My Favourite Necklaces

I have decided to try (and the photos below will show I might have failed!) to photograph my jewellery projects better.  To that end, I have actually used a camera, not my phone to take photos!  I haven't got a fancy pants camera, it is an Olympus VR 310 and the main reasons behind it's purchase were; my old camera had died, I could get it with my Tesco Clubcard points and not pay extra and it is a pleasing pinky purple colour.

I tend to use my phone because I get cross with my camera. It has now become apparent that is because I have had it accidentally set up for sports photography for the last few months :)

I also bought a book called "The Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos". It claims to be foolproof and was very helpful, but clearly I need to practice much more.

As my next lot of projects haven't arrived yet and someone asked me the other day what my "style" was I decided to pick some of my own favourite necklaces and explain why I like them so much. So here goes:


                                                                  Star Necklace 

This is a favourite because it is simple and reminds me of an ex boyfriend who called me an irregular star. :) I wear this when I want bling but nothing over complicated.  I got it as a treat to myself one night when I was very fed up.  It wasn't expensive, I think I got it from Amazon. 

Flower Bowl Necklace

 This was made by the lady who taught me when I did a jewellery making night class a few years back.  I made my, now, husband's wedding ring as my final project. I love the shape of it and the colour of the enamel work. You can see more of her excellent work at her website.

Red Swirly Necklace 

This was a gift from a dear, dear friend who is one of the nicest people I know.  No idea where it is from, but I love it and have had it years. It goes with loads of stuff, things you wouldn't think of  particularly big maxi dresses and tops in contrasting colours. Also it's really good for playing with when I am concentrating on complicated things :)

Purple Leather Flower Necklace

I always get lots of compliments for this one which is nice as I made it myself! It was a kit I got from Yum Yum Beads in Leeds. They do some lovely things in there and I have spent many happy half hours mooching through their beads and accessories.  They have a really good website too. 

Christmas Cracker Necklace

When I bought this I have never felt less like a Christmas Cracker. I was struggling through the most horrible, miserable pregnancy. But there was one bright spot on the horizon, the staff Christmas party. I was determined to go. OK I couldn't drink, OK I had to wear a maternity dress and flat shoes, but I was bloody going! Who knew when I would EVER go out again?  I had a lovely time and even danced. I got home at midnight and paid for it by being sick and exhausted for the next few days but I had a great time and I think part of that was due to my cool Tatty Devine necklace.

Pink and grey beads

I don't really do pearls. I like the idea but I look like I stole them from my Nan. So this is my alternative for when I want to go a bit Mad Men. I have a 50's style prom dress I have worn them with. They also look great with a grey lace mini dress that I have.  But the best thing about them is that they were £1 from the vintage market in Huddersfield. 

Winged necklace

I have yet to wear this out of the house but I can't wait to! I fell in love with it the first time I saw it in a shop window in the little town I live in. I walk past the shop every week as I collect my baby son's medicine and milk. After several weeks, I finally went in and bought it. It's a BIG statement, like something a Greek goddess or a Valkyrie would wear but I adore it. In these post baby blue months I have had no occasion or inclination to make a statement or draw too much attention to myself, mostly I have wanted to hide. But things are getting better, slowly. I think I might fancy a bit of a flight in a few months time :)

Taj Mahal Jewellery Box

This isn't a necklace but it is where some of these necklaces live. It was a gift from my husband.  He travelled to India with work and visited the Taj Mahal. It is made from the the same sort of marble and inlaid with the same stones as used in the decoration of the Taj Mahal. The craftsmen who make them are in many cases direct descendants of the men who decorated the the monument itself. I think it is really cool and a good place for some of my favourite things to be stored.