Put simply, Swarovski© crystal is the finest crystal on the planet. The colours, the cuts, the precision, the sparkle....nothing else even comes close. Swarovski© crystal is full lead crystal, meaning it contains 32% lead. The refraction  - the "light bounce" - is unparalleled. Constant innovation, with each year bringing new colors, new cuts, new shapes and new innovations is but one of the reasons we use only Swarovski© crystal.

"Austrian Crystal" is generally accepted to mean crystal made by the Swarovski company. Occasionally we'll hear about jewelry made with "Australian" crystal... in a word, NO. Crystal is the Danube River, the Alps, and the Viennese Waltz...... NOT Koala bears and Kangaroos!!!!!

OK, so what is a 'rhinestone'?

The first "rhinestones" were stones mined from the Rhine river in Germany, and then hand cut and polished. Hence, the term "rhinestone". It was Daniel Swarovski who invented a machine to automate the stone cutting, and then moved his entire operation to Wattens, a small town in Austria. 

Despite the advances, the generic term rhinestone has stuck over the years. Some folks have the mistaken notion that only crystal that is foiled (has that silver or gold backing) is a "rhinestone", and will therefore reject a set or wrapped unfoiled crystal, or crystal beads. This is a shame, as the foiling is meant for when the stone is set into a solid mounting; like a diamond, when the stone is set into an open-backed setting, no foiling is used. Also like a diamond, when properly cut and set, an unfoiled stone - partiularly a clear one - will refract light gloriously. Think of all those wonderful crystal mobiles you've seen that catch the sunight! The best lighting chandeliers are constructed of STRASS crystal...  another of Swarovski's trade names.
Rhinestone, Crystal, Strass - all names for the same incredible material.

Color... a fabulous but thorny issue. Swarovski© makes a multitude of colors, in hundreds of cuts, but every color isn't available in every cut, which can make for some confusion at times. To make this a bit easier to navigate, we've created our Color Palettes - pre-designed color themes that can be fitted to almost any design. We can add colors to our palettes, subtract colors, or lean one way or another in the mix - it all depends on your needs! Through color mixing, we can match almost any shade necesary. As always, if you are concerned about how a piece will look in your chosen palette, please just give us a call or send us an email. We can also create custom palettes based upon your outfit or desires. See the COLOR page or Swarovski© color charts and our Color Palettes.

We make everything right here in our Texas studios  - everything is made in the USA! (with crystals from Austria, of course!)

We do not sell most of our stones loose. However, if you need small flatback stones to spark up your outfit, or to coordinate your shoes or bag, we can help you out, and ensure that your jewelry, your outfit, and your accessories will all work together. You don't need to order a lot - just let us know what you need, and we'll do the rest. Contact us for loose flatback stone pricing, and for tips on how to use them.

We start with the shapes and colours of the Swarovski© collection of jewelry stones for our inspiration. With the needs of our varied clientele in mind, we begin the creative process. Through much trial and error, we create what you see on this site, and much, much more.

Each piece is individually handcrafted in our workshop near Houston, Texas. Depending upon the design, we use techniques such as collaging, beading, wire manipulation, sewing, stone setting, wrapping, cagework.....whatever it takes to achieve the particular vision of that piece. Materials used are the finest available.....all metals are heavily plated for long wear, usually in 14kt gold or rhodium (which is a precious metal, and, unlike sterling silver, resists tarnishing) Some pieces may utilize a laquered brass or steel as a base, but only when it will not be exposed or seen. Sterling silver, gold fill, or sterling vermeil may be available in some cases; please ask.

Our clip earring backs are the same heavy plate as are other components. Earring posts are surgical steel, sometimes with a gold plating over them. Please note that while our posts are compliant with all United States regulations concerning jewelry metals, they MAY NOT MEET SOME EUROPEAN STANDARDS concerning nickel. If you need nickel-free posts, please let us know. We are in the process of moving to all nickel free materials, but this will take some time. We will be glad to make sure your posts are nickel free if requested.

All of our chains are also heavily plated brass. Sterling silver or gold-filled chains are available by request on most items at an additional cost.

Our crystal....Swarovski© of course! Nothing else even comes close to the quality.

Most of our clip earrings can be made with an ultrasuede barrier between you and the earring. All of our clips ship with foam pads on the clip, so between the barrier and the foam, most of our clients with sensitive ears are very comfortable. There is no charge for the ultrasuede barrier - just request it with your order.

More than likely, assuming the stones are still available. Just give us a call, and send us the remaining earring (and whatever is left of the broken one, if possible). Repair or replacement costs will be determined on an individual basis.

No problem... just give us a call, or email us, and we'll do our best to answer your concerns!