“Jewel of the Month!" for March

This month I am posting the “Victoria” Pendant Necklace on my website which you can purchase at 50% off the regular price.

It is already made, so it will be delivered in a matter of days. But, there is a catch — there will only be one! So, be prepared to purchase as soon as you see it!!

Here’s the “Jewel” for March

Antique porcelain cabochon is bead embroidered into a statement pendant. 2.25” in diameter and on a bronze chain 28” long. Stunning “Downton Abbey’ look!

Regular price is $125, this one is specially priced for one lucky person at only $62.50!!

Be sure to contact me if you are looking for something specific – I specialize in custom designs!

Spring’s Hottest Jewelry Trends Are All About Being Extra

Get ready for the return of maximal jewelry.

from Harper’s Bazaar

Dainty necklaces and classic hoops have been ruling the accessory scene for quite some time. But this spring, it's time to have some fun with your jewelry. From dripping, blinged out crystals to '80s hearts and seashells galore, this season's hottest jewelry trends are playful and unapologetically bold. Give your wardrobe an instant update with the help of these standout pieces to start shopping now.

Bling It On

Dripping crystal jewelry first made an appearance on the Spring 2019 runways and quickly took over Instagram.

Modern Pearls

Pearls are back, but this season's are nothing like your grandmother's pearls. From delicate pearl hoops to ear cuffs and sculptural bracelets, the classic piece is getting a modern, reimagined update for spring.

'80s Hearts

Show some love in the form of chunky, oversized heart earrings. From the runways of Balenciaga and Escada to the cool girls of Instagram, the '80s-inspired trend is already proving to be one of the season's most fun.

By The Sea

The shell jewelry craze isn't slowing down anytime soon. This nostalgic jewelry trend is here to stay for the warm weather.

Be sure to contact me if you are looking for something specific – I specialize in custom designs!

This week is all about Custom Designs!!

Black and silver netted necklace

This week I've been working on two custom projects, and I hope you can see from this what a difference the beads make!  They can change the mood, style and degree of formality as the beads change.

The black and silver netted necklace above was designed to be worn as both casual as well as dressy.  You can see it can't you?  with a white T-shirt and jeans as well as a LBD — perfect!

The customer and I sat and discussed what she was looking for, I showed her some samples and then came up with this design.  She was very pleased.

Freshwater pearl statement necklace

This necklace isn't finished yet — look forward to seeing the finished product next week — but it is based on my Turquoise/Coral Statement necklace (https://www.murielbadinellidesigns.com/shopnecklaces/turquoise-coral-statement-necklace).  See the difference in style, even though they are the same design? This one is soft and elegant, while the turquoise is bolder, fun and more casual!

I hope this give you some ideas for your own custom designed jewelry — I'll be happy to help!

'Till next time!

Repurposing Meaningful Objects into New Jewelry

Years ago my father gave me a necklace, one that I loved at the time, but after a while, it was no longer in style!  It was a beautiful and large cloisonné bead with a peacock design on a silk cord.

Once I started bead weaving, I looked through my things for anything important to me to see if I could give it an updated look.  I pulled out the pendant and thought a beaded bezel would work.

Here's how the pendant looks now...

Now all it needs is a beaded rope!  I love it!!

If you have a piece you would like reworked -- a brooch, and earring or just a bead -- contact me!  I'll come up with a solution for you and I guarantee you'll be pleased!

About Seed Beads

"Seed Bead" is a generic term for any small bead, usually glass, of which there are many types of shapes and sizes. A variety of seed beads are very often used in bead woven jewelry to create design, texture and depth.  Seed beads are also used in combination with gemstones, pearls and crystals as you see in MB Designs handmade jewelry.

Miyuki glass seed beads are considered the world standard for their high quality, brilliance and uniform shape.  About 60 years ago, Seiichi Katsuoka became fascinated by the brilliance and beauty of glass seed beads, so in 1949, he dedicated himself to learning the art of seed bead making.  Seiichi's passion for making beautiful, high quality glass seed beads was passed down to his son, Hiroshi.  Hiroshi added innovation to passion and began creating new types and styles of beads. This resulted in the founding of Miyuki, Japan's first successful mass-producing bead manufacturing company and a favorite of jewelry designers. Since then Miyuki has continued to innovate, and have produced many new and wonderful shapes and sizes of beads for bead weaving handmade jewelry.