I retired a few years back from the Information Technology game. I took up making beaded necklaces as a hobby, and it got out of hand.
I use a lot of glass and semi-precious stones (jasper, agates, amethyst, malachite, etc) along with fresh-water pearls in my work, as well as torch-work glass beads and pendants. I try for simple, elegant designs that compliment the wearer rather than draw attention to the jewelry itself.