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Jump start your June with a chance to win this wonderful collection of silver charms, jewelry links and stamping blanks with a retail value of $97.50!! Simply vote for your favorite necklace design by leaving a comment! We’ll select a comment at random as our Prize Winner.
Win this bag of Silver Charms, Links, and Stamping Blanks!
The ladies of Nina Designs were each given the eight jewelry components you see above and given a week to create a necklace using at least six of the parts: a heart charm, a mandala pendant, a round stamping blank, a rectangle stamping blank, a large hole slider bead, pack of marquis links, a pack of small oval links, and a round hammered link.
The challenge was harder than we thought it would be, pushing each and every one of us to design more creatively. It was really interesting to see all the different ways we each used the same parts and our necklaces turned out as unique as the eight of us. Click the “Read More” link to see all eight necklaces and read a sentence or two about our inspirations and challenges. And, don’t forget to vote!
Necklace A
Detail of Necklace A
I was stumped by the large number of items we were required to incorporate, six strong elements felt overwhelming to me. My solution was to create grouped clusters in a asymmetrical format, allowing for “downtime” for your eyes to explore before roaming to the next delicate jumble.
Necklace B
Detail of Necklace B
The design challenge inspired me by pushing me to think beyond my usual taste. Once in the process of making my vision a reality, I had to surrender to the technical difficulties that came up. When I was finished, I had a piece that I may never have imagined in the beginning.
Necklace C
Detail of Necklace C
I picked out the great colorful knot beads when I was in Tucson and thought they would be perfect for this design challenge. They added another layer of texture to the necklace and a great burst of color.
Necklace D
Detail of Necklace D
My inspiration began with the marquis links – I wanted to use them in a new way, rather than as a link as I have in the past. Instead I used them as dangles to create a cascading effect. I also wanted to give my necklace the overall feeling of an old relic, so I achieved an aged look with liver of sulfur and kept the color pallet dark and simple. I love asymmetrical designs, so I created this necklace using different types of chain and integrating the clasp on the side instead of the back!
Necklace E
Detail of Necklace E
I like to create asymmetrical pieces whose parts echo one another, so I knew I wanted the pointed tips of the heart and marquis links to cluster and layer one on top of the other. I also chose to play with patina by oxidizing and matting the surfaces to achieve a depth and contrast in the parts.
Necklace F
Detail of Necklace F
I love the look of very fine wire wrapped around thicker wire. I experimented with this technique on the square wire link, adding beads to create a sunburst or fringe around the link. Wrapping the wire is a time consuming process, but I love the effect! I will try it next with blackened wire to further highlight the wrapped texture.
Necklace G
Detail of Necklace G
With such different elements, I decided layering the mandala over the stone would help by downplaying its strong geometric nature. This way the colors and the basic circle shape are the main theme and not so much the individual textures and patterns. I was worried that the design was too busy, but when I put it on the heavy center piece and light links balance each other out.
Necklace H
Detail of Necklace H
When presented with this design challenge I was excited by trying to combine several ideas that I had already been thinking about. I knew that I wanted to use the clay flowers and combine them with silk ribbon for a soft finish. The challenge was in using the silver tags in a natural and balanced way.
Necklace I
Detail of Necklace I
When this challenge was presented to me, my idea was to use ALL the components. Initially looking at the pieces, I felt that some did not go well together – that was my biggest challenge. I decided to just sit down, spread all the pieces out on my table and see what sparked my interest. I began putting it together with no definite plan and soon enough, I had a cohesive piece!
To be included in the drawing, please let us know which necklace you like best and one sentence saying why. In the spirit of fairness, please vote only once. We will close the drawing at 5pm PST on June 9th, 2010. We’ll draw a random winner and let you know who won on June 10th!
I like the first necklace. SOmehow, with all that was required, the artist was able to make it simple and interesting. Very pretty and I would certianly rock it!
