SWAROVSKI Pre-Season Fall/Winter 2015-16 Launch: Spikes & Patinas!

Today Swarovski Inspirations and Innovations is launching an exciting new release for pre-season Fall/Winter 2015/16, featuring: a fantastic new effect; new extra-pointy chatons and stones; and an exciting new “poetic punk rock” line designed in cooperation with famed design rebel Jean Paul Gaultier.

This new release can really be summed up with just two words: spikes and patinas! Are you excited yet?

SWAROVSKI Pre-Season Fall/Winter 2015-16 Launch: Spikes & Patinas!

Crystal Patina Effect - Nostalgic Grandeur

For its newest effect, Swarovski has unveiled the new Crystal Patina effect in 5 gorgeous hues. The antique-looking surface pattern, available in Crystal Black Patina, Crystal Gold Patina, Crystal Rose Patina, Crystal Silver Patina and Crystal White Patina, reminds us of old mercury glass, aging mirrors in grand Italian ballrooms and the textures of time in unearthed ancient glass. The effect is slightly varied so that every single piece is unique. Through all of this, the glittering reflective quality of Swarovski crystal is still present. As Swarovski puts it, Crystal Patina’s “historical edge and ‘used’ look create an impression of timelessness without compromising on crystalline allure…answering also the current call for deliberate imperfection.” These effects are available on some of Swarovski’s newest styles, as well as familiar favorites.

Crystal Rose Patina, Crystal Gold Patina, Crystal White Patina, Crystal Silver Patina & Crystal Black Patina

Pointed Chaton and Pointed Fancy Square Stone - More Nostalgia! More Grandeur!

In the XIRIUS Pointed Chaton and XILION Pointed Square Fancy Stone, Swarovski has taken inspiration from “Venice’s fantastic spires, domes, and window archways, blending the present with a past love of exquisite detailing. [Swarovski makes] a respectful bow to the achievements of bygone eras … once again cherishing the works people have created centuries ago.” We actually think these stones lend themselves to a super-modern on-trend look, as they resemble nothing so much as (admittedly elegant) studs or spikes. A great way to get some Rock’n’Roll chic into your jewelry!

Crystal Spikes and Studs Collection with Jean Paul Gaultier - Poetic Punk Rock

In contrast to this focus on the past, bold rock’n’roll and futuristic designs are the whole ‘point’ of the radiant Crystal Spikes and Studs collection, in co-operation with Jean Paul Gaultier.

Crystal Spikes and Studs Collection with Jean Paul Gaultier

Fêted for his startling originality, technical prowess, and maverick approach to design, Jean Paul Gaultier quickly became known as ‘l’enfant terrible’ of fashion. Hired at eighteen by Pierre Cardin, then Jacques Esterel, Jean Patou, and Hermès, he launched his own collection in 1976. But it was the conical bras and basques for Madonna’s 1990 Blond Ambition tour that sealed his reputation, along with costumes for Kylie Minogue and filmmakers Luc Besson and Peter Greenaway. In 1997, he established Gaultier Paris, fulfilling his dream of creating haute couture with a risqué, gender-bending, deconstructed aesthetic. Swarovski crystals have played a major part in Gaultier’s aesthetic for decades. His Summer 2014 couture show in Paris this January included fifteen garments featuring Swarovski’s latest co-operation with Gaultier: Crystal Spikes and Studs. Now Swarovski is presenting these avant-garde, 3D-shaped articles— Double Spike Bead, Spike Pendant, and Spike Rivets (Round and Square) as part of its Elements collection. Exemplified by the punk rock-inspired, vintage-look ‘Diamond Rocker’ vest in Gaultier’s Summer 2014 couture collection, Crystal Spikes and Studs are perfect for conjuring fiercely edgy, high-glam designs with a contemporary luxe appeal.

