PhoenixFire Designs – The Blog

Stunning, semi-precious Rhodolite Garnet rondelles in a bright raspberry pink color are set in sterling silver wire to form a beautiful Tree of Life pendant.

The Tree of Life is a concept that’s been featured in myth, story and legend literally all around the world. Since ancient times, people have used variations on the theme. Connecting all things – the realms of the spirit, the physical, the Divine and the mundane – the roots of the Tree and the branches touch all things and bring them together in harmony.

This pendant is handmade using painstaking wire-wrapping techniques. Hand hammered sterling silver plated wire frames and encircles the pendant, and then sterling silver plated, non-tarnish wire is used as the roots, trunk and branches of the tree.

Rhodolite tends to be lighter in color than most other kinds of red garnet. Rhodolite comes from the Greek word “rhodon”, meaning rose. Many courageous discoverers and travelers wore garnets for protection, as they were considered popular talismans and protective stones. Garnet is a natural, semi-precious gemstone associated with the planet Mars, the zodiac sign of Aquarius and the birthstone of the month of January.

The Rhodolite Garnet rondelles used in this piece are tiny and beautiful. Each is approximately 2-2.5mm and a lovely raspberry color. In different lighting, the full range of colors shine and you can see a variety of redish purple hues.

Measuring approximately 1.5″ in diameter (not including bail), it’s a lovely size both for everyday and special occasion wear.

Available for purchase HERE.

I love making things that are wholly unique; pieces that are envisioned by my customer and not necessarily something I would have thought of or would have made on my own. I also love when I can make something truly personal and meaningful for my customers.

This piece is sea opal and garnet; the birthstones of her and her husband together in a tree. Opal is the birthstone of October and garnet is the birthstone of January. She wanted it in gold, so I also ordered some 14k gold fill wire. I think the result is just stunning.

This is my “medium” size tree, making it larger than the standard pieces and coming in around 1.75″ in diameter.

Have something in mind that’s custom or unique just for you? Love my trees but want a special family tree, memorial tree or other combination you haven’t seen before? Let me know! I would love to make something beautiful and special for you as well.

Stunning Tunduru (Tundra) Sapphire in a range of reds, oranges and browns make up this gorgeous Tree of Life Pendant in Sterling Silver Wire. Tunduru Sapphire (also known as “Tundra Sapphire”) is like the most perfect riot of Autumn colors.

The Tree of Life is a concept that’s been featured in myth, story and legend literally all around the world. Since ancient times, people have used variations on the theme. Connecting all things – the realms of the spirit, the physical, the Divine and the mundane – the roots of the Tree and the branches touch all things and bring them together in harmony.

This pendant is handmade using painstaking wire-wrapping techniques. Hand hammered silver wire frames and encircles the pendant, and then sterling silver plated, non-tarnish wire is used as the roots, trunk and branches of the tree.

Tunduru Sapphire (also known as “Tundra Sapphire”) is named for the region of Tanzania where sapphire and other gems are mined. Tunduru Sapphire is actually a mix of gemstones including andalusite, hessonite, sapphire and garnets of varying colors- pyrope, almandine, spessartite, grossularite, hessonite, rhodolite. This mix gives it the amazing color range that makes it so sought-after. Tunduru Sapphire contains both precious and semi-precious stones.

The Tunduru Sapphire gems in this piece are stunning. Micro faceted and a range of rich, saturated color. Just like the most stunning Autumn trees. Because the gems were so delicately drilled, I had to use a very fine gauge wire for this tree, giving it a more wispy, airy look.

The Tunduru Sapphires are AA+ grade gems and super luxe and I was able to get a very small amount at a relatively reasonable price – just enough for this single pendant. This is a one-of-a-kind piece and I used my entire supply on this Tree so you will receive the exact pendant shown.

Available for purchase HERE.

Fiery colors of reds, oranges and yellows, these cluster dangle earrings are all genuine gemstone set in sterling silver. Inspired by my shop’s names these remind me of Phoenix Fire.

