Dec 7, 2022 | Stone Beads
The stunning red garnet is the birthstone of people born in the chilly days of January. Not to be confused with the brighter ruby, this bewitching gemstone is brimming with beading potential. To tap into this power, let’s dig deeper into garnet’s history and composition and learn some of the best ways to show it off in handcrafted jewelry projects.
What Is Garnet?
Garnet is a neosilicate mineral that has been used as a gemstone since the Bronze Age. It comes in almost every color imaginable depending on which impurities are present in the stone. Wine red is the most common color and blue is the rarest.
Garnets are most commonly found in countries in the southern hemisphere, including Kenya, Tanzania, India, and Madagascar. Some can also be found in Russia, Canada, and the United States. Its name comes from the word “gernet,” a Middle English term meaning dark red. It’s theorized that this word may be related to the word “pomegranate,” a fruit that is similar in color to garnet gemstones.
As a darker gem, garnet can be worn with many outfits both formal and casual. It looks best when worn with elegant, timeless styles that complement its stately appearance, but it’s versatile enough to fit into anyone’s wardrobe.
Crafting with Garnet
Garnet is much more understated than most of the other birthstones commonly used today. Its rich blood red color is captivating, but it must be used skillfully to bring out its beauty.
However, real garnet beads can be very expensive, and that’s when for people looking to embellish their jewelry with their birth color, the rhinestone beads in garnet color come to the rescue. Our gold plated rhinestone garnet ball bead is a perfect example. String a few of these beads onto a wire with some gold-filled beads between them as spacers and you’ll have a strikingly beautiful piece at a fraction of the cot, that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Garnet color pendants are also great for making statement jewelry. Our Swarovski crystal garnet heart pendant is particularly striking with its blood-red coloring. That deep shade not only resembles the color of a real human heart but also recalls feelings of lasting love and connection. Gold filled beads and sterling silver beads both look great next to these garnet color pendants/
Pearl beads also pair very well with garnet. Their soft shine and pale color contrast very well with the gem while still retaining the subtle look that suits garnet best.
Add Some Gorgeous Garnet Color Beads to Your Cart Today
Pick up some garnet color beads from our online bead supply store today to get started making beautiful garnet jewelry today.
Nov 21, 2022 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
In our last post on gold-filled beads, we promised to cover even more types of beads in our next post. We’re back, and this time we’ll be covering the fancier gold beads that you can use to take your holiday gift projects to the next level. Ready to dive even deeper into the world of gold-filled beads? Let’s get started.
6. Gold Plated Alphabet Beads
Gold-plated alphabet beads are a more upscale version of basic plastic alphabet beads. They are usually cube-shaped and display the same single letter on all four sides without a hole in them.
While most adults prefer more sophisticated styles, these beads are great for making gifts for young children and those who are young at heart. Use them to spell out your recipient’s name or initials or write a short, fun phrase that you know has a special meaning for them.
7. Gold-Filled Charms
Gold-filled charms are technically not beads, but they are an integral part of many beading projects all the same. These small bits of shiny golden metal come in the shape of suns, cats, dolphins, seashells, and much more. If you can imagine it, there’s probably a charm version of it available!
Gold-filled charms are a classic way to add some sophisticated playfulness to jewelry or sewing projects. Many crafters purchase many different charms to create charm bracelets that match the recipient’s tastes and interests. They can also be added to necklaces, earrings, bookmarks, keyrings, zipper pulls, Christmas stockings, and much more.
8. Gold Filled Drop Beads
Gold-filled drop beads are long slender gold beads with a hole in the tapered end. They come in a range of different shapes and sizes, with most being roughly teardrop-shaped. They may be smooth and shiny or accentuated with textural elements like patterns and grooves for decoration.
Gold-filled drop beads are often used to create a pendant effect on smaller items like beaded earrings. They can also be used as embellishments on embroidery projects or to create a fringe-like effect on necklaces and bracelets. Their unusual shape really makes them stand out!
9. Gold-Filled Cap Beads
Cap beads are special shaped beads that can be used to add some extra flair to one or both sides of a special bead, charm, or stone on a piece of jewelry. They typically work best when applied to round items, but some are shaped to accommodate long beads and stones as well.
Cap beads can be used to great effect in almost any piece, but they should be used sparingly. Try adding them to the pendant bead on the end of some beaded earrings or to the accent beads on a bracelet. You’ll be amazed at how much such a simple addition can make those focal elements pop.
10. Gold Filled Stardust Beads
Gold-filled stardust beads are beads with a fine pebbled texture applied to their surface. They offer a more delicate and luxurious appearance compared to your typical twisted or corrugated texture and are perfect for adding a little sparkle to your holiday projects.
