The internet's best source for unusual vintage beads, findings and bead supplies.

Back to Home Page

The History of Beads

Current knowledge of ancient jewelry is derived largely from the preservation of personal objects in tombs. According to archeologists, beads (and beaders I guess) have been in existence for about 17,000 years. Small stone cones that were shaped by man have been found in archeological digs. These cones were classified as beads because each one has a man made hole on top.

In later times, ornaments of precious metal, some set with gems and stones, were worn by people of all cultures for personal adornment, as badges of social or official rank, and as emblems of religious, social, or political affiliation.

The word jewelry means an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems). Jewelry can also be made of bones, shells, wood, ceramics, metals, and leather and so on.

We are all familiar with Jewelry containing mounted precious or semiprecious stones, metals such as gold, silver, platinum, copper, and brass. Jewelry can be found in the form of crowns, tiaras, hairpins, hat ornaments, earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, clasps, buttons, bracelets, armlets and anklets.

After all these years, the enchantment with beads still attracts our attention, practically calling out to us. Beadwork is a soothing, seductive process, a process of one bead then another, rhythmically proceeding forward, compelled by the beader's urge to see the finished creation.

You May Ask “What are Vintage Beads?”

If you look in the dictionary under the word “Vintage” you may find something like, “recognized as being of high quality and lasting appeal” or  “the period of time when something appeared or began”.  In a thesaurus you may find the words “Classic” or “Antique”.

You also might find the words "vintage beads" used many different ways as you search the internet. To us, a real vintage bead has to be at least 35 years old.  A vintage bead should also have a unique value and appeal.  Our Vintage Beads make your pieces and designs special because all of our vintage beads are of limited quantities and are little works of art unto themselves.  We believe that Vintage beads are little pieces of history, a reminder of eras gone by.  Many vintage beads were produced completely different then today’s beads, and this is simply apparent by their touch and feel and none of our Vintage Beads will ever be produced again.

We feature vintage beads both glass and plastic from all over the world.  You will find Japanese beads, East and West German beads, Vintage Cabochons, Vintage cameos, Vintage Swarovskis, Italian Beads, Czech beads and many more.  Many of our Vintage Beads have original tags.

We suggest that you check back often.  We continually add Vintage Beads, Cabochons, Finding and Cameos from our vast collection.

Thanks for visiting us!

  Click on Beads Below to View by Color

At Beadessence, we have constructed this site with ease of use in mind.  You can browse our vintage beads and vintage glass beads by color.  We have Vintage Cabochons, Vintage Metal and Vintage Cameos on their own pages.  Simply click on our bead links that you will find on the bottom of every one of our bead pages.  Your shopping experience with us will be fun and easy and if you should have any questions please contact us atcustomerservice@ beadessence.com

For more information about this site contact; webmaster@beadessence.com

Copyright 2003 Beadessence.com Inc.

Brooklyn, New York