Dendritic Jasper Teardrop Earrings, Onyx Gemstone Handmade Jewelry Gift

The exquisite "Elemental" gemstone earrings feature dendritic jasper teardrops, black onyx and sterling silver - unique jewelry for women.

With its exquisite fern-like inclusions, the ELEMENTAL handmade earrings are truly one of a kind eye catching beauties. Jewelry for the woman who loves natural gemstones, the earrings feature dendritic jasper in a teardrop shape, faceted black onyx and sterling silver. Jasper has had ancient ties to mankind for at least 10,000 years, a favorite stone used for carvings, in mosaics and inlays and as jewelry. Jasper comes in many different colors, some with the added beauty of a landscape or fern design. The unique dendritic jasper used as the main focal of the earrings has a creamy background with bits of rusty brown. But what absolutely catches the eye is the fern-like dendrites caused by magnesite filling micro cracks when the stone was forming billions of years ago (jasper is one of the oldest stones on earth). Just look at the gorgeous, feathery design! Even better, the teardrop gemstones are two-sided so the earrings are lovely from any angle. A small sterling silver daisy spacer was placed over the drill hole to add even more beauty.  Because the dendritic jasper is so gorgeous on its own, black onyx rondelles were used as a simple complement above the teardrops. Since the black onyx beads are faceted, they add subtle sparkle to a graceful design. Carefully designed and handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs, the ELEMENTAL dendritic jasper earrings are a perfect gift for the woman who adores wearing one of a kind, natural gemstone jewelry.

The eye catching teardrops were created from dendritic jasper with natural fern like inclusions.

Here's the important information for the ELEMENTAL dendritic jasper earrings:

• Dendritic jasper gemstone teardrops:  app. 38 mm x 14 mm at widest x 4 mm (1.5” x 0.6”)
• Faceted black onyx:  app. 6 mm x 5 mm (0.24” x 0.20”)
• Metal:  sterling silver
• Earwires:  sterling silver French hooks
• Length:  app. 2.5” / 6.4 cm measured from the top curve of the earwires

The "Elemental" earrings shown with a dime for size comparison.

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Pastel Flower Hoop Earrings, Vintage Victorian Handmade Jewelry Gift

The lovely "Victorian Whimsy" dangle earrings feature artisan made copper floral hoops, Swarovski crystals and copper - unique flower jewelry for women.

Looking as if they were much beloved floral jewelry from the Victorian era, the VICTORIAN WHIMSY handmade earrings truly radiate an enchanting vintage charm. The one of a kind beauties feature artisan created pastel pink flowers on minty green copper hoops and two shades of sparkling pink Swarovski crystals. Individually artisan made, the whimsical aged flower images were permanently transferred to a length of copper sheeting and then folded into a hoop, the edges carefully filed and sanded for smoothness. The intricate floral design has old Victorian vibes with various shades of “faded” pink flowers against a pale mint green background. The flower image runs the full length of the hoop, front to back.  The inside of the folded hoops is shiny copper, a perfect complement to the mint green and provides a vibrant glow. Since each hoop was individually made, they are very similar in design but not exactly the same.  To highlight the pink flowers of the earring design, two shades of pink Swarovski crystal faceted bicones were stacked above the flower hoops. The darker pink crystal is called “rose” and the upper lighter pink crystal is called “light rose.” Each crystal adds a huge dose of the spectacular sparkle that Swarovski crystals are famous for. A small copper disc spacer separates each crystal.  Carefully designed and handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs, the one of a kind VICTORIAN WHIMSY earrings were created for the woman who loves unique flower jewelry with a delightful vintage look.

The beautiful hoops were individually artisan handmade, copper strips folded into a hoop with a permanent metal transfer.

Here's the important information for the VICTORIAN WHIMSY flower earrings:

• Floral copper hoops: app. 18 mm x 10 mm (0.71” x 0.4”); artisan handmade by Helena Benkoczka
• Dark pink Swarovski crystals: 4 mm faceted “rose” bicones
• Light pink Swarovski crystals: 4 mm faceted “light rose” bicones
• Metal: copper and sterling silver
• Earwires: sterling silver French hooks with copper bead accents
• Length: app. 2” / 5.1 cm measured from the top curve of the earwires

The "Victorian Whimsy" floral hoop earrings with a dime for size comparison.

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Immaculate Heart of Mary Rosary Bracelet

- Catholic Prayer Beads, Devotional Niner Chaplet -

Dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this rosary bracelet features a lovely Blessed Virgin holy medal, blue quartz rounds, and a combination of white pearls and pink crystals. The holy medal is Italian-made from base metal and is nicely detailed. The blue quartz is eye-catching and represents the robe of the Holy Mother. The white pearls and pink crystals are from Swarovski and bring a light gloss and sparkle to the whole chaplet.