Comment by Kristen — June 2, 2010 @ 9:15 am
Tough choice! But Necklace E is my favorite…love the layering of the marquis and heart as well as the asymmetry above. It looks so clean even though it has a lot of elements. Perfect! Thanks for the giveaway!
Comment by Steph — June 2, 2010 @ 9:20 am
Tough decision! After going back and forth, my favorite is E. The components look as if they were picked to go into one necklace, the way the most forward components were left in the bright state really makes them pop.
Comment by Wendy Lucka — June 2, 2010 @ 10:24 am
Wow, all of these necklaces are beautiful!!! I am choosing Necklace C because I love the design and the colors really captured my attention.
Comment by Kim — June 2, 2010 @ 11:53 am
Necklace A
I like the simplicity and the look of a balanced design
Comment by Roxanne — June 2, 2010 @ 11:59 am
I like necklace C, I love the colors and layers and intermix of materials!
Comment by Pam — June 2, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
I love necklace H…it’s very soft with the flowers with the more muted colors of summer. It’s definately my style!
Comment by Debbie Roman — June 2, 2010 @ 12:41 pm
I like Necklace C….Great for summer!
Comment by Jennifer at Shop Cancerversary — June 2, 2010 @ 2:56 pm
It is a difficult decision; however, I love the asymmetry and patina playfulness of E, which captures the imagination and draws attention to the piece.
Comment by Nancy — June 2, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
G is my favorite – It has balance and offers a simplistic approach which works very well. The colors are warm and inviting. The silver designs offer good proportions. The blending of elements from nature work well.
Comment by chanda Parbhoo — June 2, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
I am seriously torn between 3, but I vote for necklace C. Such a tough decision!
Comment by Boot~C — June 3, 2010 @ 5:21 am
My favorite necklace is necklace C. I am intrigued and inspired by the multi-strand layering as the focal point – it is different and unique.
Comment by Abby Robinson — June 3, 2010 @ 6:18 am
I love necklace A. Simple yet fun.
Comment by Deb Houston — June 3, 2010 @ 8:34 am
I LOVE necklace “A”! I love the vintage feel — it’s like a keychain that has gathered all sorts of cool trinkets.
Comment by Handmade Jewelry by Peggy Li — June 3, 2010 @ 10:52 am
“D”. Love how she changed the color of the silver, each a different shade. Love how the clasp is part of the necklace design.
Comment by jennifer stock — June 3, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
Necklace E is the winner for me! I too love asymmetrical art works and I like what the artist did with by oxidizing and matting the surfaces to achieve the contrast in the piece. Beautiful works by all! – CT
Comment by Carolyn Tuttle — June 3, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
I love necklace A — I adore the cluster of items, how’s it simple but not simplistic, and how it’s both elegant and classic without being overly so… okay, I just love it!
Comment by Mel — June 3, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
My favorite is “F”. I love sterling silver and this necklace includes some of the giveaway charms. And I love the message, “Never Give Up” — in life or in trying to win a contest for free sterling charms from one of my favorite new sources!
Comment by Shellie — June 3, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
Definitely E!!!!
Comment by Jane — June 3, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
I LOVE necklace F! I love the chunky many-charm style, I think it would get tons of attention!
Comment by Danielle Stirling — June 3, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
i really love D. i love the complexity of it. your eye takes you to so many places when you look at this lovely piece!
Comment by Lisa Patterson — June 3, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
This is what I love about Nina designs, the same components can be interpreted so differently. I really love them all, but if I have to choose one, I’ll vote for E. I like the clean lines and the use of patina and matte. Beautiful!
Comment by Kathy — June 3, 2010 @ 4:30 pm
I like necklace E because of the contrast of the oxidation and shiny silver. I like the length of the piece and how it’ll make you look long and lean!
Comment by Amana — June 3, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
I like E. It flows and I like the antiquing. The hammered heart looks great.
Comment by Connie Sprague — June 3, 2010 @ 5:03 pm
I like necklace E. The whole design flows together and I like how the metal is oxidized.
