Sep 7, 2022 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES, Swarovski Crystal Beads
Gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals are two of the most popular materials used in jewelry making because they both have unique properties that make them stand out. When these two are brought together in jewelry design, they create a look of glamour and luxury that is sure to impress. At Crystal Findings, we not only sell these beads in a wide variety of styles but also carry unique ready-made jewelry pieces created with various combinations of gold-filled and Swarovski crystal beads.
What Are Gold-Filled Beads and How Are They Different from Regular Gold-Plated Beads
Gold-filled beads are made with a layer of real gold that is bonded to a brass core. This makes them much more durable than regular gold-plated beads, which can wear away over time. Gold-filled beads also have a richer and more luxurious look than gold-plated beads, making them a perfect choice for high-end jewelry designs.
Why Are Swarovski Crystals So Popular in Jewelry Making
Swarovski crystals are a popular choice for jewelry making because they have beautiful clarity and sparkle that is unmatched by other crystal brands. They are also known for their durability, which makes them a perfect choice for everyday jewelry designs. Swarovski crystals come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making it easy to find the perfect crystals for your next jewelry project.
How Do Gold-Filled Beads and Swarovski Crystals Work Together to Create a Beautiful Finished Product?
When gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals are paired together, they create a beautiful and eye-catching combination. The luxurious look of the gold-filled beads combined with the sparkle and clarity of the Swarovski crystals creates a finished product that is sure to impress. Jewelry makers love to replicate the look of fine jewelry made with gold and diamonds on a budget by using these gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystal beads.
Examples of Jewelry Designs That Use Both Gold-Filled Beads and Swarovski Crystals
There are many different ways to use these two materials together in your jewelry designs. You can mix different shapes and sizes of gold-filled beads with Swarovski crystals in a necklace or bracelet design, or you can use them as accents on a piece of jewelry. No matter how you choose to use them, the results are sure to be stunning.
Here are a few examples of jewelry designs that use both gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals:
- A simple necklace design with alternating Swarovski and gold-filled beads with a single, striking Swarovski crystal pendant. For example, this beautiful 14K Gold Filled Necklace With Swarovski Leaf Pendant.
- A double bangle bracelet design with gold-filled beads all around and a few Swarovski crystal accents in your chosen color. For example, this 14K Gold filled Bangle Bracelet With Swarovski Crystal
- A pair of drop earrings featuring round Swarovski crystal beads and gold-filled bead accents. For example, this Swarovski Crystal Earring With Gold Filled Beads
Where To Buy Gold-Filled Beads and Swarovski Crystals Online
When it comes to finding quality gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals, there’s no better place to shop than Crystal Findings. We carry a wide variety of both gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect beads for your next jewelry project.
We also have a wide selection of ready-made jewelry pieces that use both gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals. Whether you’re looking for a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, we have something that will suit your needs.
If you’re looking for quality gold-filled beads and Swarovski crystals, be sure to check out Crystal Findings today.
Jun 21, 2022 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Jewelry making is a fantastic hobby, one that can easily be called its own art form due to the maker’s ability to create whatever special designs call to them. What unique designs and jewelry styles call you? Whichever they are and for whomever your future pieces are for, you will need to the right jewelry making supplies and tools before you get started. The following is a quick look at the most essential tools for beginner jewelers that you will want to get before you start buying beading supplies online.
3 Essential Tools for Beginners in Jewelry Making
- Wire Cutters. Wire cutters should be the very first thing you purchase as it will be close to impossible to cleanly cut and create most necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more without them. Wire cutters cleanly cut the stringing wire and pieces like eye pins that you’ll thread your gold filled beads and findings on. Some people think that they can get by with scissors or with old wire cutters that are being repurposed. Don’t. Scissors and old cutters will cause fraying on the wire, which will lead to imperfect ends that are hard and frustrating to work with.
- Round nose pliers. Pliers are so important to jewelry making that the specific style of round nose pliers was designed specifically with jewelers in mind. Round nose pliers have a jaw that tapers to a point and enables the user to perfectly position the wire for a desired looping size. Round nose pliers also help with side tasks like holding clasps open when stringing on sterling silver beads.
- Crimping tool. If you want to keep costs low when you’re first starting out, you can use a chain nose or flat nose plier for this task but it really isn’t recommended. That’s because flat nose pliers work more by smashing the wire down, a process that often creates sharp edges that are unsightly and can scratch the skin, causing discomfort or pain. Instead, consider investing in special crimping pliers or a specific crimping tool. Tools labeled as crimping tools feature special notches within their jaws that will round out and flatten the crimping bead as it secures onto the wire. This creates a clean finish that looks good (think professionally good) and doesn’t have uneven edging.
Got These Tools in Hand? Now it’s Time to Start Making Your Own Beautiful Pieces!
