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I would like to Thank Southern Living Magazine for the "Yuletide in Aiken" story in Dec. 2006 issue. They did a great job and much to my amazement the shop was chosen as One of the Top Ten shops in Downtown Aiken. I feel very honored to be among the other shops including: Tea Garden Gifts, Birds & Butterflies, Mrs. B's Bakery, Nandina, Plum Pudding. When you are in Aiken be sure to visit these other shops.
Treasures vs. Delica debate:
Many of you have asked what the differences between these two Cylindrical shaped beads are.
Both are manufactured in Japan. Delica by the Myuiki Company, Treasures by the Toho Company.
The third Japanese manufacturer is Matsuno, they do not produce cylindrical beads.
Toho manufactures their own glass so, The "dye lot" is more consistent.
Treasure's have a larger hole size then Delica's. This allows for more passes of your thread during weaving. You can use "D" Nymo or C-Lon doubled with no problems. Professional Quality 49 strand Accuflex .o19" fits through Toho holes with no problems. Because their holes are larger you get more beads per gram, approximately 8 - 10% more. There is less culling through Treasure's then Delica's. The Quality and uniformity of Toho beads is better then other Seed Bead Manufactures as a whole.
Mother of Pearl in fabulous permanently dyed Spring & Summer Colors including Coin & Donut shapes and Hand Carved Flowers
Wood Beads This is a new addition to our vast inventory. Check out these great hand carved beads and rondels.
Czech Fire Polish & Pressed Glass We've added 10mm & 12mm Czech Fire Polish beads, Popular Pressed Glass Pinch Beads, and more to our inventory.
Gemstones Fire Agate, Chinese Turquoise rounds, Calcedony, Peace Jasper, Imperial Jasper (Terra Aqua Jasper) are just a few of the new arrivals. We re-stocked and I will be going on a Buying Trip the second week of May. I can't wait!!
TOHO We are anxiously awaiting our next shipment. It should arrive by May 10th. It includes size 11/0 Triangles, 6/0 Seed Beads, and 4mm cubes. I am so excited I can't wait to get them all in and up on the walls for you.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphires belong to the corundum group of minerals. They have a mohs hardness of 9. They are one of the second hardest minerals on Earth, only diamonds are harder. The most common color of Sapphire is Blue which is the favorite color of approximently 50% of the population. Tiny amounts of iron & chrome give Sapphires their blue color. The oldest Sapphire mines are located in Ceylon, (known today as Sri Lanka). Today most Sapphires come from mines in Thailand & Australia. Though blue is the most common color Sapphires can also be yellow, orange, purple, pink, green & white. They represent loyalty, friendship & harmony. Sapphire is the accepted stone for 5th year Anniversary along with Turquoise.
August Birth Stone: Peridot Mohs Scale of Hardness 6.5 - 7
Also the gemstone for 16th wedding anniversary State Gemstone: Nevada
Peridot is the best known variety of Olivine. Peridot is a magnesium-iron rich silicate mineral formed as result of Volcanic action. Occasionally it can be found in Meteorites. The color depth ranges from pale green-yellow to a rich bright green depending on the iron content. Peridot was first mined in 70 A.D. from St. John’s Island in the Red Sea by the Egyptians. They used it jewelry and other treasures. Ancient Romans called this beautiful gemstone "Evening Emerald". It can be found in medieval churches and throughout Europe. Peridot’s beautiful color does not fade from heat or over time.
The major source of Peridot today is the San Carlos Apache Reservation outside Globe, Arizona. Other large deposits can be found in Australia, Brazil, China, Norway, Egypt, Pakistan, Hawaii & New Mexico.
Metaphysical Properties: It is believed that Peridot brought success, peace & good luck to the wearer. Pirates wore the stone to ward off evil.
Never place in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Do not use harsh chemicals
Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing to remove body oils.
July's Birthstone Ruby The stone of Love & Passion. Mohs Scale Hardness: 9
Ruby is the red variety of the corundum mineral, one of the hardest minerals on Earth which also includes Sapphire. Pure corundum is colourless. Only red corundum may be called Ruby, any other colour is denominate as Sapphires. They are one of the second hardest minerals on Earth. This magnificent red variety of the multi-coloured corundum family, consists of aluminium oxide and chrome creating it's Distinctive Color. They can range in color from red to a redish purple. Rubies are found in Northern Pakistan Cashmere, Tadchikistan, Laos, Nepal,and Afghanistan. In the SixtiesThey were discovered in East Africa Rubies from Kenya and Tanzania managed ton surprise everybody, including the experts. It is very rare to find a gem quality Ruby more then 3 kts.
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