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If you've ever shopped for blue rhinestones or flatbacks, you've likely come across two gorgeous shades: Aqua (also known as Aqua Bohemica) and Aquamarine.

At first glance, they may seem like just two names for the same color—but in reality, they offer very different looks, moods, and design possibilities.

In this short video, we compare Aqua and Aquamarine rhinestone flatbacks side by side, showing how they reflect light, look up close, and differ in tone. It’s a must-see if you’re picking the perfect shade for your next jewelry or costume project!

🔹 Aqua (Aqua Bohemica): Warm, Bold & Vibrant

Aqua—often called Aqua Bohemica—is a warmer-toned, bold blue that’s full of energy. This shade stands out beautifully on stage and under lights.

Whether you're designing:

• Performance costumes

• Statement jewelry

• Festival accessories

• Or eye-catching embellishments

…Aqua flatbacks bring a punch of vibrant blue that commands attention. ✨

💡 In the video, you’ll see how the Aqua crystals shine with a vivid, almost electric glow—perfect for pieces that need to make a statement.

🔷 Aquamarine: Cool, Soft & Elegant

Aquamarine, on the other hand, is a cooler and softer blue. This flatback shade gives off a classic, calming shimmer that works wonderfully for:

• Bridal designs

• Delicate jewelry

• Vintage-inspired crafts

• Refined, everyday sparkle

Aquamarine is understated but never boring—it’s all about elegance and versatility.

You’ll notice in the video how Aquamarine rhinestones catch the light in a gentle, icy way, bringing a more subtle type of sparkle that’s perfect for timeless styles.

🛒 Shop the Look

Both Aqua and Aquamarine flatbacks are available now in our shop in a variety of shapes and sizes:

🔹 Shop Aqua Bohemica Flatbacks or Aquamarine Flatbacks

Everything is carefully selected, packed with love, and shipped from our small business to your creative workspace.

📲 Follow Us for More Crystal Inspiration

Want more side-by-side comparisons, sparkle tips, and jewelry-making ideas?

Follow us and be part of our crystal-loving community:

• 📸 Instagram @crystalsandbff

• 📍 Pinterest

• 📘 Facebook

• 🎥 YouTube Shorts

Yours, Crystalsandbff

Dobrý den!

As a family business passionate about Czech glass beads, we’re excited to share something made especially for you—our friends at the 13th Annual Conference of Czech Schools in North America. 🇨🇿🇺🇸

We’ve created this short, step-by-step video tutorial showing how to make a delicate bracelet with a bow using authentic Czech glass beads. It’s a little gift from us to you—a way to celebrate our shared heritage and creativity.

Whether you're a teacher, parent, student, or simply someone who loves handmade crafts, we hope this project brings you a bit of joy, peace, and inspiration.

Thank you for supporting Czech traditions and passing them on in such a meaningful way. 💙❤️🤍

S láskou, Crystalsandbff

✂️ Materials You’ll Need

All beads used in this project are high-quality Czech glass, known for their vibrant color, brilliant shine, and precise cuts:

• 1 x 8mm Round Pressed Bead in Pink Opal
  To be used as the center of the bow.

• 26 x 4mm Fire Polished Beads in Rosaline
  To form the loops of the bow.

• 24 (or adjust according to wrist size) x 6mm Vintage Czechoslovakian Round Machine-Cut Beads in Crystal AB
  For the bracelet base.

• Elastic stringing cord
  For easy wear and a comfortable fit.

• Happy Beading!

If you’re looking for a peaceful, creative break—and love working with beads—you’ll enjoy this step-by-step beaded dragonfly tutorial using authentic Czech glass beads and jewelry wire. Full tutorial video available on our youtube channel.

This beautiful little dragonflyis more than just a craft. It’s a versatile handmade piece that can be turned into a brooch, a pendant, a pin for bags or hats, or even a unique gift or home decoration.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced beader, this is a fun, meditative project that helps you slow down and create something truly beautiful.

