Favorite Beads: Agate

Today my guest, Scotti Cohn, of Jewelry by Scotti, shares ideas for using her favorite semi-precious stones.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead? Why do you like them?

Scotti: I love beads made of agate, especially crazy-lace agate (also known as Mexican agate). Crazy lace agate is a cryptocrystalline quartz found in Mexico. I like agates because the stones give a feeling of being connected to the earth, and the "crazy lace" patterns are lively and bright.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Scotti: I like to string them on Soft Flex jewelry wire to make necklaces or bracelets. I also make some of them into pendants and earrings.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Scotti: My favorite creation so far using crazy lace agate is a necklace and earring set I called Roses and Lace. It sold within a day or two after I put it up for sale. My favorite creation so far using another type of agate is a necklace and earring set I called Cranberries and Clouds. That set used gray Brazil agate.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Scotti: Accent them with a bit of color but don't try to jazz them up too much. They are solid, basic stones that are quite attractive without a lot of fancy stuff all over them.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Scotti: I like to pair them with small, solid-color beads and silver accents and spacers. In Roses and Lace I used rose quartz and rhondite, and in Cranberries and Clouds I used red coral.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Scotti: Yes. Agates are versatile and can express many different moods and tones -- and crazy lace agates can be both elegant and entertaining.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Scotti: I purchase agate and crazy lace agate from various sources, including my local bead shop. I also use Art Beads, Fusion Beads, Fire Mountain, and other online sources.

You can see even more jewelry creations and inspiration at Jewelry by Scotti.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Jewelry by Scotti
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