As Jean Paul Gaultier himself states “I have a special kind of freedom and incredible technical possibilities with Swarovski. So this is a wonderful partnership. They are not afraid of anything and neither am I…It is a celebration of the spikes and studs that become transparent, mirrored in different forms, pushed to the extreme of creation and taken one step further than a regular metallic stud.”

Well, we here at Beadaholique LOVE these spiky crystals, and we can’t wait to get our hands on them.

The Double Spike Bead

The Spike Pendant

New Line Extensions
If all of the new goodies weren’t enough, the Artemis Bead and both shapes of the Dome Bead will now be available in the metallic finishes Jet Hematite and Crystal Rose Gold.

The Artemis Bead

The Dome Bead

And we’ll have a new bead to play with this Halloween:

The 13mm Skull Bead in Sun

We hope you are as excited as we are about this new release. We can’t wait to get creative with these awesome new pieces!

-Sarah

All You Need to Know about SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Innovations Spring/Summer 2015 Part 2: The New Crystal Styles and Line Extensions

So, here are the new crystal shapes in Swarovski’s line that purport to ‘capture’ the ‘massive social shifts’ of our time. I don’t know about *that*, but there is some pretty neat stuff here, and frankly, I am a little surprised that Swarovski took so long to get to market with some of them. It’s okay now though, my crystal-loving friends, because Swarovski has finally brought us:


New Crystal Skull Beads

Skulls! Crystal Skull Beads! In two great sizes! Did I mention Swarovski has finally come out with SKULLS?? Oh, and here’s what they are saying about it:

“The season’s innovations also include a unique new masterpiece that recalls the dark glamour of ancient cultures: the delicately cut Skull Bead, made from a single piece of crystal. With a top-down hole perfect for beading, this design icon comes in blue and black tones, gleaming metallics, and eye-catching effects…. Ideal when used as a charm, it also creates darkly alluring designs for bags, belts, or statement rings; and when combined with natural materials and other
beads, it also exudes a tribal feel.”

Like I said, SKULLS!

New Mini Beads: Mini Rhombus Bead, New Mini Rectangle Bead, New Mini Drop Bead

Swarovski doesn’t talk a lot in their press release about these new additions to their mini-bead line. But SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS mini beads are great in general for funky modern designs. A little less flashy, a little more elegant, with a nice smaller scale that means these beads can be accents on grander works, or centerpieces in more delicate jewelry. They’ll look great on your macrame bracelets, too.



Maison Martin Margiela for Swarovski, Crystalactite Pendants, Designer Edition - Grand Crystalactite Pendant, Petite Crystalactite Pendant

There is a whole Swarovski PR-spun story behind these pendants, but before we get to that, I’ll just say, these pieces are awesome. They can be mixed and matched, in multiple sizes. This will only add to they impression they give of being naturally-formed icicles or crystals. Funky, asymmetrical, with a few matte facets scattered in, these are simultaneously super-modern, and kind of, you know, mystical, like that quartz pendant you bought at the new-age store and used to dowse for demons on a city map of San Francisco… oh wait, that was on the TV show “Charmed.”

Anyhoo, let’s go to the board, contestants, and see what the great Austrian Crystal Masters have to tell us about the genesis of these pendants. And the survey says:

“Since 1988, Paris-based Maison Martin Margiela has become famous for its collaborative team-led approach and its avant-garde transformation of classic designs. In July 2013, it presented the Maison Martin Margiela Crystalactite for Swarovski at its Paris Haute Couture show. These were groundbreaking Crystal Fusion components inspired by natural stalactite forms and developed in creative partnership with Swarovski. Now Swarovski presents its interpretation of this innovative cut in pure crystal: the Crystalactite Pendants. Featuring a progressive aesthetic combining partly frosted facets with primeval, irregular icicle shapes, the vision that originated in our wildest landscapes has now been perfected by one of the most sophisticated design houses…the Grand and Petite Pendants offer myriad design possibilities for strong, contemporary designs, and for recreating haute-couture looks.”


