That History of Beads Part 1

HISTORY OF BEADS

MINI SERIES PART 1

Present in all cultures and at all times throughout history, beads have a fascinating story which spans the globe. We explore the world over. Looking at the areas from which beads are originate and examine how beads are used, as a form of money, and as a show of wealth and power.

The origins of beads

Beads have been made on all continents since they first appeared over 40,000 years ago. Initially using local materials, many regions developed specific bead designs and techniques. These spreading during times of migration such as under the ...

Roman Empire

With the discovery of new continents by explores such as Marco Polo and through trading, especially from the 15th century onwards when the world was flooded with European beads. Because of the movement of beads and techniques, the exact origins of the bead and the route on which it may have traveled can be difficult to trace.

THE AMERICAS
South and Central America have long, sophisticated bead-making traditions. North America's native beads made from the materials such as quill and wampum, were replaced by imported European beads when the continent was colonized.
North American beads was introduced to the Americas by traders and explores such Columbus, whose first act on landing in 1492 was to offer beads to the Arawak Indians. Featured in Indian bead work are rocailles, and bugles turquoise, coral and silver. True freshwater pearls are found in the Mississippi river basin.

European
Bead making, present in France since 38,000 BC, flourished with the Romans, Byzantines, and Vikings.

Northern Europe

British whitby jet beads exported since the Roman occupation, were most popular in the Victoria era. Today top quality beads are made from local woods and porcelain. Amber is native to the Baltic coast Indistinguishable from Venetian glass, many beads were made in Amsterdam circa 1550-1750 and imported into Africa and North America.

France

In Oyonnax, southern France, the plastic bead trade replaced the 19th century horn industry. Greece produces silver filigree worried beads and colorful and decorated ceramics. Italy: The Roman glass industry evolved into a bead center on the Venetian island Murano, which dominated the world bead trade from the Renaissance. Millefiori, chevron, seed beads, and decorated lampwork typify the tradition. The export trade in glass bars explains the similarity between beads from different countries. Coral has been carved for centuries in Naples.

Part 2 in the HISTORY OF BEADS, we will discuss Beads from Central Europe, Japan China and other parts of the Far East.

You can find Quality Beads, Amazing Prices & Fast Shipping! We are committed to customer service. Stone beads, Fiber optic cats eye beads, Czech, Swarovski,Glass, Seed beads for all your bead, beaded and jewelry projects at my store, Beads.

More on Turquoise and Coral Jewelry

Coral

White is the most common color in coral, but a variety of other shades can be found, including pink, orange, red, and black. The rarest color is a deep red. Coral is commonly enhanced to improve its color and durability. White coral is bleached. Pink coral is permeated with a colorless wax and orange coral is stabilized with a polymer. Black coral is sometimes bleached to create gold coral, although gold can be a natural color of coral as well. Occasionally, red coral is dyed to deepen or to make its color more uniform. All commonly used forms of coral enhancement are stable.

There is an ecological concern regarding coral and a lot of the coral reefs are dying off due to pollution, changes in water temperature and poaching. To combat this concern all coral reefs are protected by various governments and coral sea farms have been created for Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Integrative Biological research, especially in the South Seas and Australia. There is apparently still enough supply, either from new sources or stockpiled inventory, to meet demand, whether for precious red coral from the Mediterranean Sea, dyed Tibetan coral, or pink coral from the Pacific. However, the coral industry is bracing for an eventual worldwide shortage. The availability of new coral is dwindling as underwater supplies are depleted. Japan has already imposed strict quotas on coral divers, while Italian divers must dive deeper and deeper to get new red coral. Hopefully the coral sea farms will be a new source of coral in the future, just as pearl farms have become.

Special care is required for coral regardless of whether or not it is enhanced. A soft and porous gem, coral scratches and abrades easily and chlorine, alcohol, ammonia, nail polish remover, and other chemicals can damage it. Remove coral rings when washing and moisturizing your hands. Avoid exposing your coral to extreme temperatures. Your jeweler will tell you how to best care for coral.

And of course, Coral and Turquoise look stunning together when combined in jewelry.

Care of Turquoise and Coral Jewelry

Persons wearing Turquoise jewelry must avoid contact with soap and grease and harsh chemicals since this gemstone is softer than others. Storing turquoise jewelry with other harder gemstones may cause scratches against it. Exposure to high heat or perfumes and oils can affect the turquoise stones. Use warm sudsy water to clean your turquoise jewelry and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

Coral Jewelry does not need high maintenance. The gem is fragile and more brittle than other gems. It measures only 3.5 on the Moh’s scale and the splendor of the coral will diminish if not taken care of. Like Pearls, Turquoise, some corals can be porous - these gems will get damaged if immersed in water for too long. Take care not to use too much water while wearing coral bracelets or rings. The water may also dull the polish of the coral making it look lackluster and unattractive. If you plan to go swimming, remove your Jewelry before diving in. The chlorine present in the water can cause the corals to spoil.

Store your Corals separately. Buy separate pouches for the Corals, so they do not get scratched. Other stones, which measure more than 5 on the Moh’s scale, can leave scratches on your coral.

As with Turquoise, harsh cosmetic products can also harm your corals. Use perfumes and sprays before wearing your jewelry as the chemicals present in sprays can damage the corals. Do not use good old soap and water or any other detergents to clean corals. If you plan to buy a professional cleaner, check if it is coral friendly. The best way to clean coral is to just wipe it with a soft damp cloth after you have worn it. If your corals do get scratched despite care, take it to the jeweler for a polish; it will look as good as new.

Find gemstone Bracelets, Earrings and Necklaces at Dizzygirl ~ Unique Artisan Jewelry.

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