Golden Leak Beads & July's Gemstone

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Visit us for a free gift: our 2016 UK Bead Fairs. See us next at Beads Up North on 31st July.

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Ruby – July’s Birthstone
July's Alternate Gemstone - Onyx
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Discount Coupon - 15% Off Anything from MrBead

Sample our beads with a discount on any order at MrBead.co.uk or MrBead.com.

Key code ONYX in the box at checkout to receive 15% off anything in our bead shop. Not valid with any other coupon, discount or eBay.

Use NOW as offer ends Friday 1st July 2016.

Chrysoprase & Chrysocolla – The Golden Leeks

The name chrysoprase (rhymes with bliss and craze) is from a Greek word meaning Golden Leek. It is the rarest of the chalcedony group of gem quartzes and its bright even colour and texture is ideal for beads.

Chrysoprase was popular in the time of the Greeks and Romans when it was cut into cameos - the Egyptians used it with lapis jewellery and even to decorate beads. In Europe until the middle of the last century it was used lavishly, when deposits mined in Silesia exhausted and it became expensive. The Book of Revelations (21:20) describes the holy city of Jerusalem with its 12 walls decorated with precious gemstones, the tenth being chrysoprase.

According to an 11th Century Byzantine manuscript, chrysoprase strengthens vision and relieves internal pain. Metaphysically, it brings a sense of grace, helping meditative, calmness and acceptance of oneself and others. It is believed to encourage positive outcome, helping to heal a broken heart, the heart itself, the reproductive organs, and fertility. And in the East, Chrysoprase is said to balance yin-yang and encourage the heart chakra bringing energy to the physical body. Astrologically, chrysoprase is associated with the zodiac signs of Gemini and Cancer.

Chrysocolla is very similar to chrysoprase, but usually has more blue colouring. Both stones look great beside turquoise in a necklace or bracelet - giving a bright natural appearance.

To see all our Chrysoprase & Chrysocolla click MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk

Ruby – July’s Birthstone

Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich colour speaks of love and passion. July's birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It was thought to grow darker when danger was imminent, and to return to its original colour once safe.

The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. Ruby is the hardest mineral after diamond, a variety of the mineral Corundum, and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock. It comes in a variety of colours, and is called a sapphire in any colour except red. Rubies range in hue from an orangey red to a purplish red, but the most prized gems are a true red. Large rubies are very rare and valuable. The most beautiful crystals are thought to be from Burma, but they are also found in many other countries.

Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a ruby would boil water instantly. Ground to powder, this crystal was used as a cure for indigestion - and it has been said that the ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. And if worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer.

July's Alternate Gemstone - Onyx

The Romans, Italians and Hebrew all have a different gemstone for July - Onyx.

Onyx is a term used for several stones. It has been dyed since ancient time, with the popular pure black variety, being dyed microcrystalline quartz. Its natural colour is usually brown, white or grey. And onyx used in architecture isn't a form of quartz at all, but a type of limestone marble. Onyx is very similar to agate. With straight bands of brown, white or black, where agate has curved bands of many colours.

Although regarded as protective, onyx has a reputation as a stone of discord. Onyx was worn to cool the ardors of love, probably because it helps to balance the mind and emotions. Not only avoided by lovers, but also at night, as it provoked nightmares.

However, it does improve concentration and devotion, hence many onyx rosaries. Onyx is a strength-giving stone, aiding confidence and useful for athletes or people under stress. Its energy is a mental tonic and can help you cope with fears and worries, making you feel in harmony with your surroundings.

To see our onyx click MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk

Summer's Here!

See Our Summer Bead Category at MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk

MrBead UK Bead Fairs

All Our 2016 Bead Shows


Sunday 31st July Beads Up North! Haydock Race Course, Newton-le-Willows WA12 0HQ - 10am to 4.30pm
Sat & Sun 6th & 7th August Kempton Park Gem 'n' Bead Fair,Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, London TW16 5AQ - 10am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm Sun
Sat & Sun 13th & 14th August Harrogate Gem 'n' Bead Fair, Pavillions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ - 10am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm Sun
Sunday 21st August Scottish Bead Fair, Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ - 10.30am to 4.30pm
Sunday 11th Sept Norwich MrBead Bead Show, The George Hotel, Arlington Lane, Newmarket Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 2DA - 11am to 4pm
Sat & Sun 17th & 18th Sept Newark Gem 'n' Bead Fair, Newark Showground, Winthorpe, Notts NG24 2NY - 10am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm Sun
Saturday 24th Sept Kentish Town MrBead Bead Show, Kentish Town Community Centre Main Hall, 17 Busby Place, London NW5 2SP - 10am to 4pm
Saturday 1st October Luton MrBead Bead Show, Stockwood Hotel, 41-43 Stockwood Crescent, Luton LU1 3SS - 11am to 4pm
Wednesday 5th to Sunday 9th October Knitting & Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace, London N22 7AY - 10.00am to 5.30pm Except 7pm Thursday
Saturday 15th October The Big Bead Show, Sandown Park Racecourse, High Street, Esher, London KT10 9AJ - 10am to 5pm
Sat & Sun 22nd & 23rd October Newton Abbot Gem 'n' Bead Fair, Newton Abbot Racecourse, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 3AF - 10am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm Sun
Sat & Sun 29th & 30th October Cheltenham Gem 'n' Bead Fair, Pittville Pump Rooms, Pittville Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3JE - 10am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm Sun
Sat & Sun 12th & 13th November Kempton Park Gem 'n' Bead Fair, Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, London TW16 5AQ - 10am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm Sun

Full list of: our 2016 UK Bead Fairs

Discount Coupon - 15% Off Anything from MrBead

Sample our beads with a discount on any order at MrBead.co.uk or MrBead.com.

Key code ONYX in the box at checkout to receive 15% off anything in our bead shop. Not valid with any other coupon, discount or eBay.

Use NOW as offer ends Friday 1st July 2016.

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