Truly, once you have the above three essential tools for jewelry making, you will be able to hit the ground running! These tools will really help streamline the jewelry-making process and help you finish with more beautiful, professionally-looking pieces. Of course, first, you will need to order your jewelry supplies, like beads and findings. Visit our online store at Crystal Findings today to do just that so you can get started with making your beautiful signature pieces in short order!
Apr 7, 2022 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Necklaces are a timeless style of jewelry that transcends cultures and other such lines. You will find that examples of necklaces throughout just about every culture in every era of history on every habitable piece of land. And it’s not hard to understand why. Necklaces, whether made of carved bones or sterling silver beads or plated gold chains bring a certain elegance and distinction to the wearer. Thus, the question often isn’t whether to wear a necklace but rather what type and of what length to wear it.
Different length necklaces have had different eras of popularity. For example, chokers and collars were extremely popular during the 15th and 16th centuries as well as during the 1920s era and for a brief period in the late 1990s to early 2000s. But while popularity of different lengths will always ebb and flow, there are some key things a person might look for to determine specifically which length necklace they should wear or make with their beading supplies.
How to Pick the Right Necklace Lengths for Every Neckline: The 6 Popular Lengths
The best way to know how to pick or make the right necklace length with your gold filled beads and findings is to better understand the six popular necklace lengths.
- Collar. The collar length necklace is the shortest diameter necklace, only 13 to 15 inches around, and is always worn snugly around the neck, well above the collarbones. This necklace is best paired with clothing where the neck is readily exposed, like scoop necks, off-the-shoulders, and V-necks.
- Choker. The choker lies against the base of the neck, often just barely touching the collarbones if at all. The diameter for this length necklace is between 14 and 16 inches. Chokers look fantastic with just about any outfit, but this is a necklace you will want to have a longer or slender-looking neck for. Chokers on short necks accentuate the neck’s shortness, creating a stubby appearnce.
- Princess. Princess lengths fit right on the collarbone with a length of 17 to 18 inches. This is considered an ideal, fail-proof necklace length that will go with anything and look well on anyone — making it a good choice for those just getting started with making their own pieces with jewelry making supplies.
- Matinee. The matinee sits between the collarbone and bust with a length between 20 and 24 inches. Matinee necklaces are ideal for pairing with plunging and sweetheart necklines.
- Opera. Opera necklaces are a hard one to pair. These are 28 to 36 inches necklaces that lie just below the bust. They are best worn layered and with evening wear and one to two color outfits.
- Rope. This is the longest of the necklaces with a length of 36 to 51 inches. It’s much more versatile than the opera necklace as it can be wrapped over and look excellent with both casual and formal wear.
Visit CrystalFindings to Start Making Your Necklaces
Whether you’re in love with chokers or opera necklaces, our large inventory of online beading tools and supplies offer an easy way to get started crafting the beautiful pieces you’re imagining. Visit us today to get started.
Mar 7, 2022 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Whether you are just getting into jewelry making or you have been doing it for some time, you probably will find yourself crafting gold pieces and making pieces with gold-filled beads and findings in high numbers. That’s because gold jewelry is classic. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of gold, other people love gold! And everyone who loves working with jewelry-making supplies will invariably find themselves making pieces for others at some point. Maybe that will be custom jewelry pieces for friends and family, or maybe you’ll find yourself selling at the local art market or on Etsy.
In any case, gold is fashionable. Gold is timeless. Gold will always be popular. Now, gold is also affordable thanks to our special sale. Check out these awesome gold-filled beads that are currently available for discounted prices:
Big Bulk Pricing Sales on Varied Gold Filled Beads
- Gold-filled bone shape beads. Bone-shaped gold-filled beads and findings are fantastic to use as spacers between other pieces. Now, while we call them bone-shaped, it is not because they look like the dog-style bones you often see on merchandise. Rather, these are long cylinders that just slightly flare out on either end. It is this flare paired with the lateral indentations that make the bone gold-filled beads such a good filler bead to use between larger crystals. This end flare works to accentuate round beads and crystals, really showing off their colors and shapes.
- Gold-filled charms and pendants. We have quite a few posts about our Swarvoski crystal pendant beads because they are such a big seller and because so many people who want to make necklaces and bracelets, want to do so with a large charm or pendant at the center point. But you can get the same quality effect by using different types of charms and pendants, such as our gold-filled charms and pendants. Our selection of gold beading supplies online includes fun animal-shaped charms, large and small hearts, and shells.
- Gold-filled plain round beads. Gold-filled round beads are another fantastic filler type of bead. We have these beads available in a wide variety of sizes, from tiny two-millimeter sizes to massive 12 mm ones. We recommend buying a variety of sizes and doing so in bulk so that you can easily add them to different pieces as you mix and match to find that perfect jewelry look.
Visit Our Website for More Gold-Filled Beads and Findings Choices
While these are three special types of gold-filled beads and findings we have available, they certainly are not all. Visit our online store to see our selection and to learn about other types of beading supplies.
