Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Beads are our passion. On every vacation we find ourselves looking for more and more beads, discovering what beads are popular in various countries and learning about the history of beads in different cultures. It's been 35 years and we just can't help ourselves!

Then we take what we learn and pass it along ...

We were recently in Nafplio, Greece and came across the most magnificent amber we've ever seen, at the Komboloi Museum. Aris Evangelinou is the founder of this museum and one voice that continues to speak praises and educate the public about the history of the komboloi (pronounced -- come-bo-loy).

The komboloi, from the Greek root words of "kombos," meaning a large number of knots, and "loi," meaning a group that sticks together, is a strand of about seventeen to twenty-three beads, with one bead tied and set off, usually adorned with a tassel. The beads used in a traditional komboloi are materials that once had life -- most popularly amber, but also bone, wood and shell beads.

Personalize your own piece of Greek history with the FREE komboloi project on pages 122-123. This revived tradition is a great way to help relieve stress and pass the time with rhythmic clicking of quality beads and findings. Once you feel the smooth beads sliding through your fingers you'll be forever hooked on this stress-relieving Greek tradition.

You'll find plenty of bone, wood and shell beads in this catalog that you can use to make your own komboloi. The New This Season section introduces Swarovski® crystal rivoli components, along with new additions of popular glass pendants and artful cloisonné. Browse the Smart Bargains section for 50% off select products. All to get you ready for a fabulous summer. If your travels take you to Southern Oregon, stop in for a tour, offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Have a wonderful summer!

Love,
Chris and Stuart