I was drawn to the “Blue Muse” necklace because I like to wear blues such as cobalt and royal, but these deeply saturated shades can sometimes be difficult to accessorize, so I like the idea of a mixed gemstone piece. And I really like the saturated color of a gemstone because it adds nice color to an outfit and some interest and can be dressed up or down. This particular necklace pairs nicely with this Italian dress I am wearing in the photo with a bare scoop neckline. I’ve been trying to find just the right accessories for several months and I really like the look of this choker because not only do the colors match, but also there is texture to the necklace, which seems right with the dress fabric. And in looking in my closet at my general wardrobe, there are several other items that could match these colors amongst both my dressy clothes and my more casual going to brunch or museum type outfits that just need a little character.

 

About the Necklace
The gemstone pattern is about ½ inch wide, which is not large enough to be clunky yet it is also not too thin, so it is dainty and ladylike but still enough to make a statement and be noticed without being overpowering. I like the combination of the blues, the two colors play the saturation of the hues of the other stone nicely, and there is generous use of the gemstones.

It is basically choker length. There is an optional 2 inch extra extender “drop” for the length to accommodate neck size or make the necklace a bit longer if needed. You can wear this hanging down the back of the neck for interest, you can extend the length of the necklace, or leave it off entirely.

 

Some details:
• It is a silver plate base, handtied stonework.
• The necklace has lapis lazuli (the darker blue color) and calcite (the lighter blue color) gemstones. The lapis lazuli stones are two shapes of gemstone. The calcite, as seen in the photos, are clustered.
• There is a lobster claw clasp, so I am not afraid of the clasp coming undone. But, and this is the one and only thing I sort of dislike, it is a difficult clasp to secure on oneself because the eye of the loop is small. Since this is a handmade item, perhaps that is just mine. If you find this to be the case with yours as well, just give it a little check just to make sure the clasp is closed after you put on the necklace.
• The irregularity of stones adds interest and texture, but they are not damaged, chipped or scratched gemstones. The irregularity does not seem uneven, the stones are of the same size but appear crafted.
• The thread is dyed silver, which I like on the clusters to have a hint of metallic and not bare white or clear thread. It looks richer and does not distract from the beadwork itself.
• The lapis lazuli gemstones appear to be lightly buffed but not a fake or shellac type of shiny
• This particular necklace comes in an attractive patterned and thick jewelry pouch that will keep the necklace safe from scratches while stored away and is also an attractive bag that makes for nice packaging if giving this necklace as a gift, and inner plastic bags.

This is a versatile piece that would match the style of women of various ages, useful as a gift.

About Novica

I received the Novica print catalog for years and always like seeing the unique, handmade items on their website. I enjoy owning items that are distinctive, use quality materials, are well-crafted, and not the exact same thing that everyone else is wearing.

I own a few Novica jewelry pieces and artisan glassware, the handcrafted quality is always evident and Novica makes it a company mission to treat their artists well. Each piece has a small autobiography of the artist, which is interesting to read their stories of how they came to hone their artisan skills and often some details about customs from the region they live, as well as some information about the materials used in the making of the artisan’s item, such as if those gemstones hold special meaning, or if they are indigenous to the region. Many of the artists are women.