Aug 2, 2021 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
You love showing off your gold-filled jewelry. But if you want to keep the gold-filled beads and findings you use to make your masterpieces looking their best and lasting as long as possible, certain daily activities are best avoided. What everyday tasks are you doing that are taking a toll on your favorite pieces?
Everyday Activities that Ruin Gold-Filled Jewelry
Showering damages jewelry
Body wash, shampoo, and chemicals in your municipal water supply can tarnish and dull gold. Leaving jewelry off and putting it on after you bathe is best.
Health and beauty products can cause tarnishing
Lotion, makeup, perfume, hair and body spray, and other products you put on before you go out can stick to jewelry, making it look dull and dirty and hardening beneath stone settings. Some natural stone beads like turquoise and opal can become permanently stained or damaged. The same goes for products you use during your nightly routine. The same issues apply. Jewelry should be the last thing you put on before you leave and the first thing you take off at night.
Household chores are hard on gold jewelry
Cleaning chemicals are not good for jewelry, dulling the finish and eating away at metals. Even sterling silver beads and findings can become damaged by household cleaning solutions. Friction damage from scrubbing and knocking into things is also tough on gold jewelry.
Yardwork can severely damage gold and settings
If you’re headed out to the garden or work on your lawn, leave the jewelry in the house. Sliding your jewelry into your shirt or donning a pair of gloves isn’t enough to protect jewelry. The repetitive motion and force necessary to perform lawn and garden work can damage and distort gold jewelry.
Exercise doesn’t work out for jewelry
The gym is not the place for jewelry. Between knocking around your jewelry during cardio, pressure from weights and exercise machines, and coating your jewelry with tarnishing sweat, eventually, you’ll be lucky to leave with it in one piece.
Sleep wears gold jewelry down
Earrings and necklaces can become crushed or tangled in your hair and blankets as you sleep, causing breakage. Taking jewelry off before heading to bed ensures a more comfortable, incident-free night’s sleep.
Swimming chemicals increase tarnishing and dulling
Precious metals cannot withstand contact from swimming pool chemicals. Chlorine and other substances from pools and hot tubs can dull, discolor, and break down alloys over time, causing cracks and weakening joints.
Are you looking for ways to preserve the beauty and extend the lifespan of your jewelry creations? Shop the wide selection of high-quality wholesale beads and findings at Crystal Findings today.
May 3, 2021 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
The composition of gold-filled beads can be confusing for customers. Misconceptions abound, leading to improper handling and disappointment with jewelry designs made from these popular beads. What does “gold-filled” really mean? In this segment, we’ll break down common questions, taking the mystery out of gold-filled beads to help you make the best jewelry supply choice for your beading designs.
How are Gold-Filled Beads Made?
Gold-filled beads and gold-filled name plates feature a layered construction. They may be single-clad, featuring a single layer of gold on one side; double-clad, with gold on surface layers of two sides; or wire-clad, surrounding the material. A copper core is typically used. Gold is bonded by heat and pressure.
How Can I Tell the Difference Between Gold-Filled & Solid Gold?
Gold-filled items must be clearly labeled as such. Shortened 12kt or 14kt descriptions should not be used, as this is confusing and implies a solid gold content. It is illegal/deceptive to refer to gold-filled items as simply “gold.” Reputable retailers selling bulk jewelry making supplies clearly distinguish these two products.
What’s the Difference Between Gold-Filled and Gold-Plated?
Gold-plating is not the same as gold-filled. Plated products feature a very thin layer of gold which does not compose a measurable portion of its total weight. Gold-plated products have little protection and do not stand up to heat, water, or friction, wearing quickly.
Why Are Some Gold-Filled Products Different Colors?
As more manufacturers enter the global market and customer preferences shift, you may see variations from the typical “Hamilton” industry standard gold color, including tawny, yellow, and darker tones.
Do Gold-Filled Beads Tarnish?
Gold-filled beads rarely tarnish due to the thick layer of gold applied to the copper beneath. However, in rare instances of sulfide exposure it may blacken. This highly unusual occurrence can happen in extremely polluted shipping docks, in nail salons with high concentrations of chemical fumes, and in places where fire damage has occurred.
Why Can’t I Find Gold-Filled Charms?
Gold-filled beads feature a layered construction. Charms are cast, and cannot be made gold-filled, as this process involves melting metal materials. Attempting to create a charm this way would produce a big, mixed melted blob of copper and gold.
Why Can’t I Find Gold-Filled Solder?
Gold-filled solder does not exist. Though you may find 14kt gold solder elsewhere, soldering gold-filled jewelry is not recommended. It requires specialized laser welding equipment and training. Attempting to do so can result in dark solder stains and exposed copper, which becomes easily tarnished.
Are Some People Allergic to Gold-Filled Jewelry?
Individuals who react to gold alloys will also react to gold-filled beads.
Are you looking for quality wholesale beading supplies in the USA? You can rest assured, our gold-filled beads and findings deliver superior quality. Shop the extensive inventory at Crystal Findings today.
