BMJ Blog

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor

Posted on May 07, 2020 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

We often think of gemstones as something we decorate our bodies with—not our homes and office buildings—but a beautiful trend in interior design says otherwise. Gemstones and other stones, often in the form of geode sculptures and accents and even backlit stone walls, can add a unique, eye-catching touch to any space.

Geode Sculptures

Geode sculpture can range from small pieces that accent a coffee table to larger items that deserve their own shelf in a curio cabinet. Some remain in their natural shape and therefore have an “abstract” appeal while others are carved into recognizable shapes like birds, horses—and even skulls!

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Amethyst Geode Sculpture

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Brass and Geode Sculpture

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Agate Crystal Horse Head 

Not quite sure you want an entire geode sculpture in your home? For a more subtle take on the geode decorating trend, try accenting your space with beautiful geode coasters.

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Silvered Geode Coaster

Backlit Stone Walls

GPI Design, a firm specializing in lighting and surfaces, has produced luxurious accent walls featuring backlit onyx. Backlit walls have varying levels of translucency, which creates an intriguing effect. The slabs of onyx are carefully selected to effect a sense of organic fluidity.

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

GPI Design Backlit Onyx Wall and Ceiling
The Mansions at Aquafina, Sunny Isles, FL

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

GPI Design Backlit Onyx Lobby Wall
150 Elgin Street, Ottawa Canada

Lithos Design is another company specializing in this striking decor and drawing attention to the art of backlit stonework. 

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Interior Design: Gemstones as Decor | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Lithos Design Translucent stone walls at the “Salone del Mobile” in Milan”
From the collection “Le Pietre Luminose”


Are you a fan of gemstone decor?
You may also be interested in: The Origins of Crystal Healing

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Photos: 1stDibs, Rikoo, Anthropologie, GPI Design, Lithos Design

Posted in crystals, decor, design, geodes, trend watch, trends

Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

The best part of owning jewelry, of course, is wearing it! But we can’t wear all of our jewelry all of the time. Artistically organizing and displaying our jewelry is a great way to enjoy the jewelry we’re not wearing at the moment, add a splash of beauty to our living space—and show off our impeccable tastes in the process.

We recommend displaying your more casual jewelry or jewelry that could easily be replaced. For truly valuable pieces, it’s better to store them somewhere safer where they will be protected from gathering dust and getting lost in the shuffle of things. 

 Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Display your favorite rings in a pretty dish.

Tip: In some cases, less is more. Too much jewelry in one dish defeats the purpose of displaying your jewelry.  

 Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Opt for an eclectic way to present your jewelry as shown on I Heart Organizing.
Tip: Save and clean empty candle jars. These make pretty--and handy--storage tools. 
 Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog
Find creative way to show off your chunky necklaces, à la this Jewelry Display featured on Cupcakes and Cashmere

Tip: Scour thrift stores and antique markets for vintage busts and designer forms. These pieces can "wear" and show off your jewelry when you're not!

 Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Get crafty with a DIY Chicken Wire Chandelier Earring Organizer like this one featured on Crafts Unleashed.
Tip: Head to your local hardware store for a small window frame. Spray paint the frame a pretty color before attaching chicken wire. 

 Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Place large baubles in a candy dish as shown on The Everygirl
Tip: A mirrored tray like the one featured here will make your jewelry collection seem twice as large! 

 Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Go for a modern, minimalist approach with this DIY Mountain Necklace Display featured on The Merrythought.

Tip: Unfinished wood can make a beautiful, refreshing statement. 

 Pretty Ways to Display Your Jewelry | Barbara Michelle Jacobs Blog

Try this Delicate Necklace Solution from Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Tip: If you're going to pin your jewelry to a wall or board, opt for delicate pins in gold, silver, or white.

 What are your favorite ways to organize and display your jewelry?

You may also be interested in:

Geometric Jewelry and Interior Design 

Pantone Colors of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity 

Are Gold Facials Really Worth It?

Photos: Cupcakes and Cashmere, I Heart Organizing, Crafts Unleashed, The Everygirl, The Merrythought 

Posted in Decor, DIY, home decor, interior design, jewelry crafts, jewelry dispaly, jewelry storage

5 Beautiful Ways to Repurpose Vintage Brooches

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Once a relic of the past, brooches now seem ubiquitous. From creative DIY project to haute couture runways, these sparkly pins are jazzing up clothing, jewelry, and even wedding ’dos.

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Posted in brooch, brooches, decor, DIY, vintage, wedding, wedding hair

DIY Holiday Decorations with Vintage Jewelry

Posted on December 03, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

The holiday season is a wonderful time to get crafty. Sharing crafts (and decorating duties) with family and loved ones can make for special memories. It's especially fun to gather folks around and make an event of it.

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Posted in brooches, decor, DIY, eco-friendly crafts, holidays, vintage

DIY Wooden Jewelry Box

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Mary Hood | 1 Comment

DIY Jewelry BoxIt’s true—some DIY projects look phenomenal, but many of them can instill fear in even the craftiest among us. So many steps! We promise that you don’t need a master's of fine arts to nail this one-minute project. (Yes, you can accomplish this in about a minute!)

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Posted in crafts, Decor, DIY, jewelry, jewelry box, jewelry care

DIY Fall-Inspired Thanksgiving Decor

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

Embrace the late autumn season with these hearth-and heart-warming, fall-inspired DIY Thanksgiving decorations. Whether you tackle these crafts alone (as a splendid way to relax and unwind) or with family and friends (warm cider for all!), your DIY handiwork will add a little something extra to your holiday get-togethers.

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Posted in Decor, DIY, fall, Fun, Holidays, Thanksgiving