Christmas in July: Handmade Holiday Beaded Jewelry

In one of the warmest months of the year, I am already thinking about holiday gifts. Of course my favorite winter beaded jewelry gift to give is handcrafted holiday jewelry. There is nothing that compares to the joy of opening a gift and seeing a sparkling Swarovski holiday bracelet!

But why stop there? Grab handmade beaded Christmas bracelets as gifts and a pair of holiday earrings for a stocking stuffer. Then check that person off your gift list. Done and done!

Candy Cane Red White Pearl Crystal Beaded Lanyard (L104)

One of a kind

Show your ID in style with this beautiful handmade beaded lanyard. A perfect ID badge lanyard holder for the holidays or as a gift for that special nurse, doctor or hospital worker.

Design features holiday ruby red glass beads, red and white seed beads, sterling silver and aurora borealis (AB) Swarovski Crystals. Comes with a 24mm silver key ring, lanyard hook, our sterling silver jewelry tag and a single sterling silver candy cane charm. Lanyard length is 16-1/2" long including key ring and badge hook.

Crystal Allure Holiday Snowballs Crystal Pearl Beaded Bracelet (B133)

One of a kind

This is an elegant handmade beaded bracelet featuring snowball white Swarovski Pearls accented with twinkling crystal channel beads that sparkle just like newly fallen snow. Completing this holiday jewelry bracelet are both red and green tourmaline Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver clasp and signature jewelry tag. Bracelet measures 7-1/2".

Crystal Allure Swarovski Crystal Holiday Tree Charm Bracelet (B013)

One of a kind

Oh Christmas Tree! Oh Christmas Tree! How lovely is thee?! This festive holiday handmade beaded bracelet features holiday red and green tourmaline Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver beads and .925 Bali beads. Finished with a sterling silver holiday tree charm and our signature jewelry tag. Bracelet measures 7-1/2".

Red Poinsettia Czech Crystal Beaded Earrings (E028)

Only 2 left stock!

The poinsettia is the quintessential flower of Christmas. There are more than 100 varieties of poinsettias available today and they come in colors like the traditional red, white, pink, burgundy, marbled and speckled. Did you know? The colored "petals" of poinsettias are actually colored bracts (modified leaves).

Complete the most festive part of the year with this pair of handmade holiday earrings. Design features red Czech 'poinsettia flowers' accented with clear Czech crystal beads, antiqued gold spacers on a stem of holiday red Czech crystal beads on 14 karat gold fill french hook ear wires. Earrings measure 1-1/2" from the bottom of the ear wire.

June Birthstone Earrings in Pearls and Crystals by Swarovski

June has three gems as birthstones: pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Alexandrite is an amazing, rare, color-changing gem with shades ranging from green/bluish-green to raspberry red/purple red, depending on the lighting. It is within this range that a beautiful shade of purple emerges.

In the world of Swarovski, the light amethyst Swarovski Crystal is the accepted crystal birthstone substitute for alexandrite in June Birthstone Jewelry.  If you love either of the handmade birthstone earrings below and would like to customize with your birthstone, review the crystal birthstone chart for your birthstone crystal and contact me with your request.

June Birthstone Earrings
Crystal Stack Pearl Twist Earrings (EBP105)

This elegant pair of handmade beaded earrings was designed with light amethyst Swarovski Crystals, white twist Swarovski Pearls, sterling silver Bali and sterling silver french hook ear wires. Length is 1-1/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

If you love either one of these earrings and would like a pair in your birthstone color, contact us for availability.

June Birthstone Earrings
Elegant Cascading Crystal Earrings (EBC105)

These classic handmade birthstone earrings feature individually wire wrapped light amethyst Swarovski Crystals dripping down sterling silver chain on sterling silver ear hooks. Length is 1-1/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Not only do these crystal earrings represent June's Birthstone, but you can also wear them everyday for a little bit of daytime office glam!

Read more about June's Birthstone in The Wedding Pearl article or the jewelry article on the Classic and Stylish Pearl.

Spring Blossom Jewelry in Fresh New Colors

Ahhhh, finally -Spring has arrived!! It's the first full day of Spring and the anticipation of flower bulbs popping up, birds chirping and the sun shining, is making me very excited. I can't wait to get working on the gardens.

