the amber room

Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: The Curse of the Amber Room

The Amber Room was an entire room made of amber panels and beaded jewelry. During WWII, it was stolen from Russia by the Germans, who installed it in a Kaliningrad museum. When things began to look bad for the Germans, the director of the museum crated up the Amber Room, with all its accompanying ornaments and beaded jewelry, for safekeeping. The city was bombed soon after, and the Amber Room was never found.
Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: La Peregrina

Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: La Peregrina

In the mid-1500s, an African slave working in the Gulf of Panama found the largest, most lustrous pearl ever discovered. The administrator of the Spanish colony in Panama took the pearl, but rewarded the slave with freedom.The pearl was given to Philip II of Spain, who gave it to his fiancé Mary Tudor of England. Mary wore the pearl as beaded jewelry, in a brooch. We still have a painting of her looking stern and royal, but well decked out in her gowns and beaded jewelry.Mary died in 1558, and the pearl went back to Spain. 
Quartz Pyrite Fused Beads in Beaded Anklets

Quartz Pyrite Fused Beads in Beaded Anklets

The moment I saw these breathtaking quartz & pyrite gemstone beads at the bead show a dozen different colors and jewelry design style came instantly to my mind.  Just looking at the way these beads are able to capture light and the color combinations are really quite unique.
August 12, 2012 — SWCreations Jewelry
Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: Antony and Cleopatra’s Opal . . . almost!

Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: Antony and Cleopatra’s Opal . . . almost!

When Caesar was murdered, Marc Antony fought a civil war with his killers. He won (of course!), then summoned the Queen of Egypt to answer for why she hadn’t supported him. Cleopatra knew she had to impress Antony. She didn’t want Egypt and Rome at war.

So Cleopatra, being Cleopatra, made a few arrangements.

July 30, 2012 — SWCreations Jewelry
History of Bali Silver Beads and Bali Gold Vermeil Beads

History of Bali Silver Beads and Bali Gold Vermeil Beads

Bali is a place where ancient volcanoes peak out from swirling mist, golden beaches stretch into tranquil azure seas and the silver is among the finest in the world. For generations, Bali silver has been prized for its purity, durability and beauty, and the art of silversmithing has been passed down from father to son on this tiny island for over 400 years.  My artisans used Bali silver beads in their handcrafted beaded jewelry designs today.
July 27, 2012 — SWCreations Jewelry
Dyed Freshwater Pearls – How are pearls dyed?

Dyed Freshwater Pearls – How are pearls dyed?

Have you ever asked yourself, “How are Pearls Dyed?” Dyed Pearls go through a serious process before they ever reach the “Dying of Pearls” stage. To dye a Pearl it must go through a process before ever reaching the Pearl dying stage. The treatment process of a Pearl begins once the unrefined material, eventually called a Pearl, is collected from the mollusk. Once collected the Pearl is washed to be rid of any remaining debris. Pearls are then sorted, sized and drilled to be prepared for the next step.
July 22, 2012 — SWCreations Jewelry
Peacock Pearls – Iridescent Freshwater Pearls

Peacock Pearls – Iridescent Freshwater Pearls

Tahitian pearls, referred to as “Peacock pearls” are produced naturally or from Grafted Oysters that produce Cultured Pearls. Peacock Pearls psychedelic color rich bodies originate from the Black Lipped Oyster; typically found in the aquaculture of French Polynesia.
July 17, 2012 — SWCreations Jewelry
Beaded Jewelry Trends - Summer Gemstone Pick

Beaded Jewelry Trends - Summer Gemstone Pick

While we think of summer, imagery of colorful clothes, the warmth of the sun, after that laughter come to mind. We think of possibilities for all the great times we will get to share together with family and friends as weather shifts from chilly and dreary to warm and cheery. Beaded jewelry enthusiasts think in terms of finding fashionable pieces which are as delightful and versatile to dress in as the other accessories in their wardrobe. Many choose citrine because it fulfills all the requirements that help it become a sensible choice for summer wear.
July 14, 2012 — Stephanie White
Beaded Bracelets Are the Perfect Gift Article

Beaded Bracelets Are the Perfect Gift Article

Beaded bracelets are no longer the simple threaded bracelets they once were. These fine pieces of handcrafted jewelry are in high demand as their hand crafted beauty shines through. Everything you can imagine is available, including button jewelry bracelets, crystal bracelets of every color, charm and bead bracelets, gemstone bracelets, clustered beaded pieces, earthy bracelets, and double strand bracelets. These fine quality hand crafted jewelry items are stunning and one of a kind. You don’t want to buy something that’s manufactured when you can get a unique piece.

July 14, 2012 — Stephanie White
Why Buy Handcrafted Jewelry vs Mass Produced Jewelry

Why Buy Handcrafted Jewelry vs Mass Produced Jewelry

Mass production is the production of identical items in extremely large volumes on a continuous basis. It is usually done on an assembly line by laborers who often use specialized machinery and have low skill levels. It’s popular because, of course, more products are made at a cheaper cost, thereby making the final product itself less expensive than handcrafted products. Ever since Henry Ford created the Ford Model T. In the early 20th Century, mass production has taken over the world at the expense of the small business owner, the outstanding customer service only a small business owner can give, and the handcrafted products they create.
The Fashion of Wearing Beaded Jewelry

The Fashion of Wearing Beaded Jewelry

Jewelry and ornamentation have been a part of cultures all over the world probably since it began.  As people began to experiment with the resources around them—stones, trees, plants, clay, etc, they began to see great opportunities to create beautiful things.  In tribes of old, the spiritual and political leaders of the community were sometimes designated by the kind of jewelry and accessories they wore.  It was a sign of something special—of social advantage, or of power.  
July 14, 2012 — Stephanie White
Work at Home Mothers in Current Times

Work at Home Mothers in Current Times

Working from home can be a very rewarding job. It is such a gift to be able to see your kids off to school and be there when they return home. There are more than 10 million Work-at Home mothers ranging from your crafty mom to your data entry computer job mom. With gas prices still on the rise, you might welcome not having the daily commute and shelling out all that money.
June 14, 2012 — Stephanie White