Contents

What are your opening hours?

Cardiff Shop Opening Hours

Abbreviations

AB Coating - Aurora Borealis. An exterior coating of film that adds a rainbow-like lustre to beads.
AGP - Antique Gold Plated.
BL - Black/ Black Plated
FP - Fire Polished.
FT - Feet.
FWP - Fresh Water Pearls.
G - Grams.
GP - Gold Plated.
IN / " - Inches.
MM - Millimetre.
SP - Silver Plated.
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Will coatings on beads rub off?

Not all coatings are fast, and may rub off with prolonged wearing, washing, and exposure to perfumes.
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What is Thai Silver?

Thai Silver (0.950) actually contains more silver than Sterling Silver (0.925), although this does mean that it tarnishes and oxidises more quickly.
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What's all this about 'fake' turquoise?

Turquoise is a fairly fragile stone which is often reconstituted and mixed with resin to maintain stability. Dyed Howlite is often sold as 'turquoise'.

Any turquoise that we sell clearly states whether it has been stabilised or dyed.
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How do you photograph your beads?

All our photographs are taken under daylight cool compact fluorescent lamps, which simulate natural daylight, and give a better representation of the actual colour of the beads than standard daylight bulbs.

We photograph in either a light tent, or direct onto coloured card depending on the type of bead, and the amount of natural light.
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Who are your suppliers?

We use a wide variety of suppliers from across the globe, depending on availability and quality of stock, pricing and delivery times.

We strive to build long-lasting relationships with suppliers that ensure that you get the best and most unusual beads and findings at very competitive prices.
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How many Size 11 Czech seed beads are there in 20 grams?

There are approximately 1920 Size 11 Czech seed beads in 20 grams.
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How many Size 8 Czech seed beads are there in 10 grams?

There are approximately 720 Size 8 Czech seed beads in 20 grams.
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Do you have a printed catalogue?

We do not currently have a printed catalogue, but we are looking at the possibility of producing a downloadable version. In the meantime our products are available to view on our website at www.crystals-and-ice.co.uk, or in person at the Crystals and Ice Bead Shop, 16 High Street Arcade, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 1BB.
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How do I subscribe/unsubscribe from your newsletter?

Simply go to the Newsletter Subscription page using the link at the top of this page and fill in the form, and we will add/remove your details as requested.
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What's the difference between your Garnet Orissa Chips and the Garnet(Hyd) ones?

The answer is geographic!

Orissa is a state on the East coast of India, renowned for its mineral wealth.

Hyd. Is short for Hyderabad, the capital city of the state of Andhra Pradesh, and known as the gateway to the South.

Both sets of garnet chips are similar size so easy to mix and match. The garnet from Orissa is quite a bit pinker than the Hyderabad Garnet, which is a lovely red wine colour.

If you're looking for a colour match with garnet Preciosa crystals, we would be inclined to go for the Hyd. Garnet chips, which we also have as round beads and ovals.
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Do you have a chart showing the different sizes of beads?

What size crimp covers will I need if I am using 2mm crimp tubes?

This depends on whether you are using flat pliers and just flattening the tubes or using crimping pliers.

With crimping pliers, 3mm crimp covers will fit over the 2mm tube crimp. If the 2mm tube crimp has just been flattened the crimp covers will need to be at least 4mm.

If you were to use 2mm bead crimps, then 3mm crimp covers would be suitable for either method of crimping.