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First 5328 Series Bicones Already Arriving 5/21/2009 |
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We have received our first shipment containing the new 5328 Xilion cut bicones from
Swarovski today. Line drawings are still not available but after passing the bicones
around the office, the overwhelming majority could not see the faceting difference with
the naked eye until the 10mm size. The extra facets are only visible to those with
exceedingly sharp vision. The rest of us required magnification and an old 5301 bicone
along side the 5328 to compare. The new Xilion cuts do indeed catch a little more light;
however, the difference is small. This is good news for designers who were concerned about
combining 5328 and 5301 bicones on the same piece of jewelry. The styles are indistinguishable
in most sizes.
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Now Carrying Soft Flex Cable Products 5/14/2009 |
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We are proud to announce the arrival of
Soft Flex
stringing cables! We offer a selection of standard Soft Flex, Soft Touch,
Extreme Flex and color Trios for all your stringing applications. This is a
new line for us so we welcome your suggestions on other products you would
like us to carry from Soft Flex.
Click here to shop now.
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CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements 5301 Series Change 4/22/2009 |
Swarovski recently announced that it will be changing the facet configuration for the entire 5301
bicone series. The old design will be phased out of production and replaced by a Xilion cut faceted
bicone design renamed as series 5328. The bicones will be available in the exact same sizes and colors
as now, but the new 5328 shape will have more sparkle and a patent-protected design that cannot be
copied by imitators. The prices for items in the series will stay the same despite the design upgrade.
The old style 5301 bicones will not be manufactured after May 2009 and will no longer be available as
inventory runs out. However, we are assured that the two designs will be visually appealing when used
together in jewelry designs during the transition period.
This change will create a lengthy and challenging transition period as old stock moves through the
market and is replaced by the new 5328. At Halstead Bead we will do our best to communicate with
customers to facilitate this change; however, we ask for your patience and understanding as we all
do our best to transition. The 5328 merchandise will not become available for all colors at the same
time. The transition will begin in June but may stretch on for quite some time for some items. We
plan to use the 5301 stock numbers for items being sold in the original design and then changing each
stock number to 5328 as soon as we run through the old merchandise and begin selling the new style for
that particular item.
For example, as long as you see 4mm Amethyst B53014A on the website then you will know that you will
receive the old style for that item. When the item number changes to B53284A then you know you will
receive the new Xilion cut design when you place your order. We will call to confirm with customers
if we encounter any availability discrepencies when filling your Swarovski bicone orders.
We will post a line drawing of the new 5328 Xilion cut as soon as it is released. If you will require
specific amounts of the current 5301 design for any styles we suggest that you begin stocking immediately.
We cannot guarantee availability of the 5301 design for all color and size combinations after June 1st.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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Art Clay Price Increase on April 15, 2009 3/23/2009 |
We regret to announce that we will be raising prices on our line of Art Clay silver clay
products in compliance with our distribution contract and a price increase passed down from
the Japanese manufacturer of Art Clay. The change is substantial and will raise prices between
18%-26% on affected items. If you would like to stock up on Art Clay items at our current pricing
levels before the 15th of April, please order as soon as possible. Stock availability is limited
during this period and will be sold on a first come first served basis. A list of the new prices
is below for your reference:
| ART CLAY PRICE UPDATE EFFECTIVE APRIL 15, 2009 |
Ea Price (1-4pkgs) |
Ea Price (5pkgs+) |
| AC6502 | Ea 20g - 650/1200 Low Fire Silver Clay | $31.88 | $30.28 |
| AC6505 | Ea 50g - 650/1200 Low Fire Silver Clay | $76.10 | $72.30 |
| AC6502P | Ea 20g - 650/1200 Low Fire Silver Paste | $31.59 | $30.01 |
| AC6502S | Ea 20g - 650/1200 Low Fire Slow Dry Clay | $31.88 | $30.28 |
| AC6505S | Ea 50g - 650/1200 Low Fire Slow Dry Clay | $76.10 | $72.30 |
| AC2 | Ea 20g - Standard Silver Clay | $31.88 | $30.28 |
| AC5 | Ea 50g - Standard Silver Clay | $76.68 | $72.84 |
| AC2S | Ea 20g - Slow Dry Silver Clay | $31.88 | $30.28 |
| AC5S | Ea 50g - Slow Dry Silver Clay | $76.68 | $72.84 |
| AC1PP | Ea 10g - Paper Type | $26.90 | $25.55 |
| AC10Y | Ea 10g - 650/1200 Low Fire Silver Syringe No Tips | $24.17 | $22.96 |
| AC10Y3 | Ea 10g - 650/1200 Low Fire Silver Syringe 3 Tips | $32.42 | $30.80 |
| AC15YP | Ea 15g - 650/1200 Low Fire Overlay Silver Paste | $33.63 | $31.94 |
| AC10P | Ea 10g - Oil Paste | $28.43 | $27.01 |
| ACNB | Ea Nozzle A - Small Blue | $3.76 | $3.27 |
| ACNG | Ea Nozzle B - Green Medium | $3.76 | $3.27 |
| ACNY | Ea Nozzle C - Gray Large | $3.76 | $3.27 |
| AC22 | Ea 10oz - Two Part Silicone Mold Mix | $38.93 | $33.87 |
| AC33 | Ea 4oz - Dry Liver of Sulphur Ground Shipping Only | $13.50 | $11.75 |
| AC44 | Ea Large Clay Keeper - 4oz empty | $5.08 | $4.42 |
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Updated Lead Safety Information 3/16/2009 |
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We have updated our information sheet on lead safety and legal compliance.
