Vintage, Romantic and Oh So Sweet Crystal Heart Earrings

These gorgeous handcrafted beaded crystal earrings are designed with one of Swarovski's newest cut-heart beads.

The Swarovski Elements Crystal Wild Heart Pendant features an elongated shape with asymmetrical facets. The elegant shape offers a contemporary twist on the classic heart-shape with a center hole at the top of the heart giving it a swoon-worthy dangling effect from the ear wire.

Vintage-Style Twisted Heart Swarovski Crystal Earrings (EC157)

In this one of a kind heart jewelry design, the petite crystal AB Swarovski Wild Heart bead pendants have been accented with sparkling aurora borealis light amethyst Swarovski Crystals giving a vintage feel to this truly sweet heart design!

These added crystal drops give this modern heart a very romantic touch for a fresh representation as a symbol of your love. Each Swarovski Crystal heart is wire wrapped with sterling silver ear wires and measure a delicate 1" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Aurora Borelis (AB) crystals feature an iridescent coating that glimmers like the Northern Lights rainbow!

View more Crystal Ice Jewelry

Hearts and Love: Diamond Crystal Ice Necklaces in Sterling Silver

Indeed diamonds are a girls best friend. But, not everyone can afford diamonds. So, the next best thing are diamond-like crystals in elegant jewelry styles!

When using aurora borealis Swarovski Crystals it would be a shame to embellish them too much with other beads and colors. Which is why these gorgeous sparkling Crystal Ice Necklaces were created in a timeless style accented with shimmering sterling silver chain.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, set her heart on fire with this first crystal necklace design that is a beautiful representation of giving her your heart and love.

Crystal Ice Column Pendant Heart Lariat Necklace (NC106)

This handmade necklace from our crystal jewelry line is designed with a shimmering 20mm aurora borealis Swarovski Crystal column bead pendant. The pendant easily slips through a sterling silver heart lariat loop on a long and short oval sterling silver chain. Necklace length measures 17-3/4".

Sterling Aurora Borealis Crystal Ice Pendant Necklace (NC102)

In this handmade necklace the 20mm Swarovski Crystal column shape unites a complexity of facets into a slender rectangular drop in this modern, attention-grabbing design. Necklace features a single aurora borealis column-shape Swarovski Crystal wire wrapped with a delicate sterling silver long and short chain. Finished with two additional aurora borealis Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver lobster clasp and signature jewelry tag. Necklace length measures 17-1/2".

Summer Weddings in Love's Blush Beaded Jewelry

Crystal Allure Love's Blush Handmade Beaded Jewelry

Today is a perfect day for a summer wedding. In fact, one of my customers will be married today. I'm so happy for her.

I really enjoyed creating her unique one of a kind wedding jewelry pieces and can't wait to see pictures.

While taking in this beautiful day, this morning, I was thinking about all the love that surrounds marriage and wedding ceremonies. As a bride, it really is true that we are just glowing on our wedding day. It's that first love's blush that I wanted to capture when creating these pieces.

There are three pieces to this design style. Choose a beaded bracelet, handmade earrings or a beaded anklet. You can wear one piece, all three, or mix and match as you like. Either way you choose to wear these elegant, feminine pieces, they will bead-perfect!

Crystal Allure Love's Blush Crystal Rose Pink Heart Bracelet (B024)

A beautiful handmade beaded bracelet reminiscent of love's first blush in a soft pink and white design featuring aurora borealis (AB) Swarovski Crystals, pink fiber optic glass hearts, white fiber optic glass beads and sterling silver Bali. Design finished with a pink fiber optic glass heart and signature jewelry tag. Measures 7-1/2".

Love's Blush Crystal Rose Pink Heart Post Earrings (E024-D2)

These are truly an everyday pair of beautiful handmade beaded earrings featuring pairs of white fiber optic beads, pink fiber optic glass hearts, sterling silver Bali spacers, light rose and aurora borealis Swarovski Crystals. Sterling silver post earrings. Length is 1" from the bottom of the ear wire.

If you happen to have sensitive ears or can't wear the heavier chandelier earrings, these are definitely your earrings!

