Beads hold ancient roots, and their cultural significance
can be traced to their early use in bartering. Beads served as a primitive
currency, and they still retain their value today. In modern times they are
found in the form of decoration as jewelry, rather than money.
In ancient days, people fashioned beads from a variety of
materials. Early materials ranged from fish bones to teeth. As cultures grew
increasingly sophisticated, so did the beads, techniques and materials with
which they were created.
Today, beads are mostly used in jewelry making, textile
embellishment and in the fashion industry. To yield a more "designer look,"
crafters often choose glass lamp-work beads over plastic buttons in garments.
Costume jewelers and makers of "fine jewelry" utilize a diversity of
beads, which vary in intricacy of design. This adds a look of quality and
uniqueness to their work.
Fine jewelry houses predominantly use precious and semi-precious
gemstone beads; the costume jewelry industry more often uses beads made of
plastic, acrylic, wood and glass. Skilled artists can use the inherent
versatility and wide range of designs, manipulating beads in many ways to
create their pieces. Endless stringing combinations and a plethora of cuts and
finishes ensures that beaded jewelry needs never look dull, boring or dated.
Recently, the home crafts market has seen an explosion in
the use and sale of beads. For example, they used to serve exclusively as
small, detailed embellishments for needle work projects. The last decade,
however, has seen a surge of interest in beads. Accordingly, craft project
hobbies (a.k.a. making classic jewelry, beaded candle holders, curtains, and
wind charms) have also enjoyed increased popularity.
In fashion, there has been a resurgence of the "hippie
Bohemian" look; people have consequently returned to using beads in the
art of jewelry making. Beads have come to signify uniqueness in style and
individual expression. They provide a new, modern look in fashion. In the
1970s, the public saw home made jewelry as a symbol of the "hippie"
culture. Long strands of love beads were as interesting as things got. As the
internet blazed into the forefront of popular culture in society, the jewelry
making market saw direct impact. Now crafters may easily communicate with each
other, sharing techniques and setting trends.
Ultimately, the bead charm bracelet is an example of how a
classic, Bohemian theme can be applied to create a contemporary look. The charm
bracelet made its first appearance in jewelry during the 1950s. It has remained
popular ever since, but has been largely limited to classic jewelry lines in
the form of precious metals.
The 1970s, for instance, witnessed resurgence in popularity
of Bohemian culture in fashion. It empowered home jewelry makers to use their
love of beads to update the classic look. Suddenly, charm bracelets with
colorful glass beads were everywhere. One could see them on catwalks in high
fashion, as well as on the streets. The home crafter could select from a large
variety of beads to create his or her own style and unique fashion statement.
Styles come and go, but beads will always be in vogue.
Whether you prefer an elegant, long string of pearls or a plastic stretchy bead
bracelet, the bead is here to stay.
About Bead Shop
Bead 'N Shop is an online bead
shop which provides wholesale beads
and has a collection of many beautiful beads design for jewelry making.
Article
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