Southwest Gone Shimmering

A twist of the old Southwest in shimmering delights with tons of faceted crystals! This design is a favorite among many and I’ve just gotten a few back into the shop. Here I feature a beautiful blue turquoise donut with light tan veins running throughout the stone. I’ve accented it by hand twisting brass non-tarnish wire around and then into a bail.

There are tons of hand twisted charms all in faceted crystals and stationed between are lovely lampwork beads in complimenting colors. Everything is loose on the silk cord so you could gently twist the charms around to feature more or less of certain colors if you wanted – this is different in style, the last few I did on cords were held stationary so that nothing moved, I decided to do something different this time.


Browse our collections of fine artisan crafted jewelry at our online shop! Never know what you might find in natural stones, crystals, millions year old fossils and dichroic glass.

A Heat Treatment of Turquoise

When you think of turquoise visions of the southwest and indian designs come to mind; the beautiful colors range from the robin eggs blue, sky blue, deep shades of blue to lime green and deep shades of green, all with matrix veining of black to brown and in-between. Turquoise is too soft by nature and must be stabilized or treated to keep that beauty. Another problem of untreated turquoise is that the color and sheen fade over time. Though initially, the natural stone may be a brilliant sky blue or blue-green, colors will fade to duller greens or blues eventually.

One of the processes is called heating to achieve the more desirable colors; though this does not change the character of the stone and it is usually considered an acceptable standard process in the lapidary and jewelry industry.

These turquoise stones have been heat treated to achieve the brown color from deep to medium and bring out the matrix veining. Each design has been created with a different flavor…..

First, a twist of traditional turquoise, Arizona ivoryite and a splash of Swarovski faceted rondelle blush crystals and a focal pendant in Brazilian Oco; hand wire wrapped in non-tarnish rose colored wire.

Second, a more traditional turquoise design with southwestern lampwork beads, Swarovski faceted bicone turquoise crystals and faceted rectangular yellow citrine stones.

Different designs but still using the natural stone of turquoise that has been heat treated; in this case to bring out a natural soft brown color.

Browse our collections of artisan crafted jewelry featuring unique stones, minerals and fossils!

Twisted Spiny Oyster & Turquoise

This new design is off-center and gives a dramatic non-symmetrical look. The base focal has been done off-center and you could wear it either direction and consisting of spiny oyster chips. The base of the necklace is Chinese turquoise (stabilized) heishi in a raw cut and then for textures a smattering of wavy silver disks and matching earrings.

Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

Browse our online shop to purchase your uniquely custom designed wearable earth jewelry!

Multi Colored Turquoise

Capturing the beauty within the Southwest, graduated all natural Chinese Turquoise in an array of exploding colors blue, green, rust, olive and black then accented with pewter spacers and toggle. This is a stunner for summer and fall or any time of year with jeans and a t-shirt or that little black dress; designed by Gayle. Look for this design and several others in our collections.

Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

Turquoise Hot Color 2010

Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing. Pantone, a company that supplies and tracks color for fashion, home décor and many other industries, named Turquoise as the hottest color for 2010.

“Leatice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says there is no runner-up to turquoise in her mind because people crave escapism and freshness after a tough year. The shade is on the cusp of blue and green, which makes it both inviting and serene, characteristics associated with blues, and invigorating and luminous, which comes from green, she states.

"Transporting" was a word many used for turquoise, a shade that takes designer Tommy Hilfiger to the beach, especially the Caribbean, St. Tropez, France, or Southern California, which served as the inspiration for his newest collection. In jewelry, he thinks of the American Southwest, or Central or South America. The women in my life wear it on vacation and it looks great with a suntan at the beach," Hilfiger says.

Interior designer Charlotte Moss says she turns to turquoise to liven up a look that otherwise seems stilted or conservative — and it pairs nicely with a wide range of colors more typical to home decor: gray, navy, black and white. "We're looking for things that are that are flexible and more universal, and that is turquoise," she says.

“Pantone's color for 2009 was mimosa yellow, intended to carry a hopeful, optimistic message. Eiseman says the public is shifting gears as the economy shows some improvement: They are ready to fantasize a bit about the beach resort. In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color and is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many - taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy."

