Hand hewn wooden jewelry

My boyfriend and I are in the process of getting usable "mini lumber" from cherry, blue spruce, and juniper trees. We will be hand sawing, shaping and sanding each and every piece into wearable necklaces and earrings to start. Then will move into bracelets and possibly rings. Each will be one of a kind due to the hand made nature of each piece. Anyone have any requests for shapes? Do you like the idea of maintaining the woods natural color, or using safe a colorant to change its appearance?