Naomi knows: Design options for druziesFour ideas using chain, metal findings, and seed beads
by Naomi Fujimoto
Published: November 4, 2011 Happy November!
We received so many great responses to our druzy giveaway on Facebook that I wanted to answer them here.
First up: What's a druzy? It's the coating of fine crystals within or on the surface of a rock. Some druzies are heat treated to play up the iridescence or color of the crystals.
"Druzy" is also spelled "drusy" or "druse." I found my strands at Bead Palace. If you check out their site, search "drusy" to see their selection.
So what can you do with druzies, you ask? I made a gold-chain bib (shown) for the October birthstone project. Step-by-step instructions are in the November 2011 issue, on newsstands now.
Here are a few other options to pair with these chunky beads.
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1. Brass.
Facebook friend Pam Cairy-Sewell mentioned two great metal options for the druzies: brass and copper.
If you use fine chain (3–4 mm links) for the necklace, the weight of the nuggets pulls the chain at dramatic angles. If you use larger chain (like this 16 mm antiqued brass chain), it will become a more prominent part of the design. Larger chain would also be a good option if you want to make a bracelet instead of a necklace.
You can add brass components, but these coffee-colored beads also have a sparkle that complements the druzy crystals. (Metal beads from Eclectica, 262.641.0910.)
Bonus points for Pam's gemstone ideas: She suggested quartz or moonstone; I especially love the peachy shimmer of moonstone. Sunstone is another option. Both stones have subtle orange and brown tones that won't overpower the other druzy shades.
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2. Copper.
With their orange tones, copper findings are also a natural pairing with the brown druzies. And copper looks nice with the blue pieces as well, whether they're aqua or more of a seafoam shade.
For a statement-y bracelet, wire wrap a few pieces to a copper cuff.
And for any project, consider draping pieces of scrap chain to play up the beads' texture.
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3. Silver.
The winner of our Facebook giveaway, Crissie Cain, received this strand of aqua blue druzies. The range of bright blues would look fresh with silver chain and findings. Gunmetal would also be pretty and might lend a more year-round look. (Then again, silver might be a bit summery, but there's always resort wear!)
With the strand I used, I couldn't quite get on board with silver. But for some reason I did like how the nuggets looked with slightly tarnished silver-plated chains — maybe because the tarnish warmed up the metal and made it seem less "crisp."
Crissie also asked about pairing druzies with pearls. Sure! How about large keshi or stick pearls — something with an organic shape that holds up to the ruggedness of the nuggets.
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4. Seed beads.
These light brown Charlottes would make a pretty and budget-friendly "chain." You could either stagger nuggets (as in the original necklace above), or string evenly-spaced dangles.
The simplest option? Multiple strands of seed beads with a single dangle (shown). You'd have plenty left over for a bracelet.
Also consider making a ring as a way to showcase a single stone. That's my goal for my upcoming New York trip: to learn to wire a ring with an oversized gemstone.
Thanks for reading. As always, please continue to send me your questions about techniques,
design, and other jewelry-related topics. You can reach me at nfujimoto
AT beadstylemag DOT com.
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