✨ Why a Dragonfly?

This dragonfly design was originally created for the 13th Annual Conference of Czech Schools in North America, held in Boston. The red, white, and blue color scheme reflects the shared national colors of the Czech Republic and the United States, honoring Czech glass beadmaking traditions. The dragonfly itself symbolizes transformation and new beginnings—much like the journey of Czech families building new lives in the U.S. while carrying their heritage forward.

But of course, this project is for everyone! You can choose any bead colors that bring you joy, soothe your eyes, or simply match your mood.

📌 How You Can Use Your Finished Beaded Dragonfly

Your completed piece can be:

• 🧷 Worn as a brooch

• 📿 Hung as a necklace pendant

• 🎀 Pinned to a handbag, scarf, or hat

• 🎁 Used as a handmade gift topper

• 🏡 Displayed as part of your home décor

This simple project also makes a wonderful gift for crafters, teachers, or anyone who appreciates something handmade with care.

✂️ Materials You’ll Need

All the beads used are high-quality Czech glass, known for their color, shine, and precision cuts:

• 1× 6mm Czech Fire Polished Bead – Jet Star Blue Iris

• 2× 4mm Czech Bicone Beads – Jet Hematite

• 110× Czech Preciosa Seed Beads 8/0 – Chalk White

• 2× 4mm Czech Fire Polished Beads – Light Sapphire AB

• 6× 4mm Czech Fire Polished Beads – Light Siam

• 4× 6mm Czech Fire Polished Beads – Hyacinth

• 1× 8×6mm Czech Pear Bead – Siam AB
  

• jewelry wire
  

🧘 Why Beading Is a Beautiful Way to Unwind

In a busy world, crafting with your hands offers a way to reconnect with the present moment. Beading encourages focus, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment—all in a relatively short amount of time.

Whether you're sipping tea, listening to music, or just enjoying the quiet, this project is a great way to relax, reset, and create something meaningful.

🧡 Join Our Beading Community

If you love Czech beads, handmade jewelry, or just want more creative inspiration, we’d love to have you follow along! Subscribe to our YouTube channel, save this blog for later, and browse our shop for unique Czech beads and jewelry components.

Have questions or want to share your finished dragonfly? Leave a comment or tag us on social!

Happy Beading, Yours Crystalsandbff

One of the things we love most is seeing the beautiful creations our customers make using our beads and components — and we’re always thrilled to feature their work! 💖 Today, we’re proud to highlight a stunning pair of brick stitch statement earrings handmade by Bridget Powers of Kaleidoscope Crystals Limited, Colorado, USA.

This dazzling design showcases a glowing 10mm Czech Firepolished bead at its center, surrounded by Czech bicones(4mm & 6mm) and Miyuki seed beads in a dreamy mix of Light Blue Zircon, Aqua AB2x, and Crystal AB. The result is soft, shimmering, and full of movement — a perfect example of how the right materials can elevate a design. 🌈

Bridget used the brick stitch technique to create these earrings, combining Preciosa Fire Polish beads, Swarovski crystals, and seed beads—all available in our shop. She’s currently building jewelry collections to sell and working on a book to share her techniques with others. 📘💎

We’re honored to be a part of her creative journey and grateful for the chance to showcase her work. 🙏

Inspired to create?
Explore our collection of beads for jewelry-making, including premium Czech Fire polished beads, Swarovski crystals, Preciosa bicones, and seed beads. We can't wait to see what you’ll make — and we’d love to feature your work next! ✂️✨

Happy Beading, Yours CrystalsandBFF

Are you all about mixing it up—or staying true to your signature shade? Whatever your vibe, we’ve got something to match it (and make it sparkle). Our Preciosa Viva Closeout Mixes are here—and they’re bursting with color, shine, and serious personality.

Each mix includes 10 grams of ss12 Preciosa crystals, perfectly blended to create eye-catching combos that bring any project to life. Think bold reds, dreamy blues, and playful pinks—all with that signature Viva shine.

