| Materials We Use |
Please note that our jewelry is not meant for children under 13.
At Willow and Me Jewelry, we use quality materials in the design of all our jewelry.
Precious Metal Clay (PMC). PMC is a wonderful material which begins life as a clay and the final product is a
pure silver piece (99.9% silver). For more information on PMC, you can visit my PMC page. I am also beginning
to add copper and bronze clay to my repertoire. I was certified in PMC by Rio Grande in 2009 and now offer
classes in it. Click on the schedule button above for a listing of upcoming classes.
Sterling Silver. In conjuction with fine silver from PMC, I use sterling silver chains, clasps and wire. Sterling silver
is 92.9 percent silver. The remaining metal is usually copper, but sometimes other metals, to add strength.
Swarovski Crystals. Crystals are a form of glass bead with added lead for brilliance. There are many
manufacturers of crystal beads, with Swarovski being the premiere manufacturer. The Swarovski company uses a
special compound which cannot be duplicated, and which produces crystal that is more brilliant and uniform in color
than that from any other manufacturer. Swarovski’s machine cutting technique makes their crystals uniform in size
and shape and their facets perfect. They are more expensive than other crystals, but I believe they are worth it.
Vintage Swarovski crystal beads are available from one of my suppliers and come in many colors and shapes that
are no longer manufactured. The vintage crystal gives a very distinctive look to a piece.
On the safety of Swarovski crystals: They do contain lead. That is what makes them shine and sparkle more than
other kinds of crystals. However, the Swarovski company has tested their crystals and has indicated that they do
not believe the crystals pose a health hazard when wearing them in jewelry as the lead does not leach out. It is
obviously not recommended to eat the crystals.
Czech Glass. Many of the flowers and leaves I use are made from glass manufactured in the Czech Republic. It is
generally superior in color and form and comes in many shapes sizes and colors.
Pearls. There are many varieties of pearls in many different price ranges. They are lovely by themselves as well as
paired with Swarovski crystal to add a little glitter. The Swarovski company also makes crystal pearls which are
made of glass and are less expensive, but just as lovely, as natural pearls.
At Willow and Me Jewelry, we use quality materials in the design of all our jewelry.
Precious Metal Clay (PMC). PMC is a wonderful material which begins life as a clay and the final product is a
pure silver piece (99.9% silver). For more information on PMC, you can visit my PMC page. I am also beginning
to add copper and bronze clay to my repertoire. I was certified in PMC by Rio Grande in 2009 and now offer
classes in it. Click on the schedule button above for a listing of upcoming classes.
Sterling Silver. In conjuction with fine silver from PMC, I use sterling silver chains, clasps and wire. Sterling silver
is 92.9 percent silver. The remaining metal is usually copper, but sometimes other metals, to add strength.
Swarovski Crystals. Crystals are a form of glass bead with added lead for brilliance. There are many
manufacturers of crystal beads, with Swarovski being the premiere manufacturer. The Swarovski company uses a
special compound which cannot be duplicated, and which produces crystal that is more brilliant and uniform in color
than that from any other manufacturer. Swarovski’s machine cutting technique makes their crystals uniform in size
and shape and their facets perfect. They are more expensive than other crystals, but I believe they are worth it.
Vintage Swarovski crystal beads are available from one of my suppliers and come in many colors and shapes that
are no longer manufactured. The vintage crystal gives a very distinctive look to a piece.
On the safety of Swarovski crystals: They do contain lead. That is what makes them shine and sparkle more than
other kinds of crystals. However, the Swarovski company has tested their crystals and has indicated that they do
not believe the crystals pose a health hazard when wearing them in jewelry as the lead does not leach out. It is
obviously not recommended to eat the crystals.
Czech Glass. Many of the flowers and leaves I use are made from glass manufactured in the Czech Republic. It is
generally superior in color and form and comes in many shapes sizes and colors.
- Vintage Lucite. Vintage Lucite beads are available in many shapes and sizes, but I
generally use the flower and leaf shaped beads. Lucite was made by the DuPont
Corporation beginning in 1937 as a more cost effective alternative to Bakelite. It was
used in jewelry into the 1970’s. It is heavier than most other plastics and comes in the
most beautiful colors. The craftsmanship in the vintage beads is far superior to the
cheaper plastic beads made today. I have two suppliers of vintage Lucite beads
whom I trust to provide me with quality materials. Not all beads that are marketed as
“Vintage Lucite” are equal.
Pearls. There are many varieties of pearls in many different price ranges. They are lovely by themselves as well as
paired with Swarovski crystal to add a little glitter. The Swarovski company also makes crystal pearls which are
made of glass and are less expensive, but just as lovely, as natural pearls.
| This bracelet is made with a combination of Czech glass and vintage Lucite. with Swarovski crystal centers. The clasp is a sterling silver flower. |