Kathi's Custom Live Life Give Life Transplant Awareness Bracelet (B113-v6)

Last week I received the honor of being chosen to create a custom awareness bracelet for a truly remarkable and inspiring woman. Teresa contacted me because she was interested in a custom design that incorporated little touches from a few existing designs, but, also was created especially for her good friend.

Teresa told me her friend, Kathi, was a 40-something cystic fibrosis survivor who was celebrating her upcoming 10 year double lung transplant "lung-versary"; Kathi was married to the love of her life and just after giving birth to twins (yes, TWINS!), Kathi had went in for her transplant surgery. Not only was she all these things, she was also a caregiver, a volunteer and an ambassador for the Gift of Life in raising awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF), organ donation, as well as, transplant (TX).

The more I learned about Kathi the more I was in awe of her. Kathi is, simply put, an inspiration! I was truly honored to have created this very special custom awareness bracelet for an equally special person!

Kathi's Custom Live Life Give Life Transplant Awareness Bracelet (B113-v6)

One of a Kind Exclusive Design

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When Teresa contacted me she mentioned she liked the two-strand style of Elaine's Custom Live Life Give Life Organ Donation Awareness Bracelet; the emerald cube Swarovski Crystals and the "gift" bead in the Gift of Life Transplant Awareness Bracelet, but overall, she liked the design set up of the Breathe Organ Transplant Awareness Bracelet.

We talked about the design possibilities a little further and I told her I would keep her informed throughout the design process. After sending some pictures of the design options that included as much personal connection to Kathi as I could incorporate into the design, Teresa made her choice.

What emerged was a beautiful, Exclusive, custom awareness bracelet that Kathi will be proud to wear and share everyday. Kathi's design incorporates gorgeous emerald green Swarovski Crystals, white Swarovski Pearls, sterling silver beads and Live Life Give Life letter blocks beads. Her beaded jewelry design was finished with our signature jewelry tag and a sterling butterfly charm.

This design included four special sterling silver beads that have a swirling pattern that is used to represent swirling air and the ability to breathe.

Thank you Teresa for trusting in Crystal Allure Jewelry for your special jewelry request! And congratulations to Kathi on your 10 year lung-versary!!

Elise's Custom Ombre Cascade Crystal Prom Jewelry

While organizing photos to transfer to a new computer, I came across a gorgeous custom jewelry set that I completely forgot to post and share. So many designs -so little time!

A returning customer, who was happy with his last custom musical necklaces jewelry order, requested a custom crystal necklace design to give to his granddaughter for her birthday. We all met to talk about design specifics and what crystal colors she (Elise) might like.

Elise decided she wanted both blue and purple crystals in her birthday crystal necklace design and since Prom was quickly approaching...she asked grandpa for matching earrings. That way she could also wear the jewelry set for her upcoming Prom!

I presented Elise with three Swarovski Crystal color options to choose from. Shown above: Option #1 included sapphire, light sapphire and violet crystals. Option #2 included those same crystals, as well as, tanzanite and tanzanite AB. The final, Option #3, kept the blue crystals but switched out the violet for provence lavender.

Elise's Custom Ombre' Cascade Crystal Prom Jewelry Set

in blue and purple crystals

NC135 and EC297

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Elise choose Option #2 and the ombre' effect couldn't have turned out more beautiful! This gorgeous sparkling crystal jewelry set was designed in a various sizes of sapphire, tanzanite, tanzanite AB, light sapphire and violet Swarovski Crystals daintily dripping from an elegant sterling silver chain. The necklace is adjustable 17" to 18-1/4" and has a 1-3/4" center crystal drop. The sterling silver ear wire earrings are 1-1/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

To order a similar set, customized with your crystal choice colors, contact us for your custom jewelry request.

A Kidney Donor's Gift of Life Jewelry (B105-D7)

On May 22, 2015 I receive an email from Britton who was interested in purchasing the Transplant Awareness Ribbons Bracelet (B105). He wanted an engraved heart charm with the date 6/3/2014 and an awareness ribbon charm. Britton also needed the bracelet by June 3rd.

Due to time constraints and inventory availability, I offered Britton other sterling silver heart charm choices. Along with these choices, was the option to hand stamp a jewelry charm with Tatyana's first initial.

The process was started by me sending him a "rough draft" image of his bracelet with one of the heart charms I had in stock. Through our email exchanges I began to learn about Britton and why he was making a custom awareness bracelet request.

