Reverse Those Colors for a Fresh New Look!

Selecting colors can be one of the hardest tasks for a new jewelry designer. Try as we might, you guys never quite believe us when we say, "There is no wrong answer!" Truly, the best reason to learn the basics of color theory is to learn your favorite ways to break them. Once you do find a favorite color combination, here's a neat trick to keep you out of the dreaded rut -- whatever your instinct tells you to do, reverse the colors! It gives your pieces a fresh, exciting look and allows you to execute twice as many projects in your most beloved color scheme! Good friend and longtime client Fran Gilcrest-Piper loaned me two of her Sidewinder bracelets to help illustrate the concept. Fran used topaz seed beads and jet Swarovski crystals in the example at left, while she chose jet seed beads and topaz Swarovski crystals for the bracelet on the right.

Light interacts with different kinds of beads differently, and color placement can effect the look as well. These two pieces look very different, but use two of Frans favorite neutral colors in a rich, sophisticated way. Beautiful work, Fran!

New Swarovski Colors!

Swarovski has done it again! Their Spring/Summer 2010 Launch included two brilliant new crystal colors and a fantastic new crystal pearl shade to compliment their wide range of beautiful materials. "Fern Green" is a bright, sassy shade of green, reminiscent of fresh grass and summertime. It really fills a gap in the Swarovski line up, as a true Kelly green.

"Provence Lavender" is a crystal that is pale but not wimpy. This new addition to the purple range could easily have been called "Light Tanzanite," as the colors fit nicely together.

"Lavender Pearl" is exactly what it sounds like -- a match to our new Provence Lavender crystal in pearl form. The super cute earrings at left pair the new pearls with Vintaj natural brass findings.  We can't wait to see the amazing pieces you guys create utilize these gorgeous new shades!