Until then, I'm focusing my attention on spring beaded jewelry! Crystal Allure is Spring-ing into the season with a garden full of colorful blossoms! Previously the bead pendants below were offered as a complete necklace. But, because I offer other bead pendants it occurred to me that you could interchange your Crystal Allure bead pendants with a single necklace chain. You really only need one or two chains and you can create a ton of different necklaces!

These petite beauties are also the perfect bridesmaids gifts! Contact me for availability on colors if you'd like to add these blossoms to your spring or summer wedding.

Czech Flower Blossom Pearl Drop Earrings (E175)

$19.95 per pair

Beautiful garden flowers inspired these lovely petite spring blossom handmade beaded earrings. Designed with beautiful Czech glass flower blossom bead caps embracing a white Swarovski Crystal Pearl, dangling from sterling silver leverbacks. Czech flower blossom available in blue, pink or red. Length is 3/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Czech Red Flower Blossom Pearl Drop Pendant (P05-R)

$10.80

As beautiful as a red poppy flower, this lovely petite handmade beaded pendant showcases an elegant garden poppy red Czech flower blossom softly embraces a white Swarovski Pearl. Bead pendant is shown draped on an elegant 18" sterling silver chain (available separately). Drop pendant measures 1".

Czech Pink Flower Blossom Pearl Drop Pendant (P05-P)

$10.80

The shade of pink in this lovely petite handmade beaded pendant is reminiscent of a delicate pink tulip flower. A soft garden pink Czech flower blossom softly embraces a white Swarovski Pearl. Bead pendant is shown draped on an elegant 18" sterling silver chain (available separately). Drop pendant measures 1".

Czech Yellow Flower Blossom Pearl Drop Pendant (P05-Y)

$10.80

One of the first flowers to bloom in Spring is the elegant Daylily flower. As lovely and petite, is this handmade beaded pendant showcasing a soft garden yellow Czech flower blossom softly embracing a white Swarovski Pearl. Bead pendant is shown draped on an elegant 18" sterling silver chain (available separately). Drop pendant measures 1".

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

Custom Mother of Groom Blue Pearl Wedding Jewelry Set

Earlier this year I was contacted by one of my best customers, Mary Kay, requesting a beaded wedding jewelry set for her upcoming son's wedding. I was honored to have been chosen to design this special wedding set for the Mother of the Groom.

Custom Mother of Groom Blue Pearl Wedding Jewelry Set

SOLD

The true feature of this beautiful set is the gorgeous filigree clasp that complements her shoes and handbag accessories perfectly, with that just right classic elegance.

Patra Designer Dress (RN #65518) in Navy Blue

While on a trip, Mary Kay had already found her perfect dress, a rich navy colored Patra designer dress (RN #65518). This dress is truly beautiful because of the beaded illusion mesh inset at the neck with a softly draped neckline.

Mary Kay had sent some photos of the dress but the color was not showing true, so she decided to come by the studio with her dress and accessories. Based on the color she said it was, I placed out a palette of Swarovski Crystals and Swarovski Pearls that were options to coordinate with her dress. Mary Kay brought her husband and between the three of us, we chose a light grey and night blue Swarovski Pearl with a montana blue Swarovski Crystal.

Mother of Groom Gown Shoes

We discussed further the details of her look for the wedding day and with some notes jotted down, the ideas began to flow. I had a lot of time ahead of me, which was perfect, since the wedding was not until August.

Mary Kay's Custom Crystal Pearl Mother of the Groom Wedding Jewelry Set includes a beaded 2-strand choker, bracelet, earrings and wire-wrapped ring. The choker style necklace is a great complement to a portrait/off the shoulder style dress. And Mary Kay will be in full fashion at this late summer wedding with her selected picks of elegant embellishments and an illusion neckline.

It was my pleasure to have designed this very special wedding jewelry set for Mary Kay! And a special thank you Mary Kay for selecting Crystal Allure for her custom beaded jewelry and for the bridal referral. I cannot wait to receive pictures of this beautiful wedding.

Prior to Mary Kay contacting me, she had referred her future daughter-in-law to Crystal Allure for her bridesmaids jewelry sets. These custom handcrafted designs will be featured soon -stay tuned.

