When you hear the word “beads,” do you immediately think of
jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other
non-jewelry use of beads—beaded dresses, headbands, belts?
Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded,
head-to-toe piece of jewelry.
The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word
“beads” may date you and give away your age faster than physical
attributes. If you’re a product of the 50′s, your mind may
wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together
baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or
more. If you’re a product of the 60′s, you may think of “love
beads,” which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or
your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once
adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The
Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to
television, it’s difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.
>From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer Applications
Beads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus?
Of course, you can’t actually remember back 2000 years unless
you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember
learning about the abacus in school. In Europe, Venetian glass
beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as
early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in
Native American jewelry.
Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade
from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and
turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once
again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area,
home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.
In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with
computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot
program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses
AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American
students. The popularity and applicability of these courses
continues today.
Modern Beads
Now that we’ve strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look
at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads
fit into today’s jewelry scene? They’re everywhere you look from
casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal
designs.
Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a
single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there,
think pins—yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets,
barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to
purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your
surroundings, you’ll find beads everywhere.
The Many Faces of Beads
Another thing that you might rethink is the composition and
shape of beads. Today’s beads come in a myriad of shapes and
materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today’s look
du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the
bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals.
Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads
for a unique, timeless quality.
The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses.
While you wouldn’t want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads
unless you’re auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk
beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an
ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.
Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded
jewelry. It’s everywhere, and it’s calling your name.