To function correctly, each finished piece of jewelry must contain the following components:

* a solar module
* a capacitor module
* a LED module

On the solar module, tiny jewel-like solar cells capture radiant energy from the sun. While the jewelry continues to absorb energy, it stores it in the capacitor module -- just like charging a battery. When light levels drop, STARLIGHTS trickle the stored energy to glimmering LEDs. These illuminated jewels transform daylight into starlight.

The technology driving our circuits is based on a 'night light' design. Two transistors in the capacitor module control the flow of energy. When the available light is above a certain threshold, energy flows in. Below that threshold, energy flows out to power the LEDs. We used 1/8" square clear-epoxy encapsulated solar cells from Solarbotics. They are rated for 0.475 volts (open circuit) at 1.86mA (short circuit).