Springtime
Rising star
Springtime gems by Carolyn Comtois
An artful mix of gemstones reflects a pretty pastel palette Carolyn Comtois crafts gemstone jewelry that’s a lot like candy: sweet and irresistible. While she says bold, vibrant colors are her favorite to play with, we were taken with Carolyn’s talent for combining pastels and mixing a myriad of gems in one lovely design. – Kelsey Lawler Contact Carolyn via capgems2.etsy.com.
About me I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to the United States when I finished my education. I’ve been married to my husband for almost 25 years and became a stay-at-home mom when my daughter was born.
My jewelry-making start Around the time I got married, I worked as a merchandising assistant for a New York fashion showroom. I gained knowledge of the raw materials used to make garments and accessories. A few years after I “retired,” my sister gave me a bunch of gorgeous freshwater pearls — nice to look at, but I had no clue what to do with them. The Web was just starting to catch fire; there was no YouTube then. I had to scour the Internet for information, instructions, and methods for stringing beads. The result: Another beadaholic was born.
My inspiration I love the sounds and colors of nature and all it has to offer. I find beauty in the bark of an old tree, the different shades of green in an oak’s leaves, the vibrant hues of flowers in spring, and the iridescent shine of a dragonfly. I’m also a big fan of vintage designers and how they incorporate nature into their work. The colors, designs (from abstract to whimsical), and materials inspire me to 82
BEAD STYLE
| MARCH 2015
create jewelry pieces that are vintage inspired with a contemporary twist.
The draw of gemstones I kept in touch with my friends in the fashion industry, and they introduced me to the wonderful world of raw materials and gemstone showrooms in New York City’s Diamond District. The gemstones’ color and bling drew me in — I was hooked. I also believe in the power of untreated gemstones to heal and attract good fortune.
Creating a pastel palette When it comes to pastel gems for spring stringing, here are some of my favorites: opal, pink and green amethyst, rose and rutilated quartz, prehnite, aqua chalcedony, baby blue topaz, light citrine, turquoise, rainbow and peach moonstone, and Afghan tourmaline. To keep costs down, mix in freshwater pearls and Czech crystals. Also, some raw gemstones or smooth stones with an inner glow (like agate, jasper, and rock crystal) are more affordable.
Tips for beginners Do research on trends. Choose a technique that you enjoy. And most important of all, design every piece of your jewelry like it was meant for you. If you love it, then others will love it, too. ✳
Springtime gems by Carolyn Comtois
An artful mix of gemstones reflects a pretty pastel palette Carolyn Comtois crafts gemstone jewelry that’s a lot like candy: sweet and irresistible. While she says bold, vibrant colors are her favorite to play with, we were taken with Carolyn’s talent for combining pastels and mixing a myriad of gems in one lovely design. – Kelsey Lawler Contact Carolyn via capgems2.etsy.com.
About me I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to the United States when I finished my education. I’ve been married to my husband for almost 25 years and became a stay-at-home mom when my daughter was born.
My jewelry-making start Around the time I got married, I worked as a merchandising assistant for a New York fashion showroom. I gained knowledge of the raw materials used to make garments and accessories. A few years after I “retired,” my sister gave me a bunch of gorgeous freshwater pearls — nice to look at, but I had no clue what to do with them. The Web was just starting to catch fire; there was no YouTube then. I had to scour the Internet for information, instructions, and methods for stringing beads. The result: Another beadaholic was born.
My inspiration I love the sounds and colors of nature and all it has to offer. I find beauty in the bark of an old tree, the different shades of green in an oak’s leaves, the vibrant hues of flowers in spring, and the iridescent shine of a dragonfly. I’m also a big fan of vintage designers and how they incorporate nature into their work. The colors, designs (from abstract to whimsical), and materials inspire me to 82
BEAD STYLE
| MARCH 2015
create jewelry pieces that are vintage inspired with a contemporary twist.
The draw of gemstones I kept in touch with my friends in the fashion industry, and they introduced me to the wonderful world of raw materials and gemstone showrooms in New York City’s Diamond District. The gemstones’ color and bling drew me in — I was hooked. I also believe in the power of untreated gemstones to heal and attract good fortune.
Creating a pastel palette When it comes to pastel gems for spring stringing, here are some of my favorites: opal, pink and green amethyst, rose and rutilated quartz, prehnite, aqua chalcedony, baby blue topaz, light citrine, turquoise, rainbow and peach moonstone, and Afghan tourmaline. To keep costs down, mix in freshwater pearls and Czech crystals. Also, some raw gemstones or smooth stones with an inner glow (like agate, jasper, and rock crystal) are more affordable.
Tips for beginners Do research on trends. Choose a technique that you enjoy. And most important of all, design every piece of your jewelry like it was meant for you. If you love it, then others will love it, too. ✳
