What is the difference between crystal, crystal AB, crystal moonlight and crystal transmission?

• Crystal is a clear crystal which sparkles with the brilliance of a diamond.
• Crystal AB has a special coating on one half of each bead called Aurora Borealis (AB), which reflects more light.  This gives the bead an extra sparkle and reflects strong, bright colours.  Sometimes, the cut of the crystal gives a yellow tone to the crystal.
• Crystal transmission and crystal moonlight are effects applied to the crystals.  Moonlight adds a bit more depth and a silver tone to the bead.  Crystal transmission is similar to crystal AB, but the colours reflected in transmission are softer, pastel shades.

I would recommend using a combination of crystal, crystal AB and transmission and/or moonlight in your hairpiece.  This has the effect of blending the tones without looking too gaudy or garish.

As you can see from my colour chart page, Swarovski offer almost every colour under the sun.  I can normally match your colours exactly, or I can assist you in finding the right blend of shades to match your colour scheme.  On some of my items, a blend of shades gives an extra depth to the piece. For example, the small crystal flower hairband pictured below has been created using a blend of purples and lilacs.

This means that your bridesmaids can wear any of my jewellery or headresses in a customised colour to match their dresses.

The difference between Swarovski crystal pearls and freshwater pearls.

Swarovski crystal pearls are uniform in shape and are perfectly round.  They come in a variety of sizes, which is perfect for making bridal jewellery. 

The crystal pearls have a beautiful lustre and they warm to your skin in the same way as freshwater pearls.  The beauty of Swarovski crystal pearls is that they come in a variety of shades, which gives my customers more choice when it comes to matching their colour scheme. 

The freshwater pearls I use are of a very high standard.  I choose them carefully for their lustre and shape.  As bridal jewellery is often seen as heirloom jewellery, it is important that the pearls used are high quality pearls. 

For bridal wear, I would recommend using white or creamy ivory freshwater pearls, as they represent the most classic colours for freshwater pearls. 

However, there are also many beautiful silver/gray pearls, pale pink and peach pearls, which work incredibly well with bridal wear.

Freshwater pearls come in a dazzling array of shapes and sizes.  Although many brides still opt for the classic pearl necklace for their wedding day, which is usually created with pearls which are as uniform and round as possible, there are also many wonderful shapes, such as petals,

coins, potatoes, rice, biwa sticks and blister pearls for those who want a modern twist.