Apr 15, 2021 | Beads, GOLD FILLED BEADS, Jewelry Making, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Shopping for gold beads and findings can be frustrating, especially for those new to jewelry making. How can you tell quality, lasting beads from those that will quickly tarnish and wear? “Gold jewelry” can mean any number of things. In this segment, we’ll break down the differences so you can be sure you’re getting what you pay for.
Why There’s a Big Difference in Cost Between Gold Jewelry
The term “gold” can mean a lot of things when you’re shopping for jewelry making supplies. Gold can be used to describe the color of beads as well as the composition. That’s why the makeup of gold beads should always be disclosed. Without this information, you have no idea what you’re getting.
Types of Gold Beads
- Solid Gold Beads
You’d think 22 or 24 kt solid gold beads would be ideal. But despite the high value of solid gold beads, they may not be the best choice for lasting jewelry due to the softness of the metal. Other options offer a more practical alternative for everyday wear.
- Gold-filled Beads
Gold-filled beads are a high-quality and lasting alternative to solid gold. They hold 100 times more gold than plated beads, with a gold alloy content of 5%, compared to 0.5% for plated beads. Using gold-filled beads, you can create today’s hottest jewelry trends without stressing about the cost. Far more affordable yet still valuable, gold-filled beads won’t tarnish or turn colors, or cause skin reactions in most people. Gold-filled beads are created by bonding a thick layer of 12 or 14 kt gold to another metal such as copper or brass or base metal. This layer is so thick most jewelry can be worn daily for up to 30 years without fading. Gold-filled jewelry is typically stamped with its gold content alongside the claps. (Beads are not stamped) Buying from Crystal Findings as shown in the website or in catalog, you do get Gold-Filled beads, findings or ready to wear gold-filled beaded jewelry.
- Gold Plated Beads
Gold plated beads are inexpensively made by depositing a very thin layer of gold over less precious metals like steel ot similar economical metal alloys beads or findings. At 1/1000 to 3/1000 of an inch, this layer does not last long, leading gold-plated jewelry to fade and tarnish quickly. Skin reactions and staining can occur with some poorly constructed beads. Gold plated jewelry will not have a quality mark, only a brand name stamp, if any.
Which Type of Beads are Right for My Jewelry Making Project?
Crystal Findings offers an amazing selection of premium gold-filled beads and findings, including:
Create luxurious, lasting jewelry without breaking the bank. Shop the wide selection of gold-filled beads at Crystal Findings. Contact us to place an order or to learn more about our wide selection of premium wholesale jewelry-making supplies today.
Mar 1, 2021 | Beads, GOLD FILLED BEADS, Jewelry Making, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Gold beads are a jewelry-making staple, their classic, timeless good looks a favorite of buyers. However, it’s easy for jewelry designers and shoppers to fall victim to a “fool’s gold” scenario. Gold beads come in many incarnations, including gold plated, gold-filled, and solid gold designs. Distinguishing between these styles is essential to creating quality jewelry and protecting your reputation in the market.
Gold Filled Beads & Gold Plated Beads Are Not the Same
It’s essential to differentiate between gold filled beads and plated designs. Gold-filled beads feature a layer of gold bonded to another metal. They contain much more gold than a gold-plated bead of similar size and style. They hold their value well and maintain their beauty over time of decades, making them a cost-effective alternative to solid gold. Gold-filled beads resist the tarnishing and fading common in gold-plated alternatives. Using quality gold-filled beads over gold-plated options will increase your profits and uphold your reputation for creating quality jewelry.
Make Quality Beads a Hallmark of Your Design Standards
Like gold-filled beads, the same quality concerns should apply to sterling silver beads for jewelry making and Swarovski crystal beads. It is essential to find a reputable jewelry supplies wholesaler that carries quality beads and findings, like our sterling silver-filled beads and genuine Swarovski crystal beads and pendants. Access to a variety of beautiful, high-quality beads will help elevate your status as a leading jewelry designer.
Tips for Choosing the Right Beads for Your Jewelry Designs
Finding the right beads for your jewelry-making project is essential to its success, whether you’re looking to purchase sparkling semi-precious stone beads for a stunning new line or alphabet beads for fun youth jewelry. The materials you use make all the difference in positioning your jewelry as a lasting investment or a low-quality knock-off. Quality shows.
To identify quality gold-filled beads, look for 14K gold, which is made of 60% gold and 40% alloys like zinc, nickel, silver, and copper to prevent the beads from being too soft. Pure gold, identified by its 24K gold insignia, indicates pure gold, which though valuable, is too soft for daily wear and will not hold its quality. Beautiful, practical, lasting jewelry at an affordable price can be achieved with the right metal composition. Your ability to make the right choice will give you an edge in the market and build your reputation as a jewelry craftsperson.
