Seascape range of bracelets, necklaces and earring...
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The Landscape collection of handmade necklaces bra...
Exclusive handmade necklaces bracelets and earring...
Exclusive designs of handmade necklaces bracelets ...
Semi-precious stones hand-knotted onto silk.
The perfect gemstone jewellery for the perfect gif...
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Bead necklaces and bracelets
Pearl necklaces
Mul...
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About DiDi handmade jewellery
Since the dawn of time people have been fascinated by gemstones, formed in the earth over millions of years from the actions of fire, water and ice. And for just as long we have believed that they are imbued with mystic properties that we can tap into to improve our lives. Much blood has been spilled across the centuries over the precious rubies, diamonds and emeralds that are now adorning crowns across the globe and, thanks to clever marketing from De Beers, we firmly believe that diamonds signify eternity.
And we still love jewellery today. Not many of us can afford diamonds, sapphires or emeralds, but semi-precious stones have a charm and beauty of their own. Handmade jewellery enhances the innate beauty of the stones in ways that mass produced jewellery cannot. I love working with them and am beginning to believe that they really do hold qualities far beyond their obvious beauty.
There could be something in crystal theory – all gemstones belong to one of the main mineral groups, according to their chemical composition and, when worn next to the skin, the chemical properties of individual stones could have an affect on our mood. Who knows? Or maybe, if a stone is said, for example, to protect us from negative thinking, just believing it might make it so!
Each piece of gemstone jewellery I make is unique because the stones are unique. No two natural stones are exactly alike and they seem to hint at the very essence of our existence, linking us to the rocks and rivers, the mountains and mines they came from in ways that no man-made high street costume jewellery can.
I love working with semi-precious stones in my jewellery, designing and working by hand on jewellery that will bring out the best in both the beads and the wearer!
Most necklaces sizes are Princess length (17"-19") as I find this is the most flattering length , falling below the neck but above the bust. This length can be worn with shirts, v-necks and crew necks but probably a longer length is better with turtle-necks or polo-necks and I do make necklaces in opera length or longer.
If you like any of the pieces here but would prefer a longer or shorter length, or the same design but a different colour stone, or gold instead of silver, I can of course make it specially for you.
I select the wires or beading threads most suited to the design, in a variety of thicknesses, according to the size of the semi-precious stone. The wires I use are micro-strands of copper or stainless steel all bound together with nylon, for maximum strength and flexibility. I use pure silk cord for knotting pearls.
And for your own treasured jewellery, I also provide a restringing service, again at a price that cannot be matched by high street jewellers.
A little bit about me:
A natural magpie, I have always been attracted to beautiful coloured materials, from the embroidery silks I used as girl when embroidering the patterns that came free with my Grandma's woman's magazine to the sari silks I used to make up clothing in my hippy days and the wools I used to crochet berets, jackets and baby blankets.
My crafting took a rest as I pursued my career, first in the music biz (then a rock chick, now a rock chick of a different kind!) then in market research. Heading a busy department by day, I needed to destress and took up gardening where I reconnected with my love of colour where, when it was too cold or wet to work in the garden, I pored over seed catalogues and plant books in much the same way I study books on mineralogy now, then drawing and painting planting schemes, now working on new jewellery designs.
Our move to Suffolk some years ago led directly to my creativity taking a new direction into the world of semi-precious stones and making jewellery. The coasts and countryside here are truly inspirational and while cleverer people than me can create wonderful paintings and embroideries, I find immense satisfaction in interpreting the world around me through the crystals and gemstones our blessed earth provides.
