Beading doesn't get more elegant than this, with such gleaming gems as amethyst, quartz and lapis lazuli. Valerie MacCarthy - whose work graces the pages of high fashion magazines around the world - has created a magnificent collection of sophisticated, unique jewellery. The 30 projects include bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings and they tend towards the playful and colourful. In addition, an entire section is dedicated to the different stones and their properties, including their spiritual and healing aspects. But what will really entice intermediate jewellers beaders and other general crafters are the pieces themselves: a balloon ring, festooned with seed pearls; chandelier earrings with sparkling, dangling stones; and a fireworks necklace of citrine, peridot and apatite. Introductory chapters present all the gems, tools and techniques used in the pieces.