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Why I Design Only One

Why do I design one of a kind jewelry? Because I’m not designing for everybody. I’m designing just for you. I want you to have something that speaks to your heart, that allows you to feel really good about yourself and whatever you’re doing. I want to make the piece that gives you the extra confidence to make that presentation, sing that song, argue that brief; make that sale, get that promotion. I want them to be absolutely wowed by you. I want to make your “magic amulet”. I want to have your precious just ready and waiting. I want to create your valued treasure that you can wear and enjoy for years to come.

I knot between the beads because I want it to last. It’s always so sad when I hear that someone’s favorite necklace came apart, and all the beads scattered, and they couldn’t find all of them. That’s why I knot between the beads. Yes, strung art does wear and break. But you don’t want to lose your treasure.

So that’s why I do it. That’s why I guarantee my workmanship. And when the inevitable happens, I’m there to make it all better.

To that end I want to remind everyone that I am happy re-string your broken treasures. I can make better, stronger. I can find the right bead or centerpiece to refresh and renew your necklace, and let the song return to your heart. So don’t dispair. Email me today. I care. I’ll listen.Let me help. It’s what I do.

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Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of Where?!

I’m beginning to think that it’s time for the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts to go away. When I was growing up during the 50′s and most of the 6′s, I was not allowed to join the Girls Scout troupe in my neighborhood. My parents were informed that there was a “colored” troupe I could “join” on the West Side of Chicago. However, that group was NOT allowed to participate in activities with the other troupes in the City. Besides, I lived walking distance from Lake Michigan. So, it was really too far to go across town. Furthermore, it was insulting and discriminatory.The same thing happened to my brothers with the Boy Scouts (of America?! my ass!).

My father thought socializing with children our age, learning about nature and learning crafts and camping skills were important, so were enrolled in both the local YMCA and also a neighboorhood club, that provided lots of activities for children during the summer. Neither association discriminated. All were welcome. Consequently, there were white, black, Asian and Hispanic children. And we all got along for the most part, if for no other reason than we all lived in the same neighborhood, and went to the same schools, public, private and parochial. We played outside together on the street.

The only time there was a problem was when there was the annual trip to the television show, Bozo’s Circus. All the non-white children were forced to remain on the bus, or stay home and not participate because Bozo didn’t want non-white children on his show. That didn’t change until the late 60′s, due to a court order. It was the same order that required that the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts integrate. By that time, it didn’t matter to us. However, I suppose it was good for the children that grew up later.

I became disgusted again with the Boy Scouts when their blatant hostility to homosexuals came to the fore during the 80′s and 90′s. Although I have supported the Girl Scouts over the years. The only reason I did was to support them was because I was supporting my neighbors and my friends children by purchasing cookies from them.

Today I have learned that the Girl Scout are considering having their uniforms manufactured in China! That would cause several hard-working AMERICAN workers to lose their jobs! The GSA claim they are “concerned about providing good value to their members”. Oh, please! If the almighty dollar is more important than instilling American and patriotic values, just disband now. Otherwise, it won’t be the Girl Scouts of America, will it? No, it will then be the Girl Scouts for China! It’s already the Boy Scouts Just the Ones We THINK Are Straight. What kind of values will be instilled in our children?! That money is the only thing of value! Some moral compass THAT is!

Stop Poisoning Our Children!

Children’s Jewelry Recalled Because of High Lead Content By JCK Staff Posted on September 23, 2010 D&D Distributing-Wholesale, Tacoma, Wash., is recalling children’s “mood ring” jewelry because of high lead content, according to a report in The Seattle Times. The jewelry was made in China, the report said.

Please, please stop poisoning our children!

Stop buying this crap!

Listen, everyone. China got the bright idea to substitute cadmium for lead. However, it’s just as toxic! Granted, it was because the US raised their regs and came down on China last year about this problem. However, you need to still be vigilant.

Stop buying ‘cheap jewelry” for your children. China is only concerned with China. It makes no difference to them if your kids get sick, because they already have YOUR DOLLARS!

Yes, I KNOW your daughters and their friends like it, it’s cute, and “everybody has one”. But I’m begging you, before you buy that trinket for your children, ask the store clerk or the manager about the country of origin for the product. If it’s packaged, read the damn package! If they cannot tell you, or will not tell you, DO NOT BUY IT.
Buy jewelry that’s stamped as sterling silver. Often you’ll see the symbol .925. ( Or buy gold.Yeah, I know it’s more expensive. ) And again, quiz the sales help. If everyone keeps up the pressure, the corporate honchos will learn to stop trying to make a fast buck at the expense of the safety and health of the American public.

Why Customer Service Means Respect

I recently made an online purchase. No big deal, done it before. However, what got my goat, was their attitude towards customer service. I placed the order and received the confirmation email. I didn't expect to receive the tracking number immediately, because I ordered over the weekend. Monday morning, I sent an email, requesting the UPS tracking number. Later in day received replay that request had been forwarded to shipping department. After two days, and no response, I called to request my tracking number. The person who answered the phone was polite enough. She indicated that the person who did the shipping was on the phone. Did I want to hold?

I assented. After ten minutes of listening to dreadful “on hold” music, I hung up. Upon calling back, and making the same request, I was tersely informed that the shipper was very busy. I indicated that I had been waiting for over two days for a reply to my question. She then got quite snippy with me, telling me that they were just “too busy”. I asked to speak with a manager. She then said she would take my name and number, and assured me the shipper would call as soon as possible. She also indicated that it had been shipped; so what was my problem? I reiterated that I wanted the tracking number. Period.

About three hours later, the shipper called and was obviously irritated that he had to deal with me. I had left with the person that took my phone number, along with my name, order number and phone number. Upon providing the same information, he indicated that he would have to take time to look it up, a major inconvenience for him as he was “so busy”.

At that point, I admit I became quite annoyed. He said it "just too much trouble, and took too much time, to notify customers of their tracking numbers". I gently pointed out that since he was using UPS online shipping, all he had to do was check the box to inform customer of their shipping details, which would automatically generate to email and send it to the customer. Some have to plan to receive deliveries. Further, as a business-owner who serviced online clients, I always sent my customers their detail information.

At that point, he informed me that he had been shipping for“almost a year”, and that “he knew what he was doing”. I told him that I would take that into consideration, the next time I needed that sort of product, his company offered and make another decision as to where I would shop in the future, because I was not happy with their customer service. No aplogy was forthcoming.He informed me that they had “the best customer service, and that I did not know what I was talking about”.It was more important to justify himself than appreciate his customer's needs!