Britton was given the gift of life, by his significant other, Tatyana. On 6/3/2014, Tatyana was a kidney donor to Britton and in his words, "saved my life." In celebration of their 1st year kidney-versary, Britton wanted to have a custom kidney donor jewelry bracelet designed to honor her and to show his love and appreciation for her selfless act.

Britton even went the extra mile by measuring one of Tatyana's bracelets and sending me a picture of the bracelet next to a measuring tape -just so we could be sure to get her the correct size.

At this point, Britton wasn't really feeling the heart charm picture I had previously sent (which included the heart charm at the bottom of the image above). So, I made the suggestion that I would send him a picture of all the heart charms I had in stock. Much to my excitement, I came across a heart charm that I forgot I had (that's what happens when you have a jewelry obsession!).

When I emailed the picture, I gave a little summary of each charm. But, the charm I had my eye on was the interwoven hearts; a symbol of two hearts that have become one. Once I had learned that Britton and Tatyana were not only a couple but now also shared such a deep, heartfelt bonding experience.... I just knew the best charm choice that was that one double heart charm. And Britton felt the same.

Just 7 days after Britton made his first inquiry, I shipped out the perfect custom kidney donor personalized bracelet that Britton would be proud to give to his love, Tatyana. Both Britton and Tatyana celebrated their 1st year kidney-versary this past June 3, 2015. Although I wished them congratulations earlier, I just want to say again, 'Happy 1st Kidney-versary Britton and Tatyana!!'

Tatyana's Custom Gift of Life Kidney Donor Transplant Awareness Ribbons Bracelet (B105-D7)

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Thank you Britton for entrusting me (and Crystal Allure Jewelry) with this very special custom awareness bracelet design for a truly special couple. It was my honor to design this memorable and meaningful keepsake treasure. Enjoy!

Here's what Britton and Tatyana had to say about their custom bracelet:

"Love it. Thanks so very much for being a part of this special day."

"Hey it's Britton. My wife loved it. Thank you so very much."

Stephenie's Custom Behcet's Disease Awareness Ribbon Hope Bracelet (BA215)

I was first introduced to Behcet's Disease back in 2011 when Matia contacted Crystal Allure Jewelry to create for her a custom anklet. Behcet's disease is an autoimmune disease that results from damage (inflammation) to blood vessels throughout the body, particularly veins. As we all know, veins run throughout our bodies and any inflammation affecting them leads to widespread pain.

After learning more about Behcet's, I was honored to have been asked to create Matia's Custom Behcet's Disease Awareness Anklet (A111). To stay true to the cause, light blue is the nationally recognized awareness ribbon color for Behcet's Disease.

Today, May 20, 2015, is International Behcet's Disease Awareness Day and I wanted to share with you the custom Behcet's Disease Awareness Bracelet I created for Brandie, who was gifting it to Stephenie.

Stephenie's Custom Behcet's Disease Awareness Ribbon Hope Bracelet (BA215)

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This handmade beaded awareness bracelet was previously designed as an anklet, but Brandie wanted to have it recreated as a bracelet instead. She especially like the custom hand stamped HOPE charm.

With a slight design alteration, this custom behcet's disease awareness bracelet design features pearlized white accent seed beads, light blue sapphire Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads and, .925 Bali spacer beads. Centered on the bracelet is a sterling silver awareness ribbon bead. Finishing this elegant design is a sterling silver hand stamped HOPE charm, signature jewelry tag and a single light blue Swarovski Crystal drop charm. The awareness bracelet measures 7-3/4".

Courtney's Custom Pink Crystal Senior Ball Prom Jewelry

We are already into May and work has begun on Courtney's own Senior Ball custom prom jewelry in a lovely aqua blue. But, first before I want to share with you her final prom jewelry for his Senior Ball, from last year.

If you recall, Courtney was attending her boyfriends' Senior Ball and I detailed the design process that included a white dress with sequins and crystal prom jewelry in both aurora borealis and pink crystals.

Courtney's Custom Senior Ball Pink Crystal Jewelry Set (NC137, E299, HC110)

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This custom prom jewelry set turned out beautifully! Designed using aurora borealis (AB), pink and pink aurora borealis Swarovski Crystals individually wire-wrapped into a necklace with a delicate pink crystal drop pendant. Coordinating crystal drop earrings and matching crystal encrusted hair combs finish this sparkling jewelry set.

Necklace and Earrings by Crystal Allure

This next picture shows the beautiful crystal encrusted hair combs that I designed for her updo. It's the first time I've done hair combs and I think they turned out perfect.