Unchain My Heart For Eternity Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Fourteen Days of Hearts and Love
Part 12 of 14

Okay, okay, I have to admit, I did have a whole other new piece of jewelry to introduce today. BUT, as these things go sometimes, the pictures just were not up to my standards. So I've had to postpone that introduction until either tomorrow or Sunday (the last day of these Valentine Hearts and Love postings).

Indeed, I had already introduced these lovely heart earrings in January, but of all the heart earrings, I find these are my favorite. They have a little sass, a little sweetness and they are oh so beautiful! Although available in both Rose Quartz and Jade, the Unchain My Heart Gemstone Beaded Earrings (E256) are even more unique because there is only one pair available in each gemstone.

If you're anything like me, somedays you feel a little sexy, other days a little sweet. I definately like a variety of jewelry to choose from each day. Most women dress based on how they are feeling that particular day.

New to Crystal Allure are two very different but very beautiful pairs of beaded earrings. Both showcase the beauty and elegance of pearls.

For those days when you're feeling a little sexy there are the For Eternity Freshwater Pearl Berryvine Beaded Earrings (E100-D2), shown below, featuring a rich cranberry pearl.

Feeling a little sweet and angelic? Pick yourself up a pair of the Swarovski Pearl Bali Stack Beaded Earrings (E251).

I have always found my simple stack beaded earrings to be particularly popular, versatile and perfect for a day at the office, carting around the kids or a romantic dinner out.

For Eternity Freshwater Pearl Beaded Earrings (E100-D2)

These sexy handcrafted beaded earrings feature a trio of rich cranberry freshwater pearls accented with 14 karat gold fill bead caps and meticulously wire wrapped for all of eternity. Gold fill 14 karat leverback ear wires. Length is 1-3/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

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.

Love You Conversation Heart Charm Bracelet (BES5)

Fourteen Days of Hearts and Love
Part 6 of 14

Sometimes it's the little things -those small acts that show how much you love someone. Every now and then you hear a story about a grand expression of love, that it almost became an "event" in itself. For example, those men who go way above and beyond to show how much they love their sweetheart, say by having the electronic billboard at a football game changed (during half time of course!) with perfectly chosen words to express his eternal love. Hmmmm, well I'm guessing that probably cost as much as the diamond ring he is considering buying her.

A sweet gesture -yes! Expensive -oh yes! So why not just show her you love her with a beautiful bracelet, say, with a timeless conversation heart -charm. The best part of her gift? She'll love this tasteful expression of love because it's also zero calories!!

Love You Heart Charm Crystal Pearl Bracelet Set (BES5)

Don't just tell her you love her -show her and say it with our treasured handmade beaded bracelet and earrings set featuring a LOVE YOU conversation heart charm. Design features red siam Swarovski Crystals and white Swarovski Pearls, sterling silver Bali, lobster clasp and earwires. Finished with a sterling silver LOVE YOU conversation heart charm. Bracelet measures 7-3/4"; earrings measure 1/2" from bottom of earwire.

Wear this bracelet individually or stack it with the Be Mine Heart Charm Crystal Pearl Bracelet Set (BES4) for a chic look.

This Valentine's Day -say it with heart!

Be Mine Conversation Heart Charm Bracelet (BES4)

Fourteen Days of Hearts and Love
Part 2 of 14

We all remember as children both giving and eating Sweethearts Conversation Heart candies at school. You remember them...the tasty pastel sugar hearts pre-printed with quirky phrases expressing love and devotion. Even today as adults we recognize and associate them as the American icon of Valentine's Day and they are still the best-selling Valentine candy around.

NECCO (New England Confectionery Company) has been manufacturing these lovely candies since 1847 and manufactures over 8 billion hearts each year. The company has since discarded all its previous phrases and updated them with new expression of love, the candies now come in brighter and bolder new colors and there are even new flavors. But the symbolism of this iconic candy is still the same.

I used to love getting Conversation Heart candies as a kid. But as an adult, it might seem a little childish or awkward to give and/or receive a box of these candies as a gift on Valentine's Day. Which is exactly why I designed this one of a kind beaded bracelet in the romantic colors of pink and white with a Conversation Heart Charm that reads "Be Mine". Every woman loves sparkling Swarovski crystals and the tiny conversation heart charm is just enough to express your love.

