14K Solid gold jewelry. Rock Crystal Clear Quartz earrings wire wrapped in 14K gold. Handmade Luxury collection by Arctida

It has been a while since I wrote anything on my blog. I’ve got a new job in August and it has taken me some time to adjust to my new everyday schedule. But Christmas is approaching so it is time to list all my new creations :)

The first one is a part of my Solid gold jewelry *Luxury collection* 14K solid gold earrings with Rock Crystal Clear Quartz gemstones. The pretty Crystal Clear Quartz briolettes look like tiny pieces of ice and they give tons of bling bling when the light hits them. Perhaps something for a winter bride? :)

For more of my solid gold jewelry click here

For more of my bridal jewelry click here

Golden Rutilated Quartz jewelry Golden Rutilated Quartz necklace in 14K gold filled. Luxury handmade jewelry by Arctida.

I just wanted to show you my latest custom order.  The customer is a lovely lady that has already bought the Golden Rutilated Quartz earrings in 14K solid gold from me earlier and wanted a matching necklace this time. She liked my previous design *Harmonia* necklace a lot so she wanted to have something similar but with Rutilated Quartz instead. So here is my latest version of *Harmonia* necklace in gold filled this time and with stunning AAA polished Golden Rutilated Quartz briolettes. 

  

 

Swirly jewelry. Mystic Quartz Mystic Topaz Aurora Borealis Swarovski beads sterling silver set. Handmade wire wrapped jewelry by Arctida.

As I was telling you in my last post, I've been playing a lot with different swirl designs lately. So I thought I'll show you some of the custom orders I've done for a lovely customer who fell in love with my *Juno* pendant and wanted her own swirly jewelry.

The first one is a set of swirly earrings and necklace with Mystic Quartz and sterling silver.

 

 This pendant was made with Aurora Borealis Swarovski beads and sterling silver.

 

This necklace was made with Mystic Quartz beads and sterling silver as well.

 

Asha - Labradorite necklace in oxidized sterling silver. Handmade Labradorite jewelry by Arctida.

I've been playing with different sterling silver swirl designs for the last couple of months and this time I decided to make a pagan style necklace that would look like an ancient amulet or talisman. I chose oxidized sterling silver to make it look antique and different shaded Labradorites for the touch of mystery :) so here is my latest creation: Asha - Labradorite pendant wire wrapped in oxidized sterling silver.

and here is one of my latest custom orders, the customer wanted classic and clean look with Labradorites in sterling silver but no oxidation. So you might say this set gave me inspiration to make *Asha* as I was wondering if Labradorites will look different on black silver instead :)

Maera - Blue necklace Turquoise Kyanite Lapis lazuli Mint Chalcedony Sky Blue Topaz gold filled ombre necklace. Handmade jewelry by Arctida.

The summer is almost here and so is vacation time! I can't wait to go to the beach for a swim and so while waiting for the warmer weather I've made a necklace inspired by the beach and turquoise blue water of the ocean. I used different shades of blue gems, ranging from mint blue to rich cobalt blue. The gems that I used are: Kyanite, Lapis lazuli, Mint Chalcedony, Sky Blue Topaz and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise all wire wrapped in 14K gold filled.

 Fiona is for sale in my Arctida and Etsy shop.

Vintage Skeleton Key Steampunk chocker necklace leather and sterling silver. Steampunk jewelry by Arctida.

I love making Steampunk jewelry. Not because it is such a difference in making *regular* jewelry and Steampunk-themed one but because me and sis get to cosplay for the model shot. It is always so much fun to pick out the clothes, put on the make up and making the shots for Steampunk! So here is my latest one :)

I'm the photographer, jewelry designer, make up and etc and my little sister is the model. The ensemble was assembled by me and most of the parts are vintage clothing (except of the corset). The top hat being the oldest and dating back to 18th century Paris!

a little bit about the necklace - the focal part of this Steampunk choker is beautiful vintage Skeleton Key with a wonderful age patina and character that you just won't get from a reproduction key. I handcrafted the choker part from leather cord and sterling silver wire. The necklace fastens with a lobster clasp and extension chain.
 

Steampunk chocker is for sale in my Arctida, Etsy and Dawanda shop.

Oksana - Gemstone earrings with Amethysts, Carnelians, Citrines, Garnets and green Agates. Handmade artisan jewelry by Arctida.