Also included are the following:

• Sterling silver round beads (made in USA)
• TierraCast spacers and jump rings (made in USA)
• One-inch silver extender chain
• 49-strand beading wire (made in USA)
• Sterling twist crimps and wire guards (made in USA)
• Complimentary holy card (made in Italy)
• Silver plated lobster clasp

To the extender chain is added a three-bead dangle representing the Holy Trinity. The basic length of the chaplet is 7.5 inches.

I purchased the medal at the Shrine of the Little Flower in Nasonville, RI. The shrine was founded in 1923, shortly after St. Theresa of Lisieux was beatified. It is the first shrine dedicated to this saint in the US, and is a beautiful place of peace and contemplation. As for the card, it is from Mount St. Mary's Abbey in Wrentham, MA. The abbey houses a community of Trappistine nuns in a peaceful, meditative environment. It is a very special place!

This lovely and meaningful chaplet bracelet was handmade by me with great care, thought, and best wishes for its destined wearer. It comes in a pretty organza bag, wrapped and ready for giving to a Marian devotee or anyone who appreciates the sweet and touching image of the Holy Mother Mary. As with all my rosary bracelets, making this piece was also a meditation on my mother, who loved the rosary and would have been especially delighted by one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

About the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The symbol of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a human heart in flames, with a circlet of roses around it and rays of spiritual light emanating from it. Sometimes a piercing sword is also included. The devotion to this aspect of the Virgin Mary focuses on love—her love for Jesus, her love for God, and her compassion for humanity. The icon showing the Virgin pointing to her exposed heart reminds us of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which also focuses on love, particularly Christ's divine love for humanity.

The devotion to the Heart of Mary originated in medieval times. During World War II, Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart in a spiritual effort to protect humanity from complete destruction.

About Nine-Bead Chaplets
A nine-bead chaplet (often called a "niner") facilitates a simple and easily remembered form of spiritual devotion. Its conventional prayer pattern is three recitations of each of the following prayers: "Our Father," "Hail Mary," and "Glory Be." The trios of each prayer correspond to the trios of the prayer beads. Having a chaplet as a bracelet is nice because it easily goes with you, right on your wrist, and can act as reminder of spiritual practice as well as a helper with that practice. It can be used for any form of good intention - such as offering thanksgiving, reflecting on penance, or petitioning divine assistance for oneself or others - or simply as a "time out" of life's busy flow to engage in personal meditation.

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Pink Rose Quartz Chunky Necklace, Asteroid Swarovski Handmade Jewelry

The "Pink Asteroids" handmade necklace was created with unique asteroid cut rose quartz nuggets and light rose Swarovski crystals - perfect jewelry for the woman who loves pink.

Perfect for the woman who loves the color pink AND chunky gemstone statement jewelry, the PINK ASTEROIDS handmade necklace is a one of a kind beauty. Perfect as a birthday gift, Mother's Day gift, Easter gift, or "just because," the elegant necklace was created from pale pink rose quartz nuggets, light rose pink Swarovski crystals, pewter flower shaped bead caps and sterling silver.  The rose quartz gemstones graduate in size, the largest in front and the smallest in the back. But what makes these gemstones so unique is their fun cut, called “asteroid.” The rose quartz nuggets were first etched for a velvety matte finish. Then each bead had numerous, highly polished flat “windows” cut into it for an outer space asteroid look. Highlighted by the frosted finish, the windows reflect the light and positively sparkle at the slightest movement when the necklace is worn. Because the rose quartz pieces are nuggets, each is different from the other: in size, shape and the number of windows. Some nuggets are very translucent while some are more opaque - some have both in a single stone. For extra shine, each rose quartz nugget is capped on both ends with a small silver over pewter floral bead cap.

The asteroid cut rose quartz nuggets are graduated in size, largest in the front and smallest at the back.

To add even more pink goodness to the necklace - and even more sparkle - faceted light rose pink Swarovski crystal separate each rose quartz nugget. The crystals are a deeper pink than the gemstones, adding great eye appeal. A small sterling silver bead separates each crystal from the flower shaped bead caps. A beautiful sterling silver hook clasp set finishes the necklace perfectly. Carefully designed and handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs, the beautiful PINK ASTEROIDS gemstone necklace was created for the woman who adores wearing unique, eye catching artisan jewelry.

The "Pink Asteroids" handmade gemstone necklace shown on a jewelry bust.

