Quality

Swarovski is the acknowledged producer of the finest quality full-lead cut glass crystals in the world. In addition to their precise edges and angles, Swarovski crystals are renowned for their brilliance and clarity. This comes from the incorporation of lead into the crystal refining process. In terms of overall quality, full lead crystals are simply a cut above other glass crystals.

Tibetan Beads are a specialized type of sterling silver bead, characterized by intricate flourishes and delicate, ornate bas-relief work. They are often handmade. Because these items are individually crafted from sterling silver by numerous bead artisans, there may be slight variations in size, form, hole size, and oxidation.

Sterling Silver jewelry components including silver beads, crimps and clasps are made of 92.5% pure sterling silver, and considered the best type of silver for jewelry. Unlike many competitors who try to cut costs by using base metal crimp beads and silver-plated clasps, The Cat's Meow chooses only the finest sterling silver components.

Freshwater Pearls are cultivated in mussels, not oysters, in freshwater lakes and rivers in China, Japan and the United States. Due to their easier cultivation, freshwater pearls offer an affordable alternative to the more expensive and rarer saltwater pearl. A pearl is a natural object and is not designed to be in contact with most manufactured chemicals such as perfume, make-up, skin care products, hair spray or similar compounds. Contact with these items can alter a pearl's luster or color. With this in mind, it's best to make pearls the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Please note that with all semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls there are subtle variations in hue, color saturation, and shape which are naturally occurring. These variations make each piece inherently unique and are not guaranteed to exactly match product photos.

49-strand Beadalon® Wire is used in all pearl pieces, and is made from incredibly fine strands of stainless steel wire with a smooth, kink resistant nylon coating. This beading wire is considered one of the strongest, most flexible wire available. It is more expensive, but superior for holding its shape and resisting kinks.