Nov 7, 2022 | GOLD FILLED BEADS, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
Christmas is coming up fast – do you know what to get for everyone on your holiday shopping list? If not, we’ve got the perfect solution for you. Jewelry and other projects made with gold-filled beads are great for men, women, and children can be customized to match each person’s tastes and look so wonderfully upscale that you’d never guess how easy they are to make.
To help you start planning out all of your holiday projects, we’ll be taking a look at a few of the many gold-filled beads we stock at our online store. We’ll talk about what they look like, whether they come in different sizes or textures, and how to use each of them to their best advantage this holiday season.
1. Gold Filled Round Beads
Gold-filled round beads are simple round golden beads. They come in a few different sizes and are sometimes textured to add visual interest, but plain ones are also very common.
Gold-filled round beads are perhaps the most versatile type of bead available. You’ll want to buy them in bulk if you plan on doing any extensive work with gold-filled beads. You can use them in any of your projects from jewelry making. They’re so simple and understated that they won’t take over the piece, but instead lend it a subtle touch of luxury. They’re also great when paired with other luxury materials like Swarovski crystals.
2. Gold Filled Rice Beads
Gold-filled rice beads are long oval-shaped golden beads. Fittingly, most of them resemble large grains of rice. Some are very long and slender while others are shorter and bulkier, closer to a round bead in appearance. They are available in both plain and textured varieties.
Rice beads are often used instead of round beads when a beader wants to create a slimmer and more delicate piece. Like gold-filled round beads, gold-filled rice beads can be used in almost every project you can think of and offer a pleasantly upscale look.
3. Gold Filled Curved Tube Beads
Gold-filled curved tube beads are long, slightly curved beads that somewhat resemble pieces of dried macaroni. They are often twisted, corrugated, or otherwise textured to give them a little more visual interest.
Curved tube beads are used when a beader wants to simulate the appearance of an unbroken band of metal, usually for a necklace or bracelet. They can also be used as spacer beads to separate showier elements like charms or rose crystal beads. For obvious reasons, you should avoid using these beads unless you want a curved shape in your final design. Rice beads or interlocking beads can be used to create a similar effect without the curve.
4. Gold Filled Saucer Beads
Gold-filled saucer beads are shaped like large rounded discs, making them look a bit like a flying saucer with a hole on the top. They are significantly larger than your standard round bead and come in a variety of smooth and textured options.
These beads are great for accenting chunkier pieces, especially bracelets. Adding a single saucer bead between basic round or rice beads immediately draws the eye to the saucer bead and can give the piece some subtle visual interest, especially if the saucer bead is textured. Some beaders also use them alone to create a thicker version of a basic round bead piece.
5. Gold Filled Interlock Beads
Gold-filled interlock beads are beads that are made to fit together when placed side by side on a string or wire. When they are carefully placed in an unbroken line, a beader can use interlock beads to create a piece that looks and feels uniquely smooth and almost seamless.
These beads are great for creating thick yet pliable sections of gold material, so use them for projects where this is the goal. They make stunning necklaces and bracelets but should not be used with many non-interlocking beads that could spoil the effect.
Get All the Gold Filled Beads You Need at Crystal Findings
Our next post will cover even more types of gold-filled beads (yes, there are more!), but for now, you can shop for some to get started on our online store. As the leading provider of wholesale beads and jewelry supplies in the US, we make sure we always have a wide selection of luxury beads in stock for customers like you.
Browse our current stock, put a few golden beads into your cart, and be sure to check back next time for even more information on gold filled beads!
Sep 16, 2021 | JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES, Swarovski Crystal Beads
Do Swarovski Crystals Have Resale Value?
Swarovski crystal jewelry and art have enjoyed lasting popularity. Designers love the sparkling crystals, and collectors can’t get enough. But do Swarovski crystals have resale value? The worth of Swarovski crystals is closely tied with their availability or rarity, historical significance, and replacement value.
Narrowed Sales Channels in 2021 Boost Secondary Market Value
Swarovski determines how many crystals it will produce. It has frequently used this tactic over the years to create exclusive products. Once the pre-determined quota is met, a piece is retired. These discontinued pieces hold their value in the secondary market. Swarovski pieces are bought and sold in many online marketplaces, enjoying an increase in value and demand due to their limited availability. Prices in the secondary market are relatively stable. However, recent news may indicate an upcoming rise in the value of Swarovski crystal jewelry and art.
The company’s recent announcement surrounding changing business practices may give crystal values a boost. The amount of time available to purchase Swarovski crystal beads online may be limited. In order to make crystals more exclusive and boost prices, Swarovski plans to stop supplying loose crystals and to many jewelry brands and third-party resellers, turning their focus to apparel and accessories in the luxury market.