Custom crystal encrusted hair combs

And the lovely couple...

Courtney with her boyfriend

In the design process blog post, I mentioned a slight unexpected twist to the day....

Yes -he proposed! A perfect Prom proposal.

The proposal Courtney received was actually a pre-engagement proposal. But, all the same, it was my first handmade jewelry prom proposal! What a happy moment for a memorable event in their young lives.

Courtney rockin' her pre-engagement diamond ring!

In this final picture, Courtney is rockin' her pre-engagement diamond ring. This proposal definitely made it a memorable day! I was honored to have been chosen to create this custom crystal jewelry for Courtney and to have been part of this special day with her.

Thank you Courtney for choosing Crystal Allure Jewelry for all your prom jewelry!

Stay tuned for Courtney's own custom Senior Ball prom jewelry in aqua blue and you'll also read about another intriguing twist to this years' event....

Courtney's Custom Lavender Crystal Prom Jewelry Set

Excitement is in the air with Prom season coming upon us. Around this time last year, I was sharing with you the custom prom jewelry design process for Courtney's junior prom jewelry.

Courtney selected Crystal Allure Creations for her prom jewelry and I was even more excited because her requested color was in the color family of my favorite color. If you recall, the design specs asked for sterling silver metal, however, to keep Courtney within her budget, we opted for silver plated metal. But, regardless, the final pieces turned out spectacular!

Courtney's Custom Lavender Crystal Prom Jewelry Set (NC136, E298, B214)

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The final pieces were elegant and included a crystal necklace, crystal drop earrings and I even surprised Courtney with a matching crystal bracelet! Courtney's Custom Lavender Crystal Prom Jewelry Set featured a silver textured chain with individually wire-wrapped Crystal Silver Shade Swarovski Cosmic Crystals paired with violet Swarovski Crystals. The mix of Swarovski Crystal shapes ended up being the perfect complement to her embellished dress.

Courtney sparkling in her Custom Prom Jewelry Set

And here she is -beautiful isn't she?!

All ready for Prom!

The flowering tree behind the lovely couple created a beautiful backdrop for her prom pictures that will give her some great memories looking back at them. I believe the tree was a dogwood tree?

There's more prom jewelry coming....just a month later Courtney had her boyfriend's Senior Ball and I created custom jewelry for that event as well.

Elaine's Custom LLGL Organ Donation Awareness Bracelet

Elaine had found the Exclusive Live Life Give Life Organ Donation Awareness Bracelet and fell in love with it. She wanted to customize it a little by changing the shape of the green crystals and adding a butterfly charm to represent lung transplant.

This is an Exclusive Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Design.

Elaine's Custom Live Life Give Life Organ Donation Awareness Bracelet (B113-2)

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A symbol of HOPE. A source of AWARENESS. Two strands of sparkling sterling silver, accented with .925 Bali, green emerald Swarovski Crystals and white Swarovski Pearls, bearing the message "Life Life, Give Life" in sterling silver alphabet beads. Finished with a sterling silver slide clasp, signature jewelry tag and customized with a sterling silver butterfly charm. Cuff bracelet measures 7-1/2".

This handmade beaded bracelet can be re-produced and made to order. Please contact me for availability and/or customization.

Amanda's Custom Childhood Cancer Awareness Bracelet (B196-CC)

In 2012 Amanda contacted me about creating a very special custom childhood cancer bracelet. She had come across the popular Guardian Angel Caregiver Awareness Bracelet (B196) and wanted to customize it just little further.

Amanda's design request was that this handmade beaded bracelet was to support raising awareness of childhood cancer, organ donation and organ transplant.

Gold is the awareness support color for childhood cancer.

Amanda's Custom Childhood Cancer Awareness Bracelet (B196-CC)

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Although Swarovski does produce a gold crystal, it could look harsh for this delicate style. To hold true to the awareness color and the request of Amanda, I used instead the soft crystal golden shadow Crystal by Swarovski. Paired with that were sterling silver beads, Bali and letter beads TS (the initials of the child) and TX (for transplant). I finished design with a sterling silver awareness ribbon charm and signature jewelry tag. The bracelet measured 7-1/2".

This very special awareness bracelet was created in honor of 2 year old, Thomas, who is battling childhood cancer and was to begin chemotherapy treatments.