Create quality, affordable jewelry that keeps customers coming back for more. Shop the extensive selection of wholesale beads and jewelry supplies at Crystal Findings today.
Dec 9, 2019 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Are you struggling to find affordable, quality jewelry you love at your area store? If the rising prices and decreasing quality of jewelry have left you frustrated, reinvest your time, effort, and money into making your own lasting jewelry creations. Jewelry making is easier than you think! With a stash of cute sterling silver and gold-filled beads, you can make your own unique bracelets and necklaces. Keep them and expand your wardrobe, or create jewelry for friends and loved ones to give as a gift.
Beads to Inspire Your Imagination
Crystal Findings offers an array of high-quality beads in many unique designs. With a few jewelry making supplies and a small supply of beads, you’ll be quickly on your way to creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Sterling Silver Beads for Jewelry Making
- Keep it simple with classic accents like plain sterling silver round beads and round beads with a stardust finish.
- Put a new twist on your design with sterling silver curved tubes, rondelles, and more.
- Find the perfect accent to a Swarovski Crystal pendant centerpiece among our array of sterling silver fancy beads.
- Say it with love with sterling silver alphabet beads, adding inspiring quotes or staking your claim on a loved one.
- Add a touch of exotic flair with silver Bali beads and charms.
- Design jewelry set with matching sterling silver earrings with the help of our findings.
- Gold Filled Beads for Jewelry Making
- Make a design that is fun and unique with our wide array of gold-filled charms.
- Create an elegant necklace with gold-filled drop beads.
- Accent your artwork with classic gold-filled round beads, saucer beads, or beads with a stardust finish.
- Add a distinctive touch with gold-filled fancy round beads.
- Put a new twist on your design with gold-filled curved tubes, twisted corrugated beads, bone shape beads, and more.
- Complement any design, easily creating a set of matching earrings with our gold-filled findings.
Add a Touch of Color & Shine
If you or someone you love covets color, add vibrancy and shine with our extensive selection of unique and colorful beads, including…
- Colorful semi-precious stone beads in shades of turquoise, jade, and carnelian.
- The variable shades & colors of the cat’s eye beads, perfect for adding color, texture, and depth.
- Bright, shimmering, disco ball-like Shamballa beads.
- The shining, luminous color of lamp beads.
- Classic and sophisticated Cloisonné and floral beads.
- Sparkling Swarovski crystal beads in a wide assortment of sizes, colors, and shapes, including crystal pendants.
Tired of the same old, same old? Shop the wide selection of affordable beading supplies at Crystal Finding and gain inspiration today.
Jul 18, 2019 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES, Swarovski Crystal Beads
Synonymous with quality and luxury since 1892, the Swarovski brand name is well-known in the jewelry market. These jewels, neither a crystal nor a gem, are actually a form of glass. With such a seemingly simple composition, what makes Swarovski crystal beads and pendants more expensive?
A Painstaking Attention to Detail
Much more than meets the eye, Swarovski crystals are anything but simply made. Like true diamonds, the quality of materials used in the creation of Swarovski crystals as well as the Austrian company’s highly-specialized cutting practices lend to the cost of the crystals. Their creation is a long and complicated process. To create crystals with a higher refraction index than true crystal, precision manufacturing is essential. This results in a stone with looks close to those of diamonds.
The Swarovski Manufacturing Process
To achieve the sparkle you love, the creation of Swarovski crystals begins with a secret lead glass crystal recipe featuring a blend of quartz, sand, minerals, and about 32% lead, which helps maximize refraction in the crystals. The clearer the crystal, the more difficult to produce. Purity of material is key. After creation, they are precision-cut with a patented electric cutting machine. Accurate and consistent, the cutting process adds as many as 100 facets to each crystal which mirror and bend light in various directions, providing a higher refraction index in the crystals. After this complex cutting process, the crystals are then polished to perfection and ready for sale with custom jewelry making supplies. Coatings may also be added during this process to refract light in different color spectrums.
A Step Above the Competition
Because Swarovski crystals are man and machine made, the quality of crystals is far more consistent than is seen in naturally occurring gem stone beads and crystals. Crystals with imperfections such as bubbles, scratches, and lackluster shine and brilliance will not meet Swarovski quality standards. Premium, genuine Swarovski crystals should be identical, showcasing unsurpassed consistency of design to meet Swarovski’s high manufacturing standards:
- Each Swarovski crystal should be identical in size and cut, a key sign of Swarovski’s precise workmanship and authenticity.
- Crystals should have zero bubbles.
- Crystals should be clear and brilliant, with no oily sheen, dullness, or surface scratches.
- The shine of each crystal should be diamond-like.
- The facets of each crystal should meet and point upwards.
- Colored crystals should be identical in tone.
