Junior reporter Carole reporting back from the RMBB...there was only one African bead trader there and he was loving it-Haje from Seattle. His prices varied wildly per customer but he intrigued me into buying a strand of small russian blues for $45, old gooseberry like tiny seed beads for $5 each strand and other small purchases. He sold me a long "wedding" beads necklace for $55 but refused to budge for another woman for less than $75. It was fun hanging out there for awhile.

The Bead Renaissance in September is a much larger event; in conjunction with the second largest Gem and Mineral show in the United States. He will be back then after going to Africa. At the Bead Renaissance Fair there are a few more sellers of old beads. I ran into an apparently relatively new African bead dealer and felt compelled the buy my first necklace in many years. I know, I know I am slipping into addiction AGAIN! I paid $90 for the necklace, pictured below and it included the single Kiffa bead I included with my Kiffa necklace. Should one capitalize Kiffa? I think so.