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."

A Trio of Pink Beaded Anklets: Ballet, Beaches and Trendy!

Today I wanted to introduce a trio of pink handmade beaded anklets that embrace all that is beautiful and feminine about being a woman. From little girl to woman, take a trip down memory lane with me....

Not all of us are dreamers, but I am! As a little girl...I dreamed; dreamed about being a beautiful and graceful ballerina! Those dreams are what inspired this first handmade beaded jewelry anklet.

Swarovski Crystal Pink Ballet Slipper Anklet (A109)

This handcrafted beaded anklet was created as a symbol of little girls' dreams, feminine beauty and the grace of ballet dancers. Design features two graceful shades of muted pink Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads, Bali and frosted white seed beads. Finished with a sterling silver ballet slipper charm and signature jewelry tag. Measures 10".

As a family, we used to take annual summer vacations by camping at the 1,000 Islands, Alexandria Bay in Clayton New York. I have some really fond childhood memories of these vacations and spending time with my older brother at the beach -those were special and precious times. We would spend most all our time at the beach and I loved how the sand felt between my toes! These memories are what inspired this second anklet design.

Swarovski Crystal Sandy Beaches Shell Anklet (A107)

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Get the feeling of walking on sparkling summer sand with this handcrafted sandy beaches beaded anklet. Design features beautiful pink and tan Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads and .925 Bali with natural polished Mother of Pearl shell beads. Finished with a double crystal drop charm and signature jewelry tag. Measures 10-1/2".

This next bead anklet bracelet may look familiar -as it should -because you can find it in the color combination of green and brown: Crystal Peridot Brown Charm Beaded Anklet (A104). It was inspired by my love of fashion and style. I happen to love the color brown and when the color combinations of pink with brown and blue with brown came out, I was thrilled. I simply couldn't resist incorporating these chic color combinations into a crystal jewelry design!

Swarovski Crystal Pink and Brown Charm Beaded Anklet (A103)

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Handcrafted beaded anklet features beautiful pink Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads, Bali and chocolate-bronze seed beads. Finished with a double crystal drop charm and signature jewelry tag. Measures 10-1/4".

If you love this design, it can be remade (while supplies last) in the same color (pink and brown) or you can customize it with a different color crystal. Feel free to contact me to discuss custom ordering this crystal anklet.

Customer comment(s) on this piece:
Stephanie,
Pink and brown is one of my favorite combinations and I absolutely love the sparkle! Once again, it is even more beautiful in person. I only wish I had gotten it earlier in the summer.
Thanks,
Mary Kay

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)

SOLD

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.

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)

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*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.

Custom Awareness Beaded Bracelet Customer Review

I had a custom epilepsy awareness bracelet made for myself and it turned out beautiful. I get so many compliments on the bracelet, the quality is so wonderful I will definitely have other jewelry made. I definitely recommend Crystal Allure to everyone.
-Laura (Texas)

Happy Transplant Bracelet Customer

Cheryl had purchased our unique, one of a kind Jasper Organ Transplant Awareness Bracelet (B165) and here's what she had to say:

Dear Stephanie,
I love my bracelet. The fit is perfect and the color is my birthstone so it was a fantastic birthday present from my husband! It means so much to me. August 31, 2011 my stepson had a double lung transplant, he too has Cystic Fibrosis! He was 40 when he had it done and he has been very lucky. He weighed 104 lbs and had to be put on a feeding tube to gain the weight in order to be considered for a transplant. He now weighs 157 lbs. It is truly a miracle and no oxygen. He has a life now! He was just baptized Easter Sunday and what a special moment in all our lives!

Thank you again, I have gotten a lot of compliments and it is so special for me. You have done such a wonderful thing for others!
-Cheryl

Jasper Organ Transplant Awareness Bracelet (B165)

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Cheryl then took the time to sit down and write a lovely note:

He (stepson) is doing well and it is a miracle. I have never had such a beautiful bracelet. I admire your courage to take sad moments in your life [find the beauty in them] and encourage others who have gone or who are going through [to do] the same thing. Thank you,
Cheryl

Thank you Cheryl!! I truly appreciate you taking the time to pen a note and for your thoughtful comments. In light of my recent blog postings -my customers comments and thoughts are also a source of inspiration as I continue to design the beautiful beaded bracelets that adorn women's wrists' around the world!

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Design details:
This one of a kind handmade gemstone awareness bracelet features a jasper gemstone centered on a strand of white Swarovski Pearls and green emerald Crystals, accented by sterling silver, Bali and finished with a sterling silver awareness ribbon charm and our signature jewelry tag.

