In 13th-century England, the Assize (statute) of Bread and Ale decreed that bakers who shortchanged their customers could be fined or sent to the stocks – yikes! To prevent accusations, bakers began selling 13 units for the price of a standard dozen (12). If some misfortune befell the 13th unit, the baker could safely say s/he delivered the legal dozen. This is the origin of what we now call a “baker’s dozen.”

In similar fashion, some of my Bead&Button colleagues say they make a third earring when selling or gifting a pair. That way if an earring falls out, the owner has a spare. I like to think of this as the “beader’s pair,” and it’s something I want to try as I begin to plan holiday gifts for friends and family. What do you think? Is a beader's pair worth the extra time and effort, or should the courtesy spare be left to baking?