No, this isn’t a joke. There are artists creating beautiful paper jewelry out there. As to the durability of the pieces, I couldn’t guarantee this but I’m sure they have someway to protect them in an unexpected rain shower. I can’t believe anyone would sell a pair of earrings, full-knowing that the first bit of dampness would destroy them.

Different types of paper may be used. Either created by the artist him/herself, or paper that is purchased from designers around the world. I’ve seen some lovely jewelry made from Japanese designs as well as geometric, floral and so forth.

I love the idea of making jewelry from a renewable resource, and one that is so full of vibrant color, pastel softness and surprising designs.

Spring is here (sort of). The weather is at least barely warmer, crocuses are springing forth from suburban front yards, and birds seem to be making up their minds to fly back north. It’s time to get out the warm weather clothing and accessories. Put on those pastel jackets and soft colored butterfly jewelry so you can enhance the mood of the season.

Color is the key here. Spring evokes impressions of soft colors; new green leaves, yellow daffodils, pink and blue flowers everywhere. And, of course, the ubiquitous butterfly. If you live in the city, you may not have the same feelings about spring. The air may not be as fresh, the flowers and butterflies not so ever present.

But if you look, you’ll still see it. Maybe it’s only in the relief of your fellow passengers on earth, happy to have made it through another winter. But to me, the butterfly is the most evocative harbinger of all.

Pearls are a natural for bridal jewelry. Soft and natural looking, they have a feminine look perfect for spring weddings. Since the traditional bridal gown is still white, pearls are one of the best choices to accessorize.

The history of cultured pearls goes back to 13th century China. Entrepreneurial Chinese put small metal pieces and tiny Buddha statues between the mantle and shell of the mollusk and replaced it in its natural environment. They carefully watched them for a couple years, till the foreign substances were coated in layers of mother-of –pearl. How did they figure out this would happen? Maybe the first brilliant man (or woman) dissected a peal and discovered a small rock in the center, and extrapolated from there.

Not until the beginning of the 20th century was a method devised of creating perfectly formed spherical pearls. Personally, I find the irregular naturally formed pearls the most beautiful.