Pages

Ads 468x60px

Monday, July 7, 2008

Types of Metals used in Beaded Jewelry

Beginners in Jewelry Design
When handmade jewelry designers are just starting out in jewelry design, they may choose to use pewter, base metal, silver plate or gold plate metals. Some of the reasoning is their inexperience in the types of metals used in beaded jewelry; other times they choose lower grade metals to keep their costs down; or they simply may be choosing to design fashion jewelry only, which is typically made using lower grade metals.

Bridge Jewelry Designers
As a handcrafted beaded jewelry designer becomes more knowledgable and experienced in their craft, they may decide to upgrade the quality of the metal they are using in their designs. These bridge jewelry designers may then choose to upgrade to sterling silver, rhodium plate, gold fill or vermeil. A bridge jewelry designer is generally concerned with producing a quality piece of jewelry for their customer but they tend not to be so concerned with the costs of reproducing the piece multiple times over, since most bridge jewelry designers do one of a kind jewelry or will only reproduce a jewelry piece a few times.

Fine Jewelry Designers
High end designers will use only fine grade metals such as sterling silver and 24 karat gold. Using these metals offers the consumer a high-end piece of jewelry where the sticker price equates to the quality of the jewelry piece. The higher price tag might be a result of the unique materials used in the piece or it may reflect the costs of reproducing the jewelry piece multiple times over for the mass population.

If you happen to be allergic to low grade metals, you should definately look for a handmade beaded jewelry designer who uses sterling silver in their beaded jewelry designs. At times, a designer may also throw in a lower grade metal bead in their jewelry design simply because the style of the bead fits with the design and they cannot find the equivalent in a sterling silver metal.

For a more in depth explanation to each type of metal used in beaded jewelry, check out our types of metals jewelry article for metals used in handmade beaded jewelry designs.
Read More »

Monday, June 23, 2008

NEW Lampwork Beaded Bracelet Designs Added

The multitude of colors and designs that lampwork glass beads offer is just spectacular. Mix them with some sparkling Swarovski Crystal and WOW! what a design. Each of the handmade beaded jewelry designs below are one of a kind.

Amethyst Lampwork Swarovski Crystal Bali Beaded Bracelet (B106)
The artisan lampwork beads in this handmade beaded bracelet design uses a play of layered glass over color stripes to create a dimensional melon effect that is stunning when paired with amethyst Swarovski Austrian Crystals. .925 sterling silver Bali bead with lovely amethyst coating, Bali spacer beads and sterling silver circle toggle clasp. Beaded Bracelet measures 8".


Aqua Lampwork Flower Swarovski Crystal Beaded Bracelet (B107)
You can't beat the calming, almost mesmerizing, blue Swarovski Crystals set against black and blue artisan flower lampwork glass beads. The beautiful artisan lampwork bead features a blue swirl rose set against a black core and accented with stunning Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver Bali. The sterling silver rose toggle clasp finishes this garden-feel beaded bracelet. Lampwork Beaded Bracelet measures 8".


Lampwork Striped Maroon Swarovski Crystal Beaded Bracelet (B108)
This handcrafted beaded bracelet looks good enough to eat! The raspberry color in the striped lampwork glass beads pair perfectly with burgundy Swarovski Crystals and satin topaz crystals and Bali .925 silver. A sterling silver swirl toggle clasp complements the swirl lampwork design. Lampwork Beaded Bracelet measures 8".
Read More »

Friday, June 20, 2008

Custom Beaded Jewelry: Aunt Bracelet

I had the pleasure of creating this one of a kind AUNT beaded bracelet for a returning customer.


Designed with Swarovski pearls, sterling silver, various .925 sterling bali and finished with a heart clasp. The design is pure elegance! Thank you Lana for allowing me to design a custom piece for you. I know you will enjoy it for years to come!

Shop our designer beaded bracelets

Please feel free to contact us to design a custom AUNT bracelet just for you!
Read More »

Monday, June 16, 2008

NEW Mini Gemstone Earring Gift Set

These petite handmade beaded earrings offer a gemstone shade for each of the four searsons. The gift set features one gemstone pair each of red aventurine, green jasper, brown jasper and rhodolite. Simple, but oh so versatile!