Determining Swarovski Crystal Value on the Secondary Market
A number of factors impact the value of crystals on the market, whether you’re buying or selling a more widely available Swarovski crystal heart pendant or limited edition figurine. These include:
Availability
The rarer the piece, the higher the value. Retired or discontinued pieces can be especially valuable.
Country of origin
Limited access to online marketplaces drives up value, while access to an abundance of secondary resellers may lead to lower values.
Condition
Typically, only broken, chipped crystals decrease in value – though this scenario is exceedingly rare. Swarovski crystal pendants, beads, and flat back stones are made of extremely durable glass. With the rare exception of occasional glue discoloration in some older pieces, they rarely show signs of aging.
Packaging
Original packaging increases the value of Swarovski crystals. Authentic Swarovski packaging boxes are critical to the value of the piece, particularly with limited or numbered edition pieces, where packaging is fitted to the shape of the item.
Certificates
Like any numbered or limited edition item, a certificate of authenticity is integral to resale value. The number on the certificate must match the number on crystals precisely. Like original packaging, there is no substitute or replacement.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add the authentic beauty of Swarovski crystals to your jewelry. Shop the expansive selection of jewelry making supplies wholesale at Crystal Findings today. Our authentic Swarovski crystal beads and pendants come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Add the lasting radiance and value of Swarovski crystals to your upcoming design today.
Aug 16, 2021 | JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES
How Do Swarovski Stones Differ from Rhinestones?
If you love jewelry that sparkles and shines, chances are glitzy rhinestones and shimmery crystals like our dazzling Swarovski crystal heart pendants have caught your eye. What’s the difference between popular crystal beads, pendants, and rhinestones in the Swarovski line? Uncover the history of rhinestones and how the composition of the stones has changed over time.
The Story of Rhinestones
Once upon a time in the 13th century, rhinestones were made of small, sparkling pieces of quartz found in the Rhine River in Austria and cut to resemble precious gemstones like diamonds. As with all good, beautiful things coveted by the masses, supplies dwindled, leading to imitations made out of paste – glass powder, melted, molded, and formed into dense glass stones. Fast forward a few hundred years to today’s rhinestones, which are now offered in many options: Mass-produced gems created from a variety of qualities of materials, from acrylic and plastic to glass and crystal varieties, such as those by Swarovski.
The History of Swarovski Crystals
Swarovski crystals were first invented in 1895 by Austrian jeweler Daniel Swarovski. The crystals contain more than 30% lead, making for a harder, more reflective, higher quality stone. Swarovski crystals revolutionized the industry, using proprietary technology to cut faceted stones. The brilliance of the resulting stones was unrivaled. Swarovski crystals are now recognized as the highest quality machine cut and polished crystals in the world. These sparkling stones are used by more than 85% of US jewelers. Like rhinestones, they’re used to create necklaces, bracelets, and rings, adorn dresses and fashion accessories, and accent art and décor.
The Difference Between Swarovski Crystals and Rhinestones
The original Rhinestones are made of quartz stones found in the Rhine River Austria. But with the dwindling supply, rhinestones are now being mass produced using pastes and plastics.
As with their crystal beads, Swarovski is a leader in the rhinestone market that revolutionised the market with one of it’s kind man made high quality crystals. All Swarovski stones, including flatback stones/rhinestones, are easy to distinguish from competitors. Genuine Swarovski stones are cut with such precision, they’re flawless, featuring uniform sizing and a precise cut in which crystal facets meet at a single point. The surface is clear and uniform, with no bubbles, scratches, or swirl marks. There are no imperfections, as with lower quality options.
Some Rhinestones have a glue on the flat backside that melts when heat is applied while some are plain. The glue is called “Hot Fix” and the jewelry can be worn immediately. Swarovski hot fix glues are 8 times stronger than any hot fix glues. These are patented and copyrighted, thus making Swarovski a leader with indistinguishable quality. Their unrivaled sparkle and shine make them the stone of choice of jewelry designers, resellers, and jewelry enthusiasts.
Ensuring the Purchase of Genuine Swarovski Crystals and Rhinestones
Genuine Swarovski crystals are made to rigid manufacturing standards and hold their value quite well. When shopping for Swarovski pendants, crystal beads, rhinestones, and pearls, make sure you’re purchasing them from a reputable supplier or a website. Stones are sold and shipped loose, with the exception of Swarovski pearls, which are strung together.
Shop the largest collection of jewelry making supplies wholesale at Crystal Findings. We offer the largest selection of colors, shapes, and sizes of Swarovski crystal stones and flat back stones for bulk savings. Add the lasting brilliance of Swarovski crystals to your upcoming design today.
Mar 4, 2020 | Jewelry Making, JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES, Swarovski Crystal Beads
Have you fully-stocked your beading supplies to keep up with 2020s most exciting jewelry trends? This fashion-forward year is well underway, and bold, colorful designs are in the spotlight. Say goodbye to simple chains and warm up to these big statement pieces!
