Simple, Beautiful Beading With Swarovski Crystal Beads
By A Hunter
Jewellery makers often ask which of our ranges of glass crystal beads have the most razzle dazzle, and while it's true that buyers select all beads based on their quality and looks, the 'crown jewel' for eye appeal and affordability has to be Swarovski,
If you're looking to create some truly amazing, multi-faceted pieces, few crystals catch the light like genuine Swarovski crystals do. Some jewellery stockists have no less than 145 different bicone and round Swarovski bead lines, all expertly cut and polished, and sure to give all your work that extra sparkle and colour boost!
Over 100 years of beauty
Expert glass cutter Daniel Swarovski transformed the production of cut crystal in 1892 with his invention and patenting of an innovative electric glass-cutting machine and three years later, Swarovski was founded to produce carved crystal in Wattens, Austria to become the internationally-known brand it is today.
Making your Swarovski bead jewellery
Your Swarovski piece could be as simple and striking as a single droplet, or even a well-chosen cluster of colours. Choose your main colour, and then think about what elements of it you like, or browse through the range of beads to find styles you think might complement your central Swarovski beads. Here are a few suggestions:
• Silver Filigree Bead 8mm
• Pack of 20 Silver Beads Plain Round 2 Hole 3.0mm
• Mixed 10mm Decorated Lamp Beads
• Silver Tube Bead Frosted Pack Of 25
Go Loopy with Swarovski
Here's a simple and beautiful idea that will also help you master the essential jewellery-making skill of making loops.
What you need
You don't need many tools to create a beautiful piece of Swarovski jewellery.
• Assorted Swarovski crystal beads
• 20-gauge jewellery wire
• Assorted Coloured Enamel Wire Sample Bag, 10 X 1 Metre Lengths, 0.5mm)
• Round nosed pliers
• Wire cutters
• 7-piece Beader's Jewellery Tool Kit Chain
• Clasps
• Earring wires
What to do
Step 1
Cut a piece of wire about 10cm (4") or longer, depending on the length and number of beads you will use in a set. (Remember, it's easier to cut down excess wire than to scrap your design and start again.)
Step 2
Make a small loop. Grip the end of the wire in your round nose pliers, then gently twist and wrap the wire until you form your loop.
Step 3
Slide your choice of bead or beads onto the wire and hold it so the beads are secured against the loop.
Step 4
Use your pliers to make a loop on the other end of the wire (you might have to trim some excess wire).
Step 5
Finish the bead set by using your pliers to close the loop by making a hook (or headpin) sliding it down into the bead. Alternately, you could wrap the end of the loop with some fine wire for a nice, finished look.
Step 6
Now, it's up to you - make more and link them into a cluster or chain (it's easy; just open a loop and attach it to another!) and finish it with a clasp. Or, you could put your Swarovski droplet onto an earring wire, or hang it from a chain - there's no end to your options!
Stringing beads Tip - Simply - Don't get 'hands on'
Small beads can be a pain to pick up and string together. Choose a slightly less flexible wire and try this 'hands-free' method to help you create your string more quickly.
Lay your beads on a soft surface (such as this Sticky Bead Matt) to prevent them rolling away. Hold the end of the wire closely and put it against the hole of a bead.
Gently push down and the bead will tilt and start sliding onto the wire. Lift your hand up and let the bead slide down to your fingers. Hold the bead and wire and repeat!
About the Author:
Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of jewellery making supplies from over 10,000 products including
Swarovski crystal beads, jewellery tools, precious metal clay, jewellery packaging and boxes and gold and silver sheet - gold, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.
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