3 more FAQs about crystals

Posted Fri, Feb 24 2012 8:00 AM by Stacy Werkheiser

The extra pages in our expanded April issue gave us the perfect opportunity to feature perhaps the only beads to rival our beloved seed beads: crystals. With a special section dedicated to crystal projects, it only seemed right to devote this issue's "Handy Dandy Guide" to crystals as well. You'll find this column on p. 11 of the issue, and there you'll get the low-down on "7 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Crystals But Were Afraid to Ask." Here are three additional FAQs we just couldn't fit into print!

1. Are crystals toxic? Since lead is a poison, some parents, policy makers, and, yes, jewelry artists worry about lead leaching out of crystal beads and getting into the bloodstream. The popular brand Swarovski has gone to great lengths (like testing their crystals in acid!) to prove that lead will not leach out of their product. Other brands simply indicate that it is safe to handle and wear their crystals, though you probably shouldn't ingest them or otherwise attempt to introduce lead into your body. If you sell crystal jewelry in California (or ship it there from elsewhere), you are required by law to indicate that the crystals contain lead. For the rest of us, it's probably not a bad idea to let others know about the lead content in crystals and limit the use of crystal beads in children's jewelry.

2. How DO they make those tiny facets? It's hard to believe that crystal used to be cut by hand! Thankfully, manufacturers have been using machines to cut crystal for more than a hundred years. Modern technology makes it even more efficient: Computer programs calculate precise measurements for optimal reflection and refraction, and machines make the cuts. That's not to say that crystal workers don't have specialized knowledge, too -- in fact, they have to be super-secretive to keep their brand's distinctive trademarks just that.

3. Do crystals shred Fireline and thread? All those facets make for an angular bead that can occasionally cut through stringing materials. Whether stitching or stringing, avoid pulling your thread or beading wire at an angle against the hole of the crystals. The friction of the beading medium against the edge of the hole is what can cause problems, so if you take care to pull straight through the bead, your thread or beading wire should be fine. If stitching, consider applying a conditioner like microcrystalline wax or beeswax to your thread or Fireline. The conditioner helps prevent wear on the thread, though reinforce your thread paths just to be safe.

 

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