Show and Tell: Oriental Treasure

Been MIA the whole weekend! If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, then you probably know why. But I'll tell you anyway tomorrow. Just fixing some photos for that entry. :D

Anyhoo, I was planning to do this little show and tell last week. But I didn't have the time. Let's take a closer look at Oriental Treasure shall we? My multi layered pearl necklace. :)

This particular design is close to my heart because this was the very first jewelry piece I have ever made. And it was also this piece that led me to create djaDesigns.

It's my shop's second year anniversary this May and I thought what better way to celebrate this than to create the necklace which started it all!

I can't find the inspiration for this piece anymore. But I'm pretty sure it was from a wedding planner website. I saw this beautiful pearl necklace that one bride was wearing and was instantly smitten by it. :) Back then I didn't know anything about beading or making jewelry, but I decided to give it a try anyway.

And here it is. The one you see now is a bit different from the first version. The reason? Well, can't seem to find the exact same beads anymore. But I followed the original design closely and to be honest, I think this looks better than the first one. :)

First off, the locks and overall finish of the new piece is better. :) Yay! I guess I learned a lot the past two years. Back then, I used silver findings with antique toned connectors and locks. And although it is not wrong to do so (hey, beading is an art! you can do whatever you want!) I think using the same colored crimp beads, beading wire, jumprings and locks will be better for the overall look of the whole necklace. :)

Although it looks white, I actually used cream colored pearls for Oriental Treasure, the same ones I used for the original design. I felt white is too strong plus cream pearls give an old, antique feel to the necklace.

I don't know about you, but I absolutely love the randomness of the whole thing! I didn't want it to look down right symmetrical but I kept everything balanced so it wouldn't look off. I hope I was able to achieve this by using different kinds and sizes of beads.

 This last shot is my favorite! :) Ahh..I love my new camera right now! The details in this one is superb. I didn't have to process the pictures that much as well.

Oriental Treasure is now available at both of my shops: djaDesigns and streetchiconline. But you can get one for FREE! Join my giveaway and get a chance to win this beauty. :) Just check my sidebar for this and more giveaways you can join.