More wire wrapped lava stone pendants with pink and blue wire and Swarovski crystals

Much as I like to experiment with new jewelry designs, there are some "classics" that I always return to -- such as my wire wrapped lava stone pendants with Swarovski crystals.

I've made dozens of these necklaces for friends and craft fairs and I never tire of putting them together. The wire has a life of its own and I never quite know what the end result is going to be. It's fun to bend and twist and swirl the wire; it reminds me a bit of that drawing game I had as a kid called Spirograph. You'd use stencils to swirl different colors together and though you had some idea of what your pattern would look like, you never knew for sure.

Lately I've been making these lava pendants with different colored wire. So far, I like the way blues and pinks look the best. Purple gets a bit drowned out by the black. I haven't yet used yellow, but I think that would look pretty good, too. I attempted to combine a bunch of different colors in one piece ... but it ended up looking as if a clown threw up on the lava. Sometimes it's better to keep things simple!

I've wire wrapped many different types of stones, but I like lava the best. The black works nicely with a lot of wires and I love the way the rough rock looks when it's gussied up. Plus, it's fun to wear something that's a little out there.

To purchase my jewellery, head to Naomi's Designs or MayaGirl Creations.

Wire wrapped lava stone necklaces with Swarovski crystals

I made four new wire wrapped lava stone necklaces with Swarovski crystals. What's interesting about these pendants is that I took the same basic template -- a medium-sized, round, black volcanic rock -- but adorned each stone in a very different and unique way.

This pendant's filigree design was made with 20 gauge copper wire and garnet red Swarovski crystals. I went for a very fancy, intricate design here and the bright colors -- red and copper -- are very rich and regal. I like the way the "upscale" design plays against the rough, raw texture of the lava stone; somehow, they just work together.

This lava stone was wire wrapped with 20 gauge silver wire and pink and clear Swarovski crystals. For this necklace, I went with a much more minimalist and modern pattern that highlights the volcanic rock. I love the silver, pink, clear and black when placed together. It's just such a classic and pretty combination of colors.

I wire wrapped this pendant with 20 gauge silver, as well, but this rainbow design is very whimsical. I wanted the rainbow Swarovski crystals to be the centerpiece so they go right through the middle of the rock and the filigree pattern.

20 gauge gunmetal was used for the wire wrap in this final necklace. I created big, bold spirals and swirls for its pattern and went for a very organic and natural design. I thought about the way that lava flows and tried to emulate the swirling of it as it cascades down the sides of a volcano. I added green and pink Swarovski crystals, which look a bit like a little flower -- again very natural, Earthy colors.

So there you have it! Four necklaces made with the same basic materials: black lava stone, 20 gauge wire and Swarovski crystal bicones. But each has a very distinct look. I enjoy working with lava stone because it acts as a great canvas for wire wrapping -- and these are just a few samples of what can be done with a volcanic rock pendant.

To purchase my jewellery, head to Naomi's Designs. To purchase my children's jewelry, head to MayaGirl Creations. To purchase my novel, check out REVENGE OF A BAND GEEK GONE BAD.

HubPages Article: How To Make A Handmade Wire Wrapped Stone Pendant

I've published another jewelry making tutorial on HubPages. This one shows you how to make a basic wire wrapped stone pendant. I use lav stone to make the necklace, but you can use any kind of stone you like.

Some people may wonder why I'm giving away my "trade secrets" with these tutorials, but I don't see it like that. I'm just sharing a skill that I've learned and after that, it's up to the student to come up with his or her own ideas for designs. Still, everyone has to learn from somewhere and I'm happy to help. I initially learned how to make jewelry by watching videos online and reading blogs such as this. I'm now taking classes. I'm proud that I've reached a point where I now feel confident in sharing my knowledge.

But if you want to take a stab at making this pendant, head here.

Meantime, to purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs on Etsy.

Black Lava Stone Pendant With Copper Wire Wrap

When I was in Hawaii, I was surprised to see how beautiful lava is. I assumed that it would just look like dirt, but it doesn't: there are shapes and curves and shades of the black rocks. It's actually pretty amazing.

I love working with lava stone because it's kind of a blank canvas. You can use any kind of wire or stone on it and it will work.

When I first started wire wrapping, I'd twist the wire into random curls and angles, but I've learned how to "fine tune" it. I can now bend the wire into very precise shapes and patterns, even when wrapping a stone. That's what I did with this copper wire. I made tiny curls so that they enhance the stone, but don't obscure it.

I love how it came out. It looks very organic. See, lava can be elegant.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs on Etsy.

Wire wrapped lava stone

I first saw dried lava when I was in Hawaii about six years ago. I never knew that lava -- which is porous and black -- could be beautiful, but it really is, especially when there are large sheets of it.

When visiting Hawaii, however, you're not supposed to take pieces of lava home because it's bad luck. There are all sorts of stories about people getting cursed after bringing home lava. We didn't want to take a chance, so we left it alone!

Still, when I saw these round lava stones being sold, I was inspired to make something with them. Each one is like a blank canvas and I wanted to build pieces of jewelry that obviously looked like jewelry, but also brought out the beauty of the rock.

For this pendant, I went with a simple wire wrap design. I didn't want to completely cover the rock with wire, so I used it as a frame. I then added just two small crystals to finish it off. I feel like the black, silver and blue play well off of each other and work together in a finished product. I've been told that it looks like a Native American piece, which is a huge compliment.

I've been experimenting with other types of rocks, as well, but I still like lava the best. When "dressed up," it's especially eye-catching.

For more of my work, head to Naomi's Designs.