Yes, red fire jumped out of my eyes. I have served my customers online for over ten years. I lose sleep thinking about how I can improve their online experience with me. Because I'm here and they're way over there, somewhere. I want them to feel like I am accessible, and considerate of their needs and wants. One of my main concerns as as online retail merchant is to provide as much assistance to my customers as I can. After all, they don't know me. They're making a selection on faith, trusting that I will not only provide them with a product exactly as described and seen (if not better), but also provide them with a pleasant experience, reinforcing their decision to trade with me, and by extension, their good judgment. To that end, I will confirm the order by email immediately, and thank them for their custom. When I ship their selection, I email the tracking number so that they know I take them seriously and have care for them.

I respect my customers. I know my customers are very busy. That's one of the reasons they shop online. They do not have time to call, sit on hold, or email repeatedly. Nor should they have to! I value their consideration. They are not simply marks, or suckers ripe for picking.

Customer service is all about respecting your clients. And, whether or not someone makes a purchase or not, I still consider them to be very important. Showing respect will also garner more business. The person you satisfy and positively reinforce, will trade with you again. They may not tell anyone else about their satisfaction. They may not even inform you that they're unhappy. You simply will never hear from them ever again. But I guarantee that if a customer is displeased, then all their friends will know about it. And you will have devalued your own product!


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Meditating on America: Ben and Now

Over the weekend I watched a re-run of a documentary about the inventions of Benjamin Franklin, and how his scientific way of thinking had influence on his approach to politics.. I've always admired him. I think he's the greatest American thinker. Ever. And one of the greatest minds humanity has ever turned out. I believe the secret of his creative genius was his use of reason. His analysis of form and function was amazing. By using the most basic of scientific principles of observing and accurately recording, he could arrive at the operational definition, thereby solving a problem (better heating) or answering a question (electricity).

Right now people are operating under the assumption that we live in a zero sum universe, either shrink, ing or fixed. That translates into if your make a penny that's bread of out my mouth. Meaning there are finite resources and therefore finite opportunities for survival.

Enter the concept of organizing: sharing and pooling resources for mutual gain. (We used to call it hunting and gathering) It's the ability to rationalize another's behavior is why we decided to organize first, for survival. That in turn changes perception where the sum of the parts is greater: out of many we are one. If that's true, i.e it works, and we survive and thrive, then the universe is expanding, neither fixed nor static.

How in the hell did we get from the reason and logic to superstition and fear in 200 years?! What the hell is the matter, here?! This is asinine.

History has clearly demonstrated that the universe is expanding. We're still here, aren't we? Therefore so our our possibilities. Just go back to figuring out the ways it can be done. WWBD

Letter to The First Lady on the Occasion of Her Visit to the Gulf States

Dear First Lady of the United States:

Thank you for planning to visit the third world part of the country. No doubt, while you are here, you will be shielded from the less savory parts, the sharecropper farms that still exist in Georgia and Alabama, the parts of Louisiana where there are regular daily power failures (Orleans parish). Bring a flashlight, and extra batteries.

Perhaps Ms. Sherrod will be available to sneak you away for a few hours, so that you can see how we really live down here. If you can slip the Secret Service, you will have the opportunity to experience what it's like to be a “person of color” in the South.( I know what I'm talking about. I am a black woman, who grew up in Chicago. I went to Lab School like your daughters. I'm college educated, and working only 10 hours a week). If you get caught, make sure you have your passport and White House credentials on you, or you could end up in jailed as a “street-walker”.

No doubt the satraps in charge will grovel obsequiously in your presence. remember however that behind your back they will be plotting ways to demean ad belittle any good work you will try to do. It'll be just like visiting South Africa in the 1960's. You will treated like an “honorary white person”. Make sure you are well-vaccinated. bring your mosquito repellent, first aide kit and malaria tablets. Do not drink the water. Do not get sick in Louisiana! If you do, fly home immediately. Health care in Louisiana is wholly inadequate, as in the entire South. Bobby Jindal, Richard Shelby and Haley Barbour have worked very long and diligently to keep us ill and unemployed, so we may be too weak to greet you if you come.

Enjoy your stay!

How to Take Care of Your Jewelry

How much have you invested in your jewelry? Actually, it doesn't matter. It's your treasure. That does not mean that you should never wear your jewels. I want you to exercise a little common sense.

Take off your jewelry when doing house cleaning. Prongs can snag on polishing rags and scrubbies as well as laundry. Rings can slide off fingers doing dishes. Many solvents are not good for jewelry. Chlorine bleach dissolves gold. Take off your jewelry when cleaning the bathroom! Because swimming pools also use chlorine to disinfect, take off your jewelry when swimming in a pool, too! I also think it's a good idea not to wear your good to the beach. A few years ago, when in Florida, I witnessed a woman who was body surfing shrieked with horror to discover that her 2-karat diamond solitaire had fallen out! (That marriage got off to a rocky start!)

Many people who have gold jewelry think because it's gold it doesn't tarnish or have to be polished. Well, guess what? It does need cleaning from time to time. And if you have stones set in your gold, it is a very good idea to have your prongs checked on your jewelry. This is especially true if it's your favorite piece, like your engagement ring, which you never take off.(That's why it looks so grotty!)

Besides, it's a major pain in the arse to take the plumbing apart to find your ring. Your husband will not be a happy camper. Chances are, if you have to call in a plumber, he/she will not be thrilled either, even though you pay them.

While diamonds are the hardest gemstone, they do require some care. Diamonds are attracted to grease. That's why your ring gets so "googy" when you fry, never mind the breading! Why not take off your jewelry, when you're in the kitchen? Get one of those cheap glass ring holders that the dollar store in your neighborhood carries? Actually get a few, and keep one by the kitchen sink and one in all the bathrooms.(Your guests will think you're so posh!)

Opals, aquamarines and emeralds are softer, and can chip. Ammonia based cleaning agents will blacken your silver. If you like it shiny, don't give yourself more headaches. Vinegar will dissolve pearls. So, take 'em off when doing housework. Besides, if you have carpet, and you loose a stone and it gets sucked into the vacuum, good luck finding it! (Ask me how I know what a exercise in futility that is)

Platinum can get dinged up. It does not have a high sheen to begin with, so if you're not careful, you will find that your platinum will need to be re-plated.

