Versatile and beautiful, Swarovski crystal beads can be used in a variety of stunning jewelry projects for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to create high-end children’s jewelry, or sophisticated designs for men and women, Swarovski beads can help you achieve stellar project results.
Graduated necklace
You’ll incorporate two lines of Swarovski bi-cone beads into this threaded necklace. For this statement piece, start with larger 8mm beads, placing them in the center of the necklace. Next, flank them with the 6mm beads, completing the necklaces with the smallest 3mm-4mm beads.
Graduated necklace with Swarovski elements
You can make a slightly more complex graduated bi-cone necklace by adding other Swarovski elements into your design, such as Swarovski pendants, or Swarovski pearls.
Bead woven Swarovski necklace
This slightly more complex bi-cone necklace features a right-angle bead woven technique. Elegant and durable, it attracts a lot of compliments – and customers. Search online for “bead woven bi-cone necklaces” for inspiration.
Swarovski threader earrings
These petite, sparkling earrings feature 3mm bi-cone beads. There are dozens of colors to choose from. String a line of beads onto a ball end head pin (approximately 8 per pin). From a simple loop to close the pin, and trim the excess. Attach jump rings and sterling silver ear threads to finish.
Wine Charms
Create a set of Swarovski wine charms for a lovely dinner party gift. Pair unique Swarovski shapes, such as arrows, with colored bi-cone clusters. Make each one different, so wine glasses are easily distinguishable by guests. Loop bicones onto a silver plated headpin, add to eye pin, and lose. String the eye pin through an arrow crystal or other unique Swarovski shape, then make a loop on top, trimming excess wire. Leave about 5mm to make a loop for stringing onto rings. Great options for attaching your crystal creation to glass stems include ring-sized memory wire, 18 gauge wire formed into a circle, or ¾ inch manipulating hoops from our sterling silver beads and findings collection.
Crystal Findings offers a wide variety of affordable Swarovski crystal pendants and beads. Shop our extensive selection of beading supplies online today.
With any job, the right tools are essential to success. Without them, you’ll waste precious time scrambling to collect the tools you need, or resorting to time-consuming, quality-reducing workarounds. Though the tools you will need will depend, to some extent, on the type of jewelry you are making, there are several tools that will play an essential role in your beading tools and supplies kit.
Essential Jewelry Making Tools
These general beading tools play a pivotal role in every jewelry supply kit, from beginner to advanced:
Pliers
You will need a few different types of pliers when you begin your beading journey. These include:
Needle Nose/Chain Nose Pliers
These handy pliers are great for reaching into small spaces, as well as working with jump rings, crimping beads, and bending and managing many types of findings. Some have teeth, and some do not. Those with teeth grip better but may leave unwanted marks on your jewelry if you squeeze them too hard. Toothless models prevent this – but may send items sailing through the air given their limited gripping capacity.
Flat Nose Pliers
Flat nose pliers are ideal for pulling, providing better grip. The square edge profile also allows you to create sharp corners more easily. These are also available with/without teeth.
Bent Nose Pliers
These needle nose pliers feature a strongly bent front end that allows you to reach into a variety of places straight pliers cannot.
Round Nose Pliers
The smooth, rounded jaws of these pliers are great for making wire loops like jump rings or winding wire wrapping, providing a smooth curve, and preventing crimping.
Cutting Tools
A good pair of wire cutters and a good pair of scissors are essential, whether you are cutting wire, chain, string, or ribbons.
Adhesive
Good adhesive ensures your knots will stay put, safeguarding your beautiful design.
Tool or Tackle Box
Keep your tools organized, nearby, and at-the-ready with a tool, tackle, or cosmetics box.
Other Specialized Tools You Might Like to Include
These extra tools and accessories may also be helpful:
Specialty Pliers.
Crimping Pliers
These are shaped perfectly for crimping beads and tubes, so you don’t accidentally cut through threads and wires.
Tweezers
A pair of household tweezers can help you pick up beads, thread needles, tie knots, and pull threads.
Time to stock up for your upcoming project? Save time and money. Shop the wide variety of affordable beads and jewelry making supplies at CrystalFindings today.
