All Halcyon Designs jewelry is made with sterling silver or 14K gold-filled beads and findings unless otherwise noted.
Halcyon Designs jewelry is made with the strongest materials available. I hand-select the freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals and India and Czech glass beads used in my designs.
For information on keeping your handmade jewelry in good condition, see Caring for Your Jewelry.
For information on keeping your handmade jewelry in good condition, see Caring for Your Jewelry.
Findings & Metal Beads
Semi-precious Stones
Most of my jewelry is inspired by stones. The information below about the "healing" qualities of these stones comes from a variety of books and is open to interpretation. I'm not a "crystal healer" and make no claims about the healing effects of Halcyon Designs jewelry.
Amethyst — February birthstone; excellent for general healing; calming and stabilizing; helps relieve physical pain; strengthens the immune system; eases stress, insomnia and grief. Learn more about amethyst history, folklore and healing properties here.
Aventurine — August birthstone; relieves anxiety and fear; increases trust in life
Carnelian — Stimulates inherent talents; increases energy and creativity; helps alleviate pollen allergies and colds. Learn more about carnelian history, folklore and healing properties here.
Garnet — January birthstone; promotes self-confidence and pride; improves imagination and memory. Learn more about garnet history, folklore and healing properties here.
Jade — Strengthens immune system, heart and kidneys; balancing and calming energy; helps in remembering dreams
Jasper — One of the March birthstones, jasper has protective qualities; balances body, mind, emotion and spirit energy. Read more about jasper here.
Labradorite — Attracts strength and patience; relieves anxiety and stress
Lapis Lazuli — September birthstone; heals and purifies; heals outdated thought forms and aids in healing old wounds; relieves depression
Malachite — Deeply cleansing; releases negative emotions; strengthens heart and circulation. Learn more about malachite history and lore here. **Note about caring for malachite: Malachite is especially fragile and should be protected from scratches, sharp blows and large temperature changes. Washing malachite in water or wearing it while swimming will remove its protective polish.**
Moonstone — Good for pregnancy, childbirth; reduces PMS; balances emotions; reduces stress and brings calmness
Onyx — One of the July birthstones; enhances self-control, soothes fears and worries, increases strength and stamina. Learn more about onyx history, folklore and healing properties here.
Peridot — August birthstone; heals emotional and physical pain; fosters emotional balance, security and inner peace
Rhodonite — Strengthens immune system; calms the mind; reduces stress
Rose Quartz — January birthstone; heals emotional wounds and imbalances; reduces stress and anxiety; promotes self-love and self-esteem
Tiger's Eye — November birthstone; clears negative energy; increases concentration and clarity of thought; softens stubbornness
Turquoise — December birthstone; strengthens entire body; heals and releases fear and sadness; enhances communication and intuition; protects against negative energy
If you want to learn more about these stones, here are my two favorite resources:
Amethyst — February birthstone; excellent for general healing; calming and stabilizing; helps relieve physical pain; strengthens the immune system; eases stress, insomnia and grief. Learn more about amethyst history, folklore and healing properties here.
Aventurine — August birthstone; relieves anxiety and fear; increases trust in life
Carnelian — Stimulates inherent talents; increases energy and creativity; helps alleviate pollen allergies and colds. Learn more about carnelian history, folklore and healing properties here.
Garnet — January birthstone; promotes self-confidence and pride; improves imagination and memory. Learn more about garnet history, folklore and healing properties here.
Jade — Strengthens immune system, heart and kidneys; balancing and calming energy; helps in remembering dreams
Jasper — One of the March birthstones, jasper has protective qualities; balances body, mind, emotion and spirit energy. Read more about jasper here.
Labradorite — Attracts strength and patience; relieves anxiety and stress
Lapis Lazuli — September birthstone; heals and purifies; heals outdated thought forms and aids in healing old wounds; relieves depression
Malachite — Deeply cleansing; releases negative emotions; strengthens heart and circulation. Learn more about malachite history and lore here. **Note about caring for malachite: Malachite is especially fragile and should be protected from scratches, sharp blows and large temperature changes. Washing malachite in water or wearing it while swimming will remove its protective polish.**
Moonstone — Good for pregnancy, childbirth; reduces PMS; balances emotions; reduces stress and brings calmness
Onyx — One of the July birthstones; enhances self-control, soothes fears and worries, increases strength and stamina. Learn more about onyx history, folklore and healing properties here.
Peridot — August birthstone; heals emotional and physical pain; fosters emotional balance, security and inner peace
Rhodonite — Strengthens immune system; calms the mind; reduces stress
Rose Quartz — January birthstone; heals emotional wounds and imbalances; reduces stress and anxiety; promotes self-love and self-esteem
Tiger's Eye — November birthstone; clears negative energy; increases concentration and clarity of thought; softens stubbornness
Turquoise — December birthstone; strengthens entire body; heals and releases fear and sadness; enhances communication and intuition; protects against negative energy
If you want to learn more about these stones, here are my two favorite resources:
Swarovski Crystals
Swarovski ® Crystals are precision-cut leaded glass crystals, considered by many to be the finest in the industry. Made in Austria, Swarovski crystals contain approximately 32% lead to maximize refraction. Their flawless consistency, rich color and captivating sparkle add elegance to any design.
Freshwater Pearls
The alluring luster and mirror-like finish of pearls have made them a symbol of wealth and sophistication throughout history. Freshwater pearls are grown in freshwater mussels (as opposed to saltwater pearls which grow in oysters) and their subtle beauty can be found in many of my designs. The birthstone for June, pearls reduce negativity, are balancing and calming, and fight infection. Learn more about pearl history, folklore and healing properties here.
Pearls are delicate, so you may want to wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing — this will help avoid an accumulation of dirt and will prevent perspiration, body lotion, perfumes, etc. from eating away at the nacre.
Pearls are delicate, so you may want to wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing — this will help avoid an accumulation of dirt and will prevent perspiration, body lotion, perfumes, etc. from eating away at the nacre.
Glass Beads
Czech glass beads are known for their excellent craftsmanship vivid, lasting colors, and consistency of size and shape. You'll find Czech glass beads of all shapes and sizes in my jewelry.
India glass beads are funky and fun! Their colors and shapes vary from bead to bead, and they are known for their unique, handmade qualities. I often use these beads as the focal point in earrings.
India glass beads are funky and fun! Their colors and shapes vary from bead to bead, and they are known for their unique, handmade qualities. I often use these beads as the focal point in earrings.
Stringing Materials
Halcyon Designs necklaces and bracelets are strung on SoftTouch™ beading wire which is nylon coated stainless steel. Most jewelry is strung on medium strength SoftTouch (49 strands of stainless steel, test strength of 26 lbs.) Jewelry with pearls, however, is strung on the fine SoftTouch (21 strands of stainless steel, test strength of 10 lbs). See Caring for Your Jewelry for more information.