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

In fashion, Turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, Turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men.

Visit our Southwest Flair collection to purchase custom designs in Turquoise.

*Resources Tamapbay Fashion Features and Pantone Color Institute.

A Little Southwest Sassy

This sassy little number is classic Southwest style; custom handcrafted using Turquoise square nuggets end capped with twisted pewter, Coral in both tube and flat rondelle shapes and accented with just a hint of Ivoryite. The piece was just a little short, so as something a little different; I added 2” extenders to both sides, making this necklace wearable at either a short or medium length.

Check it out for purchase along with a few others in our Southwest Flair collection!

Spring in Turquoise Yellow Jade

This set is an early peek at the Spring line…….American mined Turquoise in really great shades of blue that has just a bit of rough in places, then mixed in a few Citrine chips and stunning faceted yellow Jade stones that all come together with the teal Brazilian Agate slice; also accented in non-tarnish brass wire.

This and many other custom crafted jewelry pieces are available for purchase on the website.

Starting Out the New Year

Just a couple of new pieces to share, we’ll be adding more and more through-out the coming weeks. And quite a bit more after our coming trip to Tucson! So bookmark the blog and website to keep up with the new custom stone wire jewelry design to add to your collection.




Kingman Turquoise petals Ivoryite Golden Yellow Opal Pendant (Sold - to the right)








(to the left)Stromatolite Fossil Pendant Melon Shell Crystals Sandy Jasper Set

These and many other custom design pieces are available for purchase on the website.

Our Best Year in Turquoise

Working with Turquoise is one of my favorite stones, the verisitly it has and the many different looks that can be designed; casual, dressy, and classy; Turquoise sets a trend no matter how you look at it and will always be a staple in any collection. Since I do a lot of designs in Turquoise, this was a hard collection to narrow down, they are all so beautiful!

(To the left) Turquoise and Amber



Turquoise Landscape Jasper Onyx (To the right)

Turquoise Onyx Dichroic Pendant (To the right)

Turquoise Landscape Jasper PendantWired Brass (To the left)

Pearls Among Turquoise

Turquoise is one of nature’s beauties; you see it traditionally mixed as a Southwest design and among a few more contemporary looks; which shows just how versatile turquoise really can be. This new design from the studio is a mix of shapes in all blue Turquoise with matrix of brown and black; highlighted by small light gold glass seedbeads and in the center strands, three freshwater cultured pearl drops. The dangle earrings are just a small compliment to the piece as the three strands really stand out.

Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.
Pearl: Purity, faith, charity, innocence, integrity, focus, wisdom, spirituality, sincerity, fertility.

Visit the website to purchase this and many other designs in nature’s beauty.

Turquoise Barreled

There is lots of Turquoise in this necklace set; the matrix of this China Turquoise (stabilized) is grand! Containing all shades of black, brown, blue, green, beige, rust, white, cream and many others, the barrels are a perfect match to the matted beige seedbeads; all three layers are coordinated with long dangle earrings in the same stones.

Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

Browse and purchase many unique natural stone jewelry designs from our website.

Venture into Southwest Designs

I do a lot of Turquoise mix designs; as fast as I can make them they find new homes. Turquoise is a favorite among many people and can go with just about anything from jeans, t-shirts, to dresses, and look casual to dressy.

From the mines of Arizona comes this lovely southwest style necklace. Arizona Turquoise nuggets that have mixes of browns, rusts, blues and greens; accented with copper, dark Topaz crystals, and Onyx; hanging from this Southwest splendor is a one-of-kind dichroic glass pendant pulling some of the same color combinations from the Turquoise. Wear it short or really short with the cooper chain and complete the look with a pair of dangle earrings in the same stones.

Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

This and many other natural gemstone jewelry designs can be seen and purchased from our website.

Turquoise & Arrowhead

Rooted in Texas this naturally carved arrowhead in a nice shade of beige with hints of dark shadows has been hand wired with natural copper. Highlighted with Turquoise cut in rounds, barrels and tubes and the dangle earrings from copper ear-hooks are double dangles in the same Turquoise gemstone beads, with a copper spacer. As with most of my pendant pieces, this one too I’ve made the bail a little larger so you may remove – wear the necklace without the pendant for an all Turquoise natural look or with the pendant to add that hint of Old West.




Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity



Pendant provided by Panther Creek Minerals of San Antonio, Texas.

Browse and purchase many natural gemstone jewelry designs at our website!

Little Old West Style

I found this beautiful Turquoise cross and highlighted it by using Calcilica gemstones, antique silver spacers and Smoky Topaz Swarovski crystals. I really like how the Turquoise brings out the light blue colors in the Calcilica and gives it an ‘old west style’ look with the marbling of brown, rust and cream. I’ve added a touch of silver in spacers and done the dangle earrings in the same stones. Wear it short or long with the extender.

Casual, Classic, Bold, Exotic...we've got many styles to chose from in all natural gemstone jewelry.

Mix Turquoise & Amber

I bought this Amber in Tucson to go with a dichroic pendant; though I really liked the dark Amber with the dichroic, it just wasn’t ‘hitting me’. So, I dug into the stones and came up with this little gem…..


This Southwest beauty is a wild mix of Baltic Amber chips light to dark cognac hidden among Chinese Turquoise disks and gold accent spacers. All highlighted by a matching wavy Turquoise pendant. Wear it short or a medium length with matching dangle earrings in Amber chip clusters and Turquoise disks.

Handcrafted Unique Gemstone Jewelry

Coral and Turquoise Jewelry

It doesn't matter whether you're faired skinned, olive toned or have a rich creamy complexion, coral and turquoise jewelry looks great on most anyone. This summer, mix warm and cool colors together for a chic and fashionable look that any fashionista will appreciate.
For a casual boho chic style, pair lightweight summer sundresses with brightly colored beaded necklaces and flat sandals. One affordable strand in coral and turquoise is versatile enough to be worn with other items in your closet as well. For example, take a classic white button down shirt and add a pop of color with a great beaded necklace. Or, grab your favorite LBD and add fun pieces in eye-catching hues.

For nights out on the town, rev it up with gold metallic jewelry accented with turquoise and coral stones. A great bangle bracelet with a fun floral design can be the perfect ornamental piece to complete your look. You can wear the same bracelet to work any day of the week, with a sheath dress or airy blouse and tailored jeans.

If you're looking to add an everyday piece to your jewelry box, then consider just a splash of coral or turquoise in the form of a floral pendant or a bold cocktail ring. You can find some great pieces online that are fashion-forward and won't break the bank. Look for items that have fun details and unique designs.

So if you're looking for an easy way to reinvent an old favorite from your closet this summer, consider coral and turquoise jewelry, either worn alone, together, or with metallic pieces that create fashion-forward appeal in both warm or cool weather. Now, you won't have to wait to go on vacation to dress like it. You can bring the aura of tropical paradise to your look with fun colors that are reminiscent of happy days. So, what are you waiting for?

Necklaces | Earrings | Bracelets

Summer Southwest

Another beauty out of the Southwest for Summer…..the focal for this necklace are the pillow Terconite Turquoise gemstones accented with non-tarnish artistic silver wire and adding to the design are Chinese Turquoise tubes, Amethyst chips and orange and green Magnesite. A 2” extender has been added so the necklace can be worn a short or medium length; I’ve added dangle earrings in the same gemstones.

Get your hot, bold and unique Summer jewelry at Timeless Designs!

Turquoise & Silver

Here’s a Southwest beauty handcrafted from Turquoise nugget chip gemstones with a touch of copper glass square beads; highlighting a Chinese Turquoise pendant in silver. Dangle hoop earrings with matching stones complete the look.

Check out Timeless Designs for more Southwest designs in Turquoise, Coral and Magnesite.

Bold Favorites

These are favorites from the gemstone jewelry collection.

Lapis Lazuli Freshwater Pearls Kyanite w/Sterling Silver Set

Cherry Quartz Chocolate Jasper Silver Set

Turquoise Beige Glass Seed Beads Set

Dichroic Glass Pendant FW Pearls Butterscotch Quartz Set

See these and many other gemstone wired jewerly designs at Timeless Designs!