Pantone Inspired Fall Beaded Pearl Gemstone Necklaces

While Autumn officially began September 22nd, and we are just 32 days away from the first day of winter, I still had some Fall Beaded Jewelry Designs to share! I know, I know. You're probably thinking (with a very confused look on your face), 'didn't she just write a winter inspired blog post?' Yes. Yes, I did. But, hey, that's how the weather rolls here in Upstate New York. Besides, you'll find quite a few people here who will say, 'Let's not rush winter already!" And with Thanksgiving just around the corner... I would have to agree.

So, it's time to get back on track. The point here is...I had all the new fall beaded jewelry ready to roll and here's how it went down:
1. Autumn weather arrived. Check.
2. The leaves started turning their gorgeous shades of russet, burgundy, deep green, rich yellow (you get the picture..). Check.
3. Autumn jewelry pictured and ready to post. Check.
4. Life happens....need I say more.
5. Snow falls. What?!?! (hence my winter inspired post)

But, I'm back on track and really, really want to share these gorgeous new gemstone beaded necklaces!! One (mind you, this is just one) of the things I love most about Autumn is the color. I love the rich colors, cozy colors and the combination of both!

My first inspiration on the following designs were the gemstone beads I had personally hand picked. The second inspiration was Pantone's 2013 Fall Color Report. Marry these two -and viola' -instant gorgeousness you simply can't take your eyes off of!

This first gemstone necklace came together after I discovered the blue crazy lace agate teardrop gemstone pendant. Isn't that mix of earth brown, meditative blue and white just stunning?! Paired with larimar gemstone beads and brown smoke topaz Swarovski Crystals and this necklace combines the beautiful color of Pantone's Mykonos Blue and Carafe!

Larimar Crazy Lace Agate Beaded Gemstone Necklace (N126)

Not a blue color kind of gal? No worries. I would be shocked if you were able to resist the allure of nature's lush green. Green is such a versatile color. Wear it in spring, summer, fall and even winter if it's the right shade. This next gemstone necklace features a rhyolite gemstone pendant reminiscent of Pantone's Deep Lichen Green color. The pendant showcases a mix of green, cream and brown colors. It is paired with green freshwater pearls and jet black Swarovski Crystal accents.

Rhyolite Gemstone Freshwater Pearl Beaded Necklace (N127)

Pantone's Koi color is not for the faint of heart. Autumnal orange can be a challenging color to try to wear for most women. But, you don't have to go orange from head to toe. Even if you tend to wear a lot of black in your wardrobe, this inspired necklace would be the perfect compliment. It's all about using this color as an accent!

Mahogany Obsidian Carnelian Beaded Gemstone Necklace (N118)

And, last but not least, is a design that speaks to your sweet tooth (without all the calories!!) Pantone's Carafe is a rich, glamorous chocolate brown. Which made it the perfect inspiration for what I call my "graham cookie" necklace! I came across this rippled chocolate-brown ceramic pendant and grabbed it up. Almost instantly, I envisioned this "delicious" pendant paired with creamy riverstone gemstones and "chocolately" smoke topaz Swarovski Crystals. Mmmm! Mm!

Riverstone Topaz Crystal Gemstone Necklace (N043)

Each of the gemstone beaded necklaces above are one of a kind. These are just 4 of ten colors in the Pantone 2013 Fall Color Report. Stay tuned for Fall Colors Part II......

Inspired Winter Snowflakes Earrings Jewelry

Yesterday I woke up to find the ground outside covered in a light layer of fluffy white stuff....SNOW!!

I know some of you are grumbling at the thought. But, personally, I love winter. I get excited to see the first snowfall and look forward to the upcoming holidays. It's also a time when I am inspired to get back into the studio and release all the creative thoughts I've held onto since summer began.

So, in the excitement of the coming winter, I'm sharing some new beaded jewelry, as well as, some restocks of previously sold out pieces. Who doesn't love snowflakes? Right?! Did you know: there are no two snowflakes alike? Well, the same holds true for our sparkling Snowflake Blizzard Crystal Earrings! Each "blizzard" of hammered, sterling silver wire is unique due to its' hand formed nature. A true one of a kind design!