If you've got stuff in your jewels, carefully, over a towel of contrasting color to the jewelry, use an old toothbrush, with a little paste of baking soda and water, and gently brush. Have a bowl of warm water next to the towel, to dip the ring, and rinse off the crud. You really don't want to stand in front of the sink, and run water over it. Because, if anything is loose, there it goes. Or, worse still, it may slip out of you hand, and down the drain it goes.

And, keep a soft cloth around to wipe off your pearls when you take them off. Skin oil can damage the cord, and dull the luster of the pearls. If you use hairspray, lotions and perfumes, your pearls will get dirty more quickly (duh!). Fill two bowls with tepid water, put a few drops of shampoo in and swish your pearls around. Rinse them in the other bowl of water. Lay pearls out on the a towel to air dry. I don't want you pulling the strand through the towel. If there is a fray in the cord, you could pull it apart. Do take the time to inspect your pearls for signs of wear. Generally speaking, if you wear them a lot, or any strung jewelry, it's a good idea to have them re-strung, periodically.

Invest in a couple expensive polishing cloths. Get two, one for your gold and one for your silver.The reason is that they both get black, but your silver cloth will get blacker quicker, and will make it harder to shine up the gold.

So, don't run the risk of ruining your jewels. Take care of your jewelry and your jewelry will be around a lot longer to make you happy and resplendent.

Fun Facts about the Zőe's

The Zőe Necklace and the Zőe Set are homage to one of my cats: Zőe. A little over six years ago, my friend Katie called me and asked me, as I am a cat lover, if I had room for another. I said “sure”. She said she'd be right over because her friend has two kittens that were going to the pound to be euthanized. When she arrived, Katie had a carrier with the kittens inside. When she opened the door, a tiny kitten, about a quarter of the size of the other cat, climbed over her litter mate, hopped out, raised her front legs like a toddler being asked to be carried. “Her name is Zőe. We think she's a girl. She was born on May2”, was what Katie's friend who was getting rid of the kittens, said. Zőe was purring quite loudly, and kissing me. I said, “I guess she's picked me”. She think jumped down on the floor, and toddled of unsteadily on short little legs in the direction of the kitchen, at the back of the house.. And then they left.

I subsequently learned from my vet that she was barely five weeks old, and not old enough to be away from her mother. He was very annoyed with me. I explained that if I hadn't taken her, she would have been killed. Then he relented. He warned me, that she would have digestive issues, because I had started her on solid food. I told him that I had tried to give her milk, but she didn't seem to care for it. I thought that was strange, as all my cats were dairy cats. He explained that not all cats like or can tolerate dairy, that I should have gotten kitten formula. I didn't know that thee was any such thing. Long story short, we had some occasions where we thought we were going to lose her, because of her digestive issues. But she's a big girl now, twelve pounds! (Who knew she'd grow from less than one pound, to be such a big broad?!)

Zőe is a beautiful taupe and gray tabby, with eyes the color of key lime pie. She is also extremely inquisitive. I have learned NOT to store my crystal beads and rondelles in screw cap containers, and not in small clear plastic baggies, or compartment boxes, because Zőe will chew through the baggies. She is also very clever with her little digits, and can open LOTS of things she should not get into. As a consequence, her middle name is Dexter, from Dexter's Lab, a television cartoon. There was a brief time when we first got her, that were weren't sure if she was a boy or a girl. And my husband wanted to call her Dexter , if he was a he. As a consequence, I have learned that she has a definite preference for ruby red, and iridescent red crystals. She likes the rondelles in gold, rather than silver. In fact, if you offer her something gold over the same in silver, she always goes for the gold. She cries for any red bead she sees me working with.

So, when I noodling around one day in the beads, I got the idea to see what beads I had that were her coloring, or favorite colors. After pulling out some labradorite, and the deep red Moretti Venetian glass beads that had white or yellow 24kt gold foil, and the unusual gray German glass leaf beads, and started to play. I couldn't figure it out at the time, so I put all of the beads into one large plastic bag and set it aside. I often do that. I find some beads that I think look good together. Toss 'em in a bag, and the the beads figure it out.is free

While I was occupied at the table, Zőe managed to get into the vermeil beads. They were in a compartment box, in sealed zip lock bags in each compartment to guard against tarnish. The DLDC (my husbands' nickname for Zőe. It stands for Damned Little Devil Cat). had gotten into the beads and had pulled one of the bags of vermeil beads and was busy chewing a hole it it. Were it not for the fact that she selected the perfect bead, I would have swatted her butt! As it happened, I looked at the fancy beads she had pulled out to play with and realized that they would work perfectly with the gray leaf beads. And the rest is history.

Have a closer look at the Zoe I at http://www.beadbear.com/c0903.shtml, or Zoe II
http://www.beadbear.com/c0904.shtml

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What Your Jewelry Says About You

Jewelry is all about identity.

After all, we select the piece before buying it. We select the item you are going to wear . We have jewelry that is for everyday. We have items that are for special occasions Some items acknowledge our part in the group, like class rings, or sorority pins. Jewelry can mark event in our lives, within society like wedding rings or anniversary rings, or retirement watches. It 's all about ourselves and how we perceive ourselves, both as unique being, as how we perceive our role in society.

However, we are all not the same in that group. So jewelry is also a form of personal identity, as well as a symbol of status and rank within the group.

When people wear the same mass produced item that is seen everywhere, it says that they do not have the status or that you lack the self confidence to express who you are. It demonstrates a level insecurity, and discomfort within their own skins, trying not to be noticed either for good or ill. Those motivations may be due to income, psychology, or even race. Conformity means denying self A person who only wears what is common announces that they do not have the status to be themselves.

Chains symbolize bondage. Doesn't matter if they're made of iron or gold. That's why I don't use chain in my jewelry

Wearing beads tells a different story about the person.

Traditionally, certain beads have been ascribed to different functions. Evil eye beads are worn for protection from evil and to promote good fortune. The oldest beads were for protection. Before the invention of glass, beads were made from agate, a relatively easy stone to carve and shape. The hole in the center of the bead was just so that it could be strung for wearing. The aperture symbolized the iris, looking out and protecting the wearer.

Other beads have been used for mnemonic purposes, like rosary beads, remembering which prayers or incantations are to be done in what order. Others were used as a means of inventory control, and counting, like an abacus.

So what else do beads mean?