🔥 Mix E: Fiery Red
Bold. Fierce. A total head-turner. If you’re the kind to lead with confidence and never shy away from the spotlight, this mix is your power move.

❄️ Mix F: Cool Blue
Chill, balanced, and effortlessly stylish. This mix is perfect for those who love icy tones and clean, modern looks with a pop of shimmer.

💗 Mix G: Flirty Pink
Sweet, playful, and a little bit sassy—this mix brings the romance and fun in one perfectly pink pour.

✨ These are closeout mixes, which means they’re limited stock and won't be restocked—once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. Whether you're crafting, embellishing, or just collecting, now's the time to grab the color that calls your name.

Snag yours now and pour out the sparkle before they vanish!

Happy Beading or maybe Crystalizing, Yours CrystalsandBFF

Hidden Gems
I recently stumbled upon a small treasure: a stash of vintage Swarovski 4mm half-drilled beads in Crystal AB — still sealed in their original packaging, featuring the brand’s very first logo. If you know, you know — this is collector-level stuff.

These beads are a reminder of a time when craftsmanship was on another level. The clarity, the coating, the weight — they just don’t make them like this anymore.

Why Paper Envelopes Still Rule
Beads and jewelry components have been packed in simple folded paper envelopes for decades. And despite all the modern packaging options out there, this old-school method remains undefeated. And guess what? The method is still in use today. The materials may have evolved but the core idea remains exactly the same.

Here’s the thing — it’s not just the envelope. It’s the fold that makes the difference. Most people don’t know the proper way to do it.

The Secret Fold (Yes, There’s a Right Way!)

✨ Pro tip: Always keep your beads in the center, away from the edges, before folding.

Here’s the folding method that keeps everything secure:

• Fold up the bottom flap first

• Fold in both sides

• Fold the top flap down last

That’s it — no spilled beads, no damaged pieces, no chaos

Sometimes, the old ways really are the best. From vintage Swarovski brilliance to time-tested paper envelope folds, there's beauty in the details — especially when those details are decades old.

Happy Beading, 

Yours, CrystalsandBFF

When you stumble upon a hidden treasure...✨

So lucky to have found these stunning vintage Swarovski beads, tucked away for decades! Still in their original packaging featuring the very first logo — a true collector’s dream. The craftsmanship is absolutely unmatched — they just don't make them like this anymore.

Available in Crystal AB and three dazzling sizes: 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm — perfect for showing off those iconic Swarovski facets.

🛒 Shop these beads now ➡️ 

These won’t last long — grab yours before they’re gone! 💎

What would you create if you have them at your fingertips? 

Happy Beading,

Yours CrystalsandBFF

Are you ready to elevate your jewelry designs with the perfect rhinestones? Whether you’re choosing between 8-faceted, Viva 12, or Maxima Preciosa rhinestones, knowing the differences can save you time and money, while adding that perfect sparkle to your creations!

Here’s how to choose the right rhinestones in just 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Understand the 8-Faceted Rhinestones
These rhinestones have a wider top table cut with 8 side facets that create a stunning sparkle as the stone moves. They’re a great cost-effective option for your designs, offering beauty without breaking the bank! 

Step 2: Discover the Viva 12
The Viva 12 has a taller, narrower top table cut, allowing space for 12 side facets. This design delivers superior light reflection and an even brighter shine. Perfect if you want a bit more dazzle in your creations! 

Step 3: Explore Maxima Preciosa
Maxima rhinestones take sparkle to the next level! With tiny side facets placed between larger ones, they boost brilliance and sparkle, while maintaining the same top design. These are ideal for high-end, luxurious pieces! 

✨ More facets = more shine and sparkle, but also a higher price tag! While the 8-faceted rhinestones may be older or discontinued, they’re still a great, budget-friendly option. If you want a bit more shine, the Viva 12 is perfect, and for the best in brilliance, go with Maxima Preciosa.