Snowflake Blizzard Sterling Silver Handmade Earrings (E160)

Baby it's cold outside! One glimpse out the window and it's a blizzard of iridescent crystal aurora borealis snowflake-cut 14mm glass beads on hand formed and hammered "blizzard" sterling silver wire.  These handmade earrings are finished with sterling silver leverback ear wires. The length is 1-1/2" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Here's a second glance at these unique, hand-formed wire earrings:

Snowflake Blizzard Sterling Silver Handmade Earrings (E160)

Are you a true winter snowflake die-hard? Well this next pair of handcrafted beaded earrings will offer you endless sparkle and glamour. Wear for your holiday parties into New Years Eve and even for the winter bride!

Swarovski Filigree Snowflake Crystal Drop Earrings (E269)

Stunning silver-plated 26mm Swarovski Crystal Filigree "snowflakes" are combined with shimmering aurora borealis (AB) Swarovski Crystal teardrops. These snowflake earrings measure measure 1-3/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Another great pair of crystal earrings perfect for the winter bride -or even for the summer June bride because they do look like crystal sunflowers too!

Snow Flurries Crystal Quartz Gemstone Bead Ring (R103)

Isn't it just beautiful and nostalgic when you look out the window and the world outside looks like a peaceful, mesmerizing snow globe? That's what this ring reminds me of.....

A flurry of swirling sterling silver surrounds a crystal quartz gemstone bead in this snowflake inspired handmade wire wrapped ring. Each stone, and swirls of sterling silver wire, are unique and will vary slightly from the one pictured. Currently available in 6-1/2" only.

Snow Jade Gemstone Blue Crystal Snowflake Charm Bracelet (B169)

SOLD

Jack Frost has nothing compared to this winter bracelet! Handmade beaded bracelet features snow jade gemstones, shimmering blue Swarovski Austrian Crystals, pearls and a lovely sterling silver snowflake charm. 14 karat gold fill beads are mixed with sterling pave' style stardust beads that mimic the twinkling snow on a sunny winter day. Finished with a blue crystal charm drop and sterling silver snowflake charm and signature jewelry tag. Measures 7-1/2".

View all Winter Beaded Jewelry

A BeWITCHING Halloween -Jewelry Wardrobe Board CONTEST

My, my, my. It has been forever since I last posted! Or maybe I should really be saying, "Yea! School is back in session!!" lol. Although I will admit it feels like it was a long summer -you agree? It's been a slow process to get back into the studio and get the creative juices flowing again.

But, the good news is that polyvore cured that for me. I just love creating fashion sets on polyvore featuring handcrafted Crystal Allure Jewelry. This time I highlighted a gemstone beaded necklace from the Fall Beaded Jewelry Designs collection and added a little twist for the upcoming 'holiday' (see end of this blog post).

I created this new set to show the versatility of Crystal Allure Jewelry. Yes, it is true that our unique jewelry designs are perfect for your everyday wardrobe -wear them from the boardroom to the bar. But...what about, say, a party? A costume party?

I know what you're probably thinking. But put that thought right out of your head because 'Oh yes you can'!! And this newest set proves it. I paired our Mahogany Obsidian Carnelian Beaded Necklace (N118) with a little black dress, witch hat, cute black boots and viola` you get an instant Halloween costume!

A BeWITCHING Halloween! by crystalallure featuring Mahogany Obsidian Swarovski Crystal Necklace N118

Pretty adorable -right?! Here's the details:

Mahogany Obsidian Carnelian Gemstone Beaded Necklace (N118)
A rich fall colored mahogany obsidian gemstone pendant is the focal of this beautiful handmade beaded necklace. Gemstone pendant complemented by both jet and topaz Swarovski Crystals, jet glass beads, carnelian gemstones and brown glass beads. Finished with our signature jewelry tag.  Beaded Necklace measures 17-1/2".

CONTEST:
Open to all citizens of the United States. Contest runs from October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013.

Win a $25 jewelry gift certificate. All you have to do is purchase this one of a kind gemstone beaded necklace (N118), wear it with a similar Halloween costume (like shown above), snap a picture (or selfie) and email me your picture no later than November 10, 2013.

The picture must be good quality and clearly show you wearing the necklace.

By emailing your picture, thereby entering this contest, you agree to allow Crystal Allure Jewelry to use your photo, without compensation, for advertising/marketing purposes.

Breast Cancer Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-BC)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Crystal Allure Jewelry is known worldwide for beautiful crystal awareness bracelets and jewelry designs. Creating beaded jewelry just wouldn't be the same if we didn't do what we could to raise awareness and show support for important causes.