Beads have always been a sign of status. Beads are very labor intensive to make. So they have always been valuable. Gemstones are not easy to acquire. They may have to be mined.. Then the rough has to carved (shaped), and drilled in order to be strung and worn. Over the years, gemstones have different powers attributed to them, and are coveted for reasons of belief, as well as for color preference. And of course, the harder it is to get, and work, the more valuable.

And some colors are more highly prized than others. Traditionally, many cultures revere red beads and stones as symbols of the life force and/or blood. And just for the record, red glass is the most expensive color to make. It requires dissolving gold into the glass! Mercuric oxide can also be used. It produces an orange-red. And is less expensive. However, for that juicy, true red, gold is absolutely needed.

So wearing handcrafted good indicates that you have the power to acquire and wear the products of many peoples' efforts. That indicates a certain level of education, another status symbol. Wearing beads further acknowledges that power in an understated fashion (think iron fist in velvet glove).

And lastly, wearing beads that are hand-knotted into place indicates that the wearer recognizes the value of what the possess and wish to keep it.

So, who are you?

Wear Your Beads in Good Fortune!

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Chevrons

Chevrons are the most difficult and complicated of all the Venetian beads to make. Created by the Constantini family, they are made up of several layers of colored glass rods. Historically, chevrons were used in the rosaries of cardinals. Some of the most sophistacated chevrons had seven, eight or occasionally nine layers of color!

In Africa, during the bead trade, chevrons came to represent absolute power and authority. They were worn and collected exclusively by the tribal chiefs. During the American bead trade, tribal chiefs also retained chevrons for themselves.

In recent years bead makers in India and China have started copying them. I exclusively use and collect the chvrons created by the Constantinis.

Rosary

I seldom create rosaries. However, beads have always been used in prayer. While personaly agnostic, I respect and honor those who have faith. The recent events in the Gulf are as good a reason as any to put it out there. You may have a closer look at
http://www.beadbear.com/f1008.shtml

My Inspiration for Jewelry

My inspiration for jewelry that I design often comes from history. For example, the Empress series was inspired by the jewelry of Catherine the Great. There is a portrait of her, wearing a multi-strand choker of pearls, with two strands of pearls that looked like it went all the way to her navel. In between the two long strands of pearls, there is another strand of either rubies or garnets, with a red crystal pendant, of either ruby or garnet, that's as long as my hand! I have dreams about that necklace!

I also read that her favorite gemstone was actually amber. She commissioned that room in the Kremlin that is wall-to-wall amber! It's amazing. Hence many of the amber necklaces I design are named for her.

Another item that I have drooled about is the turquoise and diamond earring and necklace set that is shown in the Smithsonian, that once belonged to Marie Antoinette. Oh, my God! Perfect, Persian, robins-egg blue turquoise pendants the size of duck eggs! Hand-carved rosettes and briolettes of diamonds inches long. I had read about it. It was presented to her by her father-in-law, Louis X!V. It was said that his mistress, Madame Pompadour, was furious that it went to Marie Antoinette, and not to her. She also coveted the Tavernier Diamond, a phenomenal five-sided blue diamond that was initially presented to Louis XIV by the explorer Henri Tavernier. It was first set in a brooch, and was called the Medal of Freedom. After the French Revolution, it disappeared.(Gee, what a surprise) It turned up decades later, and much smaller. It was to become what we have come to know as the Hope Diamond. Damn! That's another piece that haunts me.

In many respects, my tastes are from the Bronze Age. I just groove on the idea of rubies the size of my fist, that are too big too fit in my navel, and I've got a perfect “inney”. Yeah, arm cuffs studded with gems! Gold, jewel-studded necklaces that would stagger a goat! I drool when I think about it. It's why I make big jewelry.

Elizabeth Tudor loved pearls. There are over 2,000 seed pearls sewn onto the gown in which she was corona ted. Some whispered that her love of 'gems was“mannish”. Don't forget, back then, gold, precious gems, were exclusively the purview of priests and the Holy Roman Empire (for the glory of God) and kings, who represented God's rule on Earth.

Eleanor of Aquitaine was the first European woman of record to receive an engagement ring. It was a diamond, set in gold. The Pope was horrified when he heard about it. And it scandalized both the French and Norman(English) court. People whispered that Eleanor had “bewitched” Henry Plantagenet. The tittering turned into a roar when she married Henry, and was crowned Queen, with a little, tiny gold circlet, that wouldn't keep your hair out of your eyes, its so to thin. But she was the first woman in Europe to be Crowned. That really got the Pope's bowels in an uproar. He called Eleanor a witch. He threatened Henry with excommunication, if he didn't take it back. Eventually, he was, but that had more to do with Thomas Beckett, than Eleanor. Although, she had no love for Beckett, and urged Henry to disassociate himself from Beckett. But that's another rant.

And pearls were worn more by men than women. No gentleman would ever be caught dead at Court, without a nice pair of pearl bobs! Christopher Columbus, was so poor, that he did not own a pair of pearl earrings. When he was first invited to the Spanish Royal Court, he had none to wear. Ferdinand was contemptuous of a man with no earrings, and refused to see him. A courtier, who was friendly to Columbus, loaned in his best pair, when Isabella agreed to see him. She was intrigued by a man with bold ideas and great ambition, yet from such humble origins begging audience with her. It is said that she was so taken with him, that she gave him a pair of his own. Those he wore when he made is formal appeal to the King and Queen of Spain, when he presented his Letter of Recommendation from the Pope. But it was said that his clothes were quite shabby, and not in fashion. No doubt he dressed like an Italian sailor, not a Spanish courtier. And they said he smelled. History has shown us that he must not have stunk too badly for Isabella. She granted him a private audience, and the money received to buy those the ships came from her.

It's That Time

It's time:Time to step away from the oil and the coal. Wanting something real bad doesn't make it right. Yeah, we use the oil. We think we need the oil. But let's face it. We use too much. We've over done it. And now we're sick because of it. So we're gonna have to change. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Change is good. Life is about change. Be more energy efficient. What does that mean? It means it's time to take responsibility for what you use.

Well, for starters, drive less. If you live in an area with public transportation, use it. If it's not readily available, holler for it. Make it happen in your community. If you take the bus or the train to work, you can get stuff done, without having to hang on to the steering wheel. And, insurance rates will go down, because we won't need to drive everywhere. There will be less fender-benders. Drunks will be able to barf in taxis, and chat with you on the subway. Isn't that better than side-swiping your car, or killing you? See, and you won't be getting tickets for running the red light, either.

