BEAD HUNT - :=The CharD Experiment=:

Spend $10 to receive one - $20 to receive two and so on and so on. According to my calculations - this is the LAST one penny deals offered. There are TWELVE one penny deals still available!!!

CLUE FOR MONDAY - 8/04/2008

This is the last one penny deal I'll hide
So search the site far and wide
There are many unfound deals to find
Just one last clue if you don't mind

This clue is for something in a special line
Crystals, pearls, chatons all so fine
These are round and 6mm in size
The color a coffee addition devised

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE FOR SUNDAY - 8/03/2008

With twelve penny deals yet to be found
The fact that they're here really astounds
Here is the clue for the 12th that hides
I am put on beads to surround both sides

I am precious to many with the cost so high
Silver prices climbing and touching the sky
Ten of these will dress up your design
This one penny deal will make a great find

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE FOR SATURDAY - 8/02/2008

Devising the clues for this bead hunt game
I realize that some are really quite lame
I never claimed to win a writing award
This one penny deal - many have adored

This next deal comes in 6 colors bright
Red, Black, Green, Blue, Yellow and White
Twenty pretty hats for your artisan creation
Find this deal for your beading elation

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE FOR FRIDAY - 8/01/2008

Use one of these to complete a design
Or make your own when you're in a bind
Toggle me on or toggle me off
I'm the one penny deal so please don't scoff

Spend $10 for each one penny deal
You don't have to spin a funny wheel
There are only three more penny deals to come
Find me and I'll add you to the list of who won

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUES FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 30th and THURSDAY, JULY 31st

CLUE ONE OF TWO

Yesterday, brain dead, unable to think
No clue - now two - not blue or pink
There are pairs and pairs of me to find
I have balls and coils and wires divine

Add one or two or more drops to me
Beaded dangles for all to see
Another one penny deal of the day
Find me and I'll soon be on my way

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE TWO OF TWO:

This next batch of beauties that I will send
Have pretty beadcaps on either end
The palest purple you'll ever see
Congrats to you if you find me

Five and twenty of me you'll receive
For your artisan creations - you can believe
They'll add a dash of victorian flair
I'm hiding in store - please find me I dare

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE FOR TUESDAY - 7/29/2008

Three more clues left to display
The last will be on Thursday
Whether for sewing or beading galore
Find a pair of these as you explore

Spend $10 for each one penny deal
You don't have to spin a funny wheel
There are only two more penny deals to come
Find these and I'll add you to the list of who won

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE FOR MONDAY - 7/28/2008

Four more one penny deals coming your way
Here's the clue for the steal today
A slab of this in purple I declare
Is hidden on the site somewhere

This beauty is top drilled thru front to back
And its color is nothing that it does lack
There are only three more penny deals to come
Find me and I'll add you to the list of who won

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE FOR SUNDAY - 7/27/2008

More one penny deals coming your way
Here's the clue for the steal presented today
It only made sense to offer this pick
A day with prayer for the old and the sick

We hold those special close to our heart
Some vigils refined, some that we start
Find me and put in that special note
Prayers are strong - we're in the same boat

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE FOR SATURDAY - 7/26/2008

Six more one penny deals left to go
The next is something you definitely know
These are little and shiny and football in shape
To add sparkle to those creations you make

I'm not that big and I'm not that small
I hope someone finds me before the fall
So don't miss out on the last six deals
Get your $10 ready for these last steals

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUES FOR FRIDAY, JULY 25th

CLUE ONE OF TWO

Here is the first of two clues today
A one penny deal coming your way
This one is stone with lines so pretty
If I'm not found it would be such a pity

I've lines of green and round I am too
Not pink or brown or even blue
If I were larger I'd be a discus
So find me please yes find me you must

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE TWO OF TWO:

And now for the second clue as stated
A one penny deal that has been slated
These are frosted and white and pure
One of those beads I simply adore

I work well with most everything
Added texture and class I will bring
To your artisan designs and creations
Find me quick and receive adulations

AND THE WINNER IS:

CLUE FOR THURSDAY 7-24-2008

Seven more clues left after today
For one penny deals coming your way
You'll have 10 of me to make something pretty
And if we're not found it would be such a pity

I'm metal and precious to many you see
For making links and drops plenty
For bails of wire and other things too
Don't forget to come back for tomorrow's clue

