Making Your Own Crystal Jewelry
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
Crystals are among the most preferred jewelry. Aside from being beautiful, they can look very elegant. Not only crystals can be used to make jewelries, they could also make good ornaments and at the same time accessories for clothes. Because of the beauty and charm of crystals, the number of people who are buying and choosing crystals are increasing.
Some popular types of crystals would be Swarovski crystal which is an Austrian crystal, Celestial crystal and Czech glass. In addition to these, there are crystals often referred to as healing crystals. There are often left in their natural state and unfinished. There are also crystalline stones which are made as crystal jewelry like quartz and amethyst. Austrian crystals are the most expensive in the market compared to other crystals.
There are many designs of crystal jewelry available in the market. But handmade crystal jewelry are also increasing in popularity. Hand making crystal jewelries allows the individual to personalize the jewelry. They can select the designs and colors that they want. This would also make jewelries unique and different from those jewelries that you may probably see in other people’s necks and wrists.
There are different styles of crystal jewelries, necklaces, bracelets, crystal earrings and even finger rings. Crystals are available in different colors, it would not be difficult for you to create your jewelry based on your color specifications. Crystals can be very durable. You can see crystal pendants or beads carved out in different forms.
What do you need when making crystal jewelry? The most important equipment will be your pliers. There are different kinds of pliers and cutters, each has its own purpose. If you check a toolbox of a professional jewelry maker, you would notice that they would have different kinds of pliers. But for starters, you can use just the basic pliers, the flat nose, round nose and the wire cutter.
Of course, you would need the beads, wires and locking devices or clasps. You may also need a design board, bead organizers and crimping tools. Crimping tools will secure the clasps in your jewelry. Some would consider getting a jewelry-making kit instead of buying the supplies separately. There are also jewelry making kits that you can buy, they could include beads, basic tools and guide for jewelry-making. There are also different books that would have guides in them readily available in different shops.
Before you start any beading, go to the drawing board first. Design your project. Identify if you will be making a necklace or a bracelet or other jewelries. You would also have to plan what color scheme you are going to use, type of closure or clasps you will be using, and what kinds of crystals you are going to use.
Do not be limited to common designs. There are a lot of crystal products that you can make. You can sew in to your clothes while others would make ornaments and even bouquets out of it. The possibilities are endless, you just need to be take a little risk with the designs. But make sure that the designs you will be using are not just for fun but functional too.
Everybody can learn how to make crystal jewelry. Some would even make a living out of their hobby. To create dazzling and amazing jewelry, you would need to unleash your creativity and at the same time, have a little bit of patience. You can even include other people into craft making, it could be a bonding moment between mother and daughter. You can even give these crystal jewelries as gifts or keep it to yourself.
Choosing Crystal Jewelry
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
Any crystal jewelry would be synonymous to the word “forever” because that piece of treasure is designed to last for an eternity. Unless stolen or lost, crystal jewelry are meant to stand the test of time and generations.
Knowing this for a fact, many people choose this as a symbol of their affection and eternal love for their partner or for themselves. For men, a pair or two of crystal jewelry is enough. But when it comes to women, it is altogether a different story.
FINDING THE BEST
In a jewelry store, a crystal jewelry may look alike. But, these can be very different since no two pieces of crystal jewelry could have equal values. The four qualities of a crystal jewelry namely color, clarity, cut and carat weight determines the real value of the gem you are looking for. These standards are also applicable to most gemstones.
If you are one of those who are planning to buy any crystal jewelry for yourself or for a loved one, the following should be your major considerations:
1.) CLARITY. It is the first thing to look for when buying a crystal jewelry. The absence or presence of tiny natural flaws or blemishes known as inclusions determines this. These are not visible to the naked eye but can affect the diamond in one way or another. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the higher the price. Perfect clarity means no inclusions are distinguished when the crystal jewelry is examined. Being knowledgeable in the clarity characteristics of a diamond is very essential specially for those interested in purchasing it.
