Pearls! Pearls!! Pearls!!! 2014 Blog Hop Reveal!





Welcome to the 2014 
Pearls! Pearls!! Pearls!!! 
Blog Hop Reveal!



Are you ready to see some gorgeous pearls today?  I know I am!

The guidelines for the Pearls! Pearls!! Pearls!!! Blog Hop were quite simple.

"Show Us Your Pearls!" 

Yes, that's about it. It didn't have to be jewelry or bead related. Anything you wanted to design and create with pearls was fine - and welcomed!

Feel free to show off your pearls along with us. Just use the InLinkz Link Up tool at the bottom.

If you'd like to have the InLinkz code so you can have the link up tool on your blog today too, just clink here and you'll go to the page that has the link to the code.

With everything going on this month, it was challenging, but I did managed to create a couple of designs. 


First up, I got to play with some solid gold!

Oh YES! It was heaven!




And it isn't just any piece of gold either.

It's an 18k yellow gold original cross that my hubby, Mike, and our friend, Steve, created and cast earlier this month.

It measures a whopping 1.75 (almost) inches long and has some heft to it - but not too much!

I had no idea what or how I wanted to use this cross - especially since I don't wear gold - so this was a challenge.

I knew it deserved the 'good pearls' in my inventory.
And something that would make it 'pop'. 

The really nice freshwater cultured drop pearl that dangles on it is approximately 13mm in size - rather large.

The pearls in this necklace are freshwater cultured pearls from Majestic Pearl.

I wanted to make the cross charm something that could be taken on/off easily so the pearls could be worn on their own and so the cross could be worn on other necklaces, too.

I'd seen several versions of this sort of 'bail' over on Pinterest lately, so I thought I'd try creating my own version and it worked out quite well.

Did you know there is a difference between a 'bail' and a 'pearl enhancer'?  

You can read a nice article from my online friend Calla Gold about the difference here.
 





This necklace reminds me of Old World Kings and Queens and a time when, despite the rugged materials the craftsmen had to work with, pieces were elegant, opulent and exquisite.

It was extremely fun playing with 'the good china', as I call it!

From the pearls, the handcrafted clasp, to the cross - this one's a keeper! 

Except Mike keeps telling me he's taking the cross and melting it down and making something else with his gold.

Umm,...no. I think it's perfect the way it is. 

And then there's this fun little guy. 

Better known as 'Donald Trunk'.




My hubby found some old molds at a jewelry supply store in town here and he poured me this pewter elephant using one of them. 

Mike calls him "Donald Trunk" because he's got this 'blob' of pewter on the top of his head,...see that??  

It's like a wild pewter 'comb-over' or toupee.  Yep. LOL!!



 The pearls in this necklace are also freshwater cultured pearls.
The dark ones have been dyed to get this awesome deep color and they come from Majestic Pearl as well.

They represent the deep colors of the elephant, both his skin and his eyes.

The really fun 'waffle' pearls (that's what I call them - it's neither a correct nor industry used term!) are keshi pearls that I picked up several years ago from Ayala's Originals at the gem show down in Tucson. 

They represent the rough skin of the elephant and his wonderful 'wavy' ears and the color of his tusks.

Both necklaces were hand knotted on C-Lon cord that I purchased from the BeadShop.com

I like using C-Lon (and Superlon, too) on many of my designs because it doesn't stretch as much or absorb body oils, lotions and perfumes as quickly as 100% silk does. Which makes caring for it a bit easier than designs created with silk. And to me, it drapes/hangs much like silk, which I like.

 When we did the Pearls Blog Hop last fall, many of you said you liked all the links I provided to various educational sites about pearls and many of the video tutorials and things of this nature, so here's the link to
with all the links for anyone who wants to see them and revisit any of the goodies that were included in last fall's reveal post.

Also, here's the link to my Pearls page here on the blog where you'll find lots of pearl information, video tutorials on pearl knotting (not mine, but a lot of other people's tutorials) and other links such as jewelry, tool and pearl suppliers as well, so be sure to check it out.

I do want to share with you a really good video of how to knot pearls with out the use of tools, such as awls, tweezers or knotting tools or boards.  

This is a great method when you're stringing a simple strand of pearls - they come out beautifully!

This video is compliments of the wonderful folks over at Pearl Paradise.  Pearl Paradise owner Jeremy Shepherd and his wife, Hisano are a wealth of wonderful information and the designs that Hisano and the crew over at Pearl Paradise put together are just AMAZING!!  