- Crystals are sold loose (only Swarovski pearls are sold strung together).
- Crystals should be sought from a Swarovski authorized retailer.
Make a statement, adding a touch of brilliance and luxury to your upcoming jewelry making project. Shop the world-renowned Swarovski line. An authorized retailer, pair the sparkling perfection of Swarovski crystals to our vast array of premium wholesale beads and jewelry supplies. Shop Crystal Findings today.
Apr 2, 2019 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Both jewelry makers and consumers want to know more about beading that is gold-filled. That is because much of the jewelry that sells well displays beads or trinkets made of solid gold or features gold-filled and gold-plated designs. Making distinctions along these lines helps consumers make better buying decisions and enables jewelry makers perfect their craft.
For example, gold filled beads for jewelry making should not be confused with gold-plated designs. Gold fill represents a layer of gold that has been bonded to another alloy. Therefore, this type of jewelry accessory holds its value well. Buying this type of quality product wholesale will increase your profits and benefit your jewelry-making reputation.
Don’t Confuse Gold-filled with Gold Plated
Never confuse gold filled beads wholesale products with gold plated products, as gold-filled beading contains much more gold than anything that is gold plated. The quality of gold-filled beading surpasses gold plating, as it resists tarnish, does not turn colors, and does not rub or flake off. You might say that gold filled jewelry offers an economic alternative to buying solid gold.
You can also say the same about Swarovski crystal pendant beads. These kinds of beads add sparkle and drama to jewelry and compare favorably with diamonds. That is why they are loved and well-revered. If you want to showcase your jewelry making skills, you cannot go wrong using gold-filled beading or crystal beads.
You can typically buy Swarovski crystal beads along with gold-filled or sterling silver beads from a single supplier. If you want to perfect your jewelry making skills, you need to make sure that you have access to these types of jewelry accessories. Not only will they help you produce jewelry that is considered top-quality, but they will also elevate your status as a creator.
Anyone who wishes to craft jewelry needs to make sure they use just the right beads for the project. The materials you choose will play an important role in this respect. For example, pure gold is a soft metal – too soft for daily wear. To strengthen the metal, producers mix it with other alloys such as zinc, nickel, silver, or copper.
Karatage (K) represents the purity of the gold. Therefore, 14K gold is made up of about 60% gold and 40% other alloys. The Karatage of 24K represents gold in its pure form. Knowing all these details can help you craft a jewelry item that is both beautiful and, in some instances, more practical. Learn all you can about the various materials used for beading. Doing so will give you a decided edge as a jewelry maker and craftsperson. By knowing this information, you can stay on top of your business’s finances and choose jewelry accessories that will continue to interest your customers.
Mar 31, 2019 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES, Swarovski Crystal Beads
One of the great things about the Internet is the fact that it has spurred a whole new culture of craftiness while simultaneously breathing life into already-latent creative impulses. If you love crafting and creating, you’re sure to love the world of crystal, gold, and other beading options. Creating jewelry is one of the most time-honored ways of expressing one’s creativity, all while creating something valuable in the process. Today, it is more affordable and easier than ever to buy the materials you need to engage in this process.
Few types of beads are more sought after than Swarovski crystal beads. One of the great designer names in the world of beaded jewelry, Swarovski means quality, and has for some time now. Here, then, is a quick look at how you can get your crafting game in gear with some of the finest examples of lovely Swarovski crystal beads online.
Great Crystal Beads
If you love crystal beads and like to use them in your jewelry, you can’t go wrong with the options offered by Swarovski. These beads are cut with the utmost care and made from the finest materials out there. What’s more, there’s a definite connotation to the very name “Swarovski” at this point which imbues your beaded materials with a certain sense of style that’s simply not there with other options.
When you think crystals beads, you think Swarovski – and for good reason.
Other Bead Options
Of course, there are a great many other beading options for sale out there as well. For example, you can also purchase elegant gold and silver beads. These are great for adding elegance and flair to your necklaces, earrings, or whatever else you plan on making with your beads. Whether you are looking for elegant gold filled beads or you want some of the finest silver options out there, you’ll again want to look to Swarovski for the solution.
Ordering Your Beads
Actually acquiring these beads is easier than ever before. All you have to do is look for the item you want, such as elegant Swarovski crystal pendants for sale, and place your order. No fuss, no muss, and no hassle when it comes to shipping either.
Affordable Rates
You never want to find yourself priced out of proper Swarovski items. Thankfully, this is no longer a concern. The best outlets offering fine gold and silver beads, crystal options, and other fine necklaces, pendants, earrings, and other such offerings are able to make these products more affordable than ever.
Whether you’re looking to tap into your creative side or you simply want to experience some of the finest beaded jewelry options out there, gold, silver, and crystal beads done in the Swarovski style are the perfect solution.
