• R&T Returns to China
  Summer Supplement on Its Way
  Designer Tip Sheets in High Demand
  New! Factory Pack Pricing on Your Favorite Swarovski® Crystals
  Virtual Ear Thread Designer Drives Out Creative Blues

R&T Returns to China

Rings & Things owners Russ Nobbs and Dee Mueller recently spent three weeks in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China, purchasing goods and surveying factory conditions. They scoured manufacturing plants and small shops for yet another batch of exciting new beads and findings to import directly — which means lower prices for you! Gemstone buyer Karin Davis joined Russ and Dee in Hong Kong for part of the trip, attending a trade show and visiting vendors. Among their discoveries (coming soon to the online store!) are new sterling silver bails and components, pink opalite, red and white coral, gemstone pendants, chevron beads, turquoise nuggets and pre-knotted choker cords in 16 colors and 8 styles.

During a day trip in Guangdong Province, Russ and Dee also toured suppliers of rough stone. In outdoor yards, they walked between tall stacks of both real rock and manmade stone waiting to be cut. See "Russ on the Road" for a picture of Russ amidst piles of rough rock.

Fortunately for the crew, the trip wasn't all work. During down times, Karin and Dee attended a flower show, and the entire Rings & Things crew strolled through local markets and took note of some pretty humorous signs. Russ says of their travels, "We learn so much!" View pictures of the trip.

Summer Supplement on Its Way

A rainbow of hot new items is coming soon to a mailbox near you. Handmade resin beads are just some of the highlights, now available in new colors, shapes and lower prices. Unique Swarovski® crystal shapes sparkle on and off the page, and gemstone posts provide yet another new bead shape to play with.

Among the discoveries from Russ and Dee's recent trip to China are knotted-cord chokers, available in 16 colors and 5 styles. Also new are even more styles of chain, plus added colors of mesh tubing, along with tubing finishing tips.

The summer supplement will arrive in mailboxes around June 26.

Designer Tip Sheets in High Demand

You asked for it, and you got it! We now offer free, illustrated tip sheets for designs featured in our catalogs and supplements. Typically created by the designers themselves, our Designer Tip Sheets include:

• complete parts lists
• basic how-to tips
• diagrams and specifics for tricky steps
• advice on where to find in-depth instructions for standard techniques

Ranked easy, medium and difficult, you can choose the level of design you're ready to tackle. These tip sheets are great tools for instructors, too. Recreate our exact designs or use the hints to spark your imagination!

For projects that include complete step-by-step instructions, check out our Project Sheets. Parts lists and information on our most recently featured jewelry examples can always be found in our Design Gallery.

New! Factory Pack Pricing on Your Favorite Swarovski® Crystals

Are you a volume user of Swarovski crystal? If so, you'll love our new factory pack quantity discounts. These low prices are now available for the most popular Swarovski bicone colors and sizes. A "factory pack" is a package we pass on just as we received it from the factory. The time we save by not opening, inspecting or repackaging the contents translates to better prices for you.

The number of beads in a factory pack depends on the size of the bead. A pack of 4mm Swarovski bicones contains 10 gross (120 dozen) beads, whereas a pack of 6mm Swarovski bicones contains 2.5 gross (30 dozen) beads.

Our factory pack prices are extremely competitive, and as such, are only available under the following conditions:

• Orders between factory-pack quantities will be rounded up. For example, if one factory pack contains 120 dozen beads and you order 200 dozen beads, we will round up your order to 240 dozen beads (two factory packs).
• If a factory-pack is not in stock at the time you order it, you will be responsible for shipping costs when it is sent to you. (Factory packs are not handled like standard backorders).
• No returns are accepted on opened or partial factory packs.

Despite these necessary restrictions, factory pack pricing can save you a bundle! So, satisfy your creative drive and your wallet all at once. Take advantage of our factory-pack discounted crystal today.

Virtual Ear Thread Designer Drives Out Creative Blues

Do you ever get designer's block? For a fun, relaxing and free way to brainstorm, try our new online Virtual Designer. With just a click of your mouse, drag components across your screen to test their look on our ear threads — without buying a thing!

We tested several beads and selected a few perfect fits for you to try. We've also displayed some finished earrings to help inspire your own creations. The designer features a choice of background colors, the option to share designs with others, and an informative and entertaining kitty assistant. Links to our online store make it easy to find additional information or purchase components. Check out our Virtual Designer whenever you need inspiration. And, don't forget to peruse our new and classic threader earring findings.

Thanks!

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