After harvest, pearls are always processed in one way or another. Akoya and freshwater pearls are routinely bleached, and all pearls are cleaned and polished before sale. However, there are treatments that should be noted with cultured pearls that change the aesthetic qualities of the gem.
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Cyndi Lavin’s pearl dangle pendant creation, using Rings & Things stock…
BOSTON — A dazzling exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will make you wish your wealthy great-grandmother had been a jewelry collector.
Featuring more than 100 one-of-a-kind creations to covet, “Imperishable Beauty: Art Nouveau Jewelry” is a window into a short yet tumultuous age of change when artists - and the customers who bought their work - adopted a new style in their quest to forge a new aesthetic.
Lab-grown gemstones are now practically indistinguishable from mined diamonds. Scientists and engineers see a world of possibilities; jewelers are less enthusiastic.
Just got this via email:
A Cordial Invitation To Attend
Pasadena Bead and Design Show August 14-17, 2008
Pasadena Bead and Design Show features the work of 250 exhibitors, showcasing wearable art, handmade beads, designer components, precious metals, embellishments, lapidary, art jewelry, ceramics, stones, glass art, textiles, fiber arts, metalwork, enameling, art couture, handwovens, collectibles, and decorative arts –together with artisan suppliers to the trade. There will be workshops, forums and lectures in bead making, jewelry design, textile art, shibori, millinery, metalwork, weaving, art clay silver, Chinese knotting, polymer clay, creative fiber, embellishment, beadwork, and marketing skills. A room block is available for attendees, at the Pasadena Hilton, for a special rate. Click here for reservations. To view the exhibitor and workshop list, and to register, go to:
www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com
(530) 274-1123 ~ beadanddesign@msn.com
Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
Also Remember: To Bead True Blue, February 1st-6th, 2009
Copyright © 2008 Garan-Beadagio. All rights reserved.
From their website: “Our 38th Annual Festival of textures, tastes, shapes, and sounds with 160 craftsmen from 39 states offering a multitude of original American handcrafts. Come and join us at Centennial Park in Nashville, Tn. for beautiful handmade crafts, good food, great music, and even a children’s art booth! Free admission.
June 13th 12 to 7p.m., June 14th 10a.m. to 7p.m., and June 15th 10a.m. to 6p.m.”
For details, please visit their website by clicking here. Be sure to browse their website…beautiful!
Event Location/Facility: Orange County Fair & Event Center Bldg. 10 Costa Mesa California
Dates: June 12-14, 2008
Theme: Summer & Patriotic
From their announcement: “We welcome in the season offering Handcrafted Gifts to Warm the Heart and Accessories that Make a Home from over 200 vendors. Sugar Plum Festivals is one of the largest craft shows of its kind. We offer free admission and free parking. Please No Strollers.”
For details on this show, please visit their website at Sugar Plum Festivals.
Baton Rouge Bead Society Presents
Beads, Beads & More Beads Show
A variety of vendors of loose materials for beading and jewelry design. Pearls, silver, crystals, vintage beads, natural gemstones, handcrafted pendants, wire work, dichroic glass, lampwork glass, enamel work, findings tools and more.
June 21 -10am – 5pm & June 22, 11am - 4pm
UCT Building
11175 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Booths available for a limited time only
For more information call Libby Quintana, Event Coordinator, Baton Rouge Bead Society, (225) 284-2836 or email q_libby@cox.net
Here’s one from the Las Vegas area. You’ll have to visit their website to get passes to attend:
An Invitation From To Bead True Blue
To Attend Lalibella Blu Las Vegas May 26 - 29, 2008
Lalibella Blu is a wholesale cash and carry bead and design show at the Las Vegas Gem and Jewelry Show, featuring fine exhibitors of art couture, handmade beads, accessories, wearable art, designer components, lapidary, and art jewelry. For multiple passes, or to register as a Wholesale VIP buyer, go to:
(530) 274-2222 ~ lalibellablu@msn.com
Mirage Hotel, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
Sorry I’ve neglected posting for awhile! My mother is in the hospital for an extended stay, which has changed my daily schedule greatly. She is improving, but progress is slow. We hope she’ll be home in the next week or two. 
