Start With Nature’s Colors – Build From There

by Virginia Vivier.
(Tucson, Arizona USA)

I normally work in silver but when I discovered the Sonora Sunset (Chrysocolla Cuprite) stone, I had to incorporate it into a piece of jewelry, one way or the other.

Another Sonoran Sunrise stone that reminds me of the Caribbean Sea

The colors of this stone are a gorgeous combination of turquoise and rust brown. This particular stone fascinated me. I looked at it and was immediately reminded of flying low over the Caribbean Islands in a small sea plane, viewing the crystal clear water along the volcanic reef. I call this piece, “God’s Eye View of the Earth.” I added seed beads as a border, sewn onto a leather backing, blending shades of copper, and turquoise beads that were reflected in the colors in the stone.

Another Sonora Sunset stone, spoke to me as strongly, with beautiful tropical sea colors that meet the volcanic island reef, viewed from the sky. I haven’t figured out how I want to finish this one, but it is a joy to look at, even unfinished.

God’s eye view of the earth

After taking a “Color in Design” course at AZ State University, I learned that people with dark hair & brown eyes prefer vibrant colors, scarlet red, royal blues & bright yellows, simply because those colors are pleasant to the rods & cones in their eyes. Genetically, their ancestors came from warmer climates, like Africa, where the tropics provide rich, vivid hues, naturally.

African inspired design on gourd earrings

Alternatively, blond hair & blue-eyed people prefer pastels because their genetic ancestry is from Icelandic, colder climates. Natural colors found in colder climates tend to be more muted and gray, due to the rainy weather. Thus, their preference towards pastels.

Since I have dark hair and eyes, I find it hard to work in pastels! I love rich, brilliant colors. I made these African beaded earrings because I love the combination of scarlet red and rich blue.

Bright red & blue seed beaded earrings

My tiny gourd earrings are also a mimic of nature. I love to paint on gourds. Drawing from African inspiration, the design, while not brightly colored, still blends well with the natural surface of the gourd.

So, when I consider color, I start by taking a cue from nature and build from there. It is a good way to start!

Virginia Vivier
Esprit Mystique at Etsy