| 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. Pieces can be made in any
price range by finding the materials to fit your budget. Some of the materials we enjoy using are:
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 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.
Sterling Silver. Most of the metals I use, both in beads and findings, are made from sterling silver. It is tolerated
by most people, where some lower cost metals can cause allergies and irritations. It is less expensive than gold
and enables me to keep my costs more reasonable. In addition, it is available in the widest range of designs. Gold
filled components can be used in place of sterling silver at approximately the same price. Many components are
also available to order in 10K and 14K gold at an additional cost.
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 less expensive, but just as lovely, as natural pearls.
Precious Metal Clay (PMC). A new medium for me, I have taken classes in the use of this versatile clay. It is
silver particles contained in a binder. It can be worked much like other clays in shaping. When fired in a kiln for a
sufficient time period, the binder burns off leaving a Fine Silver (99.9 percent silver - sterling silver contains 92.5
percent silver) piece. PMC has enabled me to make pieces which would otherwise not be possible without metal
casting supplies. I am currently working toward certification in PMC which will enable me to teach PMC skills to
others. For photos of some of my PMC pieces, click here. I am proud to announce that as of March 8, 2009, I have
received my PMC Certification. For more information on PMC and PMC Certification, visit the PMC Guild. If you
are interested in taking a PMC class with me, click here for my schedule.
At Willow and Me Jewelry, we use quality materials in the design of all our jewelry. Pieces can be made in any
price range by finding the materials to fit your budget. Some of the materials we enjoy using are:
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 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.
Sterling Silver. Most of the metals I use, both in beads and findings, are made from sterling silver. It is tolerated
by most people, where some lower cost metals can cause allergies and irritations. It is less expensive than gold
and enables me to keep my costs more reasonable. In addition, it is available in the widest range of designs. Gold
filled components can be used in place of sterling silver at approximately the same price. Many components are
also available to order in 10K and 14K gold at an additional cost.
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 less expensive, but just as lovely, as natural pearls.
Precious Metal Clay (PMC). A new medium for me, I have taken classes in the use of this versatile clay. It is
silver particles contained in a binder. It can be worked much like other clays in shaping. When fired in a kiln for a
sufficient time period, the binder burns off leaving a Fine Silver (99.9 percent silver - sterling silver contains 92.5
percent silver) piece. PMC has enabled me to make pieces which would otherwise not be possible without metal
casting supplies. I am currently working toward certification in PMC which will enable me to teach PMC skills to
others. For photos of some of my PMC pieces, click here. I am proud to announce that as of March 8, 2009, I have
received my PMC Certification. For more information on PMC and PMC Certification, visit the PMC Guild. If you
are interested in taking a PMC class with me, click here for my schedule.
| This bracelet is made with a combination of Czech glass and vintage Lucite. with Swarovski crystal centers. The clasp is a sterling silver flower. |