Beads: Swarovski Crystal may be
finest crystal beads, due to their clarity, color and variety. Swarovski is an Austrian company that makes high-quality rhinestones, beautiful cut crystals, costume jewelry, and other glass-related items.Czech Glass Beads have same vibrancy and shine as Swarovski crystal, yet are a more cost effective alternative.
Metals: Bali Beads are handcrafted in Bali, Indonesia and are exceptional in quality and detail. Because these items are individually crafted from silver by many bead artisans, there may be slight variations in bead size, form, hole size, and oxidation. Because of its popularity, more countries are now producing this type of beads. Therefore, term "Bali beads" is now generally referring to "Bali-style beads". Bali Silver usually has less than 92.5% silver content therefore cannot be identified as sterling. Handmade Bali beads are far more superior in quality, giving more value to your jewelry.
Hill Tribe Silver of Thailand (Thai Silver) are beads and pendants that have been made by ethnic minorities that live in mountain regions of northern Thailand.
Rhodium is a white precious metal. Rhodium is often used to plate precious and base metals, giving jewelry a hard, platinum-like sheen.
Sterling silver is becoming one of most popular metals in jewelry industry. Most people that have allergic reactions to some metals are able to wear sterling silver. Sterling silver is easy to clean and care for. It will tarnish with time, but a little rubbing with a polishing cloth, and it will look good as new.
14kt gold-filled or 1/20 gold is created by heating and pressure-bonding a layer of 14kt gold to a brass core. The gold-filled wire is tarnish-resistant and has a much better value than gold-plated because it has an actual layer, not just a minuscule film. The layer of 14kt gold will not rub off like gold-plated metals either.
Gemstones:
Agate comes in many forms and colors. It is a variety of chalcedony that occurs in rocks like volcanic lava. Agate is distinguished from chalcedony by distinct banding that runs through it. Wearers of agate are guaranteed health, wealth and a long life. I'd better get myself a strand!
Amethyst IS most valuable form of quartz. It's color ranges from light to dark purple. Amethyst promotes inner peace & spiritual insight. Wow! Works awful hard and just think, all you have to do is wear it!
Aquamarine is excellent for meditation. Gives a sense of peace and serenity.
Aventurine is in quartz family. It has tiny flecks of mica throughout it. It's color ranges from pale to medium green. Aventurine helps to dissolve unhealthy thoughts, feeling and related physical problems. It assists in keeping one balanced and harmonized.
Black Onyx is not onyx at all. It is chalcedony, which is another variety of quartz, that has been dyed black.
Hematite is a gemstones that are made up of iron oxide and has an opaque and iridescent surface. It's known to calm, soothe, and ease stress. Sounds like a cup of tea, to me!
Bloodstone is a powerful healer and physical cleanser. It purifies bloodstreams and strengthens kidneys, liver and spleen.
