PotomacBeads
Join our community

PotomacBeads
Discovery Collection

Order by December 12, Ships March 2026

Overview

Get the Discovery Collection

The Discovery Collection gives you an exclusive, interactive pass to "go along" virtually with PotomacBeads owners on their 2026 buying trip to Japan & China, granting you special input into the materials sourced. You will receive one of two massive collections (up to $800+ in contents) filled with high-quality gemstones, crystals, and findings in March 2026, plus first access to all new collections. Reserve your spot to become a part of the product selection process!

What you get

  • Massive Value: Each collection provides at least $400 (standard box) up to an incredible $800+ (XL box) in retail value!
  • Premium Contents: A guaranteed treasure trove of high-quality gemstones, dazzling crystals, essential findings, and unique surprise picks—all hand-picked for the dedicated jewelry maker.

Your Exclusive Buyer Perks

  • First Access: Be the very first to shop all the new collections when they officially launch on PotomacBeads.com around April 2026. 

  • Interactive Shopping: Join a private Facebook and Slack group to follow Allie & Nathan's journey. See the products they are considering, help test new items, and provide your feedback along the way!

Choose Your ADventure!


Customer Testimonials

  • Blog
    Stars

    "The box is full of wonders, very excited to receive my monthly box, well worth the money!!’

    - Mary K.

    PotomacBeader

  • Stars

    Pretty colors and good quality. Fast shipment and I also got a free gift. I really like the quality of their items.’’

    - Irina R.
    PotomacBeader

    Stars

    "Just received my first box and excited to try making something with beads I would have picked out myself. I already have several ideas based on the great mix of items!’’

    - Carrie N.
    PotomacBeader

  • Blog
    Stars

    "This review isn't just for the beads, but for the whole company! I placed an order with a collection of Potomac Pearls and some of their DragonThread. Within an hour, I had a shipping notification! The delivery was incredibly fast, and the items were packed perfectly. The pearls have a beautiful weight and shine. Between the top-quality products, the lightning-fast service, and the free tutorials on YouTube, PotomacBeads has become my absolute favorite bead supplier."

    -Shelly H.

  • DragonThread Review
    Stars

    "This collection gave me five perfectly coordinating colors in one bundle, plus a few free digital patterns that showed me exactly how to use them together. The beads are uniform, the colors are gorgeous, and it was a stress-free way to build up a working color palette for my upcoming designs."

    -Maria D.

  • Stars

    "The Potomac Bead team was FABULOUS!!!! The supplies and tools we received were very generous. The "golden tickets" were fun!’’

    - Kris Huett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "I enjoy the retreat and meeting other beaders from all over the country. When I was having problems the other ladies at my table jumped right in to help me so that I could learn what we were being shown. All I can say is that beaders are the greatest!!!!’’

    - Mona Hellard
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Stars

    "I have high praise for the Potomac Bead Co. staff and instructors who went above and beyond to enhance our beading retreat experience . There were many nice surprises and lots of beading goodness throughout the retreat. I made new friends and will attend the retreat next year.’’

    - Janet Faust
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "This was my first beading event and I was truly impressed with all that we accomplished, even though I finished most projects at a later date, I feel we were taught the basics of each. Prior to this I mainly created bracelets, now I am making rings, Christmas ornaments and have developed an interest in wire wrapping. I would definitely return for another retreat!’’

    - Laurie Cammett
    2023 Bead Retreat Guest

  • Blog
    Stars

    "Everything was great, the different sizes and colors, everything was beautiful, I loved it, and thank you so much for your great work.’’

    - Carlitos S.
    PotomacBeader

  • Stars

    "The best part was joining a new community of wonderful people.’’

    - Deb Dorshimer
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

    Stars

    "It was my first PB retreat and I loved it. It was very well organized, and the presentations were very professional. The bead on it board is beautiful- thank you for including it in our swag bag. Also, loved all the other goodies."

    - Jean Weems
    2024 Bead Retreat Guest

Itinerary

December 3-9, 2025

    • Order Discovery Collection by December 10
    • Get added to Discovery Collection Facebook group.  
    • Participate with Allie & Nathan and provide feedback about what you would like to see

March 2026

    • Your Discovery Collection ships (specific dates TBD)

April 2026

    • Get first access to all of the products acquired during the discovery trip.
    • Re-order favorites from the collection & purchase new products before non-Discovery Collection member.  

FAQ

Answers to Questions About the 2026 Discovery Collection

  • When am I charged?

    You will be charged at the time you place the order.  This gives us a sense of how much to purchase, and helps to enable large inventory expansions like this.  

  • When will my collection ship?

    Your collection will ship in March 2026.  We are currently in Japan & China in December acquiring the products.  We will buy samples for photography, but full production runs will be required for many of the items to get sufficient quantities.  To provide as much value to you as possible, these items will ship by sea container rather than by air.  That adds 3-5 weeks to the delivery, but saves tens of thousands of dollars of 5x more expensive air shipping.  

  • What will I receive?

    Join the Discovery Collection Facebook group after your purchase to provide your feedback to us!  The collection will certainly include gemstones, pearls, crystals, seed beads, and glass.  What else would you like to see? 

  • When is the very last date to buy the collection?

    January 15, 2026 will be the final date that the collection can be ordered.  Although you won't have the opportunity to participate in the December purchasing, you can still order the $400 value (for just $250) or $800 value ( for just $500) until that January date. 

  • Where will Nathan & Allie be?

    From Dec 3-7, they will be in Japan, primarily visiting with Miyuki.  From Dec 8-16 they are in China -- Shanghai, pearl markets, Yiwu jewelry markets, and the Potomac Pearl & Potomac Crystal factories.