A Collection in the Making

The Story Behind the Beaded Nugget Collection

A new design style is taking shape in the studio — one built on natural stone, quiet sparkle, and thoughtful layering. The Beaded Nugget Collection is a growing series of handmade necklaces and bracelets created with faceted gemstones chosen for their color, character, and natural variation. Each piece is one of a kind, designed to stand on its own or layer beautifully with your favorite jewelry.

This collection is created slowly and intentionally, allowing the stones to lead the way. And just like nature, it continues to unfold over time.

How the Nugget Was Born

Believe it or not, the Nugget began with chain. Odd, right? While creating an earring collection using chain and labradorite rondell stones, the Nugget was born. Maybe this idea existed somewhere before, but I wouldn’t know — I tend to stay in my studio and simply create. I let the metal and the stones lead, and that’s exactly what happened.

I was working on a pair of copper earrings that needed something — it needed sparkle, it needed an accent. I picked up a few labradorite rondells and began arranging them, and suddenly it was clear what they wanted to be… a nugget.

What Makes a “Beaded Nugget”

The Nugget is simply a larger rondell surrounded on each side by a smaller rondell bead — faceted whenever possible. The facets take the color and shape to a sparkly level that a smooth round bead just can’t achieve. Whenever I can use facets, I do.

This simple structure allows the stone to remain the star while giving it dimension, movement, and just the right amount of shimmer.

Traditionally Modern Design

When I design my beaded necklaces and bracelets, I want them to feel traditionally modern. These aren’t your grandmother’s oversized statement beads, but they are an ode to what color and shape can do for an outfit — especially when layered with other metals, textures, and tones.

Why stop at one necklace or bracelet when you can layer and stack?

One of a Kind, Always

I may be able to create a design again, but it will never be exactly the same. I love the natural uniqueness found in every bead and stone. Just like snowflakes, no two are alike. Unlike mass-produced jewelry, you’ll always find natural, one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art at Carrie Foscato Design.

A Collection That Will Continue to Bloom

As I continue to explore ideas using the thousands of beads and stones I inherited, this collection will keep blooming with color and life in the months ahead. New pieces will be added as inspiration strikes and stones reveal what they want to become.

Be sure to check back often — you never know what may appear next.