Breast Cancer Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-BC)

SOLD

When you look at the statistics, it's almost impossible to not believe that nearly every woman has been touched in some way, by breast cancer. In medical review data, provided by the American Cancer Society in October 2013, it states "Breast cancer death rates have been going down. This is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and better treatment."

More importantly, this data also revealed "Right now there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States."

Every survivor deserves to be celebrated and we do just that with our sparkling breast cancer awareness bracelets and jewelry. Just check out the latest design (pictured above) -stunning, right?! It's our Breast Cancer Awareness Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-BC), inspired by our popular Transplant Awareness Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-TX).

Designed in breast cancer pink Swarovski Crystals, .925 Bali spacers, white pearlized seed beads and sterling silver heart beads that read "SURVIVOR". This 7-3/4" crystal breast cancer awareness bracelet is finished with our signature jewelry tag.

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About Breast Cancer
The American Cancer Society says, twelve percent or 1 in 8 American women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Susan G. Komen provides the following warning signs of breast cancer:

-lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
-swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
-change in the size or shape of the breast
-dimpling or puckering of the skin
-itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
-pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
-nipple discharge that starts suddenly
-new pain in one spot that does not go away

The best practices for early detection include performing monthly self-exams and getting annual mammograms.

Raise Awareness. Show Support.

Other Facts:
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Pink is the nationally recognized ribbon color for breast cancer awareness and support.

Ovarian Cancer is no longer silent! A touching Customer Review..

During the summer months, while moms and dads are vacationing and spending quality family time with their little ones, I too get to focus even more on my daughter. It's time you just can't get back so I cherish each day. But, business doesn't stop for Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry. In fact, it is during this time that I truly enjoy working with customers because it gives me the opportunity to get to know them a little better.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-OC)

SOLD

*This bracelet can be ordered on demand. Contact me for details and purchase information.*

Recently, I shipped off the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-OC) and was humbled by the lovely email I received from my customer. She wrote:

Hi Stephanie,
I received my bracelet in the mail today. It is more beautiful than the picture online! I LOVE it!!! It was so nice to receive your thoughtful thank you note as well. While I wish I didn't have ovarian cancer, I am proud to wear this bracelet and using your beautiful bracelet as another tool to help me educate women about this silent killer. Thank you so much.
With gratitude and respect,
Karen (Virginia)

I am so thrilled you love your crystal awareness bracelet Karen! And thank you for taking the time to pen such a beautiful note. You are an inspiration and I wish you all the best!

Read comments for more happy customer reviews.

Karen's Custom Crystal Good Luck ASU Graduate Bracelet

A few years ago, Karen contacted me to design a custom graduation gift bracelet for her daughter, Lindsay, who was graduating from Arizona State University (ASU).

The original design was exactly as pictured on the right, but it had a sterling silver graduation cap charm.

Months later, Karen contacted me again because sadly, the bracelet was lost. This time she wanted the same bracelet, but instead of a graduation cap charm, she wanted to have a four-leaf clover good luck charm added -to wish her daughter good luck in all her future endeavors.

Crystal Allure Custom ASU Good Luck Graduation Bracelet (B112)

SOLD

Custom handmade beaded bracelet features the ASU college colors of gold and burgundy, represented by crystal aurum and burgundy Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads, .925 Bali and sterling letter blocks 'ASU'. Finished with a sterling silver four-leaf clover 'good luck' charm and our signature jewelry tag. Measures 7-1/2".

This custom graduation gift will be a gift Lindsay can treasure for a lifetime!

Need graduation gift ideas? Check out our custom jewelry designs for ideas and maybe even inspiration for a custom design.

Shades of Purple Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet (B211)

May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month and we are participating with a new beaded awareness bracelet design.

Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry has been a long time supporter of both Cystic Fibrosis Awareness, as well as, Organ Donation and Transplant Awareness.

Shades of Purple Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet (B211)
SOLD

Our beautiful handcrafted beaded bracelet the Shades of Purple Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet (B211) features a full 7-1/2" strand in varying shades of purple Swarovski Crystal that include amethyst, purple velvet, tanzanite, as well as, crystal aurora borealis (AB). Accented with sterling silver beads, .925 Bali and finished with a sterling silver awareness ribbon charm and our signature jewelry tag.

