My crystal lust....

I've been fascinated with vintage things for as long as I can remember. I love the romantic notions attached to something that has lasted unscathed for so long, and is still as beautiful and useful as the day it was made. So, naturally when I began to use crystal in my jewellery, I was instantly drawn to the stunning cuts and colours and the the old world charm of vintage Swarovski, the finest crystal beads in the world. I've amassed quite a collection, which I'm slowly giving up to creation....I think I'd just prefer to have them safe in their box, looking pretty, but I do love the feel of the peices that come from using vintage crystal. They seem to take on a life of their own.

Some earrings using vintage discontinued 1930's to 1960's Swarovski crystal

Madeira - Oxidized sterling silverand vintage Swarovski crystal

Berries - Bali silver and vintage Swarovski crystalMod - Opaque vintage Swarovski - SOLD

Then there's the newer styles of Swarovski crystal, which I'm equally fond of but rarely use in my work. The past few weeks I've gone a little crystal mad and have been making up lots of pretty sparkling earrings for Etsy. I am in love with the newer "Helix" shape, reminicent of the older styles of fancy cut crystals. They're just spectacular in person.

Helix - Sterling silver and Swarovski step cut crystals

Elegance - Swarovski with Bali sterling silver - SOLD

Baroque - Oxidised sterling silver wrapped Swarovski Pendulum - Lightly oxidised sterling silver and Swarovski crystal