Moondance - Bead Star 2010 "Stones" Entry

Beads and findings inspire me.  It is really hard for me to order beads on-line.  I like to hold the gems and components in my hands, feel the texture and look at the color.  Bead shops have a limited inventory, this why I like to shop at Gem Faire.  The Gem Faire show takes place every three months at the Orange County Fair Grounds.  California does not host the Bead & Button or Bead Fest shows.  Really, Gem Faire is the only game in town.  I am awaiting the day that Bead Fest or the Bead & Button show finally arrive in California.

I have always like the color combo of gray and pink.  When I found these strands of pink dyed agate and gray quartz at the Gem Faire bead show I was smitten.  The vibrancy of the dyed pink agate is breath taking. 

The original idea floating in my head was pink, gray and sterling silver.  When I started to design that night, I was drawn toward Vintaj Natural Brass (big surprise there) and the necklace took on a life of it's own.

After completion of the design, the image of a butterfly dancing around a flower in the moonlight stuck in my mind.  I know, I have never seen a butterfly dancing at night either.  I tried other names but I keep coming back to "Moondance".  The photo above shows a clearer image of the butterfly clasp.

The rondelle faceted gray quartz features many lovely tones.  The tones range from white to charcoal.  

The photo above was taken by a professional photographer.  Once again, I was not happy with this shot.  The professional picture is not focused clearly and looks washed out.  My blog photos were taken after the entry was submitted.  There is a huge difference in clarity and color.

I was concerned with the pink, gray and brass color combination.  What do you think of the colors?  Do you like the brass or do you think it would have looked better in sterling silver?  Personally, I like the brass.  It is very unique color combo and design.