Some believe that amethyst causes cell division. If so, then amethyst should not be worn alone, but coupled with calcite, if you have cancer, have had cancer, or have a family history of cancer. See the book, “Rock Medicine”, by Sela Weidemann Randazzo for more about stones and their healing properties.

Due to this potential for danger from amethyst, I list the specific stones included in each piece of jewelry, if I know them. Amethyst is fairly easy to identify, although, some purple fluorite stones can be confused for amethyst.

When using wire instead of string, crimping beads are needed to hold the wire together. I primarily use smooth crimping beads, since they are more uniform in size and shape. Also, they’re longer than traditional round crimping beads, so there’s more surface that is “crimped” together. This makes for a stronger connection/attachment and gives a cleaner look and feel to the connected wire.

I also use crimp covers to make sure the crimped bead doesn’t scratch against you or your clothing. Utilizing the crimp cover also gives a more polish looked to the jewelry.

I make jewelry that’s also well made and lasting. To achieve this I predominately use 49 strand beading wire that’s nylon coated. With this wire there’s less chance of kinking. Also, the jewelry drapes better, since this wire is more flexible. In addition, 49 strand wire makes the wire stronger than either the 7 strand or the 21 strand.

I’ve talked with other jewelry makers that claim that 21 strand wire is more than adequet, however, I still prefer the more flexible and stronger 49 strand wire.