Love's Blush Crystal Rose Pink Heart Beaded Anklet (A116)

To finish off this beautifully elegant jewelry set is a handmade beaded anklet in a design that features the same pink hearts, Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver beads as the pieces above, except, this ankle bracelet includes lovely pearlized white seed beads. Design is finished with a delicate pink fiber optic glass heart and signature jewelry tag. Measures 10-1/2".

Felix the Cat Inspired Prevent Cruelty to Animals Awareness Keychain (K010)

April is National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Awareness Month and the color orange is nationally recognized as the awareness ribbon color for animal protection and feral cats.

For my regular readers, it comes as no surprise that I am an animal lover. Since childhood I've always had a pet, be it dog, cat, hamster, bird or fish. For me, life just doesn't seem complete without the comfort and love my pets give me. They love unconditionally and cannot speak for themselves and that's why, I believe, it is our duty to protect them.

When I had learned of a heartbreaking story about an orange cat named Felix who, sadly, was believed to have been abused, I wanted to do my part to raise awareness for animals. The good news for Felix was that through the care, compassion and love of the Cortland NY SPCA, Felix survived, is on the mend and has found a happy and safe fur-ever home.

But there are many other animals that still need our help.

Felix the Cat Prevent Cruelty to Animals Awareness Keychain (K010)

This handmade beaded keychain was designed to raise awareness of the prevention of cruelty to animals. There are only two (2) of this design available, making it a unique gift idea -grab one for yourself and one for a friend!

I'm happy to announce that 100% of the net proceeds of the sale of these two awareness keychains will be donated to the Cortland NY SPCA!

The key chain design features a lovely ceramic orange "Felix" cat bead accented with a black jet Swarovski Crystal, both sterling silver and 14kt gold-fill beads and a sterling silver paw print stamped heart charm (because pets leave paw prints on our heart!). Want to make this key chain a  purse charm? Request a FREE silver hook at checkout. Length: 4-1/2" (not including round keyring).

Use this bead keychain as either a key ring for your keys or as a purse charm. It's so versatile! Another great gift idea is the Prevent Animal Cruelty Orange Paw Crystal Beaded Anklet (A118) in Pantone's 2012 color of the year Tangerine Tango.

Have a Heart and Help Save a Pet!

A Mother's Heart Key Chains Perfect for Gift Giving!

Why not give Mom a unique Mothers Day Gift this year with one of these heart ring key chains. The first one you can personalize with birthstones in crystal. And with both, Mom can use for either her keys or as a purse charm!

Of course, if you are really set on getting her a treasured keepsake Mother's Bracelet, then Crystal Allure offers some elegant designs to choose from. As always, a completely new and Custom Bracelet always makes a wonderful and thoughtful gift too!

Mothers Heart Family Tree Birthstone Beaded Keychain (K110)

Custom family birthstone crystal key chain features a quality .925 sterling silver family tree charm with your choice of crystal birthstone dangles of up to four (4) family members along a sterling silver chain on a heart-shaped key ring. Additional birthstone crystals are just $3.00 each. This design allows for crystal birthstones of yourself, spouse, your children, your grand children and/or even your pets. Want to make this key chain a purse charm? Request a FREE silver hook at checkout. Measures 4-1/4" in length.

As shown above: handmade beaded keychain shows five (5) sparkling Swarovski Crystal birthstones for February (Amethyst), June (Lt. Amethyst), July (Ruby), August (Peridot) and December (Blue Zircon). Additional birthstone crystal charms may be selected above.

With this next heart key ring gift, you may recall the Pink Rose Mom Pearl Beaded Keychain was available in pink. Well, for all you non-pink Mom's out there -you can now get it in lavender too!

Lavender Rose MOM Pearl Beaded Keychain (K101)

Celebrate Mom with this lovely lavender carved river shell rose bead charm keychain. Design features a sterling silver "Mom" message bead, beautiful purple Swarovski Crystals, white Swarovski Pearls, sterling silver beads and finished with a heart shaped key ring. Make this key chain a purse charm by requesting a FREE silver hook at checkout. Length is 4-1/4" (not including the heart keyring).

Mom is sure to love this daily reminder of how special she is!

