Greek worry beads or kompoloi have a more direct purpose – to relax the mind with a smooth tactile feel and the rhythmic clicking of one bead sliding into the next. There are numerous techniques to manipulating them and to handle them expertly is definitely a skill – kind of like a less-flashy version of the yo-yo:

They’re considered an ideal means of giving up bad habits like smoking, biting your nails or excessive snacking! Like Aggrey beads, they are sometimes used to denote power and prestige, while telling everyone that you have plenty of free time. Greek worry beads are usually made with a tassel and a fixed bead that marks the beginning and end of the series. They are often used as a casual piece of home decor but rarely worn as personal adornment.

Deep blues are always big for prom but this year they seem hotter than ever. Navy is classic and never goes out of style while sapphire has a purple hue and a little more pop. Royal and electric blue are close variations and perfect when you want to stand out from the crowd. If you’re considering these colors, here’s 10 beautiful dresses you need to check out!

Flirt Prom – P5736. Dramatic side train with feather bow accent and lace hem.

Jovani Prom – 14913. Strapless embroidered floor length dress with sheer lace at the midsection.

Alyce Paris, Claudine Prom – 2218. Versatile and fun. Sweetheart neckline with front side slit.

Blush Prom – 9388. Flowing chiffon dress with crystal embellished neckline.

Clarisse – 2166. Playful and glittering one-shoulder dress, loaded with sequins.

Dave and Johnny – 8791. Dramatic sapphire blue with multi-colored beaded neckline.

Night Moves – 6735. Layered chiffon skirt with dramatic asymmetrical bodice.

La Femme – 17645. Stunning full-length sequined gown with spaghetti straps.

Mac Duggal – 4970M. Make an entrance with this glamorous electric blue prom dress.

JS Collections at Macy’s. Ruched mermaid hem with removable ribbon belt.

And don’t forget – there are hundreds of dark blue jewelry pieces on Customgia that will perfectly compliment your dress and you can adjust the length and color on any of them!

1)  Founded in 1895 (the same year Babe Ruth was born, if you care) and originally named A. Kosmann, Daniel Swartz & Co.

2)  At their headquarters in Wattens, Austria, they operate an indoor theme park called Crystal Worlds.  Guests enter through a large crystal head and are shown all things crystal.  Currently rated a 3.5 (out of 5) stars on Trip Advisor – not a glittering endorsement.

3)  Manufacturing techniques are highly secret.  It is rumored that employees working at Wattens are familiar with only their particular area of the factory – no one other than a few family members have knowledge of the entire crystal forming and cutting process.  Think Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory without the chocolate river.

4)  Swarovski is currently building a 15,000 sq. meter production facility in Serbia – and for the first time, will no longer produce 100% of their crystal in Austria.

5)  In 1956, Swarovski partnered with Christian Dior to create the Aurora Burealis coating, an iridescent effect applied to many crystal components still used today.

6)  2011 sales: $3.83 billion.  The company is privately held so public financial records are sketchy but still, that’s a lot of cut glass.

7)  They also make decorative lighting, road safety products and yes, rifle scopes.

The biggest misconception is that Swarovski crystal is mined (like a precious metal or gemstone).  Someone once told me that Austria “sits on a big crystal rock” which is a really dumb thing to say for a number of reasons.

Anyway, now you know what you’re wearing – those beads have some history to them.

That’s a lot of color – purple, aqua and scattered crystal throughout the waist. The Customgia earrings designer let’s you filter beads by color and create something that looks like it was made for this dress – because it was!  Click the image to customize them or buy them as shown.

Use coupon code:  GIA4LESS and save 25% on any order (no minimums!).  That means $10.00 earrings are now only $7.50, plus shipping.  Why are you still reading this post?  Click an earring and design something fabulous!