Birthstones: October - Opal

There are four types of Opal commonly used in jewellery; white, black, fire and water opal.  White opal has a pale body colour.  Black opal is any that has a dark body colour, such as black, blue, green or grey.  Fire opal is transparent yellow, orange or red.  Water opal is clear and colourless.

All have the trademark play of colour or iridescence which makes this gemstone instantly recognisable.

According to Aboriginal legend, the swirling colours were created when a rainbow fell to earth.

No gemstone has had such mixed press about it either!  You’ve probably heard someone say that its bad luck to wear an Opal unless it is your birthstone.  Apparently that association only really started in the 1800s when the story “Anne of Geierstein” was published.  The main character possesses an Opal which reflects her emotions and fate, but it seems rather than assuming it to be that way around, many people thought it was the Opal that caused the character bad luck.

Historically Opals were said to make the wearer invisible (that could come in handy sometimes!) and in the east are known as a stone of hope.

The changeable stories probably just reflect the gem’s changeable appearance; so I would say you will get out of an opal only what you decide to see in it!

As an alternative to expensive opals, you can get some lovely iridescent glass beads to represent this interesting month’s stone. 

Tutorial - Chains Bracelet

With Halloween approaching I wanted to have a go at something that would look good with any witch, ghoul or vampire ensemble!  This of course meant getting a bit of autumn colours and some fun into this bracelet design.  This one has a few more steps and components to it than previous tutorials, but the methods are the same simple ones we have used up until now, so give it a go! :)

You will need:

Black ribbon
Crimp ends (you will need two sizes - ones that are the width of your ribbon, and one smaller one for the feathers.)
4 lengths of assorted chains (Black and copper colours are excellent for the Halloweeny look!)
4 black beads
3 teardrop shaped beads in clear and orange
3 jump rings
Claw clasp
3 orange feathers
7 eye pins (preferably black or copper coloured)

Tools:

Needle and black thread
Round nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Super glue

Options:  You can of course change the shape and colour of the beads, chains and ribbon to suit whatever outfit you are making.  Perhaps red feathers and silver chains would work better for you - feel free to adapt and experiment!

Step 1:

Cut a length of ribbon that fits around your wrist - make it a bit shorter than you want the bracelet to be when it's finished.  Remember:  the clasp with lengthen it - and if you make it too short you can add jump rings to extend it - but too long and the ribbon will just slide off your wrist!

Cut four lengths of assorted chains - they should just be slightly longer than your ribbon length - but again, not too long as you want them to sit over the ribbon on the finished bracelet.

Step 2:

Using a dab of super glue in each crimp, squeeze the crimp ends onto your ribbon using the flat nose pliers.


Step 3:

Using a dab of super glue in the crimp, place your feathers into the smaller crimp end and squeeze closed using the flat nose pliers.


Step 4:

 Slide your beads onto the eye pins, so that the loops are at the top of the beads.

 Using your round nose pliers, create a decorative spiral at the bottom of the pin to hold the bead in place.

Repeat with all of the beads.


Step 5:

 Using your needle and thread, carefully sew the first of your chains to the upper corner of the ribbon.

 Repeat with the other three chains, placing them in the order you want the colours and shapes to go.

Check to make sure that the chains aren't twisted and carefully sew them secure to the opposite end of the ribbon.
(Note:  I had my chains a little too long here - I shorted them later - but it's best to double check this when you are sewing as it's easier to shorten them at this point if you need too!)


Step 5:

 Attach your beads to the bottom chain, spacing them out evenly along it's length.

Step 6:

 Attach the feathers and a jump ring to another jump ring, and then attach that jump ring to the crimp end.

At the other end of the bracelet, attach a claw clasp.


Step 7:

 Your bracelet can now  be worn!

Optional:  Or you can add a stitch to the centres of the chains to hold them in place against the ribbon, if you prefer them to be a little less loose.



All ready for Halloween!