Rural Magpie, Turquoise Beads & Fair Reports
20th November 2021
See us this weekend at Kempton Park Gem n Bead Fair, London TW16 5AQ – 39 exhibitors. The previous Kempton show in July was the best Gem n Bead Show ever – so don’t miss out!
Then weekend 13th-14th November at Harrogate Gem n Bead Fair. The last bead fair of 2021.
A few days after Harrogate we’re taking a break for a week. So all orders delayed from 1st to 10th December. Next bead fair will be Harrogate in February 2022.
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Content:
Bead Fair Report
Rural Magpie
Turquoise Beads
Last Bead Fairs This Year
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Bead Fair Reports
Newton Abbot Gem n Bead Fair
This will be the last time we exhibit at this venue. It used to be a booming show, but over the years there are less-and-less visitors, while costs to exhibit have increased. Despite other fairs being busy after lockdown, Newton Abbot was slow with bad attendance.
However, we had a great time in Devon and we love it in the South West – so may hold our own show next year at another Devon hall instead. Before Newton Abbot we spend a day in Lynmouth. A beautiful North Devon coastal village, great for river and cliff walks.
Block of four pictures show an evening at Teighnmouth. Plus, dinner in the Ship Inn with Sarah of Beadbuyer and Joanne & Johnny from Southampton Bead Shop. Pic on left is Michael from Beadbuyer at the MrBead stand – don’t believe everything you read on signs!
Click to see a short video of the show and fun after at Teignmouth on our FaceBook Channel.
Brighton Gem n Bead Fair
I was expecting this to be bad – as it was so close to the previous Brighton, and that wasn’t good. I was considering drawing out of future Brighton’s as with new stand prices, they wouldn’t be cost effective.
However, we were pleasantly surprised – lots of visitors and great takings. So we will be back in 2022.
Rural Magpie
Karen Belamain left London for the picturesque North Essex village of Saffron Walden. Switching accountancy, to selling her love of vintage homewares on her online shop Rural Magpie.
As well as designing her own jewellery, Karen offers an eclectic mix of unique home wares, ceramics, glassware, and hand-painted and restored furniture. All carefully chosen and lovingly created.
Karen can be found in many vintage fairs around Essex and Cambridgeshire, where you can view her jewellery, commission furniture painting, or even hire pieces for a special occasion.
See Karen’s website at Rural Magpie.
Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
See Karen’s next event on her Blog.
To contact email: info@ruralmagpie.co.uk
TURQUOISE – DECEMBER’S GEMSTONE
Turquoise: Colour of Summer In the Gem For December
For selling, turquoise is similar to jade and pearl for the same reasons. Everyone appreciates them, and the gem always looks good however it’s used. Turquoise is the birthstone for December.
What is turquoise?
Turquoise is a soft, opaque gemstone, formed by volcanic rock reacting to copper deposits brought by water. Colour ranges from blue-green, to yellow-green with grey, black or brown veining.
Reconstituted Turquoise
Most non-green turquoise these days is dyed. Don’t believe otherwise! It’s easy to tell if turquoise is 100% natural: it will cost over £30 a string.
Therefore, unless you sell your jewellery upmarket, you’ll be using reconstituted turquoise. This is usual, crafted from real turquoise chips fused with other stones to make affordable. Another cost-cutter is to use howlite.
Howlite Beads
Howlite, named after the Nova Scotia geologist, Henry How, is formed in nodules with veins of black web-like streaks. It’s always white or grey, but commonly dyed blue.
Howlite’s main fame is to imitate turquoise. This is nothing wrong, because it makes an affordable substitute. It accepts a nice polish with attractive lustre, and has similar benefits to turquoise. A simple and gentle stone that aids sleep.
History
Turquoise has been found in 5,000-year-old Egyptian tombs and the Tibetans used to use it as currency. Most turquoise today originates from Burma and is carved in China. Turquoise didn’t reach Europe until the crusades when the name originated, meaning “Turkish stone”.
Benefits
Ancient doctors thought turquoise prevented injury and ground it into a powder to cure stomach disorders and internal bleeding!
Turquoise has always been used to protect the wearer from danger, attract wealth, and warn as a talisman or good luck charm.
Some believe it will fade when danger or illness is near, or a lover is unfaithful. It’s also said to protect against pollution and strengthen the body.
Looking after
Turquoise is porous, so protect from liquids, oils, and perspiration. This is why it’s often impregnated with plastic, colourless oil or wax, to improve colour and durability. Take turquoise jewellery off before washing. Untreated turquoise will eventually turn green.
See what can be done with howlite starfish beads, by one of our creative customers’.
MrBead has a lot of turquoise, see at Turquoise Beads
Last Two Bead Fairs Of 2021
Visit us and see our beads ‘in the flesh’! Fairs are now allowed, however shows will be socially distanced with windows open for your safety.
Just two left this year – so don’t miss out!
Weekend 20th-21st November: Kempton Park Gem n Bead Fair, London TW16 5AQ.
Weekend 27th-28th November: Harrogate Gem n Bead Fair, Pavillions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground HG2 8NZ.
Full List of All 22 Bead Fairs Booked at: Bead Beads 2021
2022 List Coming Soon!
15% Off All From MrBead
Enjoy the new shop with 15% off anything with no minimum order. This is £15 off £100 worth of beads – the more you spend: the more you save! Only once per customer.
Shipping is free too on UK orders over £30 – under this UK P&P is just £2.50. International shipping from £5. Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key TURQUOISE at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 16th November 2021. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.