Gold To Semi Precious Beads & Chinese Year Of The Horse

To see the web version of this newsletter with photos click https://www.beadnewsletter.co.uk/mid-february-2026

See us weekend 21st-22nd February at Harrogate Gem n Bead Fair. Big show with many exhibitors. We’ll be in the 2nd hall with lots of our new beads recently imported.
MrBead Shop: https://mrbeadshop.com. For 2026 bead fairs, click Bead Fairs 2026.

Content
Harrogate Gem n Bead Fair
Gold At Record Hight – Use Semi Precious Beads
Chinese Year Of The Horse
Enjoy a Bead Fair Soon
2026 Bead Fairs

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15% Off All From MrBead

Enjoy 15% off anything with no minimum order. Shipping is free too on UK orders over £45. International shipping from US$12.50.

Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key HORSE at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 23rd February 2026. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.

Harrogate Gem n Bead Fair

This will be our first show of the year. Where we’ll be displaying for the first time, the new beads we imported late last year. New beads sell well for us: so jewellery from them will sell well for you too!

Harrogate is a great show with many exhibitors. All bead sellers will be in the second hall near refreshments – so head there first! After the show, MiMi and I will be staying at North Yorkshire a few days longer in a cottage in Flamborough, near Bridlington. Therefore, online orders will be delayed from 20th to 25th February.

As Gold Hits Record Highs, Semi-Precious Beads Become Jewellery’s Smart Alternative

With gold prices reaching record levels, jewellery lovers and makers, are rethinking how to create and buy beautiful pieces for less. Semi-precious beads offer an elegant, affordable and creative alternative that doesn’t compromise on style or meaning. Gemstones such as amethyst, jade, agate, and turquoise bring rich colour, natural variation and timeless appeal. Unlike gold, whose value is driven by global markets – semi-precious stones are valued for their individuality. No two beads the same, making each piece of jewellery unique.

From a practical point of view, semi-precious beads allow jewellery makers to keep designs accessible without sacrificing quality. A well-crafted beaded necklace or bracelet can look luxurious, while remaining affordable for everyday wear. Appealing when rising gold prices are pushing traditional jewellery out of reach. There’s also an appreciation for the symbolism and natural beauty of semi-precious gemstones. People choose them not just for their appearance – but for their associations with calm, confidence, or creativity.As gold continues to command premium prices, semi-precious bead jewellery stands out as a smart, stylish and expressive choice. Proving that true beauty isn’t measured by weight or market value, but by craftsmanship and character.

Click To Choose Beads By Stone

Happy Year of the Horse 2026

The Year of the Horse starts 17th February 2026. A year of optimism and opportunity, bringing investor confidence & economic growth. Each animal in the Chinese zodiac is divided into elements with slightly different characteristics – this Yang Year is a Fire Horse. Ushering a dynamic, fast-moving period rewarding initiative, courage and risk-taking.

Predictions For This Year of The Horse
A Fire Horse Year brings freedom, vitality and motion. Action-driven, with optimism high and fast opportunity rewarding bold action. Suited to renewal, innovation and change. Many will feel encouraged to break tradition, act decisively and pursue independence. This energy could fuel political volatility, protest and cultural rebellion. However, long-running corrections will accelerate, along with technology and energy breakthroughs. Finance will be stable, bringing steady growth. Supporting savings and favouring prudent investment. Fire also intensifies competition, relationships and friction. Calling for patience and self-control. Balance passion with restraint. Keep fit but prioritise rest to avoid burnout. Historically, Fire Horse Years bear caution. The last, in 1966, was marked by sea and air disasters – reminding us that powerful momentum must be handled wisely.

If You Are a Horse
Horse people are energetic, independent and love freedom – 2026 will amplify these traits. A year for bold moves and reinvention with sudden opportunity and twists. However, balance is key: hesitate, and the year passes. Rush, and you stumble. Start new projects and communicate openly in relationships. Expect high energy but watch for overstimulation – rest to stay healthy. Luck favours those who are decisive and follow intuition. This is a defining, transformative year, not a quiet one!

Best partners are: Tiger, Dog or Goat. Least compatible: Rat, Horse or Ox. Best careers: business, marketing, journalism, broadcasting, author, sales, architecture, artist, jeweller, performer & travel.

Horse Years
30/01/1930 to 16/02/1931, 15/02/1942 to 04/02/1943, 04/02/1954 to 23/01/1955, 21/01/1966 to 08/02/1967, 07/02/1978 to 27/01/1979, 27/01/1990 to 14/02/1991, 12/02/2002 to 31/01/2003, 31/01/2014 to 18/02/2015, 17/02/2026 to 05/02/2027. If you were born between these dates, you are a Horse!

Famous Horse People
Cindy Crawford, Harrison Ford, Jimi Hendrix, John Travolta, Neil Armstrong, Steve McQueen, Vladimir Lenin, Clint Eastwood, Gordon Ramsay, Greta Thunberg, Joe Biden, Nelson Mandela, Paul McCartney, Sean Connery, Spike Milligan, Thomas Edison & Warren Buffett.

Horse’s Lucky Preference
Colours: Brown, yellow, Purple & Green. Numbers: 2, 3 & 7. Western equivalent: Sagittarius. Gemstones: Amethyst, Aquamarine & Blue Topaz.

For a Lucky Chinese Jade Horse or other Zodiac Pendant Click Here.

Enjoy a Bead Fair Soon

Bead shows are great fun. You’ll love them! Bring a trolley, as beads get heavy. Take some cash, as a few venues have a weak signal for card payments. Talk to the vendors and other visitors to inspire new design ideas. Make a note of what you paid for beads, and keep exhibitors’ business cards and leaflets.

2026 Bead Fairs

We have booked 30 shows so far for 2026. These are the first few:

Weekend 21st-22nd Feb: Harrogate Gem n Bead Fair, Great Yorkshire Showground
Sun 22nd March: East Sussex Bead Fair, Alfriston
Sun 29th March: Norwich Bead Fair, George Hotel
Sun 12th April: Cambridge Bead Fair, Harston Village Hall
Sun 19th April: Beads Up North, Haydock Racecourse
Sun 26th April: Windsor Bead Fair, Old Windsor Memorial Hall
Sun 10th May: Essex Bead Fair, Great Bromley Village Hall
Sat 16th May: New Forest Bead Fair, Brockenhurst Village Hall
Sun 17th May: Devon Bead Fair, Stockland Village Hall EX14 9EF
Sat 23rd May: Cornish Bead Fair, Probus Village Hall
Sat 6th June: London Kent Bead Fair, Farningham Village Hall
Sat 13th June: Lincoln Bead Fair, North Kyme Village Hall

Click For Bookings So Far: 2026 Bead Fairs

15% Off All From MrBead

Enjoy 15% off anything with no minimum order. Shipping is free too on UK orders over £45. International shipping from US$12.50.
Can only be used at the NEW shop & not with any other coupon. To get the discount Key HORSE at checkout now, as offer ends Friday 23rd February 2026. Use at https://mrbeadshop.com.
OUR MRBEAD SHOP: HTTPS://MRBEADSHOP.COM
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