Flower Swarovski Bead Bracelet

[Legerdemain]

Hey all--

I'm having trouble posting photos because of my ineptitude, so hopefully this works.

Swarovski pearls and bicone crystals and a silver toggle clasp.  Very sparkley!

[moondream]

Very pretty! I like that you combined the bicones and pearls! 

[SparkleCookie]

Oooh, pretty.  It looks like spring.

[sunnyskies*4*]

So pretty. It totally says "Springtime".

[MsChilePepper]

Very springy!  I like the combination of textures and colors, too.  You might consider using silver crimp covers to hide those crimps, so it looks more finished. 

[Legerdemain]

Very springy!  I like the combination of textures and colors, too.  You might consider using silver crimp covers to hide those crimps, so it looks more finished. 

I've never used crimp covers.  What are they like/how do they work?  Are they just silver beads?

I'm interested.....

[MsChilePepper]

Crimp covers look like this.  They come in different sizes and finishes.

Here's an example of one of my pieces with crimp covers:  A bracelet, made with cream and lavendar freshwater pearls, silver beads, and a silver toggle clasp.  You can see the crimp covers are nearly indistinguishable from the round silver beads right next to them.

You slip the cover on over the crimp bead, then squeeze it together, and it ends up looking like a round metal bead.  I use the outer section of my crimp pliers to close them; usually I put the cover into the pliers, then put that over the bead, and squeeze gently.  You have to be careful not to mash it too hard, just be gentle.  Sometimes you have to squeeze it together initially, then use the pliers and squeeze in the opposite direction to get it the correct, rounded shape, but it's really easy.  They make your pieces look very professional and polished.