Although this bracelet was designed with Cystic Fibrosis Awareness in mind, the color purple is nationally recognized as the awareness color for these causes as well: ADD, ADHD, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Alzheimer's Disease, Animal Abuse, Anti-Violence, Arnold Chiari Malformation, Cancer Survival, Chronic and Intractable Pain, Colitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Crohn's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Domestic Violence, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia, Harmony, Homelessness, Huntington's Disease, Leimyosarcoma, Lupus, Macular Degeneration, Mucolipidoses, Mucopolysaccharidoses, No Unattended Kids in Cars, Pagan Pride, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatitis, Pediatric Stroke, Purple Ribbon Campaign for Child Abuse, Religious Tolerance, Sarcoidosis, Sjogren's Syndrome,Thyroid Cancer, Victims of 9/11

View the Awareness Jewelry Collection

Gray Asthma Awareness Bracelets Jewelry

Asthma is a controllable, non-curable lung disease that is triggered by allergies and/or irritants. According to the EPA, "asthma affects more than 23 million Americans, including an estimated seven million children."

Many times if someone has asthma, they also have allergies.

May is Asthma Awareness Month because it is a peak season for asthma and allergy suffers. But you can make every month Asthma Awareness Month when you purchase and show off one of our beautiful Crystal Asthma Awareness Bracelets.

Gray is the nationally recognized color for Asthma Awareness.

Black Diamond Crystal Asthma Awareness Bracelet (B079)

SOLD

Shown above is the Black Diamond Crystal Asthma Awareness Bracelet (B079). A beautiful handmade awareness bracelet featuring black diamond and jet Swarovski Crystals, sterling twist beads, .925 Bali spacer beads and silver twisted rings. Design finished with a sterling silver awareness ribbon charm and our signature jewelry tag.

Gray Pearl Crystal Asthma Awareness Bracelet (B082)

Raise asthma awareness wearing this beautiful 7-1/2" handmade awareness bracelet featuring lovely gray Swarovski Pearls, black diamond Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads, sterling twist beads and .925 Bali spacers.

Finished with a sterling silver awareness charm and our signature jewelry tag.

Gray Onyx Crystal Asthma Awareness Bracelet (B078)

Raise asthma awareness wearing this beautiful 7-1/2" handmade awareness bracelet featuring a gray and black luster glass bead, jet Swarovski Crystal, onyx gemstone, silver bead caps, sterling silver beads and sterling twist beads. Finished with a sterling silver awareness ribbon charm and our signature jewelry tag.

View the Awareness Jewelry Collection

What's Your Awareness Color?

Floral Artbead Handstamped Mom Charm Bracelets

Mother's Day is almost here. Instead of the traditional birthstone bracelet or name bracelet, give Mom a gift she can wear all year 'round. Shower Mom with a bouquet of our beautiful Garden of Love handmade beaded bracelets. A unique mothers bracelet she will treasure for years to come.

Crystal Allure Golden Pink Rose Floral Artbead Crystal Mom Charm Bracelet (B086)

One of a Kind

Designed with crystal golden shadow, aurora borealis (AB) light rose Swarovski Crystals, accented with soft chrysolite Swarovski Crystals, Bali bead spacers, with a sparkling centered handcrafted lampwork glass bead featuring a pink rose flower design.

Finished with sterling silver lobster clasp, hand stamped MOM charm and our signature jewelry tag. Bracelet measures 7-1/4".

Crystal Allure Peridot Pink Rose Floral Artbead Crystal Mom Charm Bracelet (B087)

One of a Kind

Designed with peridot and chrysolite Swarovski Crystals, accented with pink grade A fiber optic cats eye beads, Bali bead spacers, with a beautiful centered handcrafted lampwork glass bead featuring a pink rose flower design.

Finished with sterling silver lobster clasp, hand stamped MOM charm and our signature jewelry tag. Bracelet measures 7-1/2".

Crystal Allure Purple Pink Rose Floral Artbead Crystal Mom Charm Bracelet (B088)

One of a Kind

Designed with rose and amethyst Swarovski Crystals, accented with emerald Swarovski Crystals and pink grade A fiber optic cats eye beads, Bali bead spacers, with a beautiful centered handcrafted lampwork glass bead featuring a pink rose flower design.

Finished with sterling silver lobster clasp, hand stamped MOM charm and our signature jewelry tag. Bracelet measures 7-1/4".

Crystal Allure Red Pink Blossoms Floral Artbead Crystal Mom Charm Bracelet (B089)

One of a Kind

Designed with siam, aurora borealis (AB) light rose Swarovski Crystals, accented with soft jonquil Swarovski Crystals, Bali bead spacers, with a beautiful centered handcrafted lampwork glass bead featuring pink, yellow and blue blossom flower design.

