Daniel Millions asked:


Handcrafted beaded jewelry is jewelry that is handmade using beads and a material to hold the beads together. The handcrafted beaded jewelry includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, belts, anklets, pendants, children’s jewelry, bridal jewelry sets and other jewelry sets. The beads found in beaded jewelry can be manufactured from a variety of materials.

The beads that are used to make the jewelry may be glass, crystal, wooden, ceramic, metal, pearl or stone. There are bead artists who create customized beads from different materials. It is possible to create birthstone jewelry with beads since precious and semi-precious stones are used to make beads. One piece of jewelry may have different varieties and sizes of beads used in its creation. For instance, a southwestern style necklace may have different sized silver, turquoise and coral beads on its strands.

Depending on the pattern or instructions that are used to make beaded jewelry, the jewelry item may have been woven. When handcrafted beaded jewelry is woven, the bead artist is able to create pictures on the item. A woven bracelet may have a depiction of roses against a leafy background on it or any other picture that is desired by the artist or customer. A bead artist can be very creative with woven jewelry in a similar way as the quilter or painter. It is possible to weave beads into different shapes that will suit the purpose of the ornament.

In that case, needles and a strong beading thread are used to weave the beads by hand or with a loom. The result will be a flat piece of beadwork. The flat beadwork is versatile and can be as tiny or large as the bead artist desires. If a small rectangular piece has two edges sewn together, it can be used to form a small bag as a pendant. A long woven piece of beadwork may be left flat to serve as a belt. If the two long edges are sewn together, the result is a beaded pipe form that can be used to create handsome necklaces or bracelets.

Thin wire can be used to create jewelry instead of the needle and thread. When wire is used for stringing beads, the jewelry is sturdier than the threaded beads. There is less room for creativity with the wired beads since they can only be strung on the wire but the simplicity of manufacture does not lessen the beauty of finely made beaded jewelry.

Handcrafted beaded jewelry is valued for its elegance and the hard work that goes into their manufacture. Bead artists need good eyesight, a steady hand and patience to create their jewelry. The many hours that a bead artist needs to create their jewelry are appreciated by anyone who has ever tried to use beads to make jewelry.

Many handcrafted items of beaded jewelry are one of a kind pieces that will not be duplicated again. Many collectors of handcrafted beaded jewelry can enjoy their jewelry decades after their purchase since the handcrafted beauty of the jewelry never goes out of style.



Lisa

Steve Manik asked:


Beaded items are quite popular these days. In shopping malls, departmental stores or designers stores you will find lots of beaded items for sale like bags, purses, bracelets, necklaces, wall hangings, cushion covers etc. Beads are not only attractive to some people but they just can’t resist buying them.

Beads are of many different shapes, sizes, textures, colors and designs. Designers of accessories, jewelry and interiors utilize the richness of their colors and their different shapes to make astounding pieces. Items made with beads are indeed useful and captivating. Items such as bracelets and necklaces are used by ladies to enhance their appearance, while beading items such as wall hangings, cushion covers etc. are utilized to decorate homes. Fabrics with beads add further décor to your home.

Beads have been valued for hundreds of years. From olden times people have used beads in the form of stones and shells later on they were manufactured from clay, glass, metal and crystals and more recently acrylics and plastics. People have been associated with beading for a long time. They like choosing beads and combining them to make an attractive piece of art. It is a very popular form of craft work for young as well as old. Some do it for work while others do it for hobby.

People do beading work because it is extremely rewarding. It gives them a chance to show their creativity along with enhancing their lives. There are some who nourish the notion that beading can become an obsession and is addictive. Still it is very satisfying to make beautiful pieces for yourself, for your home or even as gifts for your friends by utilizing beads.

The beauty of bead work lies in its diversity. There is a large range of beads to select from market. A large range of bead supply is available. You can choose the types, shapes, colors, sizes and textures of beads to create the design you desire. Then there are wide range of beading techniques which can be used on beads: wiring, threading, weaving, sticking and embroidering. You may select any method you like.

Beading techniques can be either threadless or threaded. Though there are few ways of joining beads without threads like glue, but there are hundred and one ways of joining beads with thread. You get extreme satisfaction after each item created by you is completed.

Beading is supposed to be a cost effective crafts work. You don’t require a special workshop. You just need a table, good lighting, some beading tools and your chosen beads. With these you may make exciting pieces of beaded items. You may also make jewelry which will become a family heirloom because of its beautiful finish. The basics of beading are easy to learn.

You can try your designing a new creation. If you don’t like it, you can take it apart and try a new design. Beading is fun and interesting. Be adventurous, always keep on experimenting till you succeed, you will enjoy the experience.



Victor

PEARL BEADS asked:


Swarovski beads make beautiful pearl crystal bead jewelry. The pearl beads used in the Swarovski Fashion Jewelry collection are simulated, not natural pearls. These pearl beads have an unparalleled harmonious and lustrous shimmer. It is achieved by using a unique coating technology developed by Swarovski. It is the first production method in the world that combines the quality of a perfect crystal core with the exquisite beauty of a pearl bead coating. The innovative technology by Swarovski gives the pearl a mysterious glow, which appears to be radiating from within the pearl itself. Strictest quality controls ensure each Crystal Pearl bead is absolute.

Hematite loose beads are among the most popular beads you can find. Hematite beads by swarovski have a unique style to them, they are a opaque jet black with a coating on it that gives them a grey tone that makes it one of the more sort after colors they offer.

CRYSTALLIZED™ Flat Backs are loose crystal components, with different shapes and cuts, such as XILION Rose No Hotfix – the new generation of brilliance. CRYSTALLIZED™ Flat Backs have a platinum filing on the back and can be applied to different carrier materials by means of a two component glue or set into Flat Back settings. Our Swarovski crystal rhinestone bead prices are the best. Learn more about flatback crystal beads within. Pearl-beads.com

Some exciting news regarding Swarovski bicone # 5301/5328 crystal beads -

After the successful launch of the XILION cut in various other product groups, CRYSTALLIZEDTM – Swarovski Elements will again extend the XILION family.  From June 2 through September 30, 2009 they will transition to the brilliant XILION upgrade of the 5301 Bicone Bead with article 5328 XILION Bead.

The revolutionary XILION cut, with its alternating large and small facets, results in higher brilliance and intense light reflection.  In addition, this cut is differentiated from all other products on the market and copyright protected.  The increased number of facets enhances the overall appearance of the bead and the rounder belt line results in improved wearing comfort of the finished design. 

 The fascinating XILION cut will be applied to all standard sizes of the bicone bead except for 2.5mm, which is too small to be upgraded. 

 The new article 5328 will be available – without any additional price increase – in the same assortment as the existing article 5301.  For design application, the 5301 and 5328 XILION Bead can be combined as their dimensions and geometry are complimentary.

 From June 2 through September 30 there will be a transition period.  During that time article 5328 can only be ordered and will only be shipped if counterpart article 5301 is out of stock.  After the transition period, all 5328 size/color variants can be ordered and will be shipped.



Andre