NEPTUNE'S RETREAT

These fabulous lampwork beads by Manuela Wutschke have been staring at me for a very long time. I'd take them out and play with them...rearrange them, think about them, admire them..then put them away. Nothing that I did with them every pleased me...nothing seemed to be right....

They are wonderful hand formed shapes and loaded with incredible detail--all of Manuela's bead are and if you've followed me very long you know she is at the top of my list of favorite lampwork artists.

As you see, I have finally finished them and I am so delighted with the way they came together yesterday when I once again started pulling and putting back, replacing and adjusting beads that might bring these stunning beauties together into a necklace that would make me happy. So I present to you my final, finished, fabulous necklace--Neptune's Retreat, in honor of the inspiration here at my little beach house by the sea.

Romancing the Stones

In a departure from my artisan lampwork designs, I just worked with gemstones and pearls in this newest bracelet. I love the way this piece is constructed. I used a fine goldfilled chain and wirewrapped what seemed like endless fresh water pearls, prasiolite (green amethyst) and lemon citrine gemstones with vermeil ball pins. Three large fancy cut prasiolite gemstones are also featured as endcaps and a charm with the 22k gold vermeil toggle clasp. I used various hues of greens in the various shaped freshwater pearls--coin, keishi and round pearls from almost seed-pearl size of 3mm to the larger 8mm pearls to give interest and variety. I really enjoy working with these materials--I'm hoping to give a feminine elegance to my gemstone designs that will give you a timeless treasure. 'Romancing the Stones' $144.00 can be easily sized just right for you, from 7 1/2" to 8", or with additional tweeking, I can do a little more or less with the length for your perfect fit!

Look for more gemstone designs in the near future--I'm thinking elegance and romance!