Bejeweled: Beautiful Fashion Jewelry to Make and Wear Using Crystals, Beads, and Charms

by Claire Aristides

One of today's hottest and refreshingly inspirational jewelry designers, Claire Aristides, offers her expert knowledge in making fashion jewelry in this practical step-by-step guide. Packed with beautiful pieces to make and wear, Bejeweled offers a breathtaking range of classic and contemporary necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. These original, feminine jewelry creations have been selected from Claire's stunning designs---more than thirty unashamedly sexy, glamorous and totally wearable acessories for every chosen occasion. The handmade pieces featured will see you through all seasons and all from pairing a topaz pendant necklace with a fresh summer dress for a casual day out, to making a pair of sparkly chandelier earrings for a formal wedding outfit. Claire's personal passion for handmade excellence is echoed throughout the book in the simplicity of her jewelry, her love of mixing color and textures and her ability to choose the most alluring stones and materials; satin ribbon and suede make dramatic statements when teamed with crystals and wooden beads, while a topaz pendant mixes luxuriously with decorative gold adornments. Claire offers firsthand advice on getting started, how to approach the designs and choose from the vast array of beads and materials available. She then gives invaluable instruction on how to accomplish the how to make links and fastenings, string the different components onto a chain, and secure the finished pieces. Within the "Jewelry Collection" itself, thirty step-by-step projects demonstrate a variety of skills for all levels including technical concepts such as wiring, making components, dyeing metal and beads, and working with different materials such as semiprecious stones, shell and cord. The beginner to the advanced can progress through the collection, from making a vintage pearl bracelet with a gunmetal chain and a pair of tourmaline teardrop earrings, to a Swarovski crystal pendant or a tiger's-eye ring. These are treasures to make and wear with pride!

Genres: Jewellery Making, Crafts, Jewellery, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Anne]

I love, love, love the designs for the earrings in this one!!! The necklaces and bracelets were amazing as well and I was really excited! This is a wonderful book & I strongly recommend it, although perhaps not for beginners, as most of the designs use harder techniques and take quite some time to realize. I made some earrings shortly after reading this book, sort of using the example on p.88-89, and it turned out quite well, only I would strongly recommend using the sort of chain they use, and not a bigger size like I did, for it doesn't give the earrings the same appearance at all, and they seem too full..of chain, otherwise.

[Maliades]

Most jewelry books I've taken a look at feature the same dated projects over and over. This book features design elements with newer features such as large link chain, chunky beads and charms, mixed metals, and materials such as leather or ribbon. The designs are a mix of both classic and modern, making this a great book for everyone. Photos are simply beautiful and the step-by-step instructions (with photos) are easy to follow. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in jewelry-making & design -- if you are new to the craft, or an old pro, you are sure to find something in this book.

[Joan]

Kept checking this out at the library so I finally just bought my own. Lots of beautiful pictures and easy to follow directions and supply lists. You are able to follow the colors shown or change to suit your own preference.

[Charlie Moses]

Now THIS is a book you pick up and look through in search of new design ideas. I found it interesting, with beautifully photographed jewelry, and good information and instructions.