I have to confess to a weakness for Swarovski crystal, freshwater pearls, gemstones and Czech glass beads - among many other beautiful little things.
One of my favourite suppliers uses the phrase "a pearl for every season and every reason", but I just know that I haven't met a pearl that I didn't love!
My current categories of 'small pleasures' can be described as follows:
NECKLACES
Classics with a Twist
Simple stringings of freshwater pearls, coral, shell, gemstones or glass beads are updated with contemporary colours and shapes.
Simply Swarovski®
Swarovski® crystal components, made in Austria, are regarded as the highest-quality machine-cut and machine-polished crystal in the world. My Simply Swarovski® range uses a single Swarovski® component as a drop on a fine chain. And, of course, Swarovski® deserves nothing less than sterling silver or gold-filled chain. The carefully-selected Swarovski® drops range from romantic to contemporary, tiny to large - but all are eye-catching delights.
You can also find Swarovski® components in the other ranges of Small Pleasures.
Pendants
The simplest designs have only a single drop on a chain. From that you can go to a focal component with simply-strung enhancement, or to pendants with more ornate side-support. Be as discreet or as eye-catching as you wish.
Y
The basic structure of this necklace design is a single strand around the neck, joining at the front to leave a hanging tail. (I'll update this when I can think of a more elegant way to describe it!)
Long Chains
These always start with 91cm (36") of chain but the final length depends on the number and size of the beads linked along the chain. Some designs are long enough that they can go over your head even when doubled up as a two-strand necklace.
Focals
These designs have a special 'focal' bead centred on the same plane as the stringing, not hanging below it as is the case with pendants.
Lariats
Long, unjoined stringings of freshwater pearls, gemstones or glass beads to tie or knot at the front. Each end of the stringing finishes with a large (relative to the size of the main beads) gemstone or glass bead to add some weight and a touch of drama.
Illusion
Uses very fine flexible beading wire intended to be nearly invisible when worn so the beads on it look like they're hanging in mid-air.
Dangles
If you already have a silver or gold chain that you love, these dangles are a great way to add an individual touch for each outfit or occasion. Each dangle is finished with a lobster-claw clasp or parrot clasp which will clip onto most link sizes of chain.
Twelfth Night
Special pieces for special occasions.
BRACELETS
Bracelets are a great way to add flair to an outfit without having to worry overmuch about whether they match it. They can be frivolous or serious, elegant or casual, streamlined or ornate, eyecatching or discreet. Some have themes that can make you smile whenever you think of them.
Bracelets are a wonderful idea for accessorising a work outfit when you are also stuck with wearing an ID or security tag around your neck.
Bracelets are more in your line of vision while wearing than are earrings or necklaces, and so have more opportunities to lift your heart. Definitely one of life's small pleasures!
EARRINGS
There's a lovely selection of designs here. While components range from glass beads (including crystals) and glass pearls to freshwater pearls, gemstones and shell, all ear fittings are either sterling silver or 14kt gold-filled.
GIFTS
Wine Charms
Have you noticed that all the wine charms you can usually buy come only in sets of 6? OK for the average dinner party, but what about Christmas? Or having friends over for a party? My wine charms are made up in versatile sets of 12 - use as few or as many as you want without having to repeat a charm.
Mobile Phone Charms
A way to make your cell phone unique - express yourself with a silver-plated or gold-plated lanyard finished with a thought-provoking charm and other enhancements.
Scented Sachets
Handsewn from special fabrics, with button and ribbon trim, and filled with locally-grown lavender or lemon verbena. The lemon verbena is particularly good for kitchen cupboards and drawers, but there's no rule that says you can't put it in your partner's shoes or under the sofa seat cushions.
Gift Pouches and Boxes
All jewellery and gift items are normally individually packaged in zip-lock plastic bags with a Small Pleasures label. A small range of organza and faux-suede pouches, and cotton-lined boxes, is also available for purchase to help round out your gift-giving - you still need to organise the card!
Et Cetera
Not surprisingly, anything not covered by other categories!
Finally,
Often there may only be one of a particular design available at a time.
If you want an item that is marked "sold", or if you would like an item made longer or shorter than the version advertised, please contact me.
If I can get the materials then I'm happy to try and meet these requests.
Please remember, though, that the price may vary from that originally advertised because of exchange rate fluctuations and variations in the prices of silver and gold affecting the costs of my materials.
