Handmade Crystal Jewelry

Mother's Day

2007-03-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well, Mother’s Day is just around the corner!

I received my first Mother’s Day gift when our oldest daughter was just a few months old. I was still in the wonderful feeling of being a new mother and enjoying my baby, so the gift (flowers) was a bonus.
After three kids, the enjoyment of being a mother was still there, but my patience was a lot lower than dealing with just one child.

How I wish I had received a beautiful Mother’s bracelet with my children’s birthstones on rather than the toaster or mixer or some other kitchen appliance that we needed. We never did do the romantic items, clothing or weekends away, etc. The funds for this type of gifts were just not there, nor had either of us been brought up that way.

Don’t get me wrong, I was happy with my life then and loved my husband and children, but the green eyes of jealously would still occasionally crop up, especially when someone at work would come in bragging about the wonderful things their husband had done for them or what they had done with their wives. Of note now is that a lot of those couples are no longer together.

When I saw the Mother’s bracelets, I was so excited and had one made for myself, and one for each our daughters. They love them.

Then we needed items for a new website, and the Mother’s bracelets were the first thing I thought of. What a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation for your mother.

These handmade bracelets are individually custom made for each mother. They also make wonderful grandmother gifts.

Please feel free to browse our handmade jewelry website for these mother bracelets along with other custom made jewelry. We have birthstone, wedding, sobriety, awareness, sorority, and other types of handmade crystal jewelry all customized for you. There is also some unique one of a kind jewelry handmade with a variety of beads and gemstones.

We also have a sister website selling cuckoo clocks and grandfather clocks along with wall and mantle clocks you can check out.

Hope to hear from you soon.
JewelryMade4U
Shop of Clocks

What is an Aurora Borealis crystal or AB crystal?

2007-01-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Aurora Borealis effect on a crystal causes the crystal to shine in a multitude of colors as light reflects on the crystal and the movements of your body. Just as the Northern Lights streak across the northern hemisphere in a variety of colors, this AB effect on crystals also reflects thousands of colors.

This shimmering prism effect is caused by the reflections of light from surrounding colors in the environment. You can compare this to the extra sparkle jewelry would have if millions of microscopic mirrors were inside.

During the 1950’s the Daniel Swarovski company made important advances with Austrian Swarovski crystals and the aurora borealis effect. It experimented with manufacturing processes with the stones coated with wafer thin metal particles in order to increase the sparkle. This process required the material to be steamed in a vacuum. In 1956 Manfred Swarovski, the grandson of the founder, created the “Aurora Borealis” effect on the crystal, which shimmers in every color of the rainbow.

Swarovski still continues to demand the highest possible quality to their products to distinguish them fro the rest of the market. They are very secretive about their process. Even the workers in the factories do not see what the other workers are doing so they cannot share secrets with them.

Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

What is .925 Sterling Silver?

2006-12-30T06:11:00.000-08:00

(Source: http://www.aboutgems.org/Silver.php).
Fine silver, which comes in a 99 percent natural state, is too soft to use as jewelry, so most silver jewelry comes in the form of Sterling silver, an alloy with a silver content of 92.5 percent.
Items can also be silver plated, which is when another metal is simply coated with an outside layer of silver. In order to be called Sterling silver, the silver content must be at least 92.5%, or .925 silver.

Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

What is 14k Gold-filled - Gold vermeil - Gold plated over pewter?

2006-12-30T06:07:00.000-08:00

14k gold-filled is a process where a layer of gold is mechanically bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal, such as Sterling silver, then rolled to a given thickness. We use beads designated as "14K/20," which means that 20% of the total weight of the bead is 14K gold.
Gold-filled is superior to gold-plated products, which have a very thin layer (seven-millionths of an inch) of gold. Gold-filled items will remain gold for a lifetime if cared for properly. The occasional silver spot is from solder holding joints together. Unless you are using harsh chemicals or abrasives, the gold layer will stay gold for years to come!

Gold Vermeil, pronounced "vermay," is a French word describing Sterling silver that has been electroplated with at least 100 millionths of an inch of karat gold. Our supplier uses gold vermeil is 22kt gold over Sterling silver.

Gold-plated over pewter
Gold-plated products have a very thin layer (seven-millionths of an inch) of gold.

Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

What are freshwater pearls?

2006-12-30T06:05:00.000-08:00

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). Freshwater pearls are a kind of pearl that comes from freshwater mussels. They are produced in Japan, China, and the United States, and were formerly produced in Scotland. Freshwater pearls come in various pastel shades of white, black, pink, peach, lavender, plum, purple, and tangerine, depending on the type of mussel.

A single mussel can produce up to 50 pearls. While saltwater pearl-bearing oysters are nucleated in a small organ known as the gonad, freshwater mussels are nucleated in the actual mantle tissue. Each side of this bivalve can handle up to 25 nucleations at one time.

Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

What are Swarovski pearls?

2006-12-30T05:57:00.000-08:00

We only use the finest, most magnificent manufactured pearls in all the world.
Swarovski crystal pearls 5810 are perfect imitations of natural pearls. They have the heart of an actual crystal bead that has been finished with layer of highly luminous pearlescence, ensuring a flawless surface and exact curves.
As with natural pearls, these pearls adjust to skin temperature, are abrasion-proof, resistant to perfume, perspiration, the sun's rays, electroplating, UV light and scratches. They can be washed and dry cleaned.

Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

What are Bali beads?

2006-12-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

"Bali silver" refers to a classification of hand-made silver beads that are produced by individuals on the island of Bali, although many Bali beads are crafted in other regions of the Indonesian archipelago, some are produced in India, Turkey and other countries. Bali beads are known for their beautiful, intricate designs, and since each bead is hand made -- not mass produced -- there will be slight variations among each bead.

Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

What is the difference between glass and crystal?

2006-11-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

Crystal is made by adding lead oxide to glass, which makes crystal heavier than glass. The lead in crystal is what makes it sparkle and reflect colors much more than plain glass. When the lead content is higher - the crystal is a better quality.

In Europe, glass must contain at least 4% lead to be called crystal. In the US, glass must have at least 1% lead content to be classified as crystal. In contrast, Swarovski (Swore-off-ski) crystal has at least 30% lead content.

Swarovski crystals are regarded as the highest quality machine cut and polished crystal beads in the world.

Swarovski crystals are perfectly uniform. This means that the height, width and slope are consistent.

Swarovski uses machinery that precisely cuts each crystal. They cut hard materials such as crystal and gems, in a way that they have a hundred identical facets in several directions. This a very complicated task: each direction of the reflected light must first be calculated by computer, simulated in 3D, optimized and finally converted into control programs for complex machinery.

The precision cutting of Swarovski machinery allows each crystal to have its facet juncture "pointing up". This means the facet junctures all meet at precisely the same point. This is a similar aspect of diamond faceting.

Swarovski crystals with an AB finish have a uniform surface luster. There are no swirling marks from the vacuum process that produces the AB finish, and generally there are no scratches.

When you look inside Swarovski crystals, you will see no bubbles.

Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

Amethyst

2006-10-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

Physical, Chemical and Structural Properties of Amethyst
To help identify and classify Amethyst

Amethyst is a variety of quartz which naturally occurs in crystal form and is the most valuable form of quartz. The transparent prismatic crystals can be found in clusters as an incrustation (or druse) in a nodular stone, commonly known as a geode. Amethyst is unique in color, ranging in shades of purple from pale lavender or lilac to a deep intense purple. In jewelry, the most precious Amethysts are the ones with the deepest and densest variations while maintaining their transparency and luster.
Physical Properties:
Amethysts vary in shades of purple but can even include a reddish and milky purple quality. The purple color comes from the manganese in clear quartz. The presence of iron helps determine the intensity of the color. Amethysts could be very expensive but due to the wide-spread and numerous global deposits, it can be found very inexpensively. Not only can Amethyst range in color but it also ranges in transparency from very transparent to almost translucent but always maintains the glassy luster. With a specific gravity of 6.5 and hardness of 7 (Mohs' scale), real Amethyst is tough to distinguish from the synthetic one. In nature as a mineral, each crystal cluster differs from region to region and mine to mine. Gem experts can usually identify the region from which a particular specimen originated from the density of it's color, the cleavage, shape, crystal system and other physical characteristics which imply it's original context.
Chemical Properties: The chemical name for Amethyst, Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), along with distinctive attributes relating to the color are representative of its chemical composition. Amethyst obtains the color through a combination of manganese impurities (Mn) and the existence of iron (Fe) in specific quantities. The color of each crystal is dependant upon the distribution of color-filled bands within it. These color bands are stable only at temperatures below 480 degrees Fahrenheit (248.9 degrees Celsius) so this semi-precious stone should be protected from extreme heat in order to prevent fading. Professional heating treatments (on the other hand) have been used on Amethyst to produce the popular gems known as Citrine and Ametrine (400 and 500 degrees Celsius). Many naturally occurring Citrines began as Amethyst and were created by being heated by exposure to lava and magma from nearby volcanoes and other magma containing bodies. Ametrine has become a popular semi-precious gem which is a product of being half Amethyst and half Citrine.

Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

How Can A Female Feel More Confident and Beautiful?

2006-08-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Every female wants to be beautiful and confident in their daily lives, both at work and at play.

There are many times in a female’s life that makes us unhappy and sad, sometimes with no specific reason. One way we can change these feelings is to present a prettier appearance. We can see this reflected in our mirror, while others will see it in our attitudes and the way we present ourselves. If we feel pretty, we are more confident in anything we try to do.

One way that has been used for hundreds of years is by wearing something to adorn our bodies-jewelry. From the beginnings of time, women, (and men in various cultures and ages) have adorned themselves with a variety of pretty stones, sea shells, animal teeth, animal claws, feathers, and many other pretty items that caught their eye. These items were worn on their arms, legs, fingers, toes, ears, necks, etc. Also items were placed on fur skins and clothes that the people made.

Ancient cultures used a lot of gold to adorn themselves. The wearing of gold necklaces, armbands and head wear helped signify the wealth of the family. The more gold the wealthy displayed, showed the common people you were of a higher social level and could easily rule them. When fully dressed in these majestic outfits of gold, with the sun reflecting on them, the common people were awed. The pretentious display of gold and wealth helped give the upper class of society a Godlike presence. This helped empower the upper class in keeping people under their control. The upper classes were very confident in their station in life.

In today’s societies, every female in the world (and male if they like) can attain a more beautiful feeling about themselves very easily. Jewelry of all kinds is readily available, whether from a neighborhood flea market or the fanciest jewelry store. One can find jewelry items of every shape and color, and every price imaginable. Many items of costume jewelry are made that even some experts have difficulty telling if the item is real or of manmade materials. The bottom line is, if you like the jewelry item, it will make you feel more confident and beautiful when you wear it.

The jewelry does not have to be the most expensive jewelry in the world or be the largest or the shiniest. It can be of a very simple design or very complex in design. The jewelry can be a single color or be designed with a vast array of colors and materials. It can be large or small, shiny or dull, simple and elegant or flashy, dangling or close to your body, flat or very prominent, etc. I’m sure you get my point. Across the world and in every society-anything goes. Wear what you like and you will feel more confident and beautiful!

This article was submitted by a staff member at JewelryMade4U

Jewelry Cleaning Tips

2006-07-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

We are looking for ways to clean and polish jewelry.

If you have a special way you clean or polish yours, please include it below. We are all looking for new ideas to make our lives easier. If you have a question on jewelry, ask away-someone out there will have an answer for you!

Please feel free to browse our website, JewelryMade4U, for handmade crystal jewelry that will be custom made to what you want. We also carry some unique one-of-a-kind jewelry items.

You can maintain the beauty and luster of almost any piece of jewelry with regularly cleaning and polishing.

Most stones and their settings can be cleaned with liquid jewelry cleaner, just be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

You can use warm water with a drop of mild dish soap. Let the jewelry soak in this for a few minutes, then use a soft brush to gently scrub the jewelry.
After rinsing, dry the jewelry with a soft cloth and then polish it with a piece of chamois cloth.

Do not use toothpaste or any abrasive cleaners. These could put scratches on the settings and remove some of the glow of the jewelry.

An old way to clean real diamonds was to boil the diamonds with a small bit of detergent for 5 minutes, Allow them to cool before removing from the water-never plunge a hot diamond into ice cold water. Do not boil jewelry that have stones which are glued in-the heat will soften the glue and the stone may fall out.

