callula jewellery is handcrafted using only high quality beads and components which I source from around the world.  Here is some information about the different elements that you will see incorporated in my work and in the descriptions of each piece.

Sterling silver - an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver.  Other materials, including copper, are mixed with the silver to give it strength as pure silver alone is very soft.

Fine silver - 99.9% silver.

Hill tribe silver - individually handcrafted by tribespeople in Thailand using silversmithing techniques passed down through generations.  Purchasing Hill tribe silver helps to sustain a traditional craft and provides the tribespeople with a reliable income.  The purity of Hill tribe silver is 95 - 99%.

Glass art beads - handmade glass beads which are formed by the melting of coloured rods of glass in a flame and creating designs using a variety of techniques including rolling in crushed glass.  The process is known as 'lampwork'.

Swarovski crystals - made from the finest lead-crystal glass, cut with such precision that they shine like diamonds.  Available in a wide range of shapes and colours, sometimes with a coated AB (aurora borealis) finish, which sparkles with a rainbow of colours when it catches the light.

Semi-precious stones - also knows as gemstones, semi-precious stones are mineral rocks or organic materials which are cut and polished to form beads in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Semi-precious stones are said to have various metaphysical qualities.  I have listed the properties of the stones that you will find in my pieces.

Amber - the fossilised resin from prehistoric trees, found in the Baltic sea area.  Good for memory, intellect and making choices.  Brings good luck and fulfillment of dreams, goals and ideas.  Symbolises the renewal of marriage. 

Amethyst - found in Brazil, South Africa, Madagascar and India, the birthstone for February.  Good for overall protection and emotional balance.  Relieve homesickness and help with negotiation, decision making, wealth, moving forward and coping with responsibility and change.

Aventurine - a variety of quartz with inclusions which give a speckled and sparkly effect.  Commonly found in India and Brazil, aventurine is good for motivation, leadership, decisions and fast reactions.  Also said to help relieve exam stress. 

Citrine - a honey coloured stone found in Brazil.  Knows as the 'money stone' and brings abundance and wealth.  Good for teaching, learning, studying, awareness and problem solving.  Citrine is also said to help to sell houses. 

Crystal Quartz - a clear rock crystal mined in Tibet, Brazil, South Africa and USA.  A 'feel better' stone that improves quality of life bringing happiness and energy.

Freshwater Pearls - irregularly shaped pearls formed naturally by mussels living in rivers or lakes.  Pearl is the birthstone for June.

Garnet - the birthstone for January, common sources include Russia, India and USA.  Brings courage, energy, vitality and awareness.

Jade - found in China, Canada and USA.  Helps with problem solving, proneness to accidents and reaching goals.  Brings balance, modesty, courage, wisdom and compassion.

Labradorite - a grey stone with brilliant flashes of blue due to light interference within the structure of the mineral.  Found in Canada, Norway and Madagascar it is good for intuition, inspiration and originality.

Onyx - found in India, said to bring luck and happiness into the home and is also good for decision making.

Peridot - sources include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and Sri Lanka.  The birthstone for August.  A 'feel better' stone that is good for the ego and mental health.  Offers protection from outside influences and helps break lazy behaviour patterns.   

Rose Quartz - from Brazil, India, South Africa and Madagascar.  Known as the 'stone of love' rose quartz is good for romance, imagination, creativity, writing, music and art.

Ruby - commonly found in Thailand, Madagascar and India.  Brings health, energy, wealth, passion, knowledge and protection.  Promotes the will to live and brain activity and helps with decision making.  The birthstone for July.

Snowflake Obsidian - found in the USA, this stone is good for bringing piece of mind and encourages purity.

Tiger's Eye - a 'feel better' stone found in South Africa, which is good for courage, new beginnings and sharpening the mind. 

Turquoise - the birthstone for December, commonly found in China, Tibet and the USA. Turquoise helps to protect travellers whether embarking on a local or round-the-world journey.  Good for courage, creative expression, compassion, romance and friendship.