Crystal Bead
Saturday, December 18th, 2010Crystal Bead
Making Charms Using Swarovski Crystal Beads
Swarovski is the brand name for the range of precision-cut lead-crystal glass and related products produced by Swarovski AG of Wattens, Austria. These beautiful beads were first created in 1892 and transformed Victorian jewellery design. Today, these pretty crystals are as popular as ever in jewellery making and are ideal for making a complete range of items from earrings to necklaces, bracelets and broaches.
In order to create a crystal that allows light to refract in a rainbow spectrum, Swarovski crystal beads are coated with special metallic chemical coatings. Aurora Borealis is one of the most popular coatings and gives the surface a rainbow oil slick appearance. This makes Swarovski crystal beads a perfect accompaniment to any type of finding as the beads catch the light and really do sparkle with an iridescent shimmer. They are particularly popular used as charms and are incredibly easy to incorporate into even the most simple of designs.
To make your own charms using Swarovski crystal beads, you only need the most basic of jewellery making equipment. And you don't necessarily have to use them to make jewellery either - they can also be used to add a special sparkle to clothes or even mobile phone covers. All you need to make simple charms are a pair of round nose pliers, flush cutting pliers, a selection of crystal beads and perhaps some accent beads to add a flourish to the design, silver or gold jump rings and silver or gold eye or head pins. Decide on the design you'd like to create using a combination of Swarovski crystals and accent beads. String the beads onto a silver or gold head or eye pin, depending on your design. Leave enough length at the end of the pin so that you can make a loop for hanging and use the flush cutters to trim any excess wire from the end of the pin.
Use the round nose pliers to bend the remaining wire into a loop to finish off the charm. The smoother the loop, the better and stronger the charm will be. If you're able to solder skilfully you can give a more professional finish by soldering the join in the loop to secure your charm properly. Once you have several charms you can then string them together to make a 'cluster effect' necklace or sew them onto a jumper or cardigan to give it a new lease of life and added sparkle. Swarovski crystals are incredibly easy to use and look stunning for very little cost.
Good suppliers of crystals will carry a wide selection of colours and effects and the crystals have become so popular that there are even artists creating large sculptures incorporating the iridescence and shimmer of these simple but beautiful beads into their work. They are particularly good for children's jewellery projects as the bright colours and tactile nature of the crystals appeals to younger jewellery enthusiasts. The best way to discover the nature of these crystal beads is to buy a bag and just sit down and create your own designs with them. The only thing that limits you is your own imagination, so let it run wild and see what happens!
About the Author
Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of jewellery making supplies from over 10,000 products including
Swarovski crystal beads
, jewellery tools, precious metal clay, gemstones and gold and silver sheet - gold, platinum and palladium. Contacts Adam Hunter E-commerce Marketing Manager Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491 E-mail: adam.hunter@cooksongold.com
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Crystal Wink Bead $60 Just the right amount of flash! This beautiful sterling silver bead is embellished with a ring of sparkling crystal pavé. It is available in five fashion colors: Light Rose, Peridot, Aquamarine, Amethyst or clear crystal. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Dimensions: 0.27 x 0.43 x 0.43 in x in |
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Crystal Faceted Bead, L $40 These exclusive faceted crystal beads add gorgeous brilliance to your creations. They are available in 2 sizes and 16 crystal colors: clear crystal, Aquamarine Moonlight, Crystal Golden Shadow, Crystal Silver Shade, Amethyst, Montana, Light Amethyst Moonlight, Black Diamond, Smoked Topaz, Light Rose, Light Siam Satin, Chrysolite, Purple Velvet, Jet Hematite, Erinite and Indicolite. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Dimensions: 56/100 x 38/100 x 56/100 in x in |
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Crystal Faceted Bead, S $38 These exclusive faceted crystal beads add gorgeous brilliance to your creations. They are available in 2 sizes and 16 crystal colors: clear crystal, Aquamarine Moonlight, Crystal Golden Shadow, Crystal Silver Shade, Amethyst, Montana, Light Amethyst Moonlight, Black Diamond, Smoked Topaz, Light Rose, Light Siam Satin, Chrysolite, Purple Velvet, Jet Hematite, Erinite and Indicolite. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 1.21 x 0.80 x 1.21 cm x cm |
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Crystal Orbit Bead $70 This is what any fashionista's planet looks like! The shiny sterling silver sphere is encompassed by a dazzling ring of crystal pavé. It is available in five fashion colors: Rose, Siam, Aquamarine, Amethyst and clear crystal. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Dimensions: 0.28 x 0.43 x 0.42 in x in |
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Crystal Hearts Bead $60 Romantic and sweet, this design presents heart-shaped crystals nestled in between shiny sterling silver hearts. It is available in four engaging colors: Light Rose, Light Siam, Light Amethyst and clear crystal. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 0.83 x 1.17 x 1.19 cm x cm |
