Here are some examples of cuttlebone castings and an appliqued ring that use tube settings. Notice how the use of contrasting textures add more intrest to the pieces. How can we change a simple band ring into a more expressive piece? Do you like the stones placed in the center or off to one side? How about color changes? Are you drqwn to one or more colors in a piece?

More Hollow Beads

This is another creative example of hollow beads. The shapes are simple bi-shells that let the textures and patterns stand out. There are contrasting and similar shapes and diffenent sizes to keep our eyes engaged and add syncopation to the rhythms of the necklace.

Notice the unusual chain that is visually strong enough to work with these larger beads. I also like the seperation between the last two beads on the right hand side. It adds interest and make the chain an equal partner in the piece.

More Ideas

Here is a great set of beads that use simple hollow construction and less precious metals. The warmth of the metals adds to the interesting forms of the beads. Each has it's own size and shape but they all relate. Beads do not have to be round. These are good examples of organic forms. The satin finish cuts down on reflections and helps us appreciate the different forms.

Organic & Geometric

Here's a great example of the same basic element, clock hands used to creat to very different feeling pieces. The upper piece is the organic , nest like use of the hands. Everything going every which way! The bottom piece is a geometric shape created by turning the hands inward and setting up the strong readable edge that forms the elongated pear shape. It is not what you use to make your pieces it's how you use them and having a strong idea of what you wish to express.

Tonya found this set of stacking rings online. You never know what subjects will find it's way into contemporary jewelry. I like the detail and care in each piece and how they relate. No trouble telling which is the dominate feature. See you Monday.

This pin/pendant is a great example of shape, texture and the use of a natural stone detail. Look at the overall shape....the slightly larger bottom gives it visual stability. The slight asymmetry of the fame adds some force to the top and keeps the piece from being boring. The open spaces help lighten the piece visually and seperate the different elements. the texture of the brass could represent water, it also helps us appreciate the smooth high polish finish of the tree-like element.

Notice the line of texture along the bottom this gives more emphasis and weight to the ground and keeps the textured brass from standing alone. The high polish of the "tree/plant" element helps it stand out both for it's shape and it's surface. The artist has included the raw stone as an accent and to balance all the "designed" elements of the piece. I feel they really achieved a very successful piece of expressive jewelry. They included the elements of a Zen garden; earth ( the stone ), water, growth and sky. It is simple, expressive,three dimensional and personal. What more could we ask for in our jewelry.

More Stacks

Here is the last image I have, the one I mentioned that used different colored golds. The stacking rings are a good idea for summer jewelry as more air can circulate around the finger. To let the rings fall together if you are adding stones keep the settings on top of the bands so the other shanks can fit behind, unless you want the open spaces you could achieve by allowing the settings to work as spacers. Check out how these artists used both techniques.