Christmas & Turquoise Beads
                                                 

This month’s is Christmas beads, & December's birthstone, Turquoise.  We can deliver your Christmas present to anywhere in the world - just enter the mailing address in our checkout!
 

Please order early for Christmas - allow at least two-weeks to reach you

US MrBead store here       UK MrBead.co.uk here      Christmas present ideas here

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Christmas Beads
Great Present Ideas

Turquoise – the birthstone for December
Ancient Christmas

MrBead.com Gift Vouchers
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Christmas Beads

Beads make great presents.  They are small and light, so being easily mailed or tucked in a stocking..  They are also personal, and a necklace or bracelet worn often is hard to forget who gave it.  You can even hang them on the Christmas tree.  Christmas is the peak retail season too, so don’t be left out if you’re a seller: Get Listing!  It will pay to make as many quality necklaces and bracelets as you can – both to sell and to give away as Xmas gifts.

Turquoise is the gemstone for December, but pearls also make an ideal Christmas present, appreciated by all.  Both gemstones have such an air of quality; all recipients will love you for ever.  For quality, pearls and silver together, speak sophistication - a small bracelet may be all you need.  Necklaces in a nice presentation box are nice too.  A matching necklace and erring set is good as well.  And all are easy to gift-wrap. If you buy ready made jewelry online, get your supplier to mail your present direct in December – saving you both time and money.  To read our site telling you all about pearls and how to make a pearl necklace click                                                                  to top

Christmas Present Ideas - Click a link for details:         

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Turquoise   

Turquoise is the gemstone for December.  Turquoise is a soft, opaque gemstone – formed by volcanic rock reacting to copper deposits brought by water.  Ranging from blue-green, to yellow-green with grey, black or brown veining.  Turquoise has been found in 5,000-year-old Egyptian tombs and the Tibetans used it as currency centuries ago.  North Africa and the Middle East hold large deposits, but most turquoise today originates from Burma and is carved in China.  Turquoise didn’t reach Europe until the crusades when the name originated, meaning "Turkish stone”.

Ancient doctors thought turquoise prevented injury in accidents and ground it into a powder to cure stomach disorders, internal bleeding, and insect bites. Turquoise has always been used to protect the wearer from danger, attract wealth, and warn as a talisman or good luck charm.   Some believe it will fade when danger or illness is near, or a lover is unfaithful.  It is also said to protect against pollution and strengthen the body.

Turquoise is porous, so contact with liquids, oils or even perspiration should be avoided.  Jewelry should be removed before washing. Turquoise is commonly impregnated with plastic, colorless oil or wax to improve color and increase durability. Untreated turquoise will eventually turn green. As genuine turquoise is expensive, reconstituted turquoise is made today.  Crafted from real turquoise chips fused with other stones to cut the cost. 

There are many different turquoise in the store, see at: MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk

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Ancient Christmas

Centuries before Jesus, December has long been a time of celebration around the world.  During the winter solstice, when Europeans could look forward to longer days with extended hours of sunlight.  In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs to burn. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take up to12 days.

December was a perfect time to celebrate in most of Europe. When cattle were slaughtered to save feeding them during the winter. For many, it was the only time they ate fresh meat, and wine and beer was ready for drinking.  In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden. Germans were terrified of him, believing he flew through the sky to observe who would prosper or perish. Roman Emperor Aurelian choose December 25th to be the center of festivities during the winter solstice. When Christianity became the religion of Rome, it was decided to combine this pagan festival with celebration of Christ.  No one knows the exact date of Christ's birth, but the Scriptures reveal it could be Spring of the year 2 BC.
 

The legend of Santa Claus originates from a 4th century bearded bishop named Saint Nicholas, living in what is now Turkey. Because of his generosity to the poor, there became a feast day in honor of the anniversary of his death, December 6. In the late-18th century, Dutch settlers brought this legend to America.

Don't know what Present to Buy?  Gift Vouchers make a Great Christmas Gift!  

To purchase any of our MrBead gift vouches at an $8 discount click here

Xmas Gift - Pearl & Earrings Necklace Box Set - Click here - only $16, or in our UK shop £7.99 click here.  We can also mail gift-wrapped anywhere in the world!

To see all our turquoise beads in US dollars click here,  in GB pounds here

To go to our MrBead store click MrBead.com or MrBead.co.uk
 

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