Opal beads!!!

At my latest trip to the gem show, I was thrilled to find opal beads! I've always admired opals, but the beads had been elusive on my hunts.  This time, I found a few strands, and at very reasonable prices.

My only problem was that very few of them fit onto head pins to make into jewelry. I think they were meant for stringing, and that isn't in my set of skills. 

These tiny beads could be a reason to learn how, though.

The handful that fit onto the pins were immediately turned into a necklace for myself, along with moonstone, pearl, beryl, and rose quartz.   All of my favorite pale shades of pink and cream, with a hint of fire and opalescence were gathered together to make this piece to wear on my beach vacation next week.  

I also made a bracelet for myself, all in white, cream, and clear.  There were Herkimer Diamonds at the gem show, and at first, I made up a bracelet full of them. Then, realized that those guys are SHARP.  So, I remade it, with just a couple of dangles with those stones.   I'll have to come up with a design for a necklace with some, because I'd like to use more of them.

While my tools were out, I turned some Herkimers into earrings for a friend's April birthday.  And Kyanite with labradorites for Kia, and just laboradites for Avahni.  I'm taking those two teens on a cruise for my birthday, along with the two littlest grandfairies and wanted them to have some beachy colored jewels to wear. 

Plus, kyanites for Kia!!??  Of course.