Rose of Sharon Jewelry

Lots of facets means lots of sparkle in a handmade necklace of crystal or gemstone. So what’s a facet and do I need one?

A facet is a flat surface cut or ground into stone, glass or crystal. These “sides” can be created by machine or hand. Hand-cut crystal is considered the best process as the edges are “sharper” and more distinct. More facets plus sharper edges means higher reflective properties.

Facets sparkle and show off internal radiance in translucent stones, glass or crystals. A well placed facet can also amplify the beauty of an opaque glass or stone bead. The slanted sides will capture the light differently than a single flat surface.

Sandra Lee’s Golden Moonlight necklace uses clear and sunny yellow faceted glass beads. As you can see from the picture, the facets really sparkle. 

Opaque glass can also be faceted for additional visual interest such as in  Sandra Lee’s Bewitching necklace set created from faceted Czech glass.

The rich red heart of the Carnelian in the handmade Mended Heart necklace shows how an opaque stone can benefit from faceting.

The best facets can be seen by in the precise hand-cuts of a Swarovski crystal. This dramatic cross in Redemption has Swarovski crystals set in plus Betty added additional red Swarovski bicones along the chain to move your eye upward.

So when someone asks you how many facets you want – tell them lots, please!

You’ll find a wide assortment of faceted beads in our artisan line at Rose of Sharon Jewelry and in our A.F.F. Jewelry collection at Etsy.

* Lead is hazardous when found in paint and items which may be put into the mouth. Even the strict California lead laws allow the use of lead crystals in jewelry making.

Pink Jade is such a luscious bead. The ladies of Rose of Sharon Jewelry love pink so you’ll see it used frequently on our different lines. This wonderful new 3-piece set from Betty is our newest original artisan design. Named Contessa for its elegant look, the necklace, bracelet and earrings are true statement pieces – and not for the timid!

Making Contessa

Betty started with a lovely pink enamel flower from China. Since she loves Swarovski crystals, she added them along with a glass bead to create the one-of-a-kind centerpiece.

The pink Jade beads came next (a wonderfully juicy choice).

She added shiny black faceted glass beads to make the “grown-up girl” pink even more luxurious looking.

The final choice was the Swarovski rhinestone spacers. Gold-filled findings continue the rich look of all three pieces.

Bold and Bright

You can really see the sparkling Swarovski spacers in this elegant bracelet. Both bracelet and necklace have gold-filled toggle clasps.

Finishing Touch

The matching earrings complete the set but would be a great choice to wear alone with a more casual outfit.

Are you a pink lover? Or does pink just make you think of silly little girls?

P.S. I’m starting my physical therapy for my ankles soon but I’m feeling stronger and will be blogging daily starting with this post!

Cherries Jubilee is one of my new favorites created by Betty (Mom) for summer. The cherry-red, pink and white swirls in the handmade lampwork beads are beautiful and the clasp is a dramatic floral silver toggle.

Words don’t do this piece justice! Click the picture to head to the Rose of Sharon Jewelry store to learn more about Cherries Jubilee.

Would love to hear your comments about Cherries Jubilee. You can leave them here or in the store where you just click the review button.

Red Embers is a lovely illusion necklace featuring red firepolish crystals and freshwater pearls. This handmade necklace is being featured in the New Life Jewelry Art store on ArtFire.

Betty created this delicate necklace while exploring new designs and techniques for illusion-style necklaces.

Red Embers is currently 10% off (as is all of the New Life Jewelry Art products) through July 6th.

Click the picture to learn more.

I’m almost through all the emails and messages that accumulated from my mini-vacation. It was such a joy to be without any electronics nagging me – but alas it was awaiting!