New Xirius Raindrop Pendant

Ah yes. Sometimes the old must become new again. This pendant reminds me of vintage Swarovski pendants and chandelier pieces. They were usually big, heavy, highly refractive, and perfect for hanging in your kitchen window to cast prismatic rainbows on the spider plant in the macrame holder that your mom made. Now Swarovski has created a delicate scaled-down version of one of our favorite light catchers, and it will make some very pretty jewelry. Or, as the company says, “The sculptural, chaton-cut XIRIUS Raindrop Pendant is a true original, perfect for attention-grabbing jewelry and accessories, both elegant and futuristic. Viewed from above, it has a classic look; viewed from below, a kaleidoscopic 3D effect comes into play.” That’s kind of what I said, right?



New Bow Tie Flatback Rhinestone

Swarovski’s keeping this one on the down-low, press release-wise. But this is definitely a flatback rhinestone, shaped like a bow-tie. It’s 12mm wide, and you can glue it on to stuff. If you like bow-ties and crystal, this one’s for you.






New 4-Hole Rivoli Button

This crystal button looks like a rivoli, except the pointy middle has been removed and replaced with a recessed flat disc with 4 holes in it. If you want a new look for your knotted bracelets, or you want to really jazz up that cashmere cardigan, these are your buttons.


New Line Extensions - Familiar shapes in colors you’ve been asking for.
Swarovski has added some of their much-loved effects and colors to lines in which they were previously unavailable - mostly Crystal Silver Night, Rose and Rosaline.


We hope you are loving the new Swarovski line. Look for our designers’ upcoming projects — they’ll give you instructions and ideas for incorporating this latest and greatest SWAROVSKI INNOVATIONS release into your jewelry.

-Sarah

All You Need to Know about SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Innovations Spring/Summer 2015 Part 1: The New Crystal Colors and Effects

There are few things you can really count on in this world, but Swarovski’s new Innovations releases seem to arrive as regular as clockwork. Somebody’s got to bring us gorgeous crystal in fashion forward shades and shapes, right?

Swarovski's press release tells us:

“Swarovski’s sparkling new range … echoes the season’s theme, ‘Traces of Time’. It mirrors today’s phenomenon of aging societies, with new definitions of age that impact on consumer desires and lifestyles, and influence aesthetic choices and design. This massive social shift is captured in Swarovski’s new-season assortments, and the scope for creativity and imagination will amaze crystal aficionados. “

Marketing jargon aside, I have a theory that each of Swarovski’s new color/effect releases tries to strike a balance between modern fashion and traditional glamor. This latest release does exactly that. There’s something here for most jewelry tastes.




New Color - Tangerine

This is a the modern part of the new color trifecta, and it just screams ‘summer.’ It is a light juicy orange with subtle almost grayish undertones that save it from being garish. Tangerine will add a sunny pop to turquoises, greens, antique brass and rich gold. It will brighten up heavy reds and browns, and jazz up your tired maxi-dress. Or, as Swarovski puts it, “Inspired by the Mandarin garnet gemstone, the romantic, sunset-tinged Tangerine color looks elegant with brown and gold, and refined with soft green and blue”.





New Crystal Effect - Crystal Iridescent Green

Okay, this is my favorite new color. If you like antique jewelry, and stuff that makes you look like you just walked off the set of ‘Game of Thrones,’ or ‘The Borgias,’ this is the one for you. This deep green crystal (oops I almost said ‘stone,’ because it really reminds me of an ancient gemstone) has a subtle golden shimmer on the surface that just adds to that hidden treasure vibe. This is a perfect stone for making something ‘rich and strange.’ See how I worked a Shakespeare quote in there? Swarovski’s marketing department describes this color as: “...a mysterious metallic blue-green dual-tone effect that suits both traditional and modern designs.” This is a really nice new addition, and all of our designers are drooling over it.