AND THE WINNER IS: Chloe in Seattle, Washington - 10 Sterling Silver 2" Headpins 26 Gauge ($2.25 USD)

CLUE FOR 7-21-2008

As promised another clue's listed today
The one penny steal deal of the day
The clue I ask do you have the nerve
To find this one penny deal curve

I'll help your non-bail pendant mess
I am fancy and hang around I confess
I have a loop and very nice plating
Today's one penny deal is patiently waiting

AND THE WINNER IS: Mary in Huron, Ohio - One Curved Tube with Loop ($1.59 USD)

CLUE FIVE - 7-9-2008

Spending ten dollars to gain a one item deal
Using your time to find the one penny steal
I promised to place these items in store
I hope they are found before I place more

When looking for me I'm found on a spool
I'm flexible, resist kinks which I find cool
You don't need a needle when using me
And where I'm hiding I'm a mere penny

AND THE WINNER IS: Mary in Huron, Ohio - 30 foot Spool AccuFlex .012 Inch Diameter Beading Wire ($3.35 USD)

See you again tomorrow - For the next 1c Steal!

CLUE FOUR - 7-8-2008

Skies of blue and bright yellow sun
I hope that you're still having fun
finding the bargains and saving some cash
While adding more beads to your growing stash

Think of angels in the heavens above
Consider Cupid's arrows of love
You'll find me standing attention set
Quietly listening for those might trumpets

AND THE WINNER IS: Mary in Huron, Ohio - 25 Czech Sapphire 13/8 Trumpet Beads ($3.25 USD)

See you again tomorrow - For the next 1c Steal!

CLUE THREE - 7-7-2008

Day three has arrived and much the same
I hope you're having fun playing this game
The next penny item for grabs today
Listen closely to what I say

I am a staple for beaders and used all the time
for making those trinkets we love so fine
decorative details when in a canoe
couldn't get anywhere without at least two

AND THE WINNER IS: Lyenne, Ontario, Canada - 100 Silver Plated 1" Paddle Pins ($2.45 USD)

See you again tomorrow - For the next 1c Steal!

Second Clue - July 6, 2008

This second clue is strange I do think
could it be red or purple or pink
where could it be to find it I'll search
and locate that penny bargain's perch

Lightweight and bumpy like stucco to me
Found on ceilings or walls by the sea
Yet another strand of something new
The only clue this time is I am not blue

AND THE WINNER IS: Mary in Huron, Ohio - 16" Strand Textured Glass 10mm Round Beads ($1.95 USD)

Welcome to :=The CharD Experiment=:

What is the "CharD Experiment"

Starting today thru the first August Monday
Look for the 1 penny steal of the day
I'll provide a clue to where it is sitting
And the one who finds me it seems only fitting

That if you should find me as you explore
Add me to your order of $10 or more
I'll be on my way to your hometown
Come back tomorrow for another round

FIRST CLUE - JULY 5, 2008

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
Pay close attention
to this first clue


The stick for of this
is used for the schooled
The cube of 2 minus 2
Is the shape don't be fooled

AND THE WINNER IS: Sharon, Lenoir, NC - 16" Strand Chalk Turquoise 6mm Cube Beads ($7.45 USD)

Sharon stole them away for 1c and tomorrow will bring another 1c steal

See you again tomorrow - For the next 1c Steal!

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

Beadseller Turquoise beads are Natural. We strive to provide a variety of different shapes and sizes of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise at affordable prices. Most of the turquoise we sell is stabilized to add hardness to the turquoise. They are exceptional quality and have a very nice polish. Turquoise is available in all shapes, sizes and quality. Not all turquoise is from the Sleeping Beauty mine - but this is the most sought after turquoise on the market.

This 16 Inch strand of Natural Turquoise is "WYSIWYG" - You will receive the exact strand pictured
Bead Size and Shape: 10mm x 15mm Nugget Beads - This strand has smaller nugget spacers between the larger nuggets - These nuggets are from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, AZ

The product code for this item: TQN1510-02SB

Description: These are natural turquoise that has been stabilized to add hardness. These have a very super polish and great even cuts. These have a minimal amount of matrix. These have a beautiful robins egg blue color.