What is so unique about this jasper gemstone is its' coloring with ribbons of green, beige and a hint of purple, it is the perfect stone representing both cystic fibrosis and transplant. Measures 7-1/2".

Due to the natural gemstone used, this is a one-of-a-kind beaded awareness bracelet and cannot be replicated.

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)

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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

Happy Customer and Planting Freeze Pops

I'm always thrilled and completely appreciative when I hear back from happy customers. It gives me great pleasure to know I've made someone's day and honored their design detail requests that truly make each custom piece a one-of-a-kind!

I received this email recently from Nancy who ordered a Custom Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Graduation Bracelet. Here is what she had to say:

Hi Stephanie!!!
: ) : ) : ) Just wanted to share that I opened the box tonight and the bracelet is perfect, thanks so much! : )  My niece's graduation is in a couple of weeks and I think I may give it to her ahead of time just in case she wants to wear it for her special day. I really appreciate all the time and care you put into the bracelet to make it such a special and meaningful gift.
Thanks, you're the best! : )
-Nancy

I had also received this lovely follow up comment from Holly who ordered the Custom Hope Love Cherish 2-strand Swarovski Crystal Bracelet:

I LOVE the bracelet we made for my friend with cancer. My friend loved it. I am planning on having others made very soon.
-Holly

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It's pretty late, as I prepare this blog post to schedule to post tomorrow. But I just had to share this hilarious story. We bought some of those inexpensive freeze pops for the kids. At the store, the little one asked us what they were for (clearly she was mesmerized by all the vibrant, delicious looking colors).

As a joke, we answered, "we are going to plant them". We totally figured she'd take a minute or so and question this. But she didn't. So, we left it be (with a little giggle, of course).

Today, we brought them out for the little one and her friends and she says, "Hey! Are we going to plant those?"

I laughed so hard, I cried...and couldn't stop for a good few minutes. Even now, I'm giggling about it! Out of the mouth of babes!

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!

Personal Stories Inspire New Designs

Everything happens for a reason.

Remember I've said this before? Well, tonight I spoke with a customer who had recently ordered our Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelet (B166) -and I just had to share this conversation with you.

When this customer, Frances, placed her order, I received my typical receipts through PayPal. Except, her payment receipt came from a different email address than what was listed on the store web order. But, I didn't think anything of it because I have received those before. A lot of times, people use a different email for PayPal purchases than what they use for regular communications.

Ironically, tonight, I happened to ship Frances' order. I get home and had a message on voicemail. It was Frances. Her message said she was calling to check on the order she placed because she received a call from a stranger saying he had received an email receipt that he purchased something (but it showed her mailing address). So, I log onto both my online store and PayPal account -everything looks in order -except the fact that this other persons email is somehow associated with my customers' PayPal account.

I give Frances a call and check whether she logged into PayPal or just paid with a credit card. She clarifies that she had logged into her account, but what she proceeds to tell me next, is just too beautiful not to share. She reiterates that she received a call from this stranger, who identified himself and tells her he received an email that said he purchased this bracelet but showed her mailing address. France tells him she doesn't know why that is but that she will call the company (Crystal Allure Jewelry) and check things out.

She is about to say goodbye and this gentleman says, "The weather down here in Texas is...how's the weather up in New Jersey?"

This small inquiry begins a conversation between the two. Frances shares that she recently lost her mother (to Alzheimer's) and this gentleman replies that his wife is in the end stages of her life....and she too is dying of Alzheimer's. They converse for a short time longer and before hanging up, this gentleman tells her, "If for some reason this bracelet is charged to me but gets shipped to you -do not send me the money for it. You keep it as a gift from me."

At that point, there was a pause in our conversation and during the brief pause, I connected all the 'ironies' that have occurred with the simple act of Frances placing an order with Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs.

I was in awe. I was inspired. My heart was filled. I felt good and I felt connected to both these individuals. I then spoke and I told Frances, "From what I can tell, everything with your order is okay except for this email mixup. I can't explain why PayPal tied this email with your account but I can say, I believe everything happens for a reason and you two were meant to speak to each other."

It fills my heart to know a simple jewelry purchase has connected together these two people. Before we hang up, Frances tells me to 'pass it on' (this story). After speaking with Frances tonight, our conversation 're-framed' my perspective of the day and has even inspired a new handmade beaded bracelet design (stay tuned for the design announcement).