Please click on the following link to visit the complete document:
Lead Safety & Legal Compliance (.doc, 52 KB).
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Digital Catalog Now Online 3/11/2009 |
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We are pleased to announce that our printed catalog is also available digitally. You can
browse online or even print pages. Click to access the digital edition
of our 2009 product catalog of wholesale findings, beads, chain, wire, sheet, charms and more.
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Peace! 3/11/2009 |
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One of the hottest trends in jewelry this year is the peace sign. We are pleased to introduce several new
pewter peace charms and links.
More peace symbols are coming soon in both sterling silver and gold filled.
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Market Based Pricing Roll Out 1/23/2009 |
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On Monday, January 26 we will be re-pricing all our goods to $800 gold and $11 silver
until February 11 when we begin adjusting prices daily based on metals markets. This
will allow us to test and troubleshoot our pricing update procedure before launching
the daily update program. These prices will also reflect 2009 base price changes on
inventory. Please read the article below (Announcing Market Based Pricing) describing
methodology and terms for market based pricing.
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Announcing Market Based Pricing 1/22/2009 |
Due to market volatility in gold and silver costs we are converting to a market based
pricing system for all precious metal merchandise. Prices published here are based on
an $800 gold market and $11.00 silver market, which are current as we go to press in
early 2009. For those of you already purchasing wire from us, the pricing process will
be similar.
Please note that all of the following product groups will be subject to market based
pricing effective February 11, 2009:
Sterling Silver
Argentium
Gold-plated Sterling Silver
14kt Solid Gold
Gold Filled
Prices will change each day based on the fix market prices as posted on
www.kitco.com.
Due to time differences and the fact that we can only update system pricing during
off-hours there will be a lag between the fix price posting and the following business
morning when we begin using that price for sales order entry.
The price we use is the prior business date's London PM Fix Price. Please note that futures
and spot prices may vary slightly from the fix. Invoices will be printed with the relevant
market rates as a reference. The same fix price basis will be used for all orders entered
between 8am and 5pm on each day. Our internal system and website will be updated daily
near 5pm so that orders placed online overnight will accurately reflect pricing for sales
orders entered the following business day.
This system will replace the surcharging we used in the past to adjust pricing for market
conditions. Market based prices allow each item to be priced more accurately than gross
surcharges, and are thus more fair to the customer. Fluctuations from day to day are usually
slight but over time large swings in material costs can substantially affect prices.
Returns will be credited for the invoiced price. Sales order pricing is effective on the
business day the order is entered into our system. We will freeze prices on discontinued
items based on the last receipt cost. Please note that Customer Service only has access
to current pricing. We do not have logs available to quote pricing on individual items
at different markets. However current increment lists are available by request so you
can calculate pricing yourself at any given market.
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Wire Price Breaks Now Shown Online 1/22/2009 |
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We have updated our shopping cart system to now show 5 ounce and 10 ounce price breaks
for precious metal bulk wire purchases. You can combine any silver wire, sheet or casting
grain products to total 5 or 10 ounces to get to those break levels. You can also combine
any gold-filled wire items to total 5 or 10 ounces to get price breaks.
Buy wire and mill products.
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New Pewter Charms 1/22/2009 |
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Introducing new fantasy pewter charms in fairytale and wild west themes as well as
Italian pewter rosary components. Shop Brand New Pewter Items
today!
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Designer Business Workshops and Consulting at the Tucson Gem Show 1/22/2009 |
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity with one of the industry’s best known designer consultants!
Cindy Edelstein of Jeweler's Resource -- the designer business source -- is bringing her unique designer
business workshops to Tucson this year -- Feb. 4-6 -- to help designers gain valuable insights and skills
to go along with their new materials and components.
Join her for one, two or all seven classes -- your choice -- at the historic Manning House downtown near
the Convention Center. The Manning House show is bead-centric but her classes are not. They're business
advice for every design entrepreneur.
Each class is $95 or $80 each for two or best of all, $70 each for three or more. Register on the
Manning House website [http://www.mhbeadshow.com/classes-new.php]
Read all about her classes on her website at http://www.jewelersresource.com/public/358.cfm.