2.) COLOR. Crystal jewelry can cover the entire spectrum of colors but nothing beats the colorless diamond. The difference in color grade is almost unrecognizable in the naked eye but it is when it comes to the value. Colorless crystal jewelry is the most precious compared to off-white ones. The exceptions to the rule are “fancy” diamonds-in well-highlighted colors of pink, blue, red, green, and yellow. These are particularly rare and highly treasured.
3.) CUT. Cut is the most crucial variable affecting the crystal jewelry because it has great influence on its fire and brilliance but not all jewelers know what “cut” means. Cut can be use to mean the inherent shape like round (modern brilliant cut, eight cuts, old cut, Swiss cut, rose cut, and chipping) marquise, oval, pear, heart and emerald or octagon. Some also prefers square, oblong, triangle, princess and radiant cuts. It can also mean the proportion or the polishing of the crystal jewelry.
4.) CARAT WEIGHT. Although carat is a unit of weight, not size, the carat weight of a crystal jewelry has come to refer to particular sizes. If properly cut, diamonds of the same weight should be about the same size. These sizes do not apply to other gems because their specific gravities differ from a diamond. Bigger is not necessarily better. Although large crystal jewelry flaunt the stone’s delicate color and exquisite cut, a diamond of lesser size may have higher clarity and color or a more precise cut and be of equal value.
It is important very important not to confuse weight with size. Always remember that there is no two crystal jewelry with exactly the same size because these might weight very differently.
What Is Crystal Jewelry
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
People have been buying and investing on jewelry since the dawn of civilization. Some cultures see it as adornments that enhance the overall appeal of the person. Some have considered it as symbols of their status in society while some consider it amulets that protect them from harm and disease.
Over the years the design and function of jewelries have evolved from its simplest metal forms to crystal jewelry and even to synthetic jewelries of the modern times, different ages’, different uses and meaning but one thing remains true. Throughout the ages jewelries have formed a bond with human civilization as part of their culture and tradition and no matter what the meaning or the use, it will remain part of our societies for the eons to come.
The history of jewelry dates back to the time of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. But it could have been older than that. Some experts theorize that when man form the very first communal settlement, adornments may have been part of their culture thus making jewelry far older than anyone can imagine. As for the time of the Egyptians, part of their culture was to adorn their loved ones with gold and other jewelries made by hand.
It is even true that they brought their jewelry with them to the death as some archeologists have unearthed chambers in the pyramids that were filled with the riches of the departed. Some say that these adornments were cursed with black magic and whomsoever touched them were cursed to their last days.
Cursed or not one thing remains true for these people; part of their rich heritage was dedicated in the improvement and development of the jewelries that they bestowed upon their kin. These improvements were very much seen in the crafting of the embellishments and the designs of their jewelries.
The development of jewelries did not stop; instead it was carried on through out the ages. During the time of the empires and the kingdoms, jewelry making were considered a one of the noblest professions, it was a very important task that only duly deputized jewelers of the royalty were allowed to craft jewels and only nobility were given the privilege to try it out.
In modern times jewelry making is still a very lucrative profession and only a handful of individuals have made their mark in the jewelry business. Part of the human need to seek out different things and better ideas is improving what is already there. One of the most notable improvements that man has promulgated is making use of natural crystalline rocks and synthetic crystals as jewelry pieces or adornments in jewelry sets.
Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see crystalline rocks and synthetic crystal jewelry sold in almost every corner of the world. Some companies have even specialized in selling and crafting crystal jewelry. The Swarovski crystal jewelry pieces are one of the most top selling crystal jewelry in the market. The company has set new boundaries in crafting and designing raw crystals in to the eye candy that is crystal jewelry.
But they are not the only ones that have made their mark in the crystal jewelry business, some Asian countries, one particularly being China boasts about the fine natural crystal jewelry that they produce. Regardless though of where it is from crystal jewelry has broken grounds in the mainstream accessory business.
