You might feel that the history of handcrafted beaded jewelry cannot possibly be very interesting, but in fact, it is quite intriguing 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 thought 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.

Although a man or a woman living in those times would not possibly 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 create the first handcrafted beaded jewelry. Over time, handcrafted jewelry started to become 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.

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 expected to keep the bead-making skills a secret. Some of them even risked themselves if they failed to keep the information to themselves. Mass production 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 making their special beads which are still in high demand today.

Different parts of the world created different types of handcrafted beaded jewelry. Central and South America are known for their wampum and quill creations, while Native American beadwork usually included a lot of turquoise and silver. Bead making 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.

About 2 millions years ago, people created their first rock instruments. About 10 000 years ago, people began to settle in communities; this is the beginning of agriculture and architecture. First civilisations arised in Egypt, India and China. Nations living there were watching the sun and stars, created simple watches, were able to melt some metals and they knew the secret of ceramics production. Firstly, ceramics were used for food storing purposes as big containers which were placed under ground. Their role was similar to the reason why we use regrigerators nowdays. As time went by, ancient artificers started to decorate the pots with ornaments, paintings which were representing various gods, sports, religions, sacrifice, animals and more.

In our experiences, both, greasy clay and dry sand belong to spading much more that to a table in dining room. However, those are the raw materials for production of porcelain dials which we eat from, or bottles and cups which we buy preserved fruits or beverages in. Glass and ceramical materials have some same attributes; they don’t prevent heat and electricity, they have hard face which don’t react with their environment. On the other hand, there exist some differences between glass and ceramic too; Glass is transparent, ceramic isn’t. Unlike ceramics, which stay compact, glass flows during annealing. Glass and ceramic articles are brittle in their usual fashion, however there are procedures to harden their structure.