Using the Crystal Wheel

• Image
• Video

Take some of the guess work out of trying to figure out which crystal colors work best together

Author: Tara Vander Hey

As a crafter one of the best things we get to play and experiment with is COLOR. The range of colors for jewelry and beading projects is vast and when we think about crystal beads in particular, we can get easily overwhelmed by the extensive color palette. It can often be a difficult task to figure out which crystal colors work best together when creating jewelry. The Crystal Wheel shown here will help take some of the guess work out of it and provides a jumping off point.

All of the crystal colors pictured here are from the extensive line of CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski® Elements. Each color group represents that color range showing crystal colors from light to dark. In addition, you will notice that the personalities of each color are represented around the outer edge of the wheel. This has been included for a little fun and to see if your favorite color is truly representative of your personality!

To use the crystal wheel, simply pick a color category in Side A and match the opposite color category in Side B. For instance, if you have a special pink pendant that you want to find a complementary color to, simply find the pink category on the Crystal wheel in Side A, and then look at the opposite color on Side B, which in this case is brown. Chances are pink and brown will yield a good color combination.

Be sure to reference this crystal color wheel for all of your crystal jewelry making projects. You can have lots of fun with it too. For example, if you are making a special piece for your best friend, then choose orange from Side B because it represents her cheerful energy and then match it with one of the blue crystal colors from Side A to make a nice balanced combination. Best of all, the crystal wheel can become your reference tool for all the crystal combinations you hope to create!