Hi Folks,
Rather than respond to a couple different things, if you’ll indulge
me, I’ll roll them up into one message.
First, thanks to all of you who encouraged me to move to 22k gold
bezel wire on my recent “Springy 14k bezels” thread. I ordered some
recently (and successfully, from Rio Grande) and its a dream! I don’t
have to beat the bezels into submission any more… which made my
much more relaxed when setting a couple opals this morning! As
someone pointed out, its much more like using the fine silver bezel
wire I love so much.
Second, Congratulations, Tony! I hope each anniversary is more
joyful and satisfying than the previous!
Third, I’ve been one of those quick to endorse Rio Grande as a
vendor, and remained quiet on this topic. Its no wonder they’re
getting hammered with volume. They do an amazing job at the very
difficult task of being “all things to all people.” I look at it
like me telling people how great it is living in North Carolina, then
complaining when everyone moves here! 
Not that I don’t empathize
with the frustration people have experienced, but this will all be
but a ripple on the surface of the water in a short while. I have
every confidence they will be better than ever when they work this
out… which they’re obviously well on the way of doing. I do use an
array of other vendors, but none more than Rio. That, I think, speaks
for itself.
Thanks to all!
Dave
Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio and
Carolina Artisans’ Gallery
Charlotte, NC (USA)
dave@sebaste.com
http://www.CarolinaArtisans.com