What can you do with crystal beads? They are also wildly popular in both hand-made and commercial holiday decorations, used for everything from glittering garlands to special tree ornaments. Swarovski is the best-known brand, though this style is available by many manufacturers. They are often used to make beaded hangers for sun catchers; add an inexpensive ‘fancy’ touch to kids cloths or jewelry; and create dazzling tassels for craft projects. There are few craft and jewelry making components quite so versatile. There is a staggering variety of inexpensive crystal beads for sale. The most common naturally occurring colors range from clear to milky. These are made from natural, not lab created stones and rarely faceted. However, they are often sold as tumbled gemstone chip strands or in larger irregular shapes. These faceted beads are popular inexpensive replacements for translucent precious or semi-precious gems such as amethyst, sapphire, and even emeralds. They are sometimes cut into smooth round, oval or rice bead shape. One of the most popular styles is sparkling, cut and faceted crystal beads. These are available in every color of the rainbow – including black, white, clear and AB (Aurora Borealis) coated. The reflective quality, and variety of sizes and shapes make these polished crystal beads popular in crafts as well as jewelry. These are used in elegant jewelry designs, paired with 14k gold, sterling silver, or gemstone components. Although what sparkles usually catches the most attention, facets aren’t the only option. Jewelry, clothing, crafts, home decor, holiday ornaments, and even pet collars are commonly adorned with these sparkling beauties. Natural rock crystal beads are quickly gaining popularity. This special coating – applied to any base color – reflects an iridescent pastel reminiscent of the natural phenomena called Aurora Borealis, or northern lights. You will find colors to match any stone, and the sparkle and shine of polished crystal easily rivals even fine diamonds. Perhaps an easier to answer question would be what can’t you do with them?

If you choose monofilament, be sure it is not kinked or damaged creating a weak point.

However natural smoky quartz and rose quartz crystal beads are nearly as common as the clear ones, and other rarer colors exist. If you want to maximize the sparkle, use rhinestone jewelry finding and components for clasps, headpins, or ornament hangers. Be sure to use abrasion resistant nylon or high quality silk. Natural quartz is popular in casual hippy style jewelry, mixed gemstone chip necklaces, and new-age jewelry. Extra fine craft or jewelry making wire are ideal for being abrasion resistant, although necklaces strung on wire tend to ‘spring up’ instead of draping smoothly when worn unless there is a heavy pendant in the center. These are less expensive than naturally occurring colors, though they must be cleaned carefully and exposure to sunlight should be limited. Whatever your design, jewelry making or crafts, you can probably find room for a few natural quartz or cut crystal beads. If you choose monofilament, be sure it is not kinked or damaged creating a weak point. Because crystal is so hard the edges of the drilled hole tend to be sharp against beading thread. Use the lowest gauge (largest size) of beading cord the hole size will allow. You will also find clear quartz dyed in many shades. However, don’t use something so big there is significant resistance when sliding the beads, ad this will cause increased friction. Some dyes may run or fade. When selecting craft supplies or jewelry making components, there are a few special considerations.

Good jewelry boxes are works of art. Several special boxes are created with wood sourced from other countries. There are several established firms who specialize in making wooden jewelry boxes. In many of these, once the box is opened, a musical tune plays lightly in the background. Some exquisitely made wooden jewelry boxes are antique pieces which have been crafted by master craftsmen and are collector’s items. The soft lining ensures that the delicate pieces of jewelry kept inside are not damaged in any manner. Wooden jewelry boxes are available in various finishes and textures. Examples of such wood varieties are rosewood, ebony, blodwood, bocote, jatoba, kingwood, lacewood, olivewood, padauk and many more. With exteriors made of good quality wood and the interiors lined with soft satins and velvets, wooden jewelry boxes make perfect nesting places for your jewelry. The type of wood used and the quality of craftsmanship determines the price of the jewelry box. The choices range from warm mahogany wood, white ash, cherry, maple, koa, walnut, birch, burl and other varieties found in America. For those who want inexpensive wooden jewelry boxes, several can be found at local stores. The most common type of jewelry box is one with a wooden flip top lid. With time there have been several changes introduced in the designs and styles of jewelry boxes. The musical jewelry boxes made of wood have their own special kind of charm.

These pieces are made by bulk manufacturers. Some innovative designs seen in wooden jewelry boxes are those with divided compartments and lift out trays or with frame and panel lids as well as raised “pillow-style” lids. A well made jewelry box is a beautiful object to possess and to give as a gift. If you are an avid jewelry collector, wood jewelry boxes will definitely protect and store your precious items from wear and tear. There are those that are commonly available in stores and exquisite and unique pieces which can be bought only in renowned auction houses. You can always find music jewelry boxes made of wood for instance. Jewelry boxes are available in various price ranges to suit different needs. You can also use these boxes to store your jewelry when you are traveling from one place to another. Many of these boxes are available in a host of designs, and are also sold in a variety of types. Most of these boxes have an interior lining of satin, suede, or velvet, so you know you are giving your treasured baubles the best protection. Wooden jewelry armoires are tall units, with stacked drawers and often with hooks to hang longer items such as necklaces.