| In this economy (or any economy, really) people are | | | | garnet, opal, and even diamond. Faceted diamond |
| desperate to become more frugal while keeping their | | | | roundels can be found in clear, blue and |
| lifestyle, or at least some semblance of it. One area | | | | Champagne-tinted hues. The most dramatic faceted |
| where people are cutting back is in their high-end | | | | diamond bead is the black diamond. Found in Alaska, it |
| jewelry: they're buying less and less of it. But just | | | | seems to shimmer as it lies around your neck. |
| because you don't want to shell out the three large to | | | | Also, don't forget about pearls. A strand of |
| buy that stunning ruby and sapphire necklace you saw | | | | near-perfect cultured saltwater pearls will set you |
| at Neiman Marcus doesn't mean you can't have it. A | | | | back less than $100.00. String them with the same |
| bargain can be found in your local bead store. | | | | materials as those listed above and what might |
| It's a well-kept secret that many local jewelry | | | | normally cost around $500.00 is yours for a bargain. |
| designers don't want you to know. You can buy all the | | | | And while the economy presents opportunities to save |
| parts for that exact same necklace and put it together | | | | money as you expand your jewelry collection, it is also |
| yourself for less than $200 bucks. | | | | presenting many with the opportunity to open up their |
| Sure, you have to make it yourself, but the outcome is | | | | own business as jewelry designers. Even if you resold |
| the same: you have a ruby and sapphire necklace. | | | | the necklace you just made at double the price you |
| Specifically, you'll need a roll of beading wire | | | | spent on it, you'd still be selling it for a steal compared |
| sometimes called tiger tail ($2.00), a set of gold or | | | | to the same necklace in the jewelry store display. |
| gold-filled clasps ($12.00), two crimp beads ($.25), a pair | | | | So why aren't more people getting into making their |
| of pliers for crimping ($10.00), two gold, 4mm spacer | | | | own expensive jewelry the inexpensive way? Maybe |
| beads ($4.00), a strand of faceted ruby roundels | | | | they're hoping against hope this recession doesn't last |
| ($70.00), and a strand of faceted sapphire roundels | | | | much longer. Or maybe they're just in denial. |
| ($100.00). And that's all you need! For less than $200.00 | | | | Whatever the case, it's easy to see that making your |
| you have a precious gemstone necklace that would | | | | own jewelry, like a ruby and sapphire necklace, a |
| sell for 10 times that in any high-end store. | | | | diamond necklace, or an emerald and gold bead |
| And you don't have to stop at ruby beads or sapphire | | | | necklace, is a much smarter decision than dropping the |
| beads. Instead you can make luxurious, wearable art | | | | money it'd take to buy them on Rodeo Drive. And |
| out of just about any type of gemstone you can think | | | | even if it doesn't come wrapped in a fancy jewelry |
| of. | | | | box, at least you can keep your house and still dress in |
| Faceted gemstone beads are found in emerald, | | | | style! |