Stock Up So You Can Keep Up with these HUGELY Popular 2020 Jewelry Trends
- Bold An Funky
Hoops never go out of style, and this season’s hoops are big and bold, putting unique takes on funky classics with unexpected shapes and eccentric combinations. How will you personalize our sterling silver and gold-filled endless hoops?
- Layered Pieces
Simple, single strands are being crowded out by multiple layers of jewelry, such as layers of bold, chunky stone beads in different colors, or a few strands of multicolored metallics in different lengths.
- Mix & Match Earrings
Forget matchy-matchy designs. Mix and match earrings are where it’s at for 2020 if you want to stay ahead of the game. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes, such as studs and hoops, or mixed metals. Look to Adeam, who favored this style in her Fall 2019 collection for inspiration.
- Beach-Inspired
Both intricate and simple beach-inspired designs are also on trend this year, such as shimmering Swarovski starfish pendants and pearls, and dolphin, shell pendant or charm additions paired with bold colored or intricate designs.
- Warm Gemstones
Warm colored gemstones are taking over this year. Find the season’s hottest colors in shimmering Swarovski crystal pendants, flat back stones, and other gemstone beads in shades of champagne, gold, turmeric, citrine, orange, reds, and neutral chocolate browns. Pair this trend with others on this list, or create your own unique style, for a truly trendy look.
- Pearls
Classic pearls go beyond celebrity galas and formal events. This previously traditional look is undergoing a funky transformation in 2020, from simple strings to extravagant designs. Create your own with stunning Swarovski pearls, creating interesting hoops that extend to ear cuffs, or creating sophisticated, multilayered stacked designs using strings of different sizes. Move beyond classic colors, embracing vibrant variations or mixing pearls with gold.
- Personalized Nameplates
Hello 90s! Nameplates are back! Spell out your name, your story, zodiac sign, mood, life’s goals, showcasing them around your neck.
- Chunky and Bold gold-filled Chains
Like a flashback to Mr. T’s 80s persona, thick gold-filled chains are also back, making a retro statement around the neck or wrists. Don’t be afraid to go big with links. Such large, fun flair can really pull together even the most modest outfit.
2020 jewelry trends have a lot of inspiration to offer. Which ones are calling to you? Stock up for an exciting new decade of jewelry design. Shop our catalog of beautiful, affordable wholesale beads and supplies online at Crystal Findings today.
Nov 25, 2019 | JEWELRY MAKING SUPPLIES, Swarovski Crystal Beads
Swarovski crystals are highly sought for their crystal clear, sparkling brilliance. A surprisingly affordable alternative to diamonds and precious stones, what gives Swarovski crystals beads their legendary sparkle?
A Diamond for Everyone
Though no one knows precisely what Swarovski crystals are made of, it remains a coveted family secret to this day, they are a form of glass. Swarovski inventor Daniel Swarovski, the son of a glass cutter, dreamed of a design that offered the sparkle of a diamond, yet was affordable to everyone. He invented an electric glass cutting machine that could cut glass with incredible accuracy.
Mystery Mix
Though the Swarovski family has owned the Wattens, Austria crystal factory since 1892 and safeguards the ingredient recipe for its crystals to this day, we do know some of the ingredients used to make Swarovski crystals. These include a mix of red lead, quartz sand, sodium carbonate, and potash. The last was a unique addition at the time, revolutionizing the industry. It creates a clear, malleable glass that is easily shaped.
Glorious Geometry
The ingredients in the mix are heated to an extremely high temperature, then melted into glass and cut by Swarovski’s patented machines. Today the company’s gemstone designs are aided by computer technology, which helps designers calculate the angles that will best reflect light and improve the glimmering effects of the crystals.
A Little Something Extra
In addition to its proprietary crystal recipe, Swarovski also adds special touches to its crystals with metallic chemical coatings. One of the most famous coating inventions was for the spectacular Christian Dior crystal, which was dubbed the ‘Aurora Borealis effect’ after the multicolored changing hues of the Northern Lights. This coating remains popular to this day.
An Expansive Line of Offerings
The Swarovski crystal line continues to evolve to match the desires of designers and jewelry aficionados. Because of the diamond-like shimmer of the crystals, many popular options mimic precious gemstones like emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and rare colored diamonds, some of which are quite difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Still, newer options employ the company’s revered cutting method to produce unique, shimmering bead shapes from flowers and stars to helixes, aquiline, and galactic beads. Popular Swarovski beading options today include:
When shopping for Swarovski crystals, beware of imitators. The quality of genuine Swarovski crystals is unsurpassed. Protect yourself from purchasing inferior, unlicensed products by purchasing from a reputed seller. Learn how to make sure you’re purchasing true Swarovski crystal.
Find the perfect Swarovski gemstone to complement your next design. Shop premium Swarovski from Crystal Findings for a wide selection of the latest Swarovski bead designs and accompanying beading supplies today.