Yellow Daisy Sister Necklace Bracelet Earrings Jewelry Set

There is no greater bond than that of Sisters -or so I'm told. Personally, I can't speak about a Sister bond, but I most definitely can about the bond between siblings.

Sisters can drive you up the wall sometimes. But, they will have your back no matter what. Traditionally on Valentine's Day, you give hearts and show your love to your spouse or significant other. So why not break tradition and show your Sister just how much you love her. Celebrate your sister with this darling daisy SISTER heart charm pendant necklace and pick up the matching pieces for a complete jewelry set.

Yellow Daisy Pearl Sister Heart Necklace (N101)

The Sister heart charm necklace features individually wire-wrapped Swarovski Pearls, yellow Czech glass beads, sterling silver daisy beads with sterling silver chain. The sterling silver Sister heart charm pendant is stamped with a daisy and measures 17x18mm. The necklace length is 18".

This beautiful darling daisies handcrafted beaded bracelet features a soft yellow faceted Czech glass bead accented with white Swarovski Pearls and sterling silver flower beads. Finished with a sterling silver flower charm and signature jewelry tag. Measures 7-3/4".

Pair either the necklace, bracelet or both, with the matching earrings for a great spring or summer jewelry set! If you would like the complete set, contact me for a set discount on all three pieces.

Yellow Daisy Pearl Beaded Drop Earrings (E259)

These lovely, dainty handcrafted beaded earrings featuring sterling silver darling daisies flower beads accented with white Swarovski Pearls and a soft yellow faceted Czech glass bead. Sterling silver ear wires. Length is 3/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Each of these jewelry designs are one of a kind.

Learn more about the.....

Sterling Silver Flower Beads
Electroformed sterling silver beads are created through an intricate process that begins with a bead made of wax. The wax bead is then immersed in a solution that electrically forms pure silver over it. The next step burns out the wax, leaving a hollow, sterling silver formation. The sterling silver is then highly polished. The result is an incredibly lightweight sterling silver bead.

Czech Fire-polished Yellow Glass Bead
Imported from the Czech Republic, these beads are machine-faceted, then polished by glazing inside an oven. This gives them beautiful, glistening colors with a "softer" look. These beads are made with a solid color glass, which means the base color of the glass is saturated throughout the object and will not fade or rub off over time.

Go Red with Handmade Crystal Red Heart Jewelry

Source: GoRedforWomen.org

Fact: 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke each year.

How can you help save women's live? Go Red for Women!

The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign has designated February 6, 2015 as National Wear Red Day. It's a day to raise awareness about heart disease and the fact that it's the No. 1 killer of women.

Why is red the color of this awareness cause?
-Red is the color of our hearts;
-Red stands out;
-Red is shows confidence;
-Red is a powerful color.

I urge you to become familiar with Go Red for Women, especially the signs of a heart attack. It could save your life or someone you know.

I plan to Go Red! Here's how:
-I will wear red;
-I will make my Twitter and Facebook profiles Go Red;
-I will offer that 100% of the net proceeds of the following two pieces of handmade red heart jewelry will be donated towards education about heart disease and stroke. This offer will end at 12:00 midnight, EST, February 6, 2015.

Crystal Allure Sacred Red Heart Crystal Charm Bracelet (B018-D2)

Handcrafted beaded bracelet features both aurora borealis (AB) and red Swarovski Crystals, .925 Bali spacers, sterling silver and a red sacred heart Swarovski Crystal heart charm. Finished with our signature jewelry tag and measures 7-3/4".

Be My Valentine Red Crystal Bordeaux Heart Necklace (N031)

The giving of ones heart on Valentine's day is represented through heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. This year, be different. Be unique. Steal her heart with this handmade beaded necklace featuring a generous 28mm Swarovski Strass Bordeaux Heart pendant suspended from a fully beaded strand of nearly 120 sparkling aurora borealis (AB) Swarovski Crystals. The length is PRINCESS at 18".

Hand Stamped Love Crystal Red Heart Charm Necklace (N130)

It is true that Crystal Allure is all about beaded jewelry. But, every now and then I like to try something new and add a little fresh perspective on the beauty of beaded jewelry design. That's where hand stamping comes into play. Sometimes you just want to say it with words!