Kathy's Custom Red Heart Transplant Survivor Bracelet (BA218-II)

Happy Valentine's Day 2015! ♥ ♥

On this day, February 14th, the day of Hearts and Love, I am super excited to introduce you to the latest custom awareness bracelet design -a heart transplant survivor bracelet.

I am humbled. I am flattered. But, most of all I'm honored to have been selected to do this design.

Kathy has admired my handcrafted jewelry for nearly a year. She had contacted me in the fall of 2014 requesting a quote on a custom birthstone name bracelet, which was to be for her daughter. Unfortunately, around that same time her life was going through some unexpected changes. But, Kathy continued to admire Crystal Allure Bracelets.

One day, she admired Patricia's Custom Heart Transplant Survivor Bracelet -and she decided she MUST have it. What I later learned was there was so much more to Kathy's story.

Kathy told her sister all about Crystal Allure and this bracelet she really, really wanted. It wasn't soon after that I heard from Pam, Kathy's younger sister. It was during my conversation with Pam that I learned so much more about Kathy -and what a fighter she truly was.

The beauty of them being sisters was the fact they were born on the same day, 4 years apart! I could just hear it in Pam's voice, how much she loved her sister. Pam told be about how Kathy had received a life-saving heart transplant on February 13, 2014. I was shocked to learn this because in all my email exchanges with Kathy she never shared this precious bit of information about herself.

Kathy's Custom Red Heart Transplant Survivor Bracelet (BA218-II)

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I also learned Pam and Kathy's fathers' birthday was February 11th. Oh my, what a wonderful and celebratory month this was for these two wonderful ladies! It was during that conversation with Pam on February 1, 2015 that I was truly humbled by Kathy's admiration of my jewelry designs. And I was going to do whatever it took to make sure I got Kathy's custom bracelet finished and to her by her 1st Heart Transplant Anniversary on February 13th!

The one request that presented a slight challenge was the handstamped charm. Pam wanted the charm to have Kathy's heart transplant date on it and wanted a heart shaped charm. Given the limited time to complete the bracelet, I quickly learned getting a heart shaped charm, that I could custom stamp, was going to prove difficult. But, not all was lost. It's at exactly these moments that my artistic juices start to flow. And behind the scenes I started working my magic.

The final design was just as Kathy had wanted: sparkling red Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads, .925 Bali and letter blocks that read 'SURVIVOR'. But, what really made this design Kathy's own custom design was the hand stamped charm of Kathy's transplant date.....and a heart stamp right beneath the date! It was perfect! I was so thrilled with this final design and when I told Pam about the truly personalized charm, her response was, "You ROCK, Stephanie!!!!!". I was so happy my eyes teared up.

That night, Pam and I talked for a good 45 minutes and I really learned so much about Kathy -and how much she was a FIGHTER -and yes, a SURVIVOR! I could barely contain myself as to what Kathy would think when she received her very special custom awareness bracelet.

Then Kathy called and left a message.

"It's stunning and everybody loves it! Thank you very much for doing this for me. God bless people like you."

And when I heard that message that my heart was full and I knew I had made another person's heart feel the same.

You are so very welcome Kathy! Happy 1st Heart Transplant Anniversary too!

And thank you to both Kathy and Pam for choosing Crystal Allure to share your story and to design your custom transplant bracelet!

Joann's Custom Family Multi-Cancer Awareness Bracelets (BA219)

In early November 2014, Joann contacted me about designing three custom cancer awareness bracelets. She reviewed with me all her design requirements and I have to admit, it was a pretty tall order. This wasn't just any ordinary awareness bracelet. It was a multi-cancer awareness bracelet that spanned two generations of women in Joann's family and it was my first multi-cancer awareness bracelet.

Joann explained to me that her mother (Roberta) had kidney cancer, but had since passed (not from the cancer); her sister (Karen) had bladder cancer and was currently in treatment; and Joann, herself, had thyroid cancer and was in remission.

As with all diseases, there are possibly more than one color associated with the disease. Sometimes, an awareness color is nationally recognized because of a campaign -or a charity -or it's a combination of both. Joann requested that I use the awareness colors she knew them to be, which were:

Bladder Cancer -blue, marigold and purple
Thyroid Cancer -blue/purple, teal and pink
Kidney Cancer -Orange

Joann's Custom Multi-Cancer Awareness Bracelets (BA219)

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The final design consisted of Crystals by Swarovski to represent the different cancers, sterling silver beads, .925 Bali, sterling ribbon blocks, Swarovski Pearls, sterling silver 'Believe' and 'Family' message beads, awareness ribbon charm and signature jewelry tag.