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Partial Swarovski Price Increase 1/14/2009 |
CANCELED! Due to an offsetting reversal in the Crystallized Swarovski Elements
currency adjustment the price increase announced below will no longer be necessary
at this time.
Effective February 1, 2009 we will be increasing prices 5% on the following
Crystallized™ - Swarovski Elements bead article groups. No other price
increases will be applied to the line at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
2mm B5000 Rounds
4mm B5000 Rounds
6mm B5000 Rounds
8mm B5000 Rounds
3mm B5301 Bicones
All 6010 Briolettes
All 6202 Heart Pendants
All 6301 Bicone Pendants
All 6704 Snowflake Pendants
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Tucson Show Update 1/13/2009 |
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We will still be showing at the Manning House Bead Show February 3-8. However, please
note that our exhibit will now be in the Peralta room adjacent to the registration area
by the front entrance. See you in Tucson! For more general information on the show please
visit www.mhbeadshow.com.
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See You at The Tucson Gem Show 12/10/2008 |
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We will be exhibiting at The Manning House Bead Show February 3 - 8. We will be
selling many liquidation items on site as well as writing orders for standard
stock items. Come see our sample displays of our complete metals line and get
amazing bargains on clearance merchandise. To purchase clearance stock we will
be requiring a resale business license. These items will be cash only with no
returns or exchanges. For more general information on the show please visit
www.mhbeadshow.com.
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Cast Sterling Silver Charms - Just In Time for Christmas! 12/1/2008 |
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We have received a new line of premium, heavy cast charms just in the nick of
time for the holidays. Most of these ornaments are 3-dimensional with beautiful
detail and quality finishing. The selection includes something for everyone:
winter sports, ballerinas, cheerleaders, animals, religious symbols and more.
Several designs are large enough to be used as pendants. View and shop now
our "brand new" section.
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Annual Holiday Closures 11/18/2008 |
Please note that we will be closed for Thanksgiving November 27-28. We will
also close for business during our annual winter holiday closure December 20 - January 2.
We will stop accepting phone calls at 5pm on Friday, December 19 and open for
business at 8am on Monday, January 5.
We will be offering limited services by shipping domestic orders placed on our
online shopping cart on Monday, December 22 only. Orders must be received online
and paid for in full by 9am MST on that day to ship. These orders will be processed
by a skeleton crew so please clearly note any special instructions on your order.
We will not be answering the phones so only online orders will be accepted.
Please plan ahead for your stock needs prior to our annual vacation. We sincerely
thank you for your business in 2008 and wish you a happy holiday season!
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$5 Holiday Gift Kits 11/18/2008 |
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Click here
to see our complete jewelry kits ready for resale. Each kit has all the materials
necessary to make five pieces of finished jewelry. Kits arrive assembled, labeled
and ready to sell. All you need to do is determine your price. These are great
deals for do-it-yourself holiday gifts.
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Clearance Bargains! 11/18/2008 |
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We have added many items to our clearance section this week and further reduced
prices on liquidation items. There are amazing bargains while supplies last.
Click here to shop
our clearance selection and save for the holidays!
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Holiday Grab Bags Now Available 10/13/2008 |
We have assembled a
Holiday Grab Bag
promotion in a box set. This assortment of red, green and crystal colored beads
is perfect for your holiday promotions. Bags are marked "Happy Holidays!" so you
can determine your own special pricing. Each set costs $40 and includes 100 grab
bags of various styles and quantities of designer beads.
We have also lowered prices on our standard
Dollar Bag and
Grab Bag
sets. Both options include 100 assorted bags priced for just $40. Fill your
bargain table with great Halstead Bead promotional box items!
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Swarovski New Colors Now In Stock 10/13/2008 |
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Dark Indigo and
Indian Pink
are now in stock in 4mm and 6mm article 5301 bicones. Order yours today!
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Introducing Art Clay! 9/25/2008 |
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We are proud to launch a new line of
Art Clay pure silver clay products!
We are carrying various pack sizes of Standard Clay, 650 Low Fire Clay,
Paste Type, Paper Type, Oil Paste and Syringe Type in addition to accessories
like Silicone Mold Mix. This amazing recycled media allows users to work with
precious metals in clay form. Once completely dried and fired, it retains its
original shape with minimal shrinkage, leaving 99.9% pure silver. The burning
away of binders and sintering of metal causes the piece to shrink 8-10% in overall
size. Instructions and MSDS sheets are available to download from our online
shopping cart and Art Clay section. Follow all instructions carefully for best
results. We highly recommend taking an instructional course or reviewing videos
and books prior to beginning projects with Art Clay. Opened packages may not be
returned for any reason.
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Sterling Silver Surcharge 9/11/2008 |
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Effective immediately we have decreased our Sterling Silver surcharge 0%.
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