I hope after reading this, you will remember this story when the coming holidays get stressful; you're having to deal with hectic and hurried holiday shoppers; you're having a bad day at work; feeling a financial pinch or feeling a deep emotional loss. And believe -everything happens for a reason.

Amanda's Lavender Purple Summer Wedding Jewelry

You may recall, Amanda, our budget conscience bride looking for the perfect purple crystal bridesmaid jewelry sets to give as gifts to her bridal party.

Amanda and Michael were married August 20, 2011. Congratulations to both!!

Amanda was kind enough to send us a bridal photo of her special day with all her bridesmaids wearing their new custom designed bridesmaid jewelry sets.

Each bridesmaid was gifted with a deep purple Custom Swarovski Crystal Bridesmaid Jewelry Set featuring a 3-tier crystal drop pendant on sterling silver necklace and coordinating crystal drop earrings. A simply elegant bridesmaid jewelry gift set for an elegant summer wedding in shades of lavender and purple.

I also worked with Amanda's future Mother-in-Law, Mary Kay, and created a Custom Mother of the Groom Pearl Jewelry Set for her dress.

What the Bride had to say:
Stephanie, Thank you so much for doing such a beautiful job on the jewelry for my bridesmaids. They looked gorgeous on my wedding day! Thank you!
Amanda

Customers Stylish Statement Wearing Smoky Quartz Gemstone Bracelet

Last week, Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs participated in an annual jewelry show, in support of the United Way through Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics (Johnson and Johnson). One of our favorite customers, Liz, stopped down and purchased the Smoky Quartz Gemstone Bali Beaded Bracelet (B147).

Liz was drawn to this beaded bracelet because of its' unique off-center design technique. She loved it so much that she wore it that day and is still wearing it. Liz works in a lab and was kind enough to send a picture of her wearing her beautiful handcrafted beaded bracelet.

It matters not where you work or what work you do -our unique handcrafted jewelry redefines your femininity.

Smoky Quartz Gemstone Bali Beaded Bracelet (B147)

One of a Kind

SOLD

A touch of country with a bit of sass -all rolled up in one handmade beaded bracelet. This design takes you just off the beatin' path with an off-center design technique. A gemstone bracelet for the woman who likes to add a little uniqueness to her style featuring both round and lantern-shaped smoky quartz gemstones accented with sterling silver beads, .925 Bali and a silver Bali style toggle clasp. Measures 7-1/2".

Crystal Allure Jewelry -Beautiful. Feminine. Alluring.

Christina's Custom Addison's Disease Awareness Bracelet (B196-AD)

In mid-April Christina contacted me requesting a custom addison's disease awareness bracelet.

She saw and loved our Guardian Angel Caregiver Awareness Bracelet (B196) but wanted to have it customized.

The nationally recognized ribbon color for Addison's Disease, a rare, chronic endocrine disorder, is light blue.

Christina's Custom Addison's Disease Awareness Bracelet (B196-AD)

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Christina really loved our caregiver beaded bracelet so much that we kept with that design and customized it with her awareness color, light blue Swarovski Crystals. I replaced the guardian angel charm with a sterling awareness ribbon charm and added a Swarovski Crystal dangle charm for an added feminine touch.

What makes this beaded bracelet and design even more special is the fact that the Swarovski Pearls just happen to also be the birthstone of the gift recipient!

What Christina had to say about her bracelets:

Stephanie,
I just received my bracelets today and I wanted to let you know how much I loved them. I am keeping one of them for me and the other one I am giving to my niece who is 19 years old. She was diagnosed with Addisons Disease two years ago. We almost lost her. She was in the hospital for 3 weeks in an induce comma. Know one could figure out what was wrong. It was not until a doctor came in and asked my sister and brother in-law if Charlotte went to a tanning booth. They said no, and at that point he knew she had Addison. That is one of the symptoms that your skin is tan all over.

I am going to give this bracelet to Charlotte in June for her birthday. What makes it even more perfect is that her birthstone is pearl. Thank you for your time in making this a perfect gift.
Sincerely,
Christina

You are very welcome! It was my honor to design this special bracelet for Christina and her neice, Charlotte -enjoy!

Happy Pulmonary Fibrosis Customer Feedback

In April 2011 Susan purchased seven pulmonary fibrosis bracelets and after she received them, she sent me this email:

Hi Stephanie-
I was away this weekend and came home last night to the bracelets!!! They are so beautiful!!