Walk there and back. That's a two-fer, right there. You'll accidentally get some exercise. That'll increase the circulation, maybe increase the metabolism, lose a little weight. Your doctor will be so proud. He/She will think you're following their advice. Ya might even get “lucky”, because you feel better, and look better, eh? And your dog won't look so much like a barking pig, because you're walking him/her. (Pick it up! That's what those plastic grocery bags are good for)

Ride a bike as part of your transportation system. Get one with a good sturdy frame, and nice fat tires. Get one of those nice cushy seats, not an butt-killer like they put on racing bikes. Hell, it's your bike: detail it like you wanna. Get streamers, paint it, put some good baskets on it so you can carry stuff. Get a really loud horn. Put all kinds of reflectors on it. And good breaks. Really. (Your reflexes ain't what they used to be) And a good sturdy lock and chain/cable!

Turn off some of those lights. Get dimmer switches. Don't waste electricity. Don't forget, someone probably died in a mine, for that coal that's used by your local power plant. Put solar panels on the roof. Look into tank-less water heaters, or the ones that run under solar panels. Put everything on a surge protectors, and when you leave the house, turn everything off, except the fridge. Window units are more efficient that central heat and air. Use screens on the windows on nice days and get some fresh air in there. Get that film for the windows. Honestly, it works, and it's neat stuff! Hang the laundry outside to dry. Saves energy; the clothes will be fresher. If you're shy, hang the undies inside.

Let's invest in wind energy. We should be manufacturing our own turbines for them. Let's not sub-contract everything out to the Chinese. It's stressing them out. They're not used to having to treat their workers like human beings.( It's freaking them out at the Fox Comm Factory!)So let's take advantage of the situation, and get back into making things ourselves for our selves.

Or else, we're gonna kill ourselves. It's a national gut-check time

Dude! Save yer ass, save the planet
.

Remembering the Wetlands

I love the wetlands. I used to love going out in the bayous and estuaries in my perouge, and trawling motor. I’d set trot lines for catfish, go crabbing, go crawfishing. I found oysters. I could never get enough of watching the graceful blue herons, gliding over the water. I would be at peace there, one with nature. I remember when I flew to New Orleans from Chicago, in 1977. We circled over the wetlands. It was mesmerizing.You used to be able to drive out to where Jean Lafitte’s fort used to be. We saw some of the other forts that were there. Within two years of my moving here, they were covered with water. I was grateful to have seen and walked across a piece of Ameican history, when I could.

But you can’t see them now. The Gulf has washed over them, as the wetlands have been destroyed, in favor of the oil companies with their barges. I live closer now than I did thirty years ago, to the Gulf, because of the erosion. I wanted to come back to see the beauty again first hand, and to show Wes how beautiful Louisiana really is

And now, BP has gone and ruined it. You evil, sorry rotten bastards, I hope you go bankrupt, and die in prison, you dirty rotten money grubbing life-hating, nature-abhorring bastards. I hope you rot in hell.

Multi-Strand Necklaces

I enjoy the challenge of creating multi-strand necklaces. It doesn't matter whether it's graduated strands, or entwined, or braided. All necklaces are equations. The goal is for it to be balanced, hang the way it's supposed to and lay against the body like it's a part of the wearer. What's done on one side must balance the other side. Not necessarily mirror, but balance, just like a quadratic equation. I relish trying to give the illusion that the laws of physics have been defied.

I suppose my favorites are the entwined strands with lots of different sized and different shaped beads.
These necklaces can be particularly aggravating. They can take several attempts at laying them out and doing a temporary stringing. I don't do any knot-work until I have all the strands created, and I can see how it's going to hang.

The next part is to determine with what to string the final piece on. That has a lot to do with what is in the necklace: large or small-hole beads, glass or metal, the quality of the holes in gemstones (are they well-drilled or are the edges ragged, with nasty little holes?). I have about eight or nine different spools of small cord, various thicknesses of silk, and several types of kevlar. I think I've got about three different types on linen cord, too.

I have to file and smooth out the edges of the holes in some beads. I have a bunch of different kinds of bead reamers and pin-vise drill bits, probably fifteen or twenty. There are also several files of varying degrees of fineness. I have emery boards and a couple of diamond-grit nail files, just like are used for manicures.

Occasionally, I have to make to hole larger. This requires patience, and a steady hand, or a bead could be cracked. If they're precious stones, screwing one up is a costly mistake. Lots of swearing, cursing and praying occurs at this time. (If I've got a lot of that to do, then everyone gets out of the room! The cats go hide under the bed. My husband suddenly finds something very fascinating online.)

Of course, graduated strands can also be a pain in the arse. Nefertiti proved to be quite tedious. I knew exactly what the beads wanted. But it took over twelve hours, before I got it right. All the gemstone beads were so not the same size and weight. The serpentine strand damn-near killed me! And with Aventurine Dream, I actually had to get out my bead ruler, and measure some of the beads.

They call football a game of inches. This is a game of millimeters, or less!

A Humorous Rant about the Live Feed

Okay, so I’ve been looking at the live feed from the Gulf all morning. I’m sorry, but it looks like a damn ultrasound.
I got just one question, when is the baby due?! Why don’t they just put it in some stirrups, for crying out loud. That’s what the doctor does. Maybe that’s what BP needs, and OB-GYN. Nurse, Get the forceps.
I just thought we needed a little levity at this point. This is just so godawful. However, I simply can’t go on like death warmed-over.
(Pause while I channel Sam Kennison.)
Why don’t we just jam Dick Cheney’s fat ass in there? I’d feel so much better. And, he would finally have served his country. Just a suggestion….

(Yes, the anti-depressants are finally working!)

Lariats

Lariats are my signature pieces. I design them with pearls or other gemstones. Lariats are an American jewelry invention. A lariat is a long usually single strand necklace, that does not have a clasp. Initially popular in the late 1800's during the Art Nouveau Period, they reached their zenith during the Roaring 20's. It was said that Zelda Fitzgerald had a pearl lariat that was one hundred feet long. They were testaments to the American belief that ”anything worth doing was worth overdoing”.

Consequently, in the years that followed, they fell out of favor during the Great Depression. However, I believe that in moderation, they are the most versatile piece of jewelry a woman could possess. Initially, lariats were only a few feet long. However, if the length of the lariat equals the height of the wearer, it is the perfect length to be worn a variety of ways around the neck as well as around the waist.
Depending upon how it is wrapped around the neck, an outfit can look casual, business-like or dressy. Consequently, a woman could conceivably wear here lariat from work to a cocktail party, and still be perfectly attired!

