Spring Jewelry Making Inspiration: Designs, Colors, and Other Ideas

It is possible to find inspiration from virtually any source for potential jewelry projects. The next time you find yourself stuck for ideas, get away from your jewelry making tools and browse your inspiration board on Pinterest, pick up some new magazines that are filled with rich and varied images, or head outside with your camera. Don't forget to record ideas as they come to you so that you can keep the work flowing when you do have time to sit down and create. In a pinch, you can always make a note or take a picture with your phone as a reference. Happy designing!

After the long months of winter, most people are starved to see a little green. They want to celebrate the color in every way possible, which includes wearing it. Make green the central color or use it as an accent. If you like to use gemstones in your jewelry, consider one or more of the following green options from Gemology Online. Green makes a fantastic pairing with gold, silver, and copper.

Of course it's hard to go wrong with pastels during the spring. They're a classic choice for Easter pieces and are fitting for any other time during the season as well. Floral designs are a popular theme for pastel shades, but you don't need to feel limited to them. Create a pastel rainbow, use a single favorite, or put together a timeless or unique combination. The possibilities are endless.

As you start to conceptualize bracelets, earrings, or rings with leaves or branches, think about the textures and colors that you see during the spring. For example, tree bark and fresh buds on bushes can provide amazing inspiration. Brown and green is a classic earthy pairing, and of course green always stands well on its own, too. Don't be afraid to incorporate hints of other colors as well.

There are so many flowers out there that it can be hard to even know where to start. Find photographers or artists who capture or create flower works and follow them on Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr, or DeviantArt. Don't forget about dandelions and other weeds and wildflowers. You can also take a more abstract concept with flowers, such as taking inspiration from petal shape or texture.

One of the best ways to seek inspiration from butterflies is to watch them in person. If you live in an area where there are butterflies, keep your eyes open during their peak season. Look for other opportunities to visit butterflies as well such as museum or zoo exhibits. Study their coloring, the patterns on their wings, the way that they fly, and the way that they land on plants.

Choose birds, feathers, or nests as your theme, or incorporate multiple themes into a single piece. Consider studying photographs to learn how to convey the texture and depth of feathers and nests. If you're using metal components, such as wire for a wire-wrapped nest or sterling silver bird charms, think about spring colors to pair with them. For example, the lime green and deep blue pairing in the first example on the right is fabulous.

• March: aquamarine, bloodstone
• April: diamond
• May: emerald

There is always a steady demand for birthstone jewelry, especially rings. From birthday presents to anniversary gifts to engagement rings and wedding bands, it's hard to go wrong with birthstone jewelry. Birthstones offer a timeless aesthetic that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Make sure to plan in advance so that you have your jewelry ready well in advance for upcoming spring events.

A spring color palette can be soft and sweet with pastels or bright and vivid with rich, punchy tones or just about anything in between. Think about the mood that you want to convey or the look that you want to achieve and pick your colors accordingly. Don't forget about neutrals as well. Offsetting a bright pink with white or pairing a bold orange with gray can keep from overwhelming the eye.