Silver Beaded & Bead Charm Bracelets | Shopping Cart | About us
 

The allure of beads in all their myriad shapes, sizes, and colors has captivated us since prehistoric people first threaded bones and shells onto thongs and animal sinews to adorn their bodies.

For many centuries, beads have been used as a focus for prayer and contemplation, as with the string of prayer beads used by the Hidus and Buddhists and the rosary used by Christian worshippers. Many other religions also use some form of prayer beads - the word bead itself is thought to be derived from the old english gebed or bedu and the Middle English bede, all of which mean prayer. Even without a spiritual focus, many a person seeking calm has fiddled with their pearls or strings of worry beads.

The earliest beads were made from clay, stone, shells (such as the wampum made and used by native Americans) and semiprecious stones. The Egyptians developed a special clay recipe called "faience", or Egyptian paste, and the beads created by this process were worked into the collars worn by the Pharaohs. Beads are depicted in wall paintings and discovered in the pyramids.

It is believed that one of the first applications of glassmaking was in the manufacture of glass beads. These were produced in such quantities that they became an important item for trade and developed into a worldwide currency. These beads became known as "trade-winds" or "pony" beads, and the beading of Native American and African nations preserved from this time demonstrates the artistry and skill with which they were worked.

Before this, medieval embroidered in Europe had been incorporating drilled pearls, coral, and semiprecious gemstones into their work. Later, during the sixteenth and seventeeth centuries, glass beads and pearls were used in great abundance to decorate embroidery and costume. Then in the mid-nineteenth century the Victorians in England developed a real passion for decorating items of interior furnishing with beading. This enthusiasm was no doubt fuelled by the repeal of the British Glass Tax in 1845 which made glass affordable.

Fast forward to today. Beaded bracelets and charm bracelets are still a hot gift. They're available in all kinds of patterns and in various metals. The most coveted charm bracelets are gold and silver beaded bracelets, glass beaded bracelets, and colorful enamel beads in charm bracelets.