Gemstone Beaded Earring Gift Set E137
These simple and pretty mini stack earrings feature one pair each of red aventurine, green jasper, brown jasper and rhodolite rondell gemstones wire-wrapped with sterling silver accents. Dangling dantily from sterling silver french earwires. Length: 3/4" from bottom of earwire.
Read More »

Monday, June 9, 2008

Crystal Allure Featured at What A Pair! 2008

The 2008 What A Pair! Celebration of Duets to Benefit Breast Cancer Research was held yesterday (June 8, 2008) in Los Angeles. I was very excited to participate in this years' celebrity gift bag with our exclusive designed Mother of Pearl Circle Earrings. A special thank you to Ronna with, It's in the Bag, for contacting me with interest in our jewelry designs.

The beneficiary of this years' event was the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) and the event was hosted by Jaclyn Smith, Lesli Linka Glatter and The John Wayne Family.
This years' event was attended by some of our favorite celebrities that included:
Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars)
Jessica Biel (7th Heaven, Elizabethtown, Blade: Trinity)
Mary Birdsong (Reno 911: Miami)
Deana Carter (Country music star and actress)
Jamie Lee Curtis (Christmas with the Kranks, Freaky Friday)
Loretta Devine (Dreamgirls, Grey’s Anatomy)
Joely Fisher (Til Death, Wild Card)
Deborah Gibson (Singer, Celeste In The City, Teen Queens)
Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls)
Jasmine Guy (A Different World, That’s so Raven)
Diana Harris
Marg Helgenberger (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation)
Elaine Hendrix (The Parent Trap, Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion)
Sharon Lawrence (NYPD Blue)
Vicki Lewis (News Radio)
Jane Lynch (40 Year old Virgin, For Your Consideration)
Sarah Niemietz (Akeelah and the Bee )
Valarie Pettiford (Stomp the Yard)
Amy Pietz (Carolyn in the City)
Nina Storey (blues singer, Girlfriends)
Marcia Strassman (Providence)
Tierney Sutton (musician)
Lisa Ann Walter (War of the Worlds, Bruce Almighty)
Jennifer Leigh Warren (What’s Love Got To Do With It)
Maggie Wheeler (Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond)
Kathleen Wilhoite (Gilmore Girls, Firecracker)
Rita Wilson (Runaway Bride, Sleepless in Seattle)
Charlayne Woodard (ER, Law and Order)

Read the Prime News Wire Clip Report for the event.

Crystal Allure Designs Press
Read More »

Thursday, June 5, 2008

NEW Crystal Ice Swarovski Crystal Collection

As part of our Signature Swarovski Crystal Collection at Crystal Allure Designs, I'm happy to announce the new Crystal Ice pieces! Inspired by the impending hot summer, why not cool off a little with one of our Crystal Ice bracelets, earrings -or both.

Designed exclusively with Swarovski Austrian crystal, crystal aurora borealis (AB) and sterling silver. Wear one piece for a little shimmer or add complementary pieces for an all over luminous glow. Be the envy of where ever you go!

Coming soon: Crystal Ice necklaces and anklets
Read More »

Monday, June 2, 2008

June Birthstone -Pearl

Happy Birthday June Ladies!

June is the month that was dedicated by the Romans to the queen of the gods Juno (Regina) -- Hera to the Greeks. The modern June birthstone is the pearl. Pearls have been a passion and even an obsession of people throughout the ages. They have been ground up and used in cosmetics and as a medicine to treat heart and stomach conditions. Some cultures swear by pearls as an aphrodisiac. These gems have adorned crowns, clothing, and temples, and were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra.