I started with a faceted lemon quartz teardrop briolette which I wire wrapped with non-tarnish sterling silver plated wire. Above it, a cluster of micro-faceted rondelles in semi-precious garnet and shaded citrine gemstones nestle together. Each rondelle is on a sterling silver, ball-tipped headpin. The earrings are finished with .925 sterling silver French ear hooks.

The earrings measure a little more than 1.25″ in total length from hook to tip. They sparkle and catch the light like crazy! This warm, rich color combination is perfect for summer and is very vibrant.

I loved these stones and this style so much I made a pair for myself personally! Every time I wear them, I get so many compliments. They’re a perfect size where they’re noticeable but not overbearing. You can wear them both with jeans or for a special occasion.

You will receive the exact pair shown and it’s the only one I can make at this time as I used my entire supply of gems on this pair.

Available for purchase HERE.

I’ve been wanting to make a pair of phoenix/fire color earrings for awhile. And the nice thing about making jewelry is that I also get to make custom pieces just for myself sometimes too. This was my first time making something just like this but I think it came out really lovely and I hope to be able to offer some in this style (but maybe in different color schemes as well) in my shop soon.

For now, look how pretty! Lemon quartz teardrop briolettes and micro-faceted rondelles in garnet and shaded citrine. All set in sterling.

So lovely. And I’m just so pleased with the colors and how they look worn as well. Like I said, this pair I made for myself to learn the technique and figure out the logistics but hopefully soon I can offer some my shop as well.

AAA-Grade, super luxe, micro faceted garnet teardrop briolettes are wrapped in sterling silver wire to form an amazing, one-of-a-kind Tree of Life pendant.

I truly put love and care into each piece I make. And I love for them to be cherished and enjoyed as much as I enjoy creating them. Every once in a while though, I am lucky enough to have a chance to make something *extra* special. And this is one of those pieces.

I used the most stunning, micro-faceted genuine garnet gemstone briolettes in this piece. They are tiny, tear-drop (or “pear”) shaped gems. Gemstones of this quality and with this detail of faceting are extremely expensive in the smallest of quantities. And this Tree uses *33* such stones!

I’m calling this completely one-of-a-kind piece, “Persephone” after the Greek goddess. She’s most famous for her association with the pomegranate and this piece just reminds me so much of that. This piece will not be recreated due to the expensive materials involved. I was lucky enough to get some garnet once but I don’t see another opportunity like that coming around again! Gemstones of this quality are honestly not normally in my budget.

I’ve hand-hammered sterling silver wire for the outer hoop and then used non-tarnish sterling silver wire for the roots, trunk and branches. The piece is approximately 1.25″ in height and width not including bail. It’s dainty and feminine but still striking enough to be noticed.

This is a truly unique piece and one I’m proud to offer in my shop. I hope you love it as much as I do.

About Garnet Gemstone
Garnet is a natural, semi-precious gemstone associated with the planet Mars, the zodiac sign of Aquarius and the birthstone of the month of January. Considered the stone of good luck in business, it’s also said to increase your self-esteem when worn as jewelry. It’s also the stone associated with the first chakra (base of the spine.) It’s rich, deep and intense color is unique and beautiful.

A truly signature piece. Available for purchase HERE.

A natural slice of variegated brown agate is the base for this unique Tree of Life pendant. Genuine Hessonite Garnet gemstones and sterling silver wire form the leaves and branches of the piece.

This pendant starts with a natural slice of agate geode in variegated tones of brown. Inside the agate are “rings” of amber and cream like you’d find on a slice of tree trunk. The stone is wrapped with antique bronze wire. Then using painstaking wire-wrapping techniques, sterling silver-plated wire is used as the roots, trunk and branches. It has been specially treated to be non-tarnish to keep it’s luster. Genuine Hessonite Garnet rondelles form the “leaves” of the tree.

Available for purchase HERE.

Additional photos behind cut