Joann's Custom Believe Multi-Cancer Awareness Bracelet (BA219-B)

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Joann planned on giving one 'Believe' bracelet to her sister after her bladder removal and reconstruction surgery; keeping one 'Believe' bracelet for herself and then giving the 'Family' cancer bracelet to her niece who was studying to be a nurse. What a thoughtful and motivating gift!

Joann's Custom Family Multi-Cancer Awareness Bracelet (BA219-F)

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Joann emailed after receiving her package and here's what she had to say:

"I just want to say thank you. I received the bracelets yesterday and they are nicer than what I could have imagined. The orange ended up perfect. I plan to give the bracelets to my sister and niece this weekend. Again, thank you so much for caring so much about this and really making them absolutely beautiful!"
-Joann

You are so very welcome Joann and thank you for entrusting me with this very special and heartfelt custom bracelet design! I wish both you and your sister a long -cancer free -happy life!

Stay tuned for the full blog post on how these custom bracelets design evolved.

Patricia's Custom Heart Transplant Survivor Bracelet

Jessica contacted me because she was interested in our Red Heart Transplant Awareness Survivor Bracelet (B173-HRT).

She was looking for a special bracelet to gift to her Aunt Patricia, who just received a life saving transplant. After discussing her options, Jessica decided on having a custom beaded survivor bracelet designed to honor and celebrate her aunt.

As an artist, it's difficult to put into words how a design will just come to mind, simply by conversing with the customer. I will generally gather some basic information on what they desire in the design (or don't desire), if there are any special colors, symbols or words they'd like to see in the design -and it is during these conversations that a design will just begin to form in my mind.

Patricia's Custom Red Heart Transplant Survivor Bracelet (BA218)

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For all the custom jewelry designs I've created, I believe only once did I change/tweak the design a little more to accommodate the customers' wishes. I am always so overjoyed when a customer is thrilled with their own personalized bracelet!

While talking with Jessica, what came to mind was a design idea that I have not used in all the years I've been creating. I was inspired to create a heart charm near the center of the design, instead of at the clasp which is where I generally place charms -and the final design was perfect!

Petite Sterling Silver Red Crystal Drop Earrings

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Along with Patricia's Custom Red Heart Transplant Survivor Bracelet (BA218), I included a sweet pair of petite red Swarovski Crystal drop earrings to match.

As with all my awareness jewelry designs, they serve the purpose of raising awareness. Did you know? Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and is more deadly than all forms of cancer*. That's a scary statistic ladies!

You can help raise awareness of heart disease in women and make a difference simply by sharing this blog post. And let's make this beautiful heart awareness bracelet the most pinned over on Pinterest!

Reference: Go Red Campaign from the American Heart Association

Custom Pumpkin Lampwork Beaded Keychains Gift Set

The beauty of my job, as a jewelry designer, is that I get to design unique handmade creations, for special people, that will be cherished for years to come. Each of my custom pieces are infused with memories, special moments and meaning.

You may remember The Great Beaded Pumpkin Zipper Pulls Charms post, where I shared the inspiration for our Halloween Pumpkin Crystal Lampwork Beaded Keychain (K103) was another artisan's pumpkin drawing.

This dear friend has a heart of gold and is always thinking of others. She wanted the original design and requested three additional custom pumpkin beaded keychains, to give as handmade gifts to her three step-daughters, which she considers as her own precious daughters.

You know the saying:
You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family.

Barb's Custom Pumpkin Lampwork Beaded Keychains (K103)

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Over the years, the three siblings have agreed and disagreed on many things. When one sibling stands against the rest for what ever reason, hearts are bound to feel hurt. These disagreements led the siblings to sometimes forget the true meaning of family.

Barb was witness to how this discord had affected the three siblings' relationship and it broke her heart. Knowing that "pumpkin" was a nickname given to her oldest daughter, Tori, as a baby, she knew these would make perfect personalized gifts and symbols of what is important -family.

Barb gifted each of the girls with one Custom Pumpkin Lampwork Beaded Keychain and kept one for herself. The gift to the girls was to be a reminder they will always be family and they should stick together. The fourth key ring remained with Barb as a symbol to all three girls that she is always there for them -through thick and thin.

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)

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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.

Carrie's Custom Kidney Donor Name Bracelet (B113-KD)

At this time of year, I especially love creating custom personalized jewelry gifts. There is no denying, giving the gift of handmade custom beaded jewelry -at any time of the year -makes the gift special. But, giving the same during the holidays, makes it extra special.