I just wanted to share with you guys my latest custom order. The customer wanted to have vibrant multicolored gemstone earrings with exotic/oriental touch.  So here is *Oksana* colorful gemstone earrings wire wrapped in 14K Gold filled with purple Amethysts, orange Carnelians, yellow Citrines, burgundy red Garnets and emerald green Agates.

DIY sunblock recipe, make your own Sunscreen oil - natural skin care product

I love making natural skin care products and most of beauty products in my home are made by me. So off course now when the spring is finally here and vacation season is approaching it is time to make my own homemade natural sunscreen oil. The basic rule for sunscreen oil is carrier oil that has its own natural SPF properties + sunblocking agent (zinc oxide or titanium oxide) and then some extras of your choice. I usually use whatever oils I have at home for the moment but I prefer combination of Sesame oil, Jojoba oil and Avocado oil (70%, 20% and 10%).

Here are some good carrier oils for the recipe: Sesame oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba oil, Hemp oil, Avocado oil, Soybean, and Peanut Oil. All contain SPF levels between 4-10.

Ingredients:
135 ml (~ 4,5 oz) Oil blend (use any combination of the oils listed above)
15 ml (~ 0,5 oz) Zinc oxide (non-nanoparticle)
3 ml (~1/2 tsp) Vitamin E
10-20 drops of Lavender essential oil (or your own choice)

I prefer to mix a small part of my oil mix and oxides before mixing the sunscreen. If you wish to do as me, wearing your gloves and mask, carefully measure zinc oxide or titanium oxide into your blending container. Add approximately ¼ of the oil blend and mixture to the powder, blend well. Continue blending until the powder is thoroughly mixed with oil. Transfer the oil/oxide mix into the new container. Add the rest of the oil mix, Vitamin E, essential oil for scent and shake your container/bottle until everything is thoroughly mixed together. You can also combine everything in your blender from the start, and blend until well mixed.

Transfer the finished sunscreen into the smaller containers of your choice. Recipe yields approximately 150 ml (~ 5 oz) of product.

Notes:

* This recipe contains zinc oxide at 10% which gives it a SPF of around 6-11. See the chart below to reduce or increase the amount of zinc oxide/titanium oxide based on your family’s needs. Make sure not to inhale the zinc oxide/titanium oxide, use a mask if necessary!

* Beneficial, sun protecting essential oils include lavender, myrrh, carrot seed oil, and peppermint.

* Avoid using citrus essential oils, such as bergamot, orange, lemon or lime. They may cause unpleasant skin reactions when exposed to the sun. They also reduce a sunscreen's effectiveness.

* When using this oil you will get a soft white tint on your skin from zinc/titanium oxide. If you wish to make it less visible, add some iron oxides or cacao powder.

* Be aware of the shelf life of products made without preservatives. The beauty (and simplicity) of making your own product is that you don't have to adhere to the stringent industry guidelines of manufacturing to lengthen the shelf life. Simply make enough to be used within a short period of time.

* This is the recipe that I have used for my family for years with great results. However, I cannot guarantee that yours will be the same experience because it has not been tested in an FDA/ EMA approved lab. In other words, by sharing this recipe with you, I hope you understand that I will not be held responsible for any adverse reactions, sunburns, or skin cancers.

More of my DIY projects

Fiona - Green necklace emerald green lime gemstones wire wrapped in 14K gold filled. Handmade jewelry by Arctida.

Yes, the spring has finally arrived to Stockholm as well! and to celebrate all those wonderful greens what we all have been waiting for so long, here is my new green necklace. I used different shades of yellows and greens, ranging from pale lemon yellow to rich emerald green. The gems that I used are: Emerald green Quartz, green Agate, Peridot, Citrine and Labradorite all wire wrapped in 14K gold filled.

Fiona is for sale in my Arctida shop.

14K Solid gold jewelry Golden Rutilated Quartz necklace. Handmade Luxury collection by Arctida.

One of my most favorite semiprecious gemstones to work with and to wear is Golden Rutilated Quartz. It looks like a frozen drop of water with small bars of embedded gold. And when the light hits it just right all that gold explodes with tons of sparkles! I purchase a lot of Golden Rutilated Quartz briolettes and off course the best and most unusual briolettes that I get in my gemstone shipments I use for solid gold jewelry in my Luxury collection. So here is the latest beauty - Golden Rutilated Quartz necklace in 14K solid gold.

For sale in my Arctida, DaWanda and Etsy shop

 

For more of my solid gold jewelry click here