Finished with sterling silver lobster clasp, hand stamped MOM charm and our signature jewelry tag. Bracelet measures 7-1/4".

Browse Mothers Bracelets and Gift Ideas for this upcoming Mother's Day.

Pink Ribbons Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry

Pink Ribbons Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry Set

The American Cancer Society's website states: "About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older."

These are sobering statistics considering if you ask any woman, they have either been diagnosed with breast cancer, know someone with breast cancer and/or they know someone who has survived breast cancer.

Although October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer throughout the year. We do this through our original designs of sparkling pink crystal awareness jewelry.

Pink Ribbons Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet (B092)

Pink Ribbons Breast Cancer Awareness Earrings (E296)

This beautiful 7-1/2" design features clear base lampwork glass beads with flowing ribbons of fuchsia and pink colors accented with fuchsia Swarovski Crystals, milky pink Czech bead and sterling Bali. The handmade beaded bracelet is finished with a sterling silver lobster clasp, awareness ribbon charm and our signature jewelry tag. The handmade beaded earrings are sterling silver leverback ear wires measuring 1-1/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

View the Awareness Jewelry Collection

Sweet Romance: Thinking of You and Smiling -Jewelry Wardrobe Board

This morning while getting ready, I enjoyed a lovely choir of bird songs gently floating through the window from the back yard. By the time I got to work, it was raining. I love when it rains and love it even more when it thunderstorms. Drip-drip-drip.... The soft sound of trickling rain drops is so calming, serene, thought-provoking and romantic.

Truth be told, when it rains time just seems to stop -and I could just spend the whole day lost in thought. Better still, I'd rather be lost in thought embraced by your Sweet Romance.

When I call, text or email you, it means I'm thinking of you.
When I don't call, text or email you, it means I'm waiting for you to think of me.

Sweet Romance by Crystal Allure featuring Sweet Romance Pink Crystal Amethyst Gemstone Heart Earrings (E294)

I created the Sweet Romance jewelry wardrobe board because I was thinking of you and smiling.

The centerpiece of this romantic purple and pink set features lovely faceted amethyst gemstones paired with sweetly pink rose alabaster Swarovski Crystals dangling from upside-down heart-shaped sterling silver Bali chandelier beaded earrings. Finished with sterling silver leverback ear wires.

Sweet Romance Pink Crystal Amethyst Gemstone Heart Earrings (E294)

Dare it be true if I am thinking of you, are you thinking of me.....

Tiffany's Sterling Pearl Mother and Daughter Bracelets (B189)

Mother's Day is just a few short weeks away and if you're anything like me, you always have a hard time finding that just perfect gift to give Mom. I've always had a "thing" for matching or complimentary Mother and Daughter Bracelets. I believe they symbolize just how special the mother-daughter bond really is.

Which is why I created two new designs inspired by the Tiffany Beads Collection of sophisticated sterling silver beads. I added a bit of color and style with a full beaded strand of Swarovski Pearls. Just perfect!

Crystal Allure Tiffany's Sterling Pearl Mom Charm Bracelet (B189-M)

Inspired by the contemporary style of Tiffany's sterling silver bracelets, this two-strand mothers bracelet features one full strand of sterling silver beads and one strand of burgundy Swarovski Pearls mixed with sterling silver beads.

Finished with a sterling silver heart toggle clasp, "MOM" heart charm and our signature jewelry tag. Handmade beaded bracelet measures 7-1/2".

Crystal Allure Tiffany's Sterling Pearl Daughter Charm Bracelet (B189-D)

SOLD

Inspired by the contemporary style of Tiffany's sterling silver bracelets, this two-strand daughters bracelet features one full strand of sterling silver beads and one strand of tahitian Swarovski Pearls mixed with sterling silver beads.

Finished with a sterling silver heart toggle clasp, "DAUGHTER" heart charm and our signature jewelry tag. Handmade beaded bracelet measures 7-3/4".

Do you have a favorite Swarovski Pearl color that you would rather have in this design? No, problem! Customize these beaded bracelets by selecting a different pearl color. Contact us for available options.