A Jewelry Story Of Crystal Proportions
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
It’s a proven fact that all great success stories start from scratch. All the huge strides men have made all throughout the last century have been because of artistic and creative thinking. Innovations and living situation developments have been present in our daily activities because of men and women that strive to achieve various life-long aspirations.
Various organizations and institutions have bravely set foot and constantly taken risks in order to bring out the best product in the market. The collection of crystal jewelry from Swarovski Crystals does not fall far from these success stories. In fact the pages this company has written in the fashion and glamour industry is really of crystal clear proportions.
But how did such company came into being? Just like every other fashion industry association Swarovski Crystal traces its root from the efforts of one man. Let’s focus the limelight on how Daniel Swarovski I made a difference with his unrelenting efforts and innovative creations.
The man behind the crystal collections started just like any normal entrepreneur. He earned his dues by undergoing an apprenticeship program under the direct observation of his very own father who was at that time was a glass cutter. The program lasted for about two years. As a native of North Bohemia, he diligently worked in order to acquire expertise in the field of glass cutting. Although he would have a sure fire career with a factory from his father he did not stop to look forward and improve. The event that transpired next would lead to a difference in his industry.
1892 came and saw the development of the inventor and innovator in Daniel. He made a breakthrough by creating a modern-day machinery that would change the landscapes of crystal cutting specifically in the process on which it is done. He then wisely applied for his very own patent of the machine. It was in 1895 that the company Swarovski came into being all because of the hard work and cunning of Daniel Swarovski.
As his company grew Daniel realized that there was an added need for power and water source. He also envisioned a factory building of his own in order for his aspirations of developing the crystal industry to be possible. He chose to move to Wattens, Tyrol as part of his strategy to keep the secrets of his invention and also to wave off possible competition.
The company Daniel built is steadfastly maintaining high standards and is still one of the leading groups in providing crystal jewellery across the globe. In fact a little bit of history can be traced by how much it has contributed to adding beauty in every woman’s exquisite features. By 1956 in cooperation with world renowned designer Christian Dior, Swarovski launched crystal jewelries which were inspired by the dashing light and visuals brought about by the Aurora Borealis in the North Pole. The market was captivated as nature was encased in every crystal jewelry and accessory.
Before crystal jewelries were even made famous the crystal industry started its mark through the 1976 Winter Olympics wherein a silver crystal mouse was made as part of the chandeliers.
Truly the work ethics and astounding aspirations of one man can make much of a difference anytime and anywhere. Daniel Swarovski I will be forever remembered as the pioneer of a jewelry story of crystal proportions.
The Beauty Of Crystal Jewelry
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
Some people believe that there is nothing much to philosophize about weddings or engagements because these are just a start of a new endeavor, a new life and a death of singleness. Contrary to these people’s opinion, there is much to philosophize and examine about weddings and engagements—especially the crystal jewelry to be used such as the ring.
Many soon-to-wed couples are actually into crystal jewelry when it comes to the accessory that they will wear for that momentous day because it is simply the most beautiful and most elegant to behold. To ensure that the crystal jewelry such as the ring will exude utmost sophistication, many of these couples are preferring princess cut diamond rings because these are simply breath-taking
A cut fit for royalty
Aside from its gemstone, type of metal to be used in mounting it, and the size of the stone, one of the biggest considerations in looking for a crystal jewelry for weddings such as the ring. Mainly, it is the cut of the crystal jewelry that takes all the attention.
Among the various cuts of crystal jewelry in the market today, princess cut diamond rings are most popular ones especially in weddings or engagements. By definition, a princess cut refers to a special diamond cutting process that has a contemporary and modern appeal. Unlike the traditional round diamond cut, a princess cut has a square sparkling cut that highlights sparkling brilliance of diamond.
Aside from exemplifying tremendous allure and sophistication, most jewelers agree that a princess cut diamond engagement ring is becoming a popular choice among future brides because of its 76 facets and uncut corners usually mounted in a four-pronged setting. Here are some information your might need to know in purchasing that precious princess cut diamond engagement ring:
1.) Categorically, a princess cut belongs to the class of diamond shapes known as “fancy cuts.” If you’re looking for a princess cut diamond engagement ring, your basic guide are those rings that are cut in square or you may prefer a brilliant cut which is more expensive compared to others.