If you halve it, and then slip the ends through the loop, and let them dangle to the right or the left, the look is quite sporty and casual. Wrapped twice around the neck and knotted in the middle you achieve a sophisticated image. Untied, and worn under the collar of a jacket, makes a powerful statement. Draped around the neck, and tied loosely below the bust, lends a dazzling appearance to an evening gown. Equally effective, is to drape it so that the ends fall down the back. A most alluring look with backless gowns and cocktail dresses. And of course, tied like a belt around the waist, elegant with a sweater dress, tied loosely and draped over the hips, is downright sexy; you'll look like a goddess!

Wear you beads in good fortune!

An Open Letter to Our Federal Legislators from South Louisiana

You don't get it. We were not made whole after Katrina. And now we've been struck down again. Now it's the oil corporations at war with the people, with the legislators blessings. And here in Louisiana, we have no representation. We only have Mary Landrieu, who is more concerned about the oil corporations than the people who are being exploited and destroyed by the industry she so adores. BP has told fishermen, hired to help save their wetlands and their way of life, that if they wear respirators, they'll be fired. Now they are demanding no less than our lives.

And for what?! Hasn't BP killed enough of us already? Why do they need to kill more of us? This is our water, this is our oil, these are our people, these are our wetlands and fisheries that are being murdered for their greed! We have David Vitter, and Steve Scaliese, who have never seen a federal regulation they haven't been against if it meant less profit for business, particularly if it could protect our rights as citizens. We have Bobby Jindal, a Governor that doesn't see us as living breathing human beings he was elected to lead. All he sees is numbers on a piece of paper, to step on as he endeavors to make his way back to Washington, where he can really injure and maim humanity.

The planes that are dropping Corexit 9500, a poison, on the water are also spilling it on houses of people on land in Mississippi when they return to land. We have Haley Barbour, who has done nothing to help his fishermen. Why are we so hated by you? We are the ones that elected you. We trusted you to lead us, to look out for America's best interests. And you've sold us out. You don't care. You are great all great pimps and panderers, prostituting America!

What Kind of Necklace is Apropriate to Your Bustline

I don’t like that question because it presumes that women wear jewelry as mean of disguise.
Far from it! Jewelry is one of the highest and most personal forms of self-expression. It reflects who we really think we are. So there is no jewelry that can apologise for your existence. There is only jewelry that is designed to celebrate the joy of your being, no matter the size of your breasts (or how many you have)!
A better question might be what necklace is right for the clothes you have on at the moment? You wear different jewelry based on a variety of parameters. Are you wearing a turtle neck, are you wearing a bustier? Are you dressing for the office, digging a ditch or a cocktail party? What are you doing? Are you standing, walking around/active, or sitting at a desk or on a stage?
My philosophy is that with the right jewelry, it doesn’t matter what’s underneath; you could be naked. Because if you are wearing something that makes your heart sing, you will be beautiful.

How I came to Love Beads

My introduction to beads and jewelry came early. Our family's German landlady had come to America after narrowly escaping the Nazis. She had rescued her personal collection of antique Venetian glass and African trade beads, and she kept them in several small trunks that looked just like a pirate's treasure chest. We admired them together; Mrs. Kaplan shared her knowledge of bead designs and the history of beads. She passed her love of these exquisite works of art to me.

Growing up in Hyde Park district of Chicago, I could spend lots of free time at the Oriental Institute of Chicago, and became an avid student of ancient Egypt. In sixth grade, my research project on King Tutankhamen accidentally turned into the first biography ever written about him. (Much had been written on the treasure found in his tomb.) I was fascinated that a child about my own age had ruled a fabulous country and wielded so much power if only for a short time. The Oriental Institute included my paper in their stacks.

Formal study of jewelry craft began during my high school years. In college, I studied Greek and Roman archaeology, anthropology and physics. During my senior year of college, while studying in Oxford, I had the opportunity visit the Ashmolean Museum often and view their extensive collection of antique beads. The Jewel Room at the British Museum was also a frequent haunt. I have continued to expand my knowledge with courses from the Gemological Institute of America.

I use antique and contemporary Venetian, French, Dutch, Bohemian and Turkish glass beads to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other unusual ornaments. Precious and semi-precious gemstones of the highest quality, gold and silver are used to accent. Quality craftsmanship distinguishes my work from the rest.

Beads reflect a tradition dating back to 3000 BC These beads were worn to promote good luck, and for protection from misfortune (the evil eye or malocchio). Archeological evidence suggests that concepts linking eyes and protective magic to beads evolved in western Asia and Africa, and were carried west and east with developing trade routes. The oldest eye beads made were drilled stones like agate and carnelian.

The evolution of glass beads began with human discovery of glassmaking techniques in ancient Egypt. Beads were incorporated into jewelry, personal adornments, and everyday utensils of Egypt, the Hebrews, China, India, Persia, and Italy.
Beads are still used and admired in Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asia, as well as the Americas. As in ancient times, they adorn people, homes, pets, livestock and vehicles as protective talismans.

I see both antique and contemporary beads as a link to the past through work that will last into the millennium. Beads and jewelry reflect where we are today, what we were, and who we will become. One can neither break nor ignore the thread of history, for like a strand of beads, the result would be chaos.

Wear your beads in good fortune!

Born to Love Jewelry

I believe I was born with a passion and love for jewelry. I was born back in the fifties. There used to be a baby blanket that was made with plastic rings that could be secured around the rails on the gates on drop-down sides of baby cribs. They came pink or blue. My parents got me the one with the pink rings. According to my parents, when I was about three months old, my mother came into my room and discovered that all of the pink plastic rings had been removed from the blanket and the side rails. There were, however two pink rings on each of my ankles, two pink rings on each of my forearms, and three pink rings on each of my wrists! And I had, I have been told, a very smug, self-satisfied smile on my face.

When my parents tried to take to rings off of me, I understand the din was deafening. They let me keep them on.

