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Color Inspiration - Terrific Tucson Turquoise

by Kristal Wick
I recently returned home after spending a week in Tucson, Arizona enjoying the gem and mineral show extravaganza! It was my 14th year attending (skipping last year due to Covid) and it did not disappoint. Although attendance and vendor booths were down about 1/3 from previous years, there was plenty beady-gemstone-rocky delights that wanted to hop in my car, believe me!

Hundreds of thousands attend these shows every year, each with different goals.

My main purchases are always supplies for my jewelry designs, but the vast variety of nature's creations never fails to amaze me.

I mean, who can pass up a $30K amethyst bathtub, right?!

This year, I only hit seven shows (out of 100), but I seriously think every jewelry maker should add them to their bucket list.

The experience broadens your perspective on the beauty of the world and showcases nature's incredible colors, shapes, and textures.

Simply put, it's unbelievable eye candy at its finest!
Kristal Wick's Color Inspiration - Terrific Tucson Turquoise - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, color inspiration terrific turquoise palette
Kristal Wick's Color Inspiration - Terrific Tucson Turquoise - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, color inspiration terrific turquoise
Of course, I had to create a piece of jewelry inspired by my favorite colors and this stunning shot of turquoise from a gem show.

I found beautiful sea glass pendants and thought one would make a great backdrop for the chain and wirework.

One favorite element of turquoise is the coppery bronze inclusions running through the beads, adding depth.

So, I chose 22-gauge antique bronze wire for the spiral dangles and a small complementary chain for the crystal dangle.

If this were a larger pendant, you could hang a turquoise bead from the chain, but I used a 4mm crystal to add just a touch of blue sparkle.

I love how versatile the finished pendant is you can wear it on leather, suede, or chain for very different effects.

Creatively, Kristal
Kristal Wick's Color Inspiration - Terrific Tucson Turquoise - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, color inspiration terrific turquoise

Materials

18 Gauge Square Vintage Bronze Enameled Craft Wire - 21 ft
H5-N18SQ-21FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.00
  • Gold Club Price: $9.00
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4mm Aquamarine 5328 Bi-Cone Swarovski Crystal Beads - Pack of 10
A13-56A
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $1.97
  • Gold Club Price: $1.48
Out of Stock
20 Gauge Round Vintage Bronze Enameled Craft Wire - 30 ft
H5-N20-30FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.80
  • Gold Club Price: $5.10
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Tools

5 1/2 Inch Nylon Flat Jaw Pliers with Replacement Jaws
G2-1
  • G2-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.97
  • Gold Club Price: $7.48
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WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
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Wubbers Small Bail Making Pliers
G2-1301
  • G2-1301
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Design

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