Here is the important information for the PINK ASTEROIDS gemstone necklace:

• Rose quartz asteroid cut gemstones: from app. 26 mm x 21 mm to 16 mm x 14 mm
• Swarovski crystals: faceted 4 mm “light rose” pink bicones
• Metal: sterling silver and silver over pewter (bead caps)
• Clasp: sterling silver hook clasp set
• Length: app. 19,25” / 48.9 cm

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Peacock Earrings, Rustic Lavender Purple Copper Handmade Jewelry Gift

The gorgeous Peacock Majesty earrings feature Czech glass peacock beads that are exquisitely detailed, two sided and the head and breast of the peacocks are raised for a 3-D effect.

I'll be the first to admit: the peacock Czech glass beads used in these artisan handmade earrings are absolutely majestic . . . which is why I named the artisan beauties PEACOCK MAJESTY. They will look exquisite on your ears! The earrings were created with eye catching Czech glass peacock beads, Czech glass Saturn / UFO beads and sterling silver. The main focal of the one of a kind artisan earrings are the beautiful, dimensional Czech glass peacock beads. The beads were made in small batches from violet purple glass. A lustrous, shimmering Picasso finish in copper and gold with hints of mossy green was applied to bring out the detail of the beads and to add an aged, vintage look. A Picasso finish rarely covers all the glass so you can see some of the violet purple peeking through. As you can see from the photo, the peacocks are very detailed, from the curve of the peacock’s neck to the individual feathers in the tail They are 3D with the peacock’s head and chests raised above the tail. The beads are two-sided so, no matter how the earrings hang, a peacock will always be seen.

The "Peacock Majesty" handmade earrings shown hanging - just look how they glow in the light!

Lovely amethyst purple UFO beads were added to the earrings design to bring out the color of the violet glass of the peacock beads. They are a Saturn / UFO shape with a crisp faceted raised center. The beautiful beads also have a Picasso finish added, except for the faceted center, in blue gray with bits of rust. Because the center of each bead has no Picasso finish, it is translucent and looks especially beautiful when backlit (see the photo of the earrings hanging). Created for the woman who adores unique beaded jewelry with a bird theme, the PEACOCK MAJESTY earrings were carefully designed and handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs.

The "Peacock Majesty" artisan earrings shown with a dime for size comparison.

Here is the important information for the PEACOCK MAJESTY handmade earrings: 

• Czech glass peacock beads: app. 18 mm x 9 mm (at thickest)
• Czech glass UFO beads: app. app. 10 mm x 7 mm
• Metal: sterling silver
• Earwires: sterling silver French hooks
• Length: app. 2” / 5.1 cm measured from the top curve of the earwires

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Mother of Pearl Rose Necklace, Purple Pearls Handmade Flower Jewelry

The "Garden of the Ocean" handmade necklace features a glowing hand carved mother of pearl rose pendant, purple pearls, pewter lantern beads and sterling silver. 

With a radiant mother of pearl shell flower pendant, the GARDEN OF THE OCEAN handmade necklace makes an absolutely delightful statement whenever worn. The one of a kind necklace features a glowing white mother of pearl carved pendant, rich purple baroque pearls and lead free pewter lantern beads. A beautiful hand carved rose with flowing petals and a stem with two leaves can be found in the middle of the mother of pearl pendant. A line was carved all along the outer edge. Because of the carving, the pendant has beautiful texture which is highlighted when the light hits it just right. Unfortunately, the photos don’t show just how luminous the natural radiance of the shell is as the light plays across it. It’s almost as if the pendant has its own internal light source! The back is silky smooth and slightly concave. For security, a heavy duty sterling silver jump ring attaches the pendant to the main body of the necklace.

The glowing mother of pearl shell pendant was hand carved with a rose and leaves design.

To highlight the pendant perfectly, rich purple freshwater pearls make up the main body of the necklace.  Since the large beauties are more oval shape, with many having natural ridges, they are called baroque pearls.  Between each set of three pearls at the front of the necklace are glowing pewter lantern beads separated by sterling silver daisy spacers and small sterling beads.  Each pearl is separated from the other with sterling silver beads for a sinuous feel. Carefully designed and handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs, the GARDEN OF THE OCEAN necklace is a lovely gift for the woman who adores unique artisan jewelry.

The "Garden of the Ocean" handmade necklace shown with a quarter for size comparison.

