Men's / Unisex necklace collection

This collection had started as men's, but when it was finished I thought it was more "unisex" rather than just men's. I can see women wearing this jewellery. I would wear most of them myself too.

This collection (there are more pieces in it than I copied here) is available in my online store. They wanted me to write about my inspiration for each piece. I realized, that indeed, there was an inspiration for each of those pieces.


My husband does not wear jewelry. One day I've decided to take this fact as a challenge. I wanted to make a necklace that he would want to wear. I ended up creating a collection of men's jewelry. It turned out successful. My husband is even asking me to make him a special pendant. I will... Though, he is not getting this one, as I do not need a spoiled husband :) He will get only one necklace!

I was looking for a typical "men's" pendant shape, but could not resist giving it an elegant look by creating an animal pattern with black enamel. The result of my quest became suitable for women as well as for men.

I was creating exquisite and very feminine jewelry for years. In search of something different I got carried away by creating jewelry that had a very strong look. A cross with clear lines and contrasting black enamel is just what could satisfy my interest.

I wanted to give a little bit of glamor to a simple dog tag, considering men who wear jewelry because they want to look fashionable.

The inspiration for this piece is the crystal itself and the metaphysical qualities that it has. It is believed to receive, activate, store, transmit, and amplify energy; stimulate brain functions and activate all levels of consciousness. It is excellent for meditation and is said to bring harmony to the soul.

Australian opal necklace

We went to Australia in April... I brought this opal from Sydney to make a very special necklace. Finally, on the 21st of August it is done and the pictures are taken. This necklace is officially for sale. This is what I've told my husband.

We are still laughing over the story with another pendant I made... So, my husband told me: "If you sell your opal necklace I will eat my hat this time".
My answer was: "Start seasoning it!" (lol)

Prohibition Tea Party

These lovely pendants (rose quartz, rodonite and BC jade in silver) from my original collection are participating in a fund-rising event: gala and craft auction! Scroll down to read the invitation!

Squirrel ring (sterling silver and enamel; hand-made)

Chain Maille

Chain maille has been being a popular technique for making jewelry since the 18th century. Though, I wondered when it was invented. I found out that the first chain mailles were found in Europe and dated the 3rd or even the 2nd century AD. The jump rings were about 10 to 12 gauge and about a centimeter inside diameter.

The most common technique was welding some jump rings and connecting them by the open ones that were riveted. Sounds like a lot of work! Then the whole thing was sewed on a leather base. They still use chain maille in bullet-proof jackets or for butchers’ gloves.

There were not many patterns for the body armors, though people came up with lots of weaves for chain maille jewellery. There are many magazines, books and web-sites where anybody can learn how to make an interesting accessory made of dozens or even hundreds of jump rings.

I keep testing new techniques and styles. I’ve tried this one too. I like the result and must admit that this is addictive… :)

Chain maille bracelet

Sea bottom pendants

I continue my sea theme in jewellery. I do not remember when it was last time when I enjoyed making jewellery that much! I do love jewellery making, but I take it seriously usually. These pendants are pure fun! I put all my sea creatures out on my table, take the stones out of their little draws and start playing.

Australian trip inspired

It has been just two months ago since I am back from my one month long trip to a beautiful country of Australia. All those aquariums that I visited left wonderful memories of the sea creatures from the Great Coral Reef and all the oceans that surrounded the continent. I have got a fossil shell opal in Sydney and made it into a necklace inspired by the sea creatures... Then I realized that I would like to go just one step further... And this small collection of one-of-a-kind pieces was born. I think, I will continue with this theme. All the pieces are going to be one-of-a-kind. Unique stones and wire work helps me to create jewellery that is as versatile as the sea itself.

Some of these pendants are available at the Just Jewellery gallery.

Jewellery Masterpieces virtual collection. Allan Heywood enamels

Here is another artist for my inspiration collection. I have been doing a research on enameled jewellery in last few weeks. I am interested in Ceramit, that is basically a type of cold enamel. However, many of the hot enamel techniques may be applied to working with it (as well as those that are not available for working with hot enamels). I got very enthusiastic about the opportunities that Ceramit gave and created an enameling class where I could teach my students how to use it.

I remember a few enameling artists whom I have found in Internet in last few years and who amazed me. One of them was Allan Heywood from Australia. This is his web-site.

After visiting Australia myself (just a couple of months ago) I can understand where he gets his inspiration. Australia is an amazing country! Put an inspiration and a talent together and you can get a masterpiece.

Alexei Zelya

I have found an amazing glass blowing artist. It does not look like he has a web-site. This is very unfortunate, as there are many pictures of his work in Internet any way.

The best way to see his work is just to google his name Алексей Зеля.

All his works are very inspiring... to be not afraid of spending time and make something that it is not easy to forget...

Deer necklace (sterling silver)

HONOURABLE MENTION – Technical competence

Sterling silver, labradorite, cubic zirconia, synthetic sapphire

Everything I like the best can be found in this necklace: wild deers that are so usual for British Columbia, beautiful plant kingdom, ocean waves and Vancouver spring. In order to accent my love for Vancouver nature I used my favourite jewellery making techniques, such as piercing, engraving, fine soldering and stone setting.