Hand Stamped Love Crystal Red Heart Charm Necklace (N130)

Nothing speaks love greater than a red heart! The heart warming design features an alluring 10mm siam red Swarovski Crystal Heart, a single perfect white pearl drop with an artisan hand stamped sterling silver charm that says it all -Love. Each jewelry charm has been individually wire wrapped and hangs on a delicate sterling silver flat cable chain. The 18" chain necklace is finished with a single red siam Swarovski Crystal charm dangle at the clasp and our sterling signature jewelry tag.

Double up the LOVE and pair this beautiful handcrafted necklace with the Sending All My Love Crystal Red Heart Love Letter Charm Bracelet (B141) for a complete set!

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

Just Kiss Me Heart Jewelry Pairing

It has been for.ev.a since I created a Polyvore set for our Style Lookbook. And since I last logged into Polyvore, it seems it has changed -a lot! I think the biggest change has been that I can no longer, easily, clip my handmade beaded jewelry to the Polyvore site. This presents a problem, that I will have to address.

But, I took a round about way to clip a pair of our beautiful Heart Jewelry earrings to create this richly seductive style look. Paired in this Just Kiss Me set is our Adoring Love Red Heart Crystal Beaded Earrings (E284-R).

Adoring Love Just Kiss Me! by Crystal Allure featuring a trench coat

Love it!!! But if you're not quite the RED kinda gal, there is also Adoring Love Pink Heart Crystal Beaded Earrings (E284-P) to choose from!

Adoring Love Red Heart Crystal Beaded Earrings (E284-R)

A seductive deep ruby red faceted glass heart is accented with sterling pave style beads, Bali, red and aurora borealis Swarovski Crystals. Handmade beaded earrings are finished with sterling silver french hook ear wires. Length is 1-1/4" from bottom of ear wire.

Adoring Love Pink Heart Crystal Beaded Earrings (E284-P)

A sweet princess pink faceted glass heart is accented with sterling pave style beads, Bali, pink AB and aurora borealis Swarovski Crystals. Handmade beaded earrings are finished with sterling silver french hook ear wires. Length is  1-1/4" from bottom of ear wire.

So what's your favorite Valentine's Day color? Red, pink, fuchsia, cranberry?

Yvonne's Sacred Heart Wedding Jewelry

Yvonne had been searching a long time for the perfect ruby red Sacred Heart wedding jewelry set for her upcoming wedding. It was September 16th and her wedding was just 2 weeks away on September 30, 2011.

She contacted me because she fell in love with the Freshwater Pearl Red Crystal Heart Beaded Necklace Jewelry set (NES4) and was worried, if she purchased it, would it arrive in time for her nuptials.

My response? No problem! I immediately got this bridal jewelry set in the mail to her in time for her destination wedding.

Freshwater Pearl Red Crystal Heart Beaded Jewelry Set (NES4)

SOLD

This beautiful handcrafted beaded necklace and earrings jewelry set features a stunning combination of Freshwater Pearls and red Swarovski Austrian Crystals with Crystal Heart Pendant. The perfect set for the unique bride -a great gift for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day -or simply just because! Ear wires, beads and components are all sterling silver. Necklace measures 18"; earrings measure 1" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Congratulations Yvonne!

Ovarian Cancer Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-OC)

The Transplant Awareness Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-TX) has been so popular that I customized it in red for a customer in celebration of her daughter's heart transplant anniversary. I love every design I produce and especially love this design so I have begun expanding the design for other awareness causes and colors.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Survivor Heart Bracelet (B173-OC)

SOLD

Now available at Crystal Allure Jewelry is our unique teal crystal awareness bracelet. A sparkling beaded strand of teal Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads and letter heart beads that read "SURVIVOR". Teal awareness bracelet measures 7-3/4" and is finished with our signature jewelry tag.

Call me unaware but I was completely surprised to learn PAP smears do not detect ovarian cancer. Then what the heck do I do them for? I know. Precaution. But still, my whole focus of doing them was because I had thought (up to today) that they detected ovarian cancer, if it existed.

How about you? Did you believe PAP smears detected ovarian cancer?

