For many years I've been making and selling earrings, and occasionally I also sell bracelets and necklaces.  I sell mostly earrings because they are much cheaper to make, and I like to keep my prices low.

I've made several sets of earrings using these 5mm rondelles, but I can't say they are my favorite of the Swarovski beads, and I won't be buying them again unless I come across a new style that uses them.

Description

The rondelles are disc like beads that measure 5mm in diameter.  They featuresix clear Swarovski crystals that mimic diamonds.  The stones are channel set and seem like they are securely in place.  When you turn the rondelle on its side, the design looks like a six pointed star.  These come in both gold and silver.

My Thoughts

These crystals contain 32% lead, and just like a crystal wine glass shimmers in the light, these crystals do as well.  The holes are a little large for jewelry wire, but the rondelles are indented so if you pair the right size bead next to them the beads fit into the indentations.

For this reason you don't see 100% of your bead.  I didn't like any of the earrings I made using these rondelles, but my necklaces turned out much nicer.  

Usually I would pair two beads with every one rondelle, and that's normally how you use this kind of bead.  When paired with two beads, the only thing you see between the beads are the beautiful rows of Swarovski crystals.  

I really liked the look of these when I purchased them, but I can't say I was overwhelmed with any of my finished designs.  I don't think I have used these to their fullest capabilities, but I've run out of fresh ideas on how to use them.
 

Recommended: No