I'm seeing my family this weekend, so I can't wait to give them out! Thank you sooo much for making this a very memorable experience!! I will definitely log in later to your site to add a comment to let others know what great work you do and what fantastic service you provide!

I know I will be back for other purchases, particularly your awareness items! Thanks so much, Stephanie-you're a keeper!
Best Regards
Susan

Around the middle of July 2011, Susan did in fact come back to leave an additional comment. Here is what she wrote:

I can't tell you HOW MUCH we love our bracelets from Stephanie! She not only gives #1 customer service, but she has a great skill set that is being used for worthy causes. All the girls in my family each owns a Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness bracelet (from Crystal Allure Jewelry). It's such a pretty bracelet, and I get compliments often. When I tell people it's an awareness bracelet, they love it even more! Every morning when I put it on, it reminds me to give my Mom a shout out that I still think of her EVERY DAY! Thank you Stephanie for creating something that is pretty as well as instrumental in making sure we never forget the precious things in life.
-Susan

You are very welcome Susan! I am so glad you love your PF Awareness Bracelets and that you chose Crystal Allure Jewelry for your beaded awareness jewelry! Enjoy and I look forward to working with you again!

Custom Crystal Transplant Awareness Earrings

One of my sweet customers, Beverly, contacted me to see if she could get a coordinating pair of earrings designed for the Organ Transplant Awareness BREATHE Bracelet (B195) that she was planning on purchasing.

Swarovski Crystal Transplant Awareness Earrings (E272) -and-
Swarovski Crystal Transplant Awareness Ribbon Earrings (E273)

While on the phone she asked if it was possible to also have a pair of beaded earrings designed to go with the bracelet she had already purchased, the Transplant Awareness Ribbons Bracelet (B105). Of course, I was more than happy to custom design these crystal awareness beaded earrings for her!

On the day we spoke, I just happened to be having a not so great day (you know how it goes..Murphy's law..). Well, I sent her a photo showing four sample pairs of earring design options and in her reply she said, "I would have never known that you were having a bad day, you were so pleasant and kind to talk to." A few other kind comments she made included: "you are very good to your customers", "you are just as beautiful as your jewelry is..", "I love your jewelry and will wear them with much pride..", "I am so happy thanks to you!", "you are an awesome person and so very very kind" and, "the meaning behind your awareness jewelry is so beautiful and so true!".

I am sharing all these comments with you because I am always so very grateful for each and every comment a customer sends me. Your comments guide me on how well (or maybe not so well) I am conducting business, as well as, how well received and meaningful my designs are.

BREATHE Organ Transplant Awareness Bracelet (B195-II)

As my gift to Beverly, I added a sterling silver butterfly charm to her BREATHE bracelet and here is what Beverly had to say after she received her much anticipated package of sparkling awareness jewelry:

Hello Stephanie,
I received my awesome jewelry in the mail yesterday afternoon and I just absolutely love them all! You truly did a super job on coming up with the idea of your jewelry. It's all so gorgeous and the charms on the bracelet are so adorable. I love the meaning of the butterfly, what a beautiful way to express the new lungs taking their first breath.

Well, thank you again Stephanie and thank you for keeping in touch with me. Thank you for the pen, the beautiful card you wrote and the beautiful jewelry. Obviously...the beautiful jewelry comes from a beautiful person!!! :)

Hugs and kisses to you and may God Bless you always!

Thank you ever so kindly,
Bev

You are very welcome Beverly! And thank you for your continued business. Enjoy your new designer jewelry!

Custom Live Life Give Life Awareness Bracelet & Butterflies Abound

A past customer, Charlene, was so happy with her Heart Transplant Awareness Survivor Bracelet (B173-HRT) that when she saw our exclusive Life Life Give Life Organ Donation Awareness Bracelet (B113) she wanted to customize it -in red.

Charlene's Custom Live Life Give Life Red Heart Transplant Awareness Bracelet (B113-HRT-3)

SOLD

Working with Charlene, I re-created the two strands of sparkling sterling silver, mixed with 14 karat gold fill beads and .925 Bali accented by red Swarovski Crystals, bearing the message "Life Life Give Life" in sterling silver alphabet beads. To finish her custom design we added a red Swarovski Crystal heart charm and our signature jewelry tag.

The idea to use red crystals, gold beads and a red heart charm were all Charlene's and it was my pleasure to be able to create her vision from our original design. I had some wonderful email exchanges with Charlene and I consider it a blessing to have "met" her and worked with her.

The Live Life Give Life Crystal Transplant Awareness Bracelet is an Exclusive design to Crystal Allure Jewelry. Any bracelet not bearing our signature jewelry tag is a fake.