Diamonds may be soaked in a solution of 1 tablespoon ammonia and 1 cup of warm water for about 5 minutes. Dry with a soft cloth and polish if necessary.

Silver polish removes tarnish from silver jewelry very easily. Follow the package instructions for a beautiful shine for your jewelry and also your silver serving pieces.

When doing house cleaning it is best to remove your jewelry. Some of the harsh cleaning products may affect the beauty and glow of your jewelry. This also avoids accidentally bumping your jewelry on a hard surface and damaging the stone or the prongs that hold the stones in place.

Silver jewelry will tarnish (or oxidize) when exposed to air and moisture, giving the silver a dark, dull appearance.

Here are some tips to help care for your silver:

1. When the silver jewelry is not being worn: store it in an airtight, moisture free container, such as a Ziploc bag, jewelry box, or special anti-tarnish jewelry pouch.
2. Cleaning and pool chemicals can permanently damage the smooth finish of silver jewelry. Always remove your jewelry before you clean house, go swimming or use a hottub.
3. When getting dressed, do not put on your jewelry until after you've applied makeup, hairspray or other cosmetics. The chemicals in these products can damage silver jewelry.
4. Clean your silver jewelry with a soft cloth, such as chamois or a special cloth designed for jewelry. Liquid silver cleaner or polish are very harsh and will strip away your jewelry's finish, so avoid using these products on your jewelry.

Please feel free to add your thoughts, ideas, hints or questions:
Visit JewelryMade4U to see handmade Swarovski crystal jewelry.

General Birthstone Information

2006-06-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

A birthstone is a precious or semiprecious stone or a particular color of crystal, associated with the month of your birth.
Many people believe wearing the stone or color of their individual birth month will bring luck.

BIRTHSTONE LISTS
Birthstones can vary by culture, religion or tradition. Because of these variations, several birthstone categories exist. Birthstones from ancient cultures include: Arabic, Hebrew, Hindu, Italian, Polish, Roman and Russian, mystical birthstones, planetary and astrological birthstones, talismanic birthstones, and others dating back as far as 1500 B.C. We also have traditional and modern birthstones. Astrology birthstones are based on the sun and star signs of the Zodiac. Each astrological sign lists several types of gemstones. Birthstones of ancient cultures lists include anywhere from 1-3 birthstones for each month and may also include non-gemstones like gold, serpent stone or cat's-eye. Mystical birthstones date back more than 1,000 years and are of Tibetan origin. Planetary birthstones are associated with the planets such as Mercury (Tiger Eye) and Mars (Jasper). Talismanic stones, usually in the form of an amulet or piece of jewelry, are believed to protect the wearer against evil. They follow the signs of the Zodiac and range from onyx and jasper to diamond, emerald and beryl. Traditional birthstones reflect customs dating as far back as the 15th century. Modern birthstone lists often include traditional birthstones.

Below are the gem and color of Swarovski crystals we have chosen to signify each birthstone month, along with our meanings for the birthstones.

*January's birthstone gem is Garnet which is a deep red in color and stands for Constancy.

*February’s birthstone gem is Amethyst which is a medium purple in color and stands for Sincerity.

*March’s birthstone gem is Aquamarine which is a light blue in color and stands for Courage.

*April’s birthstone gem is Diamond which is a clear in color and stands for Virtuous.

*May’s birthstone gem is Emerald which is a glossy green in color and stands for Love.

*June’s birthstone gem is Light Amethyst which is a light purple in color and stands for Longevity.

*July’s birthstone gem is Ruby which is a vibrant red in color and stands for Contentment.

*August’s birthstone gem is Peridot which is a greenish-yellow in color and stands for Happiness.

*September’s birthstone gem is Sapphire which is a dark blue in color and stands for Clarity.

*October’s birthstone gem is Rose which is a pink in color and stands for Hope.
*November’s birthstone gem is Topaz which is a golden yellow in color and stands for Truth.
*December's birthstone gem is Blue Zircon which is a sky blue in color and stands for Flourishing.

You can visit our website, JewelryMade4U, to view our selection of handmade mothers crystal and birthstone jewelry, and more.