2.) If you are to choose a setting, consider a bezel setting because it is the most ideal among princess cut diamond engagement ring settings. Most jewelers suggest this setting because it makes the stone look larger than its actual size on the ring.
3.) Be careful in choosing colors especially that of setting or mount because it can greatly affect the color of the stone or diamond on the ring. The basic rule is match the color of your setting with the color of the stone or diamond on your ring. If you have chosen a yellow gold in a bezel setting, choose yellowish diamond; if you choose white diamond, consider using white gold or a platinum setting to highlight the color and clarity of your stone. Princess cut diamond engagement rings come in platinum, white gold and yellow gold.
4.) Shop around and look around. Although popular jewelry stores are the best and most reliable sources of princess cut diamond engagement rings, try looking around—it can be in less popular jewelry stores or online jewelers—because they can provide you with a product that suits your personal taste, preference and budget well.
5.) Have your ring evaluated by a certified and trusted gemologist to validate its grade and quality. In buying any crystal jewelry especially rings for weddings, make sure that you get the opinion of the expert to ensure that you’re money will be worth it.
Crystal Jewelry Versus Traditional Jewelry
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
Crystal jewelry has been around for quite some time now. It was first discovered when man started putting precious stones like diamonds, rubies, emeralds and jades in their jewelries. For the good part of the history of jewelry making and crafting, the Egyptians were given credit for infusing jewelry in their customs and traditions. Jewelry were adornments that symbolized the social standing of a person in the Egyptian society, very much the like the denomination of coins.
The higher the value of the jewelry the more important the role a person plays in his community. If the person only had a handful of these adornments they were servants and placed the lowest in that society, but if they were adorned with jewelry in every nook and cranny they held some of the highest positions in the land. None of course can have more jewelry that the pharaoh himself.
During those times metals formed a very important part of the craft of jewelry making. Serving as the base or the main article of the jewelry piece, metals such as gold and silver were considered the skeleton of the piece itself. During the times of the great discoveries, great and wise men were commissioned to study how to turn non precious metals in to gold.
The Alchemists, said to forefathers of modern chemists, did everything they can to discover a way of turning plain copper and bronze in to gold. Some have claimed success though there were no documented proofs of one ever happening. Yet, what it did was pave the way for greater things in the craft of jewelry making.
Traditionally, jewelry sets were made from gold or silver with precious stones or semi-precious stones as adornments. These can be seen even in the earliest of civilization. These kinds of jewelry pieces are what we call the metallic pieces as it has metal as its main material. Metallic jewelry was very common because of their ease in crafting and durability. Even up to the present time most of the master jewelers prefer to have metallic based jewelry as oppose to the alternative materials.
On the other hand, one major setback of this is the depleting source of gold and other precious metals. While it is true that metals can be melted back to its raw form the number of people willing to let go of their traditional pieces are quite few, since most of these pieces are part of a family heirloom or an important collection.
One good alternative to traditional piece are crystal jewelry sets. Crystal jewelry has been around for some time now. The first people to make use of pure crystals in their jewelry sets and other items were the Chinese. Since their discovery of jade and other precious stones they have been using it in their swords, crowns and their jewelry.
The Chinese have mastered the art of crafting crystal jewelry and they have passed it on through out the ages. Some of the recent artifacts discovered in China suggest that crystals served more than just ordinary adornments for the Chinese people. They have also used it in their charms and amulets as part of the belief that in can drive away demons and attract good fortune.
Crystal jewelry has also formed part of their heirlooms and other important collections.