New Pearl Color - Crystal Iridescent Green Pearl

“Crystal Iridescent Green Pearl’s gold-green, semi-matte pearl coating adds shimmer to opulent vintage styles in jewelry and accessories.” What Swarovski is not saying here is that this pearl color is a first for them. They have actually layered two different colors, green below and gold above, to create a much more nuance and dimensional look to this pearl color. If you think Swarovski’s pearls tend to be a little ‘flat’ looking compared to real pearls, this new direction in their pearl colors, if it continues, will change your mind.


Tune in to Part 2 of this blog for my discussion of Swarovski’s new shapes of beads, pendants, flat backs and more. (Hint: SKULLS!)



-Sarah

Blinged Out on SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

It's official, bling is not just for the glam rockers anymore, and it goes way beyond adding a few crystals to your high school notebook.  This technique is everywhere and if you are looking for bling, the name you need to know is SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.  "Blinging" is the art of putting crystals on everything... and I mean everything.  It used to be only on small scale things like key chains, jeans and cell phones.  However, in recent years people have been going crazy with the art of Bling. "Blinging out" has officially been taken to a whole new level.  Check out this car that has been covered top to bottom in crystals!  I can't imagine the word "practical" was ever mentioned when someone had this idea, but it definitely has a wow-factor.

By using rhinestones and chatons, you can bling just about anything. They even make your massive blinging projects easy to accomplish with specialized application tools to help you get a hold of the little beauties.


I find myself wanting to bling everything in sight but I think I will need to get some new sunglasses first - talk about blinding.  Or maybe I can bling my sunglasses!  There is really no limit to what you can do with these crystals, and whatever color you are looking for, it is out there.  I have even found some really beautiful mosaics and portraits using these crystals.  There certainly is an artistry to this. 

Blinging doesn't have to be over the top.  In fact, just adding a little bling here and there can give something a great personal touch.  We use this technique in our designs here at Beadaholique, but as you can see from all the examples in this blog, blinging out jewelry is just the beginning.

What would you choose to Bling?

Don't forget to check out our SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS sale going on now through February 3!  Take 35% off Select SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS with the code: 35SALE

Featured Brand of the Month: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Week Four

Cosmic Diva Earrings in Pink

For the final week of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, I want to focus on their fancy stones. They are among the most unique shapes and sizes that SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS offers of their beautiful crystal elements. There is a wide variety of applications for these stones. For example, in Megan's Cosmic Diva Earrings, she actually layers two fancy stones onto a stamping blank to create this crystal bezel look. Many of these stones have the perfect corresponding findings and settings to make your design come together easily. SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS uses machine faceted precision cuts in all of their crystals and stones and what I find fascinating is how they use this same technology to cut their more abstract shapes like the Cosmic Square Ring. 


Featured Video: How to Use the Crystal Applicator

In this video, our designer Julie shows you how to use the very handy Crystal Applicator tool to apply snap fasteners and decorative buttons to your designs. This tool is very easy to use and you get professional results in mere minutes. A great tool for jewelry design, fashion, and home decor. Look here for more tools to help you with your crystal application.


Designer Picks

Julie

My favorite fancy stone has to be the classic Round Stone Chaton. These come in so many sizes and colors that you can always find just that perfect accent to match your design. I particularly like tiny pp10s in Metallic Light Gold, Rose Gold, and Jet Metallic Silver.






Megan

I love fancy stones - they have beautiful sparkle and they tend to make me think outside the box.  My favorites are the Rivolis and the Cosmic Ring (the same two stones I used in the earrings Kat mentioned above, actually).  I love to find new ways to use the Cosmic Ring.  It is such a cool shape and tends to result in interesting pieces.  One of my favorite Cosmic Ring colors is Crystal Vitrail Light.  The colors are gorgeous in this effect!




Kat

My selection is the Cabochon Chatons in Matte Antique Pink. I love all of the cabochon chatons because they are just as eye catching as the other faceted chatons. Some of the colors like Jet Hematite even have a mirror-like effect that can be stunning.





