Jewelry Bench Adventures
Jennifer DeVera shares her jewelry making experiences.
Jennifer has worked with Ad Crucem for a number of years, she recently started jewelry making lessons, and is sharing her story with us.
My jewelry-making journey began in high school, when I started buying beaded jewelry from garage sales and thrift stores—not to wear, but to take apart and remake into my own designs. I strung beads onto fishing line, not knowing much about durability or design principles. The results were often fragile and a little rough around the edges, but I was hooked.
Over time, I discovered better materials, tools, and techniques. Local bead shops opened new worlds, and as the internet took off, I found amazing suppliers, Etsy stores, and tutorials that helped me grow as a maker. For much of my jewelry, I’ve worked primarily with moderately priced beads—especially pewter and silver-plated metals—but lately I’ve started introducing solid silver and gold-filled elements. I’m also beginning to explore metalsmithing and wire-wrapping techniques, which have opened up a whole new realm of creative possibility.
Finding Beauty in Trios
When I create beaded jewelry, I follow a personal design philosophy I call “Trios.” It’s all about balancing elements: transparent and translucent with opaque, and/or shiny and matte with faceted, and/or 4mm and 6mm with 8mm. I often start with a multi-colored focal bead and build a palette from there—usually choosing one or two colors to pull out and echo in supporting beads. From there, I vary size, finish, and translucency to create depth and texture. And sometimes I go in other directions entirely!
Then comes the cross or pendant, which helps determine what kind of metal elements I’ll use—spacers, bead caps, clasps. I love using hinged or removable bails for added versatility. Many of my designs can be worn multiple ways: with or without the pendant, clasp in the front or the back, and some pieces have extender chains that can be worn at different lengths depending on the neckline. This way my jewelry can be both meaningful and adaptable.
Why I Make Christian Jewelry
Christian symbols have become an important part of my work, especially in my contributions to Ad Crucem. My faith shapes not only what I make but how I make it. One of the biggest influences is the doctrine of vocation. I take seriously the call to serve my neighbor—and that includes making jewelry that lasts.
I use high-quality materials that will stand the test of time: 49-strand steel beading wire, colorfast beads, no plastic or silicone, and nothing that’s just painted or dipped. I want people to be able to wear their pieces for years and years. If something doesn’t hold up, I’ll happily remake it.
From Beadwork to the Bench
What drew me to beadwork initially was the instant gratification. Unlike crafts like knitting, which take hours (and sometimes sore hands), beading lets me move quickly from idea to finished product. I’ve always struggled with fine motor tasks like drawing and painting—I can’t always get what’s in my head onto paper. Beads just click for me.
Lately, though, I’ve felt called to push myself further. I wanted to make my own components, solder jump rings, and learn the art of metal. That led me to metalsmithing classes, and now I’m learning to saw, sweat solder, and make chain. I still feel like a beginner, but I’m excited about how these new skills are expanding what I can create.
Right now, I’m working on a vintage enamel-top table that’s seen better days. It’s where I do all my hammering, sawing, and torching. It’s served me well, but I dream of upgrading to a real jeweler’s bench and a more advanced soldering setup. (I’ve got my eye on a Propane & Air torch!)
A Favorite Piece
One of my favorite pieces right now is the Kyanite and Smoky Quartz Luther’s Rose Necklace. It came together piece by piece—some beads I had for years, others I just acquired. The deep blues of the Kyanite matched perfectly with some older dark beads, and the smoky quartz added just the right warmth. I sourced a special strand of beads to be engraved with a Luther's Rose by my friend Angelika (hi, Angelika!), and paired it with a clasp I had specially ordered. It’s a versatile piece—wearable with or without the pendant—and I just love how the colors work together.
Jewelry with a Message
My hope is that when someone wears one of my pieces, they feel beautiful (or handsome!), and that the Christian symbol they chose becomes a conversation starter. Jewelry is a form of personal expression—but it can also be a witness. I want the people who wear my work to feel confident, radiant, and ready to share the Gospel when the opportunity arises.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, I’m hoping to learn stone-setting techniques for both cabochons and faceted stones. I’m excited about finding ways to incorporate those into my faith-inspired designs. I also welcome custom requests—whether it's incorporating a specific color palette, a confirmation verse, or adapting a design to mark a special occasion like a confirmation or baptism.
If there’s something you’ve been hoping to find—maybe a certain cross style, gemstone, or symbol—I would love to hear from you. It’s helpful to know what kinds of jewelry Ad Crucem shoppers are looking for, and it brings me joy to design pieces that are uniquely personal.
Thanks for reading a bit of my story. I’m grateful to be an Ad Crucem contributor, and I look forward to sharing more of my work in the future!
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