Be Mine Heart Charm Crystal Pearl Bracelet Set (BES4)

Won't you BE MINE? Say it with heart...and style with our handmade beaded bracelet and earrings set. Design features a beautiful strand of white Swarovski Pearls accented with pink rose Swarovski Crystals. Sterling silver beads, Bali, lobster clasp and BE MINE heart charm. Bracelet measures 7-1/2"; beaded earrings measure 1/2" from bottom of earwire.

Wear this bracelet individually or stack it with the Love You Heart Charm Crystal Pearl Bracelet Set (BES5) for a chic look.

This Valentine's Day -say it with heart!

Royal Blue Sapphire Pearl Jewelry Set (NES2)

Personally, I love jewelry sets. Be it a necklace-earring, bracelet-earring combo or not, you just can't go wrong with jewelry sets. Wear one piece or all the pieces. Jewelry sets are so versatile!

Princess Diana Inspired
We all loved her and were mesmerized by her beauty. Frequently photographed in her favorite piece of jewelry -a pearl necklace -this handmade beaded necklace was inspired by the stunning and regal Princess Diana of Wales.

A glamorous strand of white Swarovski Pearls accented with royal blue sapphire Swarovski Crystals and .925 sterling silver spacer beads. Finished with a royal blue faceted glass teardrop pendant. Sterling silver used throughout design. Handmade beaded necklace adjusts 15" to 17" with a sterling silver extender chain accented with a drop crystal.

The elegant handmade beaded earrings feature royal blue faceted glass teardrops wire-wrapped with white Swarovski Pearl accents on sterling silver french earwires. Earrings measure 1/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Princess Diana Inspired

Royal Blue Sapphire Crystal Pearl Beaded Necklace Set (NES2)

{Be beautiful ~ Be glamorous ~ Be Regal} wearing this pearl jewelry set inspired by the beautiful Princess Diana of Wales.

This lovely jewelry set would be the perfect complement to an elegant bride at her royal wedding set in the winter months!

*NEW* Beaded Necklace & Show Recap

New to the online store is our Cranberry Rose Freshwater Pearl Beaded Necklace (N064). So simple, yet so stunning. Appropriately named "Cranberries and Roses", which feature a rich cranberry colored freshwater pearl, it is the perfect color to add to your fall wardrobe.

Cranberry Rose Freshwater Pearl Beaded Necklace (N064)
SOLD

A simply stated handmade beaded necklace of high quality rich cranberry colored freshwater pearls highlighted by a sterling silver carved rose charm pendant. Sterling silver. Measures 17-3/4".

Don't miss out, this is a one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded necklace and it was featured in the following media: -Indie Collective Shopping Guide Spring/Summer '09.

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In other news: The month of October generally starts show season and I've been busy creating and preparing for upcoming shows. This month alone there are three shows in a row, one each week! Directly after a show, I do my best to replenish stock for the next show. Sometimes, pieces do not even make it to the online store before they are gone for good.

The past two shows have been for Ortho Clinical Diagnostics' (Johnson & Johnson) annual United Way campaign. I just love doing these shows as I get to meet some pretty fantastic ladies and my set up is usually near a window (daylight...something I don't get with my day job!). Also, at my day job, there are not many women around so I jump at the chance to socialize with the gals.

The first show held directly at Ortho Clinical, I was super busy -and loved it! It is extremely satisfying to be able to showcase your jewelry to an exclusive group and the environment allows me time to talk about what inspired a particular design and the materials used. I have found it is so very important that my customers know they are receiving quality jewelry handcrafted by me (alone). I'm getting so tired of mass produced stuff in America and I have found myself purchasing quite a few handmade items -whether for myself or a gift. Granted there are some things that cannot be purchased handmade in America, but if I can contribute to keeping our economy healthy with my made in America designs -then so it shall be!

At the Ortho Clinical show, I also received numerous custom orders and so I've been busy with those as well. It's been uplifting to hear my customers comments when they receive their custom jewelry piece -it makes it all worth it.

Hmm..I think too that I had a larger table set up this year? If not, it worked perfectly and allowed me to put out pretty much my entire stock of jewelry, to give shoppers the most to choose from.

The second show for Ortho Clinical was at a new location. They have purchased/rented some space at the Kodak building and I had the oppportunity to set up my wares in a conference room. It was huge! And all mine! In fact, I was worried that it might be more space than I had product to display, but it turned out perfectly. The show here was a little slower and not as successful as the first one. But it allowed me to test more set up options; gave me some quiet time (without my computer in front of me!) to sketch out some new designs and it also provided me with some observations. It didn't hurt either that I got some feedback from my contact.

