- Our necklaces are created using beads from around the world. Where appropriate we source beads from 'Fair Trade' suppliers ensuring that the makers of these beads receive a fair price for their work.
- The term 'Trade Beads' refers to beads, usually of European origin made in Belgium, Italy, France etc, which were traded in Africa, North America and elsewhere by early missionaries, settlers and traders. As a result the same type of bead can be found in North America as can be found in Africa. Some recycled glass beads being made in West Africa today are in fact copies of these old European beads. Italian 'Millifiore' glass beads are among the most common trade beads found in North Africa. These are very beautiful and date from the early 1700's and are often copied, albeit in a very crude imitation.
- Lost Wax is a method by which a wax original is made, a mold is created from this then molten metal is poured into the mold creating the bead and destroying the mold in the process. This is very time consuming as a new mold is required for every piece. Beads described as brass 'Asante' beads are made using this method.
- Some Tibetan Dzi beads are vintage or antique and these usually come via Nepal and Northern India, other Dzi beads are new and made in China or Taiwan. Ancient Dzi beads are a mystery in themselves, according to superstition they are thought not to be man made but to have 'dropped from heaven'. They are found primarily in Tibet and adjacent territories ( Bhutan, Nepal etc) and are among the most highly prized and collectable beads in the world. They are made from agate with symbolic designs etched into them using a variety of methods such as bleaching or darkening with naturally occurring chemicals, these ancient techniques are still not well understood. There is much debate surrounding the 'Authenticity' of Dzi, we prefer to simply refer to Old or Antique beads where we believe this to be the case, or to new beads and let the beauty of the beads speak for themselves.
- All references to Sterling Silver mean '925' silver ie 92.5 % pure silver which is the accepted standard for Sterling.
- Our necklaces are constructed using quality findings. We prefer to use screw fitted crimps as we believe these to be more secure than compressed silver crimps. All pieces are strung on the highest quality 49 strand stainless steel wire with wire guardians to further reduce the risk of wear at the clasp. Magnetic clasps are used unless the weight requires a 'parrot', hook or other type of clasp.