Make sure to check out the latest post over on their blog, here.  And, of course, have fun drooling over all the beautiful pearls they offer for sale - wow!

And yes, the pearls in the below video are real, Saltwater Cultured South Sea Pearls,...Honkin' Huge!!




Now it's time to check out what all the other participants below have created with their pearls! 

Thanks to everyone who is jumping in today and sharing your pearls - I can't wait to see what everyone has created! 



Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and All Things Made With PEARLS!!
Cheers,
~Shel~


36 comments:

  1. Just yummy designs! I love the first necklace even though I don't do crosses. It just has such a rich feeling to it. The second necklace is pure fun! The pearls in both are luscious.

    I have never tried knotting on C-Lon, at least not pearls. I have used it for a lot of gemstones though but just never thought to use it for pearls. Do you have to enlarge the holes at all? I will have to check it out because I don't like knotting with silk either. It stretches out too quickly so I use a nylon string for most of my pearls.

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  2. Shaiha ~
    I use the micro-CLon and the fine CLon for most of my pearl designs and Beadshop.com has tons of great colors.
    I’ve used Tuff Cord, too – but it’s a bit ‘tough’ – LOL!
    Thanks for participating in the pearls hop – I’m off now to see your designs!
    Cheers,
    ~Shel~

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  3. PRETTY !!!! you are such inspirations !!! Love the gold cross so much. Never thought about gold and pearls. They dance perfect.
    I am joining your blog hop and I put the link to my blog. Is it correct? I am new for such link, just thought that my pieces should be showing in here? Or how to see others pieces from all friends? Sorry for my awful question :-(

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    1. Dian, thanks for the compliments.No awful questions at all - I'll try to see if your links are correct. I'm having a bit of trouble w/mine tonight as the blog goes live, so we're all finding things out together! :-)

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  4. Two fabulous necklaces. I can't pick a favorite. Of course the white pearl and gold cross one is stunning and elegant. I'm sure you will wear it often. So classy! But the blue grey pearls and elephant pendant is great too! I love that color of pearl and pairing it with the elephant made by your husband was a brilliant choice! Thanks so much for hosting this party. So much fun and quite a good challenge for me!

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    1. Nan, thanks so very much for hopping along on this challenge! I'm excited to see your designs - which are always fabulous!! I'm having a wee bit of trouble w/my site tonight so hopefully the inlinkz code w/come up and all will be fine! ;-)

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  5. Both are awesome! I love the luxury of the white necklace :-)

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    1. Thanks Mags! And thanks for joining in the pearl fun today, too!!

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  6. Shel, your pearl work always has such a distinctive, amazing look. I would hide that cross from your hubby and NEVER allow him to melt it down. It is such a wonderful complement to the freshwater pearls. Donald Trunk is SOOOOOO clever. I have been a bit intimidated by pearl knotting and thanks to the great video you shared may work up the courage to give it a try. Thanks again for hosting!

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    1. Yep Paula - I think you're right. I'm gonna have to hide that cross from Mike or he'll snatch it up and melt it down into something else. It's quite a good chunk of gold and with today's prices, it's not exactly inexpensive, but it was his to begin with - so I guess I'm the one who snatched it away first! LOL!!

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  7. Hi Shel,
    Oh I do not blame you for not letting your hubby melt down that gorgeous cross! You gave the cross a beautiful setting those white pearls are gorgeous. The Donald Trunk necklace is beautiful I love the dark peacock pearls and the Keshi pearl, although I like your name for them better. Being that I am a Bama Girl I love the elephant pendant! Thank you for adding so much important information for taking care of pearls, using pearls, and knotting pearls. Thank you for hosting this hop I enjoyed playing and creating with my pearls that I have been hoarding.
    Therese

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    1. You're very welcome Therese - and thanks so much for joining in and sharing your pearls with all of us -they are fabulous! I never thought of the elephant and politics (how could I not,...??) but there he is. ;-) Love it! I wonder if my hubby thought of that when he saw the mold in the jewelry supply shop. His sister loves elephants so he probably just thought of that. Too fun!

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  8. Oh Shel I love these! They are so rich and luxurious! I love the gold with the white - it looks like it would feel amazing! And that elephant (lol great name) what a stunning piece that is with the "waffles" representing those ears .... it is just perfect!

