Beads are becoming very popular again. They’re in necklaces, bracelets and on clothing. A bead is a small, decorative object that is pierced for threading or stringing. Beads range in size from under a millimeter to over a centimeter or sometimes several centimeters in diameter.
Glass, plastic, and stone are probably the most common materials, but beads are also made from bone, horn, ivory, metal, shell, pearl, coral, gemstones, polymer clay, metal clay resin, synthetic minerals, wood, ceramic, fiber, paper and seeds. Gemstone beads and seed beads are very popular for jewelry.
A pair of beads made from Nassarius sea snail shells, approximately 100,000 years old are thought to be the earliest known examples of jewelry. Beadwork is the art or craft of making things with beads. Beads can woven together with specialized thread, strung onto thread or wire, or adhered to a surface like fabric or clay. Often, dresses or other items of clothing are made with gold beads, jewelry beads, or turquoise beads because of the quality that it lends to the garment.
Bead stores can be found at almost any mall and usually offer a wide selection of loose beads. Loose beads can be used on other items such as furniture or paintings. Loose beads can be purchased for various prices and usually start around $1 for a small bag and go up in price from there. Your local bead store will be able to help select the type of beads that you may be looking for.
Beads are becoming all the rage again! Add some to your life!