-----------------------
About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer has long been called “The Silent Killer”, because it usually isn’t discovered until its advanced stages. However, early-stage ovarian cancer does produce the following symptoms:

-Abdominal bloating, pressure or discomfort
-Frequent urination or gas
-Persistent nausea, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea
-Unexplained weight gain or loss
-Fatigue or backaches
-Abnormal bleeding or pain with intercourse

Listen to your body and if in doubt, see your doctor. YOU are your best advocate.

Help spread the word: Ovarian Cancer -"It Whispers -So Listen!"

Other Facts:
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Teal is the nationally recognized ribbon color for ovarian cancer awareness and support

Unlock Your Style: Beaded Keychains by Crystal Allure

It's November 1st and do you know what you are getting friends and family as gifts? I hear ya...Christmas is next month. But as we all know, gift buying creeps up on us and then we are rushing around, last minute, for that perfect gift.

My best intentions in the studio were halted this weekend when I finished a Fall Jewelry design and realized I still needed one more element. So, with that on hold, I spent some time organizing my finished pieces, only to realize, I had quite a few beaded gifts completed that were not pictured or posted yet. (you know what's coming next...)

(drum roll please..) NEW to the boutique, today, are two beautiful beaded keychains. I'm most especially excited about the Personally Yours Purple Heart Charm Beaded Keychain (K104) because you can personalize it with your own family, friend or pet photo! And it makes a perfect gift for Mom this Mother's Day.

Not so much a key carrying person? No worries! The Crystal Allure collection of handmade beaded keychains are versatile enough that you could even stylize your handbag, purse, computer bag, or well, any bag by simply slipping the ring onto the handle. So go ahead -Unlock Your Style with a beautiful beaded keychain by Crystal Allure!

Pssst. I also realized the pictures of the other key chains available weren't as great as I'd like so new, updated pictures for those will be coming soon. But rest assured, all Crystal Allure Jewelry and Beaded Gifts are more beautiful in person than any camera can catch on its' lens! That's a guarantee!

Personally Yours Purple Heart Charm Beaded Keychain (K104)

I may have designed it -but you get to personalize it! This beautiful beaded keychain features a heart-shaped picture frame to personalize with a picture of your child, loved one or favorite pet. Accented with stunning dark and light purple glass beads, white Swarovski Crystal Pearls, sterling silver beads and Bali. Make this key chain a purse charm by requesting a FREE silver hook at checkout. Total length (with ring) 4".

Not only can Mom personalize this keychain with her child's picture, she can use it as a keychain or as a brag charm by simply attaching to her purse, work bag or wallet.

Sacred Heart Beaded Necklace -NEW

Fourteen Days of Hearts & Love
Part 14 of 14

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today is a special day for couples all over the world, as many will wed today. So as the old saying goes, "Here comes the bride, all dressed in -Red?!" That's right, red. The red wedding dress is becoming increasingly common in North America. Although it may seem an absolute fashion rebellion, the choice to wear a red wedding dress varies for each bride who takes the plunge.

For some brides, it is mostly cosmetic; they feel they look good in red and want to stand out in the warm, vibrant color that only red can deliver. Some brides will wear red for its' symbolic meaning of love and commitment, or of marriage and motherhood, or for religious beliefs. And still others choose the red wedding dress for traditional reasons relating to their cultural background.

Whatever the reason, there are a variety of ways to incorporate red into your wedding day. As previously mentioned, you could choose to wear a red wedding gown or you could create a red and white theme for your wedding through favors, neckties, flowers, bridesmaids dresses or red accented beaded jewelry.

The warm contrast between red and white is both sensual and feminine. Whether you are getting married or simply want to get your sweetheart something beautiful, you won't want to miss the Sacred Heart Freshwater Pearl Crystal Heart Beaded Necklace Set. Embrace your unique side this beautiful beaded necklace and earrings set.

Designed with a combination of feminine Freshwater Pearls and sensual red Swarovski Austrian Crystals, wire wrapped Crystal Heart Pendant (approx. 1/2" in size) finished with Sterling Silver components.

This handcrafted beaded necklace set is new at CrystalAllure.com.

