Jewelry Making

(Note: I originally wrote this review on Epinions.com but decided it’d probably be of more use over here, so I’ve moved it over.)

Summary: Very pretty pictures of beaded accessories but lacks full instructional technique.
Product Rating: 3.0/5
Pros: Beautiful photos, some great design ideas
Cons: Too short. Illustrations sloppy, instructions a bit vague

The Bottom Line
Unless you’re already experienced in making these designs or just looking for ideas rather than a start-to-finish project blueprint, you’re better off buying a few of the latest beading magazines.

Description
Antique Style Bead Accessories is written by bead shop owner and jewelry artist Matsuko Sawanobori. I didn’t look up further info on her, but in the “About the author” section in back of the book it says she’s been involved with jewelry design for near 15 years and has had her work featured both in television and magazines. So she probably knows a thing or two about making jewelry.

Continue reading “Antique Style Bead Accessories” …

We recently tried ordering a few things from Pearlwear.com (I keep typing PearlWARE by accident… or maybe Perlware for you fellow geeks!).

Like the name implies, they specialize in freshwater cultured pearls but have a good selection of other precious stones as well. To keep prices low they import pearls and other gemstones direct from the Asiatic market. One thing they had that we have had a harder time tracking down at other places are both pear shaped faceted gemstones and heart shaped gemstones. These shapes are more “round” than the more standard elongated briolettes.

Continue reading “Pearlwear Wholesale Pearls” …

Rings & Things annual Bead Show Tour schedule has started up! It kicked off in Tucson, AZ with the big Gem and Lapidary Wholesalers show. In the Southern California area, the following two shows are coming up:

Continue reading “Rings & Things Bead Shows” …

Resident guide Tammy Powley from the Jewelry Making About.com posted some really good tips about what to keep in mind when selling your jewelry in shops and boutiques.

Continue reading “Selling Jewelry Dos and Don’ts” …