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| Swarovski crystal beads
and pearls |
| Among the beads that we used in our jewelry,
our top choice is from Swarovski's collection of crystal beads and crystal
pearls. The main reason for Swarovski's crystal to outshine all other
similar material from any other manufacturer from any other country, is that the
contents of Swarovski crystal has no less than 32% lead, making the crystal
optically pure to the eyes. When coupling with the patented precision
cutting skill of Swarovski, stunning prisms are formed displaying radiant lights
at all angles.
Swarovski's crystal beads are available in
many different color, shapes and sizes. It offers unlimited creation
possibilities.
Swarovski's crystal pearls are perfect
imitations of natural pearls. Their unique crystal core combined with the
innovative Swarovski pearl coating gives the pearls a flawless surface and
perfect curves. The coating of the pearls.
Another new line in Swarovski crystal is the
crystal pendants which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have
proved to be the new top sellers for fashion jewelry.
Swarovski's crystal beads come in about 60
basic colors (as at 2005 Spring) with release of new colors almost every year.
In addition, there are special coating on the basic colors to create different
effect. The most commonly known is called Aurore Boreale (AB) which gives
off a rainbow effect of brilliant lights. There are also special effect
coatings e.g. Dorado, Aurum, Volcano, Hematite etc. As for the crystal
pearls, the current chart (2005 Spring) stand at about 20 colors.
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| Japanese seed beads |
The Japanese seed beads are renowned for its
uniformity in sizes and large varieties of colors and effects which are
unmatched to date by other bead factories in the world. They come in
several standard sizes from 6/0, 8/0, 11/0, 12/0, 15/0 etc, the commonly used
size for handmade jewelry being 12/0. Their productions are limited as
there are only few manufacturers in Japan and they are much sought after by
fashion designers and crafters all over the world.
Within the range of
Japanese seed beads, the supreme product is called Delica beads from Miyuki.
Delica beads feature a very even finished cone cut into 11/0 size. They
are easy to bead as the holes are very even in size. The most exclusive
collection of Delica beads is coated with precious metal, e.g. gold and
platinum. They are much more expensive than the ordinary 12/0 beads.
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| Cubic Zirconia |
The cubic zirconia is a form of lab created
crystal which has chemical properties near to diamond. The clarity and
shine of a cubic zirconia crystal is almost as good as diamond. They are
popular stones used in high fashion jewelry nowadays. You can tell the
difference between a glass bead and a cubic zirconia crystal by their weight.
Cubic zirconia crystals cost more than Swarovski crystals.
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| Czech Glass Beads |
Czech glass beads are machine pressed glass
beads which come in many shapes and sizes e.g. peardrops, leaves, small blossoms
etc. There are also different color and effect e.g. opal pink and half
metallic coating and fire polished etc. They are interesting to be
included in some jewelry designs.
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| Beaded Jewelry Care |
| Your beaded jewelry should be treated gently.
They should be placed in a padded box with compartments to house each one to
avoid tangling and scratching of the crystal surfaces, especially with pearls.
Periodical cleaning with a damp soft cloth is very good for your jewelry to take
away dirt, makeup, oil and sweat etc from the surface. However, to restore
the clarity to the crystal, it will be best to soak them in a mild soap warm
water for a while and rinse under running water. Please remember the rule that says "last to
wear, first to take out". All jewelries dislike makeup and perfumes on
their surface. Gentle handling and guarding against oil and dirt, will be
the best way to ensure that your beaded jewelry will stay in a perfect condition
for a long time.
Please remember that certain surface finishes
on seed beads may wear off after some time. Do not subject them to
constant sweating and washing to achieve maximum life span.
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