DIAMOND SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RING
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
This ring has a large oval sapphire surrounded by 14 round diamonds set in 18K white gold. The oval sapphire is NOT 18 carats in size as reported after Kate Middleton received this ring. It is set in 18K white gold which has been misinterpreted as an 18 carat oval sapphire. A possible carat size (12 carats) and brief history on how Diana selected this ring can be read here: http://www.crystalshopping.com/prince-william-and-kate-middleton-engagement-ring-replica-in-sterling-silver-and-synthetic-sapphire_p1241.html
More likely, the oval sapphire is at most 9 carats. Based on the size of the sapphire compared to Diana’s iris (the blue part of her eye which is approximately 12mm), the oval sapphire is about 13mm x 9mm and the round diamonds close to 3mm in diameter.
| Diana Princess of Wales | ||||||
| Image: © Quadrillion/CORBIS | ||||||
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When the official engagement photos were released, Diana’s engagement ring only had 8 prongs: 2 in each corner. By December 1981 (this is the earliest photo I could find from books that I own where the ring is clearly visible on Diana’s finger), more prongs were added, making it look as it is now on Kate Middleton.
From ‘The Divided Prince’ p.230 by Christopher Andersen, Vanity Fair 20th Anniversary Issue pp.221-252, September 2003
“ …Four months after the funeral, it was Burrell who opened the black front door to Kensington Palace and welcomed the boys for one last walk through the apartments they had shared with their mother. William shook Burrell’s hand, but “Harry ran across and hugged me,” the butler recalled. “He knew my heart was breaking as much as theirs.” Then, as a tearful Harry held on tight to Burrell, they walked from room to room, picking out mementos to take with them to their new rooms at St. James’s Palace. Among other things, William chose the Cartier Tank watch that the Princess always wore – a gift from her father, the eight Earl Spencer. Harry picked out the sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring given by Charles to the blushing “Shy Di” when she was just 19.”
Prince William presented his mother’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring to Kate Middleton when he asked Kate to marry him. The official engagement announcement was on Nov. 16, 2010. Kate Middleton was first seen wearing the ring when the couple made their first public appearance to the press at St. James Palace that same day as seen in these photo galleries: http://www.crystalshopping.com/prince-william-and-kate-middleton-engagement-ring-replica-in-sterling-silver-and-synthetic-sapphire_p1241.html
Kate gets Diana’s ring
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
IN A sign of deep affection for Princess Diana, Prince William has given fiancee Catherine Middleton his mother’s engagement ring.
Unfazed by the heartbreak of his parents’ marriage, William, 28, yesterday revealed the 18-carat sapphire ring surrounded by 14 diamonds was a way of including his mother in the celebrations.
“It is a family ring,” he said.
“It’s my mother’s engagement ring, so I thought it was quite nice because obviously she’s not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all – this was my way of keeping her close to it all.”
For Kate, 28, the significance of the ring was obvious in her shaking hand as she stood in front of the British press.
Arthur Edwards, who has photographed the royal family for more than three decades, said he recognised the ring as soon as he walked into St James’ Palace to snap the couple on their engagement.
“I got chills when I saw it,” he said.
“I looked at the ring and I said, ‘That’s Diana’s, and she said, ‘Yeah’.
“I photographed that ring on Diana’s hand outside her flat and it was like going back to 1981. Kate – oh, we’re calling her Catherine now – looked so elegant and the ring was sparkling brighter than ever.
“I could see her hand was shaking and she said, ‘Oh William, hold my hand’.”
Diana picked the ring in 1981 from a catalogue by US jeweller Garrard.
“I just hope I look after it,” Ms Middleton said.
“It is very, very special.”
William carried the ring in his backpack for three weeks as the couple holidayed in Kenya three weeks ago.
The prince would not say if he got down on bended knee, but did explain he asked Ms Middleton, before asking her father, in case he said no.
“I’d been planning it for a while but as any guy out there will know, it takes a certain amount of motivation to get yourself going,” he said.
“It just felt really right out in Africa. It was beautiful.”
Ms Middleton was impressed with the prince’s effort.
“There’s a true romantic in there,” she said.
Aussie lovebirds will have to fork out between $15,000 and $150,000 for a quality replica of Ms Middleton’s ring, and Melbourne jewellers are now expecting a resurgence in sapphire engagement rings.