Kayleigh did a specific search for Crystal Allure Jewelry and contacted us with her special custom request. She really loved our exclusive Custom Live Life Give Life Organ Donation Transplant Awareness Beaded Cuff Bracelet B113, designed for Elaine.

Carrie's Custom Kidney Donor Awareness Name Bracelet (B113-KD)

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This is a first for me, a custom living donor beaded bracelet design request. I've done many organ donation bracelets and transplant awareness bracelets, but not a living donor bracelet. Kayleigh was inspired by the existing LLGL single strand design but asked for her mom's name to be added to the design, as well as, a snowflake charm.

Kayleigh's mom, Carrie, gave the ultimate gift to her best friend -the gift of life. Carrie donated one of her kidney's to her friend and Kayleigh wanted to celebrate her mom with a beautiful personalized bracelet gift. I am honored she chose Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry to create this very special bracelet.

The finished design is really three bracelets in one: a name bracelet, a living kidney donor awareness bracelet and, a deeply heartfelt custom personalized design with the addition of the snowflake charm. When I asked Kayleigh what the significance of the snowflake charm was, she told me it was because her nickname was snowflake.

Shown above is Kayleigh's custom awareness bracelet design featuring sterling letter blocks that spell "Carrie" (her mom's name), Swarovski Pearls, green emerald Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver, Bali beads, finished with a sterling silver Snowflake charm and our signature jewelry tag.

Beautiful!

Custom Swarovski Crystal Musical Charm Necklaces

Custom Swarovski Crystal Musical Charm Necklaces N107-N108
French Horn and Trombone

So many ideas. So little time.

I completely realize we are just nine days into the summer season and here I am (finally!) posting about a custom beaded order I received just before the holidays...2010!

Seems I had created the draft blog post but had not completed it. Recently while cleaning up the blog, I accidentally posted it...and it wasn't ready yet.

So, that mistake, which actually turned out well, has pushed me to get this shared with you. See...everything happens for a reason.

My long time customer, Roland, usually places a wholesale order for my beaded suncatchers. He gives them out to his own customers'. But this time, he wanted two custom handmade beaded necklaces to give as gifts to his granddaughters.

One granddaughter, Lauren (16 years old), plays the trombone. The other, Christina (14 years old), plays the french horn. The best part of this custom order was that Roland gave me full artistic freedom in the overall design, all he requested was that each necklace have a pendant that represented the instrument that each played and that both be made with purple crystals (their favorite color -and mine too!).

French Horn Swarovski Crystal Necklae Redux with Sterling Cameo for Pendant

After delivery of both necklaces, Roland decided he wanted the french horn necklace to have cameo effect for the pendant.

A bit of sterling silver wire did the job perfectly!

I was a little concerned that a 14-year old might not "get" the cameo as very fashionable. But, both girls loved their necklaces! Whew!

The French Horn Swarovski Crystal Muscial Charm Necklace (N107) featured a mix of both light amethyst and amethyst crystals, artistic wire wrapping and was fully adjustable from 13-1/4" to 14-1/4".

The Trombone Swarovski Crystal Ombre Musical Charm Necklace (N108) also featured a mix of both light amethyst and amethyst crystals wire wrapped in an ombre effect on a sterling silver chain and measured 15" in length.

Enjoy girls!!

Diane's Custom LLGL Red Heart Survivor Bracelet (B113-HRT-II)

The best gift to give is one from the heart.

Diane's (48 year old) daughter, Candy, had just recently received a much awaited and anticipated heart transplant. Congrats Candy!!

To celebrate this milestone in both their lives', Diane went on a search for a meaningful gift. She came across Charlene's Custom Live Life Give Life Red Heart Transplant Bracelet (B113-HRT). Immediately she knew this was the perfect gift for her daughter.

Diane's Custom Live Life Give Life Heart Survivor Bracelet (B113-HRT-II)

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The original handcrafted beaded bracelet design was modified slightly but still retained all the important elements of our exclusive design. Diane's custom awareness bracelet features a mix of both sterling silver and 14 karat goldfill precious metals, red Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver letter block beads that read 'Live Life Give Life' and finished with a red Swarovski Crystal Heart charm and our signature jewelry tag.

A symbol of HOPE. A source of AWARENESS. This bracelet represents the voices of individuals and their families who face life-threatening illnesses everyday.