This 16 Inch strand of Natural Turquoise is
"WYSIWYG" - You will receive the exact strand pictured

Bead Size and Shape: 5mm-8mm Nugget Beads - These nuggets are from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, AZ

The product code for this item: TQN85-04SB

Description: These are natural turquoise that has been stabilized to add hardness. These have a very nice polish and great even cuts. These have a minimal amount of matrix. We found a super turquoise vendor and will continue to offer only quality genuine turquoise. We strive to find Sleeping Beauty Turquoise at affordable prices.

This 16 Inch strand of Natural Turquoise is "WYSIWYG" - You will receive the exact strand pictured

Bead Size and Shape: 4mm-6mm Pebble Beads - These pebbles are from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, AZ
The product code for this item: TQP46-01SB

Description: These are natural turquoise that has been stabilized to add hardness. These have a very super polish and great even cuts. These have a minimal amount of matrix. These have a beautiful robins egg blue color.

WHAT AND WHERE IS TURQUOISE

Turquoise was among the first gems to be mined, and while many historic sites have been depleted, some are still worked to this day. These are all small-scale, often seasonal operations, owing to the limited scope and remoteness of the deposits. Most are worked by hand with little or no mechanization. However, turquoise is often recovered as a byproduct of large-scale copper mining operations, especially in the United States. The Southwest United States is a significant source of turquoise; Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. The deposits of California and New Mexico were mined by pre-Columbian Native Americans using stone tools, some local and some from as far away as central Mexico. Cerrillos, New Mexico is thought to be the location of the oldest mines; prior to the 1920s, the state was the country's largest producer; it is more or less exhausted today. Only one mine in California, located at Apache Canyon, operates at a commercial capacity today. One of the richest mines in Arizona is the "Sleeping Beauty" mine. It produces some of the highest quality turquoise for jewelry and has a robin's egg blue color.

Bisbee Blue or Bisbee turquoise refers to the turquoise that comes from copper mines located in the vicinity of Bisbee, Arizona.

Though small amounts were found in the Campbell shaft mine, as well as in streambeds in the Mule Mountains, the vast majority of Bisbee turquoise surfaced when the Phelps Dodge Corporation started open pit mining operations at the location now known as the Lavender Pit, especially the eastern side of the pit. Large amounts of a conglomerate rock bed needed to be removed before the deeper located copper ore could be reached. This conglomerate "waste" rock was the host for most of the turquoise, both in vein and nugget form.

Bisbee turquoise can be found in many different shades of color and quality, from soft, low quality pale blue to the quality hard brilliant blue turquoise and most every shade of blue in between. Green turquoise is also found in Bisbee, but is not usually of very high quality. During the time that the largest quantities of turquoise were being extracted from the mine, the company made no organized effort to recover it. It simply got loaded into large dump trucks and hauled off to the "dumps". During this time (primarily through the late-50s into the late-60s), almost all recovered turquoise was made by company employees, taking it home in their lunch boxes, etc. Though this activity was prohibited, it was rarely enforced. For several years (mostly the early to late 70s), these individuals locally know as "dumpers", were the only source for this fine turquoise. Also, during this time, Phelps Dodge leased out the dumps to an individual to mine the dumps for turquoise.

SLEEPING BEAUTY MOUNTAIN
GLOBE, ARIZONA

The trucks on the left transport the turquoise laced rock to the "shaker" on the right.

This machine separates the rock into different sizes and sends it down a conveyer belt where workers pick out the turquoise from the common rock.

There are five “kinds” of turquoise as described by law

1 - Natural turquoise - turquoise that is so hard and beautiful that it is simply mined, cut, polished and set into a piece of jewelry or carved into a fetish or sculpture. Less than 3% of all the turquoise on the market worldwide is natural.

2 - Stabilized turquoise - soft or "chalk" turquoise has been infused with a clear epoxy resin. The resin, under pressure, absorbs into the rock, which permanently hardens the rock and deepens the color. Unlike the collectible natural turquoise which deepens in color over time by gradually absorbing oils from the skin as it is worn, the colors in stabilized turquoise are permanent. Most of the turquoise on the market is stabilized and should not cost as much as natural. Stabilized turquoise can be very beautiful, and is a good buy.

3 - Treated turquoise - soft or "chalk" turquoise that is stabilized as described above, except that the epoxy resin is also dyed. Colors in treated turquoise have a tendency to look artificial. Prices should be much less than natural or stabilized.

