I enjoy making intricate and complex pieces, but I also like to let the stones I use speak to me -- in a figurative way of course. :) The radiance of this 22 carat clear quartz crystal stone was hard to capture. It is just dazzling. It is also so pure and clear that I named it Clarity.

When I created the bail, I had intended to add all sorts of beautiful gems and pearls around it, but for some reason I just couldn't. The pendant sat on my workbench for at least two weeks while I thought of all the things I could do to adorn it. A few days ago I picked it up again just like I had many times before and then it occurred to me that it was already done. Pure, simple, elegant. It needed nothing more except a necklace to hold it.

Here is the description: It is said that quartz crystal is the stone of clarity -- dispelling the chaos and negativity that inhibits creativity, inspiration and insight. Having clarity means seeing past tumult and noise to the simple truth of things.

I created a simple and elegant pendant with a sparkling 22 carat crystal clear faceted rock quartz briolette. The metal work is hand forged from fine silver and then wrapped with sterling silver. The pendant is suspended from a fine double chain of sterling silver that is finished with a small clear quartz dangle.

The pendant measures just shy of 1 1/2 inches long and the necklace is adjustable from 18-20 inches.

As always, it can be found in my Etsy shop: joslinjewels.etsy.com

I've been reading The Beading Gem's Journal for quite a while now. If you haven't seen it you really should check it out. Beading Gem's features a wide variety of jewelry artists, tips, and techniques.

This week, Beading Gem's featured two of my necklaces in a post about Plaincraft, where I've been submitting my jewelry for public critique. It's a great way to get free exposure and feedback. I am proud to say that at the time the article was published, the two necklaces featured by Beading Gem's Journal were in Plaincraft's top ten.

In addition, Plaincraft is very active on Twitter. It's not immediate, but every time you submit a new item, Plaincraft sends a tweet with the link to your item to it's 1000+ followers.

Why not give it a try?

This week's Creative Wire Jewelry Year of Jewelry Challenge theme is Monet. I had a hard time choosing between Monet's Water Lilies or Haystacks. I chose the former, for this piece, but I am now inspired to do a Haystacks piece.

I used fine and sterling silver, peridot, freshwater pearls and a 4.5 carat swiss blue topaz briolette. The pendant hangs from a double sterling silver chain adorned with another peridot/pearl combo drop on the end. I kind of thought the little pearls looked like water lilies resting on thier pads. My husband thinks that's a bit of a stretch. :)

This is the piece I'm donating for a fundraising auction.

[cross posted at joslinjewels.blogspot.com]