Customer Comments:
Dear Stephanie,
All I can say is "WOW"!! Its absolutely stunning!! We were getting ready to go out the door to leave for Vanderbilt (5 hr trip) and the mail came. My husband went out to pick it up and the package was in it. I tore into it with the enthusiasm of a child at Christmas. I can't quit looking at it. Thanks so much for the matching bag and getting it to me prior to clinic. This was just a routine visit (if anything is ever routine with them, I think they think of ways to torture us, extra testing, lab sticks, etc). LOL. You would think I was used to it after 8 yrs, but it seems I start getting panic attacks just thinking of going. I looked at that beautiful bracelet and just chilled out. I even had a lady ask to look at it while I had my sleeve rolled up to wash my hands in ladies room. I explained to her what it represented, and she vowed to me to sign up to be an organ donor; is that not fabulous.

Thank you so much for making my day and helping me get through this clinic visit even if it was just routine. I lost my dad March 1, 2011 and my mom Oct. 5, 2010. I can barely stand to step inside a hospital. This beautiful piece brought some much needed comfort into my life. I look at it and my survivor bracelet and just think everything is going to be alright. May you be richly blessed...

Blessings,
Charlene
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With Charlene's custom LLGL bracelet request, she placed an order for one of our past designs from the Butterfly Fields butterfly jewelry collection. She said her grand-daughter fell in love with it and she wanted to give it to her for her birthday.

I learned our youngest fan is 7 years old!

Charlene's Custom Crystal Butterfly Charm Bracelet (B091-II)

SOLD

Since creating the original design, I implemented new techniques learned and Charlene's custom design features a beautiful array of various sized fuchsia Swarovski Crystal butterflies that adorn an elegant 14 karat gold filled loop chain. Each crystal butterfly has been individually wire wrapped to a delicate chain for a truly feminine and charming design. Finished with our signature goldtone jewelry tag.

Customer Comments:
Hi Stephanie,
Received the bracelet today, absolutely fabulous. My Katie is going to love it!!!! She has never forgot seeing it. She is going to be over the moon when she sees the matching earrings. Stephanie that was so sweet of you. They are absolutely beautiful. You will make a little girl very happy when she opens her birthday present next month (May). Again thanks so much for the beautiful creations. I absolutely love my bracelet.

Warmest regards,
Charlene

Wanda's Custom Crystal Auntie Bracelet (B182)

Cristy contacted me about designing a custom aunt bracelet for her to give as a gift to her sister, Wanda. She wanted to celebrate her sister for having such a big heart and for making a difference in the lives of both her niece and nephew.

Being an aunt myself, I felt a personal connection to this design. I know I am proud to be an aunt (and I'm a darn good one too, if I don't say so myself! *smiles*) and I wanted Wanda to feel the say way, every time she wore here handmade beaded bracelet. More importantly, this symbolic custom bracelet will be a keepsake Wanda could treasure for a lifetime.

Wanda's Custom Crystal Auntie Bracelet (B182)

SOLD

So, I decided to make an irresistibly, elegant and eye-catching crystal and pearl handmade beaded bracelet. Wanda's Custom Swarovski Crystal Auntie Bracelet (B182) features a full strand of sparkling Swarovski Crystals, Pearls, sterling silver beads, Bali with sterling silver letter beads that spelled out 'Auntie', centered in the design. I finished it off with our sterling silver signature jewelry tag.

Here's what the customer had to say about her beautiful bracelet:

Stephanie - It looks wonderful. I love the "Auntie" in the front. Thank you and thanks to all of the special aunts in the world!! -Cristy

You are very welcome Cristy! It was my pleasure to design this special bracelet for you.

Heart Transplants: Inspiring Customer Feedback

A few months back I posted about custom and customizing awareness jewelry in which I showcased a heart transplant survivor awareness bracelet I had customized for a customer. This customer (Barbara) asked to have our Transplant Awareness Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-TX) crystals changed to red. She wanted to give the bracelet to her daughter for her birthday and in celebration of her heart transplant.

Shown at right is a picture of the recipient (Jeannette) opening her gift -a Custom Survivor Heart Crystal Awareness Bracelet (B173-SI).

This is what my customer said about her beautiful bracelet:
Dear Stephanie,
After attending my daughter's (Jeannette) birthday party, I just had to tell you how much everyone was stunned at the bracelet that I gave to her. My daughter, as well as everyone else, were amazed at how beautiful and appropriate my gift was. This made me feel great. My daughter will cherish it forever! Of course, I told everyone about you and where I found my gift.

