Multi-Faceted Jewelry for Extraordinary Women: Sharon Saturday
Lots of facets means lots of sparkle in a handmade necklace of crystal or gemstone. So what’s a facet and do I need one?
A facet is a flat surface cut or ground into stone, glass or crystal. 
These “sides” can be created by machine or hand. Hand-cut crystal is considered the best process as the edges are “sharper” and more distinct. More facets plus sharper edges means higher reflective properties.
Facets sparkle and show off internal radiance in translucent stones, glass or crystals. A well placed facet can also amplify the beauty of an opaque glass or stone bead. The slanted sides will capture the light differently than a single flat surface.
Sandra Lee’s Golden Moonlight necklace uses clear and sunny yellow faceted glass beads. As you can see from the picture, the facets really sparkle.
Opaque glass can also be faceted for additional visual interest such as in Sandra Lee’s Bewitching necklace set created from faceted Czech glass.
The rich red heart of the Carnelian in the handmade Mended Heart necklace shows how an opaque stone can benefit from faceting.
The best facets can be seen by in the precise hand-cuts of a Swarovski crystal. This dramatic cross in Redemption has Swarovski crystals set in plus Betty added additional red Swarovski bicones along the chain to move your eye upward.
So when someone asks you how many facets you want – tell them lots, please!
You’ll find a wide assortment of faceted beads in our artisan line at Rose of Sharon Jewelry and in our A.F.F. Jewelry collection at Etsy.
* Lead is hazardous when found in paint and items which may be put into the mouth. Even the strict California lead laws allow the use of lead crystals in jewelry making.