Karlin

I am instantly drawn to the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Crystal Rivoli in Silver Night. These rivoli stones are quite versatile and I specially love the striking color. You can use this stone for so many different styles of jewelry; perhaps in a pendant or as a link or even embedded in Crystal Clay. So sparkly and pretty!

Featured Brand of the Month: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Week Three

For week three, let's talk about beads - SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal beads to be specific. When a crystal bead is designed by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, they carefully plan each facet to give every shape it's own unique sparkle. Of course, I don't have to tell you just how beautiful these beads are. See for yourself.

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Bicones

When you are looking at our website you will notice that there is a sketch of each bead to really show of the unique shape of each.  Also you will notice that many of the beads have 3D visuals so you can see the facets in action.  For example, look at the 3D visual for the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Helix Bead.





Designer Picks:


Julie

I probably use bicones the most in all my projects because they are so very versatile but it is fun to switch things up and use some of the other SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS bead shapes as well. I particularly like the Stairway (Square) bead and its faceted puff design. I used these when I created the Enchanted Waltz Earrings and I think they add a really unique look to the design.



Megan

While it's true that bicone beads are a major go-to for so many of us, I have to say that one of my favorites of the less commonly used bead shapes are the Round Mini Beads.  The mini beads have such a pretty style, with a beautifully faceted flat surface.  I love to use them in multiples, like I did in my Layla Earrings, and let them sparkle.





Kat

I am instantly drawn to the classic shape of the rondelle bead. I just cannot get enough of the beautiful facets and how they catch the light. I used the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS 8mm crystal rondelles in Crystal Astral Pink in my Cabo Adventures Bracelet to bring out the gold and pink strands of this bracelet. I think the rondelles really make this bracelet stand out.

Karlin

I like the simplicity and versatility of bicone beads, especially in Crystal Bronze Shade. I used this bead in my Boho Chic Earrings and think they add a subtle sparkle that can be easily translated into different styles of jewelry. Some of my other favorite colors of bicone beads include Jet Hematite and Crystal Satin.





Don't forget to check out the beautiful SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal pearls as well. They are wonderful to incorporate into your design.

Featured Brand of the Month: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Week Two

This week I want to highlight the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal pendants. Their pendants run the gamut of shapes from architectural, like the Avant Garde pendant, to whimsical, like the Starfish pendant. They serve as great focal pieces to a stunning design.  By offering a variety of sizes, I find that I can use the smaller ones for earrings, and when I want to be brave I can go for a larger statement pendant.  With over 65 unique shapes, sometimes it's hard to choose. 

Featured Video: How to Use a Pinch Bail

This is wonderful video that shows you an easy way to utilize some of these pendants in your designs by using a pinch bail. The Golden Goddess Necklace, by Julie Bean, is the perfect example. In this design, Julie used a pinch bail on the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Crystal Navette pendant to secure it to a fern connector bar.

Designer Picks for SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Pendants

Julie

My favorite pendant has to be one of the smaller ones offered by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, the Xilion Pendant. I love how the facets catch the light and sparkle on these round little accent pieces. One of my favorite applications is to wire wrap a round form and then hang three to five 6mm Xilion Pendants from the wire wraps, so pretty!




Megan

It's hard for me to choose just one favorite SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS pendant as my favorite.  I love so many of them!  One that I continually come back to is the Helios Pendant.  It comes in vitrail medium (one of my favorite effects) and the facets sparkle with a gorgeous rainbow of colors.  It certainly packs a punch, and catches the eye!




Kat

One of my favorites is the Urban pendant. It is a new shape from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, released as part of their Fall/Winter 2014/15 Innovations. It's sleek and cool but still has all the facets that make it sparkle. This modern design looks stunning in one of their newest colors, Crystal Lilac Shadow.

Karlin 

I've always been a fan of vintage jewelry, and so I'm immediately drawn to the Flat Baroque Pendant by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. I like the touch of drama this piece offers, especially in Jet or Crystal Silver Shade. I would add this pendant to a longer dark chain, which I think would modernize it, but also keep its vintage feel.