Thank you so much. It was a pleasure doing business with you.
Barbara

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Not more than a month later, another customer, currently on the heart transplant waiting list, requested this design as well. In her email request, she wrote, "Some days it is hard to keep a positive attitude when one is feeling so tired and weak. I think wearing this bracelet and looking at it would remind me one day at a time that you can do this, you are a survivor. Thanks for what you do making items like this to give individuals like me hope and encouragement".

When I emailed her to tell her the bracelet shipped, she wrote back, "Thanks again and may you be richly blessed for helping individuals like me to have something beautiful to look at for inspiration along their journey".

But, I was completely blown away when I opened my email the other day. My customer had sat down and written a most thoughtful email about how much she loved her awareness bracelet and how it gave her comfort and hope. If I have not said it a thousand times before, I'll say it again: THIS IS WHY I LOVE TO DESIGN AWARENESS JEWELRY! To touch peoples lives in this way is just beyond words. It fills my heart...

Here is my customers' email to me:

Dear Stephanie,
I just wanted to let you know I received my bracelet Monday. I absolutely "love it". I had to go to Transplant clinic last Friday and was feeling so down. They think I have some issues going on with my lungs now. The week-end was really stressful, because they had sceduled me for a bunch of testing Tuesday. I put that beautiful bracelet on and everytime I felt myself feeling down, I looked at it and my spirits would lift. I wore it through the testing and it helped "so" much. I am claustrophobic and the pulmonary function test requires getting closed up in a glass
cage. I would just glance at my bracelet when I tensed up, and did the same for the
CT scans. I am sorry to ramble on, but I just had to let you know what a blessing
the bracelet has been to me. Even though I am a yellow-gold girl, I love it.

I don't want to take it off, but will it hurt it to wear it showering or to bed. I do not want to damage it. Thank you again so much for what you do, and thank you for the beautiful card that you enclosed and the pen. I look forward to doing business again.
Hope you have a great day,
Charlene

Thank you, thank you, thank you to ALL my wonderful customers for providing me the feedback that helps inspire me and my designs. I'm so overjoyed you love your designs and that they offer you comfort and hope.

In response to Charlene's question on the proper care of her handmade beaded bracelet, there is a jewelry article on the website detailing the proper storage and care of beaded jewelry.

Emma's Custom Crystal Prom Earrings

Back in May a woman emailed me and said that one of her co-workers told her about Crystal Allure. She said, "he told me by order of marriage he was obligated to mention his wife's jewelry business, Crystal Allure". Yes, that was my husband. He's a funny guy. :-)

Amy contacted me about designing a custom pair of crystal earrings for her daughter's prom. We communicated the whole custom order through email. I provided her some direction on earring styles based on the style of the dress and asked her to send me some pictures of the dress.

Her daughter, Emma, had chosen a lovely mermaid style dress in a pinkish-salmon color with a silver and gold overlay. It was definately a beautiful dress!

Since the dress was patterned, I suggested a simple crystal earring style, possibly a drop of some sort. So I sent off to Amy a sample picture of crystal colors and four possible earring styles. Although it would be difficult to match the pinkish-salmon color in the dress, I did show a light rose crystal style, for comparison purposes.

I offered my thoughts on the design and suggested since the dress was so beautiful and elegant, I would chose Style #1 for the style but I would choose Style #2 for the color. What you can't see in the pictures are the many gold-toned beads on the straps of the dress. By going with the golden shadow crystal, it also would not compete with the dress for attention.

Emma did choose exactly this design option and the earrings turned out stunning! Emma was kind enough to send some pictures after her prom and you can see the lovely Emma's Custom Crystal Drop Prom Earrings (E257) and her handsome date below.

Emma's Custom Crystal Drop Prom Earrings (E257)

Emma had this to say about her custom earrings:

Hey Stephanie,
This is a little late, but I wanted to thank you SO MUCH for my prom
earrings! I've just sent a card along with my mom, so hopefully that gets
to you soon. Again, I loved them so so much and I cannot thank you enough.
Hopefully I'll have some more Crystal Allure earrings in my future :)
Emma

Awww! You're very welcome Emma! So glad you loved your earrings and it was my pleasure to design them just for you! Enjoy!

PS: Don't forget, crystal earrings are very versatile and can be worn for more than just special occasions! Pair them with a beaded top, jeans and viola' -instant style!