Fast forward about twelve years. I'm going to my violin lessons at the Roosevelt Conservatory of Music in downtown Chicago. Where I get off the subway train is very near the entrance to the jewelry store, C.D. Peacock. When I would walk past the jewelry store, the old man that often stood out front when I passed by, always spoke to me. “Good afternoon, Miss Timmons. How are you today?” he would cordially ask. I was thunderstruck that he seemed not only recognize me but he knew my name!
I would always reply, “fine thank you”. And he would smile broadly at me. I would hurry to my lesson, but it would really non-plus me every week.

Finally, one Saturday, I gathered up my courage and I asked him how he knew me. “I've know you since you were a little baby. You haven't changed at all. He smiled broadly, and said “Oh, You're the baby that cried for diamonds”. I was stunned! No, thunderstruck, might be a better description. I demanded to know what made him say that. He asked me to step inside his jewelry store, and he would explain. He held the door open for me, like I was some great lady. I became very embarrassed, but he demurred and insisted I precede him in.

Upon stepping through the doors, the sales staff all looked up and greeted me, like a long lost friend! “Look!” the old gentleman announced. “The Baby Who Cried for Diamonds has grown up!” I was ready, in my mind, to turn and bolt out the door in confusion and fear, but my feet were oddly unresponsive. I just stood there. “What do mean?”I stammered.

At that point the old man had gone in and out of a door marked “Private”, with a photograph in an exquiste silver frame. He showed it to me. There I was, sitting on the counter, beatifically smiling. He said it was back when I was sixteen months old, when my parents came in with me. My mother needed to get her pearls re-strung. Evidently, while my parents were being waited on, the sales help offered to hold me. I was fine, he said, until I saw the diamond bracelets in a jewelry case. He said I started crying, so to pacify me they took the bracelets out of the case. When someone put a diamond bracelet on my wrist, he said I stopped crying. “Look, the baby is crying for diamonds!”, is what was said. The picture showed me with several diamond bracelets on each wrist, with my foot sticking out as one was being clasped onto my ankle!

I was thunderstruck! I mumbled I was sorry that I had been so much trouble,and had to go as I would be late for my lesson They were all smiles, and encouraged me to come back and visit any time. Later that afternoon, when I got home, I asked my parents about it. My father was tickled that there was a photo of the event. He remembered it, and thought it was very funny. “That's why I got you all those books about minerals and gems when you first learned to read”.


When did you first realize that you loved jewelry?

Tell me your story....

A.R.T. Precious Collectible Jewelry Return & Repair Policy

Returns
Upon receipt of your purchase you will have a full 7 days to examine and inspect
the jewelry. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you must notify me and request a refund
within 7 days or it is yours!

If in those 7 days you are not satisfied for any reason, simply contact me for a return shipping label. I will email a Return Shipping Label to you. Upon receipt of the merchandise in its original condition your purchase price will be refunded in full. Credit card refunds will be made by crediting the original account number used for the purchase.

Before the return of any merchandise you must first call or email to get authorization.
Place a copy of your sales receipt inside the package, with all packing material, return it to our address, insured for its full value. We thank you for your cooperation and the care that is taken in dealing with valuable pieces.

Your satisfaction is always our first priority.

Restringing
Any necklace or bracelet cord may break in time, especially if worn frequently.
Knotting between the beads secures them on the strand so that they do not scatter when this happens.
If any of my designs break, I will restring it free of charge.

Repair or restringing of any other items will be charged $2US per inch (3.5cm), plus the cost of any necessary replacement beads and findings.

Remember that a three strand necklace that is 24 inches long equals 72 inches. Very elaborate restringing jobs are priced on a case-by-case basis.

Customer pays all shipping costs for all repair and restringing orders, including free repairs.

Please use the Contact Form to inquire about repair or restringing.

I will issue a repair number, approximate repair charges, email a shipping label and shipping instructions. I will notify you by phone or email with total charges when repairs are complete. Allow up to four weeks for re-stringing and delivery, although most basic repairs can be completed within a week of receiving the item for repair.

Each bead is knotted into place by hand, for strength and durability. I knot with braided kevlar®, linen or silk.

Noor Pearl Necklace

The necklace Noor was inspired by the dowager Queen of Jordan. It reflects the calm and balance she displays, and her great work trying to bring cultural understanding the between the Middle East to the West. Noor means light. I saw her speak once several years ago, and was completely taken with her grace, calm, and serenity. She also represents to me some of the best qualities of America,acceptance and celebration of other cultures and ideas.

The necklace was not easy for me to assemble. I know what I envisioned. However, creating the balance was not easy to achieve. It took several attempts, before it came together. I dare say she might be able to relate.

Neda Necklace

This necklace was created to honor the life of Neda al-Sultan, the beautiful young woman who was gunned down on the streets of Tehran, demonstrating for civil rights and against the rigged elections last year. Each green aventurine tear drop bead symbolizes the bloodshed for freedom.

Many pieces I design honor the spirit,courage, dignity and strength of women throughout the world and across history, who dare to stand up for themselves and others.

To see this necklace and others in my collection, visit A.R.T. Precious Collectible Jewelry, www.beadbear.com

Wear your beads in good fortune!

Why I Knot Between the Beads

Knotting between the beads is important for a variety of reasons. Bead stringing, properly speaking, is a form of rigging. Where a knot is placed, it strengthens the cord three-fold. Consequently, if cord with a tensile strength of 17lbs. The cord is strengthened to 51lbs.10lb-test becomes 30lbs, etc. Thus, it secures the beads. This is especially true when a variety of different sized beads and materials are used. If the cord breaks, there is only one or two beads to pick up off the floor. Losing precious metal beads, or gemstones, can make it costly to repair.

I use a variety of different stringing material as well. I use anything that will take a knot. Generally, I will use silk, or linen. These are natural fibers, and are quite sturdy and durable. Cotton is too weak. I also use braided kevlar, of varying thicknesses. Kevlar is used in bullet-proof vests, as well as the suits astronauts wear. I often use kevlar with beads that have rough holes.

I never use tiger-tail, or any of the coated wires that many others use. Wire eventually will cut the beads, particularly pearls and opals, which are quite soft. Furthermore, when metal fatigue sets in, which it will, sooner or later that wire will kink. That kink will not only weaken it, but will cause the necklace to not to wear properly. Wire is just too stiff for necklaces and bracelets, in my opinion.

Second and more important, a knotted necklace will lay better against the body. Indeed, knotted necklaces will conform to the body of the wearer. Thus it actually becomes a part of the wearer. And you will wear the jewelry, rather than the other way 'round. So there is no “Afghan hound” effect. That is particularly vital when wearing a large piece.