Hill Tribe Heart Leaf Pendant Beaded Necklace

Fourteen Days of Hearts and Love
Part 13 of 14

I've decided to showcase the newest heart necklace tomorrow, on Valentine's Day. But the Crystal Allure Jewelry collection is not without other heart jewelry! When I first started these blog posts I thought I wouldn't have enough heart jewelry, but silly ole' me, what was I thinking! And of course, a hand full of other jewelry was designed as I sat in my studio preparing each of these articles. In fact, I even found a necklace I had designed weeks ago, meant to get a picture of it and just happened to uncover it on my studio table as I was "cleaning". Where in my case, in my studio, "cleaning" means shuffling things from one corner to another. Yup, my studio is the only room that looks like a hurricane hit it. Based on the type of person I am, I certainly don't understand it but I just go with it. I have always been a firm believer (and my mother will confirm this) that everything has a place and every place has a thing for it. Organize, organize, organize. Yet, in my bead studio....that rule just doesn't seem to work. An empty table, for me, seems to stiffle my creativity. Strange I know. But, I just go with it (which is probably why you'll never likely see pictures of my studio). :-)

But, alas I digressed. Heart Jewelry. Got it. Back on track.

On this thirteenth day of Hearts and Love, I wanted to highlight the Green Grossular Garnet Gemstone Heart Leaf Pendant Beaded Necklace (N085). Just as every element of nature comes together, so too did the elements of this necklace. The green garnet gemstone is simply beautiful, beyond words and complements perfectly with the wood beads for a truly nature inspired beaded necklace.

And as ironically as my confession above about a messy studio....well, I just spend a half-hour looking for the remaining green garnet gemstones to get a close up picture of them so that you could truly appreciate what I'm trying to convey in their beauty. But, as suspected I just can't find them. Note to self: clean table. (right).

The heart shaped leaf pendant was handmade by the Karen Hill Tribe in northern Thailand. Using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation and a higher silver content allows them to easily shape their metal into very different styles. As a result, no two pieces are exactly alike. So even if I ever decided to make a similar style necklace, the heart leaf pendant will be uniquely different than the one shown here.

You simply can't go wrong with this beaded necklace because green and brown are the new "black" of the fashion world!

Window Heart Earrings Grounded in Tradition

Fourteen Days of Hearts and Love
Part 10 of 14

While preparing today's post, I had wondered what does the old wedding custom of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" really mean/represent? So I did some research. It turns out the old saying in full reads:

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Each item represents a good-luck token, that if given to the bride and carried/worn on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" represents a bride's connection with her family and the past; "Something new" symbolizes optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead; "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married family member or friend, whose good fortune in marriage is suppose to carry over to the bride's new marriage; and a sixpense in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security.

It is the "something blue" that carries a bit of history with it. The color blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. The brides of ancient Rome wore blue to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity. In the Christian faith, the Virgin Mary was dressed in blue, associating the color with purity. And although it would be hard to believe now, with all the choices a bride has for wedding gowns, before the late 19th century, blue was the most popular color for wedding gowns (hence, the proverb, "Marry in blue, lover be true").

When I saw these heart beads (below), three words came to mind: princess, castle, wedding. I pictured them designed with some soft blue Swarovski Crystals and immediately thought of a princess -we all want to be a princess on our wedding day (and everyday if the truth be told!); and the beautiful frosted window heart beads reminded me of regal castle style windows -you know the ones told in fairy tales...where only princesses' and queens live.

Crystal Blue Frosted Heart Beaded Earrings (E200)

Beautiful frosted window heart beads are accented by romantic light blue Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver in this pair of handmade beaded earrings. Finished with sterling silver french hook earwires. Length is 1-1/4" from the bottom of the earwire.

The finished design of the Crystal Blue Frosted Heart Beaded Earrings (E200) reminds me of a beautiful bride with a classic wedding style -fit for a princess!

These enchanting pair of earrings are perfect for the Bride-to-be, an anniversary gift or...just because.

Are you looking for a coordinating bracelet or necklace for a complete jewelry set? Simply contact me for availability and to discuss your request.

Does Your Heart Belong To Your Pet?