Anyone, worldwide, who has been touched by a life-threatening illness knows the importance of the gift of life -transplant. Organ transplant is made possible by the those individuals who have lived their lives and choose to give life back through organ donation.

Consider donating your organs today.

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As I prepared this blog post I realized how much admiration I have for my customers. Each customer who contacts me for a custom awareness bracelet is either at discovery, nearing, in the middle of, or past their personal crisis. And their lives are forever changed by it.

In their search for hope, understanding, healing, remembrance, they open their hearts and share with me their personal stories. There are many exchanges that I simply do not share here because, I feel, they are something which was between just them and myself.

Many of us protect ourselves from hurt by putting up those walls or closing up our hearts. But, doing this also closes out someone who could really touch your soul. The point is, with great love comes the possibility of being hurt -that's the risk you must take.

I'll be the first to admit, it's not easy being vulnerable, or opening up. But, these very special people open their hearts to me and I, in turn, warmly reciprocate. I have no hidden agenda in getting to know my customers and what brought them to Crystal Allure Jewelry. And I feel each one has the potential to add great value to my life and happiness.

They trust me with their personal stories and lives to create for them something that will be treasured for a lifetime. It is really, I, who gets the greatest gift. Which is why I put so much of myself into each design and incorporate as many personal touches, as possible. There is a special meaning to every awareness design I have created and with it comes stories of heartbreak, strength, courage and hope.

Even today, I share the occasional email with some of my past customers'. It's a great feeling and I really must thank my fantastic customers for allowing me into their lives and for trusting me with their heart.

Amy's Custom Polycythemia Vera Awareness Bracelet (B188-CPVD)

Amy was very close to her father, who sadly had recently passed away from polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer disorder.

In her search to find a bracelet that would raise awareness, honor her father and be beautiful at the same time, Amy discovered Crystal Allure Jewelry.

She contacted me for a custom awareness bracelet which we personalized with elements that mattered most to her. Amy had fallen in love with our beautiful and very popular Swarovski Crystal Pearl Mommy Bracelet (B188) but wanted to have it read "daddy" in sterling letter blocks.

Amy's Custom Polycythemia Vera Awareness Bracelet (B188-CPVD)

SOLD

Amy's custom awareness bracelet was designed with both red and orange awareness Swarovski Crystals representing polycythemia vera awareness, accented with luminous aurora borealis Swarovski Crystals (her dad's birthstone), eternal love knot rings, sterling silver beads and letter beads for "Daddy". Finished with a sterling silver guardian angel pearl charm, awareness ribbon and our signature jewelry tag.

About Polycythemia Vera:
Polycythemia vera is a bone marrow disease that leads to an abnormal increase in the number of blood cells (primarily red blood cells).

It is a rare disease that occurs more often in men than women, and is rare in patients under age 40. It is usually associated with a gene mutation called JAK2V617F. The cause of this mutation is unknown.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001615/
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Read a few of Amy's comments on her custom bracelet:
Hello Stephanie, I have enjoyed my bracelet now for a week. I wear it every day....love, love it!! It turn out very pretty I truely do like it.. you did a wonderful job! Thank you and I'll talk to you soon. :)
Amy

I can't wait to get it. :) Thank you so much for doing this for me it means the world to me I will treasure it for ever!!! Thanks!! And may God Bless you. :)
Amy

Custom Crystal Awareness Bracelet For The Mommy Who Gives Love With A Bear Hug!

Robyn's Custom Swarovski Crystal Awareness Bracelet (B188-CI)
SOLD

Robyn's son, Cale, has cochlear implants and she was looking for a custom cochlear implant awareness bracelet. Although there was not a specific color associated with cochlear implants, silver and gold are the awareness colors for hearing loss/impairment.

Robyn loved our beautiful and very popular Swarovski Crystal Pearl Mommy Bracelet. Using that as the starting point, her inspired custom handmade beaded bracelet design was personalized with the details that are closest to her heart.

Robyn chose to go with the Swarovski Crystal color indicolite because the color is represented in the foundation, Operation "Hug-A-Bear", she and her family formed in 2011. Its' mission is to bring smiles to children who are in the hospital, or going through treatments. Having seen her own son go thru the surgeries for his cochlear implants geared her to help others who are in pain, or saddened with treatments. The foundation raised enough money to purchase 123 Ronald McDonald bears through her side job, Scentsy. These bears will be given out to two of the large hospitals her son has had treatments at.

