GemStreet USA show and sale

Nationally renowned jewelry artists and exhibitors will present at GemStreet USA Show & Sale on March 12-14 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea.
The show offers an eclectic array of faceted gemstones, crystals, pearls, beads, silver, gold, pewter, copper, petrified wood and unique jewelry using beadwork techniques, wire wrapping and sculpting.
People who make their own jewelry can find an array of beading supplies, tools and educational materials.
Plus, an eclectic host of rare fossils and minerals will appeal to both novice and serious collectors.
Show hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $7 general admission, $5 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12. The ticket is good all weekend and parking is free.
The Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds is at 164 Eastland Rd. in Berea.
For more information on the GemStreet USA Show, contact organizer Jane Strieter-Smith at (216) 521-4367 or www.gemstreetusa.com.

Spring trends in jewelry are staging their own rebellion against dwindling paychecks — in the form of big, bold statement pieces in more affordable metals and gems.
“Copper and sterling silver are in high demand,” says jewelry artist and Ohio native Gail Strieter of The Soaring Crystal. She has just returned from the worldwide Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show, which showcases the hottest products on the market, and will bring them to Northeast Ohio. “Another artful yet affordable trend is toward bold, sculptured foil glass pendants. These are vividly colored and elegantly shaped. People are having fun with them by stringing them on fabric or leather cords.”
Also seen on the fashion forefront: chunky cuff bracelets with big stones, Swarovski crystals, multi-strand necklaces, pearls (freshwater in all shapes and colors) and cocktail rings with large stones. Reflections of nature in jewelry and objets d’art are hugely popular, in the form of petrified wood carvings and bamboo sculptures.