Hobby stores in the US today usually have at least one aisle devoted to the art of beading. In fact, the popularity of beadwork and other jewellery-making has grown to the poin that even smaller cities and larger towns have at least one bead store. Online bead marketplaces and forums are also quite popular with the thousands of modern beadworkers.
There is no doubt that beadwork is an ancient art. The oldest pieces of jewellery in the world are a trio of beads that are between 90,000 and 100,000 years old. Made from Nassarius sea snail shells, the three beads are pea-sized and sport nearly identical holes. Researchers believe this proves the beads could have been strung together into a bracelet or necklace. Two of these historic beads were discovered in Skhul Cave which is situated on Mount Carmel in Israle. The other was found in Algeria at the Oued Djebbana site. These beads are 25,000 years older than previously discovered jewellery items.
By definition a bead is a decorative small object that has been pierced to permit stringing or threading. Today beads vary in size from smaller than a millimeter to a diameter of several centimeters. Many beads are in the centimer range.
Traditional beads are made from natural materials. This includes stone, bone, clay, resin, wood, coral, shell, and gemstones. Synthethic materials are also in popular use as bead materials. Plastic, glass, polymer clay, and metal beads are abundant. Still other types of beads include seeds, paper, ceramic, and fiber.
Beadwork is any craft or art that employs beads in the final product. Beads can be strung onto wire, thread, or other fiber to create earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Woven beadwork employs special thread to create patterns and images, much like weaving cloth. Many native and indigenous tribes in American are known for this type of beadwork. Another use for beads is affixing them to a surface such as clay or fabric as decoration.
Some of the more brilliant beads available today include fire-polished beads, lead crystal beads, and fused glass beads. Cloisonne beads, lucite beads, and pressed glass beads can also provide beautiful options for jewellery and woven beadwork.