Pearls continue to be viewed as a mark of taste and refinement as well as a symbol of beauty and purity. Pearls are the perfect gift, suitable for all ages, and elegantly worn with everything from jeans to an evening gown. Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs offers June birthstone earrings in both Swarovski Crystal Pearl and Light Amethyst Swarovski Crystal (the alternate Swarovski Crystal birthstone which is more affordable than Alexandrite, the traditional birthstone of June).

img


The June birth flower is the rose, or the honeysuckle, as roses and honeysuckles bloom throughout June. June is also sometimes called the "Rose month."

June is known for the large number of marriages that occur over the course of the month. With June being named after, Juno or Hera, the goddess of marriage and a married couple's household, some consider it good luck to be married in this month.

Pearl is also the suggested anniversary gift for the 30th wedding anniversary.
Read More »

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

NEW Smoky Quartz Beaded Jewelry

Smoky Quartz gemstone is a beautiful, alluring and sophisticated gemstone.

Just listed today are the following:

Smokey Quartz Lantern-Shaped Bali Necklace
Smokey Quartz Lantern-Shaped Bali Bracelet

Visit the Crystal Allure Designs Handcrafted Jewelry website
Read More »

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

May Birthstone -Emerald

Happy Birthday May Ladies!

The month of May was named after the Roman goddess, Maia, who was the goddess of spring and growth. Which makes your birthstone very appropriate for spring -the emerald. Emerald is the Modern and Traditional birthstone for May and symbolic of good fortune. It is the only stone, beside Topaz, that is listed in all of the ancient birthstone tables. Genuine emeralds are found in very light to very dark green.

Extremely rare and expensive, crystal and green cubic zirconia are common substitutes for genuine emeralds. Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs provides you a more affordable alternative using emerald Swarovski Crystals.

Emerald is also the suggested anniversary gift for both the 20th and 35th anniversaries and as an alternate stone for the 55th wedding anniversary.


Emerald Double Crystal Beaded Earrings E044
These handmade beaded earrings are ultra-light, delicate and elegant. A round emerald Swarovski Crystal is accented by 14K goldfilled beads and topped with a diamond shaped emerald Swarovski Crystal. The earrings are finished with 14K goldfilled french hook earwires. Length: 1/2 inch from bottom of ear wire.

View all Emerald Beaded Jewelry
Read More »

Thursday, May 1, 2008

NEW Rose Quartz Gemstone and Jade Beaded Jewelry

The cold weather is past us, it's time to start loving the softer side of spring.


Freshwater Pearl Jade Pendant Necklace N045
Love Affair with Nature. A soothing jade teardrop forms the centerpiece of this necklace reflecting the true beauty and allure of nature. Handwrapped links of sterling silver, mint freshwater pearls and jade rounds lead up to sterling silver cable chain. Necklace Measures 17" (although the sterling silver lobster clasp can be fastened anywhere along the chain); Jade Teardrop Pendant Centerpiece Measures 2-1/2".
Beaded Necklace (N045)
Beaded Earrings (E146)


Freshwater Pearl Jade Gemstone Beaded Earrings E146
Soothing jade gemstone is surrounded by pale mint green freshwater pearls and hand-wrapped for a beautifully feminine pair of handmade beaded earrings on sterling silver threader earwires. Length: 2-1/2".



Rose Quartz Freshwater Pearl Chain Necklace N047
Spring Tulip. A delicate translucent pink rose quartz gemstone teardrop, shaped like an unopened tulip, forms the centerpiece of this necklace. Handwrapped links of sterling silver, blush freshwater pearls and rose quartz lead up to a sterling silver cable chain. Length: necklace 17" (although the clasp can be fastened anywhere along the chain); pendant drop 2-1/2".
Beaded Necklace (N047)
Beaded Earrings (E147)


Freshwater Pearl Rose Quartz Gemstone Beaded Earrings E147
Delicate translucent pink rose quartz gemstones are surrounded by blush-pink colored freshwater pearls and hand-wrapped for a beautifully feminine pair of handmade beaded earrings on sterling silver threader earwires. Length: 2-1/2".

Read more about Jade, Rose Quartz and other beautiful gemstones in our Gemstone Guide.

Shop Beaded Necklaces

Shop Beaded Earrings
Read More »

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...