I have been very successful selling Rice Jewelry at both craft shows throughout Florida and in my retail store, Collage Studio and Gallery, in Fernandina Beach, Fl. Because most people are unfamiliar with what we are doing, I get lots of questions. I have tried to answer the most frequently asked here for you, but if we've missed something, please e-mail me.

What is a Rice Necklace?

I actually write your name on a grain of rice. I then place the rice into a small, Pyrex glass container. This container is strung onto a necklace which is decorated with polymer clay ("Fimo") and wood beads. Simple!!!

Is there a significance to writing on rice?

The art of Rice Writing is said to be one of the many wonders of the world. Many, many years ago one man managed to write two hundred letters on a grain of rice with only a single strand of hair. To this day it is still exhibited at a museum in Turkey. Many people believe that what is written on a grain of rice is meant to bring you Good Luck and keep you away from danger and harm.

Who wears a rice necklace?

While my largest group of customers is kids, girls and boys, between 4 and 18, we find that people love giving them as gifts to all ages - to a Mom with her kids' names, or the pet lover with his dog's name. I have sold two matching necklaces to a Generation X couple and when they saw us again 8 months later they admitted that they had never taken them off !!! So, who gets one is really only limited by your imagination.

How did you get started writing on rice?

I like to tell people it's because I has a degree from Rice University! (actually it's Rochester Institute of Technology), but it's really easier than that. I saw the idea at a wholesale show while buying for my store, Collage Studio & Gallery. I purchased some basic supplies and did one craft show. I was sold out by noon of the second day and got calls for days after that looking for more. As they say, "The rest is history.".

Why are yours so much better than the others?

Simple - the handwriting and the beads. Lots of people can write on rice - very few do it well. I am an engineer by training and an artist at heart (and when I'm not writing on rice). My writing, no matter how small, is neat, clear and precise. Besides the rice is cheap, and I'll do a word over and over 'til I feels it's right. As for our bead selection, most other rice necklace purveyors have one single source for their beads. Consequently, there is very little choice for you, the customer. I use many sources - my beads are made from as close as central Florida to as far away as South Africa. And the containers are from Mexico and Turkey. And if, after all of those choices you still cannot find a design you want, I offer a plain, no-bead option.

What can you write?

Although most people simply ask for a first name, I can also add a birth date, a second name, an occasion or a greeting.

How long a name can you write?

Believe it or not I haven't found a first name I couldn't fit! (Some two-word names like Mary-Catherine might need the front & back of a grain.) Please limit your words to 12 characters and spaces to ensure readability; anything longer gets too small to read without magnification.

What kind of writing instrument do you use?

A super-fine 0.13mm drafting pen used in highly-specialized engineering applications.

What kind of oil do you use?

It's a very pure, anhydrous, edible oil that has been tested to be 100% safe if (mistakenly) ingested or applied to skin. The truth be know – It’s baby oil !!!

Can you do anything else besides necklaces?

Yes, I do keychains and anklets. I don’t do bracelets since where they are worn make them too susceptible to breakage and could ultimatly cut one’s wrist (Not a good idea !!!).

How long will it last?

Take good care of it and it should last for many years. (Hey, it is, after all, only a $10.00 necklace!!!