Monkley Designs Jewelry

Crystals, Pearls & Glass

Facts, history and attributes

Swarovski crystal

Swarovski crystal is the finest crystal available today. Since 1895, the Swarovski company has produced Austrian lead crystals rivaling diamonds in their brilliance and beauty. A full 32% of the crystal is composed of lead and lead oxide, increasing the index of refraction and giving each bead a fire unmatched by any made outside of the Swarovski factory.


Pearls

Pearls have been prized throughout the millennia and are the oldest known gems. Elegant and glamorous, pearls can be worn with jeans or add the finishing touch to a wedding gown. They look beautiful on their own, strung on silk, or paired with crystal and hanging from a gold or sterling silver chain. Although most pearls today are cultured, only 50% or so survive the nucleation process, and only roughly 5% of those produce quality pearls. Though freshwater pearls are of a thinner nacre and smaller size than saltwater pearls, innovations in the nucleation process have increased their quality dramatically, making them a viable substitute for the more expensive saltwater gems. Fresh or saltwater cultivated, the pearls I use, are handpicked. From chic to casual, pearls always make a statement.



Czech Glass

The Bohemia region of Czechoslovakia has been producing glass since the 14th century. Czech glass is recognized for its bold design and variety of form and colors. From layered foil beads with tiny swirled roses to blown and pressed glass hearts or the "thousand flowers" in mille fiore, Czech glass beads offer a sense of whimsy and delicacy not available in other beads.

BACK | HOME | NEXT