Welcome to Thursday Coffee Hour. This is an open topic thread so help yourself to the goodies and sit a spell and let us know what is new with you. The first jewelry came out of Africa. The early Cro-Magnon man had crude necklaces of bones and stones hung on animal sinew. Jewelry is found in every civilization. Around 5,000 bronze jewelry was starting to be made around Mesopotamia. Their jewelry featured metal sheets and lots of brightly colored stones. Egyptians used gold a lot in their jewelry. They also used a lot of colored glass. The Greeks started using precious stones in their jewelry.
With the availability of precious metals and gems increasing the 17th century rulers such as Napoleon draped their wives and mistresses with jewelry. The 18th century was marked by a fascination with archaeology and the ancient jewelry and gemstones. Cartier and Tiffany started during this era. Art Nouveau and Art Deco followed.
In China the metal of choice was silver. Jade was one of the most prized gems to use in jewelry. India has a long and varied history of jewelry.
Jewelry making developed in the Americas around 5,000 years ago. Many pieces were in gold with inlays of turquoise, mother of pearl, spondylus shell, and amethysts. Silver and turquoise is another popular combination with Native Americans.
I got into making jewelry many years ago when I first got my ears pierced and was having problems finding earrings I liked. I started making necklaces and bracelets about ten years ago. When my Mom died I inherited her jewelry box. I took some of the pins that had the backs broken off and turned them into necklaces for the females of the family. I became fascinated by Steampunk a few months ago and I now have several necklaces in that style.
Here are some of the things that Pixie and I have created lately. She is my "helper."
This is one I made from Mom's pin.
I made this Chinese Steampunk necklace for me.
The following are for sale. You can find
my jewelry for sale here.
Be My Valentine
Delicate Beauty
Irish Steampunk
My Eyes Adored You
Pat named after my Mom who loved these colors.
Peacock
Steampunk Prisoner inspired by the show The Prisoner starring Patrick McGoohan.
Steampunk Under the Seas