Your Guidance – One or Two?
Happy SPRING 2018 EVERYONE!!!
Cold temperatures or not, snow or no-snow, I’ve declared that it’s springtime in my life. And to celebrate I went right back to my studio desk, and created this springtime-inspired jewelry piece:
The Inspiration is pretty obvious: Ladybugs, and spring time.
The “why” I chose ladybugs, is a bit more of a personal story.
For me, ladybugs is synonymous of winter AND spring.
The last 2 years (against our will) our wood-cabin became the winter-hibernation place for a whole family of ladybugs who flew from who knows where, in search of a warm place to call home, until springtime.
Unfortunately we had to kill many, many ladybugs (not proud of it!). But I promise that we tried to get them out the “friendly” way. They wouldn’t move.
But nature is incredible.
Despite the (still) cold temperatures, last Tuesday (first day of spring), for the first time in three months, they were gone! As if they had gotten a memo, they simply knew that it was spring and therefore, it was time to leave! Amazing.
So yes: The “ladies” of this jewelry piece represent the end of winter and the beginning of spring. In my head, I imagine the ladybugs feeling excited with anticipation for the warmer weather and the beautiful flowers being born everywhere. And I imagine them having a big party celebrating the new season, where each “lady” gets dressed in the most happy, colorful and spring-inspired outfit I can imagine.
Here is my dilemma:
I LOVE statement jewelry necklaces. And I designed this piece to be exactly that.
But after finishing it and showing it to my husband, he was of the opinion that, even though it looked beautiful, it could equally work very well as two separate (smaller) necklaces, and at the same time, be more approachable (statement jewelry is not for everyone). See below:
Have a look below to see how the “smaller” necklaces look in context:
What do you think?
Statement necklace? Or two smaller necklaces?
To give you a little more detailed information, each lady rests over a custom-made oval bezel made of sterling silver. The same is true about the hoops and chains (100% sterling silver).
The last time I reached out to you for guidance,your opinions and beautiful comments were RIGHT ON!
Because of your feedback last time, I was able to create a small private collection for my client and THEY LOVED IT. Clarity is so important, and your taste is exceptional.
So. If you have a minute to spare, I would be soooo forever grateful if you could let me know your thoughts below, in the comments section. Which version do you like better, option 1 or 2?
THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP!
Stay well, stay happy and stay healthy. I’ll be in touch in a month!
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Hi Veruschka, you have come up with a design so different, yet still so you!
I can see that you have pretty much decided to turn the piece into two necklaces and I want to give you one more reason to go ahead with your decision. I think having fewer ladybugs means a narrower palette of colours, so the necklace is easier on the eyes. If you were to make another statement piece from this design you could still have loads of bugs with all the variety of pattern, while using a limited range of colours which would give a unity to the jewellery. You with me?
By the way we call those cute creatures “ladybirds” in England, a name that makes me think of them as our smallest feathered friends.
Enjoy Spring!
Rivky
Dear Rivky – I totally see your very subtle (yet powerful) point! It’s about balancing color, detail without creating distraction. This is actually a very powerful point in general, not just for me, but those of us who love statement jewelry. It’s easy being tempted with creating pieces that can cross the line of “just right” and “too much”. Thank you for taking the time! I so appreciate that. And I like “ladybirds” so much better! Much love ❤️
It is so cute. As always. I’m thinking number two. Then you can have to sell. And it looks great.
Thank you for taking the time to reply dear Lise. Yes! I’m going with 2!
Option Two. I agree with Sharon.
Thank you Louisa! Yes. Two is the answer!
I prefer the full necklace. It seems classier looking and is perfect for short hair styles or up-dos.
Thank you Leslie! Yeah. I agree. Somehow it’s a bit much for most people, which I totally understand. Thank you for your feedback.
Veru, very beautiful work. If it was one of the two, I’d personally go for option 2. In saying that, as you mentioned above, if you find the right magnetic connectors, why not make it a two option necklace or necklace and bracelet 🙂
Clau – Yes. I’ve been looking into the magnetic connectors. In fact, I ordered a sample that should arrive today. I hope it works, otherwise I’ve decided to go with #2! Thank you for taking the time!!
Necklace and bracelet!!!
Hi Joey! Of course! Why didn’t I think of it! A bracelet version would be so adorable! I’m going to try wear one of them as a bracelet, to see if it works. Love this SIMPLE but perfect idea! Thank you!!
What about one necklace that is convertible to two? Cute bugs.
Sara
Hi Sara – this is SUCH a great and simple idea, and cannot believe I didn’t think of it myself. THANK YOU. Yes, Julia Grenville (see her comment further below), also suggested this genius idea, and I LOVE it. In fact, I’ve been looking for some magnetic connectors that would make this both, possible in a reliable way and easy. If I find the right connectors, I’ll give it a try. This might be my favorite idea yet! Thank you so much Sara!