4 - Reconstituted turquoise - turquoise "chalk" that is very low grade and has been ground into powder, saturated with epoxy resin, dyed, and compressed into blocks or cakes to be cut into shapes for jewelry making. Prices should be most inexpensive.

5 - Imitation turquoise - there is no turquoise in this category. Either these are stones like howlite (white stone, very porous) dyed to look like turquoise or they are pure plastic (epoxy resin) that has been dyed to look like turquoise.

Turquoise has a waxy luster and is a phosphate of aluminum with copper and traces of iron. Depending on its origin, the stone can be sky blue to green depending on the amount of copper (which makes it blue) and iron (which makes it green).

TURQUOISE METAPHYSICAL LORE:

Turquoise is said to attract prosperity and success, to have the power to influence creative powers, and to enhance the ability to communicate. The stone has long been prized as a powerful talisman with healing properties. Turquoise increases resistance to viruses and helps to relieve sore throats, lung infections and the affects of allergies.

Disclaimer: Metaphysical lore on healing and spiritual healing is not a prescription, diagnosis or healthcare information; they are alternative and complementary and are not scientifically substantiated. By using this metaphysical and healing lore information, you acknowledge and agree that you personally assume responsibility for your use or misuse of this lore.

Beadseller Beads & Jewelry Supplies

Natural African Green Opal Beads

Beadseller African Green Opal beads are Natural. They have a striking blend of greens, browns and some creams. They are predominantly varying shades of green and brown. These are exceptional quality, great shapes, and have a beautiful polish. Lots of rich swirls and patterns. Two or three stones have an occasional void which is typical of common opal. About 2-3 beads per strand. We sell our semi precious bead strands as a WYSIWYG - You will receive the exact strand pictured.

This 16 Inch strand of Natural African Green Opal is "WYSIWYG" - You will receive the exact strand pictured

Bead Size and Shape: 10mm Round Beads

The product code for this item: AGO10-01

Description: These African green opal rounds have a striking blend of greens, browns and some creams. They are predominantly varying shades of green and brown. These are exceptional quality, great cuts and have a beautiful polish. Lots of rich swirls and patterns. Two or three stones have an occasional void which is typical of common opal.

This 16 Inch strand of Natural African Green Opal is "WYSIWYG" - You will receive the exact strand pictured

Bead Size and Shape: 14mm Puffed Square Beads

The product code for this item: AGOPS14-01

Description: These African green opal puffed squares have a striking blend of greens, browns and some creams. They are predominantly varying shades of green and brown. These are exceptional quality, great cuts and have a beautiful polish. Lots of rich swirls and patterns. Two or three stones have an occasional void which is typical of common opal.

We frequently offer pendant stones with the different variety of semi precious bead strands. These are also sold as a WYSIWYG and when possible, both sides of the stone are pictured.

This Natural African Green Opal Teardrop Pendant is a WYSIWYG pendant



Bead Size and Shape: 30mm x 22mm Teardrop Pendant - Drilled thru top to bottom

The product code for this item: AGOP3022-01

Description: This African green opal teardrop pendant has a striking blend of greens, browns and some creams. They are predominantly varying shades of green and brown. This is an exceptional quality pendant, great even cut and has a beautiful polish. Lots of rich swirls and patterns. Striking pendant!

Natural African Green Opal is a member of the Opal family: What and Where is Opal

The mineraloid opal is amorphous. The water content sometimes being as high as 20% but is usually between three and ten percent. Opal ranges from colorless through white, milky blue, gray, red, yellow, green, brown and black. Common opal is truly amorphous, but precious opal does have a structural element. The word opal comes from the Sanskrit upala, the Greek opallios, and the Latin opalus, meaning "precious stone." Opals are also Australia's National gemstone. Opal is a mineraloid gel which is deposited at relatively low temperature and may occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock, being most commonly found with limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, and basalt.

Australia produces around 97% of the world’s opal. 90% is called ‘light opal’ or white and crystal opal. White makes up 60% but not all the opal fields produce white opal; Crystal opal or pure hydrated silica makes up 30%; 8% is black and only 2% is boulder opal. Coober Pedy in South Australia is a major source of opal. Another Australian town, Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, is the main source of black opal, opal containing a predominantly dark background (dark-gray to blue-black displaying the play of color). Boulder opal consists of concretions and fracture fillings in a dark siliceous ironstone matrix. It is found sporadically in western Queensland, from Kynuna in the north, to Yowah and Koroit in the south.