Comment by Wendy — June 3, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
I love necklace D. Simple but very Chic!!
Comment by Amy — June 3, 2010 @ 5:42 pm
I love F! never give up is a great message, the charms are cool and the wire wrapping just brings it all together.
Comment by Jodi — June 3, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
I love F. I love all kinds of dangles, but this is a great kind of charm bracelet necklace! Large and small pieces go great together. Lots of texture and movement! Gotta love it!!
Comment by Lena Rhodes — June 3, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
I’m partial to E– like the play of textures and the different surfaces!
Comment by Linda Gerstley — June 3, 2010 @ 6:47 pm
I think B is beautiful, love love love the color and the large focal at the bottom, great job
Comment by Daurene — June 3, 2010 @ 7:08 pm
I like necklace D the best! I really like its clean lines.
Comment by Angela — June 3, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
E is my favorite. The many contrasts…color, texture and shape really work well in this particular arrangement.
Comment by Chris Shaw — June 3, 2010 @ 7:49 pm
I really like necklace E, because of the clean line, asymmetry, and antique feel. Lovely!
Comment by Jennifer Raney — June 3, 2010 @ 9:01 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE C. I love the color combo, the chunkiness and the asymmetry.
Comment by Mary Choi — June 3, 2010 @ 9:28 pm
E rocks! Thanks so much for the giveaway
Comment by jz — June 3, 2010 @ 11:49 pm
I really like necklace E. All the components look like they were designed especially for this asymetrical necklace.
Comment by Millie — June 4, 2010 @ 1:29 am
Necklace D is my favorite. I like the simple open elements of the marquis and round links with the solid blanks, the aged look that is so in right now and the use of the chain.
Elizabeth Brockway
Brockway Enterprises
Comment by Elizabeth — June 4, 2010 @ 8:44 am
I like necklace A best. I really like the focal elements–I’m really into dangles and clusters right now. Necklace D is a close second. I like the dark patina.
Comment by Erin Strother — June 4, 2010 @ 8:47 am
Wow, really hard to choose from these great creations. If I have to choose only one I will choose Necklace E for its multiple charm look. Love all of them though!
Comment by LeAnne Ritter — June 4, 2010 @ 9:03 am
Oh, this is so tough, but I’m going to have to go with Necklace A. Thanks for this opportunity!
Comment by Brandi — June 4, 2010 @ 11:33 am
I like necklace F… it is totally my style.
Comment by Brandy — June 4, 2010 @ 11:37 am
I love necklace C with all the colorful beads and silver chain.
Comment by Jo Lupton — June 4, 2010 @ 11:43 am
Hola, me gustaron todos los collares, pero mi preferido es el G por la combinación de materiales y aun asà armonizan perfectamente dando un resultado muy elegante pero a la vez sencillo. Felicitaciones a su creador..
Saludos, Gloria
Comment by gloria garcia — June 4, 2010 @ 12:57 pm
Just found your website- great info and products! I love the eclectic look of F. The “charm” style is trendy right now, whether on bracelets or necklaces.
Comment by Amy Danielson — June 4, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
It’s really interesting to see how different each designer’s interpretation of the pieces turned out. Several of them are great, but I really love design C the best. I think it is a very interesting and bold piece.
Comment by Michelle Trotta — June 4, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
I like necklace I the best. the symplicity of it is wonderful.
Comment by Sherri Pohlman — June 4, 2010 @ 5:20 pm
I like necklace C best because I like the look of layered chains and the burst of color in the middle layer. It was hard to decide because they are all great in their own ways, but I kept being drawn to necklace C. Thanks for the giveaway!
Comment by Lisa Petrillo — June 4, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
I love necklace E. I love how the links look like petals.
