History of Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry

You might feel that the history of handcrafted beaded jewelry cannot possibly be very interesting, but in fact, it is quite intriguing to learn where this part of culture began. Some say that the beginnings of beaded jewelry began more than 70,000 years ago when man found the beads and gems and thought it was incredibly beautiful. Beaded jewelry has been used in many ways. One way is simply for beauty. Another is for value. Some would trade and buy with beaded jewelry or beads. So how was beaded jewelry initially created?

Let’s take a look. Although a man or a woman living in those times would not possibly have any practical use for them; however, they could not carry them around without modern day bags or carrying devices, nor did they have pockets. So, as legend tells us, they attached the gemstones or beads to leather straps and wore them around their neck to create the first handcrafted beaded jewelry. Over time, handcrafted beaded jewelry started to become a status symbol. Those with power and wealth were the ones who had beaded jewelry. Beads even have been used as an item of value for which trade could be made. Handcrafted beaded jewelry has been made out of many types of beads. Beads have been known to be made out of glass, bone, porcelain, shells, paper, clay, metals, gemstones, ivory, and even wood. Bead craftsman often held the trade secrets in confidence. They were expected to keep the bead-making skills a secret. Some of them even risked themselves if they failed to keep the information to themselves. Mass production of beads didn’t even begin until the 1800s when glass beading became widely available. It was at this time that Swarovski created their process for making their special beads which are still in high demand today. Even today, the secrets of how their beads are made are kept secret.

Different parts of the world created different types of handcrafted beaded jewelry. Central and South America are known for their wampum and quill creations, while Native American beadwork usually included a lot of turquoise and silver. Bead making in France began as early as 38,000 BC! Worry beads, Filigree, and highly decorated ceramic beads originated in Greece, while Italy specialized in the Murano glass beads. There are dozens of other countries not yet discussed here, but beaded jewelry has a rich and vast history that is incredibly interesting. Suffice it to say that there is a rich cultural tradition with wearing beaded jewelry.

Learn More On The History of Beads

When researching the origins of beading, some say the earliest beads are connected to the Neanderthal man, dating as far back as 38,000 B.C. Fashioned from grooved teeth and bones. Regardless of the exact date of the history of beads, one thing is sure—every studied culture has used beads as a form of art,fashion, decoration and adornment. Beads may be the oldest art form in existence. The materials used to create the beads had much to do with the part of the world the beads came from. Everything from plant seeds, bones, to various stones were used early on. Plant material, readily available was the most primitive form of bead crafting. In contrast, the use of gems, semi-precious stones,, and bone required more work to acquire the materials and certain tools and skill to fashion beads from these materials. Egyptian beads were fashioned from gold by skilled artisans, while Greek worry beads were made from glass, wood, amber, and semi-precious stones. Prayer beads, associated with the middle-ages and Catholicism are still used today. In America they are now crafted from plastic, wood, glass, and sterling silver. Adding beads to clothing dates back to the late stone-age. The beads used during this time were large and made from shell or ivory. Bead work, the art of using tiny seed beads is also a very old practice, dating back to early Egyptian times. King Tut himself had bead work items, including a small pair of beaded slippers possibly from his childhood. Seed bead work has also been found in the Shoso-in Temple of Japan, dating to the 8th century A.D. African bead work dates back to the 8th century and today’s African beads include a style of paper rolling that can still be purchased today.

Up until around 1480, beads were all hand crafted. The Indo-Pacific beads of India were some of the first mass produced beads and of course the progression continued until many beads were mass produced. When European trade began, bead trading opened up with French merchants supplying to Canada, Europe and America. Later, the Hudson Bay Company traded beads with trappers and middlemen, who then supplied the northwest frontier with beads. Of course, bead work continues to be an important part of society, even today. From mass production of various beads for adorning items, jewelry, and beads for crafting, to handmade artistic glass beads and lamp-working, the art and love of beading will continue to be an important part of every culture worldwide.

So this explains why we are so excited to craft such unique jewelry from antic, rich valuable, legenderly product materials.

Then next time you wear one of our jewelry, remember that you are not just wearing beads/ a bracelet or earrings, but that you are wearing an historical valued product of high value that the world has embraced for many, many generations.

So it is a smart thing to do, when you shop with us, for valuable legendary jewelries.

So open up and tell us, How do you feel about this info?

Thank you!,   Interesting!,    Will look into it!