Cystic Fibrosis Awareness 65 Roses Necklace (N088)

The first of its' kind is finally here! For years I racked my brain for a design that would symbolize the term "65 Roses" (cystic fibrosis, is often referred to as 'sixty five roses' by young children).

This past weekend I spent just about the whole weekend in my studio. Of course, my plan was to do paperwork, but I just started creating. By the time I was done I had numerous earrings, three necklaces and four bracelets (I've already started posting them on the site with more pictures coming!). With many of the designs being new to the awareness collection.

I am very happy with how this design came out. Not only is the pendant bail a one-of-a-kind designer original the bead pattern is so unique it is set so that groups of 6 and 5 crystals run throughout the necklace -for a total of 65 crystals in the design. Absolutely beautiful!

This beaded awareness necklace was designed to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis ('sixty five roses') with a one-of-a-kind designer original handcrafted pendant bail to showcase the 7x10mm sterling silver rose charm with clusters of various purple crystals hand-wrapped with sterling silver wire. Adding to this necklaces' unique design is beaded pattern sets of 6 and 5 purple amethyst Swarovski Crystals to symbolize 65 Roses and carries a full 65 Swarovski Crystals in the design. Crystals are accented with Swarovski Pearls and .925 Bali. Measures 18-1/4".

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The story behind why cystic fibrosis is referred to as "65 Roses" by young children:

In 1965, after learning that her three little boys had Cystic Fibrosis, Mary G. Weiss began volunteering to raise money to cure cystic fibrosis. One of her duties was to call every civic club, social and service organization seeking financial support for CF research. Mary's four year old son, Richard, listened closely to his mother as she made each call. After several calls, Richard came into the room and told his mom, "I know what you are working for."

Mary was dumbstruck because Richard did not know what she was doing, nor did he know he had Cystic Fibrosis. With some trepidation, Mary posed the question back to Richard, "What am I working for, Richard?"

"You are working for '65 Roses'," he answered so sweetly. Mary was speechless. She went over to him and tenderly pressed his tiny body to hers. He could not see the tears running down Mary's cheeks as she stammered, "Yes, Richard, I'm working for '65 Roses'."

View more from the Crystal Allure Awareness Jewelry Collection

Autumn Beaded Earrings: Stacked Gourds or Autumn Maize Crystal

It's been a busy week or two and I am in the process of restocking the store. I had just gotten into a design groove and in a flash, I'm sold out. That's a good thing! To get started, I've already posted a few new pairs of handmade beaded earrings and there will be a new category added very soon...stay tuned!

Stacked Gourds Crystal Lampwork Beaded Earrings (E242)

A lovely topaz shaded lampwork bead showcasing a black striped core is the base of these stacked gourd handmade beaded earrings. Accented with the most beautiful shades of autumn, brown smoke topaz and black jet Swarovski Crystals, 14kt antiqued gold-fill Bali and 14kt gold-fill leverback earwires. Length is 1-1/4" from bottom of earwire.

Autumn Maize Topaz Crystal Beaded Earrings (E196)

A brilliant transparent burnt orange indian glass barrel is flanked by brass heishi discs and lightly smoked topaz Swarovski Crystals. The orange glass barrel is called "white heart barrels" because of the white core of the bead. Handmade beaded earrings are finished with 14kt gold-fill french hook earwires. Length is 1-1/4" from bottom of earwire.

Feature Friday: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Happy Friday!

October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness month and we want to do our part to help raise awareness and show support. For a limited time, we have designated select PINK jewelry designs from the Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Collection to donate a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer awareness and research efforts.

Pink Guardian Angel Pendant Necklace (N003)

SOLD

A dainty angel featuring a soft pink Czech flower skirt bead, gold angel wings accented with a white Swarovski Pearl and Bali adorns a 14kt gold-fill chain. Measures 18" in length.

For the month of October 2009, a portion of the proceeds, from any jewelry purchased from this select PINK jewelry designs collection, will be donated. All PINK beaded jewelry is one-of-a-kind so don't delay in getting yours today and helping to raise awareness. These also make wonderful milestone gifts!

If you can't find a necklace, bracelet or earrings you like, we also do custom awareness designs.

View Pink Crystal Breast Cancer Awareness Jewelry and all Pink Jewelry.

2009 Fall Jewelry and Colors Trend Report

Happy Autumn to everyone!

Our goal at Crystal Allure is to strike a balance with our jewelry designs that will easily transition from day into night. This is why you'll find our mixing of opaque and semi precious stones with hints of crystal works so well in our designs. We design pieces that have longevity and versatility for a look of classic femininity with a dash of color.

If you ask 10 different people what the "hot" colors and fashions of the fall season will be, you will get 10 different answers. Although we do not follow the latest trends and fashions, per se, to make it easy for you to coordinate your wardrobe with accessories, we have researched and compiled what we feel will be the colors of the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Look for some of these colors in the new beaded jewelry designs list.

We start the season with classic autumnal colors and then transition during the season into winter with vibrant jewel tone colors. These jewel tone colors will carry you into the winter season with the blues ruling the fall/winter season!

JEWELRY MUST HAVES
Statement Necklaces make a great focal for any outfit. The statement necklace below features a filigree "snowflake" metal pendant accented with black jet Swarovski crystals and blue lapis gemstones.

Blue Lapis Gemstone Crystal Filigree Snowflake Pendant Necklace (N069)

Cuff Bracelets whether beaded, wire-wrapped or memory wire bracelets, you'll definitely want to get at least one cuff bracelet in your jewelry collection this season. Check out the Autumn Splendor Czech Leaf Charm Cuff Beaded Bracelet (B121) for an abundance of autumnal color with oak leaf charms uniquely designed as a cuff bracelet using memory wire.

Autumn Honey Topaz Carnelian Gemstone Beaded Necklace (N039)

Closer to the holidays, chandelier earrings, in jewel tone colors will be the "it" accessory to have in your collection. Prefer the classic look? You can still enjoy chandelier earrings but instead, opt for designs with crystal shimmer -think of Crystal Ice Jewelry by by Crystal Allure!

FASHION ON A BUDGET
I think we all agree, we are on a perpetual quest to be fashionable but on a budget. That being said, how do you incorporate the colors of the season into your wardrobe without breaking the bank?

Choose pants, jackets and sweaters in neutral shades (black, brown, grey, etc) and add seasonal color to your basics with blouses, jewelry and accessories.