My own Tahitians

[KarinK]

I finally finished with my own Tahitian pieces, made from the pearls I didn't use for the niece's present. I love them and they are more versatile than I thought. Here we go:

Earrings:
I got solid 18K hooks with a tiny emerald, 18K headpins and 4 mm. beads that are coverd by a layer of 22K. Sarah from Kojima Pearls saw a picture of the beads when I had bought them and warned me that the wax inside can melt if left in the sun. I have not been able to reproduce it, though (hopefully never will!).

The necklace looks quiet normal from the front but I have played a bit with the closure as I wanted it to be able to go from 16'' to 18''. Some might recognize the silver/platinum/diamond link. The rest of the pieces are a bit of silver chain (oxidizing it with egg yoke gave it a yellowish tint that goes well with the gold), two more of 22K beads and a vermeil hook from Nina Design. This, by the way, is the only vermeil item that I have not stripped of the gold in a week. Love the design too...

And finally the bracelet - with the same vermeil hook as the necklace, two 22K beads and also two bezel set links I also found on Etsy, one with a peridot and one with an amethyst. The extra features add to the fun and it also saves a few pearls so I have ended up with 5 to spare (plus the things I made for the niece) - very good value!

- Karin

 

[pattye]

Hi Karin,

The pearls are gorgeous on you, and you've done a most creative finish on the pieces! Love the earrings, too! Appreciate you modeling them also, so we didn't have to beg! Looking forward to meeting you this summer in Portland!

 

[Caitlin]

Thanks
I love the creative designs and beauty of the pieces. I take delight when people make their own pieces! Congratulations on a job well done!

 

[KarinK]

Looking forward to meeting you this summer in Portland!

And that is so close now! We fly out a week from Sunday. I am already going to pieces - I don't do well with other peoples deadlines And as we are exchanging the house I need to make it look sharp.

- Karin

 

[Ash]

Karin,

Those pieces are stunning! They look fabulous on you. Hope you have lots of fun on your trip and hanging with Pattye!

Cheers

Ash

 

[KarinK]

Thank you Ash and Caitlin!

Pattye - apart from loving whimsical and non-traditional finishings, it also saves a few pearls

- Karin

 

[coco1]

Your designs are gorgeous and you wear them beautifully.

 

[kojimapearl]

Hi Karin, Sorry for the delay in responding to this.. I just finished three shows in June and am now breathing sighs of relief in the studio again! I really adore the way you finished this necklace, with the chain and mix of metals. You did an amazing job... your careful planning is apparent and the fact that you made all of these pieces from one 32" rope of baroque Tahitian pearls is a true inspiration to all beaders (lowly and otherwise)! Cheers and keep up the great work. Fondly, Sarah

 

[juliebeth]

ok this is a super-late reply, but i only just now saw this thread - karin, amazing set!!! love the details, and of course the pearls are to DIE for!

 

[GemGeek]

Love the clasp in front! Gorgeous pearls.

 

[KarinK]

It's fun to see this thread revived These pearls were the ones I bought just before I recieved Kamoka pearls for my birthday that year. They looked good and colourful - right until the moment I put themnext to the Kamoka. Then they got demolished and went into the stash of beading pearls, which perhaps was a bit unkind to them. There was also no comparison in price.

Some of the elements were recycled in the Kamoka necklace and bracelet, though.

- Karin