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

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Innovations Fall/Winter 2014/15 - Part 2: Shapes

It's that time of year again! Swarovski has once again surprised and pleased us with their seasonal release of new colors, effects and styles.  In part 1 of our blog about the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Innovations Fall/Winter 2014/15 Launch we showed you the new colors that will be available on our website very soon. Here in part 2, we'll show you the new innovative shapes for the season.

Swarovski have taken a modern, geometric approach to their Fall/Winter 2014/15 line. And I must say, I am in love with the new shapes. Swarovski have really outdone themselves this season with the new Fall/Winter choices.


Dome Beads

Be a red carpet trend-setter with these new Dome Beads. Their rock and roll glamor is right on trend with Fall fashion, which is featuring heavy metals and spikes. How perfect would these look as a stunning pair of earrings to highlight the Fall runway looks? Much like the Artemis bead, these domes come in a large and a small version and we will have them both. I think you could create something really edgy and modern by using both sizes in the same design. These can also work very well by using them as modern and unexpected bead or tassel caps.


Clover Pendant

Hanging playfully at an angle, this clover pendant bring a whimsical and well-loved classic to life. You can't help but feel lucky every time you wear it. Don't miss the lovely detail of the four heart-shapes that come together to make the lucky clover shape. This is a fun positive addition to the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS pendant line. I am already planning clover jewelry to give as gifts to my loved ones.



 

Triangle Pendant


You can never go wrong with the eternally classic triangle. I like it for its progressive yet fanciful nature. The range of sizes available makes these pendants so versatile. The largest sizes will make compelling focal points to your jewelry. The smallest sizes can be used as drops or accents. And these triangle pendants in the new Dark Moss Green color will have you feeling festive in a snap! Try hanging them with gold chain dangling behind for a modern take on a Christmas tree necklace or set of earrings. Or hang clusters of the tiny 8mm size from chandelier earring findings for a beautifully modern or tribal look.


Urban Pendant

This one is a personal favorite of mine. SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is calling it "the unisex" pendant. While it is masculine with its dog tag form, it is not short on sparkle in the slightest. The urban pendant will look amazing with very little effort. While it is simplistic enough to use as the centerpiece for more intricate designs, it is also strong enough to stand alone in simple designs as a stylish statement piece.



Sweet Heart Fancy Stone

The Sweet Heart Fancy Stone will be joining our ranks of beautiful and unique stones. Setting itself apart from other heart shapes, this one features a modern asymmetrical cut which shines brilliantly with for romantic effect. Use in your projects for a playfully modern feminine look. Imagine the possibilities of setting these beauties in Crystal Clay and surrounding them with tiny chatons!




Chessboard Sew On Stone

The Chessboard SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS pieces are my favorites, hands down. The light dances off of the square facets of this round cut in a way that will remind you inescapably of a disco ball! These new stones are called 'sew-on,' but they are ideal to use as links to connect other elements in your jewelry. You could link a whole row of them together to really punch up the sparkle in your designs.


Heart Crystal Button

This classic heart shape has the right amount of functionality and romanticism. Its adorable timeless look will make the perfect sew-on accent, and would add so much style to your knotted bracelets as a clasp.





Crystal Coin Pearls

In addition to the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystals, we are super excited to announce that Swarovski have come out with a Crystal version of the beloved coin pearl. The introduction of Swarovski quality and consistency in the coin pearl shape is a boon for jewelry designers. These smooth and flattened pearls have the flawless look of a classic pearl but without the hefty price and irregularity of cultured coin pearls. The coin pearl, while just as glamorous as round pearls, lay sleek and flat against the body, ideal for comfort and innovative design. They may just become your new go-to pearl shape!

We at Beadaholique are excited to see how these new shapes and colors inspire you for your Fall/Winter designs. Keep us posted on your new creations!

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Pre-Season Autumn/Winter 2014/15 Launch

We at Beadaholique are very excited to be one of the first to share with you SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS latest launch! This is a pre-season launch for the Autumn/Winter 2014/15 season and it features two luscious new color blends and long awaited BeCharmed birthstone colors. 

This launch is all about the seasons, how they blend into one another and transform the world around us. Even the new birthstone colors remind us of the passing of time and how important it is to mark these special moments in our lives. With the articles included in this launch you can create heirloom jewelry of your own to celebrate the milestones and memories which make life so rich.

We see the physical transformation of spring into summer in the Provence Lavender-Chrysolite blend. Provence Lavender has such a soft hint of blue, and combining it with the delicate green of Chrysolite creates the perfect flow of color. There is a beautifully natural fade between the two colors, just like the change experienced in nature. I can envision this color blend paired with crisp whites and sterling silver accents. For a romantic nostalgic feel, try pairing the Provence Lavender-Chrysolite blend with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal faux pearls.

Contrasting the soft springtime feel of the Provence Lavender-Chrysolite blend is the icy winter-inspired Crystal-Montana blend. The simplistic brilliance of Crystal coupled with Montana’s bold and stunning blue is enchanting. The mixture is elegantly sophisticated yet powerful and edgy. Adding Crystal-Montana briolettes to a necklace using Crystal, Crystal Silver Night, or Black Diamond would create a breathtaking piece.  Pairing this blend with sterling silver would be festively fashionable for the winter season!  

