Your opinion please!

July 30, 2011 by Stacie Hooder

Weddings and rings are bound together in our culture. With my own wedding coming up quickly, I’ve given a lot of thought to jewelry and its value lately. Some jewelry is precious simply because of the sentimental attachment we have to it. From macaroni necklaces presented proudly by your three-year old niece to antique pieces made of cheap metal and glass “stones,” these pieces are precious for the thought put into making them or because they were once owned and worn often by your grandma.

Fine jewelry that has inherent value from its component materials such as precious metals and precious stones obviously has more monetary value. The rarity of these resources make them precious and somehow more desirable. I think engagement rings are the perfect example of jewelry that is precious both sentimentally and monetarily.

Do you think the monetary value of a piece makes it more precious or simply more desirable as a status symbol? For my own engagement ring, I selected a garnet as the central stone. Garnets are my birthstone and I love the color red. For both these reasons, a garnet had more sentimental value to me than a diamond. Diamonds are beautiful but are they truly worth all the mystique we attribute to them? My intended is from South Africa, one of the world’s largest producers of exquisite diamonds; I am from Arkansas, the Diamond state. It seems to me the value of diamonds and their dominance as THE stone for engagement rings is rather arbitrary. What is your opinion on the value of jewelry and diamonds? Does a more expensive price automatically mean a more precious piece? Do you believe a diamond is forever as the ad says and think it the best symbol of love? What do you think?

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Comments

Taryn says
August 1, 2011 at 1:59 pm
I played no part in picking out my engagement ring. My husband did it completely on his own (I didn’t even know he was planning to ask me to marry him.) It was always more important to me for him to find something that he liked and felt that I would love too. I wouldn’t have it any other way. :0) Oh, and congratulations!
Moody Mom says
August 1, 2011 at 6:25 pm
I believe the person who gives you the ring (silver, gold or otherwise) makes it special!
Stacie Hooder says
August 2, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Yes, I love the idea of a family ring, too! It’s very sentimental and precious.
Stacie Hooder says
August 2, 2011 at 12:19 pm
I agree, except for insurance purposes, the “value” is all in the sentiment. Thank you for the well wishes. I like the way you think, Lori Ann! Our furry friends need all the love and support they can get 🙂
Stacie Hooder says
August 2, 2011 at 12:22 pm
He’s a wonderful man–kind, ethical, and loving. I think no matter what happens, I will always feel cherished!
Stacie Hooder says
August 2, 2011 at 12:27 pm
I agree. Feeling the band around my finger reminds me of feeling safe in his arms and I envision beautiful brown eyes asking me to be his always. The beautiful ring is just icing on the cake.
Stacie Hooder says
August 2, 2011 at 12:30 pm
My Grandma’s wedding band was wide and always looked so pretty on her finger. Your ring sounds lovely!
Stacie Hooder says
August 2, 2011 at 12:44 pm
I’m very practical, too. I think you’ve made a very good choice in husbands! I love that he got a good deal on a beautiful ring you love and I also like that your ring is eco-friendly.
Ms Lynn here says
August 8, 2011 at 3:24 am
The eternal ring symbolizing love, faith in the commitment from another person and the promise to keep the bond alive every day has always been my measure of worth in a gift beyond a price tag.
Your care and guarding of your ring will make it more precious as each act of love and kindness adds to the glow you captured in the photo. You captured the essence in the photo sought after by so many photographers.
I have jewels, baubles and odd whimsical creations I can’t keep up with but the most valuable ones shine brightest when they smile.
Kimberly Jones says
August 8, 2011 at 10:42 am
I wanted to use an amethyst and diamond ring that my grandmother gave me for my wedding ring because it has a lot of sentimental value to me. I don’t wear much jewelry because I tend to lose it, so to me the meaning behind a ring or gemstone is what matters. They’re all just rocks {albeit beautiful ones!} when it comes down to it, so any monetary value assigned to them is somewhat arbitrary. I say where what makes you happy!
Yuzuki Hara says
August 12, 2011 at 11:18 pm
I don’t think something has to be expensive to be precious or valuable.
My birthstone is diamond and I’ve always wanted a diamond wedding ring with smaller sapphire stones on either side of the diamond.
Or maybe emerald…
lol I’d never be able to decide.
Very pretty ring, btw!

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Hama BioBeads Review: The Eco-Friendly Fuse Beads You’ll Love

As a long-time crafter, I’ve worked with all kinds of materials, but there’s something about fuse beads that never gets old. The creativity, the colors, the nostalgia—it’s all part of the fun! But let’s be honest, traditional plastic beads aren’t exactly great for the environment. That’s why I was so excited to try Hama BioBeads, an eco-friendly alternative that promises all the fun of classic Hama beads without the plastic guilt. So, do they live up to the hype? Let’s dive in!

What Are Hama BioBeads?

Hama BioBeads are a biodegradable version of the classic Hama fuse beads. Instead of being made from petroleum-based plastic, these beads are crafted from a plant-based, eco-friendly material that naturally decomposes over time. That means less plastic waste while still enjoying the same vibrant colors and creativity that fuse bead lovers expect.

First Impressions: Do They Feel Different?

When I first opened the pack, I was curious—would they feel different from traditional beads? The answer: not really! The beads are slightly smoother to the touch, but they’re just as easy to handle, pick up with tweezers, and place on a pegboard. The colors are just as bright and bold, which was a big relief since I was worried they might look dull or faded.

One of the things I love about these beads is that they’re the same size as regular Hama beads, so they work with all my existing pegboards and accessories. No need to buy new tools or change my crafting process!

How Do They Fuse?

Now, onto the real test—how well do they iron together?

I followed my usual fusing process, using parchment paper and a medium heat setting on my iron. The beads melted together perfectly, just like regular Hama beads. No weird smells, no uneven melting—just smooth, well-bonded designs.

I also noticed that once cooled, the fused beads felt a bit sturdier than traditional plastic beads. That’s a huge plus because sometimes regular beads can feel brittle or break apart too easily.

What Makes Hama BioBeads Special?

? Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable – The biggest selling point! These beads naturally break down over time, reducing environmental impact.
? Non-Toxic & Safe for Kids – Made from natural materials, they’re a safer option for little crafters.
? Same Great Quality – They look, feel, and fuse just like classic Hama beads—no sacrifice in quality!
? Works with Existing Hama Accessories – You don’t need special pegboards or tools; they fit right into your current stash.
? Great for Schools & Eco-Conscious Crafters – If you’re an educator or a parent looking to introduce sustainability to kids in a fun way, these are perfect!

The only potential downside is that since these are a newer product, they may not be as widely available as traditional Hama beads. Some colors also seem to be in and out of stock, so if you see a set you love, I’d suggest grabbing them while you can.

If you love fuse bead crafting but want a more sustainable option, Hama BioBeads are a fantastic choice. They’re just as fun, colorful, and easy to use as regular Hama beads, but they come with the added bonus of being better for the planet. Whether you’re a hobby crafter, a parent, or a teacher, these beads are a guilt-free way to get creative.

So if you’re looking to make your crafts a little greener, give Hama BioBeads a try! Check them out here!