My last order of Delica beads was placed several months ago. I thought I was well stocked, but noticed that I was running low on colors needed to fill beading kits. When pricing Delicas online, I was amazed at the increase in the cost of these teeny round beads! They have escalated in price sharply…up to 25% on most of the colors and finishes I use in my designs! Perhaps manufacturing costs have risen or perhaps it has to do with the strength or lack thereof of the dollar, but somehow I can’t help but think this is due to the increased demand for Delica beads with all the geometric beading going on worldwide! Thankfully, the price of silver has declined. It’s still thrice the price it was in 1999, but a year ago it was six times higher compared to fifteen years ago. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the incomes of artists rose accordingly!