Articles

Quality Gemstones I have always been very fussy about the quality of the gemstones and crystals I use in the jewellery I design for Charms Of Light®, and in the crystal carvings I sell.   When I purchase my gemstone beads, I get them in bulk so that I have enough to play and design with over a long period of time.  This means that stocks of some of my gemstone beads have lasted for years!   I get my gemstone carvings in bulk as well, to make sure there

I have been really drawn to hearts lately ...   ... in particularly, gemstone and crystal hearts ....  ... gemstone and crystal heart jewellery to be exact!   Maybe it's because I feel that more love needs to be shared in these troublesome times, or maybe it's because I feel the need for a little more self-love.  Either way, I've been busily creating and have added a Heart Jewellery range to the website.   Here are a few

Some time ago, I discovered some gorgeous hematite arrow gemstone beads.  I did make a couple of bracelets at the time, but for some reason these lovely arrow shaped beads got lost amongst the rest of my hematite collection.  I always get excited when I discover new unusually shaped gemstones in bead form, and rediscovering these hematite arrows was just as wonderful as it was the first time ...... actually, it was even better, because this time I already had them in my

I love working with beautiful gemstones and crystal beads.  I love creating healing jewellery for people and hearing how much they enjoy wearing them, and how they make them feel.  Sometimes though, I feel like people try to take advantage of my love for these things.  I know I'm not the only creative person who feels this way. Here is a simple gemstone beaded bracelet.   When someone tells you they can source crystals at a cheaper cost than the

So ..... I found one of hubby's cufflinks lying around the other day.  This example is made with a kind of elasticated cord with a knot at each end. Looking at it gave me an idea ..... I know that you can get many different versions of cufflinks, including some set in silver and/or gold, along with precious and semi-precious gemstones, but I'd never really thought about making them myself. Well that changed quickly! Some wonderful pyrite nuggets and a bit of sterling

For years now Charms Of Light has been known for Healing Gemstone Jewellery.  Let's face it, that is how I started out, with 8 beautiful gemstone pendants in sterling silver, reiki enhanced for that extra whoosh of healing energy. I've always been very happy creating with gemstones and combining them with Reiki energy, but do you know what?  Over the last few months I've been struggling with something.  Shock & horror - I also love creating jewellery

I've been playing with something new lately.  Well, it's new to me anyway, and I really have no idea why it took me quite so long..... Anyway, one of my loves - other than creating gemstone jewellery - is crocheting.  My mother taught me how to crochet when I was very young.  Over the years it has become like therapy to me.  I often use it to meditate - to simply "be" with the flow of the hook, as the stitches grow and create something

Last week I attempted something new, as a custom order for someone who wanted me to design a pendant for them, without telling them what it was.  I am so pleased with the way this Yin Yang pendant turned out.  I made it in copper wire with Rose Quartz & Black Tourmaline gemstones. The Yin Yang symbol has its roots in Taoism.  It means two halves that come together to complete wholeness.  The principle of Yin Yang is that all things exist as inseparable and

I was asked to create a rabbit pendant for a customer.  She wanted to include three particular gemstones - Black Tourmaline, Purple Fluorite, and Clear Quartz. It took me a while to draw out a rabbit shape that I was happy could be worn as a pendant, but once I worked it out, I measured out some sterling silver wire and shaped it to the rabbit design I had drawn on a piece of paper.  I didn't want to simply hang the gemstones from the bottom of the pendant, so I used them as