    I tried and tried to link up, but doing it from my phone proved to be too tough! I'm traveling so won't be able to link :(

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    1. No worries Cynthia - you can link up when you get back if you'd like. In the meantime, I'm heading over to you site to see your post. And thanks for the compliments,...I do love how the white and gold necklace turned out. It does feel amazing on - very amazing!! And leave it to Mike to come up with the obviously humorous names!! (but it's so fitting in this case!)

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  9. Gorgeous, I love both necklace each so different and with great stories. I especially love the gold cross and pearls. Even though I haven't worn much gold lately that seems to be all I want to work with right now and OMG gold and pearls, what could be better!

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    1. Thanks so much Kepi - and yes, when my hubby showed me that cross, I snatched it up instantly and said - I'm putting pearls with this. Didn't know how or which ones or anything, but I knew that pearls would be perfect. And I believe I made a good choice with the white ones - it really makes both the pearls and the charm pop!! Thanks for jumping in the pearls hop today, too!!

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  10. These are just gorgeous necklaces the gold cross with pearls is so elegant but I have to love the elephant one wonderful colour pearls and I do love elephants! I am having a problem with linking so I hope someone will come over and take a look at the pearl jewellery I have made!
    Jackie

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    1. Thanks for the compliments!! I'm heading over to take a peak at your designs now Jackie - I've had two people tell me they're having trouble with the link up - not sure if it's a blogger thing or a wordpress thing - or just an 'internet-thing'. Thanks for joining in pearls hop today - I hope you had fun designing w/your pearls!!

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  11. gorgeous!! I love the one wi the cross... it is so beautifully cross.. and thank you for organising this hop.. it is real;y an inspiration for us...
    -Berina
    Moxie Craftie

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    1. Thanks so much Berina - and you're welcome for organizing the hop. Hope you had fun!!

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  12. How beautiful! I love the "Donald Trunk" one....though I am partial to purples....excellent job!

    veradesign.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much! My favorite thing to do is knot pearls - so these were both fun to make!

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  13. Your design really did justice to the special cross your husband gave you. The necklace is very elegant.

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    1. Thanks so much Mary! I do love the pieces my husband made for me, that's for sure!

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  14. Hi Michelle, I added a comment earlier, but I don't think it went through. Your designs are fabulous, as usual! I did post a link to my website blog that shows a couple pearl designs I created. I do use pearls quite often in combination with other stones. These 2 are mostly pearl, in keeping with theme! Thank you! Lisa Etania Gems & Jewelry, www.etaniagems.com

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    1. Lisa, so glad you could join in our fun today!! I love the bridal necklace on your site - that one is just over the top gorgeous!! Gotta love our pearls, right?! :-)

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  15. Beautiful pieces Shel, they remind me of jewelry you would find in a treasure chest that has been hidden away on a tropical island by Pirates...... They are very luxurious and elegant, pieces of Royalty. I like how you have added the heishi pearls they add just the right touch.

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    1. Thanks so much Jen and thanks too for joining in our pearl fun today!!

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  16. Your pearl necklaces are absolutely gorgeous! The gold cross is my favorite, I love that large drop, such beautiful work ;)

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  17. Thought I posted here yesterday...but maybe I didn't complete it correctly. HOWEVER...congrats on another great blog hop!
    You really set the bar high with the pearls and gold piece, Shel! It is just so rich and lush. What a great feeling it must be to know it was a collaboration with your creative hubby, too. That elephant head is amazing with those colored pearls.
    Appreciate the info about the CLon too. I'll definitely look at it for knotting pearls.

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  18. Beautiful work Shel - I always admire your work! These two are extraordinary!!

    Thanks for running a wonderful hop.

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  19. Thanks for organizing the hop, Michelle! I always love everything you create and these two necklaces are no different. I love the gold necklace, even though I'm not into crosses. The gold is so posh, so fresh and so current. I really love the elephant necklace! It is playful and fun and at the same time regal and refined. I just love elephants. They are magnificent, majestic animals and very intelligent. You are so lucky that your husband makes these beautiful pendants for you to use in your work. They are just incredible.

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  20. Both are very lovely. I like Donald, he's cute. What size pearls did you use I didn't see it listed, or did I just miss reading that?

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  21. Heavenly. . .that's what your gold and pearl necklace is. How awesome that your hubby cast it and you strung it up! Teamwork baby!! Very cool.

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  22. I laughed when I saw the elephant's name- too funny! Both of your pearl creations are simply lovely. They're so balanced and are a delight to look at. Christie

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Thanks for sharing what you have to say - I love hearing your comments!