BEADING Articles 4 min read

Sparkling Jewelry for Going Out or Going Zoom

Swarovski crystals courtesy of Getty Images.
Join us at Maker Festivals Colorado, the ultimate crafting extravaganza in Loveland from April 10-13, 2024, where the beloved Yarn Fest evolves with an exciting addition of beads and jewelry artists!

Like many artists, my fashion sense wouldn’t exactly be described as a classic, conservative look, but I do my best to at least look “put together” when I leave home for work, church, or other public gatherings. Though I’m not one with an instinct for classic style, I find that there’s something elegant about my coworkers, friends, or even celebrities whose style choice tends to lean toward timeless pieces. On the other hand, I don’t really dress over-the-top, either, though I do recall a particular high-tea birthday celebration for my daughter, when her two grandmas and I went all out with bold hats, bright scarves, and extravagant jewelry.

ABOVE: Swarovski crystals courtesy of Getty Images.

I do love sparkle when it comes to jewelry, shoes, and handbags. One of my favorite accessories is a beaded coin purse in the shape of an oversized ladybug that I picked up at a boutique thirty-some years ago. And don’t ask my husband about the random glitter he finds in obscure places around the house—when it comes to crafting, there’s no such thing as adding too much sparkle!

Beadwork December20/January21 celebrates sparkle and glamour. There is so much eye candy that my right-brained self doesn’t know where to start, so I’ve selected eight lustrous projects that will add a touch of elegance and radiance to any outfit this holiday season.

Sue Neel’s Galactic Pearls necklace from Beadwork December20/January21.
Sue Neel’s Galactic Pearls necklace from Beadwork December20/January21.

Classic Meets Modern

Let’s start with Sue Neel’s Galactic Pearls necklace. Sue uses circular brick stitch to form gray and white seed bead halos around gorgeous black and dark grey Swarovski crystal pearls. What I like about this piece is the subtle texture that’s derived from the repetitive circular pattern all the way around to the back of the necklace, resulting in a modern take on the classic pearl necklace. I picture wearing this beauty with my white satin and tulle dress, silver heels, and an updo for a special occasion.

Moonstone & Pearls from the Fast & Fabulous collection in Beadwork December20/January21.
Moonstone & Pearls from the Fast & Fabulous collection in Beadwork December20/January21.

Fabulous Filigree

I adore the vintage feel of this Moonstone & Pearls necklace by Terry Ricioli. It reminds me of the Victorian era, when jewelers used cameos and embroidery-inspired filigree in their designs. Though it has the look of a bygone era, this layered necklace would dress up any sleek, modern A-line dress. I love how the delicate rows of moonstone draw your eye to the lacy focal of this feminine piece.

Esmeralda Beaded Bead variation by Ellie Hamlett from Beadwork December20/January21.
Esmeralda Beaded Bead variation by Ellie Hamlett from Beadwork December20/January21.

More Tassel Less Hassle

Ladder stitch, peyote stitch, and netting are used to form the stunning five-sided Esmerelda Beaded Bead by Ellie Hamlett. I can’t stop staring at the way the Kite beads are expertly fitted together with the SuperDuos and DiamonDuos in a petal-like formation. And any variety of tassel is a go-to component of mine when designing pieces to wear or to gift, so I just love how this artist combined two of her beaded beads atop a shimmery tassel of size 15° seed beads, resulting in a modern version of the beloved Roaring Twenties tassel necklace.

Bridge to Serenity by Leslie Rogalski from Beadwork December20/January21.
Bridge to Serenity by Leslie Rogalski from Beadwork December20/January21.

Jewelry Fit for a Queen

Let’s admire Leslie Rogalski’s Bridge to Serenity next. This luscious collar-style necklace, which uses over 140 Swarovski crystal pearls in a right-angle weave variation, seems to give a nod to pearl jewelry worn by royalty. Queen Elizabeth is known to wear pearls every day, and influence from a new generation of royals like Kate Middleton adds to their appeal. My favorite thing about this piece is the lovely texture formed by the cream-colored pearls and the seafoam green seed bead trim. I imagine meditatively rubbing my fingers across the rows of beads as it hangs around my neck.

Rain Goddess by Kim Leahy from Beadwork December20/January21. jewelry
Rain Goddess by Kim Leahy from Beadwork December20/January21.

