materials

• Multi-strand nylon-laminated stainless steel beading wire — for stringing beads and crystals.


• Solid-core sterling silver wire — for wire-wrapping.


• Toggle, filigree hook, and lobster claw clasps in sterling silver.

We search high and low for the best deals on imported and domestic freshwater pearls which allows us to pass along the savings to you. The pearls we use come in an incredible variety of shapes and colors.

• Tourmaline — "Tourmaline" refers to a large group of minerals with similar crystal structure. Tourmaline is a relatively hard gemstone and is one of the most diversely colored of all gems and minerals, occurring in nearly every color imaginable.


• Peridot - Created by volcanic action, peridot crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii. Peridot is the August birthstone and is usually a lively lime green, although it can also have a brownish or olive cast.


• Topaz - Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone, but this gemstone is available in orange-yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue and pink. The name topaz is derived from the Greek word "to shine" and also implies "fire." Topaz is known as a November birthstone.


• Turquoise - Turquoise is a hydrous copper aluminum sulfate found in every color of blue, greenish blue or deep green. The rich blues are due to the abundance of copper while green turquoise has more aluminum. Turquoise is believed to relax the mind and relieve mental tensions, calming the emotions and easing stress.


• Carnelian - Worn for good luck in the Near East, Carnelian gets its name from the Latin cornum (cornel berry or cornelian cherry). Its light to dark reddish brown color is due to the presence of iron.


• Fluorite - The most common color of fluorite is deep purple which sometimes resembles amethyst. Other common colors include blue, green, and yellow while less common include pink, rose, and black. Fluorite is also the state mineral of Illinois!


• Amethyst - The February birthstone, Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to nearly black purple shades. Ideally, it is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes that give amethyst its beauty and fire.


• Quartz - We use quartz in bead and chip form. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and is generally translucent or milky in appearance. Pure quartz is colorless and transparent.


• Garnet - Accepted as January's birthstone, the garnet comes in all colors except blue, although it is typically seen in reds that range from raspberry to blood-red. It also occurs in a range of shades of yellow, orange and brown.


• Moonstone - Moonstone's name is derived from the fact that it has a pearly "moon-like" luster. Once called the "travelers stone", moonstone was once worn to protect against the dangers of travel, especially on the water.


• Citrine - The name citrine is derived from the French word citron, meaning "lemon," denoting its color. Citrine is one of the birthstones for November. This gemstone was worn as a protective talisman and used for medicinal purposes. To some, citrine symbolizes lightheartedness and joy.