Yes, it takes longer to assemble a knotted necklace. I knot each bead into place, by hand. I do not employ any of the bead-stringing devices that are available, because it does not allow me to place the knot closely by the holes on each side of the bead. Again, this is of particular importance when using beads of differing sizes, shapes or material (metal, glass, gemstone). I create my jewelry the time-honored traditional way, one bead at a time, and one knot at a time.

Beads reflect a tradition dating back to 3000 BC These beads were worn to promote good luck, and for protection from misfortune (the evil eye or malocchio). Archeological evidence suggests that concepts linking eyes and protective magic to beads evolved in western Asia and Africa, and were carried west and east with developing trade routes. The oldest eye beads made were drilled stones like agate and carnelian.

I see both antique and contemporary beads as a link to the past through work that will last into the millennium. Beads and jewelry reflect where we are today, what we were, and who we will become. One can neither break nor ignore the thread of history, for like a strand of beads, the result would be chaos.

Wear your beads in good fortune!

I Love Sumo Wrestling

I love sumo. Think it's totally awesome. Way cool. But I can't find it on television anymore. I grew up watching it on the old ABC Wide World of Sports show on weekends. Iused to looked forward most of all to the Emperors Cup, because of all the grand ceremony and tradition. I was thrilled by the footage of all the wrestlers strutting into the arena wearing their finest kimonos, bowing to honor the emperor. The grandeur and pagentry was timeless and magnificent.

The mind games before each bout, as they entered from their respective side of the ring, stomping and tossing salt to impress the gods and strike fear and doubt in the mind of their opponent. And it would all be over in an instant! I learned to toss my cushions in the air in approval and excitment, just like in the arena, imagining I was there.

Now this month there is the Grand Sumo Tournament! I found video on YouTube, oh joy! Eat your heart out, ESPN!

CHILDRENS' JEWELRY RECALL

There was yet another recall of childrens jewelry this week due to dangerously high levels of lead and/or cadmium. The "Best Friends" charm bracelets from Claires' contain unacceptable levels of the toxic materials. And, yes they were made in China.

Listen, everyone. China got the bright idea to substitute cadmium for lead. However, it's just as toxic! Granted, it was because the US raised their regs and came down on China last year about this problem. However, you need to still be vigilant.

Stop buying 'cheap jewelry" for your children. China is only concerned with China. It makes no difference to them if your kids get sick, because they already have YOUR DOLLARS!

Yes, I KNOW your daughters and their friends like it, it's cute, and "everybody has one". But I'm begging you, before you buy that trinket for your children, ask the store clerk or the manager about the country of origin for the product. If it's packaged, read the package! If they cannot tell you, or will not tell you, DO NOT BUY IT.
Buy jewelry that's stamped as sterling silver. Often you'll see the symbol .925. ( Or buy gold.Yeah, I know it's more expensive. ) And again, quiz the sales help. If everyone keeps up the pressure, the corporate honchos will learn to stop trying to make a fast buck at the expense of the safety and health of the American public.

Till I get on my soap box again,
Anne
www.beadbear.com

Emerald Gemstone for May

The word emerald is derived from the Greek Smaragdos which is probably an old Persian word. It means green stone.

Emerald is the most precious form of beryl. It has a Mohs hardness of 7½ to 8. As emeralds are rather brittle gemstones and fracture easily, they are often treated with oil. Emeralds are found in Columbia, Brazil, South Africa, Tanzania, India, Pakistan and Australia.

It offers bliss and loyalty to its owner. Emerald will help you discern information that comes your way, it is knowing that way. Especially helpful as a tool when facing choices. Enhances focus and reflection during meditation.

What Kind of Necklace is Apropriate to Your Bustline

I don't like that question because it presumes that women wear jewelry as mean of disguise.

Far from it! Jewelry is one of the highest and most personal forms of self-expression. It reflects who we really think we are. So there is no jewelry that can apologise for your existence. There is only jewelry that is designed to celebrate the joy of your being, no matter the size of your breasts (or how many you have)!

A better question might be what necklace is right for the clothes you have on at the moment? You wear different jewelry based on a variety of parameters. Are you wearing a turtle neck, are you wearing a bustier? Are you dressing for the office, digging a ditch or a cocktail party? What are you doing? Are you standing, walking around/active, or sitting at a desk or on a stage?

My philosophy is that with the right jewelry, it doesn't matter what's underneath; you could be naked. Because if you are wearing something that makes your heart sing, you will be beautiful.

Keeping Your Silver Clean

Keeping silver free and clean from tarnish can be a challenge. A good quality paste silver polish generally can be found at your local hardware store. In a pinch, baking soda may be used. Pour a some into a saucer. Dab it with a soft damp cloth. Rub gently on the silver. Be very careful that you do not scratch the suface! Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Pat dry with clean, soft cloth.

DO NOT USE AMMONIA! It will pit and blacken your silver!
DO NOT SWIM IN CHLORINATED POOLS OR ALLOW CHLORINE to touch your jewelry. Chlorine with dissolve it, little by little.

And, as general rule, never go into a pool with any jewelry, or anything loose. It can:
a) come off and go into the drain
b) if you're in it, YOU can get stuck

To prevent build-up of tarnish, when piece is clean (brand new, BEFORE it's worn) paint item with clear nail polish, on one side. Let dry thoroughly. Do other side.

And for good measure, when it's not being used, store your silver in an air-tight container, like a baggie. The next time you are at your favorite jewelry store buying silver, ask your jeweler for some anti-tarnish strips, so that you can keep yout silver shiny.

Kind Regards,

Anne
www.beadbear.com

Introduction to Anne the Beadbear

My name is Anne Renée Timmons-Harris and I have collected antique glass beads and unusual beads of all kinds from around the world for over thirty years.I use antique and contemporary Venetian, French, Dutch, Bohemian and Turkish glass beads to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other unusual ornaments. Precious and semi-precious gemstones of the highest quality, gold and silver are used to accent. Quality craftsmanship distinguishes my work from the rest.

My domain name is based on my craft, designing jewelry with beads, and my name given to me by my Cherokee grandfather, "Bear". There are others on the web falsely using the name Beadbear. They are being dealt with legally. Don't be fooled.

Each bead is knotted into place by hand, for strength and durability.

I knot with braided kevlar, linen or silk. If the cord should break, I will re-string it free.

Visit my website www.beadbear.com and see my jewelry designs

Wear Your Beads in Good Fortune!