Queens & Pharoahs

Jewelry played a big role in ancient Egypt, representing wealth and social status. While Kim Leahy’s Rain Goddess necklace draws inspiration from the geometric shapes of the Art Deco period, the design formed by the intricate embroidered sections and combination of shaped beads, plus the gold, green and red color palette, reminds me of Egyptian jewelry. Egyptian adornment was very colorful and included symbolic designs, and queens and pharaohs in particular wore jewelry made from precious metals, gems, and colored glass. Think about expanding your bead embroidery and weaving skills by trying your hand at this visually stunning pendant.

Arabian Nights by Nora Toth from Beadwork December20/January21. jewelry
Arabian Nights by Nora Toth from Beadwork December20/January21.

Shimmer & Shine

I’m positive that I’m not alone in thinking there’s no such thing as too much sparkle, and Nora Toth’s Arabian Nights bracelet is a prime example of such sparkly goodness. I’m drawn to the meticulous netted components, which capture a combination of Swarovski crystal rivolis, bicones, and pearls. For me, it’s a treasure hunt, closely inspecting each circular component to see what hidden gems I can find layered between rounds of seed beads. I’d love to make the turquoise and red version and pair it with my dark red velvet dress for a special holiday gathering.

Touch of Sparkle earrings by Carmelina Calabrese from Beadwork December20/January21. jewelry
Touch of Sparkle earrings by Carmelina Calabrese from Beadwork December20/January21.

Beautiful Bezels

I have a handful of friends who frequently admire my handmade jewelry, and I think these Touch of Sparkle earrings by Carmelina Calabrese would make the perfect gift to dress up their holiday outfits. What I love is that this project is beginner friendly, using circular netting and a right-angle weave variation to bezel around a favorite color of Swarovski crystal rivolis. For a little added sparkle, a Swarovski crystal drop pendant is added to the bottom of each one. These earrings are so easy to stitch that even a beginner can feel confident in tackling them in an afternoon.

Queen of Scots bracelet by Shaylynn Jameson from Beadwork December20/January21. jewelry
Queen of Scots bracelet by Shaylynn Jameson from Beadwork December20/January21.

Another beginner-friendly project is Shaylynn Jameson’s Queen of Scots bracelet. When beginning beaders ask me to suggest a project, I often lean toward those with shaped beads, as they can be easier to work with. Though it’s not complicated to make, the end result looks stunning, with the added picot border capped with Swarovski crystal bicones. I love all three color variations, giving beaders the option of a matte, more subdued look, or two options with lots of sparkle. This bracelet would dress up any holiday outfit, or would make a thoughtful gift for any of the fashionable friends on your list who love a little sparkle.

Make it Sparkle

Whether your taste in jewelry leans toward elegant or sparkly, or both, I’m confident that you’ll find a handful of projects in Beadwork December20/January21 to suit your taste. Whip up a pair of earrings or a bracelet in an afternoon, or settle in for a weekend (or more) of beading with one of the more intricate designs. Either way, you’ll end up with a stunning handmade piece of jewelry that will perfectly accent any holiday outfit.

I hope these designs inspire you to take time to do something you love and help you create an elegant, sparkling holiday.

Cheers,
Debbie Blair
Guest contributor & beading enthusiast

  • Sale!

    Fast & Fabulous Lovely Layers Pattern Pack December 20/January 21

    $9.99 $5.00

  • Beadwork DecJan 2021

    Beadwork December 2020/January 2021 Digital Edition

    $14.99

  • Sale!

    Fast & Fabulous Modern Romance Pattern Pack, Beadwork, June/July 2018

    $9.99 $5.00

  • Simply Sparkling Necklace Project Download

    $7.99

  • Sale!

    Fast & Fabulous Holiday Sparkle Pattern Pack, Beadwork, December 2017/January 2018

    $9.99 $5.00

Join the Conversation!

Choose the membership you’d like to join​

Bead & Jewelry

Annual Charter Membership ​

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

Interweave Knits

Annual Charter Membership ​

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects should be ​ ($2,000+ value)
  • 100 Member exclusive ​ should be ($800+ value)
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits

The membership you’d like to join​

Interweave Knits

Annual Charter Membership ​

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects – Fresh for Each Season ($1,400 value)​
  • 100 Member Exclusive Projects ($500 value)​​​
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits

The membership you’d like to join​

Bead & Jewelry

Annual Charter Membership ​

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects – Fresh for Each Season ($2,000 value)​
  • 100 Member Exclusive Projects ($800+​ value)​​​
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits

The membership you’d like to join​

Interweave Knits

Annual Charter Membership ​

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects – Fresh for Each Season ($1,400 value)​
  • 100 Member Exclusive Projects ($500 value)​​​
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits