White and Black Beauty

White howlite nuggets with veins of dark charcoal and black marble beads create a beautiful contrast in this necklace. A custom silver wire wrapping links the black focal bead to the necklace. Silver, black, and white beads complete this beauty. Length: 19". Focal bead: 1-1/8" wide x 2" high. Clasp: Hammered silver square toggle.

Price: $55

Purple Passion I

Amethyst beads appear in three shapes and four sizes in this perfectly purple necklace. Accented with sterling silver beads and clasp, it's a sure way to way to make a statement about your passion for purple. The Purple Dangles earrings on the Earrings page would go well with this necklace. Length: 17-1/4". Clasp: Sterling silver toggle with heart-shaped amethyst.

purple passion II

Another option for someone who is passionate about purple, this necklace combines amethyst and rainbow fluorite with sterling silver accents. The 1-3/4" pendant includes a round amethyst and oval fluorite bezel set in sterling silver. The Purple Dangles earrings on the Earrings page would match this necklace beautifully. Length: 20" Fancy SS hook & eye clasp.

Price: $59

Blue Lace

Pale blue and white blue lace agate beads combine with a blue lace agate pendant set in a sterling silver bezel. Length: 19". Pendant: 1" wide x 1-1/2" tall. Clasp: Simple round sterling silver toggle.

Price: $90

Green Leaf

Both this necklace and the Spring Leaves necklace below were inspired by a springtime drive along a highway that was heavily forested on both sides. The many shades of green led me think about using different green beads in a necklace. The silver-colored oak leaf in the center came from a gallery in Asheville, NC. Length: 19" Sterling silver leaf toggle clasp.

Price: $60

silvery blue

Gorgeous deep blue-green lampwork beads are the focus of this necklace. The 1-3/4" center bead is highlighted with silvery swirls that catch the light. The lampwork bead colors are echoed in the azurite/malachite beads. Length: 17" Sterling silver hammered square hook & eye clasp.

Price: $155

Murano Meandering

Visiting the island of Murano near Venice, famous for its quality art glass, I went looking for glass beads to use for jewelry-making. In a small shop, a woman was assembling jewelry from beads made by her glass-blower husband. When I explained that I was a jewelry maker, she led me to the back room of the shop and offered a chance to buy beads, rather than the already completed jewelry pieces sold in the store. I picked out these light and dark purple beads. The center bead is almost four inches across and the others about one-inch wide. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind statement necklace that will attract attention -- and compliments. The glass beads are strung on silvery Greek leather, accented with sterling silver beads. Length: 20". Triangular sterling silver toggle clasp.

Price: $160