Hello Verschka, I love your Ladybugs and they would go great either way. I like the idea of two necklaces. Or, one smaller necklace and the others made into pins. Very very cute!
Hi Cheryl – Yes! The PIN idea is so obvious and yet I didn’t think of it! The ladies would be perfect for it! Thank you for such fabulous feedback! So happy I can reach out this way!
Hi Veruschka,
While, in some ways the 2 necklaces make more sense, less bulky, better on a small person and SO many other reasons I’m going to vote for the one piece statement necklace! I can imagine someone wearing it and me wanting to walk around them to really take in every wonderful bug. If you are wearing something SO creative you should be prepared for reactions! Another thought I just had….could you somehow make the big statement ( with all the bugs) necklace come apart so that the lucky owner could somehow take it apart and wear it as a smaller version should she choose to be in the mood to go lighter one day? I have always LOVED jewelry that can be reconfigured and used in other ways. Whatever you decide the result will be marvellous because the bugs are really splendid! Does this piece already have an owner, or will she be for sale once she is finished
Julia! What a GENIUS IDEA!!! Wow. Now that would be fabulous. I’d have to look into options for easy on/off magnetic connectors (maybe?). But the idea is just wonderful. THANK YOU!!
The necklace(s) don’t have owners yet. I made this for a future exhibit but it doesn’t have any owners yet. I’ll make sure to let everyone know when it becomes part of my shop and available for purchase. I think you’d love it! It is really lovely.
Regardless…thank you for your FABULOUS creativity!
Hello, Verushka! Such an incredible work you have here, like always. I agree that two necklaces will look better, at least the ladybugs feel more confident and independent if we talk abut colors and textures. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us.
Thank you very much Corina! (I LOVE your name!!). Yes. This is very true. The smaller necklaces allow the eyes of the observer to notice each lady much more easily than when they’re all together. Great thought! Thank you <3
Very fun…I like two necklaces…you still can enjoy the personality of each one but more casual so you could wear it more often.
Hi Caroline – Another GREAT point. Yes. The smaller necklaces are more flexible (equally elegant, but also casual!). Because of these great observations I’m pretty much set with keeping them as two. Thank you SO much for taking the time!
Well first off let me say that everything you design is incredible. It’s difficult for me to choose , that being said I believe that bigger is better and more is magnificent.
The lady bugs are all so colorful I would want all of them.
Maybe a clip style of the ladybugs could be added or taken off a necklace , that way one would get all of the ladybugs!
In my opinion you can’t go wrong with either option!
Dearest Joan – Thank you. Even though I’m now strongly leaning towards keeping them as two necklaces, instead of one… I’m SO appreciative of the fact that you understood what my original intention was. Thank you for your incredibly kind words.
Hi Vera, and Happy Spring!
First of all, here up in the far north, lady bugs are a fact of life. Dozens, maybe even more, appear out of the window casings whenever there is a burst of really warm sunny weather. We have never been able to convince them to take shelter elsewhere, so we spend endless time escorting them outdoors. Such is life in the country.
So I was tickled by the fact that they have inspired you. You obviously have some fondness for them because you’ve made them cute.
But to your question… definitely two. Putting them all on one necklace makes it impossible to appreciate each one and its unique style and color. The impact of the “statement” is lost.
Just my humble opinion…
Hi Mary! So you know what I’m talking about!
They are cute but can be such a pain sometime!
Thank you for your (always) fantastic and specific feedback. You’re ABSOLUTELY right are the loss in detail that happens, when there is “too much” of something.
I totally see that now and agree. This is why I LOVE asking your expert eyes!
Thank you for taking the time.
These are adorable and the girls and I always say that ladybugs bring good luck! I think the two smaller are perfect!
Thank you so much Becks! I’m starting to believe the smaller ones are the way to go.
Oh my goodness, these ladybugs are just adorable!! I love that each one is different and their little feet are so sweet! I am voting for two necklaces, but I also think that an individual ladybug would make an awesome pin…if you’re in the mood to make more!
Thank you Peg! LOVE the PIN idea!! That’s just the perfect kind of design for a pin!
Good morning! First let me say, “I love the lady bugs!” Because of my small stature, I prefer the smaller necklace. It is beautiful! I know I’d feel happy and confident when wearing it.
Thank you so much Lynne! So happy you like them. They are very cute, and yet the necklaces look elegant still. Thank you <3
I think Option 2 shows off the ladybugs better. They aren’t shy and retiring so too many take away from the individuals, in my opinion. They are certainly adorable. Lovely work, thanks for sharing!
Fran – That is an EXCELENT point. Sometimes too much of something good, makes the good invisible. Thank you for your thoughts. On point!
I think option two is best. More comfortable to wear and the focus is right in front. Plus there are two necklaces to Choose from.
Dear Sharon – Thank you! You’re right about the comfort point. The smaller necklaces are more comfortable no doubt!