View the Mothers Bracelet Collection

Crystal Autism Awareness Jewelry (B081) (E290)

About Autism
Autism is a spectrum disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction, communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a phone survey analysis that showed a 72 percent increase, in 2012 from 2007, in the likelihood of a school-aged American child to be diagnosed with autism, Aspberger syndrome or a related developmental disorder.

Although the current report reflects 1 in 50 children receiving a diagnosis, it was emphasized most of the increase was because of previously undiagnosed cases.

With the increase prevalence towards an Autism spectrum diagnosis, I wanted to contribute to raising awareness of Autism through our beautiful crystal Awareness Jewelry Collection.

Crystal Allure Puzzle Piece Autism Awareness Bracelet (B081)

$68.70
SOLD

NEW to Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry is a collection of Autism Awareness Jewelry offering handcrafted beaded awareness bracelets and awareness earrings in support of raising Autism Awareness. Our Autism Awareness Jewelry will always feature the representative colors of red, yellow, dark blue and light blue in Crystals by Swarovski.

The Crystal Puzzle Piece Autism Awareness Bracelet (B081) (shown above) also includes sterling silver beads, Bali, a beautiful double crystal charm dangle, sterling silver puzzle piece charm, awareness ribbon and our signature jewelry tag. The bracelet measures 7-1/2".

Crystal Puzzle Piece Autism Awareness Earrings (E290)

The beautiful Crystal Puzzle Piece Autism Awareness Earrings (E290) feature the representative Autism Awareness colors in Swarovski Crystals delicately dangling from sterling silver puzzle piece charms on sterling leverback ear wires, measuring 1-1/4" from the bottom of the leverback.

Pantone's Emerald Prom Jewelry Crystal Chandelier Earrings

It's the middle of April and the pre-prom planning has already begun with excitement about who you will go to prom with, dress shopping, flowers and sparkling accessories, of course!

For various reasons, I never went to prom (junior or senior). There are moments where I've wished I had gone and had that experience. I mean, come on, prom is a young adults' first big social event of their life -a rite of passage, if you will.

Over the years, prom, has certainly changed -a lot (especially if you ask your parents about their prom days!). These days, prom is the event of the year. It's filled with excitement, hope, (for some) sweet love, glitz, glamour, fond memories and good friends.

Emerald Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Earrings (E072)

So, I decided to pair my love of formal dresses with a little prom sparkle from Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry. I chose to dress for prom this year in Pantones' color of the year for 2013 -emerald. What better color to wear to prom, right?!

Knowing full well, there was only one pair left in these stunning Emerald Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Earrings (E072), I couldn't help but go out in search of the perfect dress that would compliment them. Yes, I pair clothes to my accessories (not the other way around)! Ignore what you've heard -it really is all about the accessories!

I came across one perfect gown, from Prom Girl. Why is this dress perfect? Because you could wear these earrings with either the green or the purple gown! I love it!

 

But, let's say you like to stand out and be a little different -a little more daring. No worries! Just as easily as these sparklers pair with the beautiful gowns above, they would be equally stunning with this eye-catching short emerald dress (not for the faint of heart!).

Personally, I'd choose the full length gown. But, which dress would you choose? What is your prom color and gown of choice this year?

Here is the full collection of colors from the Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Earrings (E070-E073):

Crystal Chandelier Earrings colors include: Sapphire, Lt. Rose, Fuchsia and Emerald

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelets with CFRD

Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes Awareness Bracelet (B028-D2)
SOLD

May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.

I am always happy to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis since it does run in my family. In fact, my brother was born with cystic fibrosis. Regardless of whether a disease affects 2,000 or 10,000 people, when you are personally touched by a particular disease, you want to fight harder to bring attention to it in hopes a cure will be found.

For some, not only are they affected by cystic fibrosis, they are also faced with related diabetes issues. Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) is extremely common in people with CF. This unique type of diabetes remains the inspiration for our selection of designer beaded CFRD awareness bracelets.

The latest Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes Awareness Bracelet (B028-D2), shown above, was designed with sparkling purple Swarovski Austrian Crystals, gray Swarovski Pearls accented with sterling silver beads. Finished with a sterling silver awareness ribbon charm and our signature jewelry tag.

Purple is the nationally recognized awareness support color for cystic fibrosis, which is often referred to as 'sixty five roses' by young children. Gray is the awareness support color for diabetes.

Check out our other beautiful handmade beaded bracelets raising awareness of cystic fibrosis. The first shown below is the Sterling Purple Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet (B166); the second is the Lovely Lampwork Ribbon Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet (B151).

