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RINGS & THINGS NEWSLETTER - January 2004
In this issue:
- R&T ROAMS CHINA AND HONG KONG
- 72-PAGE MINICATALOG COMING TO YOU THIS MONTH!
- NEW MAGNETIC CHOKERS A STEEL
- ELABORATE CLOISONNE BEADS NOW AVAILABLE
- NEW PHILIPPINE SHELL BEADS AND BONE PENDANTS IN STOCK
- PRICES REDUCED ON WOOD AND GLASS FROM INDIA
- NEW ACS BOOK GIVES YOU THE CLAY-BY-CLAY
- COME SEE US IN TUCSON
- IN OUR NEXT ISSUE
***** R&T ROAMS CHINA AND HONG KONG *****
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A group of R&T staffers, including owners Russ Nobbs and Dee Mueller, traveled to Asia this fall to learn how various glass, crystal, pearl and gemstone beads are made, and to scout out some new styles for our stock. Russ writes, "Even though China is becoming more and more industrialized, there are still a lot of products made in cottage industries. Dee and I, along with buyers Karin Davis and Emba Lee, spent several days in villages not listed in any Lonely Planet guidebook. We saw a number of small workshops in rural areas. Many of the workshops were located in sheds in out buildings in residential areas..." To see more of Russ’ observations, plus stories, beadmaking details and lots of colorful photos, click here: |
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***** 72-PAGE MINICATALOG COMING TO YOU THIS MONTH! *****
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It’s out with the old and in with the new for 2004. That means it’s time to recycle all four of your 2003 supplements to make way for our 2004 Minicatalog, which updates and replaces these booklets. This full-color minicatalog is an extension of your large 2003-05 Wholesale Catalog. Keep them together for easy reference: The catalog ends on page 245, and the minicatalog then begins with page 246. |
But the new minicatalog is more than just an update of the past year’s supplements; it also contains tons of new items! Many are featured in this newsletter, and in addition we now carry E-Z Grip pliers; blueberry and cloud "quartz" beads; new gemstone donuts, twisted ovals and barbells; and much more! Plus, price cuts are sprinkled throughout the book, and a line of colorful, affordable crackle glass beads should be in stock by the end of January.
***** NEW MAGNETIC CHOKERS A STEEL *****
When your customers complain about tricky spring rings and hooks, give them a stylish alternative! Our newest line of chokers are made of steel and boast an easy-to-wear but surprisingly strong magnetic clasp. These soft, lightweight chokers are priced at just $2.00 each, and in quantities of 100 or more they’re only $1.25 each. Available in 16" and 18" lengths, in both white (steel color) and black, the chokers’ uniquely subtle appearance make them ideal for showcasing a single handmade pendant or striking centerpiece beads. The smaller side of the white-plated brass clasp is about 2.5mm, easily fitting beads with 2.7mm or larger holes.
View these chokers in our online store.
***** ELABORATE CLOISONNE BEADS NOW AVAILABLE *****
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These exquisite Chinese beads are directly imported for lower prices. Our line includes seven different shapes (yuanbao, tube, barrel, round, disc, heart, puffy diamond) and five base colors (red, white, black, royal blue, green). Each metal bead exhibits a flower and leaves. See minicatalog page 314 for our full line of new cloisonne beads, or check out this brief history of cloisonne and how it’s made. |
***** NEW PHILIPPINE BONE PENDANTS AND SHELL BEADS IN STOCK *****
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Spotted in a recent issue of People magazine: Actor Viggo Mortensen ("Aragorn") at the European premiere of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," sporting the same pendant we just added to our stock (Dec. 29 issue of People, page 13)! The curly white hook, known as a Maori fishhook, is one of our three new bone pendants made in the Philippines. Along with a tan-flecked whale tail and white twisted drop, these stylish centerpieces are priced at just $1.40 each. Natural-Material Beads & Bone & Horn Beads.
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Better still, we’ve lowered our prices on many of our existing shell beads and added an array of new styles! Our fascinating, curly everlasting green shell beads are now just $1.50 per strand (down from $8.50), and our large puka beads have been marked down (from $4.50) to $3.80 per strand. Our new beads include free-form paua chips, violet oyster heishi beads, white rose shell chips, irregular round mosaic shell beads and enticingly chatoyant trucha beads. Also new from the Philippines: white madre de cacao wood beads in round, tube and oval shapes.
Natural-Material Beads & Bone & Horn Beads
***** PRICES REDUCED ON WOOD AND GLASS FROM INDIA *****
Prices on favorites like carved sandalwood beads and glass wedding cake beads have been reduced up to 50%! Also reduced are rudraksha beads, red wood beads and cased glass beads. As an added bonus, your new full-color minicatalog will contain six vibrant pages of these beads and more India glass and wood.Also reduced are rudraksha beads, red wood beads and cased glass beads. As an added bonus, your new full-color minicatalog will contain six vibrant pages of these beads and more India glass and wood.
Natural-Material Beads & Bone & Horn Beads
***** NEW ACS BOOK GIVES YOU THE CLAY-BY-CLAY *****
Announcing the arrival of Art Clay™ Silver & Gold: 18 Unique Jewelry Pieces to Make in a Day.
This eagerly awaited new book is full of design and technique tips, filling 125+ colorful pages. American author Jackie Truty really knows this material and has put together a great set of projects. The first four chapters discuss materials, tools and methods (including how to use, fire and store ACS), definitions of materials and tools, and troubleshooting and repairs. Chapter 5 illustrates 18 projects - from basic to advanced - including pendants, brooches and rings, employing a variety of work methods. Most projects are sprinkled with opportunities for variation from the original design. Students report that this book is like having your ACS instructor on paper. So if you’ve had trouble with translations from Japanese, or just want more-adaptable design instructions for your ACS pieces, this book is for you. Look for it in your new minicatalog or in our online store.
Also, ACS holiday packs are still available for a limited time. This ACS 650 promotion gives you up to 25% more clay per pack for the regular price. The #87-005-20 gives you 25 grams (reg. 20) and #87-005-50 gives you 60 grams (reg. 50). Get them while supplies last!
***** COME SEE US IN TUCSON *****
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The Tucson Gem Show is truly a bead lover’s paradise! Each February, the whole city comes alive with bead, jewelry and fossil exhibitions. More than 30 different shows will span the first two weeks of February this year. For a complete list of shows and more information, go to www.tucsonshowguide.com We’ve been busy getting the Rings & Things booth ready to go up in the Holidome, and will be open Feb. 5-13. For more information on our booth and show - including pictures from last year - go to www.rings-things.com and click on Bead Shows. |
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You’ll be treated to a spotlight on one of our customers who was recently featured on "Good Morning America" about her innovative jewelry alternative for the tooth fairy.
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Thanks!
Russ, Kim and the whole Rings & Things crew
P.O. Box 450
Spokane, WA 99210-0450 USA
Phone (509) 252-2900
Fax 509 838 2602
Order toll free 1 (800) 366-2156
Web site: www.rings-things.com
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