Fire Opal is found mostly in Mexico and Mesoamerica. In South America, a city called Pedro II, located in Brazil, produces opal that was discovered in 1930. Fire opal, or Girasol, is a translucent to semi-opaque stone that is generally yellow to bright orange and sometimes nearly red and displays pleochroism at certain angles.

The Virgin Valley Opal Fields Of Humboldt county in northern Nevada produce a wide variety black, crystal, white, and fire opal. Most precious opals are wood replacements. Many specimens have a high water content, and as a result, have a greater tendency to desiccate and crack than most precious opal. Discovered in 1904 the mines are still producing gem materials in large amounts to hundreds of seasonal visitors.

Peruvian opal (also called blue opal) is a semi-opaque to opaque blue-green stone found in Peru which is often cut to include the matrix in the more opaque stones. It does not display pleochroism.

OPAL METAPHYSICAL LORE

The Opal is thought to project ones inner beauty. It enhances our creativity, while releasing our inhibitions. The Opal contains the colors and qualities of many other healing stones. It is sometimes called the "stone of inspiration." It is believed to help improve self esteem, bringing its wearer, happy dreams. It is the birthstone for October.

In the middle ages, opal was considered a stone that could provide great luck because it was believed to possess all the virtues of each gemstone whose color was represented in the color spectrum of the opal. However, modern superstition attributes bad luck to the stone, though some believe this is avoided if opal is the owner's birthstone or if the stone is a gift. Even under the last czar at the beginning of the 20th century, it was believed that when a Russian of any sex, of any rank, saw an opal, amongst other goods offered for sale, he or she would not buy anything more, since, in the judgment of subjects of the czar, the opal embodied the evil eye.

Disclaimer: Metaphysical lore on healing and spiritual healing is not a prescription, diagnosis or healthcare information; they are alternative and complementary and are not scientifically substantiated. By using this metaphysical and healing lore information, you acknowledge and agree that you personally assume responsibility for your use or misuse of this lore.

Beadseller Beads & Jewelry Supplies

Buying Semi Precious Beads - Charoite

Charoite

The thing I hate most about buying semi precious beads is the representative picture. Now I understand that sellers want to put their best foot forward and take pictures of those top notch new arrivals - but as a buyer, I don't want to see that best strand pictured, I want to see what you will be sending me.

These are Charoite 10mm Round Beads and they sell for $59.95. Their rich Lavender and Purple swirls are phenomenal. I was thrilled when they arrived. Upon their arrival, I immediately returned to the vend to buy more and was lucky to acquire a second strand.

Charoite is a rare mineral, named for the Chara River (though this etymology is disputed by some), and found only in the Sakha Republic, Siberia, Russia. It is found where a syenite massif has intruded into and altered limestone deposits. Charoite is a strong, translucent lavender to purple in color, reminding some of a granite or marble with its pearly, swirling luster. However, it is a discrete mineral rather than a rock. It has an unusual swirling, fibrous appearance, sometimes chatoyant, and that, along with its intense color, sometimes of a "grape" nature, can lead many to believe at first that it is synthetic or enhanced artificially.

Though reportedly discovered in the 1940s, it was not known to the outside world until its description in 1978. Charoite is used as an ornamental stone and sometimes a gemstone, generally as cabochons set into pendants.

Russia has fairly strict prohibitions on the exportation of charoite. Generally, charoite is permitted to be exported only after the stone has been worked, for example, into figurines or other type ornaments. It is therefore difficult to procure "unworked" or "rough" charoite in a form suitable for further working into jewelry such as cabochons.

Charoite often contains inclusions of the mineral tinaksite, which appears as a golden, spire-like shape running through the material.

Many people have different ideas about semi precious stones; including, the belief that they have healing qualities. This information on stones is referred to as its metaphysical qualities. Charoite is referred to as the soul stone connecting the head and the heart. It is believed that Charoite removes negativity energy from within the realm of your world. I have read that if you place some charoite under your pillow, it will enhance your dreams and ease your fears.

Personally, I believe it is one of the richest purple stones on our planet with Amethyst coming in at a close second.

Beadseller Beads & Jewelry Supplies