Ready to start your next sparkling jewelry project? Shop now for the perfect rhinestones to elevate your designs! 💖

Let's make beautiful things together,

Crystalsandbff

Choosing the right rhinestones for your jewelry designs can be overwhelming, especially when shopping online. Color and size play a huge role in the final look, and it’s often hard to visualize what works best for your projects. That's why we've put together this guide to help you make confident choices, featuring three gorgeous blue rhinestone colors: Sapphire, Light Sapphire, and Aquamarine, in sizes SS12, SS16, and SS20.

Step 1: Understand Your Color Options

• Sapphire: A rich, deep blue perfect for bold and elegant designs.
• Light Sapphire: A soft, pastel blue, ideal for delicate and vintage-inspired jewelry.
• Aquamarine: A cool, refreshing blue, perfect for creating spring or summer-themed designs.

Step 2: Choose the Right Size

The size of your rhinestones is just as important as the color. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

• SS12: Small, subtle, and great for intricate designs like rings or smaller pieces.
• SS16: Medium size, offering the perfect balance for versatile pieces such as earrings and bracelets.
• SS20: Larger and more dramatic, perfect for statement necklaces or brooches.

Step 3: See the Sparkle

We understand that choosing rhinestones online can be difficult, so we’ve created a detailed video showing each color and size side by side. This allows you to see how the colors differ and how each size shines under the light. Whether you're designing a subtle accessory or a bold statement piece, you’ll be able to easily pick the right rhinestone for your project.

Why This Matters

Selecting the right rhinestones for your jewelry can save you time, money, and frustration. By knowing your color and size options, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and get the perfect sparkles for your designs.

Shop for Your Perfect Rhinestones

Ready to get started on your next jewelry project? Head over to our online shop for a wide selection of rhinestones, beads, crystals, and other jewelry-making supplies. You’ll find everything you need to bring your designs to life!

👉 Shop Now and Find Your Perfect Rhinestones!

Let's make beautiful things together,

CrystalsandBFF

When you're shopping for crystal beads online, it can be hard to truly appreciate the colors, finishes, and unique characteristics without seeing them in person. But fear not! We’re here to bring the magic of Crystal Bicone Beads to life, and show you how these stunning beads can elevate your designs in ways you may not have imagined. 🌟

In this blog post, we'll take you through a side-by-side comparison of 8 dazzling types of Crystal Bicone Beads, each offering a different shine, sparkle, and effect for your crafting and jewelry-making needs. Ready to be inspired? Let’s dive in!

✨ 8 Stunning Types of Crystal Bicone Beads:

1. Crystal Clear
   A classic, timeless choice. These transparent beads offer pure, crystal-clear beauty, making them a versatile addition to any design.

2. Crystal AB (Aurora Borealis)
   This finish gives off a magical, multi-colored shimmer that reflects light like the Northern Lights! Perfect for adding a subtle iridescent glow to your creations.

3. Crystal Light Full AB2X
   A lighter double-coated version of the AB finish, designed to enhance the bead’s shine. The extra layer boosts the sparkle, giving your design an eye-catching radiance.

4. Crystal Preciosa Full AB2X
   This finish takes sparkle to the next level with a thick, double coating. The result? An incredible burst of light and depth that will make your pieces stand out.

5. Crystal Marvel AB
   For those looking for a little extra drama, this multi-dimensional finish creates an incredible, colorful AB effect that changes as the light hits it. Shhh... this stunning finish is exclusive to CrystalsandBeadsforFriends! It’s a secret touch of magic that will make your designs truly one-of-a-kind.

6. Crystal Hematite
   Want a sleek, subtle shine? Crystal Hematite has a velvety finish with a white luster that exudes a sophisticated, understated elegance.

7. Crystal Glitter
   Love a little extra sparkle? These beads feature a delightful glittery twist that adds a touch of fun and flair to any design.

8. Crystal Argent Flare
   For a touch of golden elegance, Crystal Argent Flare beads shine with a subtle twist of golden sparkle. Perfect for adding a refined shimmer to your work.

