When updating this classic 2009 design, it just made sense to introduce the newest stringing materials with historic beads. There has been so much progress in cords and threads and what they can do and we wanted to merge that with the ancient beauty of both tribal beads and symbols of beliefs. We were so happy with how much we love Across Cultures on Tuff Cord; it just merges the old with the new. It has more body than the Irish Linen used in our first design. It still drapes nicely, but it fits more bead holes than the Linen....something quite important when going back and forth from padre glass beads to stones. memories of trade paths long abandoned but still alive in the beads and antiquities collected today. From Ethiopian silver heishi to Ancient Clay from Mali and silver from Thailand's Hill Tribe, this design combines a world vision of artisan jewelry. The addition of the lotus charm bridges many cultures that share this flower as a symbol of eternal beauty. Enjoy!