|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
Materials and Sizing Swarovski Crystal: Swarovski crystal beads exceed all others in terms
of quality and elegance. They are made in Austria, and are also called Austrian
crystal. There is absolute consistency between batches and colors, and nothing
compares to the shine of a Swarovski crystal. Swarovski beads are available in
many shapes and over 100 colors. I most often use the bicone
Aurora Borealis (AB) Coating: A coating on a bead that reflects a rainbow of colors. Beading Wire: I use Beadalon Bead Stringing Wire, 19 or 49 strands to provide maximum flexibility. Pearl necklaces are knotted on Naturside 100% silk bead cord in size 6 or 8. I also use Stretch Magic .5mm elastic cord for elastic bracelets, and Bead Smith Monofilament Illusion Cord for illusion necklaces. Leather cord (2mm) is used for some of the fused glass pendants. Sterling Silver: Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver The other 7.5% is another metal, such as copper, that will make the sterling more resistant to wear and tear, and more able to hold its shape. I normally only use sterling silver. On occasion I find something in pewter or other metals that I really like, and will include it in a piece, but will always indicate so in the description of the item. Memory Wire: Memory wire is made of stainless steel and holds its shape, even after a lot of wear. Lampworked Beads: Lampwork beads are handmade by melting glass around a mandrel (form). The glass is shaped while molten, and designs are added. Each bead is unique and adds to the individuality of any piece. Fused Glass: Layers of art and dichroic glass are fused in a kiln at 1600 degrees F. Dichroic Glass: A glass which contains extremely thin layers of chromium, silicon, titanium, aluminum and zirconium depending on the color wanted. The colors in a piece vary, depending upon the light and angle. It is a very expensive glass to buy so the pieces are more expensive…but gorgeous Sizing Bead Sizes: Most of the beads that I use are 3-6mm. The focal beads
are larger of course. Here is a handy bead size chart so you can get an idea if
you are unfamiliar with bead sizes. Necklace Sizes: The table below gives an idea of where a specific length necklace will hang on most women. However, you can also measure a necklace that you own to see what length you prefer. Include the clasp in your measurement.
Bracelet Sizes: The average bracelet size for a woman is 7" and most of my pieces run between 7 and 7.5" (including the clasp). To determine your size: measure your wrist with a flexible measuring tape. Then add 1.5" for a toggle clasp and 1" for a lobster claw clasp. Keep in mind that the size of the beads makes a difference in how the bracelet will fit. If the beads are large, there will be less room for your wrist, so go with a larger size than you would normally wear.
|
shape and round faceted beads .
There
are other types of crystal, Czech for example, but these are not as brilliant.