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Handmade Jewellery using Gemstones, Pearls, Crystal & Glass

Welcome to Jewels & Desires online Jewellery shop - my name is Julie Parker and I am based in Cumbria on the outskirts of the Lake District and design and make my own jewellery. You can see my designs here or come & see them at one of my 'On the Road' venues. I have recently sold some of my handmade jewellery to Panache in Ulverston so pop in if you are passing!

The range of jewellery available on the high street is widening all the time, yet often it is difficult to find a piece that makes the statement you desire to give your outfit that final touch - Jewels & Desires is all about that! I strive to give my handmade jewellery designs a classic look that will not age, whilst making them look both stunning, unique & affordable.

For my handmade gemstone jewellery I have concentrated on using semi-precious gemstones to give a chunky look that is made more interesting by the individual markings on each stone. To balance the chunkier items I also make jewellery using Freshwater Pearls, Swarovski crystals and glass beads. This gives you a wider variety of choice in the level of statement you want to make - from chunky, fun or sparkly to delicate and neutral.

My handmade jewellery is grouped into three main ranges each offering a choice of necklaces, earrings and bracelets in a range of colours. If you don't see something in the right colours for you then please get in touch and I will see whether I can help. I do have some Sterling Silver jewellery but if you see a design you like that does not have silver components, please get in touch & I will try to produce it with silver.

Lustrous Pearls & Shell Jewellery

Semi-precious Gemstone Jewellery

Sparkling Crystal & Glass Jewellery

My handmade Pearl Jewellery Range uses farmed freshwater pearls and you will be amazed at the fantastic variety of shapes, sizes and colours that are available. They add lustre to the designs which are sometimes enhanced by the sparkle you can only get from a faceted crystal or glass bead.

This jewellery range also includes shell necklaces, some of which have been dyed - these have a depth of colour and range of texture which reveals the work that has gone into their development. The most spectacular shell is the Abalone or Paua shell whose rich shades of greens and blues make an eye-catching focal piece as can be seen in the Tranquillity Necklace.

My handmade Gemstone Jewellery Range is inspired by the semiprecious gemstones themselves. Each one is unique in its own right as the shapes, colours and markings vary from stone to stone - and when combined with pearls, crystals or glass the outcome is stunning! The gemstones are sourced from around the world and include stones like Agate, Onyx, Turquoise & Tigers Eye.

My handmade gemstone jewellery is grouped into three main ranges each offering a choice of gemstone necklaces, gemstone earrings and gemstone bracelets in a range of colours. Some of the stones have been dyed to give a range of colours not normally available in that stone such as the Apple Turquoise that makes up the Spiced Apple range of necklace, bracelet & earrings. Other gemstones are found naturally in a range of colours such as Agate which can be seen in an orange/brown colour in the Fire & Brimstone Necklace or in green in the Forest Glade Necklace.

Over the years the gemstones have been linked with individual properties, qualities & meanings, they have been linked to Birthdays (Birthstones) and signs of the Zodiac. With a little research, all these associations make it possible to give an even more appropriate gift to someone special.

The Crystal & Glass Jewellery Range offers a number of different looks from the sparkle of a Swarovski crystal to the hidden depths of silver lined glass or the combination of both using Swarovski glass pearls - Lilac Frost Earrings. For the summer I have a new selection of glass jewellery reminiscent of Sea Glass with a frosted appearance in light summery colours.

The variety of lamp worked glass available is growing all the time, offering endless opportunities in glass jewellery design. My intention is to expand this range in the future but for the present you will also find some glass & Swarovski crystals in the other ranges.