Robyn's Custom Swarovski Crystal Awareness Name Bracelet (B188-CI) features Cale's name in sterling silver letter blocks, illuminating indicolite Swarovski Crystals, Swarovski Pearls, sterling beads, Bali and our newly introduced exclusive handstamped sterling silver HOPE charm with awareness ribbon stamped on the same charm. Finished with our sterling signature jewelry tag.

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What Robyn had to say about her custom bracelet:
I just saw the bracelet! I love it!!!!!!! Thank you again so much for creating such a beautiful bracelet to tell my story!
Robyn M.

Custom Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Graduation Bracelet (B151-II)

Almost everyday, people come into and (sadly sometimes) go out of, our lives. There are as many ways that these people come and go as there are stars in the sky.

It could be a brief encounter, such as when you checkout at the store; it could be a friendship or connection that develops through school, work or unexpected circumstances. But, it is undeniable. That person has touched your life for some reason. To know this is simply to ask the question,'of the millions of people on this earth, why did this person come into my life'?

Granted, not everyone you meet will have an identifiably direct purpose in your life. It may be years before, one day, you think to yourself, 'now I understand'. But, for some, almost immediately, they indelibly touch your life in a way that is hard to ignore -or forget.

Whether they come or go, life continues on. Your connection may not be as clear and simple as say, you both have something in common. It may be one you cannot explain. But, also, one you cannot explain away. Life is made up of little moments. Cherish them, nurture them, explore them. But most of all, don't ignore them. Those little moments add value to your life and you should never go forward with regrets.

Nancy's Custom Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Graduation Bracelet
(B151-II)
SOLD

An example of this was when Nancy contacted me about creating a custom beaded bracelet to celebrate her niece, Jackie, who was graduating and for her work on her senior project. She wanted a custom bracelet designed to represent awareness for cystic fibrosis and to memorialize Jackie's friend, Fallon Finegan, who passed away at just 16 years old from cystic fibrosis. It was a tall custom order, but I knew it could be accomplished.

Jackie had known Fallon since the third grade and to lose her longtime friend must have been devastating. But Jackie vowed to honor her friend while raising awareness of cystic fibrosis and fulfilling her future goals of becoming an event planner.

You can read the full story of Jackie's senior project fundraiser. The Finegan family was so touched by Jackie's efforts that they presented Jackie with flowers the day of the event. It was certainly a very heartfelt day for all involved.

At the studio bench, I got set creating this special handmade custom bracelet taking direction from an existing design Nancy already liked and incorporating pink Swarovski Crystals (Jackie's favorite color) and purple Swarovski Crystals (to represent cystic fibrosis awareness). Merging these two colors was a perfect representation of Jackie's and Fallon's friendship. The sentimentality of the design can also be seen in the centered purple ribbon lampwork glass bead, sterling silver diploma charm and Fallon's birthstone, a December blue Swarovski Crystal charm.

Jackie's Custom Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Graduation Beaded Bracelet (B151-II) is truly a treasured keepsake that will remind her of the special person who came into her life, remains in her heart, and one of many life accomplishments she will make.

Thank you Nancy for the opportunity to create this very special design for a very special person! And congrats to the graduate, Jackie!

Here is what Nancy had to say:
I can not thank you enough, she is going to be thrilled! = ) Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, as this is not just any gift but has so much sentimentality behind it. I will definitely keep your e-mail for future orders!

Laura's Custom Crystal Epilepsy Awareness Bracelet (B073-EP)

With each custom awareness bracelet design, I get the opportunity to meet some really special, fantastic people. I also get to learn about the diseases that affect them. Sometimes I learn a lot about the person, other times, I don't. But one thing is for sure. With each custom request -it touches my life -permanently.

Laura's Custom Epilepsy Awareness Bracelet (B073-EP)

SOLD

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. It is also called a seizure disorder. Seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally, which may briefly alter a person's consciousness, movements or actions.*

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of "meeting" one of the nearly 3 million Americans (50 million people worldwide) affected by epilepsy. Her name is Laura.

Laura wanted to have a custom crystal epilepsy awareness bracelet designed that would raise awareness of epilepsy but also be a touch more personalized with her name. Laura's design incorporates lavender Swarovski Crystals, the awareness color for epilepsy, 14 kart gold-fill beads, Bali and sterling letter blocks for her name. She loved my exclusive sterling Hope Ribbon hand-stamped charm and it was the perfect finishing touch to her treasured keepsake awareness bracelet.

*(source: Epilepsy Foundation)