Gilded Grove
This 56 cm necklace of cloisonné and aventurine beads is distinctive and warmly expressive without being overpowering. For more info on the necklace, please click on Details, and if interested in my musings, please go to Story.
The identification of the beads starts from the bead in the centre, with measurement for the bigger beads, moving upwards, with metal beads named last.
Length: 56 cm (22”) Weight: 131 gm
Faceted aventurine bicones: approx. 24 mm long by 13 mm at its widest
Round aventurine: 16 mm and 14 mm
Aventurine discs: 15 mm wide
Cloisonné beads: 23 mm long by 14.5 mm at its widest
Grooved gold coloured metal discs
Granulated gold coloured metal spacers
Gold coloured metal rounds
Gold filled crimp tubes
Gold coloured metal box clasp
Gold-plated silver Manik identity disc
Cloisonne (enamel decoration in which the enamel is applied and separated by flattened wire) beads are quite plentiful, though they can vary in quality of design and finishing, based on its price. The eight yellow cloisonne beads with their floral design in this necklace are among my favourite cloisonne beads because they are bigger, the colours are vibrant, and interestingly, each one has flowers that are somewhat different in colour – there are sky blue ones, brighter turquoise ones, some pink and red ones and a couple of purply ones.
This necklace is in its second life. I first made it for Manik some time back, pairing it very simply with biggish yellow agate pebbles. It was a pleasant design, but not particularly outstanding. I decided I would withdraw if from the collection. Later however, I thought it a pity for the striking cloisonne to be abandoned and went to work on it again, going for an entirely different look.
In this second design, the necklace brings together warm golden tones and layered greens (of the gemstone aventurine) in a palette that feels lively and luminous, but calm. Rich yellow cloisonné beads are paired with soft and deep shades of aventurine, creating a gentle interplay of warmth and freshness throughout the necklace. Flecks of pink, blue, and purply floral detail on the cloisonné further add brightness, while the subtle gold accents lend a warm glow that draws the composition together. For someone who enjoys colour with a sense of refinement, this necklace offers warmth and vibrancy without being overpowering. This necklace is both expressive and yet effortless to wear.
Happy I re-designed it! Given the yellow, gold and green palette, I have named it Gilded Grove. Gilded Grove would certainly be worn well with lighter shades of yellow and green, but it would also work with a rich purplish-red (I placed it against a cardigan of this colour) or navy. Fabrics like silk or something velvety would go well. Experiment and enjoy!
