Friday, April 8, 2011

History of handcrafted Beaded Jewelry

You might feel that the history of handmade beaded jewelry cannot maybe be very interesting, but in fact, it is quite thoughprovoking to learn where this part of culture began. Some say that it began more than 70,000 years ago when man found the beads and gems and conception 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. And some cultures even used them as talisman. So how was handmade jewelry initially created? Let's take a look.

Although a man or a woman living in those times would not maybe 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 generate the first handmade beaded jewelry. Over time, handmade jewelry started to come to be 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.

Magnetic Jewelry

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 predicted to keep the bead-making skills a secret. Some of them even risked themselves if they failed to keep the information to themselves. Mass output 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 manufacture their extra beads which are still in high ask today. Even today, the secrets of how their beads are made are kept secret.

Different parts of the world created distinct types of handmade beaded jewelry. Central and South America are known for their wampum and quill creations, while Native American beadwork commonly included a lot of turquoise and silver. Bead manufacture 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 this 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.

History of handcrafted Beaded Jewelry

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