Share your favorite SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Pendant with us in the comments below.  We would love to hear what speaks to you!

Featured Brand of the Month: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

As we kick off 2014, our chosen brand of the month for January is SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. They are known for their gorgeous array of precision cut crystals from Austria. You can tell that we all love these crystals, pendants and findings because we have over 500 projects that use SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. We just can't get enough. It is a good thing that they are always coming out with new shapes and colors for us to incorporate into our designs. Take a look here at the last few seasons of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Innovations.

This week is all about color and effects. A great feature on our website is the Shop by Color within the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS category. We have over 130 colors and effects to choose from. If you are instantly overwhelmed, the Color Carousel is a wonderful tool for finding color combinations. By rotating the main color, the wheel will adjust to give you three harmonious colors, two contrasting colors and one pearl color. I cannot tell you how helpful this is when you want to expand the colors in your design.

Once you have chosen your favorite color of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, I recommend using the Bejeweler Pro Tool for applying all your colorful flatback crystal rhinestones. This tool is so versatile, it works for many different sizes of crystals.

Designer Color and Effects Picks


Julie

Being a redhead, I am always drawn to various shades of green and I just love the selection that SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS offers. My favorite green has to be Palace Green Opal. There are not a lot of beads offered in this milky green color, but the ones that are available are gorgeous! To me this green has a vintage feel to it, circa 1940s and I love that! I can also see it worked into Moroccan or Middle Eastern designs.


Megan

I remember one of the first times that I went through and looked at all of the effects available in our SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS category.  I was instantly drawn to Heliotrope.  It's a gorgeous blend of blue, purple, and pink.  I love the rich colors and the subtle shifts when the light hits the surface.  Photos just don't do it justice!

Kat

I recently discovered my love for Crystal Astral Pink. This color has a unique bright pink and orange quality. This is a great color to use when you are looking to the color for direction in your design. I find that with crystal astral pink, the more facets in my chosen crystal the better. It only helps to bring out this beautiful color.

Karlin

I absolutely adore the color Black Diamond. It's the perfect mix of black combined with a little something extra. I love to pair it with findings in silver, as well other SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS beads in Jet. It's cool and a bit edgy, but still sparkly and elegant.

Be sure to check back every week in January for more about our brand of the month: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

ENDED Giveaway #12: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. A WINNER WILL BE CONTACTED AND ANNOUNCED SOON.

Here is the one we know you have all been patiently waiting for. For our final Giveaway, we are proud to present this stunning, hand picked collection of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal beads, pendants, pearls, rhinestones and more. Some of our favorites are in here, including SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS' new colors and shapes.  We particularly love the Urban Pendant in Crystal Lilac Shadow.  We love it so much we included two of them for our winner.  Our winner will receive all you see below and a SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS 2014 Calendar and and issue of Salt magazine!

As an added bonus, we will be randomly selecting 25 second prize winners who will each receive a  SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS 2014 Calendar and an issue of Salt magazine.

Best of luck to everyone!

Thank you to all of you who have entered our giveaways. We have been loving all of your bright holiday cheer and we cannot wait to see what you will create in the new year. Happy Holidays and Happy Beading!

Estimated prize retail value: over $250

To enter, leave a comment on this blog post. But be sure to do it soon, because this giveaway ends on Monday Dec. 23th at 7PM ET (4PM PT). Winner will be chosen at random.

BONUS FLASH SALE: Friday, December 20th only! Save 30% on All SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS with code MERRY at checkout.

Remember, only comment once per giveaway and do not comment anonymously. Also, please do not use your Facebook, Twitter account, or Google Plus account when commenting. You can comment to enter as many of the giveaways as you like, but you can only win 1 Beadaholique giveaway every 12 months. Visit Beadaholique's official The 12 Giveaways of Christmas page for even more details. For a complete list of terms and conditions, please click here.