Comment by Kimberly — June 5, 2010 @ 9:16 am
Necklace F
The never give up is what did it for me, its been a motto of mine for a long time. Great job to everyone on all of them, they are all great
Comment by Ann Mikeal — June 5, 2010 @ 5:18 pm
My choice is necklace E. The design is elegant, but not overdone.
Comment by Lois Cassin — June 5, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
Necklace H – Graceful and balanced.
Comment by Janet — June 5, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
My vote is for necklace C: I enjoy non-symmetrical designs and kinetic pieces, jewelry with moving parts.
Comment by CarolAnn Jellison, Austin, TX — June 6, 2010 @ 4:43 pm
I love E I have a place in my heart for hearts try to use them in lots of my designs
Comment by Tisha — June 7, 2010 @ 11:56 am
Yikes! Wonderful necklaces ladies!!!! Okay my faves are A, C, and D. Mmmm, my favorite is A because its very unique and Sculptural! Great job on the oxidation its really really well done!
Comment by Yolanda De Leon — June 7, 2010 @ 7:37 pm
Liked something from all designs, but if only picking one, I’d choose A. Love how different things happening in the design, but everything is balanced, not overpowering….great job on all the entries ladies!!
Comment by Angela Childress — June 8, 2010 @ 2:29 pm
I like necklace D. It’s design appears complete and is something I would like to wear.
Comment by Mary Alice devirgilis — June 8, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
Hard to choose, but I think I like E the best. Stunning work by all the designers! And thank you for the giveaway!
Comment by m'lis — June 8, 2010 @ 7:33 pm
A is my favorite because of the asymmetrical chain.
Comment by Nichole Shaw — June 9, 2010 @ 11:46 am
I love Necklace E. I love the rough and beaten look of the heart. I also love the layering effect of the necklace.
Fabulous giveaway!
Comment by Shannon — June 9, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
I vote for necklace A. It has a cool, modern but old world feel. The layering of charms is clean. The tags could be engraved with a personal message. Jackie
Comment by Jackie — June 10, 2010 @ 5:03 am
All are beautiful. I LOVE necklace C! Love the cluster of chains, the tassle, and the beads from Tucson.
Comment by Amy — June 10, 2010 @ 11:12 am
They’re all amazing. I have to say I absolutely love the design of C the best. Love the rope beads. The different textures, colors and the drape of the tassel really draw the eye. I can see myself wearing it over and over with different outfits. Beautiful.
Comment by Theresa — June 10, 2010 @ 6:59 pm
Necklace A is my favorite. It has vintage charm with the dark finish and cluster of elements, yet it is also modern and manages to look uncluttered and balanced.
Comment by Kat — June 11, 2010 @ 10:07 am
While all are amazing, I’m drawn to the asymmetry of necklace A. There’s a simplicity in the design that leverages the different elements in such a way that they don’t compete with each other, but create a cohesive look.
Comment by Glenda — June 13, 2010 @ 10:45 am
necklace E is all you need–everything’s designed to be in the front of the cascade.This designer chose all the important focal points & made them flow into a very graceful, yet not overpowering, linear center point. The simple use of the 2 side attachmants on the necklace chain made a wonderful eye-catching element as well.Cudos!
Comment by joy marquis — June 14, 2010 @ 6:35 am
Necklace H makes me think of green tea and kimono silk. It’s lovely!
Comment by Heidi — June 15, 2010 @ 1:28 pm
It was a tough choice, but I see so much of the long thin ones hanging in all the department store, or the over crowded, So im going to have to go B it reminds me of an Oriental look. I love the concept of actually taking the time to wire wrap the corners of the pendant. Then adding he rich color of reddish wine made it even more great. Thanks good job everyone.
Comment by corrie rosati — June 24, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
Many of the pieces encompassed a lot of work in wire wrapping and design. Though I found necklace D to be the most intriguing because of its sculptural feel. It is simple though unique. Even though the artist used varying materials, Its design shows balance. Well done.
Comment by Erica Skone-Rees — June 30, 2010 @ 11:32 pm