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The Beaded Giraffe ... a Bead Gallery





Are you an experienced beader/designer, or are your venturing for the first time into the wonderful, colorful world of beads? Either way, The Beaded Giraffe is your "beading place" in Bethesda.

         
 
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Different Bead Terms and their Meaning

Coral, whose name is derived from the Greek koralion which means "pebble"was highly treasured by the Greeks for its beauty. It was found among the personal possessions of the Egyptians and Babylonians and in Neolithic graves of Europe dating back 10,000 years. Varying in color from pale to deep red, coral is thought to protect against magic spells, cure madness, and bestow wisdom. In many countries, coral is given to children as a gift for their protection, a tradition dating back to Ancient Romans. The Spanish used it to protect their babies from the "evil eye"and tied a small piece of coral to their cribs or around their necks. The Indians of New Mexico and Arizona believed coral brought good luck, long life and virility to the wearer and treasured it as much as gold. It is believed that the deeper red coral is in color, the more potency it will have. The wearing of red coral is said to increase vitality, courage and the ability to work on endeavors through to their fruition. The coral beads we use are derived from coral farms so as not to harm our natural reefs.

Turquoise is said to represent the earth and air elements, and is the planetary stone for Aquarius. It was used in Egypt in 5,500 B.C., mined for centuries in Iran where it is the national gem, and adorned personal ornaments in Ancient Mexico. It arrived in Europe during the Crusades, and its name means "Turkish stone."Europeans give turquoise jewelry as forget-me-nots, and some Russians use turquoise in wedding rings. In Greece, Turkey and Tibet, this stone represents purity. Turquoise plays a role in myth and legend for the Egyptians, Aztecs and Navajos, as well. Navajo women never leave their hogans without wearing their turquoise, which they consider a shield against evil. According to Native American tradition, a turquoise attached to a bow will guide the arrow to its target, and similarly it guides the traveler to a safe and happy trail's end. In modern times, it symbolizes confidence, fidelity, friendship and positive mental outlook. North American turquoise typically contains inclusions from nearby rock fragments or oxides. American turquoise specimens are generally greener than stones from Asia and have white or brown matrices.

Both Coral and Turquoise have been held in high regard throughout history; one by the Greeks, the other by the Egyptians. Coral was highly treasured by the Greeks for its beauty, while Turquoise is said to represent the earth and air elements.

 
     
     
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