Calistiana - About Us Page

About Us

Construction

We use three different methods in the construction of our rosaries and artisan jewelry pieces.

wire wrapping - each bead is triple wrapped using Sterling Silver or Bronze wire. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete a 5-decade rosary using this method.
stringing - beads are strung using professional grade, nylon coated multi strand stainless steel cable, or flex wire, with a test strength of 26 pounds
beadwork - seed beads are woven into intricate designs using polymer beading thread

Traditional loop/hook construction can pull apart with frequent use. Wire wrapped pieces will not pull apart and wire wrapping actually adds to the beauty of the finished piece. Our designs feature wire wrapped beads and connectors.

Flex-wire is strong, flexible and resists kinking. Flex-wire designs are lovely and durable yet relatively inexpensive.

We use the finest quality polymer beading threads for our woven jewelry pieces.

Materials

We hand select the finest materials and components for our pieces. Our designs incorporate real and man made gemstones, crystals, precious metals, Copper, Bronze and glass beads.

We do not use pewter or base metal components such as Zinc, Pewter and Brass because they can contain small amounts of Lead.
We do use Lead crystals, such as Swarovski crystals, which contain 24-32% Lead Oxide to maximize refraction, however none of our children's items contain Lead crystal.
We do not use plated metals in our designs because the plating wears off over time due to wear or exposure to pollution.

We strive to provide a wide range of rosary styles and materials that will appeal to every taste. Are you looking for a particular gemstone? Contact us at [email protected].

Lead

Base metal can refer to any number of metals and alloys including Nickel, Brass, Copper, Steel, Copper clad Steel, Zinc, Tin/Lead alloy or Tin based Pewter alloy. Why do we use Lead crystal and restrict the use of base metal? Lead toxicity occurs when Lead is inhaled or ingested. Lead is a very soft metal so handling Lead containing metal without proper hand washing can result in ingestion of Lead. In comparison, Lead leaches from Lead crystal in the presence of acid or alcohol. Due to the fact that lead does not readily leach from Lead crystal, we feel that Lead crystal is safe to use and wear for most consumers.

For more information on Lead toxicity please visit the following sites.

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts13.html

http://orgs.unca.edu/eqi/LPP/index.html

About Us

Welcome to Calistiana.com! Our goal is to provide you with quality religious products that will nurture your spiritual needs and jewelry that will delight your heart.

I first discovered wire wrapped rosaries after my toddler broke three traditional rosaries. I was impressed by the beauty and strength of the wire wrapped links and I set about trying to learn the skill. My love of design soon turned into a hobby and I began making jewelry. Now I am pleased to offer my creations to you.

I consider Calistiana Designs to be both a business and a ministry. I pray that my work will be a joy and a blessing to you.

Peace be with you,

Calistiana

"Prayer helps us to develop our proper spiritual stance, frees us from
reliance on purely human means and from doctrinal extremes, and prepares
us so that, in humility and simplicity, we may be open to receive that
revelation which is only given to little ones (Luke 10:21)."
--Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus
(1965-1981), "Genuine Intregration of the Spiritual Life and the
Apostolate"

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Last Updated Dec 8, 2007