All in all, the first two shows were a success in every way and I look forward to next year. Armed with more knowledge of my customers needs I'm fairly confident next year will be as successful as this year -and even better!

I'd like to thank both Holly and Liliana for coordinating the event and inviting me, Crystal Allure Designs, to showcase my jewelry designs.

Summer's Sunny Yellow Pearl Bracelet Jewelry Set

Yellow Pearl Czech Window Bead Jewelry Set
Contact me to purchase the set at a discount

Happy Friday!

I'm really excited to announce this beautiful handmade jewelry set. As a child, I loved those butterscotch hard candies. You know the ones, the bright yellow delicious butterscotch candies wrapped in yellow cellophane. Mmm-M!

This beaded bracelet and earrings set was designed with a cheerful yellow Czech window bead and gold metals. It's the perfect addition to your summer jewelry collection.

Yellow just makes me feel happy! Wouldn't you agree?! You will look and feel absolutely radiant wearing this beautiful, handmade, golden yellow window glass bead and pearl bracelet with matching earrings set.

This is a one of a kind beaded jewelry set and if needed the bracelet size can be altered to fit your wrist.

Yellow Pearl Czech Window Beaded Bracelet (B130)

The sunny color of this handmade beaded bracelet will make you smile everytime you put it on your wrist. Yellow Czech window beads are accented with elegant white Swarovski Pearls, vermeil gold Bali and finished with a 14kt gold fill heart clasp. Bracelet measures 8-1/2".

Yellow Pearl Czech Window Beaded Earrings (E190)

These lovely handmade beaded earrings almost look just like those wrapped butterscotch hard candies. The same yellow Czech window beads are adorned with white Swarovski Crystal Pearls, vermeil gold bali on 14kt gold fill leverback earwires. Length is 1-1/4" from the bottom of the earwire.

Pearl is also June's Birthstone. This jewelry set would certainly make for a heartfelt and thoughtful birthday gift.

June's Birthstone: The Wedding Pearl

June Birthstone:
Petite Sterling Swarovski Pearl June Birthstone Earrings (E068)
SOLD

Pearl is June's Birthstone.

With June being named after Juno, or Hera, the goddess of marriage, some consider it good luck to be married in this month. And because the pearl has long been a symbol of purity, modesty, love, success, and happiness, it has become a tradition to give the bride pearls on her wedding day.

In ancient Rome, the pearl was the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing, while the ancient Greeks associated the pearl with love and marriage, and unrivaled beauty. It was believed that wearing pearls on your wedding day would help ensure marital bliss.

Pearls have been a passion and even an obsession of people throughout the ages. They have been ground up and used in cosmetics and as a medicine to treat heart and stomach conditions. Some cultures swear by pearls as an aphrodisiac.

These gems have adorned crowns, clothing, and temples, and were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra. Today, pearls are still worn by royalty, especially at weddings. Queen Elizabeth II wore them as her wedding jewelry in 1947, as did Sarah Ferguson. And here in the United States, Jacqueline Bouvier wore a strand the day she became Mrs. Kennedy.

Pearls continue to be viewed as a mark of taste and refinement as well as a symbol of beauty and purity. Pearls are the perfect gift, suitable for all ages, and elegantly worn with everything from jeans to an evening gown.

June Birthstone:
Light Amethyst Crystal Birthstone Earrings (E045)
SOLD

June actually has three birthstones associated with it: Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone.

The tradition of giving birthstone gifts on birthday's is still popular today. More affordable options in both pearl birthstone jewelry and alexandrite birthstone jewelry for June gift giving would be to give Swarovski Crystal and Swarovski Crystal Pearl birthstone gifts.

Swarovski offers a radiant Crystal Pearl that rivals any natural pearl. As well, their luminous light amethyst Swarovski Crystal is the perfect substitution for the soft color of Alexandrite.

Other interesting June Birthstone tidbits:
The June birth flower is the rose, or the honeysuckle, as roses and honeysuckles bloom throughout June. June is also sometimes called the "Rose month."

Pearl is also the suggested anniversary gift for the 30th wedding anniversary.