I changed my mind so many times while constructing this piece. At first, each London blue stone was going to be separated by clusters of small, yellow sapphires...didn't like it. Very odd, since London blue topaz and yellow sapphires are two favorites of mine. Then, as shown in my sneak peek post, I decided to show them off in their beautiful simplicity.
London Blue Topaz and Citrine Necklace
However, I still felt compelled to add some yellow to the piece. I just like the contrast. I was going to use one of my large custom-cut citrine solitaire stones but that didn't seem right either. With no large focal, the piece seemed too long, so I removed six stones which became a lovely pair of earrings, finished with some beautifully faceted citrine teardrop briolettes.
London Blue Topaz Earrings with Citrine
Having shortened the necklace, I added a 2 inch extender chain and finished it with a single piece of the same citrine stones. Extender chains are so great. They give the wearer more versatility in how they style the piece. As I was photographing the necklace, I suddenly had a brainstorm. Why couldn't the extender serve double-duty as a focal point of the piece as well? Back to my tools I went...
London Blue Topaz and Citrine Necklace - Close Up
I adorned each link of the extender chain with more of the faceted citrine stones, creating a cascade effect. The necklace can now be worn with the extender to the front as a pendant, or with the extender chain at the back, sparkling citrine dripping down the nape of the neck.
London Blue Topaz and Citrine Necklace - Extender Chain Worn to the Front
What do you think? This piece was definitely one of those that morphed from one design to the other, but I'm pretty pleased with the result!