Swinging Leaves Earrings

Recently I bought some fabulous faceted marquise briolette beads from my supplier. I haven't worked with this shaped bead for a while so I have various different designs buzzing around my head. I thought I would start with a simple design to show off the beauty of these peridot beads.

SWINGING LEAVES

Peridot Sterling Silver Hammered Leaf Earrings

The last leaves of Autumn

During a recent clear out and tidy up of my work area, I found these sterling silver leaf charms in my collection. I have had them for quite a while and when they arrived from my supplier, I thought they were a bit uninspiring (flat-shaped, cut-out charms with rough edges).

So I got out my sanding pads and started to sand and polish them to a lovely shine... they started looking better already. Then I decided to give them a more realistic 3D shape by creasing them in the centre and curling the edges a little.... yes, much better. (This photo shows the before and after.)

Feeling much happier with them, I think they are now worthy to be included in my jewellery for sale (Etsy and Folksy). I have teamed them with beautiful deep orange carnelian nugget beads to make these delicate, dangly earrings. They remind me of the last leaves of autumn waiting to fall.

AUTUMN LEAVES - Carnelian & Sterling Silver Leaf Charm Earrings