Let me start by saying these beads are absolutely breathtaking. The moment I opened the package, I was struck by how vibrant the blue color is – it's even more intense than in the product photos. The smooth, polished surface catches the light beautifully, making them perfect for jewelry that needs to stand out.

Working with these beads has been a joy. Their uniform 12mm size makes them ideal for bracelets and necklaces. I recently used them to create a yoga bracelet, and the weight feels substantial without being uncomfortable – a rare find in gemstone beads at this price point.

However, there are some important things potential buyers should know. While marketed as natural, some users (myself included) noticed dye transfer when soaking the beads. If you're making jewelry for sale, you might want to test this first. Also, about 10% of my strand had minor chips or cracks – not immediately noticeable but something to check upon arrival.

The metaphysical properties claimed are interesting if you're into that sort of thing. Personally, I can't verify the stress-relief benefits, but I will say crafting with these beautiful stones is genuinely therapeutic! They do seem to spark creativity.

For wedding decor or special occasion jewelry (like one reviewer mentioned), these would be perfect. Just be aware they might require some extra preparation if being used in items that'll come into contact with skin frequently.