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Free Mother's Day Necklace Directions

2009-05-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

I'd like to wish my mother, Debbie, and all you other mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day!

Make something special for her like I did. This simple necklace takes about hour to make. So if you run to your local craft store today for five (5) basic things and have an hour to spare in 10 easy steps- Whola! You have a beautiful necklace to give your mother on her special day!

Need:

Fifty-four (54) inches of Ribbon (color of your liking)

Ten to twelve (10-12) inch Strand of Beads (glass, sterling silver, plastic, shell, pearl, etc.)

One (1) Sewing Needle

Thirty Four (34) inches of Wire or Fire Line

Scissors

Directions:

1. Measure from the top of the ribbon down twelve (12) inches and tie a knot.

2. Just below the knot pull knotted wire or fire line through ribbon with needle.

3. String your bead down to the base of the ribbon.

4. Ripple the ribbon out one (1) inch and put needle through ribbon.

5. Add another bead to the base of the ribbon.

6. Repeat steps four (4) and five (5) twenty-nine (29) times. (Or to your liking)

7. When desired length has been accomplished tie off your wire or fire line.

8. Knot off your ribbon just above last bead.

9. Count out twelve (12) inches from knot and cut.

10. Cauterize the edges of the ribbon so they won't fray.

There you go! You have a beautiful necklace for mom! And since this necklace ties in a bow, she can adjust the length depending on what she's wearing. Enjoy!

If you would like to purchase one of these pretty ribbon necklaces contact me at info@CovenantGemstones.com. Prices range from $12-$25.

J. Kelley's Hand-made Favorites

2009-05-09T03:21:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the pieces that I've made over the years. Predominately in these photos you'll see chainmaille weaves, basic soldering and strung pieces. Keep checking back. I'll post additional photos as I get them. Would love your feed back. Let me know what you think! If you would like to purchase any of these pieces contact me at info@CovenantGemstones.com for availability!

These photographs were taken by the accomplished Leigh Ann Hasley. For more information or to view more of her work check out: http://www.stillmomentsbyleighann.com/

So, what do I look for in a pearl?!

2009-05-09T02:25:00.000-07:00

The primary thing to remember when choosing pearls are that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” as your decision will depend on individual taste. These "Five-Virtues” will assist you in selecting your ideal pearl.

Luster
Luster describes the beauty you see as light travels through the nacre of the pearl. Luster is not to be confused with surface shine, which makes the pearl look iridescent. Luster comes from deep within the nacre, much as light filters from the depth of the clear blue sea.

Size
Pearls vary in size depending on whether they are fresh water, salt water, natural or cultured pearls. The larger the pearl generally dictates the higher prized they become by connoisseurs.

Complexion
Pearls may have surface characteristics which may or may not take away from the pearls’ beauty, as well as value depending on the quality, depth, or visibility or the blemishes. Pearls are graded into Four (4) complexion categories:

~Statement~ Exceptional-quality pearls. When set in jewelry or strung in a strand, the face of the pearl is effectively spotless and the nacre is virtually free of movement. These pearls have exquisite deep luster with the finest quality nacre.

~Fine~ Premium-quality pearls. When set in jewelry or strung in a strand, the face of the pearl appears spotless and the nacre of the pearl appears free of movement. On close inspection, however, very slight imperfections in the surface and/or movement in the nacre may be seen. The pearls are usually set in a way that makes the skin appear clean. These pearls have beautiful luster and very fine quality nacre.

~Fashion~ High-quality pearls. From a normal social viewing distance the face of the pearl may appear clean and the nacre of the pearl may appear free of movement. Upon closer inspection the pearls have imperfections in the surface and slight movement in the nacre. These pearls have beautiful luster and very fine quality nacre.

~Foundation~ Good-Quality pearls. From a normal social viewing distance the face of the pearl has visible spots and the nacre of the pearl may have noticeable movement. These pearls have good luster and fine quality nacre.

Shape
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this is certainly the case when it comes to pearl shapes. Due to the thickness of their nacre, pearls are found in an interesting variety of shapes. The shape of a pearl does not necessarily affect its quality. Here are five (5) basic examples: Round, Oval, Circle, Full Button and Baroque.

Color
The most popular color is white or white with slight overtones to a creamy color. The overtone colors of the pearl are the natural colors of the shell and cover the full spectrum of the rainbow including pink to a peachy tone. South Sea pearls are generally in the white variety. Tahitian pearls are most commonly known to be silvery-gray to black with a purple overtone. Pearls can also be enhanced by any artificial means and while generally inexpensive can be very pretty.

Would you like to purchase pearls? Contact me at info@CovenantGemstones.com

Care of Pearls

2009-05-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

Like any precious piece of jewelry, your pearls will require some care to preserve their freshness & beauty. From time to time clean your pearls gently with a cloth dipped in alcohol diluted with warm water, or in mild soapy water. Then rinse the cloth in fresh water & wipe the pearls clean. This process will remove natural oils and dirt that your pearls pick up while wearing them. The following tips will help you keep your pearls looking their lustrous best for days to come. Enjoy!

~ Wait to wear pearls when applying makeup, perfume, & hairspray.
~ Tip No. 1 is key because some chemicals may harm jewelry.
~ Don’t allow pearls to rub against harder gems.
~ Before putting pieces away, wipe the pearl jewelry softly with a clean cloth.
~ Store pearl jewelry in a soft cloth & protected from abrasive objects.
~ Strands will need restringing depending on how often they are worn.

For more information about pearl care consult me at info@CovenantGemstones.com.