Primavera Primativa

The Spanish translation just captures the mood I want so much better than English can describe it! Literally it means Primitive Spring. It's finally springtime, and I wanted to offer some of my ethnic style jewelry pieces in bright spring colors that will energize and inspire my viewers (all 7 of you). Maybe an infusion of color and a bold tribal style will give you and your spring wardrobe a boost?

Hilltribe copper medallions against vivid blue turquoise stones in varied shapes and colors in this luscious statement necklace.

All of these rustic stone and glass pieces and more are available in my Etsy shop, Chrysalis Too. Tribal and primitive jewelry made with authentic African beads, recycled glass beads, handmade components from talented artisans, and many that I have made myself. My beginning as a jewelry artist was in creating southwestern style jewelry, and I have never lost my affection for it. But I have branched out into ethnic jewelry with more of an African flavor because of all the handmade beads now accessible from there. I also have a selection of minimalist pieces featuring gemstones and gold vermeil for the purist tastes.

Definitely a Mexican southwestern vibe in these colorful beaded earrings with ceramic Guadalupe charms. This design was inspired by the statue of Guadalupe in front of the Cathedral Basilica St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. The photo below is from my 2010 trip to Santa Fe, NM.

Gloria Ewing
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Joshua Tree Collection

My new desert inspired collection expresses the character of the southwest, simultaneously ruthless and fragile. At first glance, the desert can seem bland and devoid of color until you take a closer look. Then the textures and the surprising colors are revealed and you can appreciate the determination of nature to not only survive, but flourish in this arid climate. I have been to the southwestern desert areas several times, and each time I find it more intriguing.

All of the jewelry pictured in the collage is listed in my Etsy shop. I will continue to add new pieces to the Joshua Tree Collection, so stay tuned for more in the near future.

Joshua Tree Desert Inspired Necklace
Rough Ruby and Garnet Earrings



Check out all of my Joshua Tree Collection on Etsy!

Mystical Greens Provocative Purples

Green is beyond a doubt, my favorite color, so it's no surprise that I use it frequently in my jewelry designs. To me green has a mystical quality, as though there is more there than I can see on the surface. The earthy and dusky shades of green are the ones I find most appealing.

And whether you love purple or not, it is gorgeous with green! You can add just a touch of purple or blend lots of it in with the greens for depth and drama. There is a wide range of purples to consider, lilac, mauve, lavender, amethyst, violet, heather, orchid,magenta, grape, aubergine and more. Bright or subdued, purple is provocative.

Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire