Sizzling Ideas for Creating Jewelry for Summer 2022

The snow has melted and the days are getting longer; key signs that summer has finally come. And with that warmer weather comes new ways of dressing up and bringing out one’s favorite pieces. Looking for new ways to make your own sizzling summer pieces with your jewelry making supplies? Consider the following exciting summer jewelry ideas:

Four Sizzling Ideas for Creating Jewelry for Summer 2022

1. Bright and bold colors. When one thinks of summer, one of the first things that come to mind is the bright light of the sun. So much of what people enjoy most about this season happens outdoors, like swimming and backyard barbecues. As such, bright and bold colors are always a good choice for jewelry pieces. Think bright color beads and the inclusion of gold filled beads and findings which often boast their own bright sunny appearance.

2. Chunky and multi-layered bracelets. Chunky bracelets and those bracelets that feature multiple layers also make for fantastic summer pairings. The reason for this is because, during the summer, you often wear things that more expose your arms, such as spaghetti-strap sundresses and tank tops. Chunky and multi-layered bracelets offer a nice contrast to draw the eyes. You can keep things simple with alphabet letter beads interspaced with your favorite filling beads, such as bone or sterling silver beads.

3. Choker and short necklaces. Choker and short necklaces are ideal summer jewelry for the same reason that chunky and multi-layered bracelets are — they are going to really accent the more visible neck. A simple ring of pearl beads is a fantastic addition to just about any summer outfit, casual or more formal.

4. Ocean or beach-themed jewelry. Are you a person who loves pendants and adding in more structured pieces? Then, when you buy beading supplies online, look for things that can help you create more ocean or beach-themed pieces. Ocean and beach-themed pendants are great summer pieces because they remind us of the things we most want to do and experience during the season, in a similar way that evergreen tree and star pendants are perfect for winter jewelry. So good choices here might be starfish and turtle pendants that help keep that summer spirit in sharp focus.

Visit Crystal Findings for More Special Summer Pieces

We hope this quick look at four sizzling summer jewelry ideas has helped to inspire you and get you thinking about the next creative pieces you want to create, whether that’s for yourself, your friends, or even for sale. But before you start creating, you need supplies! Visit our online store to enjoy a broad array of online beading supplies and jewelry-making packages that will help you build those perfect pieces for yourself, for gifts, and for sale.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/sizzling-ideas-for-creating-jewelry-for-summer-2022/

May 7, 2022 0

Buying Beads? Here’s When to Choose Gold or Silver

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!

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/buying-beads-heres-when-to-choose-gold-or-silver/

April 21, 2022 0

How to Pick the Right Necklace Lengths for Every Neckline

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.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/how-to-pick-the-right-necklace-lengths-for-every-neckline/

April 7, 2022 0

Unique Beaded Necklace Collection

Here at Crystal Findings, we specialize in selling the widest selection of beading supplies online. We offer beads in every size and just about every style and material that you can think of because our team is passionate about helping others follow their dreams or love of making their own jewelry. That said, sometimes you don’t have time to make your own pieces for an event or special occasion in which you want to give a piece as a gift. Or maybe you’re just getting started and you want to see how final products might look and feel. For those situations, our unique Ready Made Necklace collection is perfect.

Our unique ready-made beaded necklaces were all made from jewelry components we ourselves sell. This includes necklaces made of our gold-filled beads and findings as well as pendants and chains. Let’s take a look and you can decide for yourself whether one of these pieces calls out to you, or inspires you to start shopping for the pieces with which we made them:

Crystal Findings Unique Beaded Necklace Collection

• #12026 14K Gold Filled Necklace With Swarovski Leaf Pendant. This gorgeous piece features round and tubular gold-filled beads that are interspaced with crystalline beads. This is a necklace that would look fantastic paired with a darker jacket or dress. The highlight is a stunning Swarovski leaf pendant that dazzles when light strikes it just so.

• #12041 – Gold Filled Necklace With Swarovski Crystal – Jet & Rose. This is a wonderful patterned necklace that features both gold-filled beads and our special Swarovski crystal beads. At the front of the necklace, the crystal beads are interspersed to give a more alluring look. We particularly love how the 5mm Swarvoski light rose crystal beads pair with the jet black ones here. The ready-made necklace comes in a variety of sizes so that you can choose to go small for a more choker style necklace or go for the largest 20-inch version for a piece that will hang well below your collar bones.

• #12044 – Gold Filled Necklace With Star & Swarovski Crystal Beads. This special ready-made necklace is perfect when you want something that is simple but has a standout appearance. This necklace features are special Silver Star Beads in which you get a nice frosty or opaque bead that is imprinted with a golden star. We find that these beads are often in high demand before American-related holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day. So if you’re looking to don this starry necklace (or want to make your own) for a big event related to these styles of holidays, make sure you order well in advance!

View Our Store Today to Get Started

Our team is proud of our ready-made necklace collection, but we also know that most of our customers prefer to make their own. So make sure to check our jewelry-making supplies online if the above gave you inspiration so you can copy and create your own fantastic beaded looks!

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/unique-beaded-necklace-collection/

March 21, 2022 0

7 Common Jewelry Making Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them

Are you a beginner in jewelry making? Knowing the basics of jewelry making and an understanding of beading supplies such as Shamballa beads and sterling silver beads can help you create beautiful pieces. At the same time, learning to avoid common mistakes will allow you to refine your skills and be confident in your work. Here are seven common jewelry-making mistakes to avoid, along with some tips on how to fix them or how to avoid them altogether in the first place.

Using Too Much Glue

While the glue is a great adhesive, too much of it can create a mess. If you use too much glue to create your piece, you’ll end up with the excess glue that may cause a gooey mess. When using glue, dab some glue onto both sides of your beading supplies, and spread it evenly. Press together and let it dry before wearing or selling your piece.

Stringing Before All Supplies are Ready

Make sure all of your beading supplies are ready before you begin to string. This includes making sure you have some way to secure all of your beads, whether it’s with a beading needle or a wire stringer. This can help prevent having to redo any work that falls off while working on an intricate design.

Cutting the Thread

Cut the thread as close to your beadwork as possible to achieve a professional finish. This will ensure that there’s no loose thread for someone to snag on or for a cat to play with. Thread from your spool should always be cut before you start beading so that it will be ready when you need it next.

Not Investing in Quality Wire

When you are trying to keep costs down, you may choose to purchase low-quality wire that won’t hold its shape or resist rusting. But low-quality wire will cause breakage when it comes time to create your jewelry design, which will mean more shopping around for materials. If you want to avoid making mistakes in jewelry making, invest in quality supplies right off the bat and make fewer trips back to a supplier.

Pressing Too Hard When Crimping

When crimping sterling silver beads, it’s easy to press down too hard. If you do, you could deform your product or even damage your beading pliers. Instead, practice crimping lightly and then slowly increase the pressure until you find a good balance between sufficient closure and avoiding that excessive pressure. This ensures products close properly while also protecting your products from permanent deformation.

Making It Too Complicated by Buying Expensive Tools that You Don’t Need

If you are a beginner, you don’t need to have every tool at your disposal right away. If you’re just getting started, stick with things that are affordable and make jewelry-making easy. Don’t get caught up in unnecessary complexity, either. Adding hundreds of other components will only cloud your focus—and makes for a disorganized studio. It’s time to find high-quality beading supplies online at affordable rates.

March 15, 2022 0

Colors of Shambala: What does Each Color Represent

Shamballa bracelets are bracelets made from Shamballa beads that have been woven together. It can be worn or the beads simply handled during meditation. That’s because the primary aim with Shamballa beads is to focus one’s thoughts and enhance one’s well-being. That said, there is a belief or understanding that different colors used to create a Shamballa bracelet from your bead supply store can have different effects due to how emotions and the color spectrum are interlinked.

Interested to see how different shades of round, heart, oval, or spacer tube-shaped Shamballa beads can impact your mood? Take a look at the following impactful colors:

Colors of Shambala: The Different Colors & What They Represent

• Red Shamballa Beads. Red is a powerful color that is associated with the Root Chakra located at the spine’s base and with passion. But passion shouldn’t just be associated with love and similar emotions. Passion also relates to bravery, from speaking in public to taking on an arduous athletic event. Wearing or meditating with red Shamballa beads like this one in light Siam can help to enhance your enthusiasm and help you tackle that upcoming event or activity.

• Green Shamballa Beads. Green is connected with the Heart Chakra and is associated with harmony and healing. You might use green Shamballa beads like in Emerald or Peridot when creating bracelets with your jewelry-making supplies to make a meditation bracelet as this color can help to elevate your mental state to a more open and peaceful place.

• Yellow Shamballa Beads. Yellow is a very important color that is associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra. This chakra is located in one’s stomach area and is the chakra most associated with self-worth and confidence. Thus wearing and connecting with yellow Shamballa beads can help to encourage positivity within one’s self, improving self-esteem and promoting a more optimistic view.

• Blue Shamballa Beads. Blue is a color connected with the Throat Chakra which gets associated with communication and how others react to that communication, such as inspiring loyalty, creativity, and affection. Wearing blue Shamballa bracelets in aquamarine or blue zircon, either alone or interspersed with gold-filled beads, can help to focus your thoughts for better communication with those around you.

Visit Our Online Store for the Best in Bulk Shamballa Beads and More

As of this publishing, our team at Crystal Findings is excited to announce a temporary sale on several popular colors of Shamballa beads to help inspire our jewelry-making clients. We have the above colors and more available, including birth colors available in round and tube spacer beads. You will also find other types of loose stone beads wholesale and plenty of other jewelry-making supplies. Or, to learn more about Shamballa beads and making bracelets with them, be sure to check out our previous articles.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/colors-of-shambala-what-does-each-color-represent/

March 14, 2022 0

Wide Variety of Gold Filled Beads at Bulk Pricing

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 sides, 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.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/wide-variety-of-gold-filled-beads-at-bulk-pricing/

March 7, 2022 0

7 Reasons You Should Be Stocking More Sterling Silver Jewelry

There are always going to be those people who associate sterling silver as not being fine enough. Those people are missing out. Sterling silver beads and jewelry are comprised of over 90% silver and the remainder a desirable metal alloy. This combination of metals creates a beautiful look that has several outstanding advantages. Advantages like the following are why jewelry lovers should start stocking up on sterling silver beading supplies online:

7 Reasons You Should Be Stocking More Sterling Silver Jewelry

1. Sterling Silver is Durable. The alloy combination that makes sterling silver was created because of just how durable it is. This is going to be even more durable than gold filled beads which were likewise created to hold up to more rigorous use and the wear of time.

2. Sterling Silver is Always Fashionable. The diamond industry may have coined the forever slogan, but it is sterling silver that is forever in fashion.

3. Tons of Options With Sterling Silver. Why is sterling silver always in fashion? Because there is so much you can do with it! Keep things simple with just a chain or get more creative with personalizing beads jewelry making supplies.

4. Easily Build Up a Collection. The great array of sterling silver jewelry options makes it easy to build up or otherwise upgrade your own jewelry collection. You can do it with complete pieces or by creating your own with sterling silver beads.

5. Sterling Silver Jewelry is Versatile. The simple beauty and color of sterling silver make it a good pairing for just about any outfit. Whether you’re going out with your friends for a casual evening or have a more formal event planned, sterling silver pieces will fit nicely.

6. Sterling Silver is Hypoallergenic. Some common base metals can cause skin irritations and other allergic reactions to those with sensitive skin. Sterling silver, especially when it is alloyed with copper, is renowned for not causing such ugly reactions.

7. Easy to care for and maintain. One reason why people have historically avoided sterling silver is its tendency to tarnish. Tarnishing happens when sterling silver jewelry pieces sit too long unattended, resulting in a dirty and discolored appearance. While this does happen, the fix for it is simple. You can use a cheap varnish to clean that tarnish off or, you can simply wear your pieces. That’s because the oils in your skin will naturally clean your sterling silver. The more you wear, the more you maintain your pieces.

Get Started Making Your Beloved Sterling Silver Pieces Today

Are you ready to see the advantages of sterling silver for yourself? Visit our online store at Crystal Findings to purchase bulk sterling silver beads so you can start crafting your own amazing pieces.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/7-reasons-stocking-more-sterling-silver-jewelry/

March 1, 2022 0

How to Clean and Care for Beaded Jewelry

Jewelry isn’t just something you wear. Especially not when you create unique pieces via custom jewelry making supplies. Precious jewelry pieces become a part of who we are as we use them to accentuate our features and provide insight into ourselves, such as our favorite colors, animals, and themes. With such a role, your precious pieces of jewelry deserve to be well cared for. After all, the better you maintain your pieces, the longer you will get to enjoy them. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite tips for cleaning and caring for our beaded jewelry pieces.

How to Clean and Care for Beaded Jewelry

• Take regular care of your beaded jewelry- There are many ways to clean your beaded jewelry and we will discuss a few ways in the next pointers but you can avoid these cleaning tips and tricks by taking care of your jewelry on a day-to-day basis. Take off your jewelry before sleeping and give a quick wipe down to remove any settled dust or junk between the beads. Invest in a velvet-lined jewelry box that will protect your jewelry and limit the oxygen that gets to the beads.

• Use toothpaste on silver but never gold or gems. As you browse online DIY tips for cleaning and caring for jewelry, you are apt to find toothpaste recommended as a good cheap cleaning material. Be cautious with this advice. A small dab of the most basic of toothpastes is great at removing the tarnish and gunk on some types of jewelry, most notably for any type of silver piece and some stone beads. Sterling silver beads and findings are thus a good choice for this technique. However, the same slight abrasive nature of toothpaste that makes it great for cleaning off tarnish makes it not so great at cleaning less hard pieces, such as softer gemstones or delicate cloisonne beads. For our customers who buy gold-filled beads online from us, we recommend not to use toothpaste as it risks scratching and causing discoloration.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply mild soap and water or a jewelry-specific cleaning agent. In the end, the best technique to clean your beaded jewelry is going to be the boring technique. The technique that doesn’t rely on tricks or finding odd items in your pantry to use. Rather, be patient and use a very mild soap and water mixture to clean your jewelry of any gunk and tarnishing. A soft-bristled toothbrush is best for applying this mixture and getting in angles and divots. Use a soft cloth rag as a final wipe down.

When in Doubt, Take to a Professional

If the mild soap and water mixture isn’t getting your pieces properly sparkling, then you might want to consider taking them to a professional. An expert jeweler has the tools and know-how to get your pieces beautifully cleaned. And when it comes to making more pieces, don’t forget to visit our site for the best wholesale beads and jewelry supplies.

This blog was originally posted in https://www.crystalfindings.com/how-to-clean-and-care-for-beaded-jewelry/

January 20, 2022 0

Beaded Jewelry Making Ideas for Beginners

Beading is one of the best starter crafts a person can get into — for many reasons. First, getting into bead making as a hobby is relatively inexpensive thanks to the ability to shop around and buy jewelry making supplies online at good prices. This makes it possible to start making beautiful pieces without a big initial investment. The other reason why bead jewelry making is so great for newcomers to jewelry making, in general, is because of how much you can customize your pieces to be exactly what you want them to be.

So, now that you have decided you want to get into bead jewelry making, let’s take a look at some other key ideas that will help you hit the ground running:

Starting Ideas for Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners

• Wire-wrapped beaded chain necklace or choker. The basic wire necklace or choker is one of the best pieces of jewelry that a beginner can make. Here, you start with a piece of wire and your favorite alphabet letter beads or sterling silver beads and start putting the beads on that wire in your own desired pattern. You can also use a spinning beader to make the process go faster (although that makes it harder to personalize the pattern).

• Earrings with beaded tassels. Earrings are a wonderful beginner project because of how small they are. This is one that won’t require a ton of beading tools and supplies or your time, making it possible to really experiment with different looks and methods.

• A beaded circle necklace pendant. A beaded circle necklace pendant is one of those things that you can do really simply, or go all out extravagant. As such, this type of jewelry piece is ideal for beginners as you can experiment and slowly hone your skills with each new rendition. A good place to start is with a simple wire circle on which you thread your favorite stone beads.

• Beaded ladder stitch bracelet. This one will require a bit more time and patience than most of the other beded jewelry on this list, but the finished look is well worth your effort! This is a chunky beaded bracelet that features multiple thin weaves of beads in which the maker creates a repeating pattern. It has a fantastic end look that really accentuated many different fashion styles, and so it is also a good choice for gift-giving.

Visit Our Online Store for More Information & Supplies

Are you eager for more top bead making ideas? Or maybe you need some new beading tools and supplies in order to get started? In either case and more, our team at Crystal Findings is here to help. Visit our website today for more jewelry-making tips and to get the best prices on new beads and beading equipment.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/beaded-jewelry-making-ideas-for-beginners/

January 6, 2022 0