Here is the important information for the GARDEN OF THE OCEAN artisan necklace:

• Mother of pearl shell rose pendant: app. 46 mm x 3 mm; slightly concave at the back
• Purple freshwater pearls: app. 10 mm 8 mm
• Pewter lantern beads: app. 9 mm x 8 mm; lead free
• Metal: lead free pewter and sterling silver
• Clasp: pewter hook clasp with a wrapped wire design; lead free
• Length: app. 18.5” / 46.9 cm
• Pendant drop: app. 2” / 5.1 cm including the sterling silver jump ring bail

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Rainbow Dichroic and Red Saturn Lampwork Earrings, Handmade Jewelry Gift

The unique "Saturn" handmade earrings feature artisan created red lampwork glass beads with a band of shimmering rainbow dichroic glass.

Even though they might look like it, the SATURN earrings weren’t discovered in deep space by the Hubble Telescope. They aren’t from a faraway galaxy but were handmade right here on planet Earth and are waiting for the perfect earthling to wear them! These one of a kind beauties feature artisan handmade lampwork glass beads in a Saturn shape and copper accents. The lampwork beads started out as individually created rich red glass rondelles. To add radiant mystery, a band of rainbow dichroic glass was added around the middle of each rondelle. The bands were then encased in clear glass for a 3-D effect. As you can see from the photos, the colors of the bands are brilliant and color shift depending on how the angle of the light hits the dichroic glass. The shimmering colors are the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Since each bead was individually artisan handmade, they are very similar but not exactly the same.

The "Saturn" red lampwork and rainbow dichroic glass earrings shown hanging.

Red and copper is such a lovely color combination as these earrings surely show. Bright copper bead caps with a textured leafy design cap each end of the Saturn beads. Rustic copper discs and shiny copper bicones accent the top and bottom of each bead cap, adding even more texture. Sterling silver French hooks earwires with copper bicone bead accents finish the earrings perfectly. Carefully designed and handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs, the SATURN lampwork beads were created for the woman who adores wearing jewelry that no one else in the universe has!

The one of a kind "Saturn" earrings shown with a dime for size comparison.

Here is the important information for the SATURN lampwork earrings:

• Lampwork glass beads with dichroic: app. 15 mm x 10 mm; artisan made by Lea Avroch
• Metal: copper and sterling silver
• Earwires: sterling silver French hooks
• Length: app. 1.5” / 3.8 cm measured from the top of the earwires

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Carved Jade Moth Necklace, Fire Agate Gemstone Handmade Jewelry Gift

The "Determination" handmade necklace features a two sided carved jade moth pendant, speckled fire agate and small bone discs. 

Since the moth is considered a symbol of determination as it constantly tries to find light in any darkness, I just had to name this exquisite necklace DETERMINATION! A perfect gift for the woman who loves to wear bold jewelry, the unique necklace features a large, two sided jade moth pendant, spotted fire agate gemstones and white bone discs. The beautiful cut out moth pendant was delicately hand carved on both sides from jade - just look at the detail of the moth’s body, wings and the intricate detailing around the cut out areas! Since the pendant was hand carved, you can see that the right and left side of the pendant is not quite a mirror image, very similar but not exact. The jade pendant is a subtle creamy yellowish color ranging from very pale to darker with a hint of light rusty orange in places and speckles of black here and there. Because the pendant is two sided, you can decide which is your favorite side and wear it facing out. An eye catching lead free pewter bail with sacred spiral designs and a small dome at the top connects the pendant to the main body of the one of a kind necklace.

The "Determination" artisan necklace shown on a jewelry bust.

To perfectly complement the colors of the pendant, speckled fire agate and small bones discs were used. The speckled fire agate ranges in color from a rich root beer brown to almost black, each bead having various amounts of white dots and splotches. Some of the gemstones are translucent and seem to glow in good light; some of the agate is more opaque. Because the fire agate is faceted, the necklace catches the light and sparkles with every move. To play up the speckles and to give the necklace a sinuous feel, small white bone discs and sterling silver beads can be found between each piece of agate. The first seven at the front of the necklace ae separated by a single disc while the stones at the back are separated by three discs. A gorgeous sterling silver hammered hook clasp set finishes the necklace perfectly. Carefully designed and handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs, the DETERMINATION moth pendant necklace was created for the woman who adores wear meaning meaningful artisan jewelry.

The "Determination" handmade necklace shown with a quarter for size comparison.

Here is the important information for the DETERMINATION pendant necklace:

• Jade moth pendant: app. 66 mm x 4 mm; hand carved
• Speckled fire agate: app. 12 mm; faceted
• White bone discs: app. 5 mm x 3 mm
• Metal: sterling silver and lead free pewter (spiral bail)
• Clasp: hammered sterling silver hook clasp set
• Length: app. 18” / 45.7 cm
• Pendant drop: app. 3” / 7.6 cm, including the spiral pewter bail

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Beautifully Unique Handmade Jewelry

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