Bead District - NYC

Since we were in the NYC area visiting our kids and grandson, I took the opportunity to go through the "Beads District" on Saturday.  Besides temperatures in the twenties and a fairly steady strong "breeze" making it feel even colder, I braved the elements to try to locate some great finds to add to the collection of Beads and Dangles.  I was prepared with a list I had made weeks before our trip and had some willing accomplices - husband Stew, stepson Drew and his adorable wife, Britton.

I am sorry to have to say that my efforts were in vain.  The little that I found was of such poor quality and so ridiculously overpriced that I literally left the stores shaking my head and wondering who would actually buy these beads?!  The glass beads had double cores (which means the whole center section of the bead was essentially exposed) and the little metal that was used on the double core was merely an alloy.  Some shopkeepers said it was nickel, one of the most highly allergic metals that could possibly be used.  None were even offered in silver plate and even if they had been, I wouldn't have wanted them anyway.

Almost 100% of the glass beads in Beads and Dangles collection is 925 sterling silver single core and the 925 is certified by being stamped inside the core.  When a single core is used you can see that the sterling silver goes all the way through from one side of the bead to the other!

I am committed to providing the highest quality Pandora style beads and will double and re-double my efforts to do so.  In a slightly twisted way it was good for me to see so many inferior beads to know how proud I can be of our collection!