With this launch we will finally have all birthstone colors available in large-hole BeCharmed beads! SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS has added more colors to fill out the BeCharmed line, specifically with an eye to giving you sparkling choices for every birthstone. Julie made the fabulous April Birthstone Bracelet and April Birthstone Earrings with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Crystal BeCharmed Pave Beads to represent the Diamond birthstone of April. She also created a March birthstone bracelet and a pair of Aquamarine (March) birthstone earrings. These projects can be used as a template for birthstone projects for every month! If you’re unsure of what your birthstone may be, we have a guide on our website for reference. 

Over the last several SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS launches we have seen a definite nod to nature and to the honoring of the beauty which surrounds us everyday. This current launch furthers this trend and gives us more options to create treasured pieces of jewelry that feature the unsurpassed quality and precision of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. I know I can't wait to start playing with these beautiful beads and pendants, how about you?

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Spring/Summer 2014 Launch: Part 2

In part 1 of our SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Spring/Summer 2014 launch blog we talked about the new enchanting and dreamy colors that are perfectly inspired for the season. In this part 2 of the blog series, we will look at all the drool-worthy new shapes and cuts of these dazzling crystal beads and pendants.

Cabochette Pendant

The Cabochette Pendant is reminiscent of a glimmering raindrop. The top of the pendant is facetted and its bottom is smooth, creating a multi-dimensional focal. This bead has stunning depth. Its unique shape means that it will look equally lovely paired with heavily faceted accent beads such as SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS rounds and bicones or smooth beads like the perfectly unifrom and lustrous SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal faux pearls.  The Cabochette would be a glamorous accent in a draping necklace or on their own in a set of simple-chic earrings. Imagine combining the Cabochette Pendant in Jet with pieces from the new Rose Gold collection to create a romantic Art Deco piece.

Xillion Oval Pendant

If you are looking to make an elegant piece of jewelry that will become a treasured keepsake, look no further then the Xillion Oval Pendant. Its soft oval shape and radiating facets make it ideal for wedding, Mother's Day, and other "special moments" jewelry. The small 8mm size can easily be hung from a kidney ear wire and the 18mm pendant would look stunning hung from a sterling silver bail - both designs are quick and easy but look elegant and luxurious. Classic and timeless, the Xillion Oval Pendant can be easily combined with the existing Xillion line. We have 3 sizes in various colors and effects available on our website—including the new Crystal Rose Gold!

Heart Flatback

Rivoli 2-Hole Button

The Heart Flatback is soft and elegant and is sure to add a touch of femininity to your design. Collar embellishments are in fashion right now, and I’ve found myself day-dreaming about adding a few of these fetching flatbacks to my favorite collared shirt. The Rivoli 2-Hole Button is stunning in its modest design. The 2-holes make it easy to apply to clothing as a functional button, or as an alluring addition to an accessory. I love Megan's classy and cute Buttoned Up Bracelet—recreating it in Crystal Golden Shadow would be a must-have for Summer wear! 

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS have also launched three new BeCharmed Pavé bead styles—that's right, three! The BeCharmed Pavé is covered in small chatons and offers a classy sparkle to your style. For a bolder look, the BeCharmed Baguette Pavé is studded with rectangle baguette fancy stones. Last, but certainly not least, is the BeCharmed Square Pavé, which is the most contemporary looking with square stones tiled around the bead. I have to admit that these are my favorite styles from the launch! They’re perfect for creating that radiant show-stopping Pandora style bracelet. Personally, I am thinking of stacking a set of these beads on a drop link and making a striking pendant. Don’t let the 4.5mm hole hold you back from creating something one-of-a-kind!

BeCharmed Baguette Pave

BeCharmed Square Pave

BeCharmed Pave

Many of these styles are currently available on our website, and more are trickling in every day! Be sure to check back often, or sign up with our Out Of Stock Notifier on an item page and you will get an email notification as items are received.

PART THREE: Announcing Swarovski Innovations Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 Release

Welcome to the final installment in our trio of blog posts dedicated to revealing to you the magnificent new Swarovski Innovations! We have already covered the mouth-watering new colors and effects, and introduced you to the innovative new articles ("article" is Swarovski's term for "item style").  Now we are about to take you on a tour of the last "facet" (if you will) of this brilliant collection. For our beading enjoyment, Swarovski has released a bevy of tried and true familiar favorites - beads and pendants - in all new sizes.

Let's begin with the pearl. Who doesn't love a Swarovski pearl? Other faux pearls simply pale in comparison. Now these perennial favorites are going to come in an all new, big and bold 16mm size. Not only that, these gorgeous giants boast a hole which is large enough (1.4mm) to accommodate your favorite silk ribbon, chain, or cord, for a visually striking design.

 Next we have one of my personal favorites- the square double hole bead. This bead has leant itself to many a unique design in its 14mm size. Say hello to the more diminutive version, the 8mm square double hole bead. Isn't she darling?

Another classic design that has been around for awhile is the 6010 briolette pendant. Shown here in the lovely new effect called crystal antique pink, this beautiful pendant is going to come in an impressive 21.5mm x 50mm size-- perfect for hanging on a chain from a handmade, wire wrapped bail.


 







As you may remember, the previous Swarovski Innovations release (Spring/Summer 2011) revealed a whimsical series of heart pendants designed by Manish Arora, collectively known as "Love Story of the Heart". Each of these heirloom quality designer pendants will soon be offered in new, miniature versions of their grand predecessors. And, of course, look for them in the new effect: crystal antique pink.

As we wrap up this tantalizing preview of all the new Swarovski goodies to come, I hope you are as oozing with eager anticipation as we are!  Keep on the lookout for new projects and how-to videos to help provide you with ideas and techniques to use with your new crystals.



Enjoy, & Happy Creating!

-Andrea