🛠️ How Do You Choose the Right Finish?

Not sure which finish is best for your next project? Watching these different finishes side-by-side is the perfect way to visualize the differences and get a feel for how each one can enhance your design. Whether you're working with 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, or 8mm Bicone Beads, this comparison will help you find the perfect match.

Each finish has its own unique qualities, and your choice will depend on the vibe you're going for. From the elegant Crystal Clear to the bold and colorful Crystal Marvel AB, there’s a bead finish for every style!

💎 Why Choose a Bicone Bead?

If you're unfamiliar with Bicone Beads, here’s why they should be your go-to choice: The unique bicone shape—resembling a pyramid or two cones joined at the base—allows light to reflect at multiple angles. This creates a stunning visual effect, making your designs shine in a way that flat beads can’t replicate.

Whether you’re creating intricate jewelry, DIY crafts, or embellishing home decor, Bicone Beads can add that special touch of sparkle that transforms your project into a masterpiece!

🔑 Pro Tip: Elevate Your Designs with the Right Finish!

It’s not just about picking any bead. The right finish—paired with the unique bicone shape—can completely transform your designs. And of course, that extra hint of shine or sparkle can make all the difference, whether you're creating something simple and elegant or bold and eye-catching. ✨

Don't settle for less when you can choose beads that perfectly match your creative vision!

The ultimate Valentine’s Day showdown: Vintage elegance or bold passion? Let’s see which heart speaks to your heart.

When it comes to love, the heart is our most timeless symbol. So, which one will you choose this Valentine’s Day—Red or White? ❤️

💎 Vintage Elegance: The stunning, timeless vintage Swarovski white pendant heart, with crystal rhinestone. There’s something truly special about old treasures that stand the test of time—much like love itself.

❤️ Bold Passion: The fiery red glass heart beads, and flat-back stones hearts that symbolize passion, strength, and the fire that fuels every loving relationship.

Whether you’re drawn to the vintage charm of Swarovski or the passionate intensity of red, each piece holds a unique story. The question is: Which story are you telling this Valentine’s Day?

✍️ 💬 Tell us about your pick! Let’s see which heart wins the ultimate Valentine’s Day challenge.

❤️ Follow us on social media for more videos, and share with others who love beading!

If you have your designs ready to be shared, feel free to do so.

White Hearts:

Swarovski Crystal Matt heart pendant 6221/5 28x27mm and 16x15,5mm

Preciosa Crystal AB Matt heart pendant 10mm

Czech Crystal AB Glass heart beads 8x8mm, 6x6mm

Czech Chalk White Opaque heart beads 10x10mm, 6x6mm

Red Hearts:

Preciosa Light Siam Maxima flatback stone heart 438-18-301 10mm, 14mm

Czech Pink White Givre heart beads 8x8mm

Czech Medium Siam heart beads 8x8mm 

Czech Red Coral Opaque heart beads 8x8mm

Happy Beading, 

Crystalsandbff

🤎 Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse 🤎 

Pantone has unveiled the Color of the Year for 2025—Mocha Mousse. But what does this rich, warm brown hue mean for beads, pearls, and rhinestones? Let’s explore which colors will complement this trend in the coming year.

Mocha Mousse is a sophisticated brown tone that exudes earthy elegance and depth. Inspired by the comforting richness of chocolate and coffee, this shade embodies a sense of warmth, harmony, and connection—perfect for the times we’re moving into.

In our latest video, we’ve highlighted several imitation pearl colors that align beautifully with Mocha Mousse. These include:

• • Brown Round Pearls 

• • Light Brown Round Pearls

• • Warm White Bridal Cream Nuggets & Cube Pearls

• • Beige Mink Pearls

(Style numbers: CL198, CL202, CL204, CL167)

These hues harmonize perfectly with the Mocha Mousse palette, bringing a natural, timeless beauty to your designs.

Let's make beautiful thinks together,

Yours, Crystalsandbff