FALL GEMSTONE PREVIEW at jQ jewelry designs

The Shades of Fall
jQ jewelry designs Fall 2010

Fall is on its way, and it's definitely my favorite season of the year!

Reminds me of Goldilocks and the Three Bears - "It's not too hot and it's not too cold ... it's juuuust right!" After the unusually high temps we've had in Atlanta this summer, it can't arrive too soon for me.

Grossular Garnet ... all the shades of Fall's changing leaves!


I went to a Gem and Bead Show this past weekend.  I hadn't actually planned to attend, but on a last minute whim, decided I felt like going after all ...  definitely the right decision!  The gemstones were particularly beautiful and the variety of high quality stones was the best I've seen outside of the Tucson Shows, on a much smaller scale, of course.

Mexican Fire Opal

In the world of Opals, Mexican Fire Opals are unique.  I got my hands on some especially beautiful strands with the full range of colors from white, to yellows, oranges and the cherry reds.  Plenty of warm glow and fiery play of color in these bright 7mm faceted beauties.  Reminded me of the showy colors of Fall leaves that the trees in my back yard will have in another month.

Rare Vintage Swarovski Crystal

Ahhh, vintage ... I just love vintage jewelry components! Ran across some really old, rare and collectible colors & effects, as well as shapes. If you see these fabulous crystals anywhere ... jump on them! You can get clues as to the age of Swarovski crystals from the packaging. It has changed several times over the years, both the inner and outer packages. For instance, the ones marked KS Swarovski are older than the DS Swarovski packages, but both indicate that the particular crystals are indeed old.  Some vintage may be found in packaging that says Swarovski, but these examples wouldn't be nearly as aged.

DS Swarovski packaging indicates Vintage status

Moss Aquamarine ... earthy and organic

I snapped up this unusually large, 8-9mm Moss Aquamarine.  It's the very best shade of blue/green/grey and is loaded with little mossy pebbles,  giving the stone a moss-like appearance.  These tiny inclusions are actually trace elements of iron.  This strand really knocked my eyes out!

Amazing sterling silver box clasps in Labradorite

A Silver vendor at this show had a huge selection of sterling box clasps.  Labradorite is one of my very favorite gemstones, and I splurged on some substantial single and double strand styles. These stones all show an exceptional amount of color play that I could almost see from clear across the room ;D   I chose two different shapes with green & gold coloring that blend beautifully with the Grossular Garnet.  I may be forced to keep one of those bracelet designs for myself!

Natural Peruvian Blue Opal in a Sky Blue ... colors as crisp as a Fall day

Platinum Grey Moonstone ... Silky Smooth w/ ethereal milky adularscense

High quality Tourmaline rhondelles

Spectacular slices of Bi-color Watermelon Tourmaline

Sometimes a gemstone is so amazing . . . there are just no Words!

All these gorgeous gemstones should be enough to get me started designing some exciting new jewelry for Fall ... well, enough for now!  New designs weekly available at jQ jewelry designs

Pantone Color of the Year for 2009

PANTONE® 14-0848 Mimosa, a warm, engaging yellow, as the color of the year for 2009. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.
"The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue.

Fall Fashion Trends 2007: Purple Passion

According to the 'fashion indie' Fall '07 Trend Report, for the fall season, purple ruled the runway. A color once relegated only to royalty , it made appearances at a number of shows including that of indie guru, Zac Posen. Looking great with shades of burgundy, gray and blacks, you won't have to look far this Fall to add this color to your wardrobe. From a simple pair of earrings to a full length ball gown, this color rules! Just don’t over do it on the purple power, the last thing you want is for some snarky, smart aleck to start calling you Barney!