Oh hey noticed the question about the earings in my Ikki Tousen wp.
if i remember correctly made a solid colored shape then i set it to 100% opacity/ 0% fill
choose blending options and use combinations of really smooth bevels, satins and inner glows [in black and white, but you can choose colors to fit your needs]
that is not all..what i was gonna say earlier is that this is kinda something that you should make last
because after i am almost done with the wallpaper and the shape..i save the pic WITHOUT the clear shape..
open the new picture without the shape and then drag the shape onto it wherever you need
make a selection of the clear shape and then distort/blur/ripple what is behind the shape to give it the glass look
hope that makes sense

Thanx for commenting on my Springtime wallpaper, and welcome to AP!