Anthony Bates, a custom design jeweller at Tishe, said good replicas could cost anywhere from $15,000-$150,000.
“It’s really down to the quality of the sapphire,” he said.
“Big sapphires of any decent colour or clarity are way rarer than any diamond.”
Sam Thomas, head jewellery designer at Paul Bram, said sapphire engagement rings would likely enjoy renewed popularity.
“I think the royal family will have a comeback and … Kate is glamorous enough to set trends,” he said.
“She’s probably going to be a style icon.”
Budget-conscious shoppers, however, can pick up a “Princess Diana-inspired” faux sapphire engagement ring for just $59.99 – reduced from $75 – at Emitations online imitation jewellery store.
Safeguarding Your Crystal Jewelry
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
No matter how beautiful a person or object is time can only tell how long it will stay the same. This is a proven fact. The only thing that you can do to maintain health and vigor is to live a disciplined and junk-free life. Do away with all the stress and learn to handle situations in a more calm and subtle way. These principles hold true for your precious gems, accessories, ornaments, and of course you crystal jewelry. It is solely up to you to safeguard and ensure that the quality of your crystal jewelries is not compromised. Here are some of the things you can do.
You really don’t have to give a fuss about caring for your crystal jewelry. Nevertheless it is your responsibility if you want them to continue making you look better and better each time you wear them. Face it. Your crystals are not immortals. Every time you use them there is a chance that their features can be altered just like when you start to age.
As your daily utilization increases, the crystals in your jewelry tend to lose a certain degree of what is called as its luster. This is the property of the crystal that gives it a unique glow and brilliance. This is what makes it stand among other accessories. At present Swarovski is the leading producer of the best and high quality crystals across the globe. It is incomparable when market value is tackled about.
If you start to notice that after a series of usage your crystal begins to show signs of dullness it’s not yet time to take it out with the other trash in the house. It is way too precious. You must begin by employing two trustee allies to help you salvage the quality of your crystal jewelry. Get to know two things commonly used to maintain a high standard of hygiene. These are your very accessible baby wipes and your common household friend rubbing alcohol.
Since most of the crystal jewelry in the market are being nabbed by women let’s take a look at how simple body care procedures can ruin the quality of precious Swarovski crystals. Women tend to put a lot of items on their body to keep its moisture and glow intact. There are oil and lotions, hairsprays and gels, and who would forget those time consuming make-ups. But be careful these are the ones that lead your crystal jewelry to lose their touch in making you look astonishing.
Nevertheless you can wipe your worries away by utilizing the ever reliable baby wipe. It’s really easy and manageable. You ladies can effortlessly engage in the caring of your precious jewelry by holding a piece of baby wipe using your fingers and thumbs. You can then let the crystals slip along the wipe until they are as good as new. Make sure you do this trick to all of your crystals. Afterwards the deal is closed by utilizing a plain tissue or cotton to dry your crystal jewelry off.
Another option you can consider in maintaining the integrity of your crystal jewelry is by using a solution. Now this solution is produced by mixing tap water with dish soap and rubbing alcohol. It offers a reliable way of cleaning off the effects of lotions, oils, and hair sprays on your beloved crystals. You are assured that they are squeaky and sparkling clean.
Make sure to safeguard your crystal jewelry and they will do the same for your reputation and appearance.
The Most Expensive Swarovski Crystal Bride Outfit
Posted by caitlinareynolds | Filed under Swarovski Jewellery
Guinness World Records official Jack Benning Brockbank looks at a bridal outfit decorated with 43.008 Swarowski pearls and crystals in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, March 24, 2010.
The crystal bride outfit is more than 12 kg. After the review, the wedding dress which lead Romania to the Guinness Book of Records – Designer Cosmina Englizian entered the Book of Records – Guinness World Records for achieving the most expensive wedding dress with over 43.008 karats of Swarovski crystal beads.
Tags: Swarovski Bead