Because stardust beads come in all shapes and sizes, they can be used for almost any purpose you can think of. They work especially well when placed alongside plainer beads that don’t draw as much attention to themselves. These simple companion beads give stardust beads the room they need to shine.
Buy Bulk Gold Filled Beads Online at Crystal Findings
There really is a gold filled bead for every purpose, and no matter which kind you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at our bead supply store. Take the time to browse our extensive catalog and find the right beads to make some truly special Christmas gifts. Not only will they look great, but your loved ones will cherish them for years to come.
Oct 21, 2022 | JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
November’s stone of the month is the stunning, scintillating topaz. This distinctive buttery orange gem is the most common birthstone for November babies, but anyone can appreciate its beauty and allure.
This month, it’s time to try using this gemstone in your own jewelry-making work. Let’s talk about what this gem is, what makes it special, and how you can use it to great effect in all of the items you make.
What Is Topaz?
Topaz is a silicate gemstone that can be found all over the world. It’s naturally colorless when it contains no impurities. When impurities are present, it may look blue, pale green, red, purple, orange, yellow, or brown.
The classic topaz color used in jewelry and other trinkets is a rich brownish-orange. This color is similar to citrine, another orange gemstone that happens to be the alternate birthstone for November. However, topaz is the rarer and more valuable of the two.
Topaz jewelry is a great gift for anyone born in this blustery month. It’s a gorgeous addition for both everyday and formal outfits – and because its golden coloring is so close to neutral shades, it’s easy to wear with almost any outfit you can think of. This versatility has made topaz necklaces, bracelets, and earrings staple items in many a person’s wardrobes.
Crafting with Topaz
So how can you put topaz to work in your jewelry-making projects? The easiest way is to incorporate our topaz beads and pendants into your work. Our range of bead jewelry supplies includes many topaz products.
Topaz’s near-neutral coloring comes in handy here too, allowing you to match it with a wide variety of different beads to create varied looks. Complement its richness with gold-filled beads, bring out its vivacity with aquamarine beads, or harmonize its natural beauty with some understated stone beads – it’s all up to you.
If topaz’s classic amber color is too subdued for you, we also have Swarovski crystal topaz beads and Swarovski crystal pendants for sale in more vivid shades of yellow and orange. These items are great for making fiery statement pieces that grab people’s attention. Whether you’re making topaz jewelry for gifts, for a business, or just for yourself, you’re sure to be pleased with the end result.
Shop for Quality Topaz Beads Today
Making your own gorgeous custom topaz jewelry is easy with beads and beading supplies from Crystal Findings. Pick up some topaz beads, some accent beads, and some beading cord, wire, or thread and get to work! Even if you weren’t born in November, you’ll love making necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and other accessories with this sunny gemstone.
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.
Apr 21, 2022 | Beads, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
The fantastic thing about jewelry is that there are just so many options for one to choose from. Today’s jewelry comes in an abundance of shapes, sizes, styles, types, and, of course, materials, that for whatever look you want, you can rest assured their is a perfect piece for you. That said, while there is a variety of materials that jewelry comes made out of, nothing is more classic than gold or silver.
Here at Crystal Findings, gold filled and sterling silver beads continue to be one of our biggest sellers, undoubtedly because of just how classic this jewelry looks and feels. But which type of beads are right for your next custom piece? Let’s take a look at some tips for when you should choose gold filled beads and findings and silver options:
Buying Beads: When to Choose Gold or Silver
Consider your skin warmth and the look you want.
Traditionally, the choices between gold and silver depended upon the person wearing them. This is because jewelry has your skin as the backdrop, in other words, the skin is the canvas and the jewelry the paint. Choosing between gold filled beads versus silver beads is about looking at which material will look best against the backdrop of your body.
Generally speaking, those with cooler undertones (think pink to blue for fair skin and purple to red for darker skin tones) look best with silver, while those with warmer undertones (think yellowish in fair to light-medium skin tones and peachy to golden in deeper skin tones) look best with gold.
Consider your outfit.
Remember what we said about jewelry and backdrops as your skin is not the only thing that serves as a backdrop, so too does your outfit. This is especially true during the winter when you are apt to wear long-sleeved items as well as clothing that covers your shoulders and high necklines. For these times, you might still use that traditional guide of gold for warmer colors and silver for cooler colors, only now you are going to use your clothing as the guide.
The one caveat to the shade argument is that if you are wearing a full black outfit. For full black outfits, both silver and gold or gold-filled beads will create a very striking appearance. Meanwhile, for all-white outfits or tops, gold is preferred as silver often gets lost or looks muted in white.
Shop for Your Beads at Crystal Findings
When it comes to the best in available beading supplies online, no one has the selection as our online store at Crystal Findings. Browse our inventory today to find your jewelry-making supplies and start making your ideal gold-filled or silver beaded jewelry this week!