Sterling Purple Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet (B166)

SOLD

Shown above is a sophisticated strand of sparkling purple amethyst Swarovski Crystals and bright sterling silver Bali accented with white Swarovski Pearls make up this stunning handmade beaded bracelet designed to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis. Finished with a sterling silver awareness ribbon charm and our signature jewelry tag. Measures 7-1/2".

Lovely Lampwork Ribbon Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet (B151)

SOLD

So what are you doing this May to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis? I'd love to hear what your awareness activities are, please feel free to leave a comment.

View All Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelets

I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover -Swarovski Crystal Clover!

Where did February go?! Seems like I just finished up some new beaded Heart Jewelry (which I never even got posted on the blog!) and it's already March! That said, I've been doing my best to try and not analyze why I just bought another strand of heart beads a week ago. :-)

Just this morning I looked up in the sky and saw the seasonal "V" of flying birds coming back our way. That's a good sign! A sign spring is on its' way.

Which means I gotta get myself in gear! Seems I hit a creative bump the last few weeks. But, I've got so many new and exciting things planned for Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry in 2013. So, let's get started!

Crystal Green Lucky Charms Shamrock Anklet (A113)

First up in the ever expanding handmade beaded anklet collection is the new St. Patrick's Day shamrock anklet. You will always have a lucky four leaf clover with you when you wear this lucky peridot green Swarovski Crystal clover beaded anklet. Design features peridot Swarovski Crystals, green glass seed bead accents and sterling silver beads. Finished with a double Swarovski Crystal charm drop and signature jewelry tag. Measures 10".

The way I see it is, you don't have to be Irish to wear green and, well, be Irish this St. Patrick's Day! Green is the color for prosperity and often symbolizes money. But ever wonder why the clover is associated with St. Patrick's Day?

History of Four-Leaf Clovers

We all know four-leaf clovers to be associated with St. Patrick's Day. But, did you know they appeared in centuries-old legends as symbols of good luck. In the early days of Ireland, four-leaf clovers were Celtic charms, presumed to offer magical protection and ward off bad luck. The first literary reference to suggest their good fortune was made in 1620 by Sir John Melton.

Fun Facts About Four-Leaf Clovers
-A shamrock is a three-leaf clover (the most common clover)
-There are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every "lucky" four-leaf clover.
-There are no clover plants that naturally produce four leaves, which is why four-leaf clovers are so rare.
-The leaves of four-leaf clovers are said to stand for faith, hope, love, and luck.
-The four-leaf clover is one of the most common good luck charms of North America.
-It's often said that Ireland is home to more four-leaf clovers than any other place, giving meaning to the phrase "the luck of the Irish."
-Edward Martin Sr. from Cooper Landing, Alaska holds the Guinness world record for the largest collectioon of four leaf clovers, which he has been collecting since 1999. As of May 2007, he holds 111,060 four leaf clovers.

Clovers are even popular in food. My husband loves the green Shamrock Shake that always comes back around St. Patrick's Day.

Last Fun Fact
-Clovers are in the same family as peas (ewww!)

A Youthful Inspiration for Cystic Fibrosis Awareness



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Last night as I worked on my computer "watching" American Idol, the introduction of one contestant caught my undivided attention. Kayden Stephenson has cystic fibrosis and is quite the precocious 16 year old. He talked about having cystic fibrosis (CF), how CF affects the body and his dream to be on American Idol.

Kayden sang brilliantly and it was refreshing to see the judges' reactions, comments and their unanimous vote. Kayden is going to Hollywood!! Yea!

I believe Kayden will be such an inspiration to so many different people. He has even inspired me.

As many of my readers know, my older brother, Edward, had cystic fibrosis. It's been fifteen years since his passing but for me, it still hurts like yesterday. Edward's struggles throughout his short 32 years of life, inspired me to form a charity in his memory, the Lungs for Life Foundation (LFL). The mission of the foundation was to grant assistance funds to those individuals who struggled with cystic fibrosis and their families. It was heartbreaking to make the decision recently to "close the doors" of the foundation. However, the Lungs for Life Foundation will remain a resource for cystic fibrosis, transplant, lungs and breathing clean air.

I take comfort in the fact that I can still touch the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis through my Crystal Allure Jewelry designer beaded Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelets. After having seen Kayden's story, I'm inspired to get working on some new Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet designs!

Congrats Kayden! You can be sure I'll be watching every show you are on!