Today's Silver Price: $31.68/t.oz.
Let me tell you something about Swarovski Crystal. I don't like it. I don't like the way it looks, I don't like the way it feels, it's hard to spell and hard to pronounce.
Swarovski Crystal was the latest rage a couple of years ago. The craze seems to have died down a bit but it is still very popular. I suppose people like the crystals because they resemble diamonds. Well guess what? I don't like diamonds! Diamonds are not this girl's best friend. I don't like faceted gems in general. They feel sharp, harsh and jagged.
Once when I told a coworker that I made jewelry she immediately asked if I used Swarovski Crystal. She was very disappointed that I didn't. Again, as with gold, I should expand my jewelry collection to include Swarovski in order to appeal to a wider audience, but I really don't want to!
To me it seems like a passing fad. A part of the ridiculous 'Bling Era' in which decadence is the style. Rappers wearing diamond encrusted necklaces makes me laugh... are they serious?? I remember when everyone was ordering tiny Swarovski rhinestones to glue all over their cell phones.
Here's some irony for you. The thing that made me realize I could make my own jewelry was a Swarovski beaded bracelet. Ha! I had ordered a bracelet online that I liked and also helped support victims of domestic violence. It is a multicolored crystal and silver bracelet with a heart charm that says "courage." Half of the Swarovski beads were square and smooth; half were tapered faceted beads. After purchasing the bracelet and wearing it almost constantly, I started to look at the components of the bracelet and how it was constructed. It was made of course with beads, and the other materials were bead wire, crimp beads, jump rings and a clasp. Until then the only way I knew to make a beaded bracelet was with elastic cord or with fishing line, both tied closed with a knot. Realizing that I could make real bracelets with clasps was very exciting. I could make this bracelet- but I could make it better because I wouldn't use Swarovski Crystal beads!
I can understand the attraction. They are shimmery and shiny and dynamic. It's just not my style. They seem to scream "Hey look at me!!!" As I said before I feel its something of a fad. I think that smooth round beads are more classic and do not go out of style. I have found some beautiful fire polished Czech glass beads through Rio Grande and I love working with them. Glass is relatively inexpensive and comes in an extensive range of colors. Of course there are different shapes and sizes but I have yet to experiment with those. 6mm round beads are perfect for bracelets!
So, while not the popular opinion, I do not like Swarovski Crystal. You're not likely to find it on my site or on my table at a craft show.
I'll take smooth glass beads over faceted crystal beads any day of the week.
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