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Crystal Butterfly Bead $80 With wings a-flutter, this brilliant butterfly made of sterling silver shines as it dances on your wrist. This beautiful design is available in three luminous colors: Light Rose, Aquamarine and clear crystal. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 1.13 x 1.06 x 1.02 cm x cm |
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Crystal Sphere Bead $45 Illuminate your bracelet! Shining in sterling silver with a pop of color, this design is available in five sparkling shades: Rose, Peridot, Aquamarine, Amethyst and clear crystal. Mixing and matching is easy to do with this stylish piece. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 0.90 x 1.07 x 1.08 cm x cm |
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Crystal Flicker Bead $50 The perfect addition to every necklace, bracelet and earrings! These irresistible and eye-catching beads are available in 11 different colors: Light Siam, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Fern, Peridot, Indicolite, Light Rose, Fuchsia, Light Amethyst, Dark Siam and clear crystal. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 0.39 x 1.04 x 1.04 cm x cm |
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Owl Bead $65 This bead is a hoot! Shining in sterling silver with Peridot crystal eyes, Chrysolite crystal wings and a green epoxy belly, it is certain to put a smile on your face. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 1.05 x 1.05 x 0.99 cm x cm |
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Amour Bead $50 Simply stunning! This sterling silver bead features an open heart design with clear crystals around the heart's center. Radiating romance and femininity, Amour is the perfect bead for your special someone. Size: 1.075/1.035x0.68 cm x cm |
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Celebration Bead $65 Pop the cork and commemorate life's sweet moments with this champagne in an ice bucket design. Shining in sterling silver with clear crystal ice cubes, this bead evokes great memories of happy celebrations. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 0.98 x 1.32 x 1.09 cm x cm |
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Crystal Cherry Blossom Bead $65 Charmant et ludique. Ce motif en argent sterling présente une explosion de cristaux clairs et des accents d’époxy noir. Ajoutez-le à votre bracelet et regardez-le s’épanouir! Ce produit fait partie de la collection Swarovski Chamilia. Size: 1.10 x 1.06 x 0.80 cm x cm |
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Filigree Bead $35 Made of sterling silver, this bead is oxidized to show off every detail. A perfect addition to any bracelet or necklace. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 1.09 x 1.03 x 1.06 cm x cm |
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I Do Bead $48 Say 'I do' with this bead that features two interlocking rings. The wedding band is engraved with the words I Love You in black epoxy, while the engagement ring sparkles in clear crystal pavé. This bead allows you to always carry the memory of your wedding day with you. Dimensions: 1/8 / 1/2 x 3/8 in x in |
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Mom is a Star Bead $60 This lovely sterling silver bead features black epoxy letters spelling out 'my mother is a' quickly followed up with a dazzling star-shaped clear crystal. Any mom would be proud to wear this delightful bead! This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Dimensions: 0.29 x 0.42 x 0.42 in x in |
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Mom Bead $65 A mother is the truest friend we have - Washington Irving. Created in sterling silver with black epoxy lettering and Light Rose crystals, this is the perfect bead for your mom. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 1.04 x 1.05 x 0.69 cm x cm |
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Paw Bead $65 A house is not a home without a pet - Anonymous. Created in sterling silver with black epoxy paws and Black Diamond crystals, with this bead you can always carry the unconditional love of your pet with you. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 1.06 x 1.06 x 0.72 cm x cm |
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Coil Bead $35 With an elegant, vintage-inspired design, this sterling silver bead with an antique finish is one of a kind. Mix and match it with other beads to make your own personalized jewelry. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 0.68 x 1.01 x 1.01 cm x cm |
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Floral Bead $35 With an elegant, vintage-inspired design, this sterling silver bead with an antique finish is one of a kind. Mix and match it with other beads to make your own personalized jewelry. This product is part of the Swarovski Chamilia collection. Size: 1.10 x 1.11 x 1.05 cm x cm |
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Riedel Bottle Cleaner Beads 1.75-Inch, Black Container with Lid $9.95 ThisDecanter/Bottle Cleaner from Riedel makes cleaning decanters and thermos flasks easier than ever. The secret is the stainless steel pellets that work to remove all dirt, residue, sediment and stains. Simply fill the vessel half way up with water, add the pellets, and swish it around for about two minutes. When you're done, simply strain, rinse and dry the pellets and they are good to use again... |
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White and Pink Beaded Multi Cake Stand $39.99 A beautiful cake stand that's able to hold one large cake and up to 6 smaller cupcakes or tarts. The soft white finish on the base is accented with clear faux crystal beads and sparkling pink dangles. The smaller trays jut elegantly out from beneath the main tray. Made of food safe materials.... |