The amber and the conus work beautifully with one another. Very very nice piece you've designed (as always!). Could you tell me if the Indian gold over pitch or lac are new beads, or the older (they look new to me)? I have collected the antique gold over pitch bead necklaces, or at least used to when they were more affordable. Haven't bought any in the past 10 years at least, & would love to know if current production is any more affordable so I could work with those. I don't want to break up any of my original necklaces. Thanks! Lynne

Hello Lynne,
These gold over lac beads are antique. As you can see on the attached pic, they are collared -- although this is not evident when strung on the necklace, because the holes in the shell beads were enlarged and cup-shaped, so that the gold beads enter into them as if hinged. That way, the necklace looks coherent and articulate. The gold beads are 9 x 11 mm and weight 0,8 grams each.
New gold over lac beads are not that expensive anymore, as the metal's rate has been downstepping significantly from the summits reached a few years ago. But the catalogue of designs of the new ones is more limited -- and of course, no patina at all!

Dear Nishedha,

By agreement, your necklaces are elegant and admirable every time.
I wish I could come close to making pieces as beautiful as yours are.
Thank you very much for sharing your design excellence with us.

Just Fred

It is because I find here so many congenial, friendy, sensible and knowledgeable people that I dare to show my outgrowths.