Fourteen Days of Hearts and Love
Part 9 of 14

According to a recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos, 1 in 5 adults prefer to spend Valentine's Day with their pet, than with their partner. Who could blame them right? Pets give us unconditional love, they're faithful, snuggly, lovable and oh so adorable.

Would I trade Valentine's Day with my husband for my pet...eh...maybe not? If I was single, I think I would definitely be one of those "1 in 5" people. But, I'm blessed because I can be with both. You can definitely see I am an animal lover and supporter. Which is evident in the beaded lanyard, shown below, as well as, the Animal Awareness Jewelry offered.

Blue Heart Spay Neuter Awareness Beaded Lanyard (L04)

Designed with two beautiful satin blue lampwork glass heart beads, Swarovski Crystals, Bali beads and an adorable sterling silver paw charm.

This lanyard is not only chic enough for work but the colors are neutral and go with everything.

The light blue color is also the support color for spaying/neutering your pet! You can attach your work keys to the key ring or to the hook.

Most badges can easily slip onto the hook, but if you need a converter, please let me know.

Pearl Heart Dangle Beaded Earrings

Fourteen Days of Hearts & Love
Part 8 of 14

Every year on Valentine's Day, February 14th, thousands of couples walk down the aisle to say, "I Do". Some couples plan their special wedding day a year in advance, others simply decide to get married just days before Valentine's Day. Whether you get married on the sweetest day of the year or not, the universal symbol of love is the heart and pearls have always been a timeless accessory for brides to wear. Pearls are smooth, lustrous, highly regarded for their beauty and are a symbol of femininity. What bride doesn't feel like royalty or a princess in pearls?

Marry together the symbol of love (the heart) with the symbol of feminine beauty (the pearl) and you have a look that is classic, timeless and will never go out of style. For example, have you ever seen wedding photos from the 80's? We all have. Those mile high poof-shoulder dresses, hair permed and/or teased to the sky with cans of hairspray holding it in place. At that time, that was the style of weddings, but to look at those pictures now, aside from a small chuckle or two, they are clearly outdated.

Pearl Heart Dangle Beaded Earrings (E202)

SOLD

I wore pearls for my wedding jewelry and looking back at my wedding pictures, now 8 years ago, I'm so happy I choose a timeless, classic accessory. I, personally, have always thought of pearls as wishes. Seems strange, I know. But when I designed the Pearl Heart Dangle Beaded Earrings (E202), I thought they'd make the perfect accessory to either a Bride, as a Valentine Gift or even as an Anniversary Gift.

I'm also no poet, but I did dabble a little when I was in high school. While pulling together this blog post, I also pulled together this wonderful little poem that seemed quite appropriate for these pearl earrings.

If pearls were wishes,
I'd wish for you,
a heart full of love,
with love times two!

Design details:
A luminous white Swarovski Crystal Pearl features a dainty sterling silver heart charm in these handmade beaded earrings. Sterling silver leverback earwires. Perfect for the romantic bride! Length is 1-1/4" from the bottom of the earwire.

Open Heart Blue Bead and Beach Swirl Lampwork Charm Pulls

Fourteen Days of Hearts and Love
Part 7 of 14

Sometimes love is as simple and sweet as a heart fluttering beneath blue skies and sparkling stars. Or at least that is how being in love feels -right?! I tried to capture that feeling in the design of this bead zipper pull charm.

Blue Open Heart Starlight Bead Zipper Pull Charm (CPC006)
One of a Kind

Open your heart to this lovely heart charm pull. Design features a sterling silver open heart charm, faceted vibrant blue glass bead and stardust Pave' style sterling silver beads. Total length is 3-1/4".

Everyone has cell phones these days and what makes this little Valentine's Gift so fabulous is you can easily attach the bead charm to jeans, sneakers, MP3 players, iPods and even use as a purse charm!

Although this next zipper pull charm doesn't necessarily have anything to do with hearts and love, it was too beautiful not to share! It also complements the Teal Crystal Swirl Lampwork Beaded Earrings (EL248).

Blue Swirl Crystal Lampwork Bead Zipper Pull Charm (CPC014)

A zipper pull  or purse charm for the beach lover! Design features a blue swirled